#michael on my blog?? satisfactory

[pearatwar]

the pearerrrrr

if you were to go for a walk right now and a portal opened in front of you where would you want it to take you

ok bai

jumping in, even feet, unless it's red and.,, Ominous

hopefully to someone who i can love, whom will love me, or a tender hug from someone dear.... or games

[transhuman-priestess]

If you don’t want to have your age in your bio then respect when someone says to not interact without one in theirs ~ it’s common courtesy

So like it’s 230 AM and I’m sleep deprived and sick so I apologize for not being more polite about this but if you feel the need to examine every single person that follows you on a public website to make sure they’re old enough I would highly recommend posting on a site that requires age verification.

My deepest apologies for finding your posts to be high quality enough to follow and interact with occasionally. If you are worried that I’m below the age of majority, let me assure you that, as of writing, I am approximately 31 years, 5 months of age, +/- 47 weeks.

Lest you think I am making this up in a fit of pique, I would like to know how putting age in a bio is somehow more reliable. Furthermore I am unaware of what consequences you think could seriously arise from this sort of situation, as I am not familiar with any case law on the matter.

Finally, I offer that, in similar situations, I have found the best results for a satisfactory resolution are brought about by quietly blocking people who I do not wish to interact with, rather than sending passive-aggressive asks to their inbox. I would posit that if you really are afraid of legal repercussions should a minor interact with your blog, that doing so would very much not reflect favorably upon you.

Sincerely,

USDA-Certified Adult Person Ivy Michaels

[anotherkindofmindpod]

I haven't seen Rutles, but I'm very curious. How do we know Eric Idle disliked Paul? Thanks for your great podcast and blog!

Hello and thank you very much for your kind words! :) It's my opinion that Eric Idle actively disliked Paul, although I don't have a quote from him saying "I dislike Paul McCartney." I recall that Idle once criticized Paul for having a massive ego in 1969 (I've searched but can no longer find the source- if anyone has it, please feel free to share); IDK if this assessment was based on personal experience (did Eric meet Paul in 1969?) or a second-hand judgment based on stories/complaints from George Harrison. In any case, we know that Eric had a close friendship with George, and it is therefore easy/natural to assume he was "Team George" in the 70s (and beyond). The other more compelling reason is that, as Ken Michaels rightfully pointed out to Neil Innes, Eric Idle's portrayal of Paul in The Rutles was "not flattering." While the other Beatles seem to be portrayed with love and good humor, Eric's portrayal of Dirk McQuigly is a bit... unsportsmanlike, IMO. Considering Idle adored George Harrison, it's understandable that he would not feel especially warm/charitable toward McCartney at a time when the Harrison/McCartney relationship was strained. It's also understandable, given all this, why Paul McCartney would not enjoy The Rutles. No one wants to be parodied by their ex-friend's new BFF! I think the cliche of “All the Beatles loved the Rutles except Paul because he can’t take a joke” might be a bit unfair. Most people understand the concept of “laughing at” versus “laughing with,” and I think it’s applicable here.  To be abundantly clear, YMMV, and anyone is free to disagree with me, Ken Michaels, Paul McCartney or anyone else in the universe at any time! I went on a google deep-dive to find any information on Eric Idle and Paul McCartney, and this is all I discovered:

Idle even said on occasion that he met McCartney at an event and Paul's reaction to seeing him was quite cold. On the other hand, in an interview with Richard Metzger in 2013, Neil Innes acknowledged that Paul had no problem with him, "although I understood that he was upset because some of Eric Idle's volleys in the film had been excessive." (X)

Thanks for the ask! p.s. We had two other anon asks with the same question. Hopefully this reply is satisfactory to all three anons! 

[finalgirlincollege]

An Open Letter to Halloween Ends

As some may infer from my blog, I have a clear and deeply rooted interest in Horror cinema, specially when it comes to Slasher films, a love that was planted in me literal decades ago during my childhood. Having had very little restrictions on media consumption as someone from the late 90s and early 00s, and with the understanding that all the on screen monsters were fake (thanks to countless hours watching Scooby Doo), I remember watching the first 5 Halloween films (excluding the 3rd) on TV when I was around 8, suffice to say—though thanks to my older cousins, this wasn’t my first experience with Horror films (that honor goes to Ghost Ship, Steve Beck, 2002)—I was immediately taken with this type of movies from then on and my life long passion was born.

Almost 20 years have passed since then and Halloween (John Carpenter, 1978) is still my favorite movie, which made me feel an excitement that I have trouble to put into words when it was announced around five years ago that there was to be a new movie (Halloween, David Gordon Green, 2018) produced by Blumhouse and subsequently two more, firstly because there had been so many years without something from this franchise and secondly, because this time I was old enough to witness the comeback of this phenomenon first hand.

I’m not going to pretend like David Gordon Green’s trilogy has no flaws; in fact, the main motivation for the present text is to delve a little deeper on the deficiencies from the final installment: Halloween Ends (David Gordon Green, 2022) but before I go on, I’d like to touch briefly on why I actually liked the new three entries as a whole, even with the faults I saw in the latest film that I’ll acknowledge further along the text.

Ignoring Rob Zombie’s Halloweens—for I think they should be seen without a connection to the rest of the franchise’s films—, the last entry was Halloween Resurrection (Rick Rosenthal, 2002), a film that seems to be hated or at the very least disliked by most of the Halloween fandom due to the absurdity of it. In my case, my distaste is rooted on the blatant disrespect at Laurie Strode’s Character for, even when having one last confrontation with Michael, truly she seems to die thanks to an accident; I mean, Laurie Strode, who had survived—according to that time line—three confrontations with Michael, dying so unceremoniously! Of course I would be on board with a new storyline that promised to give us an ending deserving of one of, if not the OG Final Girl.

Having seen Halloween Ends on it’s opening night, I’ve been letting my thoughts on it simmer on my mind for the last couple of days. I must add that with this text I have no pretensions of offering an essay or article with proper analytical depth or even objectivity, instead what I would like to do is share some of my opinions with anyone who would like to read them.

One disclaimer I have to present is the fact that I thoroughly enjoy the ending to Halloween: 20 Years Later (Steve Miner, 1998) for I believe the last sequence of the film gives us a satisfactory final battle between Michael and Laurie after enough emotional distress and suspense, ending with Laurie taking hold of her fear and confronting it, refusing to be controlled by it. On the same note, knowing that at least for me it would be difficult to have a resolution that gave me the same level of satisfaction like the one I previously mentioned, I also had Laurie’s death from H. Resurrection very present in my mind, making me hope that at least the finale of Gordon Green’s trilogy could be better than that. In sum, I had little objectivity when criticizing the conclusion to Halloween Ends, but more on that later.

From the start, H. Ends seems to offer something different than the previous film; while the one from 2018 was setting the scene for what was to come and Halloween Kills (David Gordon Green, 2021) was packed with action, H. Ends seemingly wanted to approach the topic in another way, giving a deeper look at the effects Michael or his evilness had in Haddonfield in the last four years since his disappearance at the end of H. Kills.

Furthermore, lets remember that by the end of the previous film, all the spendable characters we had met in the 2018’s movie have been killed, making a necessity to introduce new ones, and though this is common for Slasher films, it is here where I found the biggest flaw. Given that the first two installments of the revival of the franchise work as one (for they are supposed to have happened in the same night), one would expect that the third film work just as seamlessly with the other two even if its set four years apart, which means that not only there must be concordance between the three with having Laurie as protagonist and Michael as antagonist, but the whole universe should makes us feel like we are, in fact, witnessing the conclusion to the on going story.

For that reason, I was quite startled when H. Kills saw the demise of most of the—by now—well known and maybe beloved characters, taking me by surprise when after Cameron’s death, Allyson lost her mother as well, for this is not a loss only in the eyes of other characters but also with the spectator. As such, with the deaths of Nurse Marion, Tommy Doyle and even Lonnie, by the end of H. Kills, aside from Laurie and Allyson, there are very few characters left with whom we have emotionally connected.

If I remember correctly, I think that with the previous films there was some backlash that called them too focused on nostalgia and so maybe the team behind H. Ends was trying to distance themselves from said perception with the last film, but if that was the case or not, I feel like they simply missed the mark completely; by ignoring the elements that would resonate with longtime fans, going as far as apparently forgetting the existence of Lindsey after the first half of the film, they seemingly ignored that this was the conclusion to a franchise that—at least in horror—has no comparison; a movie that 40 years ago cemented the groundwork for what would be known as Slasher film.

Nostalgia isn’t something bad or to be avoided all together, of course in the last couple of years we’ve seen a lot of media that perhaps has abused its use in its production, but nostalgia when used well, can be used as a powerful tool to achieve emotional contentions with the audience that may produce long lasting effects; therefore, if there was a moment to make use of it, I believe it was the highly expected Halloween Ends; sad to say, I feel like that was no the case.

In the new film, not only do we not have any emotional ties with the new characters due to them being new, but might even actively want them gone because they don’t seem to have redeeming qualities, they are rude and annoying and therefore—in a way—deserving of punishment. I must add that it’s because I felt such dislike towards them that their deaths had no lasting impact on me, unlike Vicky and Dave’s death (Allyson’s friends from the 2018’s), the first one being a character I liked much better than Allyson herself.

On this topic I feel like once again in trying to correct the critics they faced after H. Kills in regards to the—according to the Halloween franchise’s standards—abuse of violence that toyed with being torture porn in scenes such as Cameron’s death or the attack to the Caretaker and her husband; the kills in H. Ends ended up being bland and lackluster.

Moreover, it’s the same lack of connection that affects the new antagonist: Corey, because in the end, we don’t really care for him or even Allyson—who I must admit found painfully annoying—, what we really want to see is the final showdown between Laurie and Michael, not a Michael wannabe or Michael by proxy. If they so wanted to have his character as an exploration on how humans have the capacity of pure evilness if the correct circumstances so propitiate, maybe have Corey against Allyson as a way to show her battling her own demons, but not Laurie. As such, given that most of the duration of the film is centered on the older Strode in combat against Corey—both emotionally and physically—when we finally see her against the real Michael, their fight seems to ends in a blink-and-it’s-gone kind of moment.

On the same line of thought, if you see the three newest Halloween films as a whole, which is the way I personally believe they were intended to be seen, H. Ends doesn’t seem to work as a conclusion should. Whether it’s a a text, a visual medium o any other piece, a conclusion is the consequences of all the steps you took since the beginning and throughout the body of the work; therefore, a conclusion shouldn’t have new elements you haven’t been shown before like H. Ends did with Corey.

As I said before, it is common for Slasher franchises to introduce new characters with each entry; nevertheless, usually each movie acts as it’s own, with the only linking factor being the antagonist. On the contrary, each of the new Halloween movies acts like an act in David Gordon Green’s trilogy, making the introduction of all the new characters and themes in H. Ends a structural mistake.

Going back to Michael and Laurie’s final fight, aside from the fleetingness of it, it also lacked theatricality, by which I don’t mean violence, but dramatics. Once more making a comparison with H20, I would argue that the final sequence is quite clean when talking about the gore, even Michael’s beheading was sanitized by being presented with no blood in a quick manner; still it’s no less satisfying then than if we had been given said elements.

On the other hand, in the latest film we see Laurie cutting Michael and we observe as he bleeds out before being taken to the shredding machine where, unlike in H20, we see his body being destroyed; and yet I felt not the same satisfaction because though his death is slow—unlike the rest of the sequence—when he’s loosing his blood, it’s quite frankly simple and boring, not being in concordance with the amount of violence he unleashed on his victims. Even when we see him being thrown in the shredded, he seems to be so far gone that it doesn’t matter, there’s no vindication, sense of revenge or satisfaction.

In sum, yes, Michael is finally dead but I don’t think H. Ends hurt as much as it should’ve. At the same time, I think that I speak for many fans when I say that as much as we love Halloween, and maybe even if we didn’t find the fulfillment we wanted, I truly think that this story must be put to rest after some many years. Not only has the same plot been retold over and over again to the point of excess and unoriginality, but one of the things that has marked this franchise as different from the rest has become it’s own problem: there’s no Halloween without Laurie Strode, and there’s no Laurie Strode without Jaime Lee Curtis.

In Spanish we have a saying that goes, “si no está roto, no lo arregles”, which would translate to “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”, but we all know that, as Hollywood tends to do, at some point someone will remake this film, they might cast young actors to play the well known and loved characters or change them all together; and in all honesty I can’t say I won’t watch that film when it inevitably comes to fruition, but it will never be what the original was, because with all of it’s flaws and all it’s strengths, John Carpenter’s Halloween and all its predecessors have become an landmark in Horror History.

So, here’s to the conclusion of the Halloween Saga and hoping that this time, Michael stays dead.

With love from a longtime fan,

A.

[kuai-liangst]

17, 27, 47 👀

Hi Anom! 17.) Do you use/follow advice from writing blogs/posts?

That's a bit of a tricky one. When I was in middle and high school I would be constantly looking for writing tips. But, at this point in time I could only tell you what I know and what I vaguely remember. I mostly write for myself and my friends on discord. So, I'm not trying to shell out a master level product for anything that isn't my classwork. I've also noticed that there is actually a lot of conflicting information on these blogs and posts. But, that's just what I've seen. 27.)Do you take requests? Hmmm, Kinda? If a friend, like Michael, Mcbethins, or any of my other friends who probably won't see this post. Sends a request, I will try my best to write something satisfactory. Otherwise...I guess it would have to be a really good post that inspires me. I have a lot of WIPs that I'm trying to work on. 47.)What fanfic of yours is truly underrated? This is obviously my opinion. But, it's gotta be my G.I. Joe fanfic on ao3. The Start of Something New. It's a dead franchise so I'm not shocked its not very popular. But, I still feel that it's underated.

