#just the quick important keynotes

[oleander-neruim]

Hey chat, how would you guys feel about an Empires SMP/Pirates SMP x Epic the Musical combined AU thing that I'm making?

[darsynia]

Forgiven: Candor | CEO Steve/f!Reader series part 2

MCU MASTERLIST | STEVE ROGERS MASTERLIST | Ro Roll

Summary: Your first lunch date with your company’s CEO-turned-construction-hottie has netted you an invitation to a fancy gala. You’re falling head over budget heels for this guy, but getting to know him turns out to be more charming and more complicated than you expected. Words/Warnings: 2,900 / none

Written for @buck-star's Fluffy Winter Event with the prompt CEO, a sequel to the 'Ro Roll' story Forgiven. A third story in the series is mostly written (and smutty). gif by @tay-swifts

Quick note: this one's less of a romp than the first, but I'd say where the first fic is about physical attraction, this is about emotional attraction--and part III is both!

Excerpt:

Tonight’s plan is unconventional. The gala he’s invited you to is the last event of a conference for tech companies, and he was one of the keynote speakers for their final wrap-up. Rogers told you he couldn’t miss the networking for the ninety minutes between that and the start of the gala, so you’ll be arriving separately.

Honestly, if it were anyone else, you’d have tried to beg off. You’ll have to show up dressed to the sevens (the nines are way beyond your price range) and find him in a sea of very important people and other hangers-on. It’s a recipe for a fairy tale either way--either you’ll see each other across a crowded room or someone’s rich stepsister will cut you to verbal shreds. The only way to make that image to go away is picturing Rogers acting like a storybook hero vanquishing all your villains. 

Candor

Sharing a meal with Steve Rogers feels like it shouldn’t be this easy. 

It helps that you’d passed a vintage movie theater playing The Mark of Zorro from 1940 on your way to the deli. You’d expressed surprise that the franchise started that long ago, prompting a discussion about the notable parts of each version the other hadn’t seen (Rogers: Just her hair left to cover everything?!). Now you’re both sharing anecdotes from your late teens over some seriously delicious sandwiches, him telling you about his co-founder Barnes, and you sharing about growing up with your sister Jennie. 

Rogers’ easygoing charisma makes it far too easy to forget that he actually runs the company you work for, especially when he’s laughing. It’s only when he holds out a hand to interrupt the story of your sister’s first catastrophic job interview that his business side kicks in.

The counter is only a few feet away from your table, and he leans over, intently listening. That’s when you hear it-- the soft, frightened voice of a young woman defending herself against a furious male voice.

Rogers shoots to his feet, striding over with the remaining bites of his sandwich in his hand. The manager steps over right away, his frown fading away when he sees the tall, well-dressed man at the counter.

“What can I do for you, sir?”

“I want you to observe OSHA standards, to say nothing of human decency,” Rogers says evenly. The manager presses his hands together in a blatantly fawning apology, but it’s too late. In an ever-increasing tone, your lunch companion lists out three different violations. At least one customer leaves nervously before Rogers adds a strong suggestion that the manager treat his young female employees with more respect. “I have rarely seen the same employee more than twice in the two months you’ve been open, and I hope for your sake it’s because they know their rights,” he says sternly. “Your food is good. Your management is going to run the place into the ground.”

There’s something about his voice of command that completely stomps the manager’s bravado. Seconds later, the employee who’d been yelled at comes out of the back room with a light jacket on and a purse, her face blotchy from crying. You offer her a tissue from your bag and clean up the rest of the table, which works out well when Rogers steps close and asks if you’re ready to head out. Once outside, he spots the young woman walking nearby.

“Give me a second,” he tells you, jogging over to her before she can cross the street. They have a short exchange while you wait, and you can see him give the woman a business card.

When Rogers comes back, you’re both quiet until he opens his car door for you and settles in on his side.

“That was a good thing you did.”

Rogers sighs. “I try not to throw my weight around. I’ve been watching conditions there deteriorate for weeks, and I guess that was the last straw.”

“You offered her a job, didn’t you?”

He turns and smiles, and the brightness of it reminds you of the way sunlight spills into the lobby at Star Industries.

“You’re going to spill that all down the front of you!” Marcia frets as you wobble your way to the door after work. The takeout container you’re precariously balancing is your peace offering to your sister, since you have a date on Couch Potato Movie Night.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be wearing this for long!” you say in an attempt to reassure your coworker.

“TMI!” the older woman says, playfully putting her hands over her ears.

“No, no no no--” The words cut off as you nearly bobble the styrofoam in a bid to whirl around in protest. “Doesn’t everyone change into comfy clothes after work? See you tomorrow!” 

It’s a total obfuscation, but Marcia isn’t able to object before you escape through the rotating doors. 

You won’t actually be wearing ‘comfy clothes,’ mostly because the black ensemble you’re planning to wear on your date has more exposed back than anything you’d ever worn in public before. The truth is, you look and feel great in it-- but comfy it is not. You haven’t worn it in a while (barring the try-on you did two days ago), and you’re already looking forward to the way the skirt flutters around your ankles. Its style is as close to the red dress from Only You as you could find, and you’re pretty sure Marisa Tomei would approve.

You’re hoping Steve Rogers approves, too.

Tonight’s plan is unconventional. The gala he’s invited you to is the last event of a conference for tech companies, and he was one of the keynote speakers for their final wrap-up. Rogers told you he couldn’t miss the networking for the ninety minutes between that and the start of the gala, so you’ll be arriving separately.

Honestly, if it were anyone else, you’d have tried to beg off. You’ll have to show up dressed to the sevens (the nines are way beyond your price range) and find him in a sea of very important people and other hangers-on. It’s a recipe for a fairy tale either way--either you’ll see each other across a crowded room or someone’s rich stepsister will cut you to verbal shreds. The only way to make that image to go away is picturing Rogers acting like a storybook hero vanquishing all your villains. 

You exit your taxi a block away from the venue, amused and diverted by the mental image of your CEO date wearing medieval armor and wielding a sword and shield. The night is warm for early fall, with a light breeze that pleasingly swirls around your skirt and filmy shoulder wrap. You’re left wishing you could wander through Central Park with him, looking at the first leaf changes instead of feeling out of place at the event.

As you walk, you ponder what a modern-day heroic Steve Rogers would look like. This version can definitely wield his power like a weapon, offering that young deli worker a better job or calling on his fellow manufacturers to use more sustainable materials, something Star Industries recently made news for. You’re preoccupied in coming up with a shield analogue for him when you approach your destination.

“Excuse me, miss?” a familiar-sounding voice says. You lift your head to see that it’s Rogers.

“Oh! I didn’t at all expect you to meet me out--”

“I couldn’t take it in there anymore. Place is full of opportunists who think I’m naive for not taking more advantage of our disabled clients,” he says roughly, stripping off his suit jacket as he speaks. “It seems they thought I was faking nice for the past few years. I’m sorry to disappoint.”

“You could never be disappointing!” The words come out before you can vet them, but even if you had, you’d have said them anyway. He throws his blazer over his arm and looks at you with what you can only describe as professional exhaustion. You suspect more went on in that conference than he’s willing to say, and that makes you want to be more honest with him, for some reason. “There were two things going on in my mind on my way over here, would you like to hear them?”

His tone is guarded. “All right.”

“First I was picturing you as a kind of medieval warrior on a mission to fight the kind of villains you just described--”

“No pressure or anything,” Rogers murmurs. 

“The other thing was wishing that I could take a walk with you through Central Park. The leaves are starting to change, there’s a nice breeze--what do you think?”

“I think you shouldn’t lift me up as some kind of hero,” he finally says, “--but I would very much like that.” Rogers holds out his arm for you, not unlike the way you pictured him leading you around the gala. 

As you take it, you decide to go ahead and say, “What would Barnes say about whether you’re a hero?”

“He’d call me a punk with delusions of grandeur, but he’s the one who turned down the position of CEO,” Rogers says, but though his tone is amused, his expression doesn’t really show it.

It’s information you’re not sure is even public, so you focus on keeping up with his big strides as you make your way to the Park. Everything about his body language tells you that there’s a lot going on under the surface, that he might be close to coming unraveled. There’s no good way to say, ‘it’s okay to be quiet if you need to be.’ All you can do is stay quiet and hope he feels supported. The resulting silence isn’t comfortable, but it’s not awkward either--and after what he’d said about the population of the party he left behind, the twilight beauty of the park has to be an improvement.

A gust of wind finally changes the contemplative mood when it blows your shoulder wrap up onto his chest and into his face.

“Crap, I’m sorry,” you rush to say, fighting with the thing to make it stay put. Through your fussing, he stands with his hands out, a small smile haunting his face. It’s the first one you’ve seen from him today, and you decide to comment on it to test the waters. “I can’t help but be nosy and notice you don’t seem much like yourself tonight.”

Rogers’ body language closes up and his facial expression tightens, but he nods. “I’ve had to button up for the conference. I guess it’s just harder to shrug it off, tonight.”

It suddenly occurs to you that you don’t really know him very well, and you’ve walked yourself into a semi-private section of the park with him, at night. At the same time, you still recognize the man you ogled as he sweated and worked in the foyer of his own building as ‘just one of the guys.’ 

Hadn’t you hated a job so much your sister said it ate you alive?

“I can’t pretend to know what it’s like to hold a position at your level,” you say, in the world’s greatest understatement, “What I do know is that you made a decision to protect me from having to deal with something that clearly made you miserable. It sounds like those people were judging you as a bad leader because you want what’s best for your company and its clients. For the record, I think standing up against that is plenty heroic.”

Rogers looks down at his feet for a second, letting out a quick breath before meeting your eyes again, this time with a wistful kind of smile on his face. “It’s nice to know there are people who still see that kind of idealism in me. Thank you.”

“That’s the most polite ‘I disagree’ I think I’ve ever heard,” you retort. “Just to pile on, I also get the impression that you lied to me earlier.”

Now you have his full attention, blue eyes capturing yours with a laser focus you imagine is even more intimidating to a direct subordinate. “Oh?” Clipped, doubtful.

You could love this man, but you have the distinct feeling that he’s having some sort of crisis you’re not privy to. As such, you could be helping here, or you could be making it very easy to leave you on the curb needing a new job.

He’s worth the try.

“You said Barnes turned down CEO. I think you took the job so he didn’t have to.”

The two of you look at each other steadily for a long minute, the tension of your possible mistake ramping up inside you until he strides over, nearly chest to chest.

