#keep calm and love Alan Rickman

[augustheads]

wait!!!!! what if ‘tis the damn season is about emma thompson’s character in Love Actually (2003)

she finds out that her husband (alan rickman’s character) bought a gold necklace for a young secretary at his work. she has a famous scene where she figures this all out and goes by herself to the master bedroom cry silently to blue by joni mitchell to not alarm their kids and try to keep a calm, happy night as it was so close to christmas!

[onlydreamofmysoul]

So this is super off topic of makeup and the amazing discussions going on on your blog but I was wondering how you got into writing and like how you find the inspiration and creativity to write the amazing stories and drabbles that you do? It's super awesome and inspiring and yeah I just was thinking about that and wanted to know. And may I just say that your blog is giving me life rn! I love how it's open for anyone to come and ask and talk and it's incredible!! 💙💙💙

Oh my goodness thank you so so much this really was the nicest thing!!! I’m not even sure how I came into writing I think it was always something I did subconsciously. I have an aunt who would take me to the library every single week without fail and I would get ten books (nearly always Enid blyton again and again and again I was obsessed. I still know the plots of all the famous five by heart and don’t get me started on Mallory towers!) and at night going to bed I would dream up little scenarios I liked or wanted to happen. I also used to do athletics and during cross country season which is just literally what it sounds like, running through fields etc but like, quite long distances and your lungs are burning and your legs are dead (yet I still loved it) and I would dream up head cannons for Percy and Annabeth (they were my first ever ship!)

After that I don’t know. I started reading fanfiction and then I was like hey I could do this! So I did. I started on wattpad (oh my god I found that recently and I cringed so hard) and I moved to AO3 at some point. (That reminds me some of my old fics really need to be touched up cause damn my writing has improved since) I loved English in school. I don’t know if I was good at it because I loved it or if I loved it because I was good at it but I used to actually enjoy writing essays. My mom loves all those pride and Prejudice and sense and sensibility etc movies and I used to watch them with her even when I didn’t have a clue what was happening half the time but I loved them and I still do! I love the books now too. (The pride and Prejudice with Keira knightly dominates and you can’t tell me otherwise. Also Alan rickman was iconic in sense and sensibility)

I’m not sure where I get the inspiration from, just from life in general I think. Cub cuddles was partly inspired by the fact that I too am a light sleeper and often get up before most. Long walk home came literally from a walk I went on earlier that day and I was like wow this is really nice. Sometimes other writing clicks something in my brain. Sometimes I get inspired by TV shows (bake off anyone?) and sometimes it’s just the things that go on in my brain.

This is gonna sound cheesy but I just really like words. I have a quotes on my walls. I have a diary/journal thing. I love the act of physically writing it really calms me. I write handwritten letters to people and I keep any I receive in return safe. This got really really super long but I think this just proves the point that I tend to waffle on instead of giving direct answers 😂😂😂

Thank you so much from your message it was so so lovely and you’re always very welcome to come chat to me some more 💕

[blightfics]

THE THIRD WHEEL CHAPTER 3: In My Heart

Previous Chapter: Her Voice

Next Chapter: More Coming Soon!

Disclaimer:  This story is based from a lot of animes, such as Your Lie in April and Waiting in the Summer. All rights belong to their manga writers and anime adapters.

Author’s Note: If the “Keep reading” doesn’t work, go here for the full post. Since my brother’s drawing monitor is being borrowed by his friend, there won’t be any chapter artworks until some time around March. Italicized narration is told by one of the protagonists, Kyle Collins. And lastly, to pay respects to non-American sports fans, I’m going to call it “football”, not “soccer”.

Tags: @princessstellaris, @mechaspirit, @xo-endlessmayhem-xo, @i-miss-trr, @aquamarvel, @mysteli, @choicesyouplayandmore, @skyila, @brightpinkpeppercorn, @sceptilemasterr, @scgdoeswhat, @endlessly-searching-for-you

Recommended Music: You Exist in Spring (YLiA)

I don’t use the bus on my way to school or back home, but tonight was different. I had to take it because... Vivian needed a helping hand.

Kyle is seated at the back row of the bus and Vivian is seated next to him, with her head laid on his shoulder. She’s fast asleep and her breathing is soft and calm. Kyle smiles at her then looks out the bus window, recounting what happened earlier.

Usually when I see people being sad or crying about something, I do my best to comfort them and help them, at least, smile a little. I don’t want them to end up like me, who has gone far down in despair. But Vivian... she was different. I have to make sure that she always smiles.

Fifteen minutes earlier, Kyle spotted Vivian quietly singing inside the auditorium, with her voice cracking from sadness. Kyle rushed towards the redhead and tried to comfort her.

Kyle: Vivian...?

Vivian turned to Kyle in surprise, with tears.

Vivian: Kyle... 

She wiped her tears.

Vivian: I thought you went home...

Kyle: I had to go to the boys’ restroom first.

Kyle placed a hand on Vivian’s shoulder.

Kyle: Is everything alright...?

Vivian nodded and faked a smile.

Vivian: Yeah...

I know a fake smile when I see one. If Karen and Sam can figure it out, I can do it better.

Kyle tucked a strand of Vivian’s smooth hair behind her ear.

Kyle: No, you’re not, Vivian. I can clearly tell...

Vivian looked at Kyle for a moment before gently tackling him into a tight embrace. Kyle slowly wrapped his arms around the redhead and strokes her smooth hair as she broke down again. 

Vivian: It’s just... 

Kyle: Sshh... You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to yet. When you’re ready, I’ll be there for you.

Vivian nodded and slowly relaxed in Kyle’s arms. After a few seconds, they pulled away and looked into each other’s eyes.

Vivian: Thank you...

Kyle smiled and nodded. He offered his hand.

Kyle: Come on. Let’s get you home.

Vivian smiled sweetly as she took the boy’s hand.

Her touch is just as soft and warm as her embrace. And there it goes again, my fast heartbeat. I did not pay attention to it. I had to bring Vivian home safely. After we held hands, I pulled out my phone and texted Karen that I’m going home late.

After putting his phone away, Kyle looked back at Vivian with a smile before they took off. The boy unlocked his bike from the bike rack and joined the redhead on her way to the bus stop.

Vivian: You don’t have to come with me. I’m fine on my own.

Kyle: I know, but I feel like you needed company.

Vivian giggles.

Vivian: Well, you do give a more positive vibe, Mr. Collins.

Kyle: Pfft, yeah, right...

The two shared a laugh before getting into the bus, bringing them into present time, as Vivian slowly laid her head on Kyle’s shoulder before falling asleep.

A few minutes pass and Vivian wakes up just in time to spot her house from a distance.

Vivian: Oh, we’re here.

She gets up hurries to the front of the bus. Kyle follows while carrying his foldable bike. They step off the bus and stop at the front yard of Vivian’s house. The redhead girl turns to the brunet boy.

Vivian: Thanks, Kyle, for everything you’ve done tonight.

Kyle: I should be thanking you as well. I’ve never smiled genuinely for the past months. Clearly, you’re something special, Vivian.

Vivian blushes and looks away.

Vivian: Y-You really think so...?

Kyle: Yeah. I’m glad to have met you.

Vivian looks at Kyle again as they smile at each other. The redhead walks to her house while waving goodbye towards the boy. Kyle waves back before making his way back home with his bike.

