#please tell me if I should start drafting a full analysis

[whirlingstarz]

Robotnik’s & Family in The Sonic Movies:

A analysis summary(?)/rant

Spoilers for the Sonic Movies!

“I connected the dots!” “You didn’t connect shit” me to myself

Have you noticed that anyone who finds family in a Robotnik gets punished for it leading to further trauma? Let me explain,

Gerald found family in Maria | Shadow found family in Maria | Stone found family in Ivo | Ivo found family in Gerald

Maria died because of her association with Shadow & Gerald, I mean if she was never put in the care of Gerald she wouldn’t even have been at the base. (Don’t be mad at me for this take pls) -Leading Gerald & Shadow to plot revenge as we know

It is implied; because of the effect Maria’s death, Ivo was neglected by his family to some extent leading to him growing up in an orphanage.

Ivo then had a harsh childhood, leading him to be the man he is; Stone found family in Ivo because of who he his, Stone loves him (I will die on that hill) just being himself

Ivo thought he had found family in Gerald, he thought that biology was the only way to have a family (so smart and doesn’t even know what found family is? 😔) he grew up with the notion that the only people who could love him were his blood family due to his harsh life growing up. Gerald at that point was only bent on vengeance and didn’t even see Ivo as any kind of family.

Gerald did what he did because of Maria - Ivo did what he did because of Gerald (not directly but hear me out) - Stone did what he did because of Ivo - Shadow did what he did because of Maria - and in the end; Ivo did what he did because of Stone - and Shadow did what he did because of Maria a long cycle

Gerald loved Maria, Shadow loved Maria, Stone loved Ivo, Ivo loved Gerald (or thought he did)/Ivo loved Stone

But this family (The Robotnik’s) is a tragic one;

Gerald lost the only person he loved, Shadow lost the only person he loved, his only family, the one person who saw him for who he was | Ivo grew up alone and angry, and was betrayed in the end by Gerald: loosing what shot he had a family (he thought), and died for the family he recognized too late | Stone lost everything, his only family, the person he loved

Aka they ALL: Lost the only family they had, the people that loved them and saw them for who they were, their worlds

Anyone who loves a Robotnik gets punished

Change my mind. Every. Single. One. Gerald got punished for loving Maria, Shadow got punished for loving Maria, Ivo got punished for loving Gerald, Stone got punished for loving Ivo

WHAT THE F*CK MAN

why is this family cursed oml

Also this is a summary of my thoughts on this so if y’all want me to go and write a 5k word analysis on this tell me so I can start because dude it’s INSANE

also I’m so sorry if this is incoherent I had to get my thoughts out of my head

[donald4spiderman]

The City

masterlist

-

Summary: Reader is thinking about moving to California. Spencer’s determined to get her to stay.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x BAU!Fem!Reader

Warnings: none

Category: Fluff (angst if you squint)

**Inspired by Ben’s poetic confession in Parks and Recreations, S3E14**

Here’s a draft i forgot to post

-

**not edited yet**

Spencer’s POV

As a profiler, I’ve mastered the observation and analysis of behavior— we all have.

Picking the minds of serial killers is second nature— so why is it so hard for me to figure out why (Y/N) is behaving so strangely?

In the recent months, her witty and charming energy has dwindled into a lethargic imitation. Whether she’d admit it or not— (Y/N) can be extremely enthusiastic about certain things— especially our job.

So, when I watch her drag her feet, inch by inch, into the BAU each morning, It’s hard to contain my concern.

I know Morgan has noticed, and I’m sure everyone else has too. They’re probably just too scared to say anything. (Y/N) doesn’t enjoy people prying into her private life, so we all stay a comfortable distance away.

I watch her a lot... more than I’d like to admit. It’s hard to be unaware of her nervous behaviors— the nail biting, hair twisting, skin picking— I practically have enough data to make a correlation graph. I can tell when she’s upset, and it’s happening more than usual.

(Y/N) has always been kind to me. Even when I was at the peak of my stammering, slicked-back hair phase, she treated me with more respect than I deserved. I can only imagine how awkward I must’ve been (or, still am), and I thank her for not belittling me.

I guess I’m validating the Benjamin Franklin Effect when I say this— but I feel like I owe it to her to ask what’s wrong. Over the years I’ve built up (arguably) the closest friendship with her, so it only makes sense for me to bite the bullet for the team.

It’s partially due to the fact that I’ve developed a slight (if not major) crush over time, but who wouldn’t? A gorgeous, intelligent, quick-witted women is kryptonite for any person. Our conversations are always stimulating, she gives the best advice, and she’s always there to comfort a team member.

So, it pains me to see her struggle through a paperwork day. I wish she would reach out to anyone for help, but it’s not in her nature.

“H-Hi.” I smile as I approach her desk. Her tired eyes look up at me, and she smiles back.

“Hey, Reid. What’s up?

I rub the back of my neck nervously. Out of the corner of my eye I can see Morgan and Emily watching me struggle to form a sentence. They giggle as they watch.

“I-I was... um. D-do you want to get coffee with m-me? Not now! I mean— after work!” Morgan stumbles out of the bullpen, barely containing his laugh. I must sound pathetic.

(Y/N) nods hesitantly, “S-sure. I don’t know why you want to get coffee with me, but I’m free.”

“Really?” My surprise shocks her. “T-that’s gr-great! I can drive you!”

She chuckled, “I think I’d rather drive us. I’m pretty sure you can’t drive a mile without hitting a curb.”

I nod fervently. “Sounds good.”

As I make my way back to my desk, I send a glare in Emily’s direction as she continues to smirk at me.

-

(Y/N) grabs an empty table in the café, and we sit down, huddling close to our warm drinks. She orders a cinnamon latte, I order a black coffee with an unhealthy amount of sugar.

I place the drinks down. “Did you know that cinnamon is shown to reduce systolic blood pressure. It’s commonly used in South Asia and works by dilating blood vessel.”

She nods, “Surprisingly, I did know that. You’re gonna have to teach me something else, Doc.” I laugh in response, enjoying the relaxation that radiates off of her.

“I feel like we don’t get to, um, t-talk as much as I would like to.” My words get caught in my throat and she gives me a lopsided smile.

“Well, we don’t exactly have the most leisurely job.” She states, sipping her drink.

I bite my lip, she looks down. I convince myself that my mind is playing tricks on me, because there’s no way (Y/N) would glance down to watch me pull my bottom lip between my teeth.

“I know... but you used to talk more.”

“I’ve been busy lately. Tired too.” She mumbles.

I mean forward slightly, my voice is a hushed whisper. “A-are you... okay?” I’m anticipating an defensive response, but all she does is sigh.

“I’m alright. I just... I’m getting tired of being here— in D.C.”

My eyes widen and my brows knit together. “W-What! Why?”

(Y/N) shrugs, “I don’t know. I just expected to feel... really, really attached to D.C when I first moved here. I love my job, and I love you guys— but nothing’s keeping me here.”

My face drops. My disappointment is adamant because she scrambles to reassure me.

“It’s not that I don’t absolutely love working with you guys. You’re my best friend, Spencer. But... I came to D.C to... I don’t know... settle down.” It comes out as more of a question rather a statement. “It’s sounds weird, right? Me, settling down?” She laughs. “I-I don’t mean a husband and a family necessarily. I moved here because I wanted to belong somewhere.”

“You don’t feel like you belong?”

“I feel... I feel like everything I have right now is temporary. It’s not the feeling I expected to have. I just want to have something permanent in my life for once.”

I remain silent, lacking the proper response.

“Please don’t tell anyone!” She pleaded.

I smile solemnly, “I won’t. I promise.”

In that moment, I make another promise. Not just to (Y/N), but to myself. I’m going to show her how many things she has here for her in D.C.

I’m going to prove how much I believe she belongs.

-

I started by bringing her coffee each morning— a cinnamon latte from the same café we went to.

The first time she seemed pleasantly surprised. I sped through the doors of the bullpen, my coat and slacks absolutely soaked due to the rainy D.C weather. She giggled at the sight of my hair plastered to my forehead. I was certain that I looked like a wet dog.

“Morning!” I greeted, placing down both cups of coffee on her desk so I could fix my hair. “I-uh-I got you coffee. A cinnamon latte, of course.”

(Y/N) smiles brightly, “You’re the best. Thanks, Reid. I definitely needed this.”

Hotch and Rossi are watching me curiously, pretending not to look up from their files. At this moment, I could care less.

“It’s n-nothing.” Suddenly I’m blushing furiously under the weight of her stare.

“Thanks, again.” She clears her throat, “Y-you’re a really good friend.”

She smiles. And I smile.

-

In the next three weeks, (Y/N) and I grow closer at a rate faster then ever. I try to do something small for her everyday. Finishing up a file for her; Bringing her coffee or water; Sitting next to her on the jet. It appears to be working— she looks much more relaxed and happy. Her sarcastic humor is back and she engages more with the team.

We’ve decided to hang out after today. I find myself enjoying every minute with her, even if all we do is talk, eat, and walk around aimlessly. I’m sure she’s tired of me, but my infatuation with her only grows.

Tonight, we’re sitting at the park, watching people on their late night jogs, dog walkers, babysitters. We finished eating Indian food at a local restaurant. Turns out we’re both regulars at the same place, it’s a shame we haven’t run into each other.

She’s sitting criss-cross on the bench, her elbow rested on top of her knee. “You know,” She starts, “D.C is pretty great. I don’t think I’ve felt this... content in a while.”

I smile, even if it’s too dark for her to see. “Th-thanks. D.C is a great place, despite averaging 39 inches of rain annually.”

She means her head back against the bench. “I still don’t know. I feel like I’m just waiting for something. I don’t even know what that something is... a sign maybe?”

“A sign?” I laugh.

“Y-yeah... a sign. I’d usually make a pros and cons list and research the differences between the two places but... this decision feels too personal to look at it as just statistics.”

In this very moment, I decide to toss all my concerns, questions, what if’s, into the wind. This is my final move; my last resort; my Hail Mary.

My hands are trembling, and it takes me seconds to force the words out of my throat.

“W-well, besides the higher cost of living and considerably gloomy weather, D.C can be a p-pretty great place to reside. It has a busy political culture and is one of the most diverse states in the country.” I pause for a little longer than necessary.

“But, besides statistics and facts, if w-we look past objectivity, to me: D.C is where my friends are, and my friends are my family. Um... I like The City because it’s home to so many great people. A-and I know it’s hard to see the good in things considering how much violence we see on a daily basis, but certain people make me believe that things aren’t all that bad.”

(Y/N)‘a listening attentively, making me even more nervous than I thought possible. “D.C— The City— is beautiful. It’s charming. It’s a warm, cinnamon latte on a rainy day, o-or a late night walk in the park. To me, it’s home.” I catch her smirking a little bit, and I can only hope that she understands what I’m trying to say.

“Plus, The City is really good at her job. The City’s an excellent profiler. But, the city’s an even better friend, and an even better person. It doesn’t hurt that The City has great hair, and gorgeous eyes, and a perfect smile. And, she does this cute thing where she twists the ends of her hair, even if I keep telling her to stop. The City’s beautiful and definitely out of my league. She probably wants nothing to with me now, but I don’t care. I really like The City. And, even if she doesn’t like me back, she should stay, because there are so many people that like and love The City. ‘Cause who wouldn’t.”

(Y/N) is full on grinning right now, and it’s hard to stay patient when so much is on the line.

“Wow.” She giggles. “You really like The City.”

I chuckled awkwardly, “Y-yeah. I really do.”

“I mean, if you think The City’s so great, maybe I should stay. Plus, I’m sure The City likes you too.”

I feign confusion, “Really? I don’t know... The City can be kind of closed off sometimes.”

“Trust me— The City definitely likes you back. And I don’t think The City appreciates you saying that about her”

“Oh really?” I gasp. “Let’s ask her.”

I turn my head around, then proceed to look back at (Y/N) in the most dramatic fashion.

“Hey.” I laugh.

“Oh, Hi Dr. Reid!” She feigns surprise to match my frivolousness.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, b-but I really like you. And, a little birdy told me that you like me back.”

She laughs heartily, “Well, that little birdy is a pretty reliable source.”

Soon, her head is resting on my shoulder. My body’s stiff and the air is caught in my lungs, but I feel more content than I have in years. Somehow the weather is warmer, and the sun is brighter, and things just seem... better.

“This is a great city.” She mumbles, peering up at me in the most adorable fashion.

“Yeah,” I smile, “It really is.”

-

“Pawnee’s a really special town, I love living there. And, I look forward to the moments in my day where I get to hang out with the town, and talk to the town about stuff. The town has really nice blonde hair too. And, it’s read a shocking number of political biographies for a town, which I like.” - Ben Wyatt

[the-hoely-bleach]

So it’s 5am and I haven’t slept yet, not sure if I’m gonna sleep at this point, so I wanted to talk about this post by ruby-whistler because I have Thoughts but didn’t want to derail the original post. (Also keep in mind it’s 5am so this is gonna be very stream-of-consciousness).

Disclaimer- my intention with this post is not to start a fight with ruby-whistler or any other Dream apologist for that matter. Just because we fundamentally disagree doesn’t mean we have to hate each other. I am simply thinking my thoughts and sharing them on the internet

Edit: this has been sitting in my drafts for like week as I debated on whether I should tag ruby-whistler, given my view of c!Dream versus hers. clearly, I’ve decided against it, as I really don’t want to start conflict, but I do want to get my thoughts out there.

[please assume that I am referring to the dsmp characters, not the content creators, unless specified otherwise]

So first off I would like to point out that ruby-whistler and I have very different views on Dream as a character. For the sake of clarity, Ruby is a Dream apologist, and I am not. Frankly it would take quite a lot for me to genuinely believe that Dream is deserving of sympathy, let alone a full redemption arc. That being said, Ruby brought up some interesting points that I’d like to explore.

For those who don’t want to read the original post, Ruby suggested that if Dream were redeemed, it wouldn’t because he suddenly realized he did a bad and was sorry(he knew he was doing a bad the whole time, just didn’t care), but instead had someone systematically disprove his learned toxic behaviors and mindset(ends justify means, attachment=weakness, etc.). Basically prove him wrong. And I actually like this interpretation!

To elaborate on my own feelings toward Dream, I think it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to fully redeem him from a writing standpoint. If not because he doesn’t want to be better, then because no on the server will be willing to help him. Characters like Dream rarely get redeemed because they’ve dug a hole for themselves. They either reached the point of no return, or the people they’ve hurt are(oftentimes justifiably) unwilling to forgive them, so with no support system they fall back into old habits. Sad? Yes. Understandable? Also yes. There’s a reason Dream’s character type almost always suffers from redemption equals death.

(for those who don’t know, redemption equals death is the trope in which a villain is so bad that the only way to somewhat redeem them is to have them die by heroically sacrificing themself. basically there was no way to justify their actions and not enough time for them to heal, but at least you know they’re trying. Examples: Star Wars’ Darth Vader, She-Ra’s Shadow Weaver.

So from a meta perspective, a Dream redemption is highly, highly unlikely. That being said, I do think it’s a bit of an icky mindset to have that certain people simply can’t change for the better. What Ruby mentioned is a smart way to get around this. I won’t be the first to point out that Pandora’s Vault is not exactly the environment for rehabilitation, especially not now. I think Dream is a terrible person, yes, but do I think he deserves to be tortured on a daily basis? No. Do I think he deserves to be kept a box with nothing to do but think and write? Maybe a little as karmic punishment for intentionally designing the place that way, but not forever(probably like a month At Most) All that’s going to do is make a bad person even worse. The way things are going, the most likely  scenario is him breaking out and going on a fucking rampage. So yes, I think Ruby has a point with this whole positive reinforcement idea. Get the few people on the server who are still sympathetic to him to just sit and chat. Not to talk at him and tell him what they think, but just chat. Ease him into the idea that maybe he was wrong. It could possibly work.

At this point I’m going to stop talking about Dream and start on the implications for Tommy because oh boy. Obviously a Dream redemption would affect more people than just Tommy, but I’m mainly invested in his story and I’m also kinda running out of steam here so you get what you get

Now here’s where it gets tricky. In the event that Dream manages a full redemption arc, in which he does his best to right his wrongs and be an actual good person. Not Everyone Is Required To Forgive Him. Tommy, I’m talking about Tommy, do not make Tommy forgive him. (As said above it’d be understandable for a lot of people not to forgive him, but I am talking about Tommy right now)

Not only would this type of thing have terrible real-life implications, it just wouldn’t make sense for Tommy’s character. If Dream, even a fully reformed Dream, walked up to Tommy wanting to rebuild old bridges, even if he genuinely apologized, even if he did everything right, Tommy cannot and should not be expected to trust Dream. His first thought would be that Dream is trying the same shit he did in exile. The fact is, Tommy will have to live with his trauma for the rest of his life, and Dream should have to live with the knowledge that he caused that trauma, that he ruined someone’s life. Just because you’re a better person now doesn’t mean that the people you’ve hurt are magically also doing better.

(This is just a tangent about a potential direction the plot could take and is almost more of a Tommy analysis than anything so if you wanna dip now feel free)

Don’t get me wrong though, I also think it’d be interesting for Tommy to question himself later, if he happens to see enough hard evidence that Dream has changed. After all, this is a real-world dilemma, what do you do when your abusers heal? Abuse victims will often see their abuser bettering themselves and start to feel guilty for still being angry because “look, they’re not abusing me anymore, so I have no reason to still feel this way!” In this situation it could be constructive for the two to sit down and just talk things through. Still, I firmly believe that the best thing for both of them is to go their separate ways. Coexisting is enough in this case.

[michelles-garden-of-evil]

Episode 42 Review: Here Goes Peter Cottontail

{ YouTube: 1 | 2 | 3 }

{ Full Synopses/Recaps: Debby Graham | Bryan Gruszka }

At last, we’ve hit another milestone on Strange Paradise. A little less than a year ago, I discussed the third and final costumed flashback. Just under six months ago, we reached Episode 30, the first episode for which conclusive proof of executive meddling exists. And today we shall explore the introductory episode of a character particularly notorious among Strange Paradise fans. That’s right: this episode features the first appearance of the infamous Rabbit of Evil. The true face of evil has arrived on Maljardin, and it's soft with long ears and a fuzzy tail.

Because the plot has now split off completely from the Lost Episode summaries and I’ve already discussed the one for this episode, I’m going to ignore it for this post. I’m not even going to do much analysis this time. Instead, let us just lay out our beach towels on Maljardin, relax, and bask in the glow of the coming insanity.

Early morning on Maljardin. The unseen clock chimes three, and already Jean Paul Desmond is up sitting on the couch in the Great Hall next to the decanter of his favorite drink. Although it is the demon hour and almost everyone else in the château is asleep as far as he knows, he is already dressed in his brown velvet jacket, as one does when one is the richest man in the world on the coldest tropical island in existence. One would assume that he would at least loosen his tie to make himself a little more comfortable, but then, I’m not a fancy rich guy living in the 1960s, so what would I know?

Feeling the presence of his demonic ancestor Jacques Eloi des Mondes, he stands up and approaches his portrait as though in a trance. During their brief staring contest, Jacques begins to taunt him: “Come now, Jean Paul Desmond. Three o'clock in the morning and still you wander the house. Why?”