“You’re right,” he says, almost breathless. He lifts his hand as if to touch your face, his eyebrows quirking up in a silent question. You nod, captivated by the battle he’s clearly fighting with himself. You hope you’ve earned the faith you can see reflected in his eyes.

He slides his fingertips along your cheek and into your hairline with the kind of gentleness a girl can only dream of, and then he kisses you, stealing away all other conscious thought. You sway forward, catching yourself on his chest and then clutching at his lapel when he angles his head. His lips are reverent but hungry, just on the edge of desperate, and as it goes on, your heart spirals away toward the abyss of yes, please, forever.

When he lifts his head, he’s finally smiling in a way you recognize, and holy shit it feels so much like a triumph that you’re probably in big trouble with this guy.

“How about a do-over?” he asks, offering you his arm again. The happiness in his eyes makes you impish.

“Of the kiss, or…”

With both hands framing your face, Steve takes thirty seconds to methodically ruin you for every other man on the planet. Afterwards, he bends down to pick up his jacket from the ground, slings it over his arm like nothing momentous has just happened, and then holds his other arm out just as he’d done earlier in the night.

“You’re an overachiever, you know that, right?” you say, taking his arm. He’s a few other things, but you feel certain there will be time to work on those.

“It’s chronic,” he says. “Shall we?”

The next half hour goes exactly as you’d originally pictured when you walked past the park the first time. Easy conversation, beautiful surroundings, and more sparks flying between you than a welder’s convention. He calls ahead for a car to meet up at a specific corner, and you end up having to borrow his suit jacket by the time you get there. He makes you promise to call him ‘Steve’ before he hands it over.

“Thank you for a perfect evening,” you whisper to him after he gets in the back seat with you. “For your sake I’ll try to remember the best parts, so I can recreate them when I wake up and it’s this morning again.”

“Does that mean you’ll meet me at the same time tomorrow, in that dress, so I can take you to dinner?”

Even your swoons are swooning. You manage to say, “I could never say no to an invitation that smooth!” 

Steve reaches over and squeezes your hand. “You can always say no. It’s important to me for you to know that.”

He sounds so serious that you pull your joined hands up to briefly kiss the back of his. “There’s a story behind that, isn’t there?” As you say this, your conscience stabs you. Hadn’t you dreamed of a rich man to sweep you off your feet? Would he feel betrayed by that??

“Don’t worry about that. Just know I was starting to feel… How do I put it,” Steve says, sweeping his thumb across the back of your hand. “Don’t take this the wrong way--”

“I’m not going to steal Willy Wonka’s secrets, so you can forget about asking,” you quip.

Steve throws back his head in laughter, his hand tightening on yours almost painfully before he lets go. “I was starting to forget what it was like not to be surrounded by people who want something, even if all they want is to say ‘yes.’ That’s one of the few things money can’t buy.”

“Observation changes the results--or in this case, money does,” you say, nodding. “Well, I’m going to take that as a compliment.” The car stops, and for the first time after a long day, you are disappointed to see you’re in front of your apartment.

He unbuckles and leans over to give you a brief but searing kiss. “It’s a compliment.” 

Steve gets out of the car, and for a brief moment you’re confused until he opens your door like a gentleman. It’s impossible not to be charmed. Once he’s helped you out and onto the sidewalk, you wish you could keep his suit jacket, if only so you can use it to prove none of this was a dream. 

“See you tomorrow?” he asks, then says, “Wait. I know you just well enough to suspect you want to prove you’ll say no to me.” You burst out laughing and nod. “All right then: do you want to stay home tomorrow?”

You grin. “No.”

“Good. Let’s push back by an hour, for a better reservation. Seven?”

“Yes.”

“See you then.”

Because your life is not a romance novel but a comedy, you walk in the door of your apartment two hours earlier than promised, your stomach growling in outraged hunger.

“What are you doing home already? Was that your stomach? Didn’t you eat?” your sister asks as you take your shoes off. “Well?” Jennie demands, when you silently head toward the kitchen to warm up some leftovers. “You’re not going to tell me, are you?” she realizes aloud.

“No,” you tell her, an indelible grin on your face.

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[tastethebloodofmeatthawsmoth]

Osugi Sakae, one of Japan's leading anarchist figures in the Taisho era. In addition to the early Japanese anarchist Kotoku Shushui, Osugi was influenced by Kropotkin and Bakunin; he admired the latter immensely, saying he would "have been a rebel even in an anarchist society." Stirner, Nietzsche, Bergson, and Sorel were also important influences.

Osugi was not a systematic thinker, and many of his articles were written simply to fill space in one of his many periodicals or to make some quick cash. However, his principal theoretical statement appeared in a series of three articles published around 1913. In the first, “The Reality of Conquest,” Osugi explored the origin of what is now called “society” in conquest. Osugi’s theory is now dated, but still interesting and shares some similarities to modern anti-civilization anarchist thought. According to Osugi, pre-societal humanity lived in peaceful, nomadic groups, until overcrowding led to friction and, through an accident of military superiority, one group conquered the other, which is kept subjugated through more and more subtle mechanisms of social control: “Government! Laws! Religion! Education! Morality! Armies! Police! Courts! Parliament! Science! Philosophy! Literature! All other social systems!” According to Osugi, no one could understand anything about social matters without understanding the reality of this system of subjugation.

This first article was shortly followed by “The Expansion of Life.” Having established subjugation as an unnatural condition resulting from civilization, Osugi established life and the expansion of life as subjugation’s opposite. “Life and the expansion of life are, it goes without saying, the keynotes of modern thought.” I think that Osugi’s expansion of life can be considered as synonymous with the Stirnerian egoist’s self-enjoyment. The life of the individual overflows the limits of the self: “The joy of living begins to overflow…. The perfection of my life is at the same time the extension of my life. And at the same time, the extension of the life of mankind.” Osugi acknowledged that competition, of self-expansion at the expense of others, hindered others’ development. The conquered, unable to develop themselves, became degraded and corrupted as a result. However, “if there was a slavish depravity among the slaves, there was a masterly depravity among the masters.” (Here, the debt to Nietzsche is clear.) This degradation continued until the morals of both the slaves and the masters became so corrupt that a middle class revolted and established itself as the new ruling class. This cycle, argued Osugi, had continued throughout the course of civilization. The new task of the oppressed, Osugi said, was to end the repetition of history and lay the ax to the reality of conquest itself:

“Seeing the supreme beauty of life in the expansion of life, I see the supreme beauty of life today only in this rebellion and destruction. Today, when the reality of conquest is developed to its utmost, harmony is not beauty. Beauty exists only in discord. Harmony is a lie. Truth exists only in discord.

Now the expansion of life can only be gained through rebellion. Only through rebellion is there creation of new life, creation of a new society.”

The last article in this series, “The Creativity of Life,” was published in January of 1915. In it, Osugi highlighted the differences between his anarcho-syndicalist views and electoral socialism. Osgui believed that mainstream socialism was overly fixated on economic issues; throughout his career he always stressed that the workers’ movement was a “human movement for the self-mastery of the individual,” not just a movement for a full belly. Osugi also had his own very strong interpretation of the syndicalist idea of building the new world within the shell of the old. Osugi’s anarchism stressed a fundamental unity between action and goals, with the struggle for a free society aiming to prepare the workers mentally, physically, spiritually, and psychologically for a free society. “When the workers have completed these preparations themselves, that is to say, when they are able to administer their own society, then for the first time will come the social revolution. Thus the workers’ spiritual education is the essential thing. You must teach the workers what they themselves will, you must discipline them by action, you must reveal to them their own abilities. This is the entire mystery of socialist education.” 

[sp-ud]

My theories so far for "Generation One: The Social Experiments" of Generation Loss. (And also just a bit of a recap of all the confirmed things I'm aware about Gen 1)

(This is so long. If you read all of this I love you.)

Also, I wrote this May 1st/2nd, before the keynote. I will likely be adding stuff about the keynote either in a reblog to this post or a completely new post which I'll edit a link to or something)

So ever since the name "The Social Experiments" was announced, it became clear to me this was going to be something that we the audience, would be able to have influence on. To some extent.

This was then further solidified by things like Ranboo mentioning that Gen 1 would take place on his Twitch channel, talking about how important it would be to be there when it happened live, and during his Cult of the Lamb stream, mentioning how chat should familiarize themselves with using Twitch extensions to vote.

And of course, T_2: The Inauguration being a short "choose your own adventure" thing also made this pretty clear. Like a test run for the full event. And speaking of T_2, a quick run-through of that. (Because I finished summarizing the new stuff before I realized, shit that video is also probably still important, but the post is already so fucking long)

All of the videos take place on an old TV with static heavily in the background and white text appearing on the screen, "Welcome. You have our attention. Please ensure you are alone. There are precautions in place. The inauguration is necessary. Prove your worth. Please remain emotional. Act upon first impulse."

And then you are asked "Cats or Dogs?", this question doesn't matter. The result is the same, "Now you understand what this is. Next evaluation. Which is best. Power or Wisdom?"

"Power" leads to a failure, reading "Wisdom becomes power. Your input is no longer wanted. Then the camera backs away from the TV, before it vanishes and the words "Try again" appear on screen, before a bombardment of text appears on screen.

"Wisdom" leads to "Impressive. Wisdom is vital. Which will prevail. Life or death?"

"Life" is another fail, "Optimism makes one naive", before going into the same failure screen as before.

"Death" leads to "Intresting. Let's test that." Before cutting to a screen of a person who's face is obscured with a box of static struggling tied to a chair

"You or them?"

You, "Noble yet foolish." Before failure clip.

Them, the person struggles for a bit before going limp, the censor changing to just black, "Did you make sure you were alone? Yes or No?"

No, "You should have." Fail.

Yes, "Good. One final request. Don't Look away." Then the GenLoss logo as it's pictured above slowly fades in, before vanishing and the text reading "Congratulations." appears. There's a few more seconds of just a blank static screen before in red text in the bottom corner pops up reading "Your failures have not forgotten"

So, at this point, all I really had for theorizing was: Somehow the audience will be able to influence the events that happen. And that's about it.

But luckily, the "Connecting..." teasers came out and there was finally more to work with! Yippee!

So the first one Connecting... is a 30 second video of a cassette tape with the letters "TSE" written on it, heavy visual static over it, with some bopping kinda ominous music over it, before a short jingle plays and we hear "If you have any information on these individuals, don't hesitate to call. We thank you for your cooperation during these times" followed by a sound that reminds me of someone turning off some kind of old tech, or hanging up a corded phone.