[missshezz]

Hello, the resident Debbie Downer coming at you with another blog post (anybody here who watches Jeremy from Geeks & Gamers will get that opening) about how Prodigal Son continues to phone storylines in. This time I want to discuss Martin and his “escape” from Claremont.

Yeah, it was totally telegraphed.

We all have assumed from season 1 that Martin would, at some point, escape. It’s a plot that by Hollywood standards has to happen for maximum drama and angst and all.

However, I liked to think that his escape would have more impact than jumping into a ball pit. What we got last night is simply another example of the writers phoning it in. Sorry for those who really like this season and who are thrilled that Martin has escaped but it’s really the laziest writing come to date.

Why?

Because the time for an escape to happen was actually back when Hoxley was poking his nose into the Endicott situation. Martin escaping would have diverted Simon’s attention from Endicott and led the second half of the story down an interesting spin. Instead, we got what we got. Which was Ainsley toasting her victory and Malcolm having more guilt and trauma added to the pile.

See, as a writer, our job is to subvert your expectations. To lead you down one path and then do something that leaves you floored. Creating suspense, drama, angst, putting characters in uncomfortable situations where they have to find a way out. This season has failed to do that. Look at season 1 and the story with John Watkins. It ended far too soon but it was satisfactory in how it made Malcolm confront himself in order to free himself so he could protect his mother and sister. Restraints with Michael Raymond-James and the pandemic prevented the storyline from being continued as planned (with them losing out two episodes).

Why hasn’t it been continued in season 2?

They certainly alluded to James returning as Watkins with the promo they released after season 1 concluded with Ainsley walking into a room and seeing her younger self having a “tea party”. Where is that storyline? Where is Mr. Boots? I’m looking at his IMDB page and while he’s got things listed, I don’t see where they couldn’t have gotten him to come in for a few episodes and tied up that part of season 1 and developed Ainsley a lot better than they have.

This is why I’m so frustrated with this season. Yes, there are great elements to it. The cast is phenomenal. The subplots are as good as always. The overarching story is the hot mess. It’s like the writers are just taking the popular trends of “whump Malcolm”, “Brightwell”, and “Martin escapes” and running with it.

And “Brightwell” and “Martin escapes” are both ho-hum because one comes at the wrong time (something Tom himself has stated over and over) and the other has no purpose outside of “wheee! Look! Martin escaped!”

What would have made for a more compelling story here was if they led everyone up to Martin escaping...

... and then he chose to remain in Claremont.

Why?

Because he has an ulterior motive (this is Martin... ulterior motives are his speciality to paraphrase my favorite SW character).

They also could have saved his escape for something dramatic...

... like Malcolm “going missing”.

Why?

Because it plays on that concept that Martin will actually do whatever it takes to protect his family.

In short, the writers have a ton of options they could have gone with and chose the laziest ones at this point. For me, as a writer, it’s frustrating because I can see the other options and can’t figure out why they didn’t choose any of them. As a viewer, it’s frustrating because I’m just not as excited about Martin escaping as I should be. The “oh, shit, it’s gonna be wild now!” aspect is gone. The story is almost predictable at this point and it shouldn’t be.

Am I hopeful that I am wrong? That the writers are doing this so they can subvert my expectations in the remaining episodes? Absolutely. However, they have failed at every turn thus far so my hopes are low at this point.

And that makes me incredibly sad.

I love this show. I do. I just have not loved season 2.

[drmichaelestes]

Dr Michael Estes | Some Awesome Tips on Getting Better at Baseball

Hello, again, all my favorite people! I am Dr Michael Estes , a seasoned physician, owner of Intessa Okemos a loving husband, an all-time father, a boat restoration enthusiast, and a baseball specialist. I love baseball with a passion. Most of the academic years have been spent religiously admiring, and worshipping NYC! My roommates and I used to spend most of our free time in the field when I was pursuing my bachelor’s from the esteemed California State University, Long Beach, in 1999. Our coach Michael Shawn used to pump us into playing baseball for our team. My roommates and I attended everyday practice sessions in the midst morning before our lectures.

We honed the skill of wielding the bat and swinging the ball in mid-air like a pro. Soon we the lead pitchers and batsmen of our team. We won lots of tournaments and trophies in our college years. Even to this date, I am active in the field. On my weekends and off days, I try to visit my college ground and swing my old baseball. I scribed my name on it, “Michael Estes,” in the corner as a reminder that to whom this bat belongs. But, anyway, today I am here to tell you guys that how to be a skilled batter and pitcher.

Here are some of the awesome tip from Dr Michale Estes:

1. Assuming you’re actually developing, purchase a mitt that fits, as opposed to one that you plan to develop into. The most ideal approach to master handling and getting strategies is by wearing a glove that fits well. Outfielders, for the most part, have the biggest gloves, and infielders will, in general, have more modest gloves containing a more modest pocket.

2. Having bought a glove, you should break it in. Playing get with colleagues is the best way to deal with break-in another baseball glove — and clearly, it’s a fun and satisfactory practice.

3. If you don’t have the chance to break in your glove, one technique for speeding up the breaking-in measure is by scouring shaving cream into the pocket of the glove, placing a ball in the pocket, tying a rope or sock around the glove, and subsequently keeping the glove in a dry spot.

4. Work on getting with your glove. Recall that you’ll be getting with your more weak hand, so your throwing arm is open. For example, in case you’re right given, you should wear a glove on your left hand. You may not be acquainted with getting with your more weak hand — so practicing is a keen idea.

5. When buying a slugger, guarantee you know your gathering’s standards. There are slight differences between different gatherings to the extent of the size and weight of bats allowed, and moreover, regardless of whether they are made of wood or aluminum — so don’t waste your money on something you may not be allowed to use.

6. But in case you’re genuinely certain, don’t put yourself on key defensive centers, for instance, catcher or a decent beginning stage when you’re playing curiously. If you miss a chance in these positions, it will simply pound your assurance.

7. When batting, it’s better not to swing at anything underneath your kneecaps or anything higher than your shoulders, as this is the territory that the umpire ought to consider as outside the fanciful ‘strike zone’ — where the ball should be pitched to be viewed as legitimate.

8. Prior to hitting, don’t ever commit the basic error of zeroing in on the pitcher’s eyes with glare. All things being equal, select where the pitcher’s hand will emerge from the sky to convey the ball and spotlight on that spot.

9. Recollect that everyone commits some errors whenever they play sports — in all events when they are the absolute best. It’s better not to try not to get excessively made up for lost time on the off chance that you commit an error, particularly as a novice, and always gain from it and proceed it onward with the remainder of your game.

To Read More blog by Dr. Michael Estes Visit:-

https://drmichaelestes.medium.com

https://drmichaelestesinte.wixsite.com/website

https://vocal.media/authors/dr-michael-estes

[mtvswatches]

Jane the Virgin 2x21 Chapter Forty-Three

Click here for previous recaps!

Stray thoughts

1) Are we really having a sub-plot about Jane fighting with another mom over a children’s birthday party entertainer? Hmmmmokay.

2) I feel like Jane getting a publishing deal thanks to her grandma meeting someone from Simon & Schuster would be kind of like a cop-out? Really? This is how the struggling mother and writer will get her book published? I really hope not… it would be disappointing.

3) Petra decided not to go to Jane’s wedding because of the whole Anezka thing, but Jane convinced her otherwise since they’re pretty much family. Petra then promised to keep Anezka away from Jane. But… how am I supposed to know if this really Petra or if it’s Anezka pretending to be Petra…?

4) Michael’s brother – whose character is so inconsequential I couldn’t be bothered to learn his name – gave him 48 hours to give up the hotel. We’re heading for disaster, I think. On top of that, Petra and Jane are telling him to take two very different roads, and he’s torn on what advice to follow.

5) Hmm. Jane’s professor just told her not to present her novel to the publisher, and I think this might be a case of artist envy? Or is she genuinely concerned about Jane’s prospects as a writer? 

6) Rogelio’s crew have gone on strike – they were hilariously inspired by Rogelio’s very own time-traveling novela – and they’ll start the picket line on Friday, the day before Jane’s wedding. And the venue is the set of the show, so that’s going to be a disaster, too. Not the wedding disaster I was expecting, but a disaster nonetheless. 

7) Petra swayed Rafael by telling him she loves him… as the father of her children. Can we please be done with the Petra and Rafael thing? She deserves better.

8) The entertainer canceled on Jane, I guess we should care?

9) Rogelio struck up a deal with one of the crew members – if he lasts a week as a crew member, they’ll postpone the picket line. If the doesn’t last, then he’ll become the face of the strike. This is the most interesting storyline in this episode, to be quite honest.

10) Alba is right, though, Mateo won’t remember the party nor would he know or care who the entertainer is… a birthday party for a one-year-old is simply done for the parents. 

11) It turns out… Jane is only suggesting Rafael he should turn himself in because Michael told her that’s what she should tell him… and it feels kind of… duplicitous? Treacherous? It’s definitely questionable advice.

12) Jane gets angry when Petra shows up to her and Rafael’s entertainment scouting date to do… exactly the same Jane is trying to do… manipulate Rafael into doing what she wants him to do and what she thinks is right for him. Why is what Jane does good and what Petra does evil? Can someone explain? Why are we expected to root for Jane? It’s been two seasons and it’s getting harder and harder to see why we should side with Jane. 

13) Surprisingly, and adorably, Rogelio turns out to be quite the handyman! He does the job well, and the crew decides to make things more difficult for him… I really hope this only ends up with him being excellent at all the jobs they line up for him and deciding to support their strike anyway, even if he technically wins the bet…

14) #rosmellio

15) You deserve it, Petra.

And Jane’s expression? She’s just as petty as Petra! She’s totally pissed she didn’t get to “win” this time.

16) Michael fell asleep reading Jane’s novel. He is honest with her, though, and tells her that the writing is good but it’s not exactly best-seller material.

17) The FBI just raided Rafael’s office and took him in, and who gave him up?

18)

I do hope his fear of leprechauns is brought up again in some form!

19) So… the whole FBI raid was a set-up to trick Derek (right, that’s his name!)

20) Unfortunately, Rafael is not Petra, and he couldn’t get Derek to confess to bribing him on tape.

21) Rogelio literally faced his fear of heights to have Jane’s wedding happen and if that’s not the greatest father on television ever, I don’t know who is.

22) Jerry, the crew guy, tells Rogelio he’s keeping his promise and they will hold off the picket line to allow the wedding to happen…

I’m guessing the crew won’t forget that.

23) Poor Mateo is down with something, and Jane and Rafael are staying with him at the hospital overnight. This gives Rafael the chance to fess up to Jane and tell her he gave up the Fairwick. Jane tells him she fears this might not be the end of it, and in this show, is it ever...?

24) Mateo is celebrating his first birthday at the hospital…

25) The higher-ups are firing everyone in the crew before they get the chance to go on strike, and I know Rogelio won’t disappoint me.

26) It’s nice to see Jane and Rafael connect as parents, though…

You know what’s not nice? Rafael still lusting after Jane…

27) Everyone who matters shows up at the hospital to celebrate his first birthday, and honestly, that’s all that matters.

28) YES. ROGELIO CONTINUES TO BE THE BEST CHARACTER IN THIS SHOW AND I WILL FIGHT ANYONE OVER IT.

I have to join the picket line on Friday. (…) Telemasivo executives plan to replace them before that, and I can’t let that happen.

29) Michael has the sudden realization that the only reason Derek was so interested in getting the Fairwick is because they must’ve dug tunnels from the Marbella to there and hidden the drug money underneath it.

30) Well, there was something buried there alright…

31) Derek is off on a plane and talking to someone on the phone, telling them he’s on his way with the money. I’m guessing it’s Rose, I mean, who else could it be?

32) Jane needs to get off her high horse, it’s so fucking annoying. She’s so self-righteous and sanctimonious, they’re awful traits to have… And I can’t help but feel this reaction is mostly out of spite because Petra rubbed it in her face earlier when it was her turn to win. 

PETRA: I know... it's not a competition.  JANE: Yeah, well... I'm starting to think it is, actually.  PETRA: Excuse me? JANE: And I do hope Rafael comes to me for advice more.  PETRA: What?!  JANE: Because I won't tell him to do crazy things like staging a fake FBI raid.  PETRA: Well, I was trying something at least.  JANE: The wrong thing.  PETRA: Oh, will you stop already? There is no right or wrong, Jane.  JANE: That is not true.  PETRA: So, you think it's right for him to go to jail? Look, you're an optimist, that's all, and I'm a realist, and I'm getting tired of you assuming that you're the better person.

So... Petra showed up to mend fences, and Jane is all up on her high horse, claiming that what SHE tells Rafael to do is the RIGHT thing. Yes, Petra’s plan was kind of insane - though, technically, not illegal, I think? - but she was trying to protect Rafael. Jane claims to have Rafael’s best interest at heart, but she was actually just telling him to do what Michael told her he should do. And why does she have to be so self-righteous about it? I’m on Petra’s side, I’m also tired of Jane assuming she’s the better person just because she says so. 

33) So… Anezka has been visiting Magda in prison and doing what Magda tells her to do. They’ve been working together on a plan for a whole year… what is the plan, exactly?

34) I really don’t know what to expect from the season finale. I mean, obviously, there are several plots that will reach their climax during the finale – there’s the wedding, Anezka and Magda’s plan, the picket line, Michael chasing Derek… but I have no idea how messy or satisfactory it all might turn out to be. And I have no idea what plot points they might set up for next season… I was wondering, though, how high season 2 ranks as a favorite season? Because I found it all a bit meh? Anyway, I hope the season finale delivers a fun hour, at least.