“Because your evil wanders here, Jacques Eloi des Mondes!” Jean Paul answers overly dramatically. “I sum-”

“Jean Paul, no oaths on your honor that you would be compelled to uphold. It might be the end of us both. And Erica might never rise to a new beginning.”

Jacques tells Jean Paul to go to bed because *he’s* tired. Could this be evidence that Jacques and Jean Paul are one and the same?

I like the way that Raxl's face appears on the screen just as the title card is fading.

Raxl paying her respects to Erica Desmond.

We cut to Raxl visiting Erica’s cryocapsule, when suddenly a little cockatiel starts tweeting. And who could it be but our mascot, the adorable Chalcko?

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<3

Quito checking on his beloved bird.

Meanwhile, Jean Paul visits the lab to find Dr. Alison Carr sleeping at her desk, Dr. Menkin’s notes next to her:

For the love of yourself, Jean Paul, do not disturb!

He wakes her up despite it being very early in the morning (because God forbid she not sleep in her own bed, I guess?). Really, there are only a handful of good excuses to wake someone up at 3 AM, including to ensure they catch an early flight and to kick them out of your bar after they passed out drunk with their glass shattered into a million pieces in front of the talking portrait across the room. Having fallen asleep at one’s desk while pulling an all-nighter that your employer deems unnecessary isn’t one of them, IMO. But, just like my cat who wakes me up around 3 almost every night crying for a midnight snack, he gets away with it because he’s cute.

Jacques has made cat-like faces before on this show, so now it’s Jean Paul’s turn to act like a cat.

That’s not to say that Jean Paul’s cuteness makes Alison any less annoyed with him. He asks her why she stayed up so late to study the notes, and she responds, “I can't sleep very well, anyway, and what else is there to do, since you keep us here as prisoners on this Island? Good night and please don't disturb anything.“ She leaves and he starts flipping through the notes.

Meanwhile, outside among the suspiciously Canadian coniferous trees of Maljardin...

Wait for it...

Quito finds a big, fluffy black rabbit hopping around the garden and brings the adorable, plump creature inside. His crush Holly happens to be in the Great Hall when he returns, and she falls in love with the rabbit at first sight.

“I didn't know anything as wholesome and innocent like that existed on Maljardin,” she coos. "Oh, he's so sweet! I haven't seen anything like him for--well, it seems like a whole lifetime.”

Then she remembers what Raxl said about there being no wild animal life on the island. “But Quito,” she says, “Raxl said like, nothing like this could exist on this island for three hundred years! I guess this little fellow disproves that, doesn't it?”

“What are you going to do with it?” she continues. “I mean, are you going to keep it?” Quito shakes his head. “You should. You should keep it for a pet. He’d make a lovely pet, something nice in this house of accident and death.” Because Quito is reluctant to keep the rabbit and has no way of expressing why to Holly, she offers to keep it as a pet.

“I wonder how he managed out there with all that poisonous undergrowth around?” she thinks out loud, as the rabbit starts to try to jump out of Kurt Schiegl’s arms, which I doubt was in the script. The rabbit they got to play the new embodiment of evil on Maljardin doesn’t always want to behave the way the plot demands. I suspect that, instead of getting a trained animal actor, someone just brought in their pet or bought a bunny on short notice at an Ottawa pet store or nearby farm. I like the rabbit. The rabbit does what it wants and doesn’t give a rat’s ass about following the script or doing what Jerry Layton wants it to.

Holly asks Quito to make her a cage so that she can keep the rabbit in her room, and he nods in agreement (I’m guessing just because he knows it’ll please her). He leaves. She sits down at the dining room table and rings for Raxl, who is not pleased when she tells her about the new guest:

Holly: "Hey, Raxl." Raxl: "Good morning, Miss Holly." Holly: "You know, everything I've heard about this island isn't the truth." Raxl: "Truth is a matter of seeing." Holly: "Well, I've seen. You told me that because of the curse, nothing could exist outside in that poisonous jungle." Raxl: "The Devil's evil is everywhere on Maljardin!"

Holly: "Well, just this once, Raxl, you may be wrong." Raxl: "It may be that demon wants you to think I am!"

Raxl instantly suspects that the rabbit is a tool of THE DEVIL JACQUES ELOI DES MONDES.

The bit about all the plants being poisonous on Maljardin, by the way, may be a retcon. In Episode 13, Jacques mentions that papayas are native to the island. I suppose that, because he didn’t say that they were picked on Maljardin, that they could have been grown on another island. Still, I’m not ruling out the possibility of Ian Martin and/or a ghostwriter retconning this detail.

This scene is followed by a cool shot where the camera pans along the side of the staircase and over to Jacques’ portrait (see the beginning of Part 2), then a short scene of Quito pulling out a huge wicker picnic basket for a makeshift cage while Chalcko tweets as though trying to warn him of the evil presence.

In the morning, Alison returns to the lab to find Jean Paul in a scandalous state of undress:

Ye gods! He took off his suit jacket again! I am SHOCKED and SCANDALIZED by this wanton display of nudity! ;)

Jean Paul must be even more stressed now than last night if he not only has his suit jacket off, but has also loosened his tie. Turns out he ended up pulling an all-nighter himself in the lab reading the notes, even though Alison doubts that he possesses the necessary knowledge to understand notes about cellular reconstruction. Jean Paul asks Alison if Dr. Menkin did any experiments on animals, but it’s not clear if he’s asking just out of curiosity, because of something mentioned in the notes, or if somehow he feels the presence of the rabbit despite not having seen it yet. Whatever his motivation, the screenwriter almost certainly added the line to imply that the rabbit may have belonged to Dr. Menkin.

Using such a line as a hint (or, more likely, as a red herring) is a very Ian Martin thing to do, so I’m thinking that he must have written this scene. For a while, I suspected that perhaps some ghostwriter hired by either Jerry Layton or Steve Krantz inserted the scenes with the rabbit into a later draft, but now I’m having second thoughts. While it is possible that one of the showrunners hired a ghostwriter to speed up the script edits, this line has Martin’s influence written all over it. The insertion of the evil rabbit isn’t his style, but this kind of dialogue certainly is.

Also note that the very next shot is of the rabbit again.

Hearing the bird tweet is making Quito anxious. It’s obvious that the bird detects some sort of presence.

Jean Paul and Alison go to the dining room and sit down for breakfast with Holly. Jean Paul reminds her that another séance is coming and she tells him that she wants no part of it. “The spirits will decide that, and the Conjure Woman,” says Raxl.

“Vangie said that the conjure cards--the Tarot cards--spoke to one person,” Jean Paul adds, flubbing his line adorably. “They may well speak to another, for or against.” I’m not sure what he’s implying, especially because he faces Alison (or maybe the Teleprompter) as he delivers the line.

More proof that Maljardin is no tropical paradise, but a dystopia. (”Rattled” = “Raxl’s”)

Alison tells Holly that Jean Paul will probably blame them if the séance doesn’t bring him into contact with Erica and Jean Paul glares at her before flouncing passive-aggressively. I’m so conflicted about Jean Paul at this point because he’s becoming more and more of a control freak (and therefore more and more unlikeable), and yet he’s so adorable. Take a look at the face he makes just before flouncing:

Foxy!

And this shot of him from earlier in the scene:

Never have I seen any guy look this cute after pulling an all-nighter.

Holly tells Alison about the rabbit Quito bought brought her (yes, there’s another creative line interpretation). “That’s impossible!” she replies, stunned. “I mean, nothing alive exists out there now.” There are so many flubs in this episode that it makes me wonder if the actors had less time to rehearse than usual.

An unspecified amount of time later, Alison catches Jean Paul arguing with Jacques’ portrait, then Quito feeds the rabbit a carrot to the sound of more tweets. (Anyone else miss the days when “tweets” referred only to the noise that birds make? God, I'm barely 28 and already I feel so old.) Alison warns Jean Paul that dabbling in the occult is bad for his mental health, but he doesn’t care because he needs to hear Erica’s voice so badly. He tells her he’ll buy her some animals for her experiments the next time he visits the main island just to shut her up. (Spoiler: He won’t.)

And then Quito arrives, carrying the rabbit in its makeshift cage. Like Raxl, Jean Paul is not pleased to see the animal. “Holly, where on Earth did you get that!” he asks.

“Right on this Earth, on this island, from Quito,” she responds innocently.

Jean Paul giving his best “WTF” face. He’s lived on the island long enough to know that the rabbit came out of nowhere.

He asks Raxl about it and she cries out to the Great Serpent to tell her what the Devil’s plans are for Maljardin, making the Sign of the Great Serpent with her hands. Alison insists that the rabbit is only an animal, but Raxl reminds her that no animals can survive outside on the island--meaning, by her logic, that it must be a demon or similar evil being!

Jean Paul asks Quito where he found the rabbit. Raxl interprets the signs he makes as meaning “on the path to the boathouse,” which leads Holly and Alison to think that the rabbit must have snuck aboard Quito’s boat and sailed there with him. Raxl’s response?

Raxl: “It is a creature of the Devil!”

Holly objects and insists that the rabbit is only an animal, but Raxl sticks to her belief that it’s actually a demon assuming the guise of innocence, most likely sent by THE DEVIL JACQUES ELOI DES MONDES himself! No one believes her, not even Jean Paul:

Jean Paul: "I must admit, Raxl, this is very unlikely." Raxl: "Not here. An animal here is an impossibility. Is that not true?" Jean Paul: "Until now, yes!" Raxl: "Then what force altered the impossible? There are forces at work on Maljardin as the hour draws near when the master will attend a séance and seek through purified mind and cleansed spirit to reach his Erica beyond the veiled curtain. What does the master say?"

Jean Paul does not respond. He looks like he is about to cry.

Raxl: "Quito! You will remove the rabbit. It is evil!"

Raxl: "It brings danger and wickedness and more evil than we will ever know! It must be destroyed and buried in the sea!"

Raxl: "If the master wishes to contact his Erica and hear her voice, he will be advised: that animal is evil!" Holly: "Mr. Desmond, please, no!"

Jacques’ commentary.

Coming up next: Raxl makes a horrifying--and mystifying--discovery when she examines the Rabbit of Evil.

{ <- Previous: Episode 41   ||   Next: Episode 43 -> }

[curiosity-killed]

a bow for the bad decisions: chapter 15

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(on ao3)

He doesn’t avoid her. He doesn’t have to avoid her; she’s a visiting physician and he’s the sect leader. Their paths rarely cross. For the first two weeks, the only time he sees her is at dinner with the other disciples. She sits at a table alongside Xiong Chunfeng and two of the senior assistants, and even in grey rather than blue, she fits. Jiang Cheng’s heart gives a funny stutter at the realization, the ease with which he accepts her place here. Her eyes flick up toward him briefly, and the small smile curving her lips freezes. Catching himself, Jiang Cheng turns away and continues on to his seat with Xingtao and Bujue. He carefully does not look her way for the rest of the meal. He doesn’t want her to feel watched, to feel like she’s under some kind of probation. The last thing he wants is her to feel that she’s a prisoner here. Resolved, he starts taking his dinners privately. There’s still plenty of work left for him to attend to, and taking a break for dinner only means that work is waiting for him when he returns. He starts sending for his dinner to be brought to his study instead. A month into this new routine, he feels someone come to a pause outside his study door and then a short, sharp knock.

“Not right now,” he says absently.