Not that much to work with other than that there's a group of people who are being looked for, for some reason. Also the "TSE" is likely short for "The Social Experiments" aka, the name of Gen 1.

Also, in the description, there's binary that when translated reads "From one to another", not really sure what to do with this bit of info yet.

Then we get the second Connecting... teaser, which was just this image.

My initial thoughts on this, ripped straight from my Twitter are: "I think what's happening in-universe is that whatever audience roll we'll be playing, will think what's happening is just a show with no serious consequences. But what we influence will have real serious impacts on the safety and life(s?) of the participant(s).

And the crossed-out thing makes me think of like. An office building. So maybe that's whatever organization is behind this broadcast, and they're lying to their viewers about what's really happening.

And who's made these sticky notes? They obviously know more than they probably should. And are going to somehow try to stop whatever is happening. From happening. Did they used to be a part of this group? Are they someone who was supposed to be a victim but escaped?"

And at least one part of this got answers in the currently most recent video, Connected.

The first chunk of the video is red and black static with the word "Connecting..." before cutting to a black screen reading "Welcome" before some more bopping but ominous music kicks in and the screen changes to some sort of infinite tunnel filled with red light.

A bunch of text flashes on screen, in order it reads: "Look into infinity. You are now worthy. One of many." this order repeats 3 more times before more is added after One of many. "One of millions. One to another. One to yours. One to another."

After this text vanishes, The image I put at the top of this section fades in, before cutting to a bright red screen with white text in the corner reading "GEN 1"

Then fades in the image from the Twitter "Connecting..." teaser, the static from the image slowly fading. We get a brief flash to this screen:

Before it cuts to the images from before, but now with missing posters taped up for a currently unnamed character (I'm not calling him Ranboo until it's confirmed the character is called Ranboo.)

There's also tape connecting the posters in the "GenLoss 4 Logo" shape, unsure if that means anything or is just a wink nudge nudge to the audience.

The missing posters feature Ranboo's character, what vaguely resembles the logo that was crossed out with "LIES" written under it next to the word "MISSING", and a phone number to call if you have any information.

According to @/alphiebeet in the replies to the video's link on Twitter, calling the number on the missing posters gives you this message:

"Hello. thank you for calling the Showfall missing person's hotline. We appreciate your call, but you are not able to help us. Please hang up immediately."

The audio in this section sounds like nearby a relatively active street, including a car honking and some birds.

The video cuts to this image for a split second

A much clearer look at what this office-building esc logo looks like, along with 05 03 23 written near it. It looks like the same wall as the other images and even uses the same type of black tape, even though it doesn't seem to be close to the other images and the missing poster.

The screen fades into white, before the same jingle from "Connecting..." the video is heard and this full logo, now with the company name, Showfall Media, appears;

"We are happy to welcome you to the Showfall Media family. Please join us for our special keynote on May 3rd of your time" is said by the same voice from the "Connecting..." video. But before the video ends, a voice that I'm pretty sure is Ranboo says "There's something going on here."

Wow, okay that was. a lot. And oh goddamn it one second, Ranboo posted on the Behind The Scenes account. It's a clearer photo of the images taped to the wall.

Note: The number is scribbled out because it is no longer the accurate number seen in the video.

For some reason, the one farther right and at the end/start of the GenLoss 4 logo has a black censor over their face instead of just a mask.

Now, onto what I think is going on here. Finally (Ranboo better not post more while I'm working on this I STG. Or say anything while streaming.)

Obviously, Showfall Media is behind whatever The Social Experiments are. Or at least the broadcast which will be whatever is going to be Gen 1. They also for some reason have their own missing person's phone line, and will even put their own logo on missing posters. For some reason.

I think I was right about the person who originally wrote the notes the missing posters were over being an employee of Showfall, who realized what was happening/going to happen is wrong, and decided to try and stop it. And I don't think they're actually missing, I think perhaps they realized Showfall was onto them and went into hiding, and the missing posters are a way for Showfall to try and find them.

Though, I wonder if more people are also trying to stop Showfall, as the call said "Individuals", plural. But that's more something we'll just have to wait and see.

One thing that interests me, is the text in T_2, the binary in the descrip of Connecting, and the text in Connected.

From T_2 the intro text: "Welcome. You have our attention. Please ensure you are alone. There are precautions in place. The inauguration is necessary. Prove your worth. Please remain emotional. Act upon first impulse."

and some of the messages on the failure state: "You were not supposed to fail. Think Different. Try Again. Think harder. Keep going. Do you not understand? Who even are you? Do you think this is just a game? Go back. You are NEVER alone. Do not hesitate."

and of course the end screen: "Your failures have not forgotten"

the binary in the Connecting description: "From one to another"

and the Connected text: "Look into infinity. You are now worthy. One of many." this order repeats 3 more times before more is added after One of many. "One of millions. One to another. One to yours. One to another."

it seems like somehow, people need to prove their worth before... something. Currently I'm thinking it's joining Showfall Media, specifically whatever elite group is the one actually behind the shady shit.

And obviously this group probably isnt small, "one of many" and "one of millions" and an important part of this is connecting to the other members "one to another" "one to yours".

I also think the failure messages and the "Your failures have not forgotten" might hint to some level of time shenanigans, and i think whoever this is might also be Ranboo's character trying to get in with Showfall Media to better be able to stop this broadcast. Possibly this backfired and that's why he went into hiding.

And that's kinda all I really got for now, can't wait for the keynote on the 3rd, cuz I imagine it will be what finally gives us a good grasp on what to expect from the actual stream.

[bigsnzstanacct]

Been thinking about the idea of a prideful gigantic sneezer with almost perfect control over their nose getting slightly irritated by something almost entirely inconsequential snowballing into a desesperate "must sneeze in the wrong place" situation for downplaying their tickle for too long.

It can be a medieval noble that got their nose brushed against the decorative feather in a smaller guest's hat and doesn't want to stop greeting people or tend to their nose since it's "bad etiquette".

An elite executive that got a few soda bubbles inside their nostril before doing an important presentation not wanting to show weakness before their coworkers.

Maybe even just a reputable giant sneezer in one of the "everybody has some degree of giant sneezes" scenarios that smelled something spicy or caught a whiff of a slightly stronger floral perfume.

Case in point is that they just downplay the tickle (after all, it's not like they are particularly allergic to any of these things) and ignore their nose's whims, refusing to give it proper attention, as "there's no way something like this could make ME sneeze" or " just wait a little longer *sniff* and it will go ah-away".

....

It doesn't go away, and now they are dealing with a deeper, more insistent itch that's slowly becoming an imminent sneeze as they start doing minor control measures such as twitching their nose, tiny sniffles and subtle rubs that while now ineffective could easily have eliminated their need to blast everything away if used earlier.

Our sneezer decides to keep being prideful, and as expected, by the time they notice they HAVE to sneeze they are already building towards a colossal "ACHOO" and everyone is looking at them with a mix of curiosity,awe and fear as the wind picks up.

And as such what was once a small,powerless and negligible itch finally defeats the big and powerful sneezing Goliath. (See it even has a nice little moral)

I love it! The mighty brought low and all that. There is definitely something to the idea of downplaying and minimizing an oncoming sneeze. Maybe even friends or assistants are asking about it like, “I mean… are you sure you don’t want to… you know just run to the restroom real quick, I mean I know you can always, uh, calm the storm, but… it’s a really, really, REALLY big storm so…” but they just barrel through. “I have things to do, my nose is not a concern to me and it’s certainly not for you.” “But—“ “L-leahhh… leave it! Snf! I’ve got it under contruhhhh… control.”

In my head I’m combining this with my recent interest in like Fancy Party Fancy Fundraiser Fancy Gathering, so I’m imagining the head of some big nonprofit who is shaking hands and raising dollars, or some politician raising funds for the big campaign, or even better the campaign manager or fundraising manager or whatever, and of course they finally blow during the Big Keynote Speech, etc., etc. Very very interesting idea indeed!!

[cpeonline]

The Undeniable Edge: Conferences for Finance Professionals

If you’re in the world of finance, staying static isn’t an option. Market conditions shift like the wind, regulations come and go, and technologies evolve faster than we can keep track. How can one possibly keep up with this ever-changing landscape? The answer lies in a powerful, often underestimated tool: conferences for finance professionals.

The Tangible Perks of Attending Finance Conferences

Staying Current: Finance, as an industry, is like a river — always flowing and ever-evolving. One of the most paramount needs for anyone in this field is to remain informed. Think of finance conferences as your go-to news source, providing important updates on regulations, evolving technologies, and the hottest best practices.

Skill Acquisition: Ever feel like there’s just too much to learn? Good news! Conferences for finance professionals aren’t just about listening to other people talk. They provide ample learning opportunities through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. It’s your chance to assimilate knowledge that can be directly applied to your work, making you more efficient and effective.

The Power of Networking: Ever heard the phrase, It’s not what you know, but who you know? While I’d argue both are equally crucial, there’s no denying that forming solid professional relationships can significantly impact one’s career trajectory. Conferences for finance professionals are networking gold mines. They are the perfect venues to rub shoulders with potential mentors, partners, or even future employers.

Career Progression: Consider conferences your career ladder’s secret weapon. By arming you with the latest knowledge and expanding your professional circle, they lay down the path for advancements in your role. Plus, the continuing education credits that many of them offer can serve as a cherry on top for your professional growth.

The Conference Catalog: Which One Calls Out to You?

With a plethora of options available, how does one choose? Here’s a compact list of some top-tier conferences for finance professionals:

SEC Conference: An Accounting & Reporting Update for Public Companies: Best suited for those nestled in public companies. This one’s all about demystifying the most recent accounting/reporting standards and untangling the web of SEC regulations.

Financial Leadership Best Practices: Aspiring leader in the finance domain? Dive into the realms of strategic planning, risk management, and performance management here.

ESG Regulatory Reporting: It’s all about mastering how to comply with both regulations and investor expectations, ensuring you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely enhancing your company’s value.

Broker-Dealer Accounting Virtual Conference: For those operating in the brokerage arena, this conference sheds light on securities compliance, risk management, and the nitty-gritty of financial reporting.

Enter CPE Inc.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive guide to the best conferences for finance professionals, CPE Inc. is your trusted companion. This company provides a comprehensive list of virtual and in-person finance conferences tailored to cater to a wide range of interests, from regulatory intricacies to innovative financial strategies.

