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ilovewhiteroses · 2 years ago

Text

Workplace Affair Part 4.

Pairing: The Corinthian x Female Librarian of The Dreaming Reader Genre: Fluff Warnings: none Rating: - Notes: - Requested by Harlekin6 from AO3 💕

You and The Corinthian spend Valentine's Day together 💕💕

"Oh come on, we both know Axel Foley is better, Indiana Jones would never make a good cop!" snapped Matthew. You were debating which of the two iconic characters of the 80s would come out victorious in a fight, and how well they could do the other's job.

The chattering raven was looking for a book about a man named William Wolf, and he told a story from his human life about a guy named Bill. That made you think of Billy Rosewood from ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and how good the movies of the 80s were. Matthew also listed his own favourites, and that's how you arrived at the current topic of your conversation.

"You’re wrong! I think it's Axel Foley who wouldn't make a good adventurer. He wouldn't take dangerous situations seriously, he would make fun of them!"

"It may be, but at least Axel is funny and can shoot, while Indy is too serious for me and he's only good at cracking a whip."

You argued for a while, then Lucienne appeared.

“Y/N, I was looking for you. What are you talking about?" she asked and you told her. "Hm, it looks like nothing vital. I think you have more important things to do, don't you?” she asked you and adjusted her glasses.

"Well, yes". you answered with your head down and apologized to her. Matthew did the same and you went about your business.

You were finally alone and enjoyed the silence, but at the same time you were also overcome with sadness. Valentine's Day was coming soon and it reminded you of your human life and what it was like to celebrate this day. You haven't had many boyfriends in your previous life, but they've always surprised you with something nice and romantic. It's true, you always thought that when you're in love, then every day is Valentine's Day with your partner.

Then Corinthian came to your mind…

I wish I could return to the Waking World one last time to spend at least one day there with him…you sighed and looked ahead speechlessly. You knew it wasn't possible, yet you imagined it a few times. You should be happy for what you have and not cry for what you don't have...

You enjoyed your encounters with the nightmare, even though Morpheus' latest threat was always lurking in the back of your mind. With Corinthian, you not only did things you had never done before, but also, an unknown self of you came to the surface. As a person, you have always, almost embarrassingly, made sure that you never got caught doing something mischievous, which would have been impossible, because you have always been a good girl. So here, in the Dreaming, you met a guy you were warned against, but then, after overcoming your initial dislike, you started a secret relationship with him. No matter how hard you tried to resist him, it was impossible. He was handsome, well-dressed and had a captivating personality, plus he also excelled in the field of physical pleasures... No wonder he had so many sensual adventures in the Waking World.

During your last meetings, you realized that you have feelings for him, which were no longer about sex, but about emotion. You didn't even want to believe that while you couldn’t stand him in the beginning, now you couldn't wait to see him. Your only regret was that you didn't know how he felt about you. You tried to imagine what would happen if you two actually got together, what would the others, Lucienne, Merv, Matthew, and of course, Morpheus, think about it. They probably wouldn't be glad, but if they saw that you get along well, they might soften and eventually be happy for you.

Too good to be true, you said to yourself, then returned your thoughts to your work.

Not long after, Corinthian entered the library. You and Lucienne were reading at the table when he stopped beside you and saluted like a good soldier who came for duty and put his hands behind his back. Lucienne rolled her eyes and shook her head, you giggled.

"Very funny Corinthian." she said somewhat sarcastically.

"Why, what's wrong? Can't I pay my respects to two hard-working, pretty ladies?" he replied in surprise. He meant it as kindness and you knew inside that he mainly wanted to make you laugh.

"Well, there's no need for silly talk, you can't be taken seriously! Tell me, what can we help you with?" Lucienne asked as she stood up from her chair.

"Just the usual. I'm looking for a book about the owner of the next nightmare. But Lucienne, you can stay here, I want Y/N to help me find it.” he looked at you for a moment and flashed you a suggestive smile. Your heart started beating faster and you felt your body being flooded with heat...

“Y/N is working now, I'll help you find it.” Lucienne said and started heading towards the bookshelves. While she wasn't paying attention, Corinthian walked up to you and handed you a piece of paper while saying "read it later" and stroked your hand before following the chief librarian.

How can I work after all this? you asked yourself. You saw Merv sweeping between the rows and waved to him, then when you lost sight of him and were sure you were truly alone, you read the message which said:

Let's meet in Bella Vinson's dream!

You tracked down the owner of the name and it turned out that Bella was a young university student who liked cute, girly, romantic things and was secretly in love with a classmate named Robert Clavell. You imagined what a girl like her could dream of. Maybe it's about colourful candies and cute little animals, maybe a castle that even Barbie would envy, and you and Corinthian would enjoy each other's company in a pink bedroom of the castle...

You almost laughed out loud, having so much fun with your own thoughts. Whatever it was, you were already looking forward to the next meeting…

Night fell and Bella fell asleep, you appeared in her dream and went to find Corinthian. You saw him a few meters away: he was waiting for you in front of a huge, colourful gate with the sign, 'Funfair'. He was looking around with his hands in his pockets, but when he saw you, he smiled. You walked over to him and gave each other a kiss.

"Hello beautiful! I'm glad you found me!" he said as he pulled you close by your waist.

"It wasn't difficult, the colours and huge letters can be seen from several kilometers away!" you said and stroked his chest. He was wearing a white shirt and dark jeans and he smelled so good it made you swoon. "Well, what's your plan? Do you want to do it here at the Funfair, on the Ferris wheel or what?” you asked with a laugh and to be honest, you wouldn't have been surprised if that was indeed his intention.

"Hm, that sounds good, but I've decided that tonight will be different. Since it's Valentine's Day, I thought it would be nice to have some fun in a different way, if you know what I mean…” he looked at you with one eyebrow raised and you imagined his mischievous look behind the dark lenses.

"So, are we going on a date tonight?" you asked excitedly.

"Yes. But of course, we can do something else if you feel like it, I'm not one to spoil anything." Corinthian put his hand on his heart. You smiled and became as excited as when you were a little girl when you first visited such a place. He took your hand and you walked inside. You learned from him that Bella was also dating Robert here, because she never dared to approach him in her life, she was afraid that he would reject her. Nevertheless, you hoped that one day the girl would gather her courage and confess her feelings to the boy.

This dream Funfair had everything: bumper cars, Tea Cups Fairground Ride, swings, trampolines, slides, etc. There was so much, you didn't even know where to start, but finally you went to target shooting. Corinthian asked the guy behind the counter what he could win after certain shots, then asked for a wooden-handled long gun. Before he started shooting, the man asked him about his sunglasses, to which Corinthian replied, “now that you mentioned it, you'd better hide.” He shot down the moving wood ducks one after the other in a nice line, which surprised you, as you would not have expected him to be able to aim and shoot so well. The guy at the counter was even more surprised than you, so much so that the cigarette fell out of his mouth. He could hardly believe that someone in sunglasses with such dark lenses could aim so well. Because your date was so skillful, he got to choose from the prizes and he chose a huge, heart-hugging teddy bear for you. You continued on and as a second stop you got on a carousel, where you could sit on the backs of various animals. You chose a unicorn, Corinthian a lion, the big teddy bear he won for you was sat close to you on the back of a camel. You had a lot of fun at the scene: the big, scary nightmare in a fun, happy place, in the company of a stuffed toy. Then he invited you to cotton candy, and after that, you went into a photo booth to have funny photos taken of you.

When you found out where you came to, you remembered your life as a human and when you learned that he wanted to go on a date with you tonight, you were completely touched. He might have been a nightmare, but you believed he had feelings deep down. You could see he was having so much fun, you almost forgot about his real self. Happy moments spent together are also part of human existence, and the good thing about dreams was that you didn't stand out from the crowd, you felt as if you belonged there.

Corinthian sat the big teddy bear on his shoulders and held its leg with one hand, he held your hand with the other and you walked cheerfully among the humans. You arrived at a bench and sat down, luckily there was no one around so you could be alone. He sat the teddy bear next to him and then turned to you.

"Did you have fun?" he asked smiling.

"Oh, yes! This was the best date ever!” you said with joy and kissed each other.

"I'm very happy about that, I also had a lot of fun tonight. Look, this thing has been going on between the two of us for a while and I've been thinking a lot about how to say it... I know we didn't like each other at first, but since then we've gotten to know each other, and I'm not just talking about things under the clothes."

You rolled your eyes and giggled. He was staying true to himself.

"I am always impressed by how dedicated you are to your work, I respect you very much for it. Whenever I'm with you, I always feel good and I always look forward to seeing you again. With all of this, I want to say that...I feel not only a physical attraction for you, but more than that, but I don't dare to say it yet."