He’s going to take the first night hunt that crosses his desk, no matter how boring it is. The last three hours have been devoted to an absurd complaint between two dyers in Jiangling over the rights to a new mordant they developed together. Each belongs to a different guild, and he has missives from nearly every member of both guilds strewn across his desk; all of them are laden with such absurd jargon that he’s almost ready to give up and tell them to figure it out themselves. As much as he’d like to, though, he can’t let two of the largest textile guilds in Yunmeng fight indefinitely. Still. He’s going to find a night hunt as soon as he can and kill some godsdamned ghosts. Steps cross the floor, and he looks up in irritation in time to see the bottom of a tray before it’s set in the only empty corner of his desk. He blinks and finds Wen Qing frowning down at him. “You aren’t taking care of yourself,” she says shortly. “Your cultivation may be plenty strong for inedia, but neglecting your own care will only injure yourself and your sect.” “I—” Jiang Cheng starts, but he rapidly realizes he has no idea how to finish that sentence. He stares up at her instead, utterly baffled and mouth slightly parted. This is— He was trying to distance himself from her so she didn’t feel undue pressure. She wasn’t supposed to come seek him out over something as absurd as his own dining. “Um. Thank you,” he says before looking down, cheeks warm. She inclines her head slightly, and he finds himself casting desperately for a conversation, for a reason for her to stay even a moment longer. “Healer Xiong says you’ve started assisting with some of the assistants’ training,” he finally says. It isn’t really what he means to say, but it’s the first thing that he seizes on. It has been over a month since she was brought here, after all. Now is a perfectly acceptable time to ask after her adjustment here. “Healer Xiong has been most gracious in inviting me into her lessons,” she affirms. “And your rooms?” he prompts. “The accommodations and food have been to your taste?” Something like frustration crosses her face, a faint pursing of her lips. “Respectfully, Jiang-zongzhu,” she says, “I brought your meal here to encourage rest, not to provide more work.” Heat rushes up his cheeks. The chastisement in her tone is mild but firm, and he finds himself sitting a little straighter under it. She hesitates before sighing. One corner of her lips quirks up, a fleeting half-smile, before she turns a stern look on him. “I’ll provide a full report if you eat your dinner,” she says. It feels a little like he should be offended by her bargaining, and he scowls a moment. He’d expected her to give a terse answer and then leave, surely not wanting to stay around any longer than she had to. He can’t guess what motive she might have for staying, except, perhaps, it is just her diligence as a doctor. In that way, perhaps it makes sense. She’s clearly taken on her responsibilities in the physicians’ office fully, and he is, in that sense, her new sect leader. Of course she’d take this task with all the solemn dedication with which he’s seen her approach every other responsibility. Resolved, he inclines his head in acceptance and gestures for her to sit as well. While she folds down across from him, he sets about rearranging the tray on his desk. It really is only one serving, but there’s a pot of tea and a spare cup that was clearly meant for the sauce in a separate jar. He arranges the dishes so that the proper cup is before Wen Qing and his own is a little hidden by the bowls of braised fish balls and noodles. Though her gaze lingers briefly on the cup, she doesn’t mention it before pouring for both of them. True to her word, Wen Qing doesn’t start to speak until he’s started eating. Her report is brisk and thorough, a decisive run-down of how she’s been integrated into the medical staff and what research she’s begun with Xiong-daifu’s approval. For a moment, Jiang Cheng can see her alongside the rest of them in the war. Healing the wounded and tending the sick, yes — but also as an advisor, with her clear sight and pragmatic analysis. If he had managed to bring her back, persuade her to join their side, would they have lost fewer lives? Would the war have ended any more quickly? He brushes the thought away brusquely. She never would have abandoned her family. The only reason she’s here, after all, is because they’ve already been killed. She wouldn’t be here if every last one of them hadn’t been murdered on that mountain. They discuss the efficiency of the treatment processes within Lotus Pier’s infirmary as well as the state of medicine in the outer cities. Wen Qing frowns over the prevalence of marsh fever among farmers and non-cultivators, and briefly wonders if there might be a way to encourage immunity through spiritual energy infusions in qinghao teas. She pauses before shaking her head and deciding to confer with Xiong-daifu instead. It’s all the kinds of conversations Jiang Cheng dreaded when he was younger — the logistics and minutiae of administration. Instead of being bored, though, he finds himself enjoying sharing them with her. Where he has greater familiarity and experience with Yunmeng’s systems and challenges, she brings a critical eye and clear insight. By the time they both stir enough from their conversation to notice time passing, his dishes have long been stacked neatly back on the tray and set aside, and the teapot is empty and dry as bone. Between them sits a rough draft of a proposal for physicians to train in Lotus Pier before spending a year each serving throughout Yunmeng in villages without sufficient medical care. A junior disciple passes by to light the lotus lanterns, a solemn frown on their still-soft face. Wen Qing looks down at it, her left hand slipping over to cover her fingers. A faint pink flush has started high on her cheeks. “I apologize, I did not mean to take up so much of your time or add to your work, zongzhu,” she says. “No, it’s— I. You have—” he pauses, fumbles for words. “You have good insights. I uh appreciate your thoughts.” She pauses, looking up. There’s a moment where she looks surprisingly young, with her lips parted just-so as if to speak and the lantern light catching in the dark of her eyes. Then she glances down, composing herself and pressing her lips together as she dips her head in a polite acknowledgment. “I appreciate the opportunity to assist however I might,” she says. Of course. She’s used to being the leader of her family, a doctor, a member of the upper court in Qishan — to be forced into idleness would nearly be a punishment. Discussing these matters with him offers more information, more opportunities for her to stay busy. His heart sinks a little in disappointment at the realization. Still — he’s startled and pleased when she returns a few days later, when they start eating together and talking a few times a week. Neither of them make any mention of the new routine, but the tray now often bears two meals and always two cups for tea. After six weeks of this, Jiang Cheng receives reports of a demonic cultivator who’s killed an entire village. “Reports started a few months ago, but when we sent a party out to see to them, they couldn’t find signs of anything more than some restless dead,” Bujue explains as Jiang Cheng trades his formal overrobe for something more practical. “But a merchant passed by yesterday and all of Juxinghu has been massacred.” Tightening his bracer, Jiang Cheng steps around the privacy screen. Not having had to be in diplomatic meetings all morning, Bujue is already ready to go. “Massacred? And you’re certain it’s demonic cultivation?” he asks. Bujue hesitates, drawing in a thin breath, before he exhales and gives a short nod. “I checked the earlier reports and they point to a Qian Xiashui,” he says. “She was cast out of the sect there after she insulted Clan Leader Shi’s second son. They say she started cultivating the ghostly path and threatening to take revenge on the clan if they didn’t comply with her demands.” A sudden wave of fatigue hits Jiang Cheng, and he releases a sigh through his nose. This will end in blood. It always does, in cases like this. He’s so tired of it — tired of cleaning up this, Wei Wuxian’s worst mess, and tired of people taking the skills his brother was forced to learn through desperation and twisting them into something evil and vengeful. Wei Wuxian may have used his cultivation to take revenge on Wen Chao, but he hadn’t chosen this path just for that cause. It’s like all the stories he hears now, of the Yiling laozu’s terrible deeds: stealing babes from cribs, sacrificing virgins to many-handed demons. His brother has become a horrible myth, a cautionary tale. Everyone draws a caricature of him in their minds, and none of them reflect the truth. That Wei Wuxian was arrogant and sharp-tongued and brilliant and deep-hearted. He was a brat and a nuisance, a stubbornly loving brother and unshakeable bulwark. In any world, Jiang Cheng would miss his brother, but he thinks it must be worse like this. The hole in his heart is so often rubbed raw by frequent mention of Wei Wuxian’s name, and yet no one’s memory matches the shape of his cut. Juxinghu is only two hours away by sword, and they take a group of senior disciples this time. There’s no lesson here for the juniors to learn. They pass over the lake itself on the way, little more than a pond but still and clear; the sun hangs like a white cymbal in its flat reflection. Landing outside Shi manor, they step off their swords into an empty road. The gate is ajar, wooden doors hanging off their hinges as if struck by some great blow. The air is still and sticky, the sun a heavy warmth on their shoulders. Spiderlegs shiver up Jiang Cheng’s arms as he orders the group into a defensive formation around the manor. He can feel the resentment already, the slivers pricking at his veins. Qian Xiashui is waiting for them. He and Bujue take point, guarding each other’s open sides. Nudging the gates open, they step inside and stop short. Red. Everywhere — there is — the courtyard is watered in it, lush with scarlet, a summer downpour replaced with blood. Streaks splash down the pale stone walls, lakes puddle up in the divots between stones. The sun is reflected in the pools, a thousand miniatures of the lake beyond the manor walls. In the center is a throne. Tall and misshapen, it lurches up from the garden at odd angles, rounded here and cracked there. It takes a moment for the lines of it to resolve into bodies, into broken backs and twisted arms. Atop them sits a small figure in white. Blood dusts her hem, splatters across the hemp cloth. “Qian Xiashui?” Jiang Cheng calls. A smile cracks across her lips, and she folds her hands before her in a crooked salute. “Sandu Shengshou,” she greets, “have you come to see my work?” Her voice is almost childlike, all bright pleasure. It twists something in Jiang Cheng, tugs at the threads of his spine with innate wrongness. She’s thin and small, could pass for a child if it weren’t for the shadows under her eyes and the hollows in her cheeks. “Why did you murder these people?” Jiang Cheng asks. “For revenge? Because they cast you out?” Her eyes narrow, dark slashes in her pale face. “I didn’t murder anyone, Jiang-zongzhu,” she says, “I brought justice to criminals. I did your job for you.” “You massacred an entire family,” Jiang Cheng snaps, gesturing to the desecrated dead all around them. “What could they have done to you that deserved that?” Her small hands clench into fists, knuckles sticking out bony and white. The smile has faded, turned to something hard and snarling. Around him, he can feel the air shifting, condensing. His hand tightens around Sandu. “What could they do to me?” she echoes. “You think this is about me? You think this is petty revenge?” She stands, and there’s a wet crunch of bone and viscera beneath her feet. “They ruined her,” she snarls. “They took my jiejie and they destroyed her.” Jiang Cheng flinches, startled, even as the corpses start to stir. There is so much rage in her voice, so much wrath — and a chasmic, burning hurt. “Their young masters couldn’t stand her talent and so they ripped her down and they killed her,” Qian Xiashui continues, voice growing stronger as she descends from her corpse throne. “And then, when that wasn’t enough, they desecrated her body and broke her spirit so that she could never come home. So that she could never rest.” Her hand flashes out in the start of a seal, and it’s Bujue who stops her. He flings his sword out, a silver-blue arc. Scarlet spurts out of her wrist, and she stumbles, falls with the sword. It lands point-first, pinning her arm to the bloodied tiles. Caught, Qian Xiashui writhes. Her lips pull back to bare her teeth, expression no longer childish but animalistic. “Why are you defending them?” she screams. “They ruined my sister! They deserve it! They deserve it!” Her howls are ghastly, sobs torn out of a broken throat. Jiang Cheng swallows and forces his feet to move. “You should have reported it to a magistrate or to Lotus Pier,” he says. There’s an order to these things, even if he can’t quite believe it would have mattered. Even small sects like this are fiercely insular and hate intrusions from the larger sects. They would have brushed off any inquiry from Lotus Pier and claimed Qian Xiashui was lying to save face. Now, Qian Xiashui stills, her wrist still pinned to the stones by Bujue’s sword. Her head tilts, brows flattening into a black line and dark eyes disbelieving. Her lips tremble, but not with tears. “I did,” she says, voice even and controlled. “I went to Lotus Pier and was turned away. I told the cultivators what they had done and they said it was none of their business. I waited and they never came.” Her voice rises, turns to a roar as she speaks, and with it, the resentment suddenly picks up. She’s faster than he expected; her hand flicks through her own blood in a simple seal before he can reach her. There’s a snarl and then Bujue’s gasp. Jiang Cheng twists, shoves Bujue behind him. His sword’s still pinning her wrist, still out of reach, he’s unarmed— Jiang Cheng chokes as a clawed hand rips into his side. “Zongzhu!” Laughter rises behind him, wild and off-key. Gritting his teeth, he brings Zidian down in a searing arc to cut the corpse in half. It sways before toppling in a wet thud to the ground. “You’re all the same. All you great houses think you’re so noble. You think you are better than us because you have a foot on our throats.” All around them, the corpses are stirring. Qian Xiashui stands in the center, wrist dripping red, and she burns. “They deserved what they got,” she says calmly. “And now you, noble cultivators, will get what you deserve.” Blood lines his teeth as Jiang Cheng turns back to her, Zidian live in his hand. Bujue has recovered his sword and holds it defensively, guarding his opened side. There are twelve corpses shambling toward them, but that’s not what has Jiang Cheng’s eye: Qian Xiashui holds a talisman in her good hand, and red smoke has started billowing around her. “Fuck,” he hisses. “Qian Xiashui, stop this! You can’t control it. It won’t give you what you want, it will just kill you.” She cocks her head to one side, fury writhing across his features. “I don’t care,” she spits. “I want my sister back. What’s the point of living if she’s not here?” The spirit manifests, all long claws and screaming face. Dismay sinks through Jiang Cheng like a stone but he forces his hand up into the air, a spark of qi enough to send the signal. His disciples descend before Qian Xiashui has a chance to command the spirit. It’s quick work in the end. Most of these cultivators fought at his side in the war. Many of them were there for Nightless City, others still for the siege of the Burial Mounds. Twelve corpses, a single spirit, and a half-crazed demonic cultivator are hardly a stumbling block. The suppression array they’d formed outside the walls bursts into violet light and flattens the corpses, pinning them to the ground. Qian Xiashui screams in anger and the spirit shoots toward Bujue. Jiang Cheng cuts behind it, slides Sandu through her chest. She gasps, gurgles as blood spills into her mouth. Her eyes flick up to him, wide and surprised. Childlike. She has to be close to his age, older than he was when he first went to war. Older than Wei Wuxian was when he died. “You…you killed me?” she says, and her voices comes out soft and shaking. They work together to cleanse the manor, liberating and suppressing what spirits they can. No one will ever be able to live here again. The whole town will need a more thorough cleansing later, something like the music of the Gusu Lan to properly disperse the resentment. He’s too tired now to think about the logistics of that. All of them seem subdued, after. They walk outside the perimeter of the manor and mount their swords in heavy silence. Jiang Cheng holds his side closed and does not think of his brother, does not think of wide eyes and blood on trembling lips. Qian Xiashui was not Wei Wuxian. She was crazed and vengeful. She wasn’t protecting anyone but seeking to destroy. Her death was necessary. The trip back to Lotus Pier is not long enough to make himself believe it. Three other disciples are injured, and two of them support the third, whose leg seems to bend the wrong way at the knee. Xiong-daifu breathes in sharply at the sight of them but doesn’t recoil or fuss. He’s always appreciated that about her. Instead, they’re each delivered to their own spot in the hall, with Jiang Cheng relegated to a private corner due to his rank. It feels silly, to be separated now when they were just equal in bloodshed. Still, he’s a little grateful when he’s pulled off his bloodied robes and hears footsteps round the privacy screen. He’s too tired to feel anything more than resigned at the sight of Wen Qing. He’s sure the mortification will rise up later, when he’s trying to get some sleep. “Fierce corpse,” he says stiffly. “Doesn’t seem too deep, just bloody.” Hurts like hell, too, but it’s hardly the worst he’s had. Adrenaline had kept it from immobilizing his arm, at least. “I’ll be the judge of that,” Wen Qing says. He lets her turn him and start cleaning the injury. Each gentle brush of cloth stings, and he clenches his hand in the bloodied fabric of his skirts. Distantly, he’s almost glad it’s Wen Qing. She’s seen this before, back when they were stuck in Yiling and he was waiting for his body to die. The first time he got injured after the war, Healer Xiong’s eyes had widened and grown wet at the sight of the scars across his back and chest, from where Wen Chao had gotten bored and wanted to see how Jiang Cheng reacted to Wen fire. Wen Qing makes no comment on the scars, doesn’t hesitate to adjust him as she needs to tend to the entire wound. He lets himself drift a little, turning his mind away from any thoughts at all and simply listening to the soft hum of her qi beside him. It’s quieter than most his senior cultivators — not quite as aggressive and thrumming as the golden cores of those who cultivate the sword path seriously. There’s a strength to its quiet, a firm surety in its hum.

“What happened?” He stirs a little, roused by the question. Her hands are steady as she threads neat stitches through his skin, but Wen Qing glances up at him with a furrowed brow. He shrugs his opposite shoulder and swallows. “It lunged for Bujue,” he says. “He didn’t have his sword.” Wen Qing’s hands fall still. Her gaze is still down, eyes hidden by the angle, but he can see the tension in the back of her jaw. He frowns. “So you decided your body would make a good shield,” she surmises, sharp. Her hands start up again, and this time he winces as she yanks the sinew through. “That the sect leader of Yunmeng Jiang should sacrifice his own well-being instead of trusting his lieutenant to protect himself.” His hackles raise. It’s not like he died or abandoned the sect. How could he have let Bujue get hurt? He’d been disarmed, defenseless. Jiang Cheng knew he could take the hit, after all — he’s fought through much worse. “He was disarmed,” he snaps. “I fought in the war; I’ve walked off worse.” “Surviving doesn’t make you invincible,” she shoots back. “It could have taken off your head or disrupted your meridians. This is deep, Jiang Wanyin. As it is, you won’t be lifting this arm for a week. Two weeks, at least, before you can use it for any training.” He recoils and then winces when the needle tugs at his skin. Her hand clamps down hard on his shoulder as she lifts her head to shoot him a venomous gaze.    “Don’t you dare move or I will knock you out and make you rest for those two weeks,” she threatens. “I’m not a child,” he says. “I did what I thought was right. I couldn’t let Bujue get hurt, not if I could stop it. He’s family.” “And what if you had died?” Wen Qing snaps. “What if you had died for him and he’d been left? Knowing that you had sacrificed yourself for him, knowing that he was the reason you were dead? What would you have done, if Wei Wuxian had been the one to take the hit in your place?” Flinching, he stares at her with wide eyes even as his hands curl into fists. Wei Wuxian had done the same, had taken a hundred hits for Jiang Cheng. The spring before they went to the Gusu lecture, Wei Wuxian nearly died taking an attack that was meant for Jiang Cheng. He can still picture it: the set of his jaw, the blood running down his chest— Shoving the memories away, he clenches his jaw and scowls back at her. The answer is obvious, of course. He’d hated when Wei Wuxian did it. He still hates him, a little, for dying and leaving him now. Bujue’s always been kinder than him, quicker to forgive, but— Disgruntled, he turns back to the front and doesn’t look at her as she finishes stitching the wound shut and sets to wrapping it. “I didn’t— I’m not trying to. To leave or whatever,” he finally grits out. Wen Qing doesn’t pause as she smooths down the bandage and tucks the end into the wrapping. She doesn’t give any sign of hearing him at all, and irritation rises up Jiang Cheng’s back. What right does she have to judge him for protecting his own? Where does she get any authority to scold him? “There. Don’t jostle that shoulder,” she says, all brisk and professional once more. Gathering his ruined robes around him, Jiang Cheng can’t fight down the sullen frustration still lingering his veins. “I have some tea that will help with the pain,” Wen Qing says. “I’ll bring it with dinner.” She’s carefully not looking at him, and Jiang Cheng can’t quite help the way he perks up at that. There’s nearly a question in her tone, as if she isn’t quite sure that’s welcome. It takes all his restraint to keep from blurting out his relief. Clearing his throat, he tugs his robes closed and shrugs his good shoulder. “Alright,” he says. Wen Qing glances up from where she’s cleaning his blood off her hands. She narrows her eyes at him. “If I found out you’ve been working before then—” she starts. “You’ll stick me full of needles and drop me on my bed,” he huffs, flicking his hand. “I know.” A small smile quirks the corners of her lips before she suppresses it and straightens. Even toweling her hands dry, she looks regal as she lifts her chin to meet his gaze. “As long as we’re on the same page,” she says. “I’ll see you in an hour, zongzhu.” Despite himself, Jiang Cheng leaves the infirmary feeling almost like smiling. He can’t quite make sense of it, shies away from looking too closely. Still it’s…it’s good, he thinks, that Wen Qing came to Lotus Pier. For a few moments, at least, short weeks that stretch into months, he can forget Qian Xiashui’s rage, his brother’s terrified eyes. Something new and bright starts to grow over the deep rot of hurt and guilt and grief in his chest. There is so much wreckage left behind, but saplings are starting to grow through the ruins at last. Looking out over Lotus Pier, Jiang Cheng draws in a deep breath and lets himself feel the first brush of hope. Then, Lan Wangji returns.

[newathens]

for @razberrybi and anyone else who is invested in the ongoing analysis of trials of apollo; these are the other versions of this post that i drafted

on another note, if i’ve convinced anyone to pick trials of apollo, please hit that like button so i know we’re getting somewhere

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“[...] See, along with the fandom consensus that “HoO took a huge dive,” we have sacrificed any and all concern for Trials of Apollo. But this sacrifice of caring has steered everyone from the fact that while, yes, HoO might have took a dive, some moderate writing might have been done in order to reach the great writing. One day after all of it is completed and we see the fallout of the series and I have the motivation and time to write about a 15 book universe, I might detail out all the foreshadowing and underlying themes and plot points, etc., that lead to a major demigod dying. Given that another does die, seeing as one has already died; which means another one dying isn’t too far-fetched.

For right now, I’m going to briefly, in general terms, highlight why Trials of Apollo is such a big deal, why this series is fantastic, and why I believe Rick is mirroring the original series. And why, especially to the people who have been reading it, everyone is coming to the conclusion that a very major character—Percy or otherwise—is going to meet their end, create a conflict, or some other option of epic proportions.”

end quote

Summary: With this version, I was planning on delving into the actual purpose of ToA and the paralleling that Rick is using in order to support the theory of “Percy” (aka any huge demigod) dying.

So, ToA like I mentioned in the original post, is basically finishing up the original conflicts and I think Rick is following a pattern in order to hint at the fallout. This is what I believe, I could very well be missing the dartboard with each throw. But I mean?

Meg revealing she’s Nero’s ‘daughter’ and betraying Apollo = Luke revealing his true intentions and betraying Percy

Grover appearing at the very end of the second book = Thalia appearing at the very end of the second book; and then both of these characters who appear at the end of the second book playing a bigger role in the third book

Jason aiding Apollo with his quest being aware that he would die the entire time = Zoe aiding Percy to save Artemis being aware she would have to face her father and end up dying the entire time

*puts on pjo conspiracy dunce cap* Like come on, have you ever seen me without this stupid hat on? That’s weird. And if Rick truly is paralleling parts of the original series with this series, could Percy parallel Luke? And DON’T think in absolutes, they’re not supposed to be the same. This is more along the lines, comparing and contrasting or using tropes or symbolism or CYCLES. Stuff like that. Again, there are levels here.

Anyway, on to the next one.

start quote

“[...] And here’s why. What we started out with, in the beginning, in the very first series, all the problems and small tiny details and character arcs and etc., is coming to its final stage. It has come to a culmination of absolute chaos and Apollo’s been thrown into the fray.

But these problems that we started out with, these conflicts and issues, they have never been about Apollo. They have always been about demigods. So why is Apollo there? Why is it his series?

Guess what, it’s not about him. Don’t get me wrong, Apollo is experiencing character development. He is a complex, full-fledged character who is going through his own arc but there has been no deep, meaningful reason to give him his own series besides his misbehavior in BoO. So tell me, why is he there?

For me, personally, the way I see this entire series, Apollo is not only a character, but a vessel for the reader to see the fallout and destruction of an era in which the Olympian’s ignorance will no longer be tolerated. And this destruction and end will not come from Triumvirate. They are not going to win. They are amazing villains, some of the best villains Rick has ever made, but the three Roman emperors are not going to come out on top. Rick is not that edgy.

The destruction of this Olympian era will come due to the consequence of the war with Triumvirate. It will end because of what happens to our beloved heroes during their fight against this force. And that is why there is this idea that Percy is going to die, or take a sharp left dip into darkness, or maybe Annabeth will die, or maybe another member of the Seven will hit the chopping block, or. Maybe a lot of things, I will have a more definitive [...]”

end quote

Summary: This version of the post I wanted to get sort of technical with the book. Seriously, in terms of characters, what purpose does Apollo serve? Is he our hero? Because I can’t see it. . .

Where has the focus been on all three books so far? The other characters—we’re not so much concerned with how Apollo is feeling but more how he is reacting to and handling the issues of the other characters. 

With Percy, in the original series, we were worried about him, about his future, whether he would live or die. With Apollo, we are worried about ‘will camp survive Nero’s attack?’ ‘will Apollo save Georgina?’ ‘will the Waystation survive Commodus’ attack?’ ‘will the nymphs be saved from Caligula’s wildfires?’

Seriously, Apollo is not only the main character he is being used as a tool; that’s why the focus isn’t consistently on him, that’s why he’s ‘learning’ to think of others; like, yes he’s being ‘humbled’ during his trials but also completely disregard that because there’s another purpose lurking. This is why I think ToA is absolute genius. I may only be an unpublished writer with the bare minimum Bachelor’s in English but I truly believe Rick is breaking the constraints of literature with this series. I don’t have the technical terms to make it sound more eloquent but humor me. There’s something going on here.

 And could Rick tie it up with a pretty blue bow? Yeah, sure. They would win, Apollo would argue with the Olympians how harsh demigods are being treated, they don’t listen to him, he can no longer handle taking a backseat to their suffering, he takes Dionysus’/Chiron’s place at camp, the cycle continues but hey, at least they’ve got Apollo now, and fin.

But that happy ending just does not add up.

. 

.

.

Please drop some comments below, let me know if you’re at least vaguely understanding what I’m throwing out there. I’m definitely not talking about surface-level stuff here so. . .I apologize if I’m losing people here and there.

And overall, in the simplest terms I can muster:

Jason’s dead and because of that the stakes have been raised higher than they have ever been, the heroes are going to snap, Triumvirate suck majorly, there might be a spy somewhere, don’t be surprised if another beloved character dies, I have this weird theory that Nico is going to go next and Percy last, I also have a theory Percy is going to snap and fight Zeus, Apollo might be the one to snap and fight Zeus, there’s a lot of different ways this can go, ideas on the ending will probably solidify once we see what happens in The Tyrant’s Tomb. Rick is doing something really eloquent with this series that I cannot eloquently put into words because there is so much of it. You should all read it if you haven’t started already.

Thank you for reading.

[haphazardlyparked]

the lord

regret everything the lord  (part twenty-two)

“Burn it, Sem,” Kan says harshly. Congress is only three weeks off, but neither of them are speaking of the cases right now. “No one can see that.”

“My lord—”

“I am lord,” Kan cuts Sem off, uncharacteristically brusque with his secretary-spymaster. “And we are burying this report. We're not ignoring it, but it isn't—it isn't going to help anything if this becomes public.”