So, whether you’re a seasoned finance expert or an enthusiastic novice, marking your calendar based on CPEOnline.com’s recommendations is a smart move.

Opportunities Await

Sure, we’ve provided a quick snapshot of the top conferences for finance professionals earlier, but that’s just scratching the surface. The finance conference landscape is much more vast and varied than most realize.

From niche workshops focusing on specific finance sub-domains to grand international conventions that see experts from around the world convene, there’s something for everyone.

Your personal and professional interests, career aspirations, and yes, even your budget, play pivotal roles in selecting the right conference. For instance, if you’re keen on understanding global financial trends, perhaps a larger international conference is your calling.

Conversely, if you’re looking for in-depth training in a specialized area, a workshop or seminar might be more apt.

For more information about Tax CPE Courses and Accounting CPE please visit:- CPE Inc.

[cpeinc]

The Undeniable Edge: Conferences for Finance Professionals

If you’re in the world of finance, staying static isn’t an option. Market conditions shift like the wind, regulations come and go, and technologies evolve faster than we can keep track. How can one possibly keep up with this ever-changing landscape? The answer lies in a powerful, often underestimated tool: conferences for finance professionals.

The Tangible Perks of Attending Finance Conferences

Staying Current: Finance, as an industry, is like a river — always flowing and ever-evolving. One of the most paramount needs for anyone in this field is to remain informed. Think of finance conferences as your go-to news source, providing important updates on regulations, evolving technologies, and the hottest best practices.

Skill Acquisition: Ever feel like there’s just too much to learn? Good news! Conferences for finance professionals aren’t just about listening to other people talk. They provide ample learning opportunities through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. It’s your chance to assimilate knowledge that can be directly applied to your work, making you more efficient and effective.

The Power of Networking: Ever heard the phrase, It’s not what you know, but who you know? While I’d argue both are equally crucial, there’s no denying that forming solid professional relationships can significantly impact one’s career trajectory. Conferences for finance professionals are networking gold mines. They are the perfect venues to rub shoulders with potential mentors, partners, or even future employers.

Career Progression: Consider conferences your career ladder’s secret weapon. By arming you with the latest knowledge and expanding your professional circle, they lay down the path for advancements in your role. Plus, the continuing education credits that many of them offer can serve as a cherry on top for your professional growth.

The Conference Catalog: Which One Calls Out to You?

With a plethora of options available, how does one choose? Here’s a compact list of some top-tier conferences for finance professionals:

SEC Conference: An Accounting & Reporting Update for Public Companies: Best suited for those nestled in public companies. This one’s all about demystifying the most recent accounting/reporting standards and untangling the web of SEC regulations.

Financial Leadership Best Practices: Aspiring leader in the finance domain? Dive into the realms of strategic planning, risk management, and performance management here.

ESG Regulatory Reporting: It’s all about mastering how to comply with both regulations and investor expectations, ensuring you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely enhancing your company’s value.

Broker-Dealer Accounting Virtual Conference: For those operating in the brokerage arena, this conference sheds light on securities compliance, risk management, and the nitty-gritty of financial reporting.

Enter CPE Inc.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive guide to the best conferences for finance professionals, CPE Inc. is your trusted companion. This company provides a comprehensive list of virtual and in-person finance conferences tailored to cater to a wide range of interests, from regulatory intricacies to innovative financial strategies.

So, whether you’re a seasoned finance expert or an enthusiastic novice, marking your calendar based on CPEOnline.com’s recommendations is a smart move.

Opportunities Await

Sure, we’ve provided a quick snapshot of the top conferences for finance professionals earlier, but that’s just scratching the surface. The finance conference landscape is much more vast and varied than most realize.

From niche workshops focusing on specific finance sub-domains to grand international conventions that see experts from around the world convene, there’s something for everyone.

Your personal and professional interests, career aspirations, and yes, even your budget, play pivotal roles in selecting the right conference. For instance, if you’re keen on understanding global financial trends, perhaps a larger international conference is your calling.

Conversely, if you’re looking for in-depth training in a specialized area, a workshop or seminar might be more apt.

For more in formation about Tax CPE Courses and Accounting CPE please vist:- (CPE Inc.)

[anjali12]

Capturing Excellence: Professional Corporate Event Photography Services

When it comes to corporate events, capturing the essence and importance of the occasion through professional photography is essential. At Darcey Stone Photography, we specialize in Corporate Event Photography, ensuring every significant moment is beautifully documented. Our expert photographers have the skills and experience to highlight the professionalism and success of your events, making them unforgettable.

The Importance of Corporate Event Photography

Corporate events are more than just gatherings; they are opportunities to showcase your company's culture, achievements, and future goals. Whether it's a conference, product launch, awards ceremony, or team-building event, having high-quality photographs helps to:

Enhance Brand Image: Professional photographs reflect the sophistication and success of your company. These images can be used in marketing materials, social media, and internal communications, reinforcing a positive brand image.

Document Key Moments: Corporate events often include important announcements, speeches, and networking opportunities. Capturing these moments helps to preserve them for future reference and celebration.

Engage Employees and Stakeholders: Sharing professional photos of your events with employees and stakeholders can boost morale and engagement. It shows that the company values its people and celebrates its milestones.

Create Lasting Memories: Events are transient, but memories last forever. High-quality photographs allow you to relive the experience and reflect on the success of your event.

Why Choose Darcey Stone Photography for Corporate Event Photography?

At Darcey Stone Photography, we understand the nuances of Corporate Event Photography and the importance of capturing the right moments. Here’s why we are the perfect choice for your next corporate event:

1. Expertise and Experience

Our photographers have extensive experience in corporate event photography. We know how to blend into the background while capturing candid moments, ensuring that we do not disrupt the flow of your event. Our expertise allows us to anticipate key moments and be ready to capture them perfectly.

2. Professional Equipment

We use state-of-the-art photography equipment to ensure that every shot is of the highest quality. From high-resolution cameras to professional lighting, our tools help us deliver stunning images that capture the essence of your event.

3. Tailored Services

We understand that every corporate event is unique. That’s why we offer customized photography packages tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you need a few hours of coverage or a full-day session, we can accommodate your requirements.

4. Fast Turnaround Time

In the fast-paced corporate world, we know that time is of the essence. That’s why we offer a quick turnaround time without compromising on quality. You can expect to receive your professionally edited photos promptly, ready for immediate use.

5. Comprehensive Coverage

Our team is adept at capturing a wide range of event activities, from keynote speeches and panel discussions to networking sessions and casual interactions. We ensure comprehensive coverage, so no important moment is missed.

Tips for Maximizing Corporate Event Photography

To make the most out of your Corporate Event Photography session, consider the following tips:

Plan Ahead: Discuss your event schedule and key moments with us beforehand. This helps us understand your priorities and ensure we are prepared to capture them.

Choose the Right Venue: A well-lit, visually appealing venue can significantly enhance the quality of your photos. Ensure that the event space is conducive to good photography.

Include Branding: Incorporate your company’s branding into the event décor. Logos, banners, and branded materials can make your photos more impactful and on-brand.

Encourage Participation: Engage your attendees and encourage them to participate in the event actively. Candid shots of engaged participants can add life and energy to your photo collection.

Communicate with Your Photographer: Keep an open line of communication with your photographer throughout the event. If there are any last-minute changes or specific shots you want, let us know.

Conclusion

At Darcey Stone Photography, we are dedicated to providing exceptional Corporate Event Photography services that capture the excellence of your corporate gatherings. Our professional approach, coupled with our passion for photography, ensures that your event is documented in the best possible light. Let us help you create lasting memories and showcase your company’s achievements through stunning, high-quality photographs. Contact us today to discuss your corporate event photography needs and let us capture the moments that matter.

[mattbrittonnyc]

Transforming Online Retail: Matt Britton Unveils AI's Impact

In the rapidly evolving landscape of online retail, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a pivotal force in shaping consumer shopping experiences. To truly understand and leverage AI in this sector, businesses and industry leaders are turning to authoritative voices who can provide both insights and foresight. Among such voices is Matt Britton, a renowned AI expert, keynote speaker, and the Founder & CEO of the consumer research platform, Suzy. His extensive experience and unique perspective make him an invaluable asset to any discussion on AI’s role in enhancing online retail.

Matt Britton has not only carved a niche as a top keynote speaker but also as a visionary whose expertise in new consumer trends has been widely recognized. His bestselling book, YouthNation, building a remarkable career at the intersection of technology and consumer behavior, has established him as one of the preeminent consumer trend experts. This background, combined with his role at Suzy — a platform that harnesses AI to deliver real-time consumer insights — positions him uniquely to discuss AI's transformative potential in online retail.

The Role of AI in Enhancing Online Shopping Experiences

AI is no longer just a back-end tool for managing operations but is now at the forefront of creating personalized shopping experiences. By analyzing large datasets, AI enables retailers to understand better and predict consumer behavior, tailor recommendations, and optimize supply chains. However, the application of AI extends beyond just functionality; it is reshaping the way brands engage with consumers.

Personalization at Scale

One of the most significant advantages of AI in online retail is its ability to personalize the shopping experience at an unprecedented scale. AI systems analyze multiple data points — from browsing patterns to purchase history — to tailor product recommendations uniquely suited to each consumer. Matt Britton, through his insights at Suzy, has seen firsthand how personalized experiences drive engagement and loyalty. His discussions often highlight how brands can utilize AI to not only meet but anticipate the needs of today's consumers.

Enhancing Consumer Engagement

AI also plays a crucial role in enhancing engagement through interactive and responsive customer service solutions like chatbots. These AI-driven tools can handle a range of customer service tasks, providing quick responses to consumer inquiries and freeing up human resources for more complex issues. Matt often discusses these applications in his keynotes, emphasizing the importance of seamless consumer interactions in building brand trust and satisfaction.

Streamlining Operations and Inventory Management

Beyond consumer-facing features, AI significantly enhances operational efficiency in online retail. AI systems can predict demand trends, optimize inventory levels, and even manage logistics, reducing waste and ensuring that products are in the right place at the right time. Matt Britton’s talks often explore these less-visible but crucial applications of AI, showcasing how they contribute to a smoother, more efficient shopping experience.

Why Matt Britton is the Ideal Speaker on AI in Online Retail

Expertise and Experience

As a seasoned AI keynote speaker, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to his presentations. His experience with Suzy provides him with a unique, data-driven perspective on how AI is currently used and how it can be evolved in the future. His role in consulting for over half of the Fortune 500 companies also enriches his talks with diverse case studies and success stories that underline the practical applications of AI strategies in online retail.