You had to gulp, your heart was racing. You felt exactly the same. You didn't dare confess to him before either, because you were afraid that your feelings would remain unrequited. You held his face.

"Corinthian …I know how you feel because I feel the same way about you."

There were a few more things you wanted to say, but you couldn't think of words anymore, you only cared about your feelings and the moment. You felt that this was much more intimate than when you saw each other naked.

After a few minutes, he spoke first.

"Do you think it would be a problem if we would go official?" he asked.

"I do not know. I think it would be better if we would go slow at first and when we see that the others have nothing against it, then we can make it official that we are together." you said and Corinthian nodded in agreement before suddenly standing up.

"Before the evening ends, I have one more surprise for you!" he said and took out a lovely, large bouquet of red roses from behind his back.

"Oh my goodness, this is beautiful!" you said in happiness and took the bouquet.

"Happy Valentine's Day my dear!" he said and you kissed each other.

Tags: @harlekin6, @thecorilove86, @placeinthemiddleofnowhere

@merryandrewsworld, @kittycat-kai, @ionlyjoinedforboydholbrook,

@enkelimoonstone, @miss-wednesday98

@littlewierdalien, @littlefoxgirl-13, @dahlinq

@dayleis, @idealai

@destiny-rahl, @icytrickster17, @belladiaz, @smileymissbee

@foodlover123456789, @lazy-queen26, @yellowwithalisp

@amidalasruby, @e-dubbc11, @onehundredyearsofyearning

@constantron, @violentviolet88, @jessamydreams

@drowningnikki, @strudelbug07

@underwater-garden @translat0r, @mirandkimy

#the corinthian #the corinthian fanfic #the corinthian & female reader #Sandman #boyd holbrook #fluff

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woods2006gal · 8 months ago

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Chapter 10 - LARP and the Real Girl

Addison yawns as she stares out at the passing scenery from where she was sitting in the backseat of the Impala. Things were still tense between the three of them. She wanted to know why Benny had called Dean in the first place, but he refused to tell her the truth. Sam was still weary of Dean and vice versa. She just wanted things to go back to normal. She still couldn’t believe that she and Dean were married. Had been married since that trip to Vegas they took nearly ten years earlier. She was still trying to wrap her head around it and the fact that Dean had kept it from her for so long. “You okay, man,” Dean asks, glancing at Sam who was intently studying a map.

“We have the most powerful weapon we’ve ever had against demons and we can’t find a way to use it,” Sam reminds.

“Yeah, well, Kevin’s on it. And when he finds something, he’ll call. So we wait. Look, we have had a rough go over the past couple of weeks. And, uh…I know what you gave up wasn’t easy. Maybe we ought to take the night off. Go see a flick, hit a bar or two, have some fun. You remember fun, don’t you, Sammy?”

A phone starts to ring. It takes Addison a moment to realize it’s her phone that’s ringing. She digs through her bag and pulls it out. Garth’s name was displayed on the screen. “Hi, Garth,” she greets.

“Hey. Why don’t you grab a piece of paper,” Garth tells her.

Addison grabs a small notebook out of her bag and writes down the details of a case. She frowns, seeing that it was near where they currently were. “Um, okay. I got everything down, but um, how exactly do you know where we are?”

“Through the GPS on your phones. I track you and a bunch of hunters to assign cases. Yeah, you’ve been Garthed,” Garth explains.

Addison hangs up and drops her phone on the seat beside her. “We need to get new phones,” she tells the boys. “Garth is tracking us and other hunters to assign cases.”

“Smart,” Dean says, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. “A total Bobby move. What’s the deal?”

“Farmington Hills, Michigan. Some guy got ripped limb from limb inside his locked apartment,” Addison replies.

“That’s not good,” Dean comments.

“Yeah. Definitely not.”

Sam reaches over the seat and grabs the small notebook out Addison’s hands. “Working a case,” he says. “As long as we’re waiting on Kevin, that’ll be our fun.” Addison sighs and turns her gaze back out of the window. She wanted things to go back to normal for them.

~*~

The trio flash the FBI badges at the officer standing outside of the apartment. “Sheriff,” Sam greets as they enter. Addison looks around the living room of the apartment. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. “Special Agent Taggart. These are my partners, Special Agents Rosewood and Todd.”

“FBI,” the Sheriff replies, looking at them. He was a middle aged man with a handle bar mustache that was more grey than anything. “You guys are quick. Haven’t even got the body out yet.”

“Well, the FBI is all work, no play,” Dean replies, shooting a look at Sam.

“You know, why don’t you give me the tour while my partners look around,” Sam asks the Sheriff, clearing ignoring Dean.

“I work better on my own,” Dean states.

The Sheriff shrugs. “Your world, Agent. Follow me.”

Sam follows the agent into the bedroom while Dean moves into the kitchen. Addison stands there for a moment then follows Sam and the Sheriff into the victim’s bedroom. Blood covered the walls. A body covered by a white sheet was on the bed. Sheets covered body parts of the floor. Addison lifts up a sheet and discovers one of the victim’s arms with a tattoo of a tree on it. She doesn’t miss the dark red marks around the wrist.

“Vic's name was Ed Nelson, thirty one years old, an insurance claim adjuster. He lived alone, which was a real shocker, considering his place is full of toys,” the Sheriff states.

“So, what happened,” Sam questions.

“No sign of forced entry. Near as we can tell, he was tired up and pulled apart. Died of the shock or massive blood loss. Dealer’s choice on that one.”

Sam motions to where bag contain chains was sitting. “So what about these chains?”

“That’s actually chain mail.”

Addison raises an eyebrow. “Seriously?”

The Sheriff chuckles. “Yeah. We did find clear rope burn marks on his wrists and ankles.”

“Was anything missing from the body,” Addison questions.

“You mean aside from the arms and legs? Uh, nope. All there. Twig and berries too.”

“What about the neighbors,” Sam asks. “Did they hear anything weird?”

“Uh, neighbor downstairs said she got woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of horses stomping their feet galloping. We didn’t find any hoof prints. She probably heard a TV was having a bad dream or she was high as balls. Fortunately, we got a real lead off of his cell phone. According to the phone records, Ed’s last call was from a guy called Lance Jacobsen. An accountant, also thirties, also lives alone.”

Sam frowns. “How is he lead?”

“The two of them talked together for fifteen minutes and then Lance sent Ed here all kinds of angry texts. Some of them were you typical threat stuff, but some where a little weird,” the Sheriff explains as he leads Sam and Addison back into the living room. Dean walks over both the and subtle shakes his head, letting them know he hadn’t found anything.

“Weird how,” Dean questions.

“Like uh…‘you shall bleed for your crimes against us’ followed by the emoticon of a skull. And, uh, this beauty. ‘I am a mange. I will destroy you.’ These kids today with their texting and murder. My men just brought Lance into the station for questioning.”

“Well, we’re gonna need to take first crack the suspect,” Sam tells him.

The sheriff shrugs. “Like I said Agent, it’s your world.”

~*~

The trio walks into the interrogation room of the local police station. Lance Jacobsen was sitting at the table. Sam and Addison sit down across from him while Dean stands behind Addison, with a protective hand on the back of her chair. “Lance Jacobsen? We’re with the FBI,” Sam introduces.

“The FBI,” Lance asks, looking between the three of them. “I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe Ed's dead.”

Lance starts to cry. Addison reaches across and places a comforting hand on his arm. “Lance, just breath. Okay? You’re fine,” she softly tells him. "We just want to ask you a few questions, okay.” Lance wipes his face and takes a deep breath. He nods.

“We want to know about the, uh, texts you sent Ed last night,” Dean says.

“I told them when they brought me in those weren’t from me,” Lance replies.

“Well, your phone and Ed's phone say otherwise,” Sam counters.

“No, I mean, they were from me but they weren't me me.”

Addison stares at him. “Can you clarify what you mean?”

Lance sighs. “I’m sorry. This is all a big misunderstanding. Those text message were from Greyfox the Mystic to Thargrim the Difficult. Our characters in Moondoor. Moondoor is a game that Ed and I play. We’re LARPers.”

“Live action role playing,” Addison questions.

Lance nods. “We play Moondoor every other weekend at Heritage Park. All the info about it is on our website.”

“You guys have a website,” Dean disbelievingly asks.

“Yeah, one of the players designed it. In fact, if you log onto the site, they should have posted pictures from last night’s feast. I was there all night.”

“What does any of this have to do with the texts,” Sam questions.

“I play a character named Greyfox the Mystic. I’m a very, very powerful mage in the game.”

“Okay, uh, very powerful. Go on.”