“You only think that because—”

“Don't finish that sentence.” The sudden, glacial chill in Kan’s veins makes him feel dangerous. 

Sem’s jaw clenches, and his eyes are glassy with unshed tears. Kan understands. They have hard evidence—what counts for hard evidence in Sem’s world anyway—that it was a poison that had killed the Dowager. Barely traceable, quietly deadly; an organic piece of work coded specifically for one person, and made only in one state.

Kan thaws. His head aches with the effort of trying not to think of everything at once. 

“Please, Sem,” he says, softer and apologetic. He leans back in his chair, and closes his eyes against the sting of unshed tears. He's done crying. Isokai held him through his one real bout of it, and feels himself flush with inexplicable shame at the memory. “We're both—we’re still grieving and we're overworked.”

“Forgive me, my lord.”

“There's nothing to forgive, Sem,” Kan sighs. “I can only add that I hope you'll keep trusting me to do what's best. I have to think about Tasak’s stability and future. But that doesn't mean we’ll turn a blind eye to this, either. The revenge just has to wait.”

Sem scrubs his eyes with his hands, and lays his head down on his desk in exhaustion. “I know that, sir.” His voice is muffled, but Kan can still hear how it fractures. “Or I knew that.”

---

“They're traitors, Kan,” Sem points out later, calmly, when he’s dry-eyed and they’ve both had time to consider the latest piece of intelligence with more distance and more (relative) calm.

Kan has resolutely avoided the very same thoughts. “Not all of them,” he says.

Sem softens. “No, not all of them,” he agrees. “But enough of them.”

“It will be handled, Sem. I promise.” 

“I am sorry about your mother, truly,” Noki murmurs, two weeks before Congress. “But Kan, you need to rule. You can’t keep going on like this. Congress is just two weeks away—have you even finished the case summaries?”  

“I am ruling, Noki,” Kan says tiredly. 

He’s still struggling through the case summaries and citizens’ proposals, actually, but he is doing them. It’s just… Without the Dowager, Sem is buried under his own mountain of work, and neither of them have ever been so unprepared for Congress or covert diplomacy. It will take them a while to find someone who can replace the Dowager in Kan’s shadow intelligence department, and losing her in the lead-up to the huge, inefficient circus of Congress has been an extra kick in the face.

“You're grieving,” Noki corrects, with just a hint of asperity.

“I’m ruling and grieving at the same time. I’m very efficient at multitasking. Please let me be.”

Noki recoils a little, even though he should know Kan just means about the politics and work. Kan still wants Noki there with him. He still wants to marry Noki. Despite the awkwardness and disconnect they’re going through, he wants to live his hopefully long life with the diplomat, to spend his time with Noki’s ambitious intellect and his fierce convictions. Kan knows these rougher periods will pass as soon as they can put the proper time into their relationship. He has the sense that Noki might even be waiting for him to affirm his commitment somehow.

But Kan can’t give that to Noki now, not in the way they both want, with a proper celebration and everything. Not before he’s steered Tasak onto the right path.

Noki sighs. “As long as you're ready for Congress, I suppose,” he says.

“I’d rather just skip that this year,” Kan mutters petulantly.

Noki leans into Kan and hugs him. “The start of change is often very hard, but I’m here, Kan.” He squeezes Kan briefly, and rests his chin on Kan’s shoulder. “We can do this.”

I am Tasak’s guardian, Kan thinks. As much as he likes the sound of we, the weight of Tasak’s future rests on his shoulders alone. Now is the time when he must be better than nearly perfect.

“I know, Noki,” Kan whispers, wrapping his arms around Noki’s warmth. “I just need you to trust me.” 

“Please don’t tell me anyone else has died, Ambassador Isokai,” Kalna says dryly, when he senses Iska’s approach. He’s retreated to one of the fish ponds again, tucked away from the main path and its meanderers, but he's not surprised that Iska has found him.

“We’ve had quite enough of that this year,” Iska says. He stops carefully by Kalna, studies him for a moment, and then sits next to him on the grass. He’s been doing that more and more, since the day of which Kalna refuses to think of, and honestly he is getting a little sick of the way Iska keeps looking at him. Between the ambassador’s gazes across rooms, silent and pregnant with concern, and Noki’s caresses at night, soothing and worried, Kalna feels like he’s going to be coddled to death. 

“You don’t have to pity me,” he accuses abruptly.  

“I have never pitied you.” Iska meets Kalna’s anger with such equanimity that Kalna feels a twinge of shame. 

“Sorry,” he mutters. He tosses a pebble into the pond. “I just…” He doesn’t know what he just. 

Kalna feels fragile still, terrifyingly breakable, and yet the more people continue to walk on eggshells around him, the more irritated he becomes. He wonders when the last time he felt like this was; he doesn’t understand how he can feel so empty and full of sorrow at the same time. Shouldn’t the emptiness take the sadness with it? 

Rubbing his eyes, Kalna says, “I’d just like to think about something other than the Dowager.” Her death had taken something out of Kalna, something he hasn’t lost in a very long time--not more than once per cycle, anyway. He doesn’t remember how to heal from this.

Iska inclines his head. “What should we talk about instead?”

“Not Congress.” Kalna grimaces. “Maybe…” he thinks aloud. Maybe you could tell me where that poison analysis came from. Or who precisely N—the Exchange’s contacts were, while you were gone... He decides. “What do you know about organic poisons?”  

Iska’s expression turns serious. “More than I should know. And much more than I should tell you.”

Kalna snorts. “I bet I can get a solid seventy percent out of you.”

"You underestimate yourself, Kalna,” Iska replies. “I am about to tell you all of it.”

“What in all the forsaken depths of hells am I looking at?” Ahal screeches her way into Polis’s apartment. Hona and Noki are already there, sharing a quiet dinner before they lock themselves in Polis’s living room, where all their Congress-prep readings and essay drafts are laid out. None of them know what she’s talking about. 

Ahal shoves her data pad into Polis’s hands. Apparently it’s a trade for Polis’s drink, because Ahal swipes that off the table and downs it. 

Polis barely notices. “Is this even legal?” she frowns, and passes the notice to Hona. Hona’s eyes go as wide as plates when she sees it.  

“Oh hells, I think it might be,” she says, in horrified realization. “Congress is a tradition, not a law. It's not even a long one, either, so there's no way we could argue for implied law... I think it was only Lord Kan’s grandfather who began it, and Lord Sakan died a little young...”

Noki barely hears her. He’s the last one get the news, and he nearly drops it. He stares at the bold headline and its little paragraph of additional information and struggles to comprehend just what Kan has done. “He cancelled Congress? This is a joke, it must be.”

“Noki,” Ahal hisses, rounding on her brother. “I can assure you it is not a joke. How did you not know? How did he keep this from you?”

“I don’t listen to everything!” Noki reminds Ahal sharply, and glares at her. “My private life is private.” 

“We’ll deal with it,” Polis says loudly, raising her hands soothingly. She's self-possessed as always, and she meets both of their eyes before nodding. “It doesn’t matter if he cancels Congress itself.” 

Ahal ignores Noki’s angry look. “We will be heard,” she says. 

(next - the lover)

@rrrawrf-writes @gingerly-writing @severe-fangirl-syndrome

[driftwork]

Ten or Twelve years more or less and a woman in a hat flies from Tokyo to London... (1)

They know little or perhaps even nothing about what they are doing. The research they did not do would horrify them for days and months afterwards.  This  is Seo, leaving meetings, and heading towards the airport, to travel from one continent to another... This is the long month long moment when they completed the becoming major from gangsters to capitalists. She already understands herself, themselves as normal and define every difference from this as divergent from the norm. By the end of these hat stories she will be a normal woman of the state. She already is of course, but at this moment when she is leaving meetings and heading to the airport, to travel across continents,  she doesn’t know this. The transition did not mean that they were any less criminal at the end of the transition than at the beginning.  Everything that happened before this is excluded. At this starting moment  she and the world thought of her only as an upper class woman. An owner. There is no need for a preamble, after months of negotiation, analysis and the establishment of the prototypes. The draft documents are signed. The criminals watched the Chinese get into their car and stood in the doorway as they drove off, out of the drive and along the bay road. The cars headlights fading across the bay, the arc of the road, the shoreline and the cliffs of the nature reserves... She will be spend  a still unknown number of days in London. She is sitting in the plane, she has taken off her hat,  charcoal grey with colourful icons and chevrons.  my first mother said if I wore this hat, I should be certain to get off with the right sort of  man, Well, look where I am now, on a desert island, here I am now leaving Tokyo, my second mother may be causing me to die, wearing this hat... The first class cabin is mostly shades of grey and blue, the surrounds of the seats are beige, Neutral colours that hide the complex machinery from casual view. They fly out of Tokyo and are already cruising northwards. northwards.  Her two companions are already asleep. They are all exhausted after the last few days. She should be, but is living on her nerves.  The woman knows that neither her sister nor the man she lives with have left the locality in which they live for years.  Though she knows more about their everyday activities now than when she had first flown to London to see her, still they remain almost invisible.  The reason why they are visible at all does not  occur to her. This may seem unimportant in this story of a woman travelling from Tokyo to London, accompanied by the only two people she really trusts and loves in the world, but still, since, the purpose of the passage from Tokyo to London is to beg forgiveness and ask for favors it seems important to acknowledge how little she understood of what motivates her sister to stay constrained, imprisoned in one place rather than to vanish. So here we are its a nice day in September,  autumn will be approaching by the time she arrives in London and she is desperately hoping that the winter that follows doesn't end up with a long line of dead people stretching between London and Tokyo. Whilst at this moment the true scale of the disaster she is trying to avert is unknown to her, she will grow to understand this over the next few months.  She will wonder at the hubris of the person she was on the plane, imagining that she and her sister are still related in some way. She is laying in the half light, wishing she could sleep but instead is looking at the pale grey ceiling of the plane, the soft led daylights casting gentle shadows beneath the overhead lockers. The essential hum of machinery at 10,000 metres.  In/on/at the stopover in Frankfurt they will carry out a final check on the European finances, and to brief them  on the project they are about to be involved in.  On the plane they offered her a drink, over the sea flying northwards,  she took a glass of white wine, some water and some fruit juice.  They left the menus with her. She fell asleep somewhere over the coast of Russia and had stress dreams of chairs, flying, falling, horrible felt dresses which recognized as being her sisters, and worst of all being chased though a city, or is that a woods,  the office unfolding before her as she runs. She used to dream of having a child and a partner who stayed at home looking after the child. But these dreams had ended long ago.  Though she had begun to have occasional thoughts of having a child with the man asleep in the adjacent seat. She cannot imagine how anyone could think of them as capable of such things. She is dressed in jeans and a linen jacket over a soft grey tee shirt with multiple folds in the arms and across her chest. When she takes off the jacket to eat later the attendants will not be able to see the single headed dragon tattoo on her body.  The attendants rightly guessed that she and her two travelling companions are "senior business people"  but they mis-assume that the men are more important than the woman. Patriarchal fantasies are omnipresent in this world.  As she began to wake up she was aware that Sik was looking at her, holding her arm.  Are you OK he asked.  I dreamt of having a child again she said. Looking at her tired and stressed face. he said before he could stop himself. <We should, I would like that.> She realized he meant it. They ordered food from the menu,  more liquids to drink.  a peculiarly flavoured Ice cream for dessert. That's disgusting he told the attendant, can I have some more ?  She looked at the agendas for the next days meetings,  at the newspapers that were full of discussions of irrelevant political evasions, and some useful discussion of how to change Bourgeois property law in Japan...  She suddenly remembered that she hadn't brought any presents with her for the children and others. I left them at home she said to them.  I brought some for the children  - and I've brought a couple of birthday presents for Osaka, Sik added.  What did you get her ?  A mint 1923 Shklovsky A Sentimental Journey - first edition., and a 1929 edition...  She sighed,  Yukio said that they were her third memory, but she thought they were her first memory... Well at least something worked out she thought.  Sorry I didn't mean to forget she said to them.  Hours pass.  Yukio and Sik are playing go, she cannot tell who is winning. She reviews the business section and is surprised to see a note about Kwarbarti's property buying.   She wondered what it was that was making her feel more relaxed. She puts her hand on his shoulder,  Are you serious she asks. Yes I am. OK. It makes no difference, night or day, the shadows won't fade away.  Hours pass,  His hand has been resting on her on her body for an hour.  She left it there whilst watching an anodyne  HK action film, her unconscious thinks she would have killed them without speaking. People speak too much in movies whilst they hold guns.  She thought of the videos of Park  running across Tokyo. We should have financed a movie she thought.  The co-pilot announced they would be landing in two hours. and that something or other would be served.  She took her travel bag and went for a shower and a change of  underwear. The plane  eventually  began to descend,  they drank tea.  Talked about the hotel they staying in.  Tomorrow.  Frankfurt, the city and its suburbs  rose up to greet them as they  descended to the airport. They were very easy and quite charming  the attendants said of them. A message arrived during the descent,  There is a chauffeur waiting for you, Ms Seo at the exit.  (I put on my Hat, I button my coat, Life's little duties, precisely, at the very least, were finite to me) The familiar airport didn't look as grey and mechanical  as it usually did. Once she had looked  at pictures of the anonymous rich at global meetings in magazines,  curiously over the decade she no longer cared. The landscape greeted the wheels of the plane.

None of the names, places  and languages in this vignette are accurate. The events, sex and gender however are.

This is Seo leaving the plane, wearing her hat,  carrying hand luggage, going through the emigration desks speaking to them about why they had come. Afterwards collecting collecting the luggage from the conveyor belt and wheeling it through customs. Outside  they found the chauffeur  waiting with a sign that said  (Ms Seo and party.)  The driver took them from the airport to the hotel.  The three of them sat in the rear of the limousine  and discussed what to do in the evening.  They were staying in the Sofitel. It had the usual things that global hotels have,  restaurants, cafes, bars, a pool and gymnasium,  room services, suites, laundry services and shopping services. They had two suites next to one another.  Seo and Sik's  suite was neutral, soft browns and beige, engineered wooden floor over soundproofing and concrete, with  multi-coloured rugs. Yukio's was about the same size but slightly more colourful, a themed suite based around a mixture of Korean and Chinese colours and patterns. The hotel during the week was full of business travelers who always seemed to wanted to go somewhere.  In the evening  the three of them would sit down at the table in the restaurant and drinking, they would discuss  how they should brief the hedge fund people and venture capitalist investors about the project.  A day may not be enough in which case you should stay with them whilst they are doing the evaluation. She said looking at Yukio.  That's... Sik added, if we need to stay in London you should fly back to Tokyo to keep things running. Yukio looked between them.  Are you thinking of running ?  Sik nodded and Seo smiled at him. Only if we must,  the two of us might be able to follow a line of flight and escape the bullets. I know you can't do that Yukio, also at least one of us must survive this, and it should be you. Sik waved the waitress over and ordered three vodka martinis.  Could you not die please, I would miss you.  Yukio said finally, accepting the inevitable.  Eventually, a little drunk, she goes upstairs and puts on the TV, finding an IP channel with South East Asian dramas on with a choice of English or German subtitles. She finds a drama about prosecutors and their corruption and lets it run in the background, the actors are a mixture of pretty young things and serious older ones. She looks at the contraceptives in the bathroom and wonders what to do. Whilst the drama  plays in the background, she checks the weather  for tomorrow which seems to suggest it will be good weather for meetings. When she leaves the hotel she leaves the contraception in the wastebin in the bathroom... [Here the meetings that take place from eight in the morning until six in the evening  are deleted]

They know little or perhaps even nothing about what they are doing...

[aion-rsa]

A Comprehensive History of George R.R. Martin’s NFL Draft Takes

https://ift.tt/2QIG9tF

Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin loves three things above all else: writing exhaustive descriptions of feasts, killing Starks, and watching NFL football.

When the “A Song of Ice and Fire” creator is not writing the most impactful bit of fantasy storytelling since The Lord of the Rings, he follows his two favorite football teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets (yes, supporting two teams in the same city is highly unusual and yes, he’s apparently fine with it). 

Martin is fond of expounding upon his fandom in interviews (including this one with ex-NFL defensive end Chris Long) and also documenting his sports pain on his LiveJournal blog, “Not a Blog”. The Westeros story shepherd has been blogging steadily since pretty much the dawn of blogging in 2006. And over the past 15 years, he has marked 235 posts with the “NFL” tag. 

Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that Martin is using a blog the way blogs were intended to be used – providing professional updates with some informal sports observations sprinkled in. But I’ve personally never been able to get over the novelty of one of pop culture’s most important, sagacious figures, jotting down his ill-conceived sports takes just like the rest of us weirdos. I mean, get a load of this (which is baseball-related, not football):

Grown men wishing to bear the child of their favorite professional athlete is the sort of thing usually left to fringe sports talk radio shows or drunk group text chats. And yet, here is the writer of A Feast For Crows’ genius “broken man” monologue just throwing it out there for public consumption. 

It’s like finding out that J.R.R. Tolkien used to submit his sports takes to The Times in the 1940s. “Yes, Stanley Matthews is talented but I fear his training regimen too rigorous for him to maintain the proper energy for the Three Lions to overcome France this year.”

Sadly, we do not have Tolkien’s football takes (apparently rugby was more his speed anyway). Since we do have Martin’s though, it’s worth examining how his many NFL opinions and predictions have held up over the years, particularly his commentary surrounding the NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft, in which NFL teams select college players to augment their rosters, occurs every year near the end of April or beginning of May. Martin, bless him, frequently likes to record his thoughts on the Jets and Giants’ draft during or after the event. Of the 235 NFL posts on NotaBlog, at least 12 of them deal with the draft. 

Read more

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This year’s NFL Draft begins on April 29. A GRRM post about it is sure to come soon after (unless The Winds of Winter is taking up too much of his time). Before George offers his thoughts on this year’s selections, let’s take a trip back through memory lane to grade some of his previous years’ takes. 

Bear in mind, that this list of Martin’s draft takes isn’t truly exhaustive. His blog for the 2020 draft, for instance, doesn’t include too many spicy opinions so it’s left out. But should you want the entire list of George R.R. Martin’s sports musings, I know a guy who wasted countless hours compiling all 235 posts.

George R.R. Martin’s NFL Draft Takes

The Post: April 26, 2019 – Day One The Takes: 

The Jets should have selected defensive end Josh Allen over defensive tackle Quinnen Williams

Daniel Jones at 6 was an overdraft from the Giants. They should have chosen Dwayne Haskins

Analysis: It’s probably too early to tell on George’s first prediction though Williams looks to be the slightly better player now. George’s second take, however, is way off. Not because Giants QB Daniel Jones has been particularly great but George’s preferred QB Dwayne Haskins had a disastrous tenure in Washington, getting released midway through his second season. Cumulative Take Score: 0 for 2 (0%)

The Post: April 7, 2018 – Feeling a Draft The Takes:

The Giants should take Saquon Barkley

The Jets should take Baker Mayfield

Analysis: One of George’s most charming sports quirks is an avowed love of running backs. The running back position isn’t as important in the modern NFL as offenses become more pass heavy. The Giants drafting running back Saquon Barkley was very defensible though and hopefully he will recover from the knee injury that wiped out his 2020 season. George was also dead-on in urging the Jets to take Baker Mayfield. Unfortunately for him (but fortunately for yours truly) the Browns took Mayfield with the first overall pick. The Jets took Sam Darnold as a consolation prize and he is already no longer on the team. Cumulative Take Score: 2 for 4 (50%)

The Post: April 29, 2016 – NFL Draft Round One The Takes: 

The Jets did well in taking linebacker Darron Lee over Memphis QB Paxton Lynch

The Giants should have picked pass rusher Shaq Lawson

Running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry will be good.