Understanding of Consumer Trends

Matt's deep understanding of consumer trends, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, allows him to offer tailored advice on how AI can be used to engage these key demographics. As a generation z expert, his insights are particularly valuable for brands looking to capitalize on the massive purchasing power and unique consumer behaviors of these younger shoppers.

Engaging Speaking Style

Anyone who has attended a keynote by Matt Britton can attest to his dynamic and engaging speaking style. He has a knack for demystifying complex AI technologies and making them accessible and interesting to a wide audience. His ability to connect with his audience, whether they are tech experts or retail managers, ensures that the insights he shares are not just heard but are also understood and actionable.

In conclusion, as online retail continues to integrate AI into its core operations, having expert insights from leaders like Matt Britton becomes invaluable. His extensive background as an AI expert speaker, combined with his firsthand experiences at Suzy and his deep understanding of consumer behavior trends, makes him an ideal candidate to discuss the nuances and transformative potential of AI in enhancing consumer shopping experiences. For businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age, Matt’s keynotes offer not just information, but a roadmap to innovation and success in the ever-evolving realm of online retail.

[efficiencycomplex127]

As a Powerpoint Designer I'm sure you all are tired of dull presentations that fail to captivate your audience. That’s when SlideCEO Saved me. Basically they are a premier presentation design agency that has transformed my business presentations from mundane to magnificent.

As a satisfied customer of SlideCEO, I can attest to the exceptional quality and expertise they bring to the table. Whether you're based in the USA or India, They offer world-class presentation design services that cater to a diverse range of needs.

What sets SlideCEO apart is their team of dedicated professionals who are REALLY professional in their craft. From company profile presentations to investor pitch decks, annual reports to sales presentations, they handle it all with finesse and creativity. 

The way they understood my knack of understanding the essence of the requirements and translating it into visually stunning presentations is truly remarkable.

Why would I suggest you guys choose SlideCEO for Professional PPT Presentation Designs? One of the key reasons I chose SlideCEO is their specialization in business presentation design services. They understand the importance of making a lasting impression in the corporate world, and their expertise shines through in every slide they create. Whether you're pitching to investors, showcasing your products, or delivering a keynote address, SlideCEO ensures that your message is delivered with impact.

But these talents don't stop at just presentations. They also offer a range of graphic design solutions, including marketing collateral design services and promotional video services. This comprehensive approach means that you can rely on SlideCEO for all your visual communication needs, ensuring consistency and professionalism across the board.

What truly sets SlideCEO apart is their commitment to customer satisfaction. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, they go above and beyond to exceed your expectations and fit within your budget. Their attention to detail, quick turnaround times, and willingness to accommodate your specific requirements make them a pleasure to work with.

In conclusion, if you're looking Corporate presentation designers who does all kind of presentation designs and make a lasting impression on your audience,then SlideCEO is your guy. This Presentation Agency With their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to excellence, they are truly the go-to presentation agency for businesses looking to stand out in a competitive world.

So why settle for mediocre presentations when you can partner with SlideCEO and take your presentations to the next level? Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Contact SlideCEO today and experience the difference firsthand. You won't regret it.

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[verticalmomentum1]

Want To Get More Sales By Christmas 🎄 ? And Crushing It By Q1 Of 2024?

On This Episode Of The Vertical Momentum Resiliency Podcast With Host Richard Kaufman Veteran-Keynote speaker-Comeback Coach Talks Candidly With HIS Business Coach Joe Nicassio.

➡️ Watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/E8_6Lt_tYpc?si=Zf8h91Esav-vO_z8

➡️ Listen: https://anchor.fm/richard-kaufman6/episodes/The-Business-Breakthrough-How-We-Grew-500-In-90-Days-With-Joe-Nicassio-e2b94of

My Hot 🥵 Take…

In just 90 days, my business coach, Joe Nicassio, worked wonders for our business, increasing it by a staggering 500%!

He's now sharing his wisdom about his new course, "Entrepreneur On Ramp,"

We discussed the importance of choosing mentors wisely.

90 days ago, I had a Top 0.5% Globally Ranked Podcast alongside Ed Mylett, Tim Ferris, and Garyvee, but my finances were in the red.

Remember, podcasts are a distribution channel, not a business.

We also delved into overcoming imposter syndrome and the necessity of investing in yourself and your business before seeking top dollar.

Do you know the difference between traffic and conversion?

Effective marketing speaks on a 4th or 5th-grade level, using emotion. Are you?

Ever heard of the blue-red ocean strategy?

Confused minds don't buy.

Joe has not only transformed my business but also improved my marriage.

“Entrepreneur On Ramp" is your shortcut to success. Start stacking those quick wins!

Take action now and listen to this episode, then connect with Joe at http://Employeeescapeplan.com. Your success story awaits!

P.S. COME GROW WITH US:

www.verticalmomentumpodcast.com

#BusinessGrowth

#Entrepreneurship #SuccessWithJoeNicassio @followers

[spacenutspod]