It’s true. She truly was something else, like no other. I want to spend more time with her. I really hope that she was cast as Quinn while I’m cast as Casey. Though I’m not sure as well. Do I... like her...? Well, I’m about to find out soon enough.

Recommended Music: I Shall Appoint Friend A as My Accompanist (YLiA)

Kyle arrives home and sees Karen and Lucas in the dining room, eating dinner.

Kyle: I’m home.

Lucas: Welcome back.

Karen smirks.

Karen: Sooo? How was--

Kyle: Quiet.

Kyle looks unamused towards his sister and takes a seat by the dining table. Karen laughs as she and Lucas continue eating dinner. Kyle joins them and the three shared their stories for the whole day.

Lucas: Glad you’re making progress, Kyle. I’m proud of you and grateful towards Vivian.

Kyle: Thanks.

Karen: Eeek! I’m so excited how this will turn out!

Kyle chuckles at Karen’s excitement but he quickly turns sad.

Kyle: But...

He then tells them about what happened after the audition.

Karen: Oh no...

Lucas: Looks like you’re not the only one going through something, huh?

Kyle: Guess so...

Karen stands up to hug her twin brother while Lucas places a hand on his shoulder.

Lucas: Kyle, don’t forget; there are times where two people are like pieces of a puzzle. They complete each other.

Kyle nods and smiles. The three spend the rest of the night having a great time before going to bed.

Meanwhile, Sam goes home to his house. As he enters, he spots his father on the phone. His father then returns the look.

Sam’s Father: We’ll continue this later, Peter. Goodbye.

Sam’s father drops the call and turns to his son. He greets him with a serious, yet calm tone.

Sam’s Father: Welcome back.

Sam: Hey, dad.

Sam heads to the dining room.

Sam’s Father: Why did you come home late on the first day of class?

The blond boy rolls his eyes.

Sam: We had casting auditions for the city’s Film Festival.

Sam’s Father: What about your football team?

Sam: We had some new members. There’s this particular freshman that caught my attention. He could be a useful goalkeeper to us.

Sam’s father is heard going upstairs.

Sam’s Father: Well as long as this Film Festival and your girlfriend does not disrupt you of your potential, you must win this season’s tournament.

The man then closes the door to his bedroom and Sam grits his teeth in annoyance. The blond boy ends up having a text conversation with Karen to calm himself and feel a bit better. The couple started to plan a sort-of date for Kyle and Vivian on the weekends. This is how the conversation went...

Karen: Btw, I need your help with something. :)

Sam: What’s up? 

Karen: I think we should try to hook Kyle and Vivian up. <3

Sam: Oooh, interesting. I’m all in! :D

Karen: This weekend. I’ll invite Vivian in secret but do NOT tell Kyle about it.

Sam: You can trust me, Dear. <3

Karen: Really? You’re not very good at keeping secrets. -_-

Sam: What do you mean?! o_O

Karen: Kyle’s “surprise” birthday party two years ago? xD

Sam: ...Good point.

Karen: This is serious, Sam. We need to do this for Kyle.

Sam: I promise, Karen. Don’t worry.

Karen: Good. I should be off to bed. We’ll talk more about this tomorrow during lunch break.

Sam: Sure thing. Good night, Karen. I love you. <3

Karen: Good night, Sam. I love you too. XoXo <3

The two set aside their phones and go to sleep soon after.

Recommended Music: Lies & Truth (YLiA)

The next day of school, Karen and Sam lock their bikes on the bike rack and go inside building while Kyle is still locking his bike. The brunet boy finishes but then spots Elizabeth enter the school gate with a sad look on her face. She still hasn’t accepted the fact that Kyle, her crush, might be cast as Casey and Vivian as Quinn. Kyle runs up to Elizabeth.

Kyle: Eli?

The black-haired girl looks up in surprise to see a concerned Kyle in front of her.

Elizabeth: Oh, hey, Kyle...

Kyle: Anything wrong?

Elizabeth tries to wipe any possible tears that might fall from her eyes.

Elizabeth: It’s just... I’m scared that I might not get the part in the film...

Kyle places a reassuring hand on the girl’s shoulder.

Kyle: You’ll get it for sure. Don’t worry.

Elizabeth shakes her head and avoids eye contact.

Elizabeth: That’s not it, Kyle. I might not get the part that I wanted... I might be cast as someone else in the film...

Kyle becomes somber but continues to encourage her.

Kyle: Eli, whatever happens, whatever role you might play as, you have to do your best. There are times that even supporting characters shine than the main character. For example, look at Alan Rickman as Severus Snape in the HP films.

Elizabeth: What do you mean?

Kyle: What I mean is that; even though you may not play as the role you wanted, if you stand out and act with all of your heart, like what the others did yesterday, then you may catch the attention of some people or maybe someone who you want to notice you.

Elizabeth considers Kyle’s words for a moment. Being the shy girl that she is, she’s been having difficulty standing out, especially when Kyle is involved with something she is taking part of. And so, on that day forward, she nods and has decided to break out of her shell and be a better person than she once was. Her first step is a quick, simple but a meaningful one. She takes up the courage to pull Kyle into a tight embrace, something that she was too scared to do. But now that she was given the opportunity and the pep talk required to do so, she did it. Kyle was taken by surprise but soon hugs back his friend.

Kyle: Feeling better now?

Elizabeth: Yes. Thank you, Kyle.

Kyle: You’re welcome, Eli.

The two pull back and smile at each other. Elizabeth runs ahead and waves at Kyle, thanking him once again.

Elizabeth was easier to talk to since her problems aren’t too personal, unlike Vivian’s. That redhead girl always had me curious about her. Though, Elizabeth is just as important to me as any other friend. She may be shy, I can tell that, but she is a good person.

Recommended Music: Scheming Weasel (Kevin MacLeod)

As Kyle enters the school, he spots Karen and Sam having a suspicious conversation. Sam takes a quick glance on Kyle and quickly ends their chat. He gives a quick peck to Karen before going to the gym. Karen turns to see Kyle and just wave at him shyly before rushing to the Story & Film club. Kyle squints his eyes then pulls out his phone. He texts his mentor, Mr. Ross, that he will be late for Arts Club before rushing to the gym. On his way, he texts Max about interrogating Sam for a secret he’s hiding. Mark texts back that he’ll prepare their secret weapon.

Those two are definitely hiding something that will involve me. Whatever it is, it’s something that they’re keeping close to the chest, especially Sam, since he’s not really good at keeping secrets. But getting them out of him isn’t hard. Mark and I have done it before lots of times. And we got just the thing for absolute results.

Kyle arrives at the gym and waves at Mark. Sam spots the brunet boy and tries to make a run for it.

Mark: Danny, get him!

Danny, confused, does what Mark exclaimed without question as he vigorously wraps his arms around Sam, keeping him in place.

Sam: Damn it, Danny! Let me go! That’s an order from your captain!

Kyle: Don’t let him go, Danny. He’s hiding something.

The three boys take the blond boy into the boys’ locker room and have him sit on a bench, with his hands eventually tied up by Mark.

Sam: I’m not gonna tell you anything, Kyle. I promised Karen.

Kyle: I know. Which is why I’m not going to ask anything.

Danny sets an open laptop, with a Youtube Video ready, in front of Sam.

Kyle: I’ll let this video do the talking.