“Ed is…Ed was Thargrim the Difficult of the Elder Forest, son of Hargrim and Bouphoin, brother to…He was the Lancelot to my Merlin.”

“What happened to cause the argument you two were clearly having,” Addison asks.

“We were named to the queen’s honor guard, in anticipation of the coming Battle of Kingdoms this weekend. I thought he broke protocol, so I called Ed after game hours and accused him cheating and then I challenged him a duel.”

“A duel,” Sam repeats.

“Wands and swords at dawn.”

Dean shifts. “Now when you say wands do you mean magic wands?”

“No. Un-magic wands, Agent. Because what I really want in a duel is an un-magic wand,” Lance sarcastically replies. “Yes! Fake wands! It’s a game! I can’t believe it. Oh, ye Gods! Thargrim the Difficult has fallen.”

Lance buries his face in his hands and lets out a sob. Sam and Addison stand up. Addison shoots him a soft smile then walks out of the with Sam. Dean awkwardly pats Lance on the shoulder. “Lance. Hang in there, champ,” Dean tells him before following Sam and Addison.

“So, either of you believe Dungeons & Dragons,” Sam questions.

“He’s not our guy,” Addison confidently says.

“He didn’t put a whammy on us,” Dean agrees. “Those weren't crocodile tears, man.”

“So, what are we looking at,” Sam asks.

“You saw the chain mail. This could be Fifty Shades of Greyfox for all we know.”

“All right, well, let’s check out the Moondoor website, see if Lance’s story checks out,” Sam replies. They walk over to a vacant desk with a computer on it and Sam sets down. It only takes him a couple of minutes to bring up the Moondoor website. “‘Welcome to Moondoor, Michigan's largest LARPing game.’”

“And I thought we needed get out more,” Dean mutters. Addison shoots him an unamused look. He smiles at her. She shakes her head and turns back to the computer as he places a hand on her lower back.

“There,” Addison says, pointing to a picture of Lance with two women. “There’s his alibi.”

“Huh. It actually looks kind of awesome,” Dean comments. Sam looks at him and Dean shifts.

“All right. There’s a video,” Sam says. He clicks on the link and brings up a video. They’re silent as they watch the video.

Dean frowns, recognizing a face. “Wait is that—”

“Charlie,” Addison interrupts. “Yeah, looks like it.”

~*~

Addison stares in disbelief as she looks around the park. Everyone was dressed in costumes. A few hours after they had talked to Lance, he had been murdered while still in the police interrogation room. He had the same tattoo on his arm that Ed had and the only other connection between the two victims was LARPing. Which is how the trio found themselves that morning at the park, surrounded by people who were all wearing renaissance costumes. Some of the people had ogre teeth or elf ears. The trio come to a stop in front of a man locked in a set of stocks with another man standing in front of him.

Addison raises an eyebrow as the man’s teeth fall out and the other man, wearing a red and white tunic, picks them up before placing them back in the man’s mouth. They finish their scene before the man wearing the tunic starts to walk away. “Excuse me,” Dean says, walking up to the man. “Hi. Uh, you are a LARPer, yeah?”

The man stares at him. “I perfect the term ‘interactive literaturist.’”

“Right. Uh, I am Special Agent Rosewood. These are Special Agents Taggart and Todd.”

“Hold,” the man shouts, pushing his hood down. “Um, guys, we’re not doing the whole genre mash up thing this weekend. We only do that every third month.”

“Come again,” Sam questions.

“Your fake badges, the cheap suits. It’s very cool. I get it. Your characters are FBI agents that somehow traveled to Moondoor, but I’m telling you it’s just — it’s straight up Moondoor this weekend.”

Sam frowns. “These aren’t fake badges.”

“Uh, yeah, they are and they’re…” the man trails off as he grabs Sam’s badge. “Very good, but, um, well, the ID number shifted to ten digits with, uh, two letters mixed in at the end of the year and the seal’s from last month. Really good work.” He hands the badge. “It’s just…it’s a tournament weekend, okay guys, so you got to follow the rules. If there’s no rule - chaos.” He pulls his hood back up. “Resume. If you would like to join the army of Moons, the queen is aways on the lookout for new squires.”

“Yes. Right,” Dean replies. “We would like to see your queen now, please.”

“Well, the queen’s calendar is booked up months in advance. But if you wish to witness what’s in store for you in her army, her highness is overseeing new squires on the pitch as we speak.”

It doesn’t take the trio long to find where Charlie was. She was in the middle of a large group wearing dark red clothing that resembled armor. “Greyfox and Thargrim are missing. We pray to the goddess they have not fallen victim of foul play. In there absence, the honor guard’s ranks are weakened. To join…” Charlie trails off when she recognizes them. “Oh, berg. Uh…The queen needs some royal ‘we’ time. Talk amongst themselves.”

Charlie walks into a large maroon tent at the back of the field. The trio follow her. Dean stops and picks up a fake sword. He examines. “Nice balance,” he says.

Sam shoots him a disbelieving look. “Dude.”

Addison shakes her head and walks with Sam into the tent with Dean following them. He was still carrying the sword. Addison raises an eyebrow seeing the elegantly decorated tent with ornate chairs.

“Charlie,” Sam begins.

“Charlie Bradbury is dead,” Charlie tells them. She unbuckles the leather arm guards she had on and shoves them into a duffle bag. “She died a year ago. You killed her. My name is Carrie Heinlein. Oh and guess what. Now you killed her too.”

Dean sighs. “Okay, listen, uh…”

“No, I buried myself. Then Dick Roman went down, his company belly up and I figure, ‘hey, it’s all good,’ and I was fine. I got my life back. Now you’re here and if you guys are here, monsters are here. Why do I have such bad luck? What am I? Some kind of monster magnet? Is there such a thing as a monster magnet? You know what? Don’t answer that. I don’t care. What I care about is not getting my other arm broken or dying So…I’m dropping my sword and walking off the stage bitches.” Charlie grabs her bag and crown off the table. She drops the crown on Dean’s head as she starts to walk out of the tent. “Have fun storming the castle.”

“Charlie,” Dean exclaims. “Greyfox and Thargrim, uh, Ed and Lance, they’re not missing. They’re dead.”

Charlie stops and stares at them. “Ed was drawn and quartered by Lance bleed out,” Addison softly explains.

Charlie doesn’t move for a moment, then sits down at the table. She motions for them to each take a seat. “Drawn and quartered and bleeding out,” she repeats. “Please stop talking again. So what do you think did this?”

“Well, aside from the, uh, mark and them both being LARPers, there’s really not much else to go on,” Dean says, pulling a photo of the tree that both Ed and Lance had on their arms.

Charlie picks up the photo. “Wait, I’ve seen this before. It’s a Celtic magic symbol. At least it was in my favorite video game. Does that help? Can I go now?”

“It’s a start, but no. Um, listen. What can you tell us about Ed and Lance,” Sam questions.

Charlie shrugs. “Good guys. Two of the best members of the queen’s ever shrinking army.”

“Ever shrinking,” Dean asks.

“My kingdom has had a lot of bad luck lately, probably cause of me, but maybe it’s tied to this,” Charlie says, motioning to the photo. “A month ago, one of my guys had both her ankles broken before battle. Before that, I had three people have hospital worthy accidents while at home. You think there’s any connection there?”

“Any common enemies,” Addison questions.

“In real life? No. Everyone gets along famously. In the game, though…” Charlie stands up and walks over to a table with a map on it. The trio follow her. There were different colored figures on the table. “They had tons on enemies. Red reps the followers of the Moon - my peeps. Green’s for the Elves, blue’s for the Warriors of Yesteryear, and black’s for Shadow Orcs. Total d-bags. This weekend is the Battle of the Kingdoms to see who wear the Forever Crown. This weekend, each faction is definitely an enemy of me and mine.”

“You know, if you, uh…” Dean begins, motioning to the red figures. “Move your arches back and your broadswords men to the west…”

“Huh.” Charlie nods. “Fight the warriors.” Dean smiles. “Hey, good call.”

“Thanks.”

“What about the southern wall?”

“Guys,” Sam says, clearly annoyed.

“Yeah,” Dean asks, looking at his younger brother. He clears his throat upon seeing Sam’s annoyed look. “Right. Sorry.”

“Maybe someone from one of the other kingdoms got ahold of something and now their using real magic to weaken your army,” Addison says.

“But why not just come after me,” Charlie argues. “And why the escalation?”

“All right, we will canvass the kingdoms. You should get out of here. We don’t want you to get hurt,” Dean says, finishing with Charlie.

“Whoa, wait,” Sam says. “Charlie knows Moondoor a lot better than we do. We need her.”