17 Min Read The Marshall Star for October 25, 2023 A man with an open-mouthed smile wears a balloon hat made at the Fall Family Fest alongside children who are also enjoying their balloon toys during a Bingo round. Credits: NASA/Charles Beason Marshall Team Members Enjoy Beginning of Autumn at Fall Family Fest By Celine Smith Team members at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and their family members participated in the festivities of Fall Family Fest Oct. 19 at the walking trail behind Building 4315. “Once the rain threat was gone, it was the perfect fall afternoon to welcome back over a thousand NASA family members for the first time since COVID-19,” said Jose Matienzo, who is the operations manager of the Marshall Exchange, which hosted the event. A man with an open-mouthed smile wears a balloon hat made at the Fall Family Fest alongside children who are also enjoying their balloon toys during a Bingo round. NASA/Charles Beason The Exchange provided free barbecue and beverages for attendees. A food truck also provided ice cream treats. Several rocket inflatables and a balloon artist were present for children to enjoy. Falcon Punch, a band comprised of Marshall engineers, performed rocking classics for attendees. Additionally, the Exchange hosted several rounds of Bingo for guests as well. Fall Family Fest also featured activities for participants to share their interests with others. Artisans displayed their handcrafted goods, paintings, and photographs. Bakers brought deserts for attendees to sample and judge who made the best one. Car enthusiasts entered their prized vehicles into a competition with the crowd choosing their favorites. “I had a great time meeting some of our new employees and reconnecting with longtime friends at the Fall Festival,” said Joseph Pelfrey, acting center director. “It’s fun to see the Marshall family not just working together but having fun together. This is how we build the cultural fabric of Marshall for the future.” The event was a space for team members and families to unwind, reconnect and enjoy the turn of the season. “It felt so good to see so many old friends, new faces, their families, and retirees on a beautiful fall afternoon having a good time,” Matienzo said. Smith, a Media Fusion employee, supports the Marshall Office of Communications. › Back to Top Priorities, Leadership Stressed at Mission Success is in Our Hands Forum; Jennifer Robinson Receives Golden Eagle Award By Wayne Smith Garrett Harencak, a retired Air Force major general and Jacobs vice president and president of Mission Support and Test Services LLC, said determining priorities and practice are crucial steps toward establishing a culture focused on mission success and safety during his keynote address for the Mission Success is in Our Hands Shared Experiences Forum. The Oct. 19 event was in Building 4203 at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Mission Success is in Our Hands is a safety initiative collaboration between Marshall and Jacobs. Garrett Harencak, Jacobs vice president and president of Mission Support and Test Services LLC, makes a point during his presentation at the Mission Success is in Our Hands hybrid Shared Experiences Forum on Oct. 19. NASA/Danielle Burleson Harencak also shared his experiences in working and leading nuclear safety, high hazard projects, and conducting operations in the nuclear and national security industries. Using the analogy of a lion chasing chipmunks or zebras, he said leaders must focus on the most important tasks in a mission as opposed to spending time on lesser objectives. Harencak said that while a lion is quick and nimble enough to chase chipmunks, the rodent does not provide as much nutritional value to a lion’s pride when compared to a zebra. “Are you chasing chipmunks or zebras?” Harencak asked during his presentation. “You have to focus on what matters most. And when you tell your team members to chase chipmunks, they know it’s not the most important thing they should be doing that day.” He also stressed the importance of practicing a routine to be prepared for an unplanned event to happen. “The value of practice and repetition is that it allows you to overcome when things go wrong, and things will go wrong,” Harencak said. “Practice reduces fear. Without practice, what follows fear is panic, and what follows panic are bad decisions.” Golden Eagle Award winner Jennifer Robinson, center, receives a plaque commemorating her award during the Oct. 19 Mission Success is in Our Hands event. Joining Robinson are Bill Hill, left, director of the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate at Marshall, and Jeff Haars, Jacobs vice president and program manager for Jacobs Space Exploration Group.NASA/Danielle Burleson In talking about leadership, Harencak said it’s everyone’s responsibility to “be the boss you always wanted to work for” in building a culture of mission success, particularly in a high-hazard business. “It’s a constant struggle as leaders to build an atmosphere that allows everyone to do what’s necessary to make sure we do it safely and securely,” Harencak said. Jennifer Robinson was awarded the Golden Eagle Award during the event. Robinson, a Jacobs Space Exploration Group employee, is the SLS (Space Launch System) debris analysis team lead. The team is responsible for analyzing the launch debris environment and identifying the debris risk to SLS. Bill Hill, director of the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate at Marshall, said Robinson’s team developed a process for evaluating potential debris issues during countdown in the months leading up to the Artemis I launch. Eight new testimonial banners are displayed as part of the Mission Success is in Our Hands Shared Experiences ForumNASA/Danielle Burleson “This process subsequently was adopted as the standing operating procedure that allows for imagery and debris teams to work together to disposition debris findings during critical hours leading to launch,” Hill said. Since 2015, the Golden Eagle Award has been presented by Mission Success is in Our Hands. The award promotes awareness and appreciation for flight safety, as demonstrated through the connections between employees’ everyday work, the success of NASA and Marshall’s missions, and the safety of NASA astronauts. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to flight safety and mission assurance above and beyond their normal work requirements. Management or peers can nominate any team member for the award. Honorees are typically recognized at quarterly Shared Experiences forums. As part of the final Shared Experiences Forum of the year, the Mission Success committee displayed eight new testimonial banners featuring Marshall team members as part of its rebranding. The banners will be placed across the center. Smith, a Media Fusion employee and the Marshall Star editor, supports the Marshall Office of Communications. › Back to Top Marshall Kicks Off Participation in 2023 Combined Federal Campaign NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center kicked off its participation in the CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) Oct. 17 after raising more funds than any other large federal agency in the Greater Tennessee Valley Zone last year. The CFC Kickoff Charities Fair was held in Marshall’s Activities Building 4316. Ten charities from the Tennessee Valley participated in the event to talk about their needs and how Marshall team members could help or get involved through volunteering. This year’s theme is “Give Happy.” Marshall Associate Director, Technical, Larry Leopard, welcomes team members to the CFC Kickoff Charities Fair. NASA/Alex Russell Every year, federal workers come together to raise money and volunteer for their favorite charities. The CFC, in its 62nd year, is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign for federal employees and retirees. Since its inception, the campaign has raised nearly $8.7 billion for charities and people in need. During the 2022 campaign year, Marshall team members pledged $295,454. The 2023 CFC solicitation period started Oct. 2 and runs through Jan. 15, 2024. Marshall’s goal this year is to increase participation by 15%. Last year, 343 people at Marshall contributed. Donors can contribute financially via credit or debit card payment or PayPal, with some team members able to donate a portion of their paycheck during the campaign period. Donors can also contribute their time at a participating charity, with each volunteer hour counted toward the overall fundraising goal. Team members can visit Inside Marshall for more information about this year’s campaign. Marshall team members visit some of the different charities represented at the CFC kickoff event. NASA/Alex Russell In the Greater Tennessee Valley Zone, there are 69 charities currently listed as active CFC participants, from community health clinics and animal rescues to veteran and social justice groups. “We can create change by supporting our favorite causes and promoting a greater good,” Marshall Associate Director, Technical, Larry Leopard said at the event kickoff. “For this year’s campaign, I want to challenge everyone at Marshall to donate or volunteer at a local charity. Take the time to discover a cause that you and your family can connect with. Make a small donation, or volunteer as a family or with friends. These actions matter so much to our local nonprofits and our community.” Learn more about CFC and see the list of participating charities in your community by visiting https://cfcgiving.opm.gov. › Back to Top Take 5 with Keith Savoy By Matt Higgins Keith Savoy credits his father for teaching him how to do a number of things. His father also inspired him to pursue a career in engineering. “My dad, a U.S. Marine, sugar cane farmer, and shipping and loading supervisor for CF Industries, inspired me to do lots of things,” said Savoy, chief operating officer at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility. “Although he did not have a college degree, he was a jack of all trades and could rebuild vehicle engines, weld, perform carpentry, and do many other tasks that are essential to our daily lives.” Keith Savoy is the chief operating officer at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility.NASA/Michael DeMocker In his role, Savoy oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions at Michoud, helping sustain NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) and Orion spacecraft production efforts, and coordinating requirements and logistics with the facility’s tenant leadership for approximately 3,500 employees. Michoud is managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. In addition to learning from his father, Savoy credits an internship with Lockheed Martin for spurring his interest in working with NASA. “During my junior year in college, I was selected to an intern program with Lockheed Martin, working for Mr. George Hasting during the summer,” Savoy said. “As a mentor, he provided insight and leadership, as well as piquing my interest in the space program. This is what led me to ultimately accepting a position with Lockheed Martin at Michoud after I graduated.” Question: What excites you most about the future of human space exploration and your team’s role it? Savoy: What excites me most about the future of human space exploration is the continued involvement of the Michoud Assembly Facility in the manufacturing of several components for Artemis, including the SLS core stage, future SLS Exploration Upper Stage, and the Orion pressure vessel. Michoud has been involved in the manufacturing and assembly of space flight hardware since the 1960s. I have been fortunate to be involved in the External Tank Program for shuttle and Artemis. I am very proud of the Michoud team’s accomplishment of successfully executing all facility and program modifications to support these two major NASA programs.   Question: What has been the proudest moment of your career and why? Savoy: I believe the proudest moments of my career have been every time I have watched a shuttle launch and most recently the Artemis I launch, knowing Michoud and everyone working there contributed to the successful launch. I usually get nervous right before the powerful RS-25 engines ignite and the vehicle slowly pulls away from the launch pad. Question: Who or what drives/motivates you? Savoy: I have always been a self-motivated individual, whether it was sports, education, or my career. I am very passionate about a lot of things, as most people who work around me know. Question: What advice do you have for employees early in their NASA career or those in new leadership roles? Savoy: Take every opportunity to cross train in multiple jobs if available. I started my career as an engineer in the Operations and Maintenance organization with Lockheed Martin during the External Tank Program. I held numerous jobs with Lockheed with increasing areas of responsibility to include new business planner, environmental engineer, electrical engineering supervisor, critical systems associate manager, Enhancement Team manager and Operational Planning and Layout manager. After my 20 years with Lockheed Martin, I transitioned to NASA as a logistics engineer for the site and later to the facilities operations manager. Finally, in 2023 I accepted the responsibility of NASA chief operating officer. Each one of these learning opportunities/challenges has provided me with necessary technical and leadership attributes to effectively manage a complex site like Michoud with multiple program and site tenants. Question: What do you enjoy doing with your time while away from work? Savoy: I enjoy working out/exercising, relaxing at my camp in Pierre Part, Louisiana, watching or going to LSU Tigers and New Orleans Saints football games, and traveling with my family. We typically have a family vacation once a year; the next one is Yellowstone National Park. Higgins, a Manufacturing Technical Solutions Inc. employee, works in communications at Michoud Assembly Facility. › Back to Top NASA’s Innovative Rocket Nozzle Paves Way for Deep Space Missions By Ray Osorio NASA recently built and tested an additively-manufactured – or 3D printed – rocket engine nozzle made of aluminum, making it lighter than conventional nozzles and setting the course for deep space flights that can carry more payloads. Under the agency’s Announcement of Collaborative Opportunity, engineers from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center partnered with Elementum 3D, in Erie, Colorado, to create a weldable type of aluminum that is heat resistant enough for use on rocket engines. Compared to other metals, aluminum is lower density and allows for high-strength, lightweight components. The RAMFIRE nozzle performs a hot fire test at Marshall’s East test area stand 115. The nozzle, made of the novel aluminum alloy 6061-RAM2, experiences huge temperature gradients. As hot gasses approach 6000 degrees Fahrenheit and undergo combustion, icicles are forming on the outside of the engine nozzle.NASA However, due to its low tolerance to extreme heat and its tendency to crack during welding, aluminum is not typically used for additive manufacturing of rocket engine parts – until now.  Meet NASA’s latest development under the Reactive Additive Manufacturing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or RAMFIRE, project. Funded under NASA’s STMD (Space Technology Mission Directorate), RAMFIRE focuses on advancing lightweight, additively manufactured aluminum rocket nozzles. The nozzles are designed with small internal channels that keep the nozzle cool enough to prevent melting. With conventional manufacturing methods, a nozzle may require as many as thousand individually joined parts. The RAMFIRE nozzle is built as a single piece, requiring far fewer bonds and significantly reduced manufacturing time.  At the RPM Innovation facility in Rapid City, South Dakota, manufacturing for a large-scale aerospike demonstration nozzle with integral channels is underway. The laser powder directed energy deposition process creates a melt pool using a laser and blows powder into the melt pool to deposit material layer by layer. NASA engineers will use the nozzle as a proof of concept to inform future component designs.RPM Innovation NASA and Elementum 3D first developed the novel aluminum variant known as A6061-RAM2 to build the nozzle and modify the powder used with LP-DED (laser powder directed energy deposition) technology. Another commercial partner, RPM Innovations in Rapid City, South Dakota, used the newly invented aluminum and specialized powder to build the RAMFIRE nozzles using their LP-DED process. “Industry partnerships with specialty manufacturing vendors aid in advancing the supply base and help make additive manufacturing more accessible for NASA missions and the broader commercial and aerospace industry,” said Paul Gradl, RAMFIRE principal investigator at Marshall. NASA’s Moon to Mars objectives require the capability to send more cargo to deep space destinations. The novel alloy could play an instrumental role in this by enabling the manufacturing of lightweight rocket components capable of withstanding high structural loads. Seen here at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and developed with the same 6061-RAM2 aluminum material used under the RAMFIRE project, is a vacuum jacket manufacturing demonstrator tank. The component, made for cryogenic fluid application, is designed with a series of integral cooling channels that have a wall thickness of about 0.06 inches.NASA “Mass is critical for NASA’s future deep space missions,” said John Vickers, principal technologist for STMD advanced manufacturing. “Projects like this mature additive manufacturing along with advanced materials, and will help evolve new propulsion systems, in-space manufacturing, and infrastructure needed for NASA’s ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.” Earlier this summer at Marshall’s East Test Area, two RAMFIRE nozzles completed multiple hot-fire tests using liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, as well as liquid oxygen and liquid methane fuel configurations. With pressure chambers in excess of 825 pounds per square inch – more than anticipated testing pressures – the nozzles successfully accumulated 22 starts and 579 seconds, or nearly 10 minutes, of run time. This event demonstrates the nozzles can operate in the most demanding deep-space environments. “This test series marks a significant milestone for the nozzle,” Gradl said. “After putting the nozzle through the paces of a demanding hot-fire test series, we’ve demonstrated the nozzle can survive the thermal, structural, and pressure loads for a lunar lander scale engine.” NASA engineers Tessa Fedotowsky and Ben Williams, from Marshall, inspect the RAMFIRE nozzle following successful hot-fire testing.NASA In addition to successfully building and testing the rocket engine nozzles, the RAMFIRE project has used the RAMFIRE aluminum material and additive manufacturing process to construct other advanced large components for demonstration purposes. These include a 36-inch diameter aerospike nozzle with complex integral coolant channels and a vacuum-jacketed tank for cryogenic fluid applications. NASA and industry partners are working to share the data and process with commercial stakeholders and academia. Various aerospace companies are evaluating the novel alloy and the LP-DED additive manufacturing process and looking for ways it can be used to make components for satellites and other applications. Osorio is a public affairs officer with the Marshall Office of Communications. › Back to Top Vicky Garcia Speaker for Oct. 30 Marshall Association Event Vicky Garcia, a launch vehicle systems engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, will be the guest speaker for the Marshall Association Speaker Series on Oct. 30. Vicky Garcia, a launch vehicle systems engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, will be the guest speaker for the Marshall Association Speaker Series on Oct. 30. NASA The event will be 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The event is free to attend and open to everyone via Teams. Marshall team members can attend in Building 4221, Conference Room 1103. The meeting topic follows this year’s theme of Breaking Boundaries. In recognition of National Disability Month, Garcia will discuss AstroAccess, a project dedicated to promoting inclusion in human space exploration by paving the way for disabled astronauts. Since its founding in 2021, AstroAccess has conducted five microgravity missions in which disabled scientists, engineers, veterans, students, athletes, and artists perform demonstrations onboard parabolic flights with the Zero Gravity Corporation, as the first step in a progression toward flying a diverse range of people to space. This project is part of SciAccess, an international non-profit dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in STEM. Read more about AstroAccess. Email the Marshall Association for questions about the event. For more information on the Marshall Association and how to join, team members can visit their page on Inside Marshall. › Back to Top NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Achieves Sample Mass Milestone The curation team processing NASA’s asteroid Bennu sample has removed and collected 2.48 ounces (70.3 grams) of rocks and dust from the sampler hardware – surpassing the agency’s goal of bringing at least 60 grams to Earth. And the good news is, there’s still more of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer) sample to collect. The curation team processing NASA’s asteroid Bennu sample from the OSIRIS-REx mission has surpassed the agency’s goal of bringing at least 60 grams to Earth, removing and collecting 2.48 ounces (70.3 grams) of rocks and dust from the sampler hardware.NASA The sample processed so far includes the rocks and dust found on the outside of the sampler head, as well as a portion of the bulk sample from inside the head, which was accessed through the head’s mylar flap. Additional material remaining inside the sampler head, called the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism, or TAGSAM, is set for removal later, adding to the mass total. In the last week, the team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center changed its approach to opening the TAGSAM head, which contained the bulk of the rocks and dust collected by the spacecraft in 2020. After multiple attempts at removal, the team discovered two of the 35 fasteners on the TAGSAM head could not be removed with the current tools approved for use in the OSIRIS-REx glovebox. The team has been working to develop and implement new approaches to extract the material inside the head, while continuing to keep the sample safe and pristine. As a first step, the team successfully accessed some of the material by holding down the head’s mylar flap and removing the sample inside with tweezers or a scoop, depending on material size. The collection and containment of material through this method, combined with the earlier collection of material located outside the head, yielded a total mass exceeding the 60 grams required. The team will spend the next few weeks developing and practicing a new procedure to remove the remaining asteroid sample from the TAGSAM sampler head while simultaneously processing the material that was collected last week. The OSIRIS-REx science team will also proceed with its plan to characterize the extracted material and begin analysis of the bulk sample obtained so far. All curation work on the sample – and the TAGSAM head – is performed in a specialized glovebox under a flow of nitrogen to keep it from being exposed to Earth’s atmosphere, preserving the sample’s pristine state for subsequent scientific analysis. The tools for any proposed solution to extract the remaining material from the head must be able to fit inside the glovebox and not compromise the scientific integrity of the collection, and any procedures must be consistent with the clean room’s standards. While the procedure to access the final portion of the material is being developed, the team has removed the TAGSAM head from the active flow of nitrogen in the glovebox and stored it in its transfer container, sealed with an O-ring and surrounded by a sealed Teflon bag to make sure the sample is kept safe in a stable, nitrogen-rich, environment. OSIRIS-REx is the third mission in NASA’s New Frontiers Program, managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Read more about Marshall’s role in OSIRIS-REx. › Back to Top