Analysis: George sniffed out Paxton Lynch’s futility like a Lannister plot. Darron Lee was pretty much a bust but at least he wasn’t Paxton Lynch. The Giants should not have chosen Shaq Lawson – their Eli Apple pick worked out perfectly fine. Here, George once again reveals his great taste in running backs. Though the position may no longer be as important, GRRM is one hell of a RB talent evaluator. Zeke Elliott and Derrick Henry are among the best backs in the league. Cumulative Take Score: 4 for 7 (57%)

The Post: April 27, 2013 – NFL Draft, Day 3 The Takes:

Ryan Nassib is Eli Manning’s successor

Taking Geno Smith will set the Jets back years.

Analysis: Ryan Nassib was not Eli Manning’s successor. Who’s to say if Geno Smith set the Jets back years or if they are just a poorly run organization? Either way, we’ll give that one to George since the team has had only one winning season since picking him. Cumulative Take Score: 5 for 9 (56%)

The Post: April 27, 2012 – NFL Draft, Round One The Takes:

“I am not at all happy with (the Jets) choice of Quinton Couples (sic).”

Cleveland had a good first round.

Ryan Tannehill will be a bust. 

Analysis: George was right to be upset with the Coples pick. Unfortunately, George erred severely in trusting the Cleveland Browns to draft well. He undoubtedly was excited about the Browns drafting one of his beloved running backs, but that running back, Trent Richardson, was out of the league within a few years. George’s Ryan Tannehil prediction looked prescient for the first half of his career. Now – not so much, with the QB turning his career around in Tennessee. Cumulative Take Score: 6 for 12 (50%)

The Post: April 25, 2009 – NFL Draft, Day 1 The Takes:

The Jets and Giants were right to not draft Percy Harvin.

Kenny Britt is the best receiver among himself, Hakeem Nicks, and Brian Robiskie

Analysis: The Harvin concerns were understandable but he had a pretty decent career, all things considered. Hakeem Nicks was better than Kenny Britt. George was surely happy to be wrong though as Nicks is who the Giants drafted. Cumulative Take Score: 6 for 14 (43%)

The Post: April 28, 2007 – NFL Draft, Day One The Takes:

The Jets had a better day than the Giants

Brady Quinn will have a better pro career than JaMarcus Russell

Analysis: George nailed prediction one. The Jets drafted Darrelle Revis, who ended up being one of the best players in franchise history. George also nailed prediction number two but that’s because just about every other player in football history had a better pro career than JaMarcus Russell. Cumulative Take Score: 8 for 16 (50%)

The Post: February 5, 2006 – Super Bowl XL The Takes: 

The Jets should draft D’Brickashaw Ferguson

“So another NFL season is now done, which means that Sunday becomes a work day for me once again. That should please everyone waiting for A DANCE WITH DRAGONS.”

Analysis: George’s first take here was absolutely correct. Ferguson was a Jets stalwart for a decade. Of course, I couldn’t help but share that second, non-football prediction. It turns out the people were not pleased as A Dance With Dragons would not arrive for another five years.  Cumulative Take Score: 9 for 17 (53%)

Bonus George R.R. Martin NFL Takes

And now, a few other George R.R. Martin NFL Takes that have nothing to do with the draft…

The Post: September 1, 2017 – The NFL Is Coming The Take: “I have the feeling that I am going to be starting a lot of blog posts with ‘Life is miserable and full of pain’ this fall, at least where the Jets are concerned.” Analysis: Yup.

The Post: January 15, 2015 Locker Room Shuffle The Take: “(Rex) Ryan’s opening press conference with the Bills was very impressive. He seemed to be the old Rex again, brimming with confidence and swagger, all leavened with a healthy sense of humor. He promised to make the Bills a “bully,” a team that no one will want to play. I believe him.” Analysis: Of all the Jets coaches in Not A Blog history, Rex Ryan might be Martin’s favorite. He believes (pretty accurately) that Ryan did not get a fair shake in New York. But things in Buffalo did not pan out well for Ryan either. He was fired after two seasons and a 15-16 record.

The Post: March 15, 2013 – Free Agency Follies The Take: “Oh, and the Patriots… what a vile thing is Evil Little Bill (Belichick). The way he treated Wes Welker is disgraceful. Man has absolutely no loyalty to anyone. Watch and see, when Tom Brady’s talents start to fade — and they will, it happens to all of them — Evil Little Bill will ship him out as well.” Analysis: I don’t doubt that George was right that Bill Belichick would send Tom Brady packing the moment his talents start to fade. Where George erred, however, is that Tom Brady’s talents are never going to fade. He will never retire or even die. Brady left Belichick and New England in 2020 of his own volition…and promptly won a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay.

Jets or Giants: Which Team Makes GRRM More Miserable?

Indulge me on one last bit of George R.R. Martin NFL nonsense. Occasionally, Martin will begin or end one of his football-related blog posts with the phrase “Life is meaningless and full of pain” (sometimes, he swaps “miserable” for “meaningless”).  

This is a notion that many sports fans should know quite well. Following a professional football team is mostly a never-ending series of woe and disappointment. And since Martin supports two NFL teams, he gets to experience twice the level of disappointment. But which New York football franchise causes George more pain? To find out, I tracked every “Not A Blog” post that contains the phrase “life is meaningless/miserable and full of pain” and figured out which team was making his life miserable. More often than not, it was both teams, but occasionally only one team was the culprit. The finally tally is:

New York Giants = 25 blog posts mentioning “life is meaningless and full of pain.”

New York Jets = 23 blog posts mentioning “life is meaningless and full of pain.”

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

This is a fairly surprising result given that the Giants have actually won two Super Bowls in the time since Martin has been blogging. But it turns out that pain cuts deeper than victory. 

The post A Comprehensive History of George R.R. Martin’s NFL Draft Takes appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3vrI0l7

[misterrad]

Analysis Essay - Lesson Share

Most often, I write and share things about the big ideas in education. I don’t tend to share a lot of stuff about, you know, what I teach. But, hey, you know what? I just did an analysis essay unit that worked really well, so I thought I’d pass it along to anyone who may want it.

See, 8th Grade is a real big year for the brain. Many students are becoming increasingly capable of abstract thought. For most districts, this means that students start tackling Algebra in 8th grade, moving away from the more concrete concepts of years-prior.

Anyone who has taught Algebra, or at least next-door to it, knows the process can be downright painful for students whose brains are telling them they aren’t quite ready to figure out what the hell x is.

The same is true in Language Arts class, where we start to move past book-reporty projects and sentence-starter worksheets and towards things like literary and cultural analysis. It’s our Algebra, the concept that will be a foundation to nearly all upper-level work in our subject. As I wrap up my first major unit introducing Analysis, my students are widely showing that they are ready for that next-level work so long as it’s scaffolded, and show they can thrive when given freedom of what they read and how they read it.

Intro to Analysis:

    To introduce analysis, we spent a few fun classes practicing deconstruction on lots of different pieces of media. We watched commercials, movie trailers, and music videos (with one class-discussion-type-assessment around Beyonce’s Formation video). Students practiced writing down the pieces of what they saw, and were introduced to Critical Lenses (if we watch this commercial and isolate race, what do we see?  Ok, now, let’s watch it again and look only at Gender).

    My favorite intro day is when I gave the students copies of Picasso’s Guernica without any background information and had them deconstruct (literally, with scissors) the painting into the pieces that they see, and then create an analysis by re-constructing it on another sheet in a way that created meaning.  The discussion that followed in nearly every class led to some brilliant insight on the work.

    Oh, a note here about “bad” English students. Years ago I noticed that students that came to me feeling like they were not very good at reading and stuff often thrive at analysis. Also, some students who are very good at playing school and doing worksheets struggle mightily at questions for which there is no right answer. So, you know, keep an eye out in these discussions for new leaders.

The Analysis Essay:

Books:

    I’m convinced this project wouldn’t work half as well if I told the students what to read. Instead, I gave them a few days to look up books they may want, read excerpts and reviews, and do their best to choose a book they were truly excited about. I approved them, but did my very best not to say “no” to anyone. I started the process early in order to give students a chance to track their books down at libraries and track down copies of books myself as best I could. I also put in a bunch of work over the last couple of years to build up a classroom library that is full of new, high-interest books that students want to read, specifically books by and about people of color and women.

    The results were pretty sweet. Students continually surprised me with their choices and the lengths they would go to track down a book they were interested in. All this meant that students were, more often than not, excited to have time to read.

Reading:

    I didn’t require a lot of students during the reading phase of the project. I had students write out a hypothesis for their essay, what they thought their essay was likely to be about, and suggested rather strongly that they figure out a way to track lines and quotes from the book that matched that hypothesis. I also gave students choice about how to track those quotes while they read. Some took and annotated pictures on their phone, some used tabs and post-its, and many folded a sheet into their book and wrote down lines as they came across them.

Writing:

    As we got towards the end of the project, I realized that it was more important to me that my students wrote a few great analysis paragraphs rather than longer essays that were less wonderful. I decided to keep the whole project to four paragraphs, with an introduction and three analysis sections.

    Again, we did some all-class practicing, reading a short piece of text together (I used the Dave Eggers forward to my book, because I really really love it), deconstructing it into an argument and three pieces of evidence, and then writing a paragraph.  Students did those in a day, and the next time they came in, I divided them into two groups; one that needed more help on creating the analysis, and a group that got the analysis right and was ready for a challenging writing activity.  I sat mainly with the first group, helping them work together to construct an argument and find quotes, then checking with each student to make sure they wrote an effective analysis paragraph.  The other group was introduced to the concept of Active vs. Passive voice through an activity they could do in a self-directed way in small groups.

Active Voice Quickly Activity

    Once we got through those activities, students were ready to start planning and writing. To get them thinking about Thesis Statements, we had a class discussion about a rule or law that should be changed. Many groups picked Dress Codes, and we worked together to come up with a main argument (“Dress codes should be eliminated”) and supported arguments (“They are sexist, poorly enforced, and limit expression”). We used our conversation to write a thesis statement (“Dress codes should be eliminated because they are sexist, poorly enforced, and limit expression”), they got over the fact that I tricked them into talking about thesis statements by getting them all worked up about dress codes, and I set them to writing their own using this planning sheet:

Introduction Paragraph Planner:

    Once their Introduction (with Thesis statement) was done, students could break up the supporting arguments of their thesis into different paragraphs and add quotes from their book as evidence, then write them into quality analysis paragraphs using this planner:

Analysis Paragraph Planner:

    Quite honestly, I struggle getting kids to edit (and peer-edit) well. This sheet was my attempt for this project to focus some of their efforts in cleaning up their rough drafts before turning them in:

Editing Doc

Wrapping Up

    Now that we’re wrapping up and 156 essays are finding their way into my inbox (and, soon, taking over any free time I may have dreamed of having for the next week), I’m feeling really good about how this project went.  If I were to do it again, I would give them more time to read (many students had to start organizing and writing before they were all the way done with their books), and would keep the end due-date from bumping right up against the end of the quarter.

    That said, trusting the students with a lot of choice in what and how they read, in where they sat and how they used their time has worked really well for a great number of kids. Funny how when you give kids freedom over their learning, they tend to do more than when you force them all to do the same thing.     Especially when trying to push them to new, challenging kinds of thinking, giving them choice seemed to be especially important.

    Hope some pieces of this help some of you, and I’d love to hear how things go if you do use any of them. Please free to use and change any or all things linked here.

[mutantsrisingrpg]

Congratulations DEAN! You’ve been accepted as ARIEL.

The themes of illusion and manipulation and perception are certainly not lost in your app, Dean, and how central they are to Lenox is just so, so well written it feels like I could easily fall under the spell of one of his illusions. You’ve shown that this world and these powers don’t always harden those affected, and that spark of whimsy in Lenox really brings him to a new life. Even a simple headcanon as selling placebo drugs and using his powers to create the high gives me such a confidence in who Lenox is as a person, and I can’t wait to see his shenanigans.

Welcome to Mutants Rising! Please read the checklist and submit your account within 24 hours.

NAME/ALIAS: Dean

PRONOUNS: She/her

AGE: 22

TIMEZONE & ACTIVITY LEVEL: GMT, i’m fairly active bean and am always here to plot

In Character Information:

DESIRED ROLE: Lenox Syed GENDER/PRONOUNS: Cismale, he/him

DETAILS & ANALYSIS: This is where you show us who the character is to you! The format of this doesn’t matter, whether it’s in bullet points or in para form, and can be as long as you’d like it to be. Feel free to get creative!

Lenox as a boy’s name is of Scottish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Lenox is “with many elm trees”.

Syed or Sayyid or Sayed (Arabic and Urdu: سيدعلی) is a family of Syeds in South Asia, notably India and Pakistan. Syeds are the direct descendants of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

Lenox is lost in his own fantasy world. Creating so many illusions for people each day that he has became lost in one of his own. With a lack of attention through his childhood, he craves the limelight and approval of everyone around him and will do pretty much anything to get it, even if it’s false or trickery.

He’s so painstakingly constructed, he’s his own work of art. Each detail of his personality and appearance delicately manipulated into something strikingly beautiful. Someone you can look at with awe just by the way they talk or move. It’s almost hard to realise there’s another man beneath the mask, someone raw and damaged. Like a bird with a broken wing.

BIO:

Tw: Drug mention

His mother is just fifteen when she gives birth to him, swaddled in a blue blanket and passed immediately to the arms of a doctor; she never held him, never looked at his freshly reddened face as his cries wailed down the corridors. It’s not because of his mutation, not because his birth family couldn’t bare to raise a being burdened with powers. She was a child herself, naivety leaving adoption as the only logical decision.  

A foster home decides to take him in, raising him from infancy without any awareness of any abnormality. It’s where he stays for the first nine years of his life, a cosy house in Oregon that housed five other children. But the dormancy of his powers didn’t stay concealed forever. It started with his foster siblings sleepwalking, Lenox’s dreams imprinting on them accidentally as they’d trample through the house enthralled by the vivid illusions of his fantasy worlds. Then it began intertwining into everyday life, emotional outbursts of temper alluding unsafe situations like fire or monsters that hid under the bed. Games became near impossible to differentiate between make believe and reality from the second he joined in.  

“You’re unsafe,” it’s a comment he’d gladly wear as a badge of honour once he’d matured. But to the little boy being dragged away from his foster family, betrayed by his caregivers and turned in for research, the words grazed his skin like stinging nettles.

The four plain walls of the room only further ignite an overly active imagination, a tool that was dangerous to have with a power like his own. The eleven years he spends there does the opposite of what society would have hoped, boredom allows for focus and practice, it sharpens his talents and he’s able to put them to good use. By the end of his stay the doctors had favoured him among the rest, because he wills it so. They go easy on him, carefully placed illusions write false notes on his reports. Detailed and intricate enough so that he doesn’t get caught out, handwriting remarkably identical to each nurse or scientist that take their turn testing on him. He starts to admire the way it feels, too chaotic to be part of society and embedded with more potential than anyone could have known.

It’s when that potential reaches a point where imagination can no longer be imprisoned by those four walls that he decided enough was enough. The process of discharging himself was a meticulous operation. Theatrically staged and miraculously timed with an annual cell collecting test. Before he can be sedated he’s enticed the nurses into an imaginary induced coma, deep enough into his intoxication that he can use the poisoned needle on them. The theater only has the two women on the floor when the doctor enters, sly projections manipulating each person he’d bumped into on his way to the exit into that same sleep, a psychedelic world of kaleidoscope landscapes and stained glass colours, once awakening they would never see this boy again.

“You’re unsafe,” the same words, just a different context. An ally ushers him to leave Oregon and head to Chicago. A place where policies were loosened and his own kind somewhat tolerated.

The new city put Lenox’s own fresh start in full swing.

Fragile reality was a vehicle for his reinvention, so easily malleable that to change it was simpler and more natural to him than breathing. He’s masterful in the way it’s applied, diminishing a past life of shame and grit in place of high strung worth and superiority. He’d created himself with utter royalty, his own nobility evident by the way in which he moved, regally eloquent and unmistakably celestial to anyone who crossed his path.

He builds his career on the sins he knows other’s desire. Selling crushed up aspirin as a party drug in the underbelly of the city’s night clubbing scene, using his power to make it seem as if it were the legitimate stuff and not something that cost him a couple bucks from the convenience store across the street. Lenox could make them see whatever he wanted, turn their evenings into a production of his own design and leave with none of the being any wiser. It’s how Benjamin Granger catches word of him, a supposed mutant that was living life as if he were a king. He’s the first person to ever acknowledge his capability, strikes him up an offer he couldn’t refuse. Drawn like a moth to a flame after the minor suggestion of power and the infatuation that he was finally wanted by someone and to belong to something.

EXPANDED CONNECTIONS:

Chance Matthews: He’s the face he can’t erase from his mind, the curve of his lips engraved in deep fixations when he couldn’t fall asleep on a Sunday night. Perhaps it’s the fact that he shouldn’t do it that makes it more enticing, a lust to ignite underlying passion to unearth exactly what they had both been burying.

Jordan Rojas: Jordan is somewhat of a curiosity for Lenox to unpick. A closed book that is intriguing because of their close association together. Always keen to show his worth, to prove himself to those around him, perhaps it’s a dangerous combination should Jordan utilise the other’s naivety in combination of his powers in the way that Benjamin does.

Jack Mizuno: He likes that he can get so deep into their head, that he can have full control of a world that wasn’t Jack’s domain. It’s all to do with power and annoyance, a deep craving to see exactly how far he can push people before they hit their breaking point. Even then, it’s fun to flip that breaking point into a place of pure bliss and drop it again just when his subject is at ease. He’s like a lab rat, someone he tries his tricks on before taking them to the main show.

EXTRA:  

https://stereotypicalcancerwrites.tumblr.com/tagged/ch:%20lenox%20syed

(tba, watch this space I legit SPAM my character tags hard)

Lenox spends a lot of his spare time writing and doodling. It’s all extremely sketchy, there’s never any sort of final draft. It helps his imagination, which is a much exercised tool in his life.

He is probably more invested in mental health than most. Meditation and yoga being a crucial part of his daily routine after a bowl full of sugar packed cereal.

He’s naive and eager to please anyone that might create a bond with him, he craves companionship after never really understanding it due to the absence of it in his life.

Lenox works as a part-time playwright, using his illusions to improve the production of his stories and only ever receiving the best reviews from critics.

He also works as a drug dealer, never selling legitimate stuff but using over the counter medicines with the combination of his powers to masquerade as the real stuff.

He has an unruly sweet tooth. He keeps lollipops in his back pocket and will order dessert off a menu at a restaurant instead of a main meal. His favourite thing on the planet is warm cookie dough and ice cream.