35) Hope you enjoyed my recap, and, as usual, if you’ve got this far, thank you for reading! If you enjoy my recaps and my blog, please consider supporting it on ko-fi.Thanks!

[amwritingmeta]

21 Supernatural Questions

I was tagged by @deletingpoint - thanks for the kind words, girl!! Made my day! You rock the block! And yes don’t mind if I do join in, this looks fun. :P

1. When did you start watching Supernatural?

I’d seen stray episodes before - I’ve absolutely no clue which ones - but then I binged S1-6 in 2013 while being ill with the flu and I was hooked before it came up, because I loved S1-3 and the brother dynamic and thought it was a really awesomely well-written piece of television, but when they introduced the will-they-won’t-they-make-this-uber-masculine-guy-be-into-guys-and-specifically-the-guy-with-wings I was pretty much gone for. So I caught up on the show and watched it until a few episodes into S9 (don’t judge me, I was surface watching and couldn’t get with the program at the time because why wasn’t Dean gay already??) and then I quit watching for a few years because I couldn’t stand the grey area and the uncertainty. I also wasn’t invested enough to stand it, tbh, and felt, naw, I’ll get back to this if it ever seems like they’re actually gonna do anything with this thing they’re hinting so strongly at. Picked it back up while S12 was airing and here we now are.

2. Who is your favorite in TFW?

But the other two might get jealous!

(okay, it’s Cas)

3. Who is your least favorite in TFW?

They’re the holy trinity and none of their character progression works without all of them taking up their allotted space in the narrative and how can you not love them all what is wrong with this question why am I hyperventilating why aren’t they beloved equally gaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh

(but Cas is my favourite)

4. Tag your top 5 Supernatural blogs!

I sincerely can’t, but I can tag a few people whom I very much appreciate and whose answers to this questionnaire I would be intrigued to see: @godshipsit​ @charlie-minion​ @mad-as-a-box-of-frogs​ @waywardliliana​ @natmoose​ @purgatory-jar​ @myed89​ @inacatastrophicmind​ @rustling-pages​ @angelneedshunter​ @nerdylittleshit​ @obsessionisaperfume​ @assbuttboyfriends​ @misskittyspuffy​ @starsinursa​ @postmodernmulticoloredcloak​ @casismybestfriend​ @mittensmorgul​ @elizabethrobertajones​  - you’re all like bursts of colour and glitter glue and I’m happy you’re around! :) (btw I always find it awkward to tag specific peeps because there are so many of you lovelies that I would honestly tag so just know that this most likely includes you) (yeah that’s right) (YOU) <3

5. Who is your favorite character (not including TFW)?

Jack

6. Who is your favorite woman in Supernatural?

Rowena

7. John or Mary?

Mary

8. What were your first opinions of Sam, Dean, Cas, and Jack?

Sam: my first impression of him was very coloured by my impression of Jared as Dean on Gilmore Girls, so to hear someone call Jared Sam and then this Sam call someone else Dean was a bit jarring while watching the pilot. My earliest opinion of Sam was that he was kind, good with people, skilled, independent and, yes, haunted by past choices.

Dean: Immediate impression was oh, he’s one of those guys, and then almost straight away that first impression was blown to bits and everyone knows that he’s very, very easy to fall in love with quickly, so my love for him grew strong within a few episodes, for sure. First opinion formed holds until this day: someone who’s lost and who’s searching for a way home. In every sense of that sentence. 

Cas: Holy shitballs, who’s this now?? was pretty much my first reaction to Cas’ entrance. It blew me away. It was an absolute game changer. It made me sit up. It made my brain go... are they... are they going to make Dean Winchester... is Dean Winchester into men?? And because on my first watch I’d not seen the little hints of this that now are so damn glaringly obvious, the chemistry between Dean and Cas literally made a lot of shit click into place for me regarding what I was potentially actually watching, and raised my emotional investment sky high considering the possible social commentary baked into the overall message of family and identity, and yeah, that still holds true to this day.

Jack: I was ready to fight tooth and nail for him after 12x19. That episode is still one of the best 42 or so minutes of television I’ve ever seen. The plant of Jack as a needed push for Cas’ progression hit me in the heart, and once it clicked that Jack represented the holy trinity of Heaven, Hell, Humanity, and how he might narratively prove a knitting point for TFW, something for them all to rally around, well, I was pretty much done for.

9. What’s your favorite season?

This is a really hard question because watching a season from start to finish means taking all of it in, and all of them - when start-to-finished - I feel are rather outstanding, but twist my arm and I’ll say: S1 or S4 or S5 or S8 or S9 or S11 or S13 (I can’t narrow it down to just one season alright?) and S14 and looking at what we have so far with this unfinished season I’d name S15, definitively.

10. What’s your least favorite season?

Oh, man. Make a girl sweat. So, here’s the thing, I genuinely see each season as adding something valuable to the whole, you know? I suppose S6 drags a bit, but I really like the tone and the noir sensibility of it, so I wouldn’t really call it my least favourite, but if I were to choose one season to binge over a weekend, S6 wouldn’t necessarily be first pick.  

11. Opinions on Destiel?

Ah, yes, the obligatory essay question. Please see attachment. *points to blog*

12. Do you believe Supernatural queerbaits?

Look, to my mind, the reason Dean and Cas aren’t together yet is character related. They need to get their fucking ducks in a row. (and then those ducks will hopefully be fucking all over the place) (okay that’s graphic bird sex but you know what I mean) (not literally Dean and Cas dressed up as ducks and fucking) (but like... good stuff for the eyes will be happening that isn’t necessarily fucking feather related) (wait) (oh ffs brain!!) (you HAD to go there didn’t you??) (moving on) (or rather answering the question) --> I don’t believe they queerbait, no. 

13. Seasons 1-7 or 8-14?

8-15x03

14. Favorite villain (plot wise)?

*chills are multiplying* 

I love Chuck as the Big Bad, sincerely, but oh mannnn Michael.

15. Do you think they should end the Lucifer plot line?

Yeah, this questionnaire has been in drafts for a while now so um... I mean, the Lucifer plot line as it pertains to SAM should reach a satisfactory conclusion, but as it pertains to Lucifer’s play for Jack and breaking God’s toys etc. yeah, no, done.

16. Who do you think has gone through more trauma (Sam, Dean, or Cas)?

That’s too relative to their highly linked, and yet wholly individual relationship with their past and lingering sense of trauma. I think @deletingpoints reply was something along the lines of: Can you measure trauma? And I agree. They’ve all been deeply traumatised at different stages of their life and they’ve all dealt with their individual trauma in different ways. 

17. What’s your favorite Supernatural episode?

I’m sorry, what? I thought you just asked me to pick one favourite episode out of 3678916236363487236783 times infinity. This is mathematically impossible and since I’m sadly not fluent in math and have absolutely no access to any type of calculator or abacus or, I don’t know, a neighbour who happens to make amazing fucking latte and dresses in knits and is attractive in a non-conventional way and also happens to be a math genius, I must reject the question outright and plead the 105th. (i.e. I cannot possibly)

18. Do you like case episodes?

Where’s that gif of Dean going Dude Yes?

^^^

19. Who do you relate most to in TFW?

Darling Cas. Socially awkward and lost but growing into his own skin Castiel. My God, I love him so dearly. There are not words for how much I relate to him, or for what he’s done for my personal self-reflection, or how much I’m now re-relating to his need to push himself out of his comfort zone and dare. I owe him. *hugs into oblivion*

20. Why do you like Supernatural?

Ohhhhh, goody, one of those multi-choice questions. Is it:

a) because of the absolutely stunning character journeys 

b) because of the absolutely smashing world and all its mythology 

c) because of the underlying social commentary and the intricate use of subtext to effectively, though subtly, bring ideas linked to the conscious/unconscious sides to us into not only the use of already mentioned mythology, influencing the world building, but also wholly guiding, impacting and giving momentum to the already mentioned stunning character journeys

d) all of the above

e) all of the above, and a little bit more that would take an actual book to relay

E. It’s E. All the way the answer is E. 

21. If you could bring back one character and kill off another who would they be?

I’d bring back Eileen and holy moly Shoshanna is coming our way. And I don’t have a character to kill off tbh. Let them live, I say. :)

I genuinely tag EVERYONE. Go on, everyone, you know you wanna!  :) xx

[felassanis]

Everything I love about Assassin’s Creed

1. Ezio da la la la

2. If you idle for long enough in Odyssey Ikaros comes and lands on Alexios’s/Kassandra’s arm and then alexios/Kassandra will greet him.

3. Edward’s outfit is by far my favourite Assassin robe. It looks so fooking cool.

4. Alkibiades

5. The first mission in Assassin’s Creed III. Finding the temple and it coming alive with all the lights and the humming was so fucking cool and the theatre with Haytham was such a good way to start the game, I loved the environment that went with the theatre and the parkour was really good too, everything was good even though I had no idea why we were there in the first place lol.

6. SHAUN HASTINGS

7. Edward’s tattoos being the only reason why I go whaling in AC:Black flag

8. The dynamic between Jacob and Evie, I’ve always wanted a twin duo in a game and Jacob and Evie Frye were awesome and y’all keep sleeping on them.

9. The different colour schemes in Assassin’s Creed 2 for the different cities gave the locations their own feel and vibe and it differentiated them from each other while also ensuring that the landscapes were utterly gorgeous. For example, Venice had cooler colours, very blue and silver while Florence was warmer, with more orange and brown thrown into the mix. It really gave those maps their own identity and it was great.

10. All of Lineage. all of it, it was flipping fantastic and I know it’s not a game but it was brilliant and the other Assassin’s Creed movie will never top it despite Michael Fasbender being in it.

11. That cutscene in Black Flag where Blackbeard lights his beard on fire, I love that historical accuracy because it was very likely true and it’s so SO bad-fucking-ass

12. Alkibiades

13. How quickly I fell in love with Frederico Auditore despite the fella only having about 5 lines.

14. Also just how quickly I came to love the Auditore family, that was how well written they were, that I fell in love after 30 minutes with them. 

15. LEONARDO DA VINCI

16. Desmond Miles’s snark.

17. ‘Hey whatta matta with you altair,’

18. SHAUN HASTINGS

19. How buffy Kassandra is

20. The hookblade was actually amazing in Revelations and I’m in full support that it shouldbe brought back. The noise it made was also oddly satisfying too?

21. The Glyphs in AC2 were spooky and ominous and I refused to do the last mission until I had found all of them and uncovered the Truth. Because that entire side quest was full of anticipation and the creepy vibe the Glyphs gave off and how the footage of Adam and Eve was cut up and glitchy was just really interesting and it peaked with a climax.

22. LEONARDO DA VINCI

23. The golden beads in Alexios’s hair.

24. And Alexios just being an overall gorgeous human being who’s face was chiselled by the gods.

25. The flying machine mission in AC2 while really aggravating if you didn’t do it the first time was also really fun and getting to see Leonardo all giddy and happy made it worth it.

26. I don’t know if it’s just me? but Connor’s hair? like I know for a fact that I like men with long hair but something about his hair and the feather intertwined into it was just really appealing? and while I know why Connor shaved his hair I couldn’t help but screech when he did lmao but that’s because it’s obviously not my tradition and it’s abnormal to me. pfft

27. Revelations is one of the best AC games and I’ll fight anyone on this. It was phenomenal given how it finally concluded Ezio’s story (and remember Ezio was the face of the franchise for years and he was fan favourite and still is so there were some pressure and expectations) and how it also concluded Altair’s story.

28. Altair wasn’t that interesting in the original game but Revelations added depth and layers to his characters and made him way more intriguing. The game also gave this character important significance to the lore and I think that’s the perfect way to honour the guy who started it all. As much as we love Ezio, Altair came before and without him, Assassin’s Creed wouldn’t quite be the way it was today. (although it’s up to you if that’s a bad thing or not lmao)

29. And seeing Ezio old and matured, becoming this wise legend of a man was really cool and getting to play as him in his final journey was both heartbreaking but satisfactory.

30. I have to give a massive applause to Ubisoft for making Leonardo gay as well in Brotherhood prominently. I don’t think it was ever proven historically if he was? but it was rumoured? and yet Ubisoft went and made it canon giving that representation while also having Ezio outright say he’s okay with Leonardo dating men?! Like, in that time period if you were gay you could go to prison and the general view of homosexuality was that of disgust and yet Ezio is just here supporting his best friend? hell yes.

31. ALKIBIADES

32. I have certain feelings with Unity, but I won’t lie that the parkour was spot on in that game.

33. Gideon Emery....just Gideon Emery as Reginald Birch. The character’s a massive prick but god...that voice.

34. Connor mentioning his grandfather Edward as he’s sailing the Aquila.

35. Getting to see the wreck of the Jackdaw in Assassin’s Creed Freedom Cry was gut-wrenching.

36. Finally getting to pet animals in ACIII.

37. Finally getting to feed pigs in a video game ^^

38. SHAUN HASTINGS

39. OKay, I like Shaun because the guy is really entertaining and he’s British like me and I need to see this fucker in future games again...because after Syndicate he just vanishes and we got...Fucking Layla ugh.

40. The Naval combat in Black Flag is unmatched, fighting other ships never felt like a chore and it was fun and thrilling and the rewards felt deserving. And the feeling of taking down your first Man’o War is RIVETING.

41. Rebecca calling the Animus ‘Baby’

42. She’s another character I want to see come back. And she and Shaun better come back and be alive.

43. Lucy being a Templar was a plot twist I never saw coming but I was all for that angst especially when it seemed like they were setting up what I thought was the inevitable Desmond x Lucy romance. But I guessed wrong.