[tagsecretsanta]

From @I-am-chidorixblossom

to @nibenhutracycas

Full credit to the author above, secret santa does not own this piece!

Gordon’s Fashion Faux Pas

“Hey, John.  You copy?”

John Tracy turned at the sound of his eldest brother’s voice and pushed his way over to the monitor.  “Always, Scott.  What’s the situation?”

Scott tilted his head a little.  “What makes you think there’s a situation?  Can’t I just check in to see how you are?”

“You can,” John confirmed.  “But you already did that a little over two hours ago, and our next scheduled communication isn’t until--”

“Okay, okay.”  Scott held up his hands.  “You got me.  There might be just a little issue I’d like you to look into for me.”

Bingo.  John knew Scott far too well.

“And what would that be?”

A pause.

“You know that big conference and dinner Lady Penelope was telling us about that’s happening later today?”

John nodded.  “Yes, the one in Singapore where she’s a keynote speaker.”

“Yeah.  Lots of people, far too much paparazzi, high profile and of significant importance to the GDF.”

“And, indirectly, us.”  John felt a sigh coming on.  “Get to the point, Scott.”

He watched his brother pull an awkward expression while wishing he could go back to his programming.  Just once John would like to escape from all the dramas of the planet below him for twenty-four hours or so.  Was that really too much to ask?

“She’s invited Gordon as her plus one.”

Ah.  Right…  John was starting to see where this was going.  Scott was always such a worrywart at the best of times, but especially when one of them had to step into the limelight as a representative not only of International Rescue but Tracy Industries as well.  And while they were all well educated and versed in the proper protocols for such high class events, some of them were better equipped and prepared than others.

The family’s very own loudmouth, prankster, happy-go-lucky fish did not fall into that category.  At all. 

John folded his arms and let out that sigh.  “You don’t think Gordon is well suited for this assignment, am I right?”

Scott made a vague rocking gesture with his hand.  “Lady Penelope asked for him specifically, but your use of the term ‘well suited’ is very on point.”

John felt his own face morph into one of horror.  “Oh, no.  Absolutely not.”

“Please, John!  You know Gordon never listens to me, and trying to get Alan to talk to him is a waste of time.”

John grasped for an excuse or alternative option.

“What about Virgil?  He’s always good at corralling Gordon?”

Scott’s jaw tightened and he quickly shook his head.  There was even a grimace.  “You forget what happened last time I called Virgil while he was on vacation?”

Ah.  Yes.  Alan’s trip to the dentist four years ago.  Temper tantrums, lots of shouting and one very frazzled Virgil by the end of it.  If memory served he’d threatened to park Thunderbird Two on Scott’s head for not being man enough to deal with their monstrous baby brother in his hour of need.  Whether that was because Scott should have seen to Alan’s needs himself or simply because Virgil had been forced to fly home early, John had never found out.

“Scott, I’m in orbit.  And working.  I can’t just drop everything and come rushing down when you’re right there on the ground, on the same island and in the same house.”

“I’ve got that board meeting in the morning to prepare for,” Scott retorted.  A convenient excuse, if John had ever heard one.  “You’re the only one available.”

“What about Grandma?” 

“Not interested.”

“Brains?”

“Working on a new project.”

“Kayo?”  He was definitely clutching at straws now.

“Ha, that’s funny.”

John bit back a curse and let himself float away for a minute, hoping the zero gravity would help him feel better.  It didn’t.

“Do this for me and I won’t ask for any more favours for the rest of the year.”

John’s head shot up and he sent a glare at his big brother.  “That’s only two weeks!”

Scott scowled.  “Fine, the next three months.”

“Six.”

“Four and a half.”

John considered it.  “Done.”  

He watched Scott’s shoulders drop in relief.  “Thank you.”

John sighed and pulled up the launch procedure for the space elevator.  “Don’t thank me yet.  I’ve only agreed to come down and try.  I make no promises that it’ll do any good.”

“Just remember it’s for the honour of our family.”

Turquoise eyes rolled in exasperation.  “Quit with the melodramatics.  I’ll be down in fifteen.”

“F.A.B.”

John took a little too much satisfaction in swiping Scott’s face away to end the call and took stock of the situation. 

So Gordon was going along to a big fancy event with Lady Penelope, huh?  In all honesty John had seen it coming for a long time, and he was incredibly relieved that he wasn’t  the one being dragged along again like last time to that supposedly small charity auction.  The one which had ended in disaster thanks to the Hood.

Now it was Gordon’s turn, and he actually wanted to go.  He liked attention and he definitely liked Lady Penelope.

So what was Scott getting his contrails in a twist for?

Surely it couldn’t be that bad?

~*~

It was that bad.

Barely out of orbit, on the ground and out of uniform, John was quick to make his way towards Gordon’s room.  He felt as ready as he could be with such short notice, but no amount of time could have prepared him for the atrocity his gaze fell upon the split second Gordon’s door slid open.

Scott’s request for help suddenly made a whole lot more sense, but in reality it should have been the fashion police their eldest brother had called.

John tried to keep the judgement out of his tone and failed miserably.  “You’re not planning to wear that, are you?”

Gordon blinked in the full length mirror he was facing, apparently unsurprised by John’s sudden arrival.  “What?  I like this suit.”

“It’s dayglow orange, Gordon.”  Good God, John thought he was going to go blind.  “Pinstriped and dayglow orange.”

“Which matches my bright and cheery personality just nicely,” the aquanaut retorted.  He went about trying to straighten his matching tie and John looked away, trying to save his eyes from the torture they were being subjected to.

That suit really was awful.  Whoever had designed it should be locked up.

“You know I don’t like to interfere,” he spoke up after a moment.  “But I really think you should reconsider.”

“La-la-la, I’m not listening.”

Oh, how very mature.  No wonder Scott had called in help.  Where was Virgil when they needed him?  He was the artistic one with an eye for colour coordination.

John let out a low suffering sigh.  “Do you know what Lady Penelope is wearing?”

Gordon hummed at his reflection.  “Nope.  Parker sent me details, but I didn’t really read them.  He’s always sticking his nose in whenever me and Penny are around each other.”  A snort.  “Makes sense, given his nickname I guess.”

John leaned against the doorframe.  “Well if you’d bothered to read it then you’d know why I think that suit is completely the wrong choice.”

Gordon spun round to face him.  “You mean you read it?”

John sent him a deadpan expression.  “It was a communication with a marker of high importance.  I’m the communications expert.”

“It was addressed to me!”

“With no confidentiality data stamp.  Besides, I needed something to read on the way down here.”  

John almost smirked when Gordon squirmed.  

“But back to the main point.  That suit looks ridiculous and if you wear it I highly doubt Lady Penelope will ever invite you out to another public event again.”

Gordon ran his hands down his own lapels and John could see the gears in his head starting to turn.  He was successfully getting under his little brother’s skin and in all honesty it was quite fun.

Then Gordon pouted.  “I can’t believe I’m actually listening to you, of all people, about fashion.  That shirt you’re wearing should be burned.”