Sam scoffs.

Sam: Whatever you’re trying to do, Collins, it won’t work. I am as tough as an Aggron!

Kyle: Suuuure.

Kyle, along with Mark and Danny, puts on noise-canelling and plays the video.

(Warning: Video can be harmful to most people. Watch at your own risk.)

The second the video starts, Sam’s confident look quickly falters and he starts screaming.

Sam: NO!! ANYTHING BUT THAT!! MAKE IT STOP!!!

Kyle: What?!

Sam tries to run away but Mark keeps him seated.

Sam: ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT!! I’LL TALK!!!

Kyle reads Sam’s lips and grins as he closes the laptop. He, Mark and Danny take off their headphones.

Kyle: Alright, talk.

Sam: ....Karen and I are planning on having you and Vivian go on a...

Kyle: A what?

Sam: ....Some sort of a date....

I fucking knew it! I knew they would do something like this behind my back!

Recommended Music: Summer Sunshine (YLiA)

Kyle remains silent before storming out of the locker room and makes his way towards the Story & Film club. He knocks on the door and Karen walks over to it. She thought it was Elizabeth when she opened it.

Karen: Hey, Eli--

Karen’s eyes widen at the sight of Kyle and screams.

Karen: --EEEEEKK!!!

Kyle: What’s your plan, Sis?

Karen fidgets while she slowly backs away from Kyle.

Karen: Wha... what are you talking about...?

Kyle: Sam told me, Karen.

Karen: ....You know, as much as I love him, I hate him too...

Kyle: I know, full well.

Karen shakes her head and composes herself. She looks at Kyle in a serious manner.

Karen: Sam and I just want you to be happy.

Kyle: What do you mean?

Karen: I can clearly tell, Kyle, from what happened yesterday. You’re starting to like Vivian. She could be THE ONE.

Kyle remains speechless from his sister’s words. He sighs.

Kyle: You really think so?

Karen: I know so.

Kyle takes a seat by the table and thinks about what he’s about to go through.

I didn’t want to rush things yet with Vivian. I was afraid that if I did, she might eventually push me away. But instead, Karen and Sam rushed things for me. If what they say is true, that Vivian is my ‘special someone’... then I’m willing to take this dive to the unknown sea. This time, no more second thoughts.

Kyle turns to Karen.

Kyle: Did you ask her already?

Karen: Not yet...

Karen smiles.

Karen: ...But why don’t you do it yourself?

Kyle’s eyes slightly widen.

Kyle: I...

Karen: If you really like her...

No more second thoughts...

Kyle smiles back and nods. He stands up and rushes out of the club room, trying to look for Vivian.

Meanwhile, on her way to sign up for the Music Club, Vivian is walking in the halls. Suddenly, Kyle steps in front of her and and stops, placing his hands on his knees and panting.

Kyle: Vi...vian...

The redhead girl is startled and looks at Kyle with concern.

Vivian: Kyle? Are you alright?

Kyle takes a moment to breathe and composes himself. He points at Vivian in the same way she did when they first met and smiles.

Kyle: Vivian Richards...

Vivian: Y-Yes...?

Kyle takes a deep breath and, with confidence, he asks the important question.

Kyle: Would you like to go out on a date with me this weekend?

Those very words struck Vivian like Cupid’s arrow as she is left stunned.

I know now what must be done, to see if what I, and my family and friends, think is true; to know if Vivian is the one...

The person who will have a place in my heart...

--End of Chapter--

[tiphprince]

It’s weird because I see that scene brought up so many times as “proof” that Snape is a creep, but... I never saw it like that.

I mean, I don’t see what’s wrong in grieving the death of the one person you ever loved. The Snape in that scene is so overcome with pain, the moment he sees her body he falls down like he’s not even capable of walking anymore.

That’s the level of agony he’s in. His body is shutting down under the weight of his pain, grief and guilt. The only thing that matters is Lily. He doesn’t see Harry, doesn’t hear him, and even if he did he wouldn’t have been able to function enough to even care, let alone do something to help.

Because his reason for living (”I wish I were dead”) is lying lifeless on the floor. In some ways it’s even worse in the context of the movies alone, because for a decade we got used to the emotionless Snape played by Alan Rickman. Up until his death he keeps himself so composed, so calm, that it makes that scene in Godric’s Hollow hit a lot harder. For one scene (and the one after) we’re allowed to finally see Snape as a human being, as someone vulnerable, who was broken by what happened.

People who reduce it to “eW hE HuGgEd A dEaD wOmAn’S bOdY” are idiots.

Although Snape hugging Lily's body is a movie scene and non canon, people often complain about him ignoring a crying Harry in the background. I believe it's likely that Snape cannot see Harry, because the boy was alive and invisible under Fidelius charm.

[the-witch-and-her-husbands]

Night Terrors

Jil actually woke herself up with sobbing her heart out.

A heartbeat later, a pair of strong arms was around her and she was being held tightly to her husband’s chest. She must have woken him. A deep voice purred softly, reassuringly. ‘I’ve got you. It’s okay, baby. I’m here. Shh. I’m here.’

Gradually, she began to calm down as stroked her back and rocked her as if she were one of their boys. She clung to him as if she were drowning at sea and he was the only thing keeping her afloat.

'Alan,’ she managed to choke out at last.

'I’m here. I’ve got you. What’s wrong, baby? Do you want to talk to me about it?’ He continued to scratch her back as he talked.

'It’s just…I had the most horrible dream. But not just the usual one. It was…it was awful.’ She had her abandonment issues, which he was well aware of. Most of her nightmares tended to centre around fears of him leaving her, abandoning her for someone else, someone prettier and more interesting. No matter how many times he tried to reassure her, the feeling just wouldn’t go. But he was a kind and loving husband, so he was happy to reassure her as much as it took.

'Do you want to tell me about it? Maybe I can reassure you, make the nightmare go away, if you tell me what it was about.’ His hand stroked her hair reassuringly.

'Well, for starters…you told me you were…bi. That you were attracted to men, as well as women.’ Her voice was tiny.

'What?!’ He chuckled a little at the absurdity of her statement.

'Yeah. But that wasn’t the worst of it.’ She’d pressed her head so hard against his chest that her voice was muffled.

'What was, then? Talk to me, baby. I’m here for you. You can tell me ANYTHING. I won’t get upset, or judge you. I promise.’ He stuck his hand under her chin and gently pulled her head up so she would have to look him in the eye.

'You…you said you didn’t want to be with me anymore. I think, it’s all so confused in my head. You said that I wanted…wanted sex too much, and you didn’t feel the same way about me as I felt about you. And we had too many children. And you can’t talk to me about anything without me getting upset, and I was stopping you from acting and travelling the world…and it was like…it was like you HATED me. Resented me. And like I don’t love you, like I’m using you and I only want you for sex and babies and to buy me things…and…and…’ And now she was crying too hard to form a coherent sentence.

'Whoa. Jil. Jilomena. Calm down, baby. It’s okay. Calm down.’ He held her close, kissing her forehead and her cheeks and her eyebrows and her nose, trying to reassure her.

Gradually, she began to quieten down again. 'That was part of it,’ she mumbled. 'You never wanted to kiss me or be affectionate.’