44. Yusuf Tazim being the joy and light of Revelations. fuck you Ubisoft

45. Ezio’s family theme song is the most iconic video game songs ever.

46. The introduction of Alkibiades in Odyssey, what a great way to introduce a character. like seriously, I fell in love with that fucker the moment he started speaking and felt up Kassandra’s arms while being half naked and wasted.

47. Bayek being a breath of fresh air in wonderfully written complex characters whose story was powerful and tragic. He needs a sequel.

48. Assassins Creed Brotherhood’s trailer being iconic.

49. When returning to Florence to retrieve the apple and you bring Ezio back to his old home only to see the ghosts of his entire family waiting for him. I was gobsmacked when that happened and it’s such a beautiful detail.

50. Mary Read/James Kidd being one of the best characters in Black Flag and leader in the ‘did not deserve it’ club. Every minute of her was flipping terrific and her significance in Edward’s story as one of the driving points that turned him into a better man was great.

51. I cried at the end of Black Flag.

52. The little text about Shaun sobbing when you look at the database on Desmond the dog in Syndicate.

53. The lip scar being shared between Desmond, Ezio and Altair was a cool detail.

54. The interchangeable cloaks in ACII.

55. Henry Green was so soft, kind and lovely and I honestly adore him.

56. Cane swords in Syndicate WERE AWESOME

57. NO fall damage in Odyssey. Keep this feature I don’t care how impossible it is for me to survive a jump off of a giant statue of a naked god it’s cool and I want it for every other game about to be released.

58. If you walk through grass in Origins Bayek sticks his hand out like that scene in Gladiator.

59. The scene in ACII Where Ezio uncovers his father’s robes from the chest and holds it up, It’s an incredible scene and the music fits so well with it and if you’ve watched Lineage it’s all the more amazing.

60. Rosa being pretty and terrifying in ACII.

61. The Bleeding effect being that other thing in lore that is SO BLOODY INTRIGUING and I wish it was explored a bit more. Can you actually imagine having the bleeding effect? where you can’t tell the past and the present apart? where you see ghosts from the past and hear voices no one else hears? jesus,..

62. getting answers about Clay/Subject 16. Ever since he left that writing in the wall with his own blood I was hooked on his story and thank god we got answers and a face to the legendary name. I wouldn’t mind more of him though.

63. I’ve always been fascinated with Native Americans and finally getting to explore them a bit more in ACIII proved to be interesting and I hope it was satisfactory representation for Native Americans.

64. finally getting to play in the present day in assassin’s creed brotherhood and 3, like actually getting to run around and explore as Desmond.

(I did a post like this on my old blog and I’ve rewrote them on here but I also got some new things, I just like having a post like this on my blog and I like seeing people who also agree with these brilliant features in this franchise, you can pretty much tell which two games are my favourite lol, Black Flag and 2 will always have a special place in my heart,)

[pearatwar]

peam. i am in maths class. i have flapjacks. i am thinking about the visions that have plagued me. this is your michael update

which visions plagued you. michael talk to me. is the flapjack evil

[fan-of-mulligan]

FOM BLOG: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM

My Thoughts On Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Gillingham 2020 / 2021……..

When Gillingham won 4-1 against Rochdale on The 19th Of December, Not only were we pleased with the result, but we were also pleased with the performance that Gillingham put in at Spotlands (A Ground where we have seen Gillingham get thumped 3-0, 4-1 and 3-0 in three of the previous four season's prior to The 2020 / 2021 Season) And Gillingham went into a mini season break off the back of that 4-1 win against Rochdale, and with the home game against Peterborough United postponed combined with Gillingham having the likes of Jordan Graham and Dominic Samuel unavailable because of injury, and Vadaine Oliver and Trae Coyle were not 100% for The Rochdale Game so they didn't play, then this mini season break came at the right time for The Gills and the players can then re-charge there batteries for the next two league matches against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle.

But the back to back league games against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle have seen Gillingham pick up zero points, losing 3-1 and 1-0 respectively, and the back to back defeats against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle have seen both clubs pull themselves away or outside of the relegation zone, whilst at the same-time, dragging Gillingham closer into The League One Relegation Battle, for now, Gillingham are seven points clear of The League One Relegation Zone with a decent goal difference, but another run of four defeats in five and Gillingham will be looking over there shoulder at The Relegation Zone, Gillingham winning four of the next five matches would put Gillingham on Thirty Eight Points From Twenty Four Matches, which would pull Gillingham clear of the teams in the bottom four, even with a impressive run of form like four wins from five matches, I am not looking at The League One Playoff Position’s, it is going to take a incredible run of form over the next twenty six league games for Gillingham to finish 6th or higher in League One, And Gillingham would probably need fifty points from our remaining matches to secure themselves a playoff spot, And I cannot see Gillingham achieving two points a game on average for the rest of The 2020 / 2021 Season.

Gillingham Lined Up As Follows Against Plymouth Argyle,,,,, Jack Bonham, Ryan Jackson, Declan Drysdale, Connor Ogilvie, Tom O’Connor, Josh Eccles, Scott Robertson, Robbie McKenzie, Jordan Graham, Kyle Dempsey, Vadaine Oliver, SUBS: Christian Maghoma, Jack Tucker, Matty Willock, Alex MacDonald, Trae Coyle and John Akinde - Now we knew that Joe Walsh was going to be unavailable for selection, so the question being asked is why wasn’t Charlie Walker promoted from the youth team to provide Goalkeeper Cover on the bench for the first team ??? - It also makes you wonder if Gillingham are looking to sign a goalkeeper with experience to provide cover for Jack Bonham and Joe Walsh, also, Jack Tucker being dropped to the bench for Declan Drysdale was a surprise even if Jack Tucker is out of form at the moment, But the good news has to be Jordan Graham returning to the starting line up after returning from injury.

And looking at Plymouth Argyle’s Starting Line Up, It Appears that Plymouth Argyle are lining up with three at the back with wing backs, and Danny Mayor is a player to watch out for, Danny Mayor showed his quality during his time at Bury and he is someone who can produce moments of genuine quality, But this match should be about what Gillingham do and how we approach this match, and can we respond from the disappointing 3-1 defeat against Northampton Town At Sixfields by picking up all three points against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, I mentioned to a few Gillingham Supporters that nine points from nine from the three matches against Northampton Town, Plymouth Argyle and Burton Albion will be a great way for The Gills to move in the right direction, and it would be a great way to respond after going into a mini season break as well - as for the conditions, the rain is chucking it down as both teams line up on the pitch, So not only does watching the match on I Follow mean avoiding the long trip to Plymouth, But we are also spared the wet and windy conditions in The South West as well.

FIRST HALF:

Four Minutes Into The Match, And Tom O’Connor is penalised for his challenge on Lewis MacLeod and Plymouth Argyle have been awarded a free kick down the right side of the pitch - Gillingham’s Left - In Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Lewis MacLeod passes the ball forwards quickly towards Ryan Hardie, And Ryan Hardie gets the ball under control before seeing his cross charged down by Kyle Dempsey at the expense of conceding a corner kick - And Gillingham had just completely switched off from that quickly taken free kick - and from the resulting corner kick, Plymouth Argyle should have taken the lead, Lewis MacLeod whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Niall Canavan’s header is goal-bound and the ball ricochets against Vadaine Oliver and Will Aimson’s diving header at the far post goes just wide and that was the chance for Plymouth Argyle to open the scoring - WHAT ARE YOU DOING GILLINGHAM!!!! - Was my response, Because Gillingham switched off from the quickly taken free kick, and our defending from the resulting corner kick was less than satisfactory.

Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Ryan Hardie’s shot towards goal from the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area goes over Gillingham’s Crossbar, but it has to be said that the defending from Declan Drysdale and Connor Ogilvie prior to Ryan Hardie getting a shot off on goal was not convincing at all, And In The Eighth Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle manage to win themselves another corner kick as Panutche Camará almost manages to pick out Lewis MacLeod with a dangerous low cross towards the far post and Ryan Jackson takes no chances and kicks the ball out of play for a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Lewis MacLeod whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Kelland Watts is penalised for his challenge on Robbie McKenzie, And Gillingham have been awarded a defensive free kick which relieves the pressure building on to our own goal.

Twelve Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle create another decent goal-scoring opportunity, Danny Mayor has possession of the ball in a central position on the pitch, And Danny Mayor passes the ball out-wide to Conor Grant, who takes a touch to control the ball before threading a return through-pass through to Danny Mayor down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Danny Mayor is through down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Danny Mayor is being closely marked by Josh Eccles, And Danny Mayor manages to skip past Josh Eccles attempted challenge very easily before working his way inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area by the byline, And Danny Mayor manages to pull the ball back towards Ryan Hardie who is level with the penalty spot, And Ryan Hardie manages to tee up Kelland Watts, who drags his first time effort wide of the far right post, and that was the chance for Plymouth Argyle to open the scoring, But I have got to mention that Danny Mayor managed to get past Josh Eccles far too easily for that goal-scoring opportunity, But also, the main reason as to why Josh Eccles was in that position at right back is because Ryan Jackson was out of position and much higher up the pitch for The Gills.

Fourteen Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham finally create a decent goal-scoring opportunity, Kyle Dempsey manages to win a throw on for Gillingham down the left side of the pitch in Plymouth Argyle’s Half Of The Pitch, And From The Resulting Throw On, Connor Ogilvie throws the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball back to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie passes the ball square to Ryan Jackson in a right / central area of the pitch, And Ryan Jackson takes a touch to control the ball before clipping a diagonal cross-field cross and Vadaine Oliver manages to win the aerial challenge to header the ball on towards Kyle Dempsey, who manages to keep the ball in play, And Kyle Dempsey is waiting for some support before turning back on himself and playing a short pass back towards Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor whips in a first time cross towards the near post and Vadaine Oliver headers the ball over Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar from close range - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO OPEN THE SCORING!!!!!! - Now if Vadaine Oliver got the faintest of touches and just directed his header on target then Vadaine Oliver would have opened the scoring for Gillingham, Because Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper was in no mans land and he got no-where near that cross from Tom O’Connor, Perhaps Gillingham can test Michael Cooper with some dangerous crosses because Michael Cooper looked less than convincing on that pattern of play.

And after that headed chance from Vadaine Oliver, Gillingham had the chance to take the lead In The Fifteenth Minute Of The Match, And this chance came from a less than convincing clearance from Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper, who has kicked the ball straight towards Robbie McKenzie, who takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide towards Scott Robertson, who gets the ball under control before dropping the ball short to Kyle Dempsey just on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey manages to pass the ball out-wide to Scott Robertson, down the left side of the pitch, And Scott Robertson lays the ball off to Tom O’Connor, who takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has punched the ball up into the air and as the ball has come back down again inside Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, Jordan Graham’s first time volley towards goal is routinely saved by Michael Cooper, And The Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper knows that he is very fortuitous to see Jordan Graham’s volleyed effort towards goal go straight towards him, either side and with more power, then Gillingham would have taken the lead.

And having almost opened the scoring at one end of the pitch with that chance from Jordan Graham, Plymouth Argyle could have taken the lead themselves in the next passage of play, Panutche Camará passes the ball out-wide to Joe Edwards down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Joe Edwards just about manages to keep the ball in play before passing the ball inside to Panutche Camará, who takes a touch to control the ball before playing a short pass back to Danny Mayor on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Danny Mayor manages to skilfully avoid the attempted challenges from Josh Eccles and Scott Robertson before attempting a ambitious chip which clips the roof of Gillingham’s Net - And although I am sure that Jack Bonham had that effort on goal covered, that effort on goal from Danny Mayor is a reminder of the quality that The Plymouth Argyle Midfielder has got when he has got possession of the ball.

Nineteen Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to open the scoring, Josh Eccles manages to time his challenge to perfection on Kelland Watts on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Robbie McKenzie passes the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, who manages to retain possession of the ball before passing the ball back to Declan Drysdale, And Declan Drysdale plays a first time pass forwards towards Jordan Graham just inside Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch down the right side, and Jordan Graham takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball centrally to Scott Robertson, who runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor down the left side of the pitch, And Tom O’Connor gets the ball under control before passing the ball back to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie see’s his attempted long ball down the line charged down by Luke Jephcott, and the ball loops up into the air and this meant that Lewis MacLeod was able to header the ball forwards and Panutche Camará, was unable to get the ball under control and this meant that Tom O’Connor could nip in there to intercept the ball and Josh Eccles was able to pass the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson down the right side of the pitch, And Ryan Jackson runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham use his pace and skill to take on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham has whipped in a fantastic cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper was able to gather the ball and make a excellent catch in The Plymouth Argyle Goal - A Decent Catch From Michael Cooper, especially when you take the conditions into consideration.

Twenty Minutes Into The Match, And Will Aimson tries to pick out Ryan Hardie with a long pass which is well over-hit and the ball runs through to Jack Bonham In The Gillingham Goal, And In The Twenty Second Minute Of The Match, Connor Ogilvie manages to get to the loose ball by the byline ahead of Ryan Hardie and Connor Ogilvie kicks the ball long down-field and the ball runs all the way through to Michael Cooper in The Plymouth Argyle Goal - But Connor Ogilvie’s long ball down-field was more of a clearance rather then a long pass towards one of Vadaine Oliver or Jordan Graham.