He listens exclusively to Grunge music. Celebrity Skin by Hole is his absolute jam and he only ever sings Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet is his go to karaoke song.

Lenox is openly proud of his sexuality as a homosexual, though he’ll flirt with anyone and anything for the fun of it.

He prefers tea over coffee.

He’s a bit of a poetry dork, he collects first edition poetry books and his most prized possession is a first edition of Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg.

He’s very judgemental of how others present themselves and will tell you if your new shirt is ugly.

Lenox lives in a small apartment, anyone that enters he’s carefully to make them see it as 3 times bigger than it actually is with far more light.

He has a fear of heights.  

ANYTHING ELSE: Did you have any questions or any changes you wanted to discuss with us beforehand?

Nope all good!!!

[engrfahadblr]

Leave Application 2020 (UPDATED)

https://www.chinesescholarshipcouncil.com/?p=3729&wpwautoposter=1587881625 Leave Application for School |Sick leave application for school Teacher By self To, The Principal, (School Name) (Address) (Date) Sir, With due respect, I beg to state that I am not in a position to attend the school as I am down with Chicken-Pox. Since it is a communicable disease, I have been advised quarantine and a few days complete rest. Therefore kindly grant me leave for ten days from ____________ (Date). Thanking you, Yours obediently, (Your Name) (Class and Section) Roll NO.____________ Leave Application for School By Parents To, The Headmaster, (School Name) (Address) Sir, This is to kindly request you to grant my son ____________ (Son name) a student of class ____________, Section ____________, of your school leave for ____________ (No of days) He is down with high fever and has been advised complete rest by the doctor. I shall be much obliged. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, (Your Name) Sample lines Request Leave 1) I request you to grant ____________ (Name) leave of five days. 2) This is to request you to ____________ 3) Kindly grant leave of 3 days to my son ____________ (Son name), a student of class ____________of your school on account of his sister’s marriage. 4) With due respect, I would like to bring to your notice that my daughter, ____________ (Daughter Name) would be unable to attend her classes for 2 days due to her illness. 5) This is to respectfully state that… If not stated already, give the particulars of the child 6) He is a student of class ____________, Section ____________of your school. . 7) She is studying in class ____________, Section ____________, of your school. 8) My ward is a student of your school. Give reasons 9) He would be out of station for the stated period. 10) She is suffering with high fever and doctor has advised her rest. 11) There has been a death in the family. 12) There has been an accident in the family. 13) She has been blessed with a brother and there is a family function. 14) She/he is participating in Zonal Sports Competition. Mention the period 15) I would be grateful if you would grant me leave for today. 16) Kindly grant me leave for three days and oblige. 17) Please excuse my son’s absence from school for six days from ____________ (Date). 18) Kindly grant me leave of absence for five days on medical grounds. 19) Would you kindly grant her leave for four days i.e. (Date) Download here leave application for school  Download here Leave Request Form   Leave Application for Marriage | Leave Application for School for Marriage Each organization offers leaves for their employees for the purpose of marriage. In the marriage leave application, the applicant should clearly mention the date, time and venue of the marriage. If possible it is better to include the marriage invitation along with the leave letter or sample leave application letter. The tone of the letter should be polite as a request is being made. Leaves are sanctioned based on the reason and genuine cause written in the leave application by the HR department or head of the concerned department. Hence it is essential for the applicant to give genuine reason for availing leave. Marriage is an instance where all organizations approve leave for their employees. Some organizations approve leave for two weeks also. It also depends on the employee relationship with the organization leave application for school for marriage. Marriage Leave Application Letter Writing Tips: As it is a letter written to the management, it should be carefully drafted. The language should be easy to understand and simple. The content should be straightforward, short and precise. Marriage Leave Application Letter Template Use our free Marriage Leave Application Letter to help you get started. Simply download the .doc or pdf file and customize it. If you need additional help or more examples check out some of the sample letters below. To, __________ (employee’s name) __________ (employee’s address) __________ __________ From: ______________ (Your name) ______________ (Your address) __________________ Date __________ (date of writing letter) Dear Mr. /Ms__________ (name of the concerned person), I am ________(your details) working in the ……….( specify department) as the ………………..(specify post) in your company. I am writing this letter to inform you that I am getting married to __________(name of fiancé) on___________(date)at_________(venue). There will be a reception on the evening of __________(date). With this letter I am sending my wedding invitation also. I have already invited all our staff members. Please make it convenient to attend the party and bless us. I will be very happy to see all of you in the party.   Please grant me leave from__________to____________(specify period of leave). I hope you will consider this leave as informed leave and do the needful. Marriage Leave Application Letter Sample, Email and Example/Format TO Jagdish Kumar, HR Manager, Axis Bank, Main Branch, Hyderabad 1st October, 2020 Subject: marriage leave application letter Dear Mr. Kumar, I am Avinash Sharma from the loan department. I work as loan in charge officer in your office. I am writing this letter to inform you that my marriage is fixed on 15th October, 2020. I want to avail leave from 13th October to 20th October. I am attaching my wedding invitation with this letter. There is a reception on the evening of 15th October. I have invited all our staff members. It will be my pleasure if you make it convenient to attend the party and bless us. Please treat my absence as informed leave and do the needful. Looking forward to hear from you, Thanking you, Yours Sincerely, ___________ Avinash Sharma Email Format for Marriage Leave Application | Leave request email to manager | Leave request mail to manager for one day Everyone in his or her lifetime has to avail this leave, and each and every organization has certain leaves exempted for the purpose of marriage. Marriage application letter should not only include a request for the grant of leaves but also the date, time and venue along with a healthful invitation to the whole management for the wedding ceremony.   Dear Winfred, I am Kenneth Scott and with your team, I work as the Chief Engineer. I have written this letter to say that on the 9th of may there is marriage engagement with Clara Richard. So I will be very happy if you come at there. Even there is a party near the hall after two days. I am sending the personal invitation in due course of time. Actually, I want to tell you that please give me a leave of absence for a week starting from the 5th of may till 12th of may. Therefore I request you to treat my absence as informed leave and oblige. Thanks in advance. Yours Truly, __________ Mary Diaz. Marriage Leave Application Form Leave Application For Office | Sample leave letter for personal reason Kristina Pimenova Manager Financial Services Walmart Dear Madam: I humbly request that I have to bring about some home necessities from Market and some repairs of home. It would take a day to accomplish all tasks. Consequently, I need a leave of day after tomorrow. Please allow me a leave. I would very thank full to you for this act of compassion. Your sincerely, Ayesha Tariq Casual Leave Application from Office The Managing Director, Color Company, United States Subject: Leave for one day from office Dear Sir, Most humbly, it is requested that I have to do some chores at home. Due to which, I won’t be able to come to office tomorrow, on 3rd August. I’ve completed all my assigned office tasks due for tomorrow, and have guided my assistant to deliver the reports where required. Kindly grant me leave for one day. Thanking you in anticipation. Sincerely, Asim Raza Sales Manager Leave for Documents Attestation Miss Samantha The Principal Welly School Oklahoma USA Subject: an application of leave from work to school so as to process my certificates and get my transcript for a five days period. Dear Miss Samantha With due respect, I is stated that I have applied in marines as navy seal and I have got a call letter. One of the requirements for the post is to verify my documents and have my transcript by my university from where I have been graduated. For this reason I shall have to go to New York so that I may apply for the verification of my documents. This will take approximately 5 days due to lengthy process of attestation.  You are requested to grant me leave for five days from September 10th to September 15th. I shall be grateful to you for this favor. Sincerely Richards Devil Philosophy Teacher Casual Leave for Employee due to Important Work The Managing Director, Electricity Company New York, CA Subject: Casual Leave Due to Domestic Reasons Dear Sir, With due respect, it is stated that I have an important family affair to attend at Islamabad due to which I won’t be able to come to office for the next four days  from 31st August to 3rd September. Kindly allow me leave for these days. Thank you. Sincerely, Ahad Khan Application of Casual Leave for One Day Country Manager Mcdonald United Kinddom Yorkshire, UK Respected Madam, Respectfully stating that I, Mr. Raza Ali, am an employee of your office serving as assistant to Mr. Ali Bajwa, the senior accountant. I write this letter to request you to grant me one day leave from office, as I shall not be available for official services on 3rd march, due to some personal issues. I request you to grant me casual leave for one day and give me a chance of gratefulness. Thank you, Raza Ali Assistant Manager Casual Leave from Office Due to Guests Aditya Manager Services Division Nelco Electronics Zone India Dear Madam, It is to inform you that me, Aarav has been working in sales coordination department as Senior Sales Supervisor. Today, as I was busy in making sales analysis report, I got the call from home that my uncle have come from England surprisingly. As it was not planned, so I request you to please grant me casual leave for tomorrow so that I can give him company for a day because he loves me very much and have arrived after 5 years. I will be very thankful for your kindness. Regards, Aarav school leave letter for fever | School leave application for fever Here is a sample to guide you better: The Principal ABC School Jubilee Hills Hyderabad Date: 24th of Feb, 2020 Sub: Application for absence Dear Madam, This is for your kind information that I was suffering from a high fever due to which I was hospitalized from 20th February 2020 to 22nd February 2020. I could not attend school because of this health concern. I am recovering now and can attend classes regularly, therefore I am resuming classes from 24th of February, 2020. I request you to consider my absence. I would be highly obliged. Thanking you Yours sincerely, Georgia Martell Std 10 Roll No: 7-A   Leave Application Format for Employee Written Example This leave of absence example letter provides a formal request for a leave of absence from work, following a discussion with the employee’s supervisor. Your Name Your Address Your City, State, ZIP Code Your Phone Number Date Supervisor’s Name Title Organization Address City, State, ZIP Code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: This letter is a formal request for a leave of absence, to follow up on our meeting yesterday. As we discussed, I would like to request a leave of absence from April 1 through June 30, 20XX. I will return to work on July 1, 20XX. Please let me know if I can provide further information or if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your consideration in providing me with this opportunity for personal leave. Sincerely, Your Signature (hard copy letter) Your Typed Name Annual Leave Application Annual leave letter is written either by an employee to ask for a leave or by a company asking its employee to take annual leave. Follow this instruction while writing an annual leave letter or go through an example of a letter that we provided below. Your name Your Address Your City state, zip Your Phone number, Your Email Date Name Position, Department Office address, City, State, Zip. Re Annual leave letter Dear name, I am writing this letter to apply for the annual leave of four weeks which I can avail as per the company policy. I have not availed any of the leaves from past six months so I would like to apply for leave starting from date( ). The main reason for this leave is that I have to be with my father for an open heart surgery. I am the only son and I remember informing you that the operation is to be conducted in the dates I applied for leave, I would like to be with my father for a month as this operation requires two months rest and care. I wish to be with him during the operation and after care for at least a month. I will make sure that I hand over all my responsibilities to another employee from our and explain everything to him I will be able to resume with work from ( date) and I hope that there is no emergency or need for extension else I will inform about the same. This is my contact details please contact me for any information. Waiting for the confirmation of leave. Yours sincerely, ________ Your name.   Application to Principal for Requesting SAMPLE LETTER [Date] From, [Full Name] [Student Number] To, The Principal, [School Name] [City] Dear Sir/Madam, Subject : Leave Application [I am requesting for two days leave from [01/02/2020] to [02/02/2020] because I have a medical appointment. I am expected to relax a day prior to my appointment as instructed by my doctor. Kindly accept my request. Thanking you, Sincerely, Student Signature]

[allanamayer]

A few years ago I wrote a summary of why and how library and culture workers should pursue freelance writing - not an economic impetus so much as the need to basically do professional outreach - to explain ourselves in more than just puff pieces.

Now that we’re in a global crisis, I know a lot precarious workers (a large portion of our workforce) are hurting and stuck for what to do. I also know that a lot of publications are tightening their budgets for paying for freelance pieces (due to lost advertising revenue, because nobody’s buying anything anyways so why would you run ads?) so it’s not exactly a great time to be competing with experienced journalists and freelancers for the slim pickens of writing assignments. But that doesn’t mean your voice isn’t important and that you can’t provide a perspective nobody else can - it just means you have to be extra crafty about it.

Please note: Apparently in Canada the crisis benefit is only for people who have absolutely no income, unlike Employment Insurance, which is prorated based on your other income each week. So, if you’re getting the CERB because of lost work, maybe don’t try to scrape together a few more hundred bucks a week in freelance writing. If you’re in the US, honestly, godspeed to you, because nothing I say can help you.

I wrote out the following in response to a few people who asked me about freelance writing. It’s somewhat a restatement of that post from 2016, because it may be useful to you.

---

There are great feeds that share opportunities for writing. There are a bunch on Twitter, and there are probably more wherever you get your social media. They share full-time and part-time jobs too, but also a lot of calls for pitches.

Here is what a call for submissions looks like:

https://twitter.com/saruhli/status/1246234314959921154

Versus what a call for pitches looks like:

https://twitter.com/ModelViewMedia/status/1244670667418730497

https://twitter.com/DavideMastracci/status/1244627615861952515

A call for submissions often means they want the whole thing right away, which is almost always the case for short stories, poems, artwork, photography. A call for pitches means they want you to sell them on an idea or topic first and not submit the whole thing right off the bat. That’s almost always the case for any reporting, review, analysis, personal essay, interview.

There are lots of reasons to want to approve an idea in advance for these, rather than get a piece in draft. Depending on what you like to write, you may not need to learn how to pitch at all. If so, here’s some advice on pitching.

---

I find pitching articles to publications is like a muscle. You have to build it from nothing and then if you don't use it it will atrophy and you have to build it back.

Read a lot of invitations for pitches and wait for your brain to really get into the pitching mindset - you won't have any ideas at first, and then you'll have a few, and then you'll have lots, and then you'll have maybe too many.

Be slow and cautious at first because you don't want to overcommit yourself when you don't have a lot of practice at the rolling deadlines and the sudden intensive editorial overhauls.

---

A good pitch is one paragraph of semi-writing and one paragraph of a work plan.

By "semi-writing" I mean you want to basically draft some of what you plan to contribute. It should be snappy and show off the tone of the eventual piece, it should get them interested enough to want to hear more, and it shouldn't give away the ending even though it should include the thesis. ("In recent years libraries have become _________. But how does this affect ________ / play out in _____ communities / reflect the changing nature of _____? One library is ______, and another has taken on ______." is probably a fine pitch.)

The work plan should be professional, and shorter, like maybe just one sentence, that says how many words you plan and a bit of the structure (like "In 2000 words I'll introduce the context, discuss a few complicating factors, walk the reader through two or three clever solutions currently in practice, and end with suggestions for more.") It's just meant to show you mean business.

Get a byline (two sentences) + links to your work ready. Only share two or three links with each pitch, the most relevant ones, or those similar in length or tone.

And always read their website of course. Most submissions guides will ask for these kinds of things, but some will vary and be more specific.

So, for the example above, Model View Culture (who I have written for, and who are great) will have a page on their website:

https://modelviewculture.com/contribute

Not every publication will tell you what they pay, but people are getting better about asking, so if you see a call, you will most likely find the relevant information in the comments:

https://twitter.com/ModelViewMedia/status/1244672115263049728

ALWAYS spend a half-hour on the publication’s website reading what kind of stuff they like to publish. Always search to see if someone’s written something similar to what you want to do. Always find a new angle to analyse, if so. Always reference pieces they’ve published if you want to build off them - publications LOVE it if you link, in your own piece, to older pieces of theirs. And it helps show them, right in the pitch, that you’re aligned with what they do. You have an advantage if you’re already a regular reader of said publication, but it’s not too hard to do some research here.

Think of it like a job application: you wouldn’t apply without spending at least some time on their website or searching around to figure out what it’s like to work there. 

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There is absolutely nothing wrong with telling the story of someone very close to you, with their permission. Many a great article has been a decent writer basically recounting their sister’s difficult pregnancy, their parents’ love story, their coworker’s breakup, their child’s developing mind. Find a story you think needs to be told because it’s a microcosmic reflection of some societal issue. I mean, do split the payment.

I would start with less people-intensive pitches to start, until you get the process down and know how you work. Personal essays, reviews, history-ish work, pop culture stuff is great to start with.

I imagine right now is a great time to do something thought-provoking / deep-dive-y on streaming shows and movies. It sounds a bit hokey but you can always bring a crit lens to just about anything, problematic faves being what they are. Lots of places are looking for "new hobbies to do from home" articles. Crafts? Wikipedia editing? Cooking? Lots of fodder there.

LOTS of publications right now are looking for political predictions or analyses about a post-pandemic world. It’s a heavy topic but do consider pitching something answering “What will libraries look like?” or “What is an essential service, really?” or “Why don’t we protect frontline workers better?” or “Why we should all unionize.” I know you have thoughts.

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I like to write a draft of what I'm thinking right away. Even if it's just point form or the first half or the snappy conclusion. Then I don't have to try to recreate my inspiration weeks or months later when they finally get back to me. And it builds my confidence to have most of it written before I even pitch it, so I'm less worried about deadlines. You can always reuse this material for other publications so it's not wasted effort. Put it in Google Drive, honestly. It’s so easy to search for things you’ve already drafted if it’s all in one place. I’m always writing ideas down even if I’m too busy to even consider pitching. Here’s a glimpse.

---

So they will write back and say "Nope, not for us" or "Yes, we love it" or "Maybe can you do this specific thing instead." They will give you a deadline (or a total timeline), a word count, and a price. If not, ask for those right away.

Okay, now to write the thing.

If you already have a draft or some notes in a document, you're off to the races.

If you've pitched an article where you interview people, you should probably have reached out to those people gauge their interest before you make the pitch in the first place (unless you have 10+ people in mind, then you'll probably be fine).

I really can’t help you with the writing part too much, but I can tell you that the more I wrote the moment I had the idea, the easier it is to finish it later. Make sure you do research! No matter what level of brow the article is at, you want to link to and cite similar pieces from around the web. You’re not being any less original and meaningful by pointing out that others have contributed to your thoughts, and it’s simply a nice thing to do, and who knows, you may get some attention that leads to future writing opportunities. There are almost no web publications out there that won’t let you put links in your work (though, as I said, they will prefer links to their own stuff).

You may wish to ask, upon their acceptance of your pitch, for a pro bono subscription to access their back catalogue if one is needed. They will almost always have a writers-level login for you to use. It may be time-limited or it may be not worth their time to monitor, so congratulations, you just got a free subscription!

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They will always, always, always return it with edits for your approval. This is where you start creating a relationship with an editor, one-on-one, and also learning about the editorial process for these types of publications writ large. Some editors will basically only do a copyedit; some will change whole sentence structures; some will slash and burn hundreds of words out; some will do an excellent job tightening up repetition and emphasizing the important bits; some will just confuse you. Some editors will put in jokes that you would never in a million years write.

You can decide which hills you want to die on, or you may wish to meekly accept whatevs for your first few articles. I have stood up for myself when an edit created a voice that was distinctly not my own, or perhaps cut out a clarification  I thought was necessary (e.g. something having to do with intersectional axes, or that ended up feeling gender-essentialist or tonedeaf in some other way). Otherwise I generally let the editors go with what they think is best.