“Sam, I think we can take care of a bunch of accountants with foam swords.”

“We need all the help we can get, Dean. People are dying.”

“My point, which is usually yours, is that she should get somewhere safe and get back to a normal life.”

“Hey, I am right here and I want to leave,” Charlie interjects.

Dean smiles, triumphal. “Thank you.”

“But the queen…she has to stay. I mean, Sam is right. People are dying. That can’t happen on my watch. And you know what? I am tired of running. I like my life here. I’m gonna stay and fight for it.”

Sam’s phone rings. He pulls it out and answers. “Yeah.” Addison lightly smiles at Charlie and Dean. “Okay. Thanks. So, the toxicology report came back on Lance. Nothing. But the medical examiner said his body showed clears signs that he was killed by belladonna.”

“The porn star,” Charlie and Dean ask at the same time.

Addison raises an eyebrow. “Poison?”

“Oh,” Charlie and Dean simultaneously let out.

“However, they couldn’t find a trace of it in his system,” Sam finishes.

“Just like they couldn’t find ropes in Ed’s apartment,” Dean reasons.

“Charlie, I’m gonna need to borrow your laptop,” Sam says.

Charlie frowns. “There are no laptops in Moondoor,” she tells them and is met with three incredulous looks. “What? There are rules. But there is a tech tent four tents down.”

“Okay. How about you two go canvas and Ads and I’ll dig into these accidents and this mark,” Sam tells them before walking out of the tent.

Addison forces a smile and quickly follows Sam. She finds Sam a few feet away of her head. “Sam,” she calls out.

Sam stops and looks at her. “I’ll look into the accidents and the mark. Since you’re good at marking friends with vamps, go talk to to the other groups,” he tells her, then walks off.

Addison lets out an annoyed breath. She had hoped they were fine. But it was clear that Sam had zero desire to work alone with after everything that had occurred with Benny and Martin. She shakes her head and walks in the opposite of direction.

~*~

“Addison? Addison?”

Addison groans and opens her eyes. She was in a very nice tent laying on a very comfortable bed. And kneeing in front of her was Charlie. The last thing she remembered was walking through the woods, searching for the Shadow Orcs. It hadn’t taken her long to learn that the Shadow Orcs were using the same symbol that was found on Ed and Lance.

“Where am I,” Addison lets out, sitting up. She winces and places a hand to her forehead. “What the hell happened?”

“I was hoping you’d be able to answer that,” Charlie replies. Addison reaches into her skirt pocket and pulls out her phone. She lets out an annoyed breath upon seeing that she had no signal. “Did you see the skull figure too?”

“What skull figure,” Addison questions. Charlie motions to the figure standing by the fireplace, watching them. Addison slowly stands up. She holds up her hands. “Look, we’re unarmed. You let Charlie go. And you can keep me. We don’t want any trouble. I don’t want Sam pissed at me anymore and I want Dean and Sam to just be fine with each other again. And I’m sure that Charlie just wants to go back to being a run of the mill I.T. girl. I…I just want things to go back to normal.”

The figure pulls off the skull to reveal a beautiful woman standing in front of them. “That is all I want as well,” she tells them. She pulls off her cloak and she’s wearing a long white dress. “My name is Gilda. I’m from the Hollow Forest of Arkhmoor. I’m a fairy.”

“Swoon,” Charlie mutters.

Addison raises an eyebrow. “How did you get here,” she questions Gilda.

“I was summoned here by a spell,” Gilda answers, shooting a smile at Charlie.

“Who summoned you?”

“I don’t know his name, but I was brought here to do his bidding.”

“His bidding,” Charlie disbelievingly repeats. “That’s never good.”

“No. It’s not,” Addison agrees.

“My…master, he-he has me hurt people. He’s forcing me to. I’d never hurt anyone,” Gilda tells them. “I’m a fairy. The good kind.”

“So, why is the dick head who is controlling you forcing you to hurt people?”

“I don’t know. He started off with smaller commands, but he’s become more violent. He had me kill two men this week.”

“Man, someone is taking this game way too seriously,” Charlie says.

Gilda frowns. “Game?”

“This…my outfit, all of this…it’s just a game here.”

“Why would you play such a game?”

“This world…not so much with the awesome. The game is a way to get away.”

“It’s a lovely forest, but it’s nothing like my home.”

“And how do we get you back home?”

Gilda sighs. “I can’t break free from the spell, myself. A hero must take my master’s book of magic and destroy it, breaking the spell.”

Charlie stands up. “Gilda, my name is Charlie Bradbury and I am here to rescue you.”

Gilda smiles at Charlie and Charlie smiles back. Addison clears her throat. “Well, I’ll leave you two to it,” she says. “I’ll go find Dean and Sam. See if we can find this magic book or whatever.”

Addison turns to walk out of the tent. She stops upon seeing Dean, Sam, and one of the LARPers. “It’s him,” Gilda exclaims, staring up. “My master! Run!”

The LARPer pushes his hood down. Sam and Dean raise their guns. “No guns in Moondoor, gentlemen,” he says. “Gilda, if you please?”

A sad look crosses Gilda’s face as she waves her hand. The boys’ guns turn into feathers. “Well, now what, Gerry,” Dean asks.

“My name is Boltar the Furious,” Gerry snaps. “My plan was, after getting rid of all of my competition, to win the battle tomorrow, convincing the queen that I should be her king. But then you three idiots showed up and I was forced to improvise. Rescue the damsel in distress from the Orcs, become king, kill the three of you. That’ll work too.”

“So, why did you got from hobbling to murder,” Sam questions.

“Greyfox and Thargrim became part of the honor guard. They got close to the queen, but they did it by breaking the rules. Paying off other players with real money, rather than Moondoor currency. They were cheating.”

“And using magic isn’t,” Dean argues.

“Magic is part of Moondoor.”

“What is your problem,” Charlie questions. “Why would you hurt people? This is just a game.”

“There is no game,” Gerry shouts. Addison notices a small book hanging off his belt. “There is only Moondoor! I came here to be different, to get away from my crappy life, to be a hero, and guess what.”

“What,” Dean begins. “You were a loser in the real world and you’re a loser here? Shocker.”

“Would a loser track down a real book of spells and compel a fairy to do his bidding?”

Addison slides a under the suit jacket she was wearing. Her Colt Compact was sitting in the waist band of her skirt. “It depends,” Sam replies. He had noticed what Addison was doing. Her hand wraps around the handle of her gun. “How’d you get it?”

“eBay.”

“Look. It doesn’t have to be like this, Boltar. Just hand over the book of spells. We can work this out.”

Gerry picks up a fake sword. “This will all work out after I remove you from the playing field and wipe her memory. Gilda?”

Gilda sighs. Addison pulls out her gun and shoots the book hanging on Gerry’s belt. He lets out a shout and falls to the floor. He covers the wound on his thigh. She walks over and yanks the book off of his belt. She tosses the book to Charlie. “Save the damsel in distress,” she amusedly says.

Charlie stabs her dagger into the book. A bright light emits from it. “Are you okay,” she asks Gilda.

“I’m free of the spell,” Gilda replies. “You both saved me. The Hollow Forest is forever in your debt. I must return to those green hills now. I will take my former master with me. He must face a fairy tribunal for his sins.”

“Wait,” Charlie says. She walks over to the fairy and kisses her. Gilda smiles, then disappears with Gerry. “Call me…maybe?”

~*~

Addison sighs as she stares at the ceiling of the motel room. She had elected to stay behind while Dean and Sam went to visit Charlie. Her cell phone buzzes and she grabs it off the nightstand. “Yeah,” she answers, not taking her gaze off the ceiling.

“I need your help,” Sarah immediately greets. “Also, I’m outside of your motel room.”

Addison stands up and walks over to the door. She opens it to find Sarah, brightly grinning up at her. “What do you need help with?”

“A lead on our Rosetta Stone angel.”

#supernatural #fanfiction #dean winchester #addison sloan #sam wincester #ofc #oc

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vixens-spotlight · 2 years ago

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I was Just the Wrong Damn Girl in the Wrong Damn Room

I Broke my Glass Balloon

Iris Rosewood- a playlist.

Running up That Hill- Kate Bush

Hermit the Frog- Marina

Ride- Lana Del Rey

Bloody Mary- Lady Gaga

Holding Onto You- Twenty One Pilots

Anti Hero- Taylor Swift

My Blood- Ellie Goulding

Saturn- Sleeping at Last

Cleopatra- the Lumineers

National Anthem - Lana Del Rey

Everybody Wants to Rule the World- Lorde

Lovely- Billie Eilish

Daniel in the Den- Bastille

House of Memories - Panic at the Disco

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historyhermann · 2 years ago

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Steven Universe, vegetarianism, and media representation [Part 2]

youtube

Reprinted from my History Hermann WordPress blog and also on Wayback Machine. Originally published on Jan. 2. 2020.