But In The Twenty Fourth Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle should have opened the scoring, Ryan Jackson clears the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver tries to flick the ball on towards Robbie McKenzie, But Niall Canavan boots the ball clear and Declan Drysdale passes the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor see’s his pass down the line towards Kyle Dempsey cut out by Will Aimson, And Will Aimson plays a short pass forwards towards Panutche Camará on the halfway line, And Panutche Camará passes the ball square to Danny Mayor on the halfway line, And Danny Mayor takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Conor Grant down the left side of the pitch, And Conor Grant runs forwards in possession of the ball before whipping in a low cross towards Ryan Hardie on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Ryan Hardie skilfully evades the sliding challenge from Declan Drysdale and Ryan Hardie turns back on himself before threading a pass through to Luke Jephcott, AND CONNOR OGILVIE TIMES HIS SLIDING CHALLENGE TO PERFECTION, And Ryan Jackson has possession of the ball for The Gills, And Ryan Jackson passes the ball short to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham is looking around for passing options before passing the ball back towards Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson kicks the ball long down the line and Vadaine Oliver chests the ball back to Josh Eccles, who retains possession of the ball and passes the ball square to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie runs down the left flank up towards the halfway line in possession of the ball, And Connor Ogilvie passes the ball forwards towards Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor goes down to the deck very easily and Lewis MacLeod now has possession of the ball for Plymouth Argyle, And Lewis MacLeod lays the ball off to Joe Edwards, who’s attempted long ball down-field is cut out by Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey manages to pass the ball back to Connor Ogilvie, who plays a short pass forwards towards Scott Robertson, And Scott Robertson plays a give and go with Vadaine Oliver before seeing his pass through to Jordan Graham cut out, and the ball ricochets towards Danny Mayor, who runs forwards in possession of the ball for Plymouth Argyle, And Danny Mayor losses possession of the ball to Josh Eccles and Ryan Jackson passes the ball forwards towards Scott Robertson, and this time, Scott Robertson was able to pick out Jordan Graham with a pass down the right side of the pitch, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control before taking on Joe Edwards, And Jordan Graham has fired a low cross across the face of goal and Vadaine Oliver almost makes a telling connection on to the ball to give Gillingham the lead - Both teams have created decent goal-scoring opportunities to try and take the lead in the past two minutes of play, And Plymouth Argyle perhaps created the better of the two goal-scoring chances there as well.

Twenty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle really should have opened the scoring, Will Aimson runs forwards in possession of the ball up until the halfway line before passing the ball back towards Lewis MacLeod, And Lewis MacLeod passes the ball square to Kelland Watts, And Kelland Watts passes the ball down the line towards Conor Grant down the left side of the pitch, And Conor Grant plays a short pass back inside to Kelland Watts, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball before laying the ball off to Lewis MacLeod, And Lewis MacLeod passes the ball square to Will Aimson, who takes a touch to control the ball before threading a pass down the line down the right side of the pitch towards Joe Edwards, And Joe Edwards runs inside into a more central position before passing the ball towards Luke Jephcott, inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Luke Jephcott back-heals the ball back to Joe Edwards who fires a first time low effort just wide of Gillingham’s Far Left Post, And Plymouth Argyle really should have opened the scoring in that passage of play.

Twenty Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Danny Mayor’s cross towards the far post is headed out of play by Tom O’Connor For A Plymouth Argyle Corner Kick, And Danny Mayor was twisting and turning past Josh Eccles far too easily there and it is almost like at times like Ryan Jackson is playing on the right wing with Josh Eccles filling in at right back, and that’s twice now where Josh Eccles has been beaten by a piece of technical skill, and we are asking a lot from Josh Eccles as a young player to play out of position and fill in at right back on occasions, Danny Mayor opts to go for a short corner kick routine and Conor Grant manages to win Plymouth Argyle a second corner by kicking the ball against Josh Eccles, and from the second corner kick, Lewis MacLeod whips in a cross towards the near post and Kelland Watts goal-bound header is headed clear by Kyle Dempsey and Gillingham eventually clear there lines and relieve some of the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal.

Thirty One Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to open the scoring, Kelland Watts pass through to central midfield is cut out by Declan Drysdale, And Declan Drysdale passes the ball forwards towards Robbie McKenzie, who passes the ball back to Josh Eccles, And Josh Eccles gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson eventually passes the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes a touch to control the ball and Jordan Graham is twisting and turning and Jordan Graham eventually manages to whip in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post, and Niall Canavan manages to header the ball away from Vadaine Oliver and Kyle Dempsey lays the ball off to Scott Robertson, And Scott Robertson passes the ball back to Josh Eccles, And Josh Eccles passes the ball out-wide to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey cuts inside and evades the attempted challenges from Joe Edwards and Luke Jephcott, And Kyle Dempsey has fired his effort right on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area clear of the crossbar - and that was the chance for Gillingham to open the scoring.

And failure to take that opportunity proved to be costly, because the next passage of play see’s Plymouth Argyle take the lead, Joe Edwards has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch In Plymouth’s Half, And Joe Edwards goes on a driving run forwards and continue’s his run centrally into Gillingham’s Half, And Joe Edwards eventually manages to pass the ball out-wide to Conor Grant down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Conor Grant takes one touch to control the ball and another touch to whip in a dangerous low in-swinging cross and there was Luke Jephcott to accurately place the ball into the far right corner of the net and Jack Bonham had dived at full stretch, But Jack Bonham was unable to prevent Luke Jephcott from opening the scoring for Plymouth Argyle after thirty two minutes, a very poor goal for Gillingham to concede, Because Connor Ogilvie and Tom O’Connor have both failed to track the run from Luke Jephcott, However, Why didn’t Ryan Jackson stop the cross, If Ryan Jackson blocks the cross from Conor Grant then Luke Jephcott doesn’t score for Plymouth Argyle and there have been a few occasions where Ryan Jackson has been more on the right wing then at right back throughout this first half (Is this a tactical decision from Steve Evans ???) But Ryan Jackson has to do more to stop the cross from Conor Grant - PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM.

Thirty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle are forced to make there first substitution of the match because Alex MacLeod has to be substituted because Alex MacLeod has picked up an injury, and Tyrese Fornah has come on in his place, and also, It appears that Panutche Camará was getting some treatment whilst that substitution was on-going, Plymouth Argyle will be grateful that teams can make five substitutes in a match, If Panutche Camará had to be substituted as well, then if we had the traditional three substitutes rule, then Plymouth Argyle will only have one sub left for the rest of this match.

And In The Forty Second Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle had the chance to double there advantage, Plymouth Argyle were awarded a throw on down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Ryan Hardie throws the ball to Will Aimson, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Will Aimson lays the ball off to Panutche Camará, and Panutche Camará passes the ball square to Tyrese Fornah, who has come on as a substitute for Plymouth Argyle, And Tyrese Fornah passes the ball out-wide to Conor Grant, who runs inside into a more central position on the pitch, And Conor Grant plays a one / two with Danny Mayor before evading the attempted challenge from Jordan Graham, And Conor Grant’s fiercely driven effort towards goal is saved and gathered at the second attempt by Jack Bonham.

And from here, Gillingham had the chance to level the scores up at 1-1 before half time, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Will Aimson wins the aerial challenge up against Vadaine Oliver and Danny Mayor has inadvertently passed the ball straight into Jordan Graham’s Path, And Jordan Graham cuts inside before cutting back outside to evade the challenge from Kelland Watts, And Jordan Graham’s shot towards goal is saved by Michael Cooper and Michael Cooper has parried the ball wide and away from goal - Decent Effort On Goal From Jordan Graham - and we can really have done with Gillingham scoring an equaliser before half time as well.

And as we approach stoppage time at the end of the first half, Kelland Watts has kicked the ball long down the line and Declan Drysdale was trying to shield the ball out of play for a throw on, And Declan Drysdale passes the ball back to Jack Bonham, who was being charged down by Ryan Hardie, So Jack Bonham had no choice but to kick the ball into touch for A Plymouth Argyle Throw On, And the final noteworthy moment of the first half see’s Conor Grant whip in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Tom O’Connor headers the ball clear and away from goal and Joe Edwards is on to the loose ball for Plymouth Argyle, And Joe Edwards whips in a low dangerous cross, and somehow, no-one made a telling connection on to the ball and Ryan Jackson passes the ball down the line to Jordan Graham, And Referee Sam Allison blows his whistle for half time.

HALF TIME: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM

SECOND HALF:

And right at the start of the second half, Plymouth Argyle had the chance to double there lead for 2-0, Jordan Graham gets the ball clear and away from goal and Scott Robertson wins the initial aerial challenge and the second ball falls kindly to Tyrese Fornah, who plays a first time pass forwards towards Ryan Hardie, And Ryan Hardie lays the ball off to Panutche Camará, And Panutche Camará passes the ball out-wide to Joe Edwards down the right side of the pitch - Gillingham’s Left - And Joe Edwards takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and the ball deflects off Declan Drysdale straight into Luke Jephcott’s path, And Luke Jephcott see’s his fiercely driven effort towards goal blocked by Declan Drysdale and the ball ricochets straight into Jack Bonham’s Grasp - BUT THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR PLYMOUTH ARGYLE TO GO 2-0 UP!!!!!!!!!!

Forty Six Minutes Into The Match, And Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has picked up Niall Canavan’s back-pass and somehow the official’s have not awarded Gillingham A In-Direct Free Kick, And I was not pleased with that decision at all, That was a back-pass and Gillingham should have been awarded a in-direct free kick, And In The Forty Eighth Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle had the chance to double there lead, Tyrese Fornah has possession of the ball in Plymouth Argyle’s Half Of The Pitch, And Tyrese Fornah threads through a through-ball through to Ryan Hardie, And Ryan Hardie passes the ball inside to Danny Mayor, And Danny Mayor tries to pick out Panutche Camará with a threaded through-pass inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, But Connor Ogilvie on the stretch managed to deflect the ball out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Conor Grant passes the ball short to Danny Mayor, who passes the ball out-wide to Conor Grant, And Conor Grant works his way towards the byline before standing up a high and hanging cross inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Will Aimson wins the initial aerial challenge and Luke Jephcott doesn’t get the cleanest of connections with his effort on goal and Jack Bonham makes a comfortable save in goal for Gillingham.

And In The Fiftieth Minute Of The Match, And Plymouth Argyle almost capitalised on a defensive error from Gillingham, Kelland Watts has kicked the ball long down-field for Plymouth Argyle and Declan Drysdale has passed the ball back to Jack Bonham, And Jack Bonham has kicked the ball straight into Luke Jephcott and the ball ricochets towards Declan Drysdale, And Ryan Hardie gets to the ball first and Declan Drysdale is late with his sliding challenge and Plymouth Argyle have been awarded a free kick in a very promising position on the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Conor Grant whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Niall Canavan’s glancing header goes just wide of the far right post with Jack Bonham beaten, And had Niall Canavan’s header been on target then Plymouth Argyle would have doubled there lead to 2-0.

And after that goal-scoring opportunity from Niall Canavan, Gillingham make a double substitution with Alex MacDonald and John Akinde coming on for Scott Robertson and Josh Eccles, John Akinde will partner Vadaine Oliver in attack, and one of Alex MacDonald or Kyle Dempsey will partner Robbie McKenzie in central midfield, Gillingham had to make a change now because Plymouth Argyle look more likely to score for 2-0, rather then Gillingham get themselves back on to level terms for 1-1.

Fifty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Conor Grant is penalised for his foul on Jordan Graham down the right side of the pitch, And Gillingham have been awarded a free kick in a very promising position on the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Gillingham should have equalised, Tom O’Connor has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Connor Ogilvie’s header towards goal clears Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO EQUALISE!!!!! - Connor Ogilvie had pealed away from his marker, got on the end of Tom O’Connor’s dangerous in-swinging cross, and had Connor Ogilvie headed the ball on target, then Gillingham would have levelled the game up at 1-1.

Much better from Gillingham, and with Alex MacDonald and John Akinde coming on, and that headed chance from Connor Ogilvie, we are starting to see more from Gillingham in the second half, and had Gillingham levelled the game up with that header from Connor Ogilvie, then Gillingham would have just under forty minutes to try and turn this 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win, And that goal-scoring opportunity really did kick The Gills into life, Because Gillingham had chances to get themselves back on to level terms after that header from Connor Ogilvie, And In The Fifty Fifth Minute Of The Match, Ryan Hardie is penalised for his challenge on Ryan Jackson down the right side of the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Tom O’Connor passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham looks to take on Ryan Hardie, And Jordan Graham kicks the ball against Ryan Hardie, and the ball ricochets off The Plymouth Argyle Striker and hits Jordan Graham and the ball goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick, And From The Resulting Goal-Kick, Michael Cooper passes the ball forwards short to Niall Canavan, who passes the ball square to Will Aimson, And Will Aimson takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down-field and Connor Ogilvie wins the aerial challenge to header the ball forwards towards Vadaine Oliver, and although Will Aimson gets to the loose ball first, Will Aimson cannot get the ball under control and John Akinde manages to nip in there to intercept the ball before passing the ball square to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes a touch to control the ball before taking on Kelland Watts, And Jordan Graham has whipped in a cross / shot across the face of goal and Jordan Graham doesn’t pick out Vadaine Oliver at the far post, or, pick out the bottom left corner of the net, and that was another goal-scoring opportunity for The Gills.

Fifty Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to get themselves back on to level terms, Jack Bonham has possession of the ball for Gillingham, And Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde wins the aerial challenge to header the ball down towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control, and works his way out-wide to the byline, and Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross, and although John Akinde wins the initial aerial challenge, Vadaine Oliver cannot keep the ball in play at the far post and the ball goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick - John Akinde could not direct his header goal-wards, and Vadaine Oliver had to try and keep the ball in play on the stretch, which is easier said then done.