'Well, I’m kissing you now, so you KNOW that’s not true,’ he murmured softly as he continued to cover her face in delicate little kisses. 'None of it is. Not a little bit of it. None. I love you. You’re my girl. My one and only. I love you to tiny little pieces, and I love our boys. I don’t regret a single one of them, including the precious life you’re carrying in your precious body right now. All I have to do is take a look at you, and baby, you take my breath away. No, I don’t want you as much as I did when I first laid eyes on you…I want you even MORE. Baby, I’m amazed by you. And I’m never going to leave you. Never, ever. You’re never. Getting. Rid. Of. Me.’ Each of these last words was punctuated by a kiss.

'Honestly?’ She snaked a tentative hand into his hair, eyes streaked with tears as she searched his face for the truth.

'Honestly honestly. I love you…so much. But I am annoyed about one thing.’ He raised an eyebrow as he looked at her.

'What’s that?’ Her voice was tiny and she looked scared half to death.

'You’ve forced my hand. I wanted to surprise you over dinner one night. Hold on. I’m only going into the wardrobe, I’ll be right back, I SWEAR.’ With kisses and promises he extricated himself from her arms and walked into the wardrobe.

He came back a moment later bearing a small black velvet box. He helped her to sit up, and handed it to her. 'Next year, we’ll be married thirty years. And I know you want us to renew our vows.’ He opened the box with her, which contained a gorgeous round-cut diamond in a twisted platinum setting comprised of smaller diamonds. It was truly stunning as it sparkled in the dim light. He got down on one knee next to the bedside, and took her hands in his. 'Jilomena Rickman. Will you marry me…again?’

She was crying too hard to speak, but nodded and threw her arms around his neck by way of reply.

'I take it that’s a yes?’ he chuckled, holding her tight.

'Yes! Yes!’ she managed to choke out at last.

Eventually, she loosened her grip so he could slip the ring onto her right hand.

A perfect fit, and now a ceremony to look forward to, as well as a new baby.

She was almost glad for the dream, since it had led to his proposal.

Almost.

[anyorderofus]

I prefer the film

Hello everybody and welcome to Sunday(’s blog).

Hope you have had lovely, sunny weeks. If not, hopefully, we can shed some light on this week’s week with our blog. 

No? No matter we suppose...we’ll be back next week with: Polls.

For now, enjoy. After all, both blogs have a mention of Harry Potter this week. 

Alexandra & Nico|Nico & Alexandra 

ALEXANDRA

Hello everyone. I have decided this week, to talk in a little detail – or as much detail as 500 words will allow – about a film I liked more than the book on which it was based, one I liked a lot less and one that I liked just the same. I wonder if you’ll agree/disagree/not give a flying pickle.

The film I liked less than the book

This is probably the easiest of the three to think about. Dare I say most books are better than their cinematic successors but of course opinions differ. My key example for this point is Harry Potter. You might have heard of him.

Now, I am a MASSIVE Potterhead. I love and quote the films more than the next bloke and I like them as an aside to the (perfect) books but they just miss out so much detail. They’re even guilty of making some bits up and putting them in in place of arguably better bits from the books.

Little makes me more cringe more than watching the eyes of a so-called ‘massive Harry Potter fan’ glaze over when you mention names like Ludo Bagman, Teddy Lupin or Cousin Barney Weasley. It’s okay if you have only seen the films – but don’t lie about it!

The film I liked just as much as the book

Because some films and books are just as good (or bad) as each other. I think, judging by the examples I thought of with this particular category in mind, this is due to the screenplays being written by the original book authors. Stephen Chbosky wrote the screenplay and book of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and I – happy to be corrected – have struggled to find many differences between the two. I really like the two too.

I’m not suggesting that everyone who writes a book and then a screenplay version is guaranteed a success; it is a very different skill, writing the detail required by a novel VS the scraped back, ‘show, don’t tell’ technique more suited to screenwriting. Perhaps it is the magic that seeps through, into a screenplay, that comes from the original creator having a greater agency over an original story.

The film I liked more than the book

Yes. It’s rare but it has happened. I couldn’t tell you why but I remember really liking the film, The Reader – the one with Kate Winslet – but being sadly disappointed by the book which I think I read after watching the film. Maybe I just needed to see her in the role to ‘get it’?

I do think reading a book after seeing the film version offers up a risk. I remember taking ages to read one particular book involving a tiger and a boat after seeing the film although this, arguably introduces another category: The film I disliked the same amount as I couldn’t be bothered with the book.

I just didn’t have enough words to include much detail to that category.

NICO

Here’s a brief quiz on a couple of situations when this might be said by you or someone else and how you should handle it. Answers at the bottom. Remember, don’t peek. If the lads from Brokeback Mountain can’t get away with cheating, neither can you!!

1. You mention Hitman, Assassin’s Creed, Max Payne (or Metal Gear Solid if you live in the future) in conversation and someone who doesn’t know a DualShock from a JoyStick utters it in a ‘I don’t have time for video games kind of way’. Do you:

A. Ask why and await the ill-informed response.

B. Smuggly talk in l33t speak with any other gamers in the room for the rest of the night whilst laughing nasally and huddling with your heads too close together secretly worrying who will get septic arthritis in their fingers first, lost to a fate of watching YouTube playthroughs for the rest of their days.

C. Remain calm and explain that a long form immersive experience where the audience member is an active participant as opposed to a passive observer can often be the most effective way of telling a fuller fleshed out story where the viewer ends up feeling more involved and therefore takes away more from the experience of being part of an original idea than they might from watching a film that acts as a marketing tool for a corporation relying on the popularity of an existing product to boost cinema ticket sales and company stock prices.

2. You’ve just seen the local amateur dramatic group stutter and mug their way through Trainspotting, A Clockwork Orange, or One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (they did an episode of Only Fools and Horses last year and wanted to do something with more female characters). You’re in the pub with them afterwards do you:

A. Be ‘that person’ and say ‘I prefer the film’ just to wait for the reaction.

B. Accept it’s a bit of harmless fun and a great way to get people together and celebrate a great piece of literature as well as inspire new audience members to seek out and explore the classic cinema counterparts.

C. Run home as fast as you can and watch said titles over and over and over and over again until you’ve completely erased any memory of Begbie being played by a BTECer with a fake moustache, a director acting like “Clockwork” is a bold choice in 2017 or somebodies elderly mother playing the part of Chief Bromden because she already had ‘the hair’ and owned enough nighties to use as hospital gown costumes.

3. Somebody mentions Harry Potter books, someone else says ‘I prefer the films’. Do you:

A. Do nothing. They’re dead to you.

B. Check they’ve actually read them by asking what their favourite thing about Ludo Bagman is.

C. Keep a very cool head and use it to turn the conversation to appreciating Alan Rickman.

Answers!

1. C

2. B

3. C, he was amazing.

[seven-oomen]

Vrolijk kerstfeest, Ben!  (If Google wasn’t lying to me anyway…)  I hope your headache has gone away, and you are feeling a bit better.  Congratulations on finding a new binder, and I hope you absolutely love it when you get it!  (Also, super awesome that it’s multi-purpose/use!)  (Sorry, if I’m a bit less coherent here, I’ve had wine. ;D )

Those two most recent texts were hysterical and totally the kind of thing I’d expect from those two.