The focus on Steven's issues is continued in "Prickly Pair," where Steven uses his new hobby, planting, as a form of therapy, connecting with his love of nature and life (another reason he is vegetarian). The Gems see this as clearly unhealthy, as he is naming plants after his friends likely a reference to the "stress free environment" (see up to 1:04 in the video above) created by Billy Rosewood (played by Judge Reinhold) in Beverly Hills Cop 2, and give him space, as he thinks he can solve all these problems himself, bumping through his teen years.

This doesn't work out, ultimately, as he forms a cactus monster who he treated like a therapist, which hurts his friends (or guardians as you could call them), Amethyst, Garnet, and Pearl, not only physically but emotionally as the monster blurts out his personal feelings about them. While the cactus monster, which Amethyst names Cactus Steven, leaves his house, blowing off the front face of it, similar to the damage it sustained during the battle with Blue Diamond in "Reunited," Steven is clearly in emotionally (and mentally) rocky state by the end of the episode. You could even say that Steven and Cactus Steven represent part of the cycles of abuse. The absence of his father, Greg, his girlfriend, Connie (I hope they don't break up), and others, is disturbing enough, as the feeling he can't talk to anyone about problems, likely suffering from depression and other mental problems. [5]

"Little Graduation" and "Prickly Pair" sets up an interesting set of episodes ahead, even if you think SUF isn't "kid-friendly" anymore (as the fan base is growing up) as Steven will have to come to a more balanced state of mind and body (as he is acting a bit contradictory right now) working out his serious problems, making it possible for him to control his new powers, realizing that he should change, just as everyone else is changing, something he hasn't completely done yet. This would be much better than forcing others to not change, which is not healthy at all! Whether he talks the Diamonds about this (oh no) or his "uncle" Andy, or someone else about his problems is anyone's guess. [6] This is nothing new as he had similar struggles as shown in episodes like "Mindful Education," and other times before that, but the fact that he has the power to hurt others is scary, so I'm excited to see what future SUF episodes will bring. Perhaps Steven should take the advice he told Lars back in Season 5 to heart, although he may not.

Notes

[1] At the same time, however, the article listed racial stereotype Apu in The Simpsons, Bobby in King of the Hill, Velma Dinkley in Scooby-Doo, Draculaura in Monster High, Doug Funnie from Doug, Heffer in Rocko's Modern Life; Dil, Chuckie, and Susie in Rugrats, Pac-Man, Eliza Thornberry in The Wild Thornberrys, Popeye, as some of the greatest "vegan cartoon characters." So, he got Pearl wrong, but perhaps he got these others right.

[2] Allyson Koerner, for instance, lists Lisa along with Monroe in Grimm, Phoebe Buffay in Friends, Angela Martin in The Office, Sara Sidle in CSI, and Temperance Brennan in Bones. Others list Hazel Grace Lancaster in The Fault in Our Stars, Rachel Berry in Glee, Phoebe Buffay in Friends, Angela Martin in The Office, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Britta Perry in Community, Phoebe Halliwell in Charmed, Topanga Lawrence in Boy Meets World, and Todd Ingram in Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, alongside Lisa as vegan/vegetarian characters. Kristen Martin, on the other hand, notes five fictional vegetarians who "defy stereotypes" while Jamie Gerber explains various superheroes and villains who are vegetarian (Todd Ingram, Damian Wayne, Iron Fist, Connor Hawke, Bruce Banner, Magneto, Zatanna, Scarlet Witch, Superman, Kitty Pryde, Ozymandias, Beast Boy, Karolina Dean, Animal Man, and Wonder Woman).

[3] Some on My Anime List have claimed that Rei Ayanami in Evangelion, Taikoubou from Houshin Engi, herbivores in Monster Musume, a vegetarian elf in Isekai Shokudou, Nadia in Fushigi no Umi no Nadia, characters in Nichibros, Denpa Onna, Kemono Friends, Happy Happy Clover, Hamtaro, and Shirokuma Cafe, the latter three only if animal characters count, along with the Circumstances of a Vegetarian Child Wherewolf.

[4] Some fans adored Shep and loved the representation, while others didn't get their gender and thought Shep was transgender (there's no indication that is true), or hated Shep for some reason, the latter falling into the category of "annoying fans."

[5] I think its worth quoting the psychological analysis of Steven by one fan here, as it says more than I could put forward:

What is happening to Steven right now is a consequence of three situations: -Being a half gem. -Being adolescent. -Trying to carry the weight of other people problems in your back Why you ask? in adolescence, you try to wonder who you are, what you want to be in the future. And sometimes that bring negative emotions like angriness and confusion. Before Steven Universe Future, his reason to be was to be a hero, helping others. Now, that reason is partly gone because the worst part of the conflict is over, and even when he still wants to help people, he looks at the lifes of other humans and starts to wonder what else could be. Thats it because as a crystal gem, fighting and helping comes as something natural; and in the context of their long life spans this objective doesnt seems to change much. In the counterpart, humans tend to change life perspective more frequently because we live less, and our fragility doesnt makes us want to fight intergalactic conflicts (instead, we choose to share with others, get jobs, and try to enjoy life). In the initial part of the show, things seems "inverted" because humans gave Steven a sense of continuity ("i want this to stay the same"), and gems a sense of something that needs to be changed ("i want this to be different"). When we reach SUF, humans are changing and gems are remaining the same (mainly enemies), so Steven starts to be greatly frustrated. He doesnt wants to recognize this, clearly, because he is the person that "helps", not the one that needs to be helped (that would mean he is a burden to others). So, his emotions (anger and confussion, normal for adolescence) start to emerge as unstable powers, which causes a mayhem so big that Steven has to begin to recognize his emotions. PD: So...if you have superpowers and feel like this...go therapy.

[6] Some fans hope Steven lies on a bed at the end of the series and talks to a therapist, while others just say he needs "serious therapy."

Update:

I am so glad to get one positive comment on /r/stevenuniverse, which makes me smile. I am glad to see it.

#steven universe #vegetarianism #beverly hills cop #stress #mental health #Youtube #vegetarians

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keepgrow-05 · 5 months ago

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Axel Back, But Is Anyone Else Here? A Look at Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Eddie Murphy's return as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" has been a cause for celebration for fans of the iconic cop franchise. Debuting on Netflix in July 2024, the film promised a return to the wild, action-packed comedic roots that made the originals so popular.expand_more However, critical reception has been mixed, with many reviewers finding the film a predictable retread that fails to recapture the magic of the past.expand_more

There's no denying the nostalgia factor. Seeing Murphy slip back into the role of the wisecracking Detroit detective after a thirty-year hiatus is undeniably charming. The film cleverly acknowledges the passage of time, with jokes about Foley's outdated fashion sense and references to his pop culture ignorance. This self-awareness is a saving grace, preventing the film from falling into a tired imitation of its predecessors.exclamation

From Zero to Hero: ElevateYour Channel Using Tuberank Jeet 6

The plot follows a familiar formula.expand_more Foley's grown-up daughter, Jane (played by Taylour Paige), follows in her father's footsteps and becomes a detective in Beverly Hills. When her life is threatened, Axel rockets out to California, determined to protect her and uncover the conspiracy behind the attack.expand_more This premise allows for some interesting inter-generational dynamics. Jane is a skilled investigator in her own right, butting heads with her old-school father who relies on gut instinct and flashy improvisation.exclamation Their contrasting styles provide some humorous moments, but the script doesn't fully explore this potential.exclamation

The supporting cast is another area where "Axel F" stumbles. Judge Reinhold and John Ashton reprise their roles as Billy Rosewood and John Taggart, respectively.expand_more While their presence is a welcome nod to the past, their characters feel one-dimensional.exclamation They're relegated to delivering exposition and offering one-liners, lacking the depth and comedic spark they possessed in the earlier films.exclamation New additions like Paige struggle to find their footing amidst the established franchise characters.exclamation

Director Mark Molloy keeps the action sequences moving at a brisk pace, but they lack the innovative choreography and comedic timing that made the car chases and shootouts in the original films so memorable. There's a sense of been-there-done-that about the action here, a feeling reinforced by the film's reliance on familiar tropes and gags.

However, there's a certain comfort in predictability. For some viewers, "Axel F" will be a welcome return to a beloved franchise, offering a chance to revisit a cherished world and its iconic characters. The film isn't a critical darling, but it might provide a nostalgic escape for those who simply want to see Eddie Murphy back in action, cracking wise and causing mayhem in Beverly Hills.