It could be one round of quick edit approvals or several rounds of embarrassing grinding. It could make you absolutely miserable. I have pulled pieces I thought were good but upon multiple editing rounds turned out not to have a point, or not the point I thought they did. I have pulled pieces that I ran out of time to make good or couldn’t quite grasp what the editor was working toward (and they couldn’t quite grasp how to tell me). And I have had pieces fall into a purgatory of nobody-knows-what-to-do-with-it, where they ended up paying me in full (or paying me a “kill fee”) and not publishing it. It happens. Don’t worry too much about it.

---

And finally, paperwork.

They may wait until you have a draft they like before doing any paperwork (or even a publication date and a final version), or they may do the paperwork first.

Online publications pay less than paper ones - 5 to 10 cents a word, versus 10-50 cents a word for paper. Most will say on their pitching guidelines if they do a flat rate (like "$200 for 1500-2000 word essays").

Reviews are paid less but can be good experience-builders. Anything that verges on reporting (interviews with professionals, ATIPs, travel) will be much higher rates but I have no experience with that and I imagine you're not gonna aim for that anytime soon.

Most will pay on publication, which can be months from now; others will pay when they get a final draft ready. Some will pay monthly based on one of those dates. Many will pay automatically, and some will require you to invoice.

You can make an invoice really easily in Word or Google Drive, there are lots of templates. They may mail you a paper cheque, they may e-transfer, they may wire, they may PayPal. Put all those instructions on your invoice so they have no excuse later.

If it's an American publication, they may require you to sign a W8 or a W8BEN or some similar form that just says "The US has a tax agreement with this person's country; the money will be taxed as income in their country." That's why it's good to put "_________ is a Canadian living in Toronto" or whatever in your email byline right off the bat - you want them to make you aware of their requirements for paying you.

They may also have other contracts for you to sign such as giving away your copyright. I'm not too precious about this - every publication I write for is readable online without a subscription, so it’s mostly moot - but you can always ask about a CC license or something. You will want to use an online document signing tool like HelloSign if you don't want to print, sign, scan, and email each contract.

---

You will need to count up all of your "self employment income" for your taxes. Once you get your very first acceptance, start a spreadsheet. (I have all my information in an Airtable database, and yes, that is a referral link, because they are great and also free.) I also keep track of places I pitched and what their response was so I don't double-send, and so I can follow up if they have promised to do so but have not (but of course, don’t be annoying about it).

You just need to know your total earnings for tax-time, not too complicated, and be able to list the website you wrote for. Depending on how much you earn you may be able to claim deductions from this income for business-use-of-home (usually a percentage of your workweek throughout the year, so, probably quite low unless you really make a go of it).

[bountyofbeads]

Read U.S. and Ukrainian Officials’ Text Messages, and Our Explanations https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/10/04/us/politics/ukraine-text-messages-volker.html

Read the Text Messages Between U.S. and Ukrainian Officials

BY CHARLIE SAVAGE AND JOSH WILLIAMS | Published OCT. 4, 2019 | New York Times | Posted October 4, 2019 |

A newly released set of text exchanges revealed details about President Trump’s efforts to use American foreign policy to benefit himself.

The exchanges were released with a letter by the Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry, shown at bottom.

The Text Exchanges

The exchanges show how President Trump pressured Ukraine by tying two things that its president wanted — a meeting with Mr. Trump and the release of military aid that the Trump administration was delaying — to Mr. Trump’s push for investigations that could benefit his 2020 campaign.

The messages involve: Kurt D. Volker, who resigned last month as the State Department’s special envoy for Ukraine; William B. Taylor Jr., the top American diplomat in Ukraine; and Gordon D. Sondland, a major Republican fundraiser whom Mr. Trump appointed as the ambassador to the European Union.

ATTACHMENT

Connecting Rudy Giuliani with Ukraine President Zelensky’s Advisor: On July 19, Ambassador Volker texted President Trump’s agent, Rudy Giuliani, to thank him for breakfast and to introduce him to Andrey Yermak, a top advisor to President Zelensky:

[7/19/19, 4:48 PM] Kurt Volker: Mr Mayor – really enjoyed breakfast this morning. As discussed, connecting you here with Andrey Yermak, who is very close to President Zelensky. I suggest we schedule a call together on Monday - maybe 10am or 11am Washington time? Kurt

Sondland Briefs Zelensky Ahead of Call with President Trump:1 On July 19, 2019, Ambassador Volker, Ambassador Sondland, and Mr. Taylor had the following exchange about the specific goal for the upcoming telephone call between President Trump and the Ukrainian President:

[7/19/19, 4:49:42 PM] Kurt Volker: Can we three do a call tomorrow—say noon WASHINGTON?

[7/19/19, 6:50:29 PM] Gordon Sondland: Looks like Potus call tomorrow. I spike [sic] directly to Zelensky and gave him a full briefing. He’s got it.

[7/19/19, 6:52:57 PM] Gordon Sondland: Sure!

[7/19/19, 7:01:22 PM] Kurt Volker: Good. Had breakfast with Rudy this morning-teeing up call w Yermak Monday. Must have helped. Most impt is for Zelensky to say that he will help investigation—and address any specific personnel issues—if there are any

Concerns about Ukraine Becoming an “Instrument” in U.S. Politics:2 On July 21, 2019, Ambassador Taylor flagged President Zelensky’s desire for Ukraine not to be used by the Trump Administration for its own domestic political purposes:

[7/21/19, 1:45:54 AM] Bill Taylor: Gordon, one thing Kurt and I talked about yesterday was Sasha Danyliuk’s point that President Zelenskyy is sensitive about Ukraine being taken seriously, not merely as an instrument in Washington domestic, reelection politics.

[7/21/19, 4:45:44 AM] Gordon Sondland: Absolutely, but we need to get the conversation started and the relationship built, irrespective of the pretext. I am worried about the alternative.

Giuliani Advocates for Trump-Zelensky Call: Mr. Yermak and Mr. Giuliani agreed to speak on the morning of July 22. Later that evening, Ambassador Volker informed Ambassadors Sondland and Taylor that Giuliani was now "advocating" for a phone call between President Trump and President Zelensky:

NEW YORK TIMES ANALYSIS:

1 Before the call with Mr. Trump at the center of the scandal, American diplomats pressured President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.

Along with the president’s personal lawyer, the officials pushed Mr. Zelensky to agree to open investigations potentially beneficial to Mr. Trump as Mr. Zelensky tried to secure a meeting with him.

2 Ukrainian leaders disliked being used for domestic American campaign politics.

Days before the call, Mr. Taylor cited a top Ukrainian politician as suggesting that the United States was disrespecting Ukraine.

[7/22/19, 4:27:55 PM] Kurt Volker: Orchestrated a great phone call w Rudy and Yermak. They are going to get together when Rudy goes to Madrid in a couple of weeks.

[7/22/19, 4:28:08 PM] Kurt Volker: In the meantime Rudy is now advocating for phone call.

[7/22/19, 4:28:26 PM] Kurt Volker: I have call into Fiona’s replacement and will call Bolton if needed.

[7/22/19, 4:28:48 PM Kurt Volker: But I can tell Bolton and you can tell Mick that Rudy agrees on a call if that helps.

[7/22/19, 4:30:10 PM] Gordon Sondland: I talked to Tim Morrison Fiona’s replacement. He is pushing but feel free as well.

Volker Advises Yermak Ahead of Trump-Zelensky Call3: On the morning of July 25, 2019—ahead of the planned call between President Trump and President Zelensky- Ambassador Volker advised Andrey Yermak:

[7/25/19, 8:36:45 AM] Kurt Volker: Good lunch - thanks. Heard from White House—assuming President Z convinces trump he will investigate / “get to the bottom of what happened” in 2016, we will nail down date for visit to Washington. Good luck! See you tomorrow- kurt

Yermak’s Informal Readout of the Trump-Zelensky Call: Following President Trump’s July 25 call, Ambassador Volker received the following readout from Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Yermak and confirmed his intent to meet Giuliani in Madrid:

[7/25/19, 10:15:06 AM] Andrey Yermak: Phone call went well. President Trump proposed to choose any convenient dates. President Zelenskiy chose 20,21,22 September for the White House Visit. Thank you again for your help! Please remind Mr. Mayor to share the Madrid’s dates

[7/25/19, 10:16:42 AM] Kurt Volker: Great —thanks and will do!

State Department Officials Discuss a White House Visit and Ukraine Statement4: On August 9, 2019, Ambassador Volker had the following exchange with Ambassador Sondland about arranging a White House meeting after the Ukrainian President makes a public statement:

[8/9/19, 5:35:53 PM] Gordon Sondland: Morrison ready to get dates as soon as Yermak confirms.

[8/9/19, 5:46:21 PM] Kurt Volker: Excellent!! How did you sway him? :)

NEW YORK TIMES ANALYSIS:

3 Before the call, the American officials made clear that Mr. Zelensky had to convince Mr. Trump that Ukraine would open an investigation in order to get a meeting with him.

Mr. Zelensky urgently sought a meeting to show that the United States has good relations with Ukraine, which is facing ongoing Russian aggression.

4 Mr. Trump was intent on a "deliverable" — an announcement of an investigation.

The Trump administration would not set a date for a meeting between the two presidents unless and until Mr. Zelensky publicly announced the investigation Mr. Trump sought.

[8/9/19, 5:47:34 PM] Gordon Sondland: Not sure i did. I think potus really wants the deliverable

[8/9/19, 5:48:00 PM] Kurt Volker: But does he know that?

[8/9/19, 5:48:09 PM] Gordon Sondland: Yep

[8/9/19, 5:48:37 PM] Gordon Sondland: Clearly lots of convos going on

[8/9/19, 5:48:38 PM] Kurt Volker: Ok—then that’s good it’s coming from two separate sources

[8/9/19, 5:51:18 PM] Gordon Sondland: To avoid misundestandings, might be helpful to ask Andrey for a draft statememt (embargoed) so that we can see exactly what they propose to cover. Even though Ze does a live presser they can still summarize in a brief statement. Thoughts?

[8/9/19, 5:51:42 PM] Kurt Volker: Agree!

State Department Officials Seek Giuliani’s Guidance on Ukraine Statement: On August 9, 2019, after Mr. Giuliani met with President Zelensky’s aide Andrey Yermak, Ambassador Volker asked to speak with Mr. Giuliani about the Ukranian statement:

[8/9/19, 11:27 AM] Kurt Volker: Hi Mr Mayor! Had a good chat with Yermak last night. He was pleased with your phone call. Mentioned Z making a statement. Can we all get on the phone to make sure I advise Z correctly as to what he should be saying? Want to make sure we get this done right. Thanks!

Gordon Sondland: Good idea Kurt. I am on Pacific time.

Rudy Giuliani: Yes can you call now going to Fundraiser at 12:30

Ukrainian Aide Seeks White House Date First5: On August 10, 2019, President Zelensky’s aide, Andrey Yermak, pressed Ambassador Volker for a date for the White House visit before committing to a statement announcing an investigation explicitly referencing the 2016 election and Burisma:

[8/10/19, 4:56:15 PM] Andrey Yermak: Hi Kurt. Please let me know when you can talk. I think it’s possible to make this declaration and mention all these things. Which we discussed yesterday. But it will be logic to do after we receive a confirmation of date. We inform about date of visit and about our expectations and our guarantees for future visit. Let discuss it

[8/10/19, 5:01:32 PM] Kurt Volker: Ok! It’s late for you—why don’t we talk in my morning, your afternoon tomorrow? Say 10am/5pm?

NEW YORK TIMES ANALYSIS:

5 An aide to Mr. Zelensky suggested simultaneously announcing plans for a visit and for the investigations Mr. Trump wanted.

Mr. Yermak, the aide, made clear that he understood the Americans’ message that a meeting between the presidents was contingent on the investigations — including one into Burisma, the company whose board Mr. Biden’s son Hunter sat on. But Mr. Zelensky ultimately made no public commitment to the inquiries

[8/10/19, 5:02:18 PM] Kurt Volker: I agree with your approach. Let’s iron out statement and use that to get date and then PreZ can go forward with it?

[8/10/19, 5:26:17 PM] Andrey Yermak: Ok

[8/10/19, 5:38:43 PM] Kurt Volker: Great. Gordon is available to join as well

[8/10/19, 5:41:45 PM] Andrey Yermak: Excellent

[8/10/ 19, 5:42:10 PM] Andrey Yermak: Once we have a date, will call for a press briefing, announcing upcoming visit and outlining vision for the reboot of US- UKRAINE relationship, including among other things Burisma and election meddling in investigations

[8/10/19, 5:42:30 PM] Kurt Volker: Sounds great!

Discussion of Ukrainian Statement to Include References to 2016 Election and Burisma: Following the August 9, 2019, outreach to Rudy Giuliani, Ambassador Volker and Ambassador Sondland on August 13, 2019, had following exchange regarding the proposed Ukrainian statement:

[8/13/19, 10:26:44 AM] Kurt Volker: Special attention should be paid to the problem of interference in the political processes of the United States especially with the alleged involvement of some Ukrainian politicians. I want to declare that this is unacceptable. We intend to initiate and complete a transparent and unbiased investigation of all available facts and episodes, including those involving Burisma and the 2016 U.S. elections, which in turn will prevent the recurrence of this problem in the future.

[8/13/19, 10:27:20 AM] Gordon Sondland: Perfect. Lets send to Andrey after our call

Confirming Desire to Reference 2016 Election and Burisma: On August 17, 2019, Ambassadors Volker and Sondland had the following exchange in which they discussed their message to Ukraine:

[8/17/19, 3:06:19 PM] Gordon Sondland: Do we still want Ze to give us an unequivocal draft with 2016 and Boresma?

[8/17/19, 4:34:21 PM] Kurt Volker: That’s the clear message so far ...

[8/17/19, 4:34:39 PM] Kurt Volker: I’m hoping we can put something out there that causes him to respond with that

[8/17/19, 4:41:09 PM] Gordon Sondland: Unless you think otherwise I will return Andreys call tomorrow and suggest they send us a clean draft.

Ukrainian Official Shares Press Report of U.S. Withholding Military Assistance6: On August 28, President Zelensky’s aide, Andrey Yermak, texted Ambassador Volker a news story entitled, "Trump Holds Up Ukraine Military Aid Meant to Confront Russia":

[8/29/19, 2:28:19 AM] Andrey Yermak: Need to talk with you

[8/29/19, 3:06:14 AM] Andrey Yermak: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/28/trump-ukraine-military-aid-russia- 1689531

[8/29/19, 6:55:04 AM] Kurt Volker: Hi Andrey - absolutely. When is good for you?

President Trump Cancels Trip to Meet President Zelensky: On August 30, Ambassador Taylor informed Ambassador Volker that President Trump had canceled his planned visit to Warsaw, Poland, where he was to meet with President Zelensky. Ambassadors Volker and Sondland discussed an alternative plan for Vice President Pence to meet with President Zelensky on September 1:

[8/30/19, 12:14:57 AM] Bill Taylor: Trip canceled

[8/30/19, 12:16:02 AM] Kurt Volker: Hope VPOTUS keeps the bilat – and tees up WH visit...

[8/30/19, 12:16:18 AM] Kurt Volker: And hope Gordon and Perry still going…

[8/30/19, 5:31:14 AM] Gordon Sondland: I am going. Pompeo is speaking to Potus today to see if he can go.

On September 1, Ambassador Taylor sought clarification of the requirements for a White House visit: 7

[9/1/19, 12:08:57 PM] Bill Taylor: Are we now saying that security assistance and WH meeting are conditioned on investigations?

[9/1/19, 12:42:29 PM] Gordon Sondland: Call me

State Department Officials on Security Assistance and the Ukraine "Interview": On September 8, Ambassador Taylor, Ambassador Sondland, and Ambassador Volker had the following exchange:

[9/8/19, 11:20:32 AM] Gordon Sondland: Guys multiple convos with Ze, Potus. Lets talk

[9/8/19, 11:21:41 AM] Bill Taylor: Now is fine with me

NEW YORK TIMES ANALYSIS:

6 Ukraine then became aware that military aid from the United States was delayed.

It came to light in late August that the Trump administration froze military assistance to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia. Though the White House decided before the July call to delay the aid, the texts suggest that Ukraine found out from later news reports. The next day, the White House canceled Mr. Trump’s trip to Poland where he and Mr. Zelensky were to meet.

7 Mr. Taylor made the subtext explicit, asking if the other Americans were to tell the Ukrainians that the release of the aid and any presidential meeting were conditioned on opening investigations.

This is one of several texts where Mr. Taylor appeared to be seeking to create a candid written record of what he thought was going on, and Mr. Sondland resisted.

[9/8/19, 11:26:13 AM] Kurt Volker: Try again—could not hear

[9/8/19, 11:40:11 AM] Bill Taylor: Gordon and I just spoke. I can brief you if you and Gordon don’t connect

[9/8/19, 12:37:28 PM] Bill Taylor: The nightmare is they give the interview and don’t get the security assistance. The Russians love it. (And I quit.) 8

State Department Officials on Withholding Security Assistance9: On September 9, 2019, Ambassador Taylor and Ambassador Sondland had the following exchange regarding the withholding of military assistance to Ukraine:

[9/9/19, 12:31:06 AM] Bill Taylor: The message to the Ukrainians (and Russians) we send with the decision on security assistance is key. With the hold, we have already shaken their faith in us. Thus my nightmare scenario.

[9/9/19, 12:34:44 AM] Bill Taylor: Counting on you to be right about this interview, Gordon.

[9/9/19, 12:37:16 AM] Gordon Sondland: Bill, I never said I was “right”. I said we are where we are and believe we have identified the best pathway forward. Lets hope it works.

[9/9/19, 12:47:11 AM] Bill Taylor: As I said on the phone, I think it’s crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign.

[9/9/19, 5:19:35 AM] Gordon Sondland: Bill, I believe you are incorrect about President Trump’s intentions. The President has been crystal clear no quid pro quo’s of any kind. The President is trying to evaluate whether Ukraine is truly going to adopt the transparency and reforms that President Zelensky promised during his campaign I suggest we stop the back and forth by text If you still have concerns I recommend you give Lisa Kenna or S a call to discuss them directly. Thanks.

NEW YORK TIMES ANALYSIS:

8 Mr. Taylor raised the prospect of Russian delight in the spectacle.

Mr. Taylor appeared to worry that even if the Ukrainians publicly said they were carrying out the investigations that Mr. Trump sought, he still might not release the aid — delighting Moscow. Mr. Taylor said he would resign if that happened.

9 Mr. Taylor memorialized a phone conversation in which he portrayed the United States as withholding military aid “for help with a political campaign,” prompting Mr. Sondland to write a stilted denial and to request that they stop texting about it.

Mr. Taylor reveals a phone discussion that explicitly tied the security assistance to Ukraine with its willingness to help Mr. Trump’s campaign. Hours later, Mr. Sondland typed back a formal-sounding denial — and asked Mr. Taylor to stop discussing the issue in writing.

Appendix

Appendix

[7/19/19, 4:49:42 PM] Kurt Volker: Can we three do a call tomorrow – say noon WASHINGTON?

[7/19/19, 6:50:29 PM] Gordon Sondland: Looks like Potus call tomorrow. I spike directly to Zelensky and gave him a full briefing. He’s got it.

[7/19/19, 6:52:57 PM] Gordon Sondland: Sure!