I wasn’t actually at my parent’s too long, because it’s a little too small to properly distance, and I cannot get my dad to wear a mask at home for anything (I did, and my mom will because she knows it makes me more comfortable.)  I mean, yeah, we’re all essential workers so we’re all already at risk, but still.  And normally it’s not too bad now that I don’t live at home.  My dad and I are very good at irritating the crud out of each other (my mom insists it’s because we’re too much like.)  Basically I was only there long enough to exchange and open presents, and pick up my share of the Chinese takeout we ordered, because I wasn’t going to eat around them.

After I got back home, I started working my way through some of the holiday movies I’ve been meaning to watch.  I came to the conclusion that the DILFs totally consider watching Die Hard a holiday tradition.  Chris enjoys the over-the-top 80s style action in the way only someone who likes to dual-wield Desert Eagles can, Noah enjoys that it’s a cop with an actually realistic body-type that saves the day, and Peter enjoys that he gets villainous Alan Rickman and shirtless Bruce Willis in the same film.  It’s a win-win for everybody, really.  XD  Even the kids are into it (though Ben’s still a little young, so they have to wait until he’s gone to bed to watch it.)

And oh, my gosh, that new preview is adorable!!!  I cannot WAIT until you decide the chapter is ready!  Also, “good” is an entirely subjective value.  I’ve loved every preview you’ve posted so far, who cares what some stuffy academic type may or may not think of it?

I would totally be down for a what if type thing where John survives the fire in OUAT.  What if Laura and Derek had had someone there that could have made them stay?  What if Peter had actually had his alpha near while he was healing?  What if Noah had had someone to turn to who understood what all they’d all lost?  What if John had figured out what happened to Derek then, instead of years later?  So many ways things could have gone.  

And he would absolutely love to embarrass the shit out of them as often as he could.  Being an obnoxious little shit as a love language runs in the family after all.  XD

I’m glad he likes the bowtie, because it really is super cute.  When it slides around to the side it just becomes a gift wrap bow.  XD

To answer your question, I think most of my fellow Millenials that I know have printers?  (But then most of my friends are techie types)  In theory I do as well, however, there isn’t a spot big enough to set it up safely in my apartment right now, so it’s still in a box at my parent’s house.

I hope that your day is calm, and peaceful, and as free of unwanted memories as you can manage.  If you’re still feeling the Hallmark vibe, I wrote a short little piece of pure, saccharine, schmaltzy fluff while wine tipsy and posted it anyway, because it was a holiday story (I didn’t quite manage to get it out before midnight, since it’s set on Christmas Eve, but ah well.  I was close.)  Enjoy if you’re still feeling it, hopefully it’s decent.  XD  (Enjoy your ton of cookies, too!)  Sending you all the best vibes for getting comfortably through the day!  Take care!  *Hugs!*

Google wasn’t lying to you! That does mean merry Christmas and it’s also spelled correctly! Nice! 

Other things you can wish people during holiday season is; fijne feestdagen (happy holidays) and a goed uiteinde (Good year’s end).

And I don’t mind at all. I probably should have been drinking the last couple of days but didn’t because I didn’t want to strengthen my bad memories. 

Right now I’m sitting on the floor in front of my couch, watching Mo sleep on my couch and my god it’s the sweetest thing ever.

I also keep forgetting what I’m talking about, but I’m gonna try and write some anyway.

I came to the conclusion that the DILFs totally consider watching Die Hard a holiday tradition.  Chris enjoys the over-the-top 80s style action in the way only someone who likes to dual-wield Desert Eagles can, Noah enjoys that it’s a cop with an actually realistic body-type that saves the day, and Peter enjoys that he gets villainous Alan Rickman and shirtless Bruce Willis in the same film.  It’s a win-win for everybody, really.  XD  Even the kids are into it (though Ben’s still a little young, so they have to wait until he’s gone to bed to watch it.)

Oh my heart, that’s such a sweet idea and yeah- I can totally see them watch that movie with the kids every year. Ben sneaks down to watch it too even though he’s too young. But nothing really phases him it seems so once they realize he’ll keep coming back they let him stay.

But yeah I love this idea so much, it made me grin like an idiot.

I would totally be down for a what if type thing where John survives the fire in OUAT.  What if Laura and Derek had had someone there that could have made them stay?  What if Peter had actually had his alpha near while he was healing?  What if Noah had had someone to turn to who understood what all they’d all lost?  What if John had figured out what happened to Derek then, instead of years later?  So many ways things could have gone.  

And he would absolutely love to embarrass the shit out of them as often as he could.  Being an obnoxious little shit as a love language runs in the family after all.  XD

So many good questions, I will definitely write these down and keep it in mind for when I write an ‘what if’ spin off to this series. Also, I would love to see John whooping Gerard’s ass for everything he’s done. I normally don’t conconde grandpa on grandpa violence, but for this one, I’ll make an exception.

My brain’s a bag of cats today, probably considering the time of year and all, so I’m gonna keep it shorter than I would normally. But I just want to say I hope you had a good time this Christmas and I hope you’re safe and doing okay.

Take care B! <3 All the love and hugs, me and Mo.

[daleisgreat]

Die Hard

Now, now, do not act surprised to see an entry devoted to the iconic 1988 action film, Die Hard (trailer) as Christmas draws near. It has been long debated among film fans that if Die Hard is truly a Christmas movie or merely a film that takes place at Christmas. I feel that it is both. Nearly the entire feature focuses around a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Building where sinister German terrorists headed up by one Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) seize control of the building and attempt to penetrate its vaults filled with countless riches. The film’s cast is consistently humming/singing Christmas songs throughout and there is various Christmas lingo and jargon peppered in throughout. Protagonist and NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) who is assisted by the affable,Twinkie-loving LAPD officer Winslow….er I mean officer Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) are among those belting out Christmas tunes and references throughout and both are endlessly fun to root for throughout Die Hard’s just over two hour runtime. I have an odd history with the Die Hard films. I was always aware of the initial trilogy being much-revered action films, but until last year, yes 2017, I did not get around to watching them until I mentioned that fact to a friend and we then proceeded to knock them out over that summer. I did see the fourth and fifth films when they hit theaters this century, and while Live Free or Die Hard was solid, I very much detested A Good Day to Die Hard and it soured me on the series….until watching the initial trilogy last year turned me back on to the series (minus Die Harder anyways). I loved the first movie so much that earlier this year it wound up being the first movie I picked up on 4K BluRay! I do not have a 4K TV, but it was the only version Target had when I went there to get it, and that version came with a regular BluRay that I was thrilled to make use of yesterday as the final film in a six-movie Christmas marathon with friends this past weekend. I could not think of a better Christmas film to finish off the night with!

Part of me is still surprised I came out of the original Die Hard such a big fan knowing all the high critical acclaim and praise for it going in. I had no choice but to go in with high expectations and that usually comes back to bite me when I am late to the party to a much-buzzed about movie. Longtime readers here probably know I am a sucker for the cliché 80s and 90s action movies, both of high and low budget fares. It only helps that Die Hard was a pioneer for establishing a specific formula of action films where a big gang of thugs/terrorists (of whom almost all have their own unique personalities, moments and even are named throughout the film other than the typical ‘terrorist #6’) overtake a high-stakes building with many hostages and leaves it up to a low-level everyman cop to overcome the odds and slowly work his way through the lower tiered terrorists before having a climactic clash with the ringleader of the pack. Top if off with countless well-produced exchanges of gunfire, explosions, epic stunts and plenty of time to space in moments of character development for Powell, Gruber and McClane that includes classic one-liners that I do not need to remind you of because they are repeated ubiquitously to this day.