From Zero to Hero: ElevateYour Channel Using Tuberank Jeet 6

Here's the crux of the matter: is predictability necessarily a bad thing? For some, the answer is a resounding yes. They crave originality, fresh takes on familiar themes, and characters who defy expectations. "Axel F" doesn't offer that. It's content to coast on nostalgia, delivering a familiar comedic cop formula with a dash of self-awareness.exclamation

But what about the audience who just wants to see Axel Foley back on screen? For them, predictability might be a plus. They know what they're getting into, and they're happy to settle in for a comfortable, if uninspired, return to a world they hold dear.

Ultimately, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is a film caught between two audiences.exclamation It tries to play on nostalgia while offering a fresh perspective, but doesn't quite succeed at either. For those seeking a groundbreaking cinematic experience, it will likely fall flat. However, for fans who simply want to see Axel Foley back in action, "Axel F" might just be the summer popcorn flick they're craving.

#AxelF #BeverlyHillsCopReturns #EddieMurphyIsBack #NostalgiaAlert #IsItPredictable #CopComedyClassic #ActionPacked #NextGenCops #BeverlyHillsHeat #DidTheyCaptureTheMagic

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rhetoricandlogic · 5 months ago

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TOWER OF MUD AND STRAW

by Yaroslav Barsukov ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 20, 2021

This marvelous SF tale about dangerous technology offers sublime stretches that will warrant revisiting.

A man reckons with his past while overseeing the construction of a tower in this debut SF novel.

Shea Ashcroft disobeyed Queen Daelyn. He refused to gas protesters who ran amok in Red Hill. As punishment, she banished Shea to the border shared with the rival nation of Duma. Now, the former minister of internal affairs and ex-counselor to the queen must see to the completion of the Owenbeg Tower, an “anti-airship stronghold.” But Shea receives a chilly welcome from the duke at Owenbeg castle. The paranoid duke intends to censor Shea’s reports to the queen regarding details of the tower’s construction. Shea soon learns that instances of sabotage at the tower involve dangerous Drakiri technology. The humanoid Drakiri have been allowed to settle in Owenbeg, and their egg-shaped “tulips” provide anti-gravity assistance for raising the nearly 1,000-foot structure. But if not properly handled, the tulips implode, sucking in whatever surrounds them. Shea thinks often of his sister, Lena, whose death resulted from mishandled tulips. Doubly strange is that the duke’s counselor of arts is a striking Drakiri woman named Lena. She shares with Shea her people’s record of the Mimic Tower, which sprang into being as they tried to build another tower. Ultimately, the Mimic Tower destroyed many of the Drakiri, which is why none of Lena’s tribe labor on the Owenbeg Tower. As Shea falls for Lena, he becomes determined to ban tulips from the construction process. Yet Chief Engineer Brielle has a secret that makes such a move impossible.

Barsukov’s slim novel will remind readers of Robert Silverberg’s Tower of Glass (1970) and China Mieville’s work, which frequently includes a Cold War flavor of decrepit bureaucracies. While the Owenbeg castle appears lavish, “moths had taken a good bite out of the couches’ velvet.” The Owenbeg Tower, even unfinished, feels mythic, as in the passage “Entering it was entering a city...a world painted by a lover of chiaroscuro...shadows lay in pools of ink, and there were blinding patches of daylight.” The Drakiri seem slightly vampirelike, with their enhanced speed, strength, and elegance—though no blood drinking is ever mentioned. Barsukov sketches in characters slyly, as Shea assumes Lena is the duke’s lover, half revealing to readers his own desire. Echoes of Shea’s sister haunt him in the way this new woman “holds her head, the pride. The eyes.” When he survives an assassination attempt, Shea intuits that Patrick, the duke’s military counselor, is the culprit because of how the duke embarrasses the man publicly. The tower as an arms race metaphor succeeds gracefully. Drakiri technology is useful, as is nuclear power, but the drive to overshadow one’s enemies can lead to self-destruction. The author depicts the fantastic sparingly so that the instances pop against the narrative’s overall gloom. One character’s augmented hand, for example, “branched off in metal and purple veins,” and its “knotted ‘fingers’ rolled in the air as though strumming a chord.” One scene that reveals some truth about the Drakiri, their origin, and the reality of the Mimic Tower is pure surrealism. This marvelous SF tale about dangerous technology offers sublime stretches that will warrant revisiting.

#Yaroslav Barzukov #Tower of Mud and Straw #mahreviews #long post #free story #free audiobook

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friendsafforestation · 7 months ago

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(via Embrace Nature's Beauty: Join the City Nature Challenge) 🌿 Dive into the heart of nature with the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge! 🌿 📸 Did you snap some incredible biodiversity shots between April 26 to April 29? Don't let those moments fade away! Upload your camera photos to iNaturalist from April 30 to May 5 and become a part of something truly special. Your images could help unlock the secrets of Saskatoon's vibrant ecosystem! 🔍 But wait, there's more! You can also lend a helping hand by assisting with identification. https://youtu.be/v0qzwlVhiXc Check out our handy hints and tips video to become a biodiversity detective. From converting unknowns to higher kingdom levels to uncovering species identities, every contribution counts! 💚 Let's show the world the natural wonders of Saskatoon together. Join us in celebrating biodiversity, fostering community, and making a difference. Your passion for nature could inspire others to connect with our environment in new and meaningful ways. 🌟 Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of the Saskatoon City Nature Challenge. Together, we can create a brighter, greener future for our city and beyond! 🌟 #CityNatureChallenge #Saskatoon #Biodiversity #iNaturalist #NatureLovers With thanks to our sponsors and supporters SaskPower, SaskTel, Saskatoon Nature Society, Wild About Saskatoon, Caswell Hill Community Association, SOS Trees Inc., Rosewood Varsity View Community Association, Nutana Varsity View Community Association, Montgomery Place Varsity View Community Association. City Nature Challenge Saskatoon CNC YXE 2024 led by Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas. #CityNatureChallenge #iNaturalistCanada #Biodiversity Founded by @NHMLA and @CalAcademy Community Science hosted by #friendsdareas #NatureCanada #CityNatureChallenge #BioBlitz #CitSciMonth #CommunityScience #CitizenScience #UrbanNature #UrbanBiodiversity #NatureInTheCity #NatureIsEverywhere #NatureForEveryone #NatureNerd #cnc #outdoors #nature #conservation #photography #biodiversity #citizenscience #inaturalist #wildlife #plantlife #wanderlust #naturelovers #optoutside #instagood #picoftheday #volunteer #training #parks #optingoutside #CNCYXE #CNCYXE2023 #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation #citizenscience #communityscience #EcologicalEmergency #naturelovers @sasktel #inaturalist #saskatchewanbirds #yxebirds #getoutdoors #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #SNS #SaskatoonNatureSociety #citynaturechallenge2023 #yxe #thegreatoutdoors #citynaturechallenge2024 #citynaturechallenge #Canadacitynaturechallenge #citizenscience #Volunteering #nativeprairie #grasslands #wildlife #bees #pollinators #prairiepollinators #ExploreSask #NatureSask #wildlifewatcher #prairielife #sasklife #nativeprairie #speciesatrisk #conservation #KeepSaskWild #socialdistance #citizenscience #wildlifephotography #beesknees #LeavetheLeaves #NoMowMay #nature4all #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation @FriendsAreas #saskatoon #saskatooning#naturelovers #inaturalist #saskatchewanbirds #yxebirds #getoutdoors #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #yxe #thegreatoutdoors #citizenscience #Volunteering #nativeprairie #grasslands #wildlife #bees #pollinators #prairiepollinators #ExploreSask #NatureSask #wildlifewatcher #prairielife #sasklife #nativeprairie #speciesatrisk #conservation #KeepSaskWild #socialdistance #citizenscience #wildlifephotography #beesknees #LeavetheLeaves #NoMowMay #nature4all #FriendsAreas #FriendsAfforestation @FriendsAreas

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dankusner · 7 months ago

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Nelson Bunker Hunt

This May 2, 1980 file photo, shows multi-millionaire brothers Hunt, W. Herbert Hunt, left, and Nelson Bunker Hunt.(The Associated Press / AP)

Oil magnate Herbert Hunt, brother of Lamar, dies at 95

Oil wildcatter W. Herbert Hunt, a scion of the Hunt Oil dynasty who left a massive business and philanthropic footprint in Dallas and Texas, has died at the age of 95.