Sixty Minutes Into The Match, And Joe Edwards whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and Declan Drysdale has to header the ball out of play for a corner kick because Ryan Hardie was there at the back-stick trying to get on the end of Joe Edwards cross, and despite the chances created by Gillingham in the second half, It’s Plymouth Argyle who are looking to score that all important second goal to put the hosts in a commanding position to pick up all three points, and from the resulting corner kick, Conor Grant whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and there appeared to be a clash of heads between Niall Canavan, Kelland Watts and Connor Ogilvie, and you can hear Steve Evans appealing for a defensive free kick, however, Connor Ogilvie got the last touch on the ball and headed the ball out of play for another Plymouth Argyle Corner Kick, And From The Second Corner Kick, Conor Grant whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver wins the aerial challenge to header the ball away from goal and John Akinde goes on a driving run forwards in possession of the ball, And John Akinde manages to win the fifty / fifty challenge up against Tyrese Fornah and Joe Edwards has smashed the ball into touch at the expense of conceding a throw on - fantastic run from John Akinde There - And From The Resulting Throw On, Tom O’Connor throws the ball back to Jack Bonham, who takes a touch to control the ball, And Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde wins the aerial challenge to header the ball on towards Vadaine Oliver and Niall Canavan manages to shield the ball out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick.

Sixty Two Minutes Into The Match, And Jordan Graham wins Gillingham A Corner Kick by kicking the ball against Conor Grant, and from the resulting corner kick, Gillingham almost equalised, Tom O’Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper completely misses the ball and the ball hits Kelland Watts and goes narrowly wide of the far left post and out of play for A Gillingham Corner Kick - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO EQUALISE!!!!! - And you just wonder if this is going to be Plymouth Argyle’s Day, Because if the ball hits Kelland Watts and is on target then Gillingham are back on level terms, and from the resulting corner kick, Jordan Graham whips in a low cross towards the near post and Tyrese Fornah manages to clear the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, But there were protests from John Akinde and Connor Ogilvie that the ball had gone out of play for another Gillingham Corner before Tyrese Fornah had cleared the ball out for a throw on.

Sixty Five Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham are looking to get back on level terms, Kyle Dempsey passes the ball short out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham whips in another fantastic cross towards the far post and Vadaine Oliver cannot get on the end of that cross and Vadaine Oliver cannot keep the ball in play and the ball goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Throw On - But Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde have got to move quicker and anticipate some of these crosses, because Jordan Graham has whipped in some sensational crosses throughout the second half, and with Jordan Graham coming back from injury, you just wonder if Jordan Graham is going to have to be substituted at some point just to make sure that Jordan Graham is available for selection for The Burton Albion League Game At Priestfield Stadium ???

Sixty Six Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham are looking to find the equaliser, Kyle Dempsey runs forwards in possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball short out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control, takes on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross which is just too high for Vadaine Oliver to get any contact on the ball, but the ball does fall kindly into Alex MacDonald’s Path, And Alex MacDonald takes one touch to control the ball and another touch to hook the ball back across the face of goal and Vadaine Oliver’s looping header was on target and easy for Michael Cooper to save in The Plymouth Argyle Goal.

Sixty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Ryan Jackson is penalised and booked for his challenge on Danny Mayor on the halfway line and Plymouth Argyle have been awarded a free kick, But In The Sixty Ninth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham almost equalised in fortuitous circumstances, Danny Mayor has managed to pick out Conor Grant with a pass down the left side of the pitch, And Conor Grant is challenged by Ryan Jackson and Ryan Jackson turns and runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball forwards to Jordan Graham down the right side of the pitch on the halfway line, And Jordan Graham runs forwards in possession of the ball and Jordan Graham continue’s his run down the right side of the pitch in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third, And Jordan Graham takes on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross which hits the crossbar and the ball then ricochets off Will Aimson and the ball deflects out of play for A Gillingham Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Jordan Graham passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball towards Tom O’Connor on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Tom O’Connor takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball square to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey is looking around for passing options before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and Vadaine Oliver cannot jump higher enough to either header the ball on target or header the ball back across the face of goal and the ball has gone out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick.

Plymouth Argyle have also made a substitution with Jerome Opoku coming on too replace Conor Grant, And Jordan Graham has given Conor Grant a lot of problems defensively throughout the entire match, however, It is Conor Grant’s cross which lead to Luke Jephcott opening the scoring for Plymouth Argyle, and it is Luke Jephcott’s goal which separates both sides so far in this match, But speaking of substitutions, I am surprised that Trae Coyle isn’t at least warming up, just to provide Gillingham with a alternative attacking option down the left side of the pitch.

Seventy Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle could have gone 2-0 up, Ryan Hardie has hit a low driven effort towards goal from twenty five yards out which is saved and gathered at the second attempt by Jack Bonham, and that effort on goal from Ryan Hardie is a reminder that Plymouth Argyle can cause Gillingham problems defensively, even if it has been Gillingham on the offence for the vast majority of the second half, And In The Seventy Second Minute Of The Match, Gillingham had the chance to equalise, Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has kicked the ball long down-field and Declan Drysdale wins the initial aerial challenge and Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham - who is down the left side of the pitch - And Jordan Graham runs down the left side of the pitch in possession of the ball and Jordan Graham stands the ball up towards the far post and Vadaine Oliver’s header is on target and straight at Michael Cooper, who makes a comfortable save in goal - either side of The Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper, And Gillingham would have equalised.

Seventy Five Minutes Into The Match, And Ryan Hardie tries to pick out Panutche Camará with a attempted pull back towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Tom O’Connor was able to intercept that pass, all be it, at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Tyrese Fornah’s in-swinging cross towards the back-stick has swung out of play and Plymouth Argyle have completed wasted that set piece, and before play can resume, Plymouth Argyle make a double substitution as Frank Nouble and Dominic Telford come on to replace Ryan Hardie and Luke Jephcott - So Plymouth Argyle have decided to replace both of there strikers to try and freshen up there attack for the remaining minutes left in this match.

Seventy Six Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham were looking to cause Plymouth Argyle problems defensively, Jordan Graham manages to thread a pass through to Ryan Jackson on the over-lap, And Ryan Jackson runs through towards the byline in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third, And Tyrese Fornah has come across and managed to shield the ball out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick, And In The Seventy Ninth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham make there third substitution of the game as Matty Willock comes on to replace Robbie McKenzie, As Steve Evans will be hoping that Matty Willock can provide Gillingham with something different in the final third which can be a difference maker and The Gills can pick up a point at least, I am also still surprised that Trae Coyle isn’t coming on to boost Gillingham’s Attacking Options as we are losing 1-0 heading into the final ten minutes of the match, and Trae Coyle is a player who has got himself on the score-sheet on quite a few occasions for Gillingham This Season As Well.

And after Matty Willock’s substitution, Kyle Dempsey wins Gillingham A Corner Kick In The Eightieth Minute Of The Match When Kyle Dempsey plays a neat give and go with Tom O’Connor down the left side of the pitch, And Tom O’Connor’s return pass plays the ball through to Kyle Dempsey inside Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey’s low cross is blocked by Dominic Telford at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Gillingham had the chance to equalise, Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper can only punch the ball towards the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area And Tom O’Connor chests the ball under control before volleying his effort towards goal well over Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar by some considerable distance - Tom O’Connor had to take that shot on quickly because he was being charged down, And perhaps Tom O’Connor isn’t the player you want to see take the shot on from the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area.

Eighty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle had a throw on down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Jerome Opoku throws the ball down the line towards Franck Nouble, And Franck Nouble gets the ball under control before playing a short pass out-wide to Jerome Opoku, And Jerome Opoku manages to whip in a low cross towards the near post which is blocked by Declan Drysdale, And Declan Drysdale slips inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Danny Mayor gets the loose ball and plays a short layoff to Dominic Telford, And Dominic Telford see’s his low shot towards goal blocked by Connor Ogilvie, and that block from Connor Ogilvie keeps Gillingham in this match at 1-0 down, And Connor Ogilvie was also in the right place at the right time to block Panutche Camará’s driven effort towards goal from the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area.

Eighty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had a half chance to try and find that equaliser, Matty Willock manages to pick out Jordan Graham in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third Down The Right Side Of The Pitch, And Jordan Graham is twisting and turning and unfortunately, Jordan Graham’s cross goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick when Vadaine Oliver was unmarked at the far post, And In The Ninetieth Minute Of The Match, Ryan Jackson tries to pick out John Akinde with a long pass down-field and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper was able to gather the ball inside his penalty area to relieve the pressure building on to his own goal - BUT THE FOURTH OFFICIAL HAS SHOWN FIVE ADDITIONAL MINUTES OF ADDED TIME, SO THERE IS STILL TIME FOR GILLINGHAM TO SCORE A EQUALISER!!!!!!!!!!!

And the next passage of play almost see’s Gillingham find that equaliser, Declan Drysdale has possession of the ball in Plymouth Argyle’s Half Of The Pitch, And Declan Drysdale passes the ball square to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor is running away from goal, turns back and evades the attempted challenge from Panutche Camará, And Tom O’Connor runs forwards in possession of the ball and Tom O’Connor tries his luck from twenty five yards out, But Tom O’Connor’s shot towards goal clears Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar and Michael Cooper wasn’t required to make a save - This was a much better effort on goal from Tom O’Connor, But both attempts on goal from The Gillingham Left Back have failed to hit the target.

Danny Mayor is then penalised for his challenge on Jordan Graham down the right side of the pitch in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third, And Gillingham have been awarded a free kick in a very promising position on the pitch, Jack Bonham has also come forward as it is now or never for The Gills, and from the resulting free kick, Gillingham should have equalised, Tom O’Connor whips in a sensational in-swinging cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has completely missed the ball and Matty Willock has missed a sitter on the goal-line and Matty Willock has headed the ball over the crossbar when really Matty Willock should have scored the equaliser - HOW HAS MATTY WILLOCK FAILED TO SCORE FROM JUST ONE YARD OUT I HAVE NO IDEA!!!!! - Also, I think if Matty Willock wasn’t there, then potentially Tom O’Connor could have scored directly from the free kick and levelled the game up at 1-1.

And the final noteworthy moment of the match see’s Gillingham try and find the equaliser with the last kick of the game, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge and Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham passes the ball back to Kyle Dempsey, who runs forwards in possession of the ball, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball square to Tom O’Connor, who lays the ball off to Alex MacDonald, And Alex MacDonald takes a touch to control the ball before threading a through-ball through to Kyle Dempsey on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross first time and Tyrese Fornah headers the ball partially clear and away from danger, But Kyle Dempsey is on to the loose ball, And Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes on Jerome Opoku by the byline and Jordan Graham stands the ball up towards the far post and John Akinde wins the initial aerial challenge to header the ball back across the face of goal, And Vadaine Oliver’s sliced volley goes over the crossbar, and after over five minutes of stoppage time, Referee Sam Allison blows his full time whistle and it’s Plymouth Argyle who pick up three valuable points at Home Park.

FULL TIME: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM

I posted the following on Social Media,,,,, FULL TIME: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM - Luke Jephcott’s goal was the difference and Plymouth Argyle pick up three valuable points, but how on earth did Gillingham fail to hit the back of the net with the chances created in the second half, Because Gills deserved a point. Tom O'Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross from a free kick and Connor Ogilvie has headed the ball over the crossbar from close range, Jordan Graham's cross / shot goes wide of the far left post. Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and John Akinde wins the header, But Vadaine Oliver cannot keep the ball in play. O'Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross from a corner, Goalkeeper Cooper misses the ball and Kelland Watts almost scores an OG for Plymouth, Jordan Graham's cross clips the crossbar, And Oliver's header was on target and straight towards Cooper, Tom O'Connor tries his luck with a effort from goal from distance which clears Plymouth Argyle's Crossbar, O'Connor also saw a snap-shot effort towards goal clear the crossbar, But how did Matty Willock missed that chance deep into second half injury time ??? - Gillingham deserved a point from the game, but at the same-time, only four shots on target and have Gillingham seriously tested Cooper in The Plymouth Argyle Goal Today ???

I also mentioned the following regarding the high turnover of players at Gillingham Football Club over the past eighteen months,,,, A huge turnover of players is also going to happen for Gillingham in January, with 2-3 players likely to make way for 5-6 new additions to strengthen the squad for the squad half of the season. Tucker Ogilvie and Woods are the only three players at the club from The 18/19 Season, 18 signings last season and 16 signings this season, A total of 34 signings since the start of The 2019 / 2020 Season, 33 signings because Jordan Graham counts on this list twice and Joe Lumley was signed on a emergency loan goalkeeper when Bonham was injured earlier on this season. - I think a separate blog looking at all the incomings and outgoings at Gillingham Football Club under Steve Evans reign would be something that needs to be written about in another blog.

The last time Gillingham traveled to Plymouth Argyle, Gillingham lost 3-1 and the fan-belt broke on the coach, which meant that we didn’t leave Plymouth until 11.30PM and I didn’t get back home until 5.30AM On A Wednesday Morning, So we at least avoided the long trip to Plymouth Argyle this time round (because supporters cannot go to matches) But the defeat to Plymouth Argyle means back to back league defeats for Gillingham against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle, I am sure most Gillingham Supporters would be looking at four points from these two matches, or, even all six as Gillingham look to move up The League One Table.

Last Season, The Defence was the backbone to Gillingham’s Success, Only Coventry City, Sunderland and Doncaster Rovers had a better defensive record in League One during The 2019 / 2020 season and in our final eight league games before the season was brought to a halt, Gillingham kept four clean sheets in eight matches against Lincoln City, Southend United, Shrewsbury Town and Burton Albion, picking up eight points from those four, Gillingham have conceded twenty six goals already this season compared to The thirty four Gillingham conceded through-out The 2019 / 2020 Season - even though the season was cut short - the defensive record was much better last season.

I also saw a few comments from supporters mentioning there lack of enthusiasm for this season, and I replied with the following,,,, Not being able to watch Gillingham play live either inside Priestfield Stadium, or, at a away game has contributed to this lack of enthusiasm, at least if we were watching the game live, your watching with friends, family and fellow supporters, Cheering Gills on to get a result. - Watching Gillingham On I Follow is a decent substitute for not being there, but celebrating a last gasp winner on I Follow is not the same as celebrating a last gasp winner inside a football stadium.