Another reason why the first Die Hard is special that is lost in most of the other installments other than With a Vengeance is that McClane takes a beating throughout the film. Taking out Gruber’s goons has taken a toll on him as McClane is a bloody, limping mess by the final act which resulted in me getting behind him even more as he worked his way up Nakatomi Tower. McClane’s relationship with Powell helping him on the outside of the tower is also fantastic to see unfold throughout as Powell represents the viewer at home constantly in McClane’s ear through the CB radio encouraging him to keep hanging in there and how everyone is rooting for him down there despite those pesky FBI officials attempts to interfere. It all culminates in a great payoff towards the finale where McClane has a personal exchange with Powell earlier that foreshadows Powell overcoming his personal demons and taking justice into his own hands! The final reason why Die Hard lived up to the hype for me is that it has one of the quintessential villains in Hans Gruber. Alan Rickman delivered a masterful performance as this antagonist who remains cool, confident and calm throughout no matter what obstacles McClane overcomes to attempt to thwart his heist. He has a few classic moments throughout which shows how ruthless he is to get the prize he desires. Much like McClane interacting with Powell, watching Gruber command his troops and maintain order amongst McClane’s chaos is an irresistible force to get swept up in. If I were to relate this to sports it would be like McClane representing the weakened and throttled underdog team late in a game overcoming insurmountable odds to make an unbelievable comeback to defeat the heavily-favored competitor.

I cannot attest for how great the 4K UHD looks because I do not have a 4K TV, but the BluRay still looks stunning in HD….for a remastered film from 1988 that is. Other than that there is a smattering of extra features available. There are eight minutes of newscasts scenes taken from the film and also contain unused newscast updates and outtakes from the anchors in a nice extra. There is a ten minute slide show of stills and production shots and a ton of trailers. The only standout extras are ‘subtitle commentary’ from various cast and crew members and feature-length audio commentary with director John McTiernan and production designer Jackson DeGovia. The subtitle track is similar to pop-up factoid tracks I have seen in other films, but it is better at having a constant flow of quotes from the cast and crew relative to the scene playing. Watching the subtitle track along with the audio commentary was a vastly insightful experience. McTiernam and DeGovia have a lot of nonstop facts and stories from the production with some highlights being callbacks to props used in their other films, making the heavies stand out by intentionally casting European models to portray the goons and McTeirnan explaining how the ideal movie shoot is done in under 80 days and how he was doomed for going over that like he did with Last Action Hero. Die Hard easily ranks among one of my all time favorite action films. That is not nostalgia talking either because as I stated earlier, even though 2018 is the 30th anniversary of Die Hard, I did not watch it for the first time until last year. For a movie that old to be that timeless, especially in a genre where special effects goes a long way in proving how special Die Hard truly is. Regardless of whether you have seen this Bruce Willis classic countless times or never before, go out of your way to watch it now and show to your friends how it is the perfect Christmas movie! Other Random Backlog Movie Blogs 3 12 Angry Men (1957) 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown 21 Jump Street Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie Atari: Game Over The Avengers: Age of Ultron Batman: The Killing Joke Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Bounty Hunters Cabin in the Woods Captain America: Civil War Captain America: The First Avenger Captain America: The Winter Soldier Christmas Eve Clash of the Titans (1981) Clint Eastwood 11-pack Special The Condemned 2 Countdown Creed Deck the Halls Dredd The Eliminators The Equalizer Dirty Work Faster Fast and Furious I-VIII Field of Dreams Fight Club The Fighter For Love of the Game Good Will Hunting Gravity Guardians of the Galaxy Hercules: Reborn Hitman Indiana Jones 1-4 Ink The Interrogation Interstellar Jobs Joy Ride 1-3 Man of Steel Man on the Moon Marine 3-6 Metallica: Some Kind of Monster Mortal Kombat National Treasure National Treasure: Book of Secrets The Replacements Reservoir Dogs Rocky I-VII Running Films Part 1 Running Films Part 2 San Andreas ScoobyDoo Wrestlemania Mystery The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Shoot em Up Steve Jobs Source Code Star Trek I-XIII Take Me Home Tonight TMNT The Tooth Fairy 1 & 2 UHF Veronica Mars Vision Quest The War Wild Wonder Woman The Wrestler (2008) X-Men: Days of Future Past

[badwolf1988-blog]

Once Upon a Time in London: Chapter Eighteen

Disclaimer: With Arms Wide Open is copyright © Creed. I make no claims of ownership because I've heard their lead singer is a whack job.

The next day, Charlie and Tom did all the touristy things that were expected of a newlywed couple visiting Paris. They went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was beautiful – you could see a great deal of the city of love from the top – but it was also bitterly cold. After only ten minutes at the top, they had both lost feeling in their faces and been forced back down to ground level least they got frost bite. From there, they went shopping – which also didn't last very long because shopping wasn't shopping that either one of them particularly enjoyed. Tom was a typical guy and Charlie had just never been girly in that way. When Carly would drag her on shopping trips when they were teenagers it was always like a lesson in torture for her. They had only enjoyed visiting one shop – a boutique that sold baby clothes. Charlie would admit that they both went a little nuts when they found a rack containing sarcastic and funny onesies. Their unborn child now had an extensive collection with sayings such as: Resisting A Rest, I Crawl the Line, and Daddy, Keep Calm and Call Mommy. Charlie had hidden the onesie that she bought that was printed with the Slytherin House crest on the back and an image of Alan Rickman's Snape on the front to surprise Tom with in the event their baby was a boy.

It really took Charlie aback that she was getting so into the idea of being a mother. It was never something that she had wished for in her life and now that her child was a reality she wondered why. Pregnancy, while uncomfortable and, at times, very annoying was a beautiful, magical experience. The idea that her body was playing host to another soul, a soul that she and Tom had created out of (drunken) love, boggled her mind and felt very empowering.

“What are you thinking about?”

They were back in their room, curled up together on the small loveseat as Tom's phone played a 90's rock station on Pandora.

“How much I enjoy being pregnant.” She answered as she cuddled into his shoulder.

“Noted,” Tom placed his hand on her swollen stomach (it seemed like she had woken up the other day and it had popped out over night). “To keep you happy, keep you preggers.”

Charlie laughed and smacked his stomach playfully as she felt a small fluttering feeling (like a loose butterfly) in her stomach. When Tom started a bit, she looked up at him. “Did you just feel that too?”

He nodded and grinned. “Was that the baby?”

“I think so,” She nodded and giggled. “It seems like he or she already knows their Daddy's voice and was hello.”

Tom pulled away from her and leaned down to her belly, “Hey, there, little one. We're looking forward to meeting you. Just do your old man a favor and don't come out acting like any character that I have ever played...you're mummy is an amazing woman who in no way deserves that.”

Charlie ran her fingers through his hair as he continued his little conversation with their baby and Creed was serenading them with the perfect song for the moment.

“Well, I just heard the news today.

It seems my life is going to change.

I close my eyes, begin to pray,

Then tears of joy stream down my face...

With arms wide open,

Under the sunlight,

Welcome to this place,

I'll show you everything,

With arms wide open,

With arms wide open.