Hunt became one of the world’s most prominent oil barons and investors throughout his seven-decade career, following his father’s lead along with brothers — Nelson Bunker Hunt and Lamar Hunt — to form Petro-Hunt, growing rich on fossil fuel work in East Texas and later as property developers.

Hunt, born on March 6, 1929, died April 9.

Hunt followed his father H.L. into the oil drilling and speculation business after finishing a Bachelor of Science degree in geology at Washington and Lee University, joining the family business that would create several billionaires and business titans.

Forbes estimated W. Herbert’s Hunt’s net worth at $5.3 billion in 2024, mostly from his ownership in the Petro-Hunt company, which had major oil patch holdings and operations in Texas, Oklahoma and North Dakota.

Hunt used his fortune in oil to grow the footprint well outside of the energy industry into land purchases, including major developments that have shaped cities such as Richardson, Plano, Forney, Fate and more with major residential and industrial projects.

Hunt and his brothers Nelson Bunker and Lamar nearly went broke in the early 1980s after an attempt to corner the silver market with several billion dollars in holdings after a run-up in the commodity in previous years.

At one point, they reportedly held more than one-third of the private silver holdings in the world, worth $4.5 billion.

But after borrowing millions to finance the bet, the price dropped more than 50%, leading to a $1.7 billion loss.

They were saved by a loan, but the bad investment was a major hit to the Hunt family’s fortunes, forcing the brothers to declare bankruptcy in 1988.

The Hunts made it through the incident and rebuilt their fortune in the fields of oil, real estate and finance.

Hunt’s family is one of the most successful oil dynasties in the country, and H.L. Hunt’s 15 children became major players across several fields.

Herbert Hunt’s oldest sister is Margaret Hunt Hill, namesake of the iconic bridge in Dallas.

Another sister, Caroline Rose Hunt, is the founder of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts company.

His half-brother Ray Lee Hunt is another energy industry billionaire in Dallas, and his half-sister Swanee was a U.S. Ambassador to Austria.

Herbert Hunt’s nephew, Clark Hunt, is the owner and chairman of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the family owns and has developed thousands of acres of residential and industrial property throughout North Texas.

Lamar, Herbert’s brother and Clark’s father, was one of the pioneers of professional football in the United States and founder of the American Football League, which later merged with the NFL to form the modern sports league.

Herbert Hunt is survived by his wife Nancy and children Doug, Barbara Hunt Crow, Libby Allred, Bruce and David.

A service is planned for 3 p.m. April 23 at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

HUNT, William Herbert

William Herbert Hunt of Dallas, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 9, 2024, at the age of 95.

Herbert was born to H.L. Hunt and Lyda Bunker Hunt on March 6, 1929, in El Dorado, Arkansas.

His family moved to Tyler, Texas when he was ayear old and then to Dallas when he was nine.

Herbert attended Dallas Country Day School, Stonewall Jackson Elementary, and J. L. Long Middle School before, as he put it, "being shipped off" to The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

After graduation from The Hill School, he attended Washington and Lee University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.

While at Washington and Lee, Herbert met Nancy Jane Broaddus on a blind date.

They married the first Saturday after Nancy's 21st birthday and celebrated more than 72 years of love and devotion together.

Herbert joined the family oil business and had an accomplished career in oil and gas exploration and the oil service industry.

He was involved with numerous discoveries and field developments aroundthe globe.

Herbert served in a number of industry organizations.

He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists since 1953, receiving their Pioneer Award.

He was President of the Dallas Wildcat Committee in 1965-66 and served as President of the Dallas Petroleum Club in 1970.

He served on the Board of Directors of the American Petroleum Institute (API), as Past President of the International Association of Drilling Contractors and as Chairman of the National Ocean Industries Association.

Herbert was the last surviving original inductee of the All-American Wildcatters, and he lived by the AAW creed "My Word is My Bond".

He was an Advisory Board Member of the Maguire Energy Institute at SMU and served on the board at SMU's Institute for the Study of Earth and Man (ISEM).

Another of Herbert's endeavors was real estate development.

He was active in the development of various properties in Richardson, Plano, Forney, Fate, Lavon, and Royse City.

He also developed a number of properties in Scottsdale, Arizona and Orange County, California.

Herbert's non-industry involvement included serving on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America Circle Ten Council, where he was President from 1984-86.

He received various awards for distinguished service to youth.

He served on the Presbyterian Hospital Building Corporation from 1985-1990 and served many years on the Board of Wadley Blood Bank (now part of Carter Blood Care).

Herbert was a longtime member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where he served as aDeacon and Elder.

He and Nancy taught Sunday school for many years.

While Herbert's industry and business achievements are legendary and his civic involvement and philanthropy vast, he was most proud and took great joy in the family he and Nancy raised together.

Herbert is survived by his wife Nancy, children Doug (Margaret), Barbara Hunt Crow, Libby Allred (Al), Bruce (Leeanne), and David (Libby), grandchildren Taylor Hunt (Elizabeth), Casey Hunt (Morgan), Nathan Crow (Itzel), Marshall Hunt (Brittany), Hunt Allred (Brittny), Austin Hunt (Chelsea), Davin Hunt (Anne Lindsey), Megan Carter (Joel), Margaret Crow Casselbrant (Magnus), Nancy Collins (William), Carter Hunt (Michelle), DanielCrow, Bailey Hunt (Jordan), Dallas Hunt, Elizabeth Hunt, Sharon Hunt, and thirty-five great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by sister-inlaw Caroline Lewis Hunt, as well as half-siblings Ray Lee Hunt (Nancy Ann), June Hunt, Helen Lakelly Hunt (Harville Hendrix), andSwaneeGrace Hunt.

Herbert is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Caroline Rose Hunt and Margaret Hunt Hill, and brothers Hassie, Nelson Bunker, andLamar Hunt.

A Celebration of Herbert's Life will be held at Highland Park Presbyterian Church on Tuesday April 23rd at 3:00 pm with Pastor Jay Lee officiating.

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venuefindernz · 7 months ago

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Saying "I Do" in Style: Unveiling Christchurch's Premier Wedding Venues

Introduction:

As you embark on the journey of planning your dream wedding venue in Christchurch, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the perfect venue. From quaint gardens to opulent ballrooms, the options are as diverse as they are enchanting. In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of the ultimate wedding venues in Christchurch, catering to every couple's unique vision, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Get ready to say "I do" in style amidst the stunning landscapes and historic charm of this vibrant city.

Garden Elegance at Rosewood Manor:

Nestled amidst picturesque gardens and towering trees, Rosewood Manor exudes timeless elegance and romantic charm. This historic estate offers couples the opportunity to exchange vows in a serene outdoor setting, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery. Say "I do" beneath the shade of a centuries-old oak tree or beside a tranquil pond, creating memories to last a lifetime against the backdrop of nature's beauty.

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the manicured grounds or gather for cocktails on the expansive veranda. With its idyllic setting and impeccable service, Rosewood Manor sets the stage for a truly unforgettable wedding day in Christchurch.

Sophisticated Splendor at The Grand Ballroom:

For couples seeking a touch of glamour and grandeur, The Grand Ballroom at Christchurch's premier hotel offers an unparalleled setting for a luxurious wedding affair. Step into a world of opulence and sophistication as you exchange vows beneath glittering chandeliers and ornate ceilings adorned with intricate moldings.

With its spacious layout and customizable décor options, The Grand Ballroom can accommodate weddings of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to extravagant receptions. Dance the night away on the gleaming hardwood floors, surrounded by friends and family, as you celebrate the beginning of your happily ever after in style.

Coastal Romance at The Pier:

Perched along the scenic shores of Christchurch's coastline, The Pier offers couples a unique waterfront setting for their wedding day festivities. Whether you envision a barefoot ceremony on the sandy beach or a tented reception overlooking the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, this venue promises breathtaking views and a sense of seaside romance.

Exchange vows beneath a rustic archway adorned with fresh blooms, with the sound of waves crashing in the background, creating a magical ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of coastal living. From sunset cocktails on the deck to dancing under the stars, The Pier offers endless possibilities for creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Historic Charm at The Canterbury Club:

Steeped in history and old-world charm, The Canterbury Club provides a truly unique backdrop for a timeless wedding celebration. Located in the heart of Christchurch's central business district, this historic venue boasts elegant architecture, rich wood paneling, and exquisite detailing throughout its grand halls and private dining rooms.

Exchange vows in the intimate chapel or host a lavish reception in the majestic Great Hall, where stained glass windows and soaring ceilings create a sense of grandeur and romance. With its unparalleled ambiance and impeccable service, The Canterbury Club offers couples the opportunity to create a wedding day steeped in tradition and sophistication.