Ignoring the jibe he had heard oh so many times, John stepped into the room and navigated his way through all the clutter to Gordon’s wardrobe.  “Lady Penelope is wearing an off shoulder ocean blue dress with a thin diamond belt, matching necklace and earrings.  You need to pick something more subtle that will compliment her.”

“But orange and blue go together!”

“When it comes to that particular shade I respectfully disagree.”

“That shirt is definitely getting burned.”

Flicking through Gordon’s way too bright and colourful wardrobe, John finally found what he was looking for and pulled out one of the wrapped suits that had been shoved to the back.  Dark blue, tailor made by an old friend of their father, and one that was far better suited - pun unintended - for the event Gordon was to be attending later that evening.

Removing the protective cover, John presented it to Gordon.  “This is much better.”

His little brother immediately pulled a face.  “But that suit is so boring and generic.  It says nothing about my personality at all.”

Oh, for crying out loud…

“It’s a good fit on you, Gordon, and high quality.  Remember that you’re attending as Lady Penelope’s plus one tonight, not the other way around.”

A golden eyebrow quirked up towards the ceiling.  “Your point?”

John was quickly becoming both exasperated and exhausted.  How on Earth did Virgil manage being the family peacemaker and make it look so easy?  Just dealing with Gordon was a monumental task.

“A gentleman does not outshine the lady on his arm.”

Silence.  Those caramel eyes widened.  John wanted to drop to his knees and give thanks to whoever would listen.

Finally, he gets it!

~*~

John was more than a little relieved when the space elevator docked and he drifted through the airlock and back into his natural habitat.  Now a comfortable distance from Earth and any annoying younger brothers, the middle Tracy was quick to return to the programming he’d been doing before he’d received Scott’s S.O.S.

Eos filled him in on what little he had missed, with no distress calls and only minor generic chatter across all the channels and frequencies.

It seemed that, for the moment at least, all the attention was on a very specific event in Singapore which was just getting started.  High profile guests were arriving, reporters flocked to the edges of the red carpets in their hordes, and the eyes of the world looked on.

The first pictures and clips started to find their way online, and one in particular was quick to draw attention from John and apparently many others.  The reblogging and sharing counters were going into overdrive.

John took a moment to feel just a little bit proud as he admired the image.

Gordon, wearing the suit he had recommended, standing face to face with the elegantly dressed Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward as cameras flashed all around them.  She was smiling up at John’s rather bashful looking younger brother with an expression that could only be described as affectionate, her delicate hands raised towards his neck as she adjusted…

...that hideous tie which matched the equally grotesque abomination his brother had so laughingly called a suit.

Ugh.  John felt he needed to bleach his brain and eyes to unsee it.  It was vile. 

The suit may be absent but the presence of that tie mocked the middle Tracy something chronic.  Gordon had actually worn that?!  What was he thinking?

It warranted a very rarely used John Tracy facepalm.

Still, his reservations and opinions aside, it wasn’t a complete disaster.  A flick of a finger brought up all the leading stories across the news networks and social media in front of him, and John noticed that that one picture kept popping up again and again, followed quickly by others as Gordon and Lady Penelope made their way along the red carpet and into the venue.

John found himself smiling as he flicked away the images and returned to his duties.  So Gordon hadn’t completely listened to him after all.  Hardly a surprise, but John wasn’t about to lose any sleep over it.  His brother seemed happy and Penelope clearly approved of his attire, ghastly tie and all, so what more could John really ask for?

[goddamnelsa]

Liz’s Top Books of 2020

blatantly stolen from @alamorn but also i wanted to feel accomplished that i did in fact read published books this year before descending entirely into mdzs/the untamed fanfiction :) :) :) :)

In two parts! Books I read that actually came out in 2020, and then honorable mentions of books I read in 2020 that were published in previous years. Enjoy!

Top Books Published in 2020 (which are not in any kind of order because I can’t like rank stuff, I’m not that kind of person)

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

What can I say except it’s N.K. Jemisin who wrote my favorite high fantasy series (The Inheritance Trilogy), won three consecutive Hugo Awards for her The Broken Earth trilogy, and she’s writing urban fantasy with Lovecraftian and superhero team flavor. I mean....obviously I was at the top of the wait list for this once my library ordered it. And it lived up to the hype!! Because of course!! It’s fabulously fast-paced with amazingly smart and interesting characters of diverse backgrounds. I kept thinking one of them was my favorite, and then another would have a great line and I would change my mind. It’s fine, they’re all technically one entity with several parts, so I can love them all and not choose (but it’s probably Bronca, let’s be real). And it’s the first of a series! And I’m counting down the days til there is more!

Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

I definitely picked this up simply because Lindsay Ellis, one of my favorite video essayists, wrote it, and then ended up loving everything about it. I’m not usually one for First Contact stories, but I appreciate the very human-focused approach here, sticking solely to an ordinary girl’s perspective as she navigates being the person first in contact with a very alien alien. Cora’s attempts to humanize Ampersand are relatable, but I appreciate Ellis reminding us at almost every turn that Ampersand is super Not Human, no matter how much Cora reads into his actions. Ellis doesn’t gloss over the Science part either, especially when it comes to the race of aliens Ampersand belongs to. Again, the first of a series, and you will absolutely be screaming for the next book when this one is over.

You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria

Insert my obligatory “I don’t usually read romances blah blah blah.” Though, during lockdown, I attempted to branch out beyond my usual genres when I was attending a ton of publisher webinars about upcoming books. This one stood out to me because of its Latinx cast and the whole behind-the-scenes of a Jane The Virgin-esque show, based on a telenovela (of course). It is fantastic, a quick read with instantly likable and fun characters. And the tropes! We’re playing love interests but we have insane chemistry! A sensitive, traumatized male lead who learns to open up again! A sassy but insecure female lead who learns to let loose and love again! Hooking up, but we have to keep on the DL or else scandal! And of course, the extended families add to every scene they are in--I loved every interaction Ashton and Jasmine had with their families, it was the cherry on top of a fantastic read. Also the sex scenes are steamy. 

Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne

I got this graphic novel as an advanced reader copy well before it came out, and after reading it, I was sCREAMING because I couldn’t tell all my graphic novel, queer coming-of-age-with-magic loving friends to immediately pick up a copy!! So thankfully, it’s out now, so I can scream to the heavens to please read this!!! It is such a sweet story with beautiful full-color art and fantastic world-building. It has the same silly, referential humor you see in a lot of kids/YA graphic novels these days, but Beetle packs in a lot of heart as well. 

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Like many people in May/June of this year, I was reading, reading, reading a lot of books about racism from as many Black authors as I could get my hands on. There were many not published this year that should definitely be read (So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo being among the top), but this book really stuck with me because it is written specifically for a younger audience, and Jason Reynolds knows how to talk to kids about tough subjects. Stamped gets across difficult concepts like assimilationists and segregationists in an easy-to-understand, conversational style that doesn’t take away from any of the important history and nuance. This certainly is not The Book of antiracism studies, but it is a good starting point if you are daunted by lengthy title lists and aren’t sure where to begin. I highly recommend the audiobook as well, read by Reynolds himself.

(Side note: I watched this keynote address with Reynolds and Kendi which is an excellent primer into the background of how this book came to be. Reynolds is also just very interesting to listen to)

Honorable Mentions aka Books I read in 2020 that were published in previous years again, not ranked because I CAN’T, OKAY

White Is For Witching by Helen Oyeyemi

I read this book and then wanted to go back and read it immediately again, not necessarily because it was so amazing, but because I felt like I would get it even more if I did. This is a haunting little book that took turns I was not expecting, even with the book synopsis I read. It is disturbing and features descriptions of an eating disorder, so proceed with caution. However, if you like Gothic tales of haunted houses and the trauma inflicted on us by those who came before, I can’t recommend this one enough.

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

My last book club read before the pandemic D: We didn’t actually get to meet to discuss this book, but my club (all librarians) were working at our emergency call center at the same time and all reading it, so we KINDA got to discuss it, if not in a formal book club setting. ANYWAY, it’s a thrilling jaunt through 1920s Mexico, following a fantastic Cinderella-esque heroine who makes a deal with a Mayan god to retrieve his body. If you are a fan of the Percy Jackson-brand of mythological adventures, this is definitely one to add to your list, especially if you are looking for something a little bit more Adult.

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker

Okay, I know it’s a young readers/middle grade book, but HEAR ME OUT. This is whimsical and haunting tale about seven little fox kits who set out to scare themselves shitless by hearing scary tales. Only one kit will remain when the night is over, but the one who does will get to hear a surprisingly sweet, and well-earned, happy ending. If you are a Neil Gaiman-esque horror fan, I recommend picking this up. Its scares are fairly scary, especially for its audience, but it’s an engaging story about the lengths we will go for the ones we love.

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

Did someone say Navajo monster-hunting heroine with magic powers navigating a post-apocalyptic world, oh and also saving it??? Look, Maggie is My Kind of Hero, in that she’s damaged, she drinks too much, she’s surly, but she has a seriously gooey heart of gold underneath all that armor. Navajo mythology is woven into this tale of monster-hunting, surviving. If you’re in Supernatural-disappointment-land, maybe give this a try! It has that Western-y, road trip feel to it, and again, I love the lead character. (It also has a currently published sequel and a soon-to-be-released third book as well!)

This is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

This was rec’ed to me by a librarian friend, with the words, “Oh, Liz, you’ll really like this.” And she was RIGHT. Red and Blue are on opposite sides of a war waged across time and decide to send letters to each other, at first, to taunt, but then, to understand, to learn, and to love. The details of the war don’t matter much, but what does matter is the achingly beautiful poetry with which Red and Blue reveal themselves to each other. I was told to listen to this one, but I’m glad I read it myself instead. The prose is very purple at times, and I appreciated being able to go back to passages to reread again and again. Oh, and it’s queer (Red and Blue are both female), and SPOILERS SPOILERS has a happy ending. 

(also there is a wangxian remix for my mdzs buds. and also a semi-officially sanctioned fanfic sequel???? at least amal el-mohtar linked it from goodreads so whoo! also also it’s very funny)

And that’s my Year in Books 2020! Seeing it laid out like this, I had a surprisingly good year for book reading even though I felt like I barely read anything. For awhile, reading was Hard, and I just wanted to consume fluffy, sweet fanfiction, but I’m getting back into it. Oh, and please let me know if you check any of these out!

Here’s to a good year for books in 2021! ✨