Well, I don't know if I'm ready,

To be the man I have to be.

I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side,

We stand in awe, we've created life...”

As the song ended, so did the conversation between father and baby. Tom placed a gentle kiss on her bump before moving back up to look in her eyes. “Thank you, angel.” Was all he said before capturing her lips with his own.

CHAPTER INDEX

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[itsiotrecords-blog]

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Whether we mean to or not, we probably all spend way too much time looking at and reading about viral pictures on the internet. We’ll be sitting at our desks and relaxing on our lunch breaks and decide to take out our phones and look at our Facebook and Twitter accounts — “just for a minute,” we all tell ourselves (as we bold-facedly lie to ourselves). Then we see some outrageous picture and cannot manage to rip our eyes from it. “Is that Bigfoot?” “Who is that with Marilyn Monroe?” “THERE IS NO WAY THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CATCH THAT BEAR!” Much to our annoyance (and sometimes displeasure, or relief, or frustration), many of these pictures are fakes. They’re often real pictures that have been doctored in some way, filters or angles making things look more real than they truly were, or digital editing software making us all the butt end of a practical joke. Over the years of phony photos populating our social media accounts, some of us have come to believe that any picture we scroll through — unless it has our close friends in it — is probably a fake. But that’s not fair either because many of the pictures we’re seeing are incredibly real; we’re just too skeptical to believe that an awesome photographer caught the perfect picture at just the right moment. So let’s clear some of the fog and call them out, once and for all. Here are 20 popular viral photos, both the fake and the real:

#1 REAL This picture is very real, and we love that it went viral. It’s a picture of a window washer at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital giving a little fist bump to a kid that certainly needs it, no matter what’s gotten him stuck inside. These photos started going viral a few years ago when a window washer dressed up for Halloween and gave all the kids inside a magical experience. Ever since then, window washers have been teaming up to make lives a little bit brighter for children stuck in hospital rooms. How cool is it to see Spiderman or Captain America or Superman just outside your window? Even if you were mortally ill, you couldn’t help but smile a bit at these ordinary heroes! Here’s to the window washers all over the world who’ve become copycats to the original superhero window washer, making children smile one hospital room window at a time.

#2 FAKE Just as a blanket statement: you aren’t going to be seeing a whole lot of new pictures of Marilyn Monroe. In case you didn’t know, Marilyn’s not really modeling anymore — mostly because she died a long time ago. Most of her work has been out there for years and seen by millions over and over again. So if you’re seeing a new picture of Marilyn Monroe for the very first time, odds are that it’s fake. Same goes for Elvis Presley. So when everyone saw this picture of the two together, chilling on a rooftop, they should have immediately questioned its authenticity. Two photos were mashed together in a good, but not overwhelmingly believable composition, though it would be really cool to think of the two of these crazy kids just savoring the city air and kicking back between living the high life. Just because it’s in black and white doesn’t mean it’s real!

#3 REAL Yes. That is indeed a bear falling from a tree. When the picture was released, everyone immediately thought that it was a fake. To be fair, it did look like someone just photoshopped a picture of a bear into a normal shot of police officers standing around and looking at something. A really lazy photoshopper, too — it looks like there was a picture of a bear standing upright that was shrunken down and tilted diagonally. Well, sadly, this is a real picture! A wild bear had wandered into the suburbs and animal control was called in, shortly followed by police. The bear had retreated into a tree because it was scared, but of course, they couldn’t allow it to stay there. Animal control shot a tranquilizer at the bear and, when he could no longer resist sleep, he fell from the tree onto a giant mat. The bear was taken back into the wilderness and lived on to grumble about us lousy humans.

#4 FAKE Really, guys? Did you not know that this one was a fake? To be fair, the picture itself is real. To the keen eye, it kind of looks like the picture was photoshopped and like the image on the left side of the sign was conveniently pressed up against the image on the right side, just well enough to match the body up at the waist. But the picture is real! However, it was crazy staged! It was taken to commemorate the many criminals who have met this sort of fate. The picture was taken long ago, back in 1939 — way before people were talking about building giant walls and making those we were keeping out pay for it. It was also taken to discuss how problematic the border is between El Paso and Juarez. Imagine how much more problematic that border will be if we have an 18-foot high wall separating the United States from Mexico…

#5 REAL This adorably sad picture is, to our disappointment, real. It’s a picture that a nanny took one sad day when she wanted to take one of her toddlers to the zoo. Back in 2013, we suffered a government shutdown that really gave a scare to almost everyone in the United States. Everything closed, from post offices to museums to zoos. This nanny wasn’t aware of the closures, and this child was so horribly disappointed that he climbed onto the gates of the Smithsonian zoo and hoped that maybe, just maybe, if he looked pitiful enough, someone would come and let him in. No one did, and the picture caught fire and spread around the internet with people asking to “please open the government again.” Funny how people value government so much, but only when it goes away or stops providing their many services.

#6 REAL Teeheehee. It would be a darn shame if this picture weren’t real. It’s just so cute and innocent and ridiculous that it would have been such a grand disappointment if someone had just messed with the child’s face! But NOPE! This picture is of a mega-excited little girl who has just spent so much time blowing bubbles and is overwhelmingly excited to move on to the next thing. The picture caught fire on the internet for no good reason. She’s just so adorably excited, and her little chubby grin is too much to resist. The picture quickly became a target of memes everywhere for all trollers, with captions running across it like “GOTTA GET BREAD AND MILK, IT’S GONNA SNOW,” “IT’S BLACK FRIDAY, I NEED PRINGLES,” “DALLAS COWBOYS BE LIKE RUN, THE EAGLES ARE COMING,” “REALIZING THERE ARE MORE TOASTER STRUDELS,��� and our current personal favorite, “BETTER RUN, HERE COMES JOSH DUGGAR!”

#7 FAKE Okay. We need to talk about this one. For a lot of reasons. Alan Rickman, who played Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movie series, passed away not too long ago. He was such a beloved member of the cast and of the series that his death hit all of his fans hard. If you were a fan of either the books or movies, you likely remember these quotes, and you might want to tear up at how sweet and beautiful they are. But don’t. Because Alan never said this. A Tumblr user, mypatronusisyou123437597309, actually posted a variation of the quote in July of 2010, and in 2016, when the supposed Rickman quote went viral, she clarified that she really was the source of the quote. That Rickman said it is a load of crap.

#8 FAKE What did we say about Marilyn Monroe pictures? If you’ve never seen it before, that’s probably because it’s a new picture — and if it’s a new picture, it’s a fake picture. This photo was edited in the exact same way that the last photo featuring Marilyn Monroe with Elvis Presley was, and it, hilariously enough, even used a picture from the same series of those taken of Marilyn that the last fake photo poster used! SHE’S WEARING THE SAME DRESS! This doctor of photography was even lazier than the last, simply pasting a picture of James Dean from East of Eden over Marilyn’s original photo. Cute to think that these young troubled souls were smoking and drinking away their problems atop skyscrapers in The Big Apple together, and maybe they were, but this picture is certainly no evidence of that. You can never trust an unfamiliar Marilyn Monroe picture…

#9 REAL Yes, this absolutely hilarious picture of a dog playing underwater is real! Photographer Seth Casteel is a real dog lover and has already made a living for himself taking pictures of pups and other animals and pets. But he had an extra special creative idea: to wait underwater while dogs jumped into swimming pools, chasing after toys or treats or just excited to take a dip, then to take snapshots of the goobers upon entry to the water. And the reactions he got were priceless! He released a book containing the photo series called Underwater Dogs and has gotten even more money since the series went absolutely viral. There were some adorably hilarious pups that he managed to capture on camera, and for that, we thank him, his underwater camera, and his impeccable timing. But someone get this dog a towel and a big treat for his hard day of work!