[7/19/19, 7:01:22 PM] Kurt Volker: Good. Had breakfast with Rudy this morning – teeing up call w Yermak Monday. Must have helped. Most impt is for Zelensky to say that he will help investigation – and address any specific personnel issues – if there are any

Appendix

[7/21/19, 1:45:54 AM] Bill Taylor: Gordon, one thing Kurt and I talked about yesterday was Sasha Danyliuk’s point that President Zelenskyy is sensitive about Ukraine being taken seriously, not merely as an instrument in Washington domestic, reelection politics.

[7/21/19, 4:45:44 AM] Gordon Sondland: Absolutely, but we need to get the conversation started and the relationship built, irrespective of the pretext. I am worried about the alternative.

Appendix

[7/22/19, 4:27:55 PM] Kurt Volker: Orchestrated a great phone call w Rudy and Yermak. They are going to get together when Rudy goes to Madrid in a couple of weeks.

[7/22/19, 4:28:08 PM] Kurt Volker: In the meantime, Rudy is now advocating for phone call

[7/22/19, 4:28:26 PM] Kurt Volker: I have call into Fiona’s replacement and will call Bolton if needed.

[7/22/19, 4:28:48 PM] Kurt Volker: But I can tell Bolton and you can tell Mick that Rudy agrees on a call, if that helps

[1/22/19, 4:30:10 PM] Gordon Sondland: I talked to Tim Morrison. (Fiona’s replacement). He is pushing but feel free as well.

Appendix

[7/25/19, 8:36:45 AM] Kurt Volker: Good lunch - thanks. Heard from White House – assuming President Z convinces trump he will investigate / “get to the bottom of what happened” in 2016, we will nail down date for visit to Washington. Good luck! See you tomorrow - kurt

[courtneytincher]

Accused Sex Trafficker Helped Bannon Land $100K Payday

Photo Illustration by Lyne Lucien/The Daily Beast/GettyAn accused pedophile helped Steve Bannon secure a $100,000 speaking gig from a prestigious Washington think tank, according to emails reviewed by The Daily Beast. The emails—between Republican fundraiser and investor Elliott Broidy and Lebanese-American political operative George Nader—shed light on the relationship between Trump’s ex-adviser and a man now in jail awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. The emails point to a closer relationship between Bannon and Nader than previously known. It’s been widely reported that Nader met with Bannon in the White House during his time as a Trump adviser there. But these emails show they stayed in contact after Bannon left government, and that Nader helped the ex-Breitbart chief secure an appearance with a six-figure payday. A Bannon spokesperson, meanwhile, said Nader was “irrelevant” to Bannon’s speech. Nader’s work drew the attention of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who questioned him extensively as part of his probe into foreign meddling in the 2016 presidential race. But Mueller wasn’t the only federal prosecutor interested in Nader. On June 3 of this year, he was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and charged with possessing child pornography. And just last month, the feds rolled out additional charges for child sex trafficking. Nader is in jail awaiting trial, and has pleaded not guilty. Broidy, meanwhile, also appears to have drawn attention from the feds: The Daily Beast confirmed in April that one of his former associates has spoken with FBI agents about his business dealings. The emails between Nader and Broidy, sent in September and October 2017, involve arrangements for a conference on Qatar hosted by the Hudson Institute. Broidy, then seeking business from the government of the United Arab Emirates, was running a quiet public relations campaign designed to undermine the Qatari government’s influence in Washington and with American Jewish leaders. He was particularly incensed that Nick Muzin, a former staffer to Sen. Ted Cruz with deep ties to Jewish leaders, had signed on to lobby for the government of Qatar. They’d run in the same tight-knit circle of Jewish Republicans and Broidy saw Muzin as a traitor. The country’s connections to Iran—with which it shares a huge gas field—have long angered many in the pro-Israel community. And its ownership of Al Jazeera also fuels opposition from many supporters of Israel. Steve Bannon Got Russian ‘Evidence’ From Rob Goldstone During Transition“I want to Puke,” he wrote in an email to his wife on Sept. 6. “What a moron.”“Is this guy a self-hating Jew or an idiot?” she replied. “What can you do?”Just a few months earlier, the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates started a blockade of Qatar. It was a bid to isolate the peninsular nation, which those governments blamed for funding terrorism. The Qataris kicked off a well-funded lobbying effort to tell their side of the story in Washington and stay in the Trump administration’s good graces. Muzin’s outreach to Jewish leaders—which Broidy sought to countervail—was part of the Qataris’ effort to shore up support. As part of Broidy’s project, he helped arrange a conference to be held at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank known for its foreign policy work. The conference, set for October of 2017, would make the case against Qatar. In September, Broidy communicated with Nader—whom he had known since Trump’s inauguration—about those plans. And on Sept. 22, Nader emailed Broidy about getting Bannon involved [all punctuation sic]. “Hope all is going well with you and the Conference,” Nader wrote. “Send me please an update[.] Steve is interested in participating.” Nader then shared Bannon’s email with Broidy. “Send him pls a letter to brief him…on the conference, what you like him to do and when,” Nader continued. “You should get him key time and all by himself with proper guy to introduce him. Let me know what you have in mind!”Two days later, Broidy sent Nader a curious email. It opened with the words “Dear Steve,” and then described the plans for the conference. “I would love to have you as one of the keynote speakers,” Broidy wrote in the email sent to Nader but addressed to Bannon. The email included a draft of the conference’s agenda. It appears Broidy wanted Nader to proof-read the invitation before it went to Bannon, who had left the White House in August 2017.On Sept. 29, event organizers circulated a draft of a Save-the-Date invitation for the conference. Bannon’s name wasn’t on it. “You need to add please Steve Bannon,” Nader wrote in an email to Broidy. “He is as important if not more to that invitation and kindly send me too a draft of the full program as is for now[.]” Two weeks later, Bannon was in. “Still working on many details,” Broidy wrote to Nader on Oct. 17. “Will get schedule to you when ready. Steve is on board, FYI $100k honorarium.” Five days later, Broidy was still keeping Nader looped in on Bannon’s participation. He forwarded Nader an email he sent directly to Bannon that day. “I am very excited about your appearance at the conference tomorrow,” he wrote in the email to Bannon that he forwarded to Nader. “George asked me to resend some talking points. See you then.” A person close to Bannon said that the two men got to know each other better after Bannon left the White House, and that Nader was one of many people who approached Bannon on behalf of event organizers about making speeches. But a Bannon spokesperson discounted Nader’s role in Bannon’s speech.“This is just one of many speaking requests Mr. Bannon receives,” the spokesperson said in a statement.  “Hudson Institute is a highly respected think tank, and because of that, he accepted an invitation with others such as Sen. Cotton and Gen. Petraeus. George Nader was irrelevant; neither he nor anyone has influenced Mr. Bannon’s longtime position on the condemnation of Qatar as an urgent threat to Israel: a state sponsor of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and other Islamic terror organizations.”The conference went forward, largely as planned, and a source familiar with it confirmed that Bannon received the $100,000 payment. It featured a host of luminaries, including Gen. David Petraeus; Zalmay Khalilzad, who later became the State Department’s Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation; Democratic and Republican members of the House of Representatives; and Republican Sen. Tom Cotton. Bannon, in his speech, was characteristically bombastic and praised the blockade. “I think the single most important thing that’s happening in the world is the situation in Qatar,” he said. “What’s happening in Qatar is every bit as important as what’s happening in North Korea.”A lawyer for Nader declined to comment for this story. Spokespersons for Broidy and Bannon declined to comment as well. The Hudson Institute stands by its work.“Hudson has held countless panels and produced reports on the Middle East, including Qatar and the pernicious impact of the Muslim Brotherhood specifically,” said a statement the Institute shared with The Daily Beast. “We believe our criticisms and analysis of Qatar, Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood are still valid.”  George Nader’s Phones Had Child Porn—and Communications With a Crown Prince, Feds SayA source close to Hudson said Bannon’s honorarium was on par with what other main speakers received. In an ironic twist, Bannon has since gotten to know Muzin—Broidy’s old nemesis—and discussed going into business with him. The Daily Beast reported earlier this year that Muzin pitched an executive at Juul, the e-cigarette company, on his lobbying services and said Bannon would be able to help out with his influence efforts. Juul didn’t take them up on the offer. For Broidy and Nader, the weeks before the Hudson conference were a comparatively simple time. Two months after the event, hackers stole troves of emails Broidy had sent and received. The emails were fodder for a host of news stories about his business dealings and relationships with foreign government officials, including officials looking to influence Trumpworld. Many of Nader’s communications with Broidy have also become public since the hack. And numerous reports have revealed Nader’s work as a gatekeeper between Gulf dignitaries and denizens of Trumpworld. The emails The Daily Beast obtained indicate that, on at least one occasion, he also helped connect a Republican financier to Bannon. Broidy has alleged in court that the Qatari government sponsored the hacks. The Qataris say the allegations are baseless, and the litigation is underway. Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

from Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines

Photo Illustration by Lyne Lucien/The Daily Beast/GettyAn accused pedophile helped Steve Bannon secure a $100,000 speaking gig from a prestigious Washington think tank, according to emails reviewed by The Daily Beast. The emails—between Republican fundraiser and investor Elliott Broidy and Lebanese-American political operative George Nader—shed light on the relationship between Trump’s ex-adviser and a man now in jail awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. The emails point to a closer relationship between Bannon and Nader than previously known. It’s been widely reported that Nader met with Bannon in the White House during his time as a Trump adviser there. But these emails show they stayed in contact after Bannon left government, and that Nader helped the ex-Breitbart chief secure an appearance with a six-figure payday. A Bannon spokesperson, meanwhile, said Nader was “irrelevant” to Bannon’s speech. Nader’s work drew the attention of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who questioned him extensively as part of his probe into foreign meddling in the 2016 presidential race. But Mueller wasn’t the only federal prosecutor interested in Nader. On June 3 of this year, he was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and charged with possessing child pornography. And just last month, the feds rolled out additional charges for child sex trafficking. Nader is in jail awaiting trial, and has pleaded not guilty. Broidy, meanwhile, also appears to have drawn attention from the feds: The Daily Beast confirmed in April that one of his former associates has spoken with FBI agents about his business dealings. The emails between Nader and Broidy, sent in September and October 2017, involve arrangements for a conference on Qatar hosted by the Hudson Institute. Broidy, then seeking business from the government of the United Arab Emirates, was running a quiet public relations campaign designed to undermine the Qatari government’s influence in Washington and with American Jewish leaders. He was particularly incensed that Nick Muzin, a former staffer to Sen. Ted Cruz with deep ties to Jewish leaders, had signed on to lobby for the government of Qatar. They’d run in the same tight-knit circle of Jewish Republicans and Broidy saw Muzin as a traitor. The country’s connections to Iran—with which it shares a huge gas field—have long angered many in the pro-Israel community. And its ownership of Al Jazeera also fuels opposition from many supporters of Israel. Steve Bannon Got Russian ‘Evidence’ From Rob Goldstone During Transition“I want to Puke,” he wrote in an email to his wife on Sept. 6. “What a moron.”“Is this guy a self-hating Jew or an idiot?” she replied. “What can you do?”Just a few months earlier, the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates started a blockade of Qatar. It was a bid to isolate the peninsular nation, which those governments blamed for funding terrorism. The Qataris kicked off a well-funded lobbying effort to tell their side of the story in Washington and stay in the Trump administration’s good graces. Muzin’s outreach to Jewish leaders—which Broidy sought to countervail—was part of the Qataris’ effort to shore up support. As part of Broidy’s project, he helped arrange a conference to be held at the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank known for its foreign policy work. The conference, set for October of 2017, would make the case against Qatar. In September, Broidy communicated with Nader—whom he had known since Trump’s inauguration—about those plans. And on Sept. 22, Nader emailed Broidy about getting Bannon involved [all punctuation sic]. “Hope all is going well with you and the Conference,” Nader wrote. “Send me please an update[.] Steve is interested in participating.” Nader then shared Bannon’s email with Broidy. “Send him pls a letter to brief him…on the conference, what you like him to do and when,” Nader continued. “You should get him key time and all by himself with proper guy to introduce him. Let me know what you have in mind!”Two days later, Broidy sent Nader a curious email. It opened with the words “Dear Steve,” and then described the plans for the conference. “I would love to have you as one of the keynote speakers,” Broidy wrote in the email sent to Nader but addressed to Bannon. The email included a draft of the conference’s agenda. It appears Broidy wanted Nader to proof-read the invitation before it went to Bannon, who had left the White House in August 2017.On Sept. 29, event organizers circulated a draft of a Save-the-Date invitation for the conference. Bannon’s name wasn’t on it. “You need to add please Steve Bannon,” Nader wrote in an email to Broidy. “He is as important if not more to that invitation and kindly send me too a draft of the full program as is for now[.]” Two weeks later, Bannon was in. “Still working on many details,” Broidy wrote to Nader on Oct. 17. “Will get schedule to you when ready. Steve is on board, FYI $100k honorarium.” Five days later, Broidy was still keeping Nader looped in on Bannon’s participation. He forwarded Nader an email he sent directly to Bannon that day. “I am very excited about your appearance at the conference tomorrow,” he wrote in the email to Bannon that he forwarded to Nader. “George asked me to resend some talking points. See you then.” A person close to Bannon said that the two men got to know each other better after Bannon left the White House, and that Nader was one of many people who approached Bannon on behalf of event organizers about making speeches. But a Bannon spokesperson discounted Nader’s role in Bannon’s speech.“This is just one of many speaking requests Mr. Bannon receives,” the spokesperson said in a statement.  “Hudson Institute is a highly respected think tank, and because of that, he accepted an invitation with others such as Sen. Cotton and Gen. Petraeus. George Nader was irrelevant; neither he nor anyone has influenced Mr. Bannon’s longtime position on the condemnation of Qatar as an urgent threat to Israel: a state sponsor of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, and other Islamic terror organizations.”The conference went forward, largely as planned, and a source familiar with it confirmed that Bannon received the $100,000 payment. It featured a host of luminaries, including Gen. David Petraeus; Zalmay Khalilzad, who later became the State Department’s Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation; Democratic and Republican members of the House of Representatives; and Republican Sen. Tom Cotton. Bannon, in his speech, was characteristically bombastic and praised the blockade. “I think the single most important thing that’s happening in the world is the situation in Qatar,” he said. “What’s happening in Qatar is every bit as important as what’s happening in North Korea.”A lawyer for Nader declined to comment for this story. Spokespersons for Broidy and Bannon declined to comment as well. The Hudson Institute stands by its work.“Hudson has held countless panels and produced reports on the Middle East, including Qatar and the pernicious impact of the Muslim Brotherhood specifically,” said a statement the Institute shared with The Daily Beast. “We believe our criticisms and analysis of Qatar, Iran, and the Muslim Brotherhood are still valid.”  George Nader’s Phones Had Child Porn—and Communications With a Crown Prince, Feds SayA source close to Hudson said Bannon’s honorarium was on par with what other main speakers received. In an ironic twist, Bannon has since gotten to know Muzin—Broidy’s old nemesis—and discussed going into business with him. The Daily Beast reported earlier this year that Muzin pitched an executive at Juul, the e-cigarette company, on his lobbying services and said Bannon would be able to help out with his influence efforts. Juul didn’t take them up on the offer. For Broidy and Nader, the weeks before the Hudson conference were a comparatively simple time. Two months after the event, hackers stole troves of emails Broidy had sent and received. The emails were fodder for a host of news stories about his business dealings and relationships with foreign government officials, including officials looking to influence Trumpworld. Many of Nader’s communications with Broidy have also become public since the hack. And numerous reports have revealed Nader’s work as a gatekeeper between Gulf dignitaries and denizens of Trumpworld. The emails The Daily Beast obtained indicate that, on at least one occasion, he also helped connect a Republican financier to Bannon. Broidy has alleged in court that the Qatari government sponsored the hacks. The Qataris say the allegations are baseless, and the litigation is underway. Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

August 11, 2019 at 10:30AM via IFTTT

[mhedu1055]

Teacher Communication Letter #1

Dear Mr. Ferrara,

I am writing to tell you that my class is finishing up a brand-new scope of writing they delved into last month! In this unit, we focused on integrating a cross-disciplinary aspect. This activity incorporates and combines the two disciplines of science and English Language Arts through scientific investigation and a new writing format – the persuasive essay. My students selected a contemporary science issue of their choice (e.g., “Should zoos be allowed?”), gathered information and supporting details from numerous articles about the issue, and then claimed a position for their essays. To further my students’ process of investigating and analyzing, I encouraged deep, inquisitive questioning to see their issue from the bigger picture (i.e., “What kind of impact would the loss of zoos have in the community and nationwide?”). These types of questions broaden their perspectives on their chosen issues. Once they had collected their evidence to support their claims, they started brainstorming how to put together their newfound data as rough drafts for persuasive essays by creating a brief outline for the essay. After careful revisions of their rough drafts, my students have now finished polishing up their final drafts for publishing. These essays deviated from the standard ELA literature that they are used to and promoted scientific exploration to advance their knowledge and comprehension of various scientific issues in the world.

I have found two articles that discuss the link between research for writing and science that have given me insight on conducting this assignment for my students:

Yore, L. D., Hand, B., & Prain, V. (1999, January). Writing-to-Learn Science: Breakthroughs, Barriers, and Promises. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED441688. 

Yore, Hand, and Prain write about how to utilize science content in writing and how it promotes scientific thinking. They heavily emphasize collecting data, revising and editing multiple times, and getting assistance from others.

Kuhn, D. (2010, March 26). Teaching and Learning Science as Argument. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/sce.20395. 

Kuhn discusses how to take up a defensive position in the subject of science. There is a basic inquiry cycle that should be followed – inquiry, analysis, inference, and argument. She describes a program that she has used in which there are different components for research and evaluation of a topic to strengthen a position. It ends in a debate, where students showcase their arguments with strong support from their extensive evidence.

I combined the tips and ideas of both articles to teach my students how to write a scientific persuasive essay effectively. Kuhn explains the scientific process of researching and analyzing to develop the argument (Kuhn, 2010). Yore, Hand, and Prain shows how to apply the gathered information in writing, state that effective science writers tend to use interpretative and constructive language, and are able to strategically draft, revise, and edit (Yore, Hand, & Prain, p. 9) – a great skill for all writers. These two concepts together form a solid method of going about writing an effective scientific persuasive essay.

The persuasive essays that my students wrote adhere to the following Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.7

Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.9

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.10

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Over the course of our one-month unit, my students had diligently followed these Common Core Standards through intensive research, reflection, revision for their persuasive essays. They took the time to collect evidence, inquire about the topic in a broader way, and come up with their own position. Each step (research, outlining, drafting, writing) of the students’ writing process took about two classes each to complete. Then they reflected, utilized, and implemented the knowledge they had gained from their investigation and analysis to craft a carefully structured paper.

I wanted to inform you of this writing activity because of its unique cross-disciplinary nature. My class thoroughly enjoyed combining the skills of analyzing a contemporary scientific issue and executing a written piece about the topic with evidence. Should you have any comments, concerns, or questions about this assignment, please do not hesitate to reach out to me for further discussion.

Sincerely,

Ms. Michelle Huang