And Gillingham’s last six results in all competitions do not make for good reading……

Cambridge United 2-0 Gillingham

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Gillingham

Gillingham 0-2 Accrington Stanley

Rochdale 1-4 Gillingham

Northampton Town 3-1 Gillingham

Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Gillingham

Five defeats in six is concerning form, And it’s not just five defeats in six which is concerning, Gillingham have only scored six goals in these six matches, four of these goals were scored in Gillingham’s 4-1 away win against Rochdale, Yes, Gillingham created a lot of chances against Plymouth Argyle in the second half, but how many saves did Michael Cooper have to make in The Plymouth Argyle Goal, and of course, we will be talking about the two chances that Connor Ogilvie and Matty Willock should have scored, if both headers go in, then Gillingham would have won 2-1 against Plymouth Argyle.

I think a lot of questions are being asked regarding the high turnover of players under Steve Evans reign as Gillingham Manager, the style of play is being discussed at length, why didn’t Trae Coyle and one of Jack Tucker or Christian Maghoma come on, even if one of the centre back’s came on and played up-front to try and salvage a point from the game, with five substitutes allowed, Gillingham had the options to make changes, and even if Christian Maghoma and Jack Tucker don’t make an appearance, then Trae Coyle should have come on for The Gills surely for fifteen to twenty minutes.

There are also questions regarding Steve Evans future as Gillingham Manager and whether we should back Steve Evans in the transfer market, or, stick with Steve Evans until the end of the season and evaluate our situation from there, But if Gillingham were to lose two of the next three league games and Gillingham are dragged into a relegation battle, then we may not see a managerial change at the end of the season, we could see a managerial change happen instantly, and then Gillingham are in the process of looking to appoint a manager who is available and affordable mid-season with no match-day income coming into the football club, and it is perhaps for these reasons why a managerial change might not happen in the middle of The 2020 / 2021 Season for The Gills, a very disappointing defeat for Gillingham against Plymouth Argyle, and back to back league defeats against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle have dragged Gillingham back into the relegation battle, so therefore, it is vital that Gillingham put in a run of consistent results against Burton Albion, Accrington Stanley, Lincoln City, Rochdale, Crewe Alexandra and Sunderland for the rest of January, there are fixtures coming up where Gillingham can pick up a lot of points and move in the right direction in The League One Table.

[engelenaudio]

Reflection 6: Socially distant recording: a new mindset

Graduating from the UH Creative Music Technology BSc in 2019 and moving directly on to this MSc in 2020, I can definitely say that the impact of Covid-19 has affected the way I work. Fortunately for me, building a foundation in audio programming has not been impacted too much by the current times, as the majority of my work for this has been done from my laptop in my room. However, my work as a mixing and recording engineer has been much more difficult. In this post I want to explore the necessary adaptations I have made in this field of work recently.

In April of this year, I began planning the complete production (producing, recording, mixing and mastering) for a full length album with my band. For me, this was an opportunity to showcase everything I had learnt about music production during my BSc. Of course, due to Covid-19 these plans were delayed and only now have we begun recording. Fortunately, my band members and I are currently all part of the same household, meaning that we can record in my student accommodation room. This of course is entirely worse than a professional studio for a number of reasons, and I need to be aware of these if I want to deliver a professional sounding product. 

Firstly, we realised that we would need to record elements individually, which for our style of music is very inconvenient. As mentioned in an article from “performermag”, ‘We strongly recommend in a typical band situation (drums, bass, guitar, keys and vocals), that the rhythm section record live together – including a scratch vocal take from the singer. We do it this way because bands are used to performing together and we aim to capture great performances.’ (Cataldo, Z., Godin, B., 2013). Furthermore, restrictions on indoor socialising meant that rehearsal time was practically impossible. To overcome these issues, I made sure that all parts were tracked to a rigid metronome so that everything would be in time. This compromise did mean that we lost the energy of a live recording, as well as some performers struggling to follow the metronome as opposed to the rhythm of a drummer playing in the background.

As a result of this, I did some research into if I could find a way of quantising the recordings without making them sound unnaturally in time which often happens with rigid quantisation. My research lead to me a feature in Logic Pro called Q-strength, which 'Intentionally un-quantises the notes by a factor between 1 and 100.’ (4:12 - 4:20, MusicTechHelpGuy, 2014).

(Fig 1.1: Advanced quantisation parameters in Logic Pro)

This feature allowed me to hold on to the natural feel of the performances whilst ensuring they were all in time with each other.

Additionally, during my research I came across a blog by recording engineer Michael White who had an in depth article concerning overdubbing. A piece of advice that resonated with me was ‘Take regular breaks, especially if there is frustration and confusion in the studio.’ (White, M., 2014) While reflecting on the project so far, I have noticed often during recording sessions that progress with an overdubbing technique has not always been as smooth as we would have liked, so patience and realistic expectations from both my side and the performer’s side are vital. Again, White mentions that ‘It's very easy to overestimate what you can accomplish on any given day of recording.’ Once I realised this, our time spent in the sessions became more productive.

Another problem I encountered was an overall lack of acoustic treatment in the recording stages. Aside from the occasional opportunities I have had to record in the University’s studios (which have not been plentiful), the base of operations has been my student accommodation room. The immediate problems this presents is noisy recordings, so I delved into researching methods of preventing these issues. 

I already understood the basics of acoustic treatment, but an article by iZotope was a useful source for some extra information. The article suggested that ‘you may want to convert a closet into an iso-booth, but you very well stand a better chance with a larger, multi-use space, as is-booths are hard to treat correctly.’ (Messitte, N., 2019) This made sense to me as I needed a space to both record and mix the project. Therefore, I covered the flat, reflective walls around my desk space with acoustic foam and placed foam bass traps in corners where lower frequencies may resonate. This helped, but did not solve the problem entirely, so I had to consider other options. Background noise was still present in many recordings and so I decided to purchase iZotope’s RX7 elements, which features a noise reduction module. This combined with the minimal acoustic treatment ended up being satisfactory in my opinion, as the recordings were now at a good enough standard.

Finally, and for most importantly, my research demonstrated that learning the “sound” of my mixing environment was essential to achieving a professional sounding project. In an article, Graham Cochrane suggests that ‘classic moves like throwing more treatment or nicer monitoring at the problem won’t fix it.  All rooms sound weird in some way, shape, or form.’ (Cochrane, G., 2015) Instead, I learnt that by listening to professional tracks and critically analysing them in terms of tonal balance, loudness and structure, I could replicate them in my room to achieve a professional sound with my own projects as well. Furthermore, checking the mixes on multiple sound sources ‘will let you hear how most listeners will be hearing your tracks’ (Hawkins, E., n.d).

Having researched and furthered my knowledge, my confidence in producing a high quality project despite limitations set by current times, is much improved.

References:

Cataldo, Z., Godin, B., (2013) Recording Tips: Full Band Takes vs. Individual Tracking [Online] April 11th 2013. Available from: https://performermag.com/home-recording/music-production/recording-tips-full-band-takes-vs-individual-tracking/ [Accessed: December 7th 2020]

MusicTechHelpGuy (2014) Logic Pro X - Video Tutorial 34 - MIDI Quantization pt. 3 - Q-Strength, Q-Range, Q-Flam [Youtube] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hITfeOeauw4 [Accessed: December 7th 2020]

White, M., (2014) The Music Production Process Step 5: Overdubbing [Online] Available from: https://www.music-production-guide.com/overdubbing.html [Accessed: December 7th 2020]

Messitte, N., (2019) 7 Home Recording Studio Hacks for the Bedroom Producer [Online] Available from: https://www.izotope.com/en/learn/7-home-recording-studio-hacks-for-the-bedroom-producer.html [Accessed: December 7th 2020]

Cochrane, G., (2015) 3 Tips For Mixing In A Bedroom, Basement, Or Any Not-So-Good Sounding Space [Online] November 9th 2015. Available from: https://www.recordingrevolution.com/3-tips-for-mixing-in-a-bedroom-basement-or-any-not-so-good-sounding-space/ [Accessed: December 7th 2020]

Hawkins, E., (n.d) Setting Up Multiple Monitors for Better Mixing [Online] (n.d) Available from: https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/setting-up-multiple-monitors-for-better-mixing/ [Accessed: December 7th 2020]

Figures:

Figure 1.1: ‘Advanced quantisation parameters in Logic Pro‘ [Online] Available from: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/logicpro/lgcp35029a2b/mac [Accessed: 28th November 2020]

[newfrontierseries]

#MJDB Post 1:

“I don’t know that I have ever found any satisfactory answers of my own. But every time I ask it, the question is refined…questioning as ritual, questioning as exploration rather than the search for certainty.” - Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Hee Hee” - Michael Jackson

Any worthwhile artistic journey begins with a worthwhile question. Or, a worthwhile series of questions.

For me, the first thing I do whenever I begin work on a new project is sit down and ask myself, “Jared, what is this play about?”

It is a question that is both incredibly straightforward and deeply complex, but by beginning to answer it, I am able to give myself a lens with which to begin to analyze the text. As someone who deeply despises the anxiety that comes with not knowing, (which, for those wondering, yes, does make working as dramaturg, a role that fully lives in a world of ambiguity, a truly nerve-wracking journey) figuring out this question helps me to stay anchored and do the necessary work of unpacking the world of the play. It is a win-win situation for both my sanity and the artistic process. When Terry Guest first introduced his ideas around his new play, Michael Jackson and the Devil’s Book, to director Wardell Julius Clark and I, he answered my question before I even had to ask. “This play is not a biography about Michael Jackson.” Terry explained. “This play is not about Michael Jackson the man at all.”

“But wait!” You might be thinking to yourself. “This play isn’t about Michael Jackson? But isn’t his name in the title? Isn’t he a character in the play? Didn’t you start this very blog post quoting his iconic “Hee Hee” vocal riff? If MICHAEL JACKSON and the Devil’s Book isn’t about Michael Jackson, then what is it about?” Don’t get it twisted; this play is 100% about that little Black boy born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958 (on the night of a full moon whose birth chat has a Virgo sun, Pisces Moon and Pisces Ascendant placement for the astrologically curious of the bunch). This play is 100% about the boundary and taboo-breaking career of one of the most iconic and significant Black superstars to have ever lived. This play is, 100%, without a doubt about Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, the most awarded artist in the history of music. But more than that, Michael Jackson and The Devil’s Book is a play about Black people. And selective Black exceptionalism. And how Black people have followed the story of Michael Jackson, with all of its ups and downs, for the past 50 years.

This play is an exploration of what it looks like for Black people to accomplish our dreams. And what we must sacrifice to do so. It is about our loss of innocence. Of our own realization that “celebrity,” that thing that so many of us spend our whole lives chasing, can be dangerous, dehumanizing, and deadly. This play is a reckoning that asks us to examine: What does it mean to sell and monetize your Blackness in a forward facing industry. At least, that’s what we think this play is about. Who knows – its doesn’t exist yet! But these are the things that we are going to keep asking ourselves over the next few months as this piece comes into focus. We are going to talk a lot about Black people in pop culture. People like Beyoncé, and Michael Jordan, and Diana Ross, and Bill Cosby, and Prince, and Serena Williams, and Oprah, and Barack and Michelle Obama. Black people who have reached a certain stratosphere and live a life that, for the rest of us is shrouded in mystery. What does it mean that we hold these people up, and why do we hold them up the way that we do?Real talk? I don’t know who the real Michael Jackson was as a person. (Honestly, neither did many of the people who were close to him.) He became famous and beloved and iconic and infamous and hated a million times over all before I was even born. So who am I to try and dramaturg us all into an honest understanding of his life?I began this post by sharing that I believe the best artistic adventures are based in inquiry. So I will leave you with three questions that Terry posed to Wardell and I back on that first day:

What was your first memory of Michael Jackson? And what did he look like?

How did the adults around you discuss MJ when you were young? How did your peers discuss MJ?

What do you think of Michael Jackson’s legacy?

I invite you to engage with us and share your own responses in the comments below. That’s what this play is about after all. Us.

What, did you think you would come here and get some answers? Well, joke is on you then. “Hee Hee.”