#10 FAKE Not so real: this gentleman’s guide to amputation. This viral picture of an 1800s poster was released not too long ago when the craze of gentlemanly behavior (including ridiculous mustaches, odd facial hair, and weird facial hair care products were blowing up the market) was just getting going. The picture depicts a step by step guide on how to amputate a limb, including two calm gentlemen sawing off an arm like it’s just another day at work. After the men finish severing the limb from one man’s body, the two share a glass of brandy in celebration of their accomplishment. Well, of course, the poster is fake. Turns out, it was someone’s school project (what kind of school are they going to?), and someone spread it around as if it were authentically from the civil war era. Though we’re relieved to hear it’s a joke, we also kind of want to hang it in every doctor’s office…

#11 REAL This viral picture went all over the internet shortly after one of the biggest missions of the Obama Administration was completed: the takedown of Osama Bin Laden. Some people guessed that the photo was a fake when they initially saw it because rarely are the president, the vice president, and the secretary of state all in the same room — what if something were to happen that took all three out of commission? Fortunately, nothing of that nature happened, and we all had huge reasons to celebrate that evening. However, before we were parading through the streets with American flags waving and cheers abounding, these White House officials were all crowding around a table, awaiting what would either be a wonderful evening of victory or a tragic failure of the administration. The victory was one of the proudest moments of the Obama administration, alongside the passing of the affordable care act and all of the wonderful advancements made on addressing pollution and global climate change.

#12 FAKE Obama’s administration has been succeeded by the Trump administration — though we’ve got our strong opinions on the matter, we’ll just say that the two administrations are VERY different. When Trump was running for office against Hillary Clinton, America was very divided (edit: America is still divided over the issue to this day). There were rallies in support of candidates and against others, and many times, these rallying groups collided, and things got a little physical. One Trump supporter posted this picture saying that “loving and docile democrats assailed a Trump supporter, causing this damage.” Well, not only was this supporter a liar — he or she was also a lazy and bad liar. This picture is of actress Samara Weaving, who starred in the show Ash vs. Evil Dead and was only taking a picture of herself in makeup for the show. Once the photo was unveiled as a fake, the Trump supporters got harangued for lying, abusing social media, and perpetuating fake news.

#13 REAL This must be one of the funniest pictures of the transition between the Obama and Trump administrations. In fact, it was SO funny that a lot of us didn’t believe that it could be real at first. The photo was released right after President Obama had a meeting with his soon-to-be-successor, Donald Trump. Obviously, Barack was pulling for Hillary Clinton in the election: he loudly supported her campaign and even trash-talked Trump a bit to try to get his point across. Well… things didn’t work out the way he’d liked. At all. And in this picture, where Obama is pretty much forced to shake the hand of a man he doesn’t trust, doesn’t like, and doesn’t have faith in, Barack could not hide just how much he hated everything. But at least his expression is better than Donald’s — it’s not an arm-wrestling contest, Trump.

#14 FAKE So, we’ll admit — this one is a bit of a cheat. This is one of those pictures that borders on meme because the picture itself means very little — the wording on it says a lot, though. Very recently, this picture surfaced and spread around the internet like wildfire. It’s a quote from Thomas Jefferson saying, “The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.” Yeah, okay… except Thomas Jefferson never said that. Actually, Jeffersonian scholars say there’s no record of him ever saying ANYTHING like that and that if this quote were actually from anyone famous, it’s really a loose translation of an Ayn Rand quote!

#15 REAL This is no statue, this is no piece of art, and this is no demonstration — this is a nightmare, a tragedy, and a sadness to anyone with a heart. This is a real live dog from Argentina that was doused in tar by abusive humans. Two young boys found the pitiful pup in this state and took him home, carefully cleaning and scouring the dog until the tar was removed. The dog has indeed been restored to health and is now a proud pet of good owners, but the world shuddered in horror as we saw what sick and horrible people can do to innocent and harmless animals. How could anyone deign to commit such a horrible act to something so kind and small and pure? It was just another example of how cruel this world can be and how people can be cruel in either grand measures or in tiny and seemingly unimportant cases.

#16 FAKE Donald Trump and his supporters are… well, let’s just say that there has never been anyone quite like him. A lot of nasty things have been said at Trump rallies by fans, supporters and the big boss himself. But we have to be honest, and so do you: Trump supporters are humans, too, with consciences and reasons behind their logic and hopes and dreams. Remember when Trump supporters posted that fake picture of a woman getting beaten up by Clinton supporters? Well, this was essentially retaliation from the Clinton side. The third woman from the left was wearing a shirt that said “GREAT,” not “WHITE.” But it was so easy to photoshop the photo that we really are not surprised someone did. Everyone bought the fake picture for a while, but come on — nobody is that cruel, right? Maybe they’re bigots that are thinking that, but no one would get shirts for that…

#17 REAL Could this actually be a picture of two of our all-time heroes talking philosophically, sharing their wisdom and experiences? Or is it just two pictures of these amazing men doctored and brought together like the many pictures of Marilyn Monroe with Elvis Presley and James Dean were? Most people thought that the latter was the more believable response in this case, but this picture is actually real! Leonardo is very passionate about the effects and impacts of climate change, which was one of Barack Obama’s greatest concerns while in office. After Leonardo made an address on the lawn of the White House, the two had long conversations about what had to be done, what could be done, and how soon we could do it. They spent a long time talking about these topics, proving just how amazing both of these guys are.

#18 FAKE Last year (actually, almost exactly a year ago — how crazy is that?), this picture was posted by a man as he was road-tripping through Canada. He was a United States citizen, and even though the U.S. is getting a lot better about cutting down on homophobia, we have a long way to go before LGBTQ+ issues are commonly accepted and not constantly labeled and harassed and attacked. So, as this fellow was driving through the gorgeous Canadian countryside, he paused when he saw a baby moose on the side of the road. Adorable! But also a great photoshop opportunity… he easily pasted a LGBTQ+ Pride flag in the photo, and everyone lost their minds over this adorable baby moose that was concerned about topical social issues. Almost everyone could spot that it was a fake pretty early on, since it was such a simple editing job… but darn it all; it was so dang cute.

#19 REAL What are we even looking at here? A weird statue of a man? Why is his face like that? Is this an ice sculpture in a lake? Forget it, we’re bored and confused. Scroll away, scroll away… Actually, this picture is real, and it’s one of the most gorgeous feats we’ve ever seen. The picture was taken by a photographer named Francois-Xavier Marit, who was waiting underwater as Olympic athletes in Rio were taking their dives into the water. He perfectly caught Britain’s Thomas Daley as he entered the water and began to push the water away from him before reemerging to the surface. Look: his feet haven’t even entered the water yet! Thomas is still probably worried about and focused on his form, not on any photographers that are chilling underwater! This was immaculately timed, and we hope that the artistry encourages more swimmers to consider the art of diving in the future.

Source: TheRichest