[ideadudes-blog1]

7 Steps To FINANCIAL FREEDOM & INDEPENDENCE For Millennials & Students!

Being young and starting out in life is a little scary. We have all been there. Myself that was a little while back. No it was not before the dinosaurs roamed the earth or when Adam and Eve were created. But, I am not a spring chicken. But, one thing that I did realize growing up is that time flies. So, you need to be prepared for the future. If you are not then it will bite you in the assets. So, where do you get started , when do you get started, these are the questions that need to be answered. In this article I will point out some of the things that you can do to get started the right way. You are the next generation and the pride of the future. Make us proud. Mindset Discontinue your fascination about the doom and gloom and start fascinated by the options, begin thinking about what you could create for yourself. Even though it can be only something really small, doing it given that as you do it you see the outcome you see how powerful and persons who you might be. Even have a fairly good think about your attitude on the subject of spending. My money mantra is handiest purchase what you love, value, use and appreciate. Building wealth has surely nothing to do with how a lot you earn however what you do with what you earn. Don't get me wrong I like a luxury purchase. Nevertheless, I do it inside a balanced process. I prioritize my economic objectives and my monetary successes earlier than I am going and reward with some extravagant high-priced purchase. Have a fiscal snapshot You have to comprehend where you stand financially proper now. So, open up your Excel spreadsheet and write down cutting-edge date and write down your whole belongings, all of your liabilities and the way much passive income you earn. Now, whilst you first begin doing this it would seem very small. Now not much to place into the Excel spreadsheet however as you see as time goes with the aid of and you frequently replace this Excel spreadsheet, you will see that you're absolutely getting wealthier and wealthier and due to the fact that you can see that growth you can be more influenced and extra committed and related to growing these numbers. So on the subject of what you place in that Excel spreadsheet. I'm fairly sorry, it doesn't comprise cars, depreciating property, even those luxurious purchases like a fashion designer purse. It's actual monetary property So you'll write down your retirement savings reminiscent of your 401k plan or your superannuation account. You'll write down any money savings that you've any investments that you might own like shares or term deposits and even property or bonds. Put them down on this Excel spreadsheet and add them up. On the other column in the Excel spreadsheet you write down your whole liabilities. So any credit card debt that you just might possess, any scholar debt that you just would have, any investment loans or mortgages. Write down these numbers and add all of them up. This will then enable you to create a net determine. This is the place you are taking the belongings and deduct the liabilities. It'll provide you with a internet wealth better and as I mentioned, ensure you set down trendy date. In the third column, I want you to write down how a lot passive earnings you earn. On the moment it probably zero, but that's something we're going to study to construct by means of gazing my videos and being subscribed to this channel. Now, examples of passive earnings you might earn it things like earning curiosity off bank bills you might only be $1 per thirty days that they earn in interest and that is okay considering the fact that I'm going to show you how to construct it. We're going to rather flip up the quantity for your passive income due to the fact that's the key foundation to actual financial independence and protection. Now, whenever something alterations on your trouble or even each month, go into that excel spreadsheet and replace it evaluation it. See what is working and notice what's growing. Possibly your organization is hanging more cash into your superannuation. Account might be you are paying off these credit card debts. Now, as I said review and replace this Excel spreadsheet on a general basis. It's a little bit like reducing weight or going on a health plan. Whilst you soar on the scale, you will discover exactly how much you weigh and that's manner that you would be able to set the targets as to how so much weight you want to truly free. Now, while you see that weight coming down. You're feeling extra inclined and extra influenced extra sticking to the food regimen, the endeavor plan on account that you will find it can be really working. This is exactly the same precept in relation to that wealth spreadsheet. You will see that you are surely getting wealthier. You will find that economic safety is realistic and you can see how powerful and able you might be.   Have the Finances Having the finances just isn't about being restrictive or depriving yourself or being imply. It is simply with ease about having spending boundaries so that you do not go and blow all that money and get up at some point and go woah, where is all my cash long gone? That isn't what we wish to do. We wish to sincerely use our money and spin it and invest it and put it aside accurately earlier than it all goes and when you have the finances you could genuinely put within the finances your fiscal ambitions. So say for illustration, you will have an intention to save lots of up thirty thousand greenbacks for a deposit for your first house. For your budget you set in a regular financial savings plan so that you are making it sincerely happen. Set monetary ambitions You need to have fiscal pursuits which might be brief, medium and long term. They must be distinctive. So you need to say to yourself. I need to construct up a passive revenue of $100,000 per yr or I want to buy an investment property worth $300,000. You must have a numerical small print in your fiscal goals and must be competent to articulate them. So in case you bump into me in the street and come to a decision to come back as much as say hello, which I would love.

I need to hear what your friendship goal is. I would like you to turn up and say good day Michael I read your article on Biz Owner Survival Guide, my economic goal is to get rid of my $10,000 credit card debt through January 2021. I need to hear exactly how so much and with the aid of what time limit because it makes you responsible. Places a lie on the stand and you understand that point is ticking so you'll pull your finger out and make matters occur. So that intention has got to have it in quantity and it has to have a cut-off date. On no account say in three months time or in six months' time because you are normally pushing that intention into the long run. Supply your self up a relatively strict closing date so that you just work towards it at all times. These short and medium-term targets can also be daily and month-to-month, quarterly and with the aid of yearly and annually. Make certain that they're all in line with every different. So that you your whole short-time period targets are positively aligned to the fulfillment of the massive photograph intention. I love that announcing we perpetually overestimate what we can do in sooner or later, however we underestimate what we can acquire in a single yr. Through breaking one gigantic intention into little chunk-sized mini manageable and viable pursuits just like the ideas of a thousand dollar mission. That is how we get stuff performed. That is how we develop. That is how we succeed. Coach yourself Ensure you're reading books and listening to podcasts on Success Stories. One of the first books that you should read is "Think and Grow Rich". It was written in the 1920's but all of the Billionaires have read it. There are so many other books that you can read by well known authors. Get your head out of the TV and the computer. This is extremely most important. You have to be feeding your brains with you fully grasp what cash is. How cash work, the right way to use money, the best way to spend money, find out how to invest money and find out how to grow cash. Read some of my other articles on my blog. They have tips and tricks about finance and business. We share pointers and tricks and each week I speak about books that I am studying. I share with you other key features about these books. It's an incredibly connected and powerful crew where we're all helping each and every other acquire our financial objectives due to the fact we're making each different accountable. Do it Stop talking about it and just do it. You can plan all day but until you actually do it, nothing get's done. Don't be afraid of failing. Failing is all about learning. You may not want to hear it but the most successful people failed before they accomplished anything. Take Abraham Lincoln, he failed every time that he ran for office except the President of the United States. Do you use a light bulb or a lamp? Of course you do. Do you know that Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before succeeding. I am glad that he did not give up or we would not have lights. What about the Wright Brothers, do you think they succeeded on the first time with inventing flight? No way. Don't take it from me. Do you research ,but don't just read about it. Do it. Nike has the famous saying "Just Do it". Well start listening. That is how I get forward financially. So discontinue the entire chatter on your mind speaking to your family your acquaintances about your goals and your passions. That used to be satisfactory however tell them what you might be truly doing rather than what you are going to do. Make silence be your success. Simply get out and start doing it and as you do it you are going to inspire different persons to keep doing it as well. So ensure you keep people up to date on what you have been doing considering it's significantly strong and magical.

Start Investing Of direction, it's principal to save and store up for these big monetary ambitions, like buying your home paying, off your debt those don't seem to be really fundamental, however once you've gotten achieved that start investing start constructing lengthy-time period passive income streams. There are different ways that you can start investing. One of the principles that you should learn is the principle of 72. Divide the interest rate into 72 and this will give you how many years your money will double. Take if you are 22 years old. If you were to take $25 and invest it each month for 10 years how much would you have? You would have $3000 right? Wrong you would have a lot more. Depending on the interest rate that you have will determine how much you would earn. Can you put aside $25? Sure you can, just give up a meal at McDonalds or a movie once a month. Let's figure how much you would have in the account. Say, hypothetically you had found an account that paid 6% interest (money market account). You take 72 divide it by 6 and that is 12. So, your money will double in 12 years. Let's make this interesting. Say, you were able to earn an additional $1000 a month above your regular job. Take that money and invest it. At the end of the year you would have $12,000 saved. Now let that set for 10 years. Guess what you would have. $24,146 would be in your account. Let that sit for 30 years. You would have $72,585 in the bank. If you have $12,000 you could probably get 12%. I can show you investments that have paid over that. You would have $428,919.22. Say, we put away $120,000 in 10 years. Let that set for 30 years. Who wants to be a millionaire. How about $4,389,192. It is not about how much you invest but consistency. You have the ability to start now , while you are young. The question is where can I find the extra income. Well you could go and borrow money from a bank. That is not likely to happen. You could go back to school and get another degree. Well that will cost you the $120,000 that you wanted to invest. You could buy a franchise but then you will be working 80 or more to make that $120,000 plus have employees and more liability. Another option is to find a part-time gig and work to make that $1,000 a month for investment. I have done that as I was growing up but did not take all of my advice. I found a company that I could work 10 hours a week and make an additional $1,000 or more per month. If you are interested in learning how, then click on this link Extra Income. Do you research and you will find something that meets your passion. But just Do It. The bottom line is when it comes to investing. Be smart. Do you research. Find advisors that can help you make educated decisions. Build an income that is residual and also passive. Enjoy your younger years but don't forget about the future. When you think. Do I need another car? Do I really need that new pair of sneakers ($200)? How much will I loose if I buy it now? Just think financially smart. Don't do what our generation has done and buy another house or car. Put money away so that you can retire early and enjoy the rest of your life. The only think that we cannot get back in life is time. So, don't waste it. By the way, ask for help. Your parents have already done this before, so they know what is coming. Think before you act. You can always reach out to me for answers to your questions. I may not know all of the answers but I can lead you to those that do. Henry Ford was told the one time "You do not know anything about motors". He said "I don't need to that is what I pay these people to know." You need to surround yourself with a mastermind. People that you know and trust that know more than you do. That is the last point of success. Read the full article

[weekinethereum]

May 7, 2017

Ethereum News and Links

Top

Ethereum Name Service auctions are live. Here's Nick Johnson's collection of explanatory links.

ENSbot announces the start of auctions on Twitter. It's surprisingly hilarious; half of them make me laugh out loud.

Codetract's ENS Dashboard

If you used MyEtherWallet to bid, make sure to check this out just in case. Also say thank you to MEW.

EthTools releases end to end ENS integration

ETH Gas Station published Safe Low Gas Price to encourage a functioning gas market. To help do that, ETH GasStation has a great tool to see how much hashpower is at each gas price. At the moment ~12% of mining hash power supports a 2 gwei gas price, so if you're willing to wait about 13 blocks at the moment, you can lower your gas fees by ~10x.  Etherchain's gas price tool says optimal gas price is about 16 gwei, but that current price is about 23 gwei.

MetaMask will enforce the Safe Low gas price

Protocol and releases

Ethereum Wallet / Mist 0.8.10

Geth v 1.6.1

Solidity, v 0.4.11, including a fix of an optimizer bug that Christoph Jentzsch reported

There's accidentally no recording of last Friday's dev call

Yoichi: What I do for Ethereum when I’m not writing blog posts

Stuff for developers

Coding dividend-bearing tokens by Nick Johnson

Random Number Generation on Rouleth and Blockjack (and Reddit debate thread)

Slock.it's code running Share&Charge

Interesting discussion on how to save on gas storage fees

Getting data on and then off the blockchain with Truebit

EthSlurp re-released as part of QuickBlocks - fast and decentralized EVM data

Ecosystem

ZCoin (using Zerocoin, not Zerocash) to implement an Ether coinmixer, possibly with Metropolis

ConsenSys is building a Bay Area team

WALLΞTH, an alpha release of an Android Ethereum light client wallet

0x announces investors and its first token integrations

Slock.it shares more details on Share&Charge

Register.eth connects Ethereum addresses to Reddit, Twitter, etc

Some great data viz on the Gnosis sale

FT blogger sensationalizes TokenCard mildly overstating their network. #journalism

How Userfeeds aims to bring "skin in the game" to discovery algorithms (and got funded)

Interviews and Talks

Jarrad and Carl from Status on Epicenter

Tayvano from Myetherwallet on GetCryp.to's debut episode

Event Horizon talks:  Gavin Wood and Vitalik Buterin

Maciej Ołpiński from Userfeeds talk on Reputation and trust in token based economies

Project Updates

Latest issue of The Etherian

What they want to grow into.  

Swarm City to release Boardwalk on June 15th

Melonport: Hedge Fund Scandals & How Smart Contracts Could Help Prevent Them

SingularDTV teases an announcement at Ethereal.

Mihai Alisie: An AKASHA retrospective after a year

Token Sales

The Cofound.it token model and sale details

Why I'm advising Cofound.it

Driving User Adoption and Extending the BAT Platform

Storj token sale details

Nice tutorial videos from Aragon on participating in their token sale

I doubt simple capped token sales will be the long-term norm, because of stuff like this

General

Andrew Keys with a travelogue of his China trip: Ethereum is Growing Exponentially in China

Michael Wuehler's slide on transaction growth

Interesting discussion of how to pass on Ether when you die

Vinay Gupta got lots of attention for "What does $100 Ether mean?"

Korea is the only place where Ether hit $100

Wipro joins the EEA

49ers QB Matt Barkley hodls Ether.

Vitalik sold another 1/12 of his pre-sale allocation

Fortune's Term Sheet daily newsletter talks Ethereum token sales.

This newsletter gets translated into Chinese. And Jeremiah Nichol is producing an audio version.  Both of those make my day.

Dates of note

[For ongoing sales, check previous week]

May 17 -- Aragon sale begins

May 19 -- Storj sale begins

May 19 -- ConsenSys Ethereal Summit in Brooklyn

May 24 -- Cofound.it sale begins

May 25 - William Mougayar's Token Summit at NYU

May 30 -- Bancor Network sale begins

June 1 -- Mysterium sale begins

Bias transparency: if you host a blockchain conference and don't use Ticketleap, I'm much less likely to include your conference, unless you have a good reason as to why we're not a good fit.  But I doubt there is one, because we're likely a great fit.  /shamelessplug

[I aim for a relatively comprehensive list of Ethereum sales, but make no warranty as to even whether they are legit; as such, I thus likewise warrant nothing about whether any will produce a satisfactory return. I have passed the CFA exams, but this is not investment advice. If you're interested in what I do, you can find my investing thesis and token sale appreciation strategies in previous newsletters.]

Errors or additions: [first name] @ticketleap.com  

The link for sharing

Here's the link if you'd like to be ever so kind as to share this issue: Good and bad news for me: subscriber count went way over 2000 this last week to about 2150, so now I have to pay Mailchimp $30 a month.  It blows me away that they can charge $360 a year for a commodity: sending a low amount of email.  I'll likely switch to SES when I have a chance. Follow me on Twitter? @evan_van_ness

This newsletter is supported by Status.im.  But in case you still want to send Ether (or tokens?):  0x96d4F0E75ae86e4c46cD8e9D4AE2F2309bD6Ec45

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