Tranquil Retreat at Otahuna Lodge:

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the tranquil oasis of Otahuna Lodge, nestled amidst acres of rolling hills and verdant gardens. This luxury lodge offers couples a secluded retreat for an intimate wedding celebration, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled hospitality.

Exchange vows in the historic gardens or host an intimate reception in the elegant dining room, where gourmet cuisine and fine wines set the stage for a truly unforgettable dining experience. With its idyllic setting and personalized service, Otahuna Lodge provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate wedding celebration in the heart of Canterbury.

Modern Elegance at The Tannery:

For couples with a flair for contemporary style and urban chic, The Tannery offers a modern and sophisticated venue for a wedding day to remember. Located within a historic precinct that has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination, this venue combines industrial charm with sleek modern design.

Exchange vows in the light-filled atrium or host a reception in one of the stylish event spaces, where exposed brick walls and soaring ceilings create a dramatic backdrop for your special day. With its versatile layout and innovative cuisine, The Tannery provides couples with the flexibility to customize their wedding celebration to reflect their unique style and personality.

Rustic Romance at Cossars Wineshed:

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tai Tapu, just a short drive from Christchurch, Cossars Wineshed offers couples a picturesque setting for a rustic and romantic wedding celebration. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, this historic venue exudes charm and character, with its weathered timber beams and panoramic views of the countryside.

Exchange vows in the outdoor ceremony space, with sweeping vistas of the Southern Alps as your backdrop, or host a reception in the rustic barn, where exposed wooden beams and soft candlelight create a warm and inviting atmosphere. With its relaxed vibe and scenic surroundings, Cossars Wineshed is the perfect choice for couples seeking a laid-back and intimate wedding experience.

Cultural Heritage at Riccarton House:

Embrace the rich heritage of Christchurch at Riccarton House, a historic homestead set amidst expansive parklands and towering trees. Dating back to the early 19th century, this iconic venue offers couples a glimpse into the city's colonial past, with its elegant architecture and manicured gardens.

Exchange vows in the charming chapel or host a reception in the marquee, where views of the lush lawns and towering trees provide a stunning backdrop for your special day. With its timeless beauty and serene ambiance, Riccarton House offers couples the opportunity to create a wedding celebration steeped in history and tradition.

Conclusion:

From intimate garden ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions, Christchurch offers a wealth of enchanting wedding venues to suit every couple's style and budget. Whether you're drawn to the coastal charm of The Pier or the historic elegance of The Canterbury Club, you're sure to find the perfect setting for your dream wedding amidst the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this vibrant city. Say "I do" in style and create memories to last a lifetime against the backdrop of Christchurch's stunning landscapes and timeless charm.

#wedding venue

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curatedglobaltravel · 9 months ago

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Caribbean Paradise: Family-Friendly Spring Break Resorts with Exclusive Perks

Spring break is just around the corner; who else is ready for Caribbean bliss? Whether you seek the tranquility of secluded pools or an exciting kids club for your little ones, there’s no better time to plan than now. Reach out soon, and we’ll begin crafting your family’s ultimate beach getaway.

SUN, SAND + SMILES: SPRING BREAK RESORTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Caribbean's combination of white sand, crystal-clear waters and activities for all ages makes it a popular choice for family getaways. Each island has its own unique charm, providing an opportunity to tailor your travel experience to your family’s preferences. That’s why so many of my clients ask about my top spring break destinations. When you book one of the below properties with me, you will receive exclusive benefits, like complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out, a welcome gift valued at 100 USD, and an upgrade at the time of check in (all subject to availability).

Puerto Rico: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Grand Cayman: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa

Turks and Caicos: Beach Enclave

Saint Lucia: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Jamaica: Round Hill Hotel and Villas

Request Details ⟶

IMAGINATIVE ESCAPES: KIDS CLUBS THAT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND

Choosing a resort with a kids club can enhance your family’s getaway in a variety of ways; parents can take some well-deserved time to recharge and reconnect, while children play and learn in the presence of certified counsellors and educators. My favorite kids clubs allow young travelers to discover new cultural experiences and marine conservation, as well as the opportunity to make friends from all over the world.

JUMBY EXPLORERS

Jumby Bay Island, Oetker Collection on Antigua Island

Children who visit Jumby Bay Island are offered opportunities to explore the local culture, unique wildlife and natural surroundings by bike, on the beach and on the water. Designed for two age groups (3–8 years and 9–12 years), Jumby Explorers are guided through a variety of activities like watersports and watching hawksbill turtle hatchlings make their way to the surf.

ROSEWOOD EXPLORERS CLUB

Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas

The children-only Rosewood Explorers club is open year-round to children ages 4–12, and its conveniently situated next to the Lagoon Pool. Each day, the fun-loving, energetic counselors engage participants in a variety of activities and challenges. The experiential zone nurtures cultural connections and a love of nature with exciting hands-on activities.

KIDS FOR ALL SEASONS

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

Welcoming guests ages 4–12, the Four Seasons staff at Kids For All Seasons is ready to entertain and educate. Each morning starts with fun “name games” that help everyone get to know each other, followed by sports games, contests and artsy projects. Crafts, high-tech games and marine exploration are at kids’ fingertips, and first-time club visitors receive a special gift.

Request Details ⟶

SPOTLIGHT ON: ANGUILLA A Caribbean Getaway

MICHAEL SHANE STEPHENS Curated Global Travel An affiliate of Protravel [email protected] 310.691.7461 curatedglobaltravel.com

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thecolorfultravel · 1 year ago

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The best luxury hotel chains in the world

Service and quality are everything for those lucky enough to have the money to splurge on a five-star hotel. Whether you want a chic hotel in central Paris or a luxurious hideaway tucked away in the South American jungle, there are hotel chains that own the best hotels on the globe. Here are the top luxury hotel brands in the world.

St Regis The St Regis brand began a century ago when John Jacob Astor IV opened a hotel on New York's 55th Street. Tailored service is essential here and in the rest of the group. It currently has over 40 luxury hotels and resorts around the world. Every place from Moscow to Mauritius, Bangkok to Bora Bora has one thing in common: the guest comes first. Tradition and timeless class combine with modern technology and sophistication to create something extraordinary.

Hilton Does the famous model and singer Paris Hilton ring a bell for you? She is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, who in 1919 founded the homonymous hotel chain, which also owns other brands in the sector. Present in 106 countries, it has hotels in the most strategic points and the major airports. Business people highly appreciate her. In Italy, the famous Rome Cavalieri Hilton, which dominates the city from the hill of Monte Mario, is one of Rome's most beautiful terraces.

Four Seasons The Four Seasons has surprisingly humble beginnings for such a major luxury brand. The story began in Toronto in 1961 with the opening of what appeared to be, at least on the surface, an unremarkable motel. Yet, the company's exceptional standards have ensured its rise to its current industry-leading position, redefining hospitality over the years. According to the Four Seasons, the golden rule is "treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves." A long-standing commitment to innovation also sets it apart. It was the first to introduce hair dryers to its guest rooms, offered dry cleaning long before any other hotel, and in 2015, it flew guests in the hotel industry's first private jet.

InterContinental The InterContinental brand is synonymous with quality. This exclusive hotel group offers luxurious services, sumptuously designed rooms, suites, fine dining, and spas. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, seeing the name above the door is a reliable indicator of the luxury you'll find. With hotels in all the best locations – New York, Paris, London, and Hong Kong – the only tricky thing will be choosing which one to book.

Rosewood A rising star at the top end of the market, Rosewood now has over 3,000 rooms worldwide. The chain was founded in 1979 in Dallas, Texas, but can now be found in as many countries as Cambodia, Italy, China, and the United Kingdom. Each property reflects the underlying "Sense of Place" philosophy that draws on the destination's unique history, architecture, and traditions. A key feature at select resorts is the Sense Spa, whose treatments draw heavily on local ingredients and practices.

Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton was the brainchild of celebrated hotelier Cesar Ritz, who managed the Ritz in Paris and the Carlton in London. After he died in 1918, his legacy remained, revolutionizing hospitality in America with the opening of the Boston Ritz-Carlton in 1927. The Ritz-Carlton group was born in 1983 with the purchase of that Boston hotel and rights to the name. Today, it's a luxury hotel brand owned by Marriott, operating 91 locations in 30 countries.

Aman The history of this hotel chain is recent and particular. It was born from the desire of the Indonesian entrepreneur Adrian Zecha to build a villa for his holidays on the island of Bora Bora. Not settling for little, he made a structure with many rooms, various services, with a vast garden, and he estimated that it was too much to enjoy alone. He then founded the company today, with a handful of very select luxury hotels, 32 in the world, guaranteeing unique and costly experiences. A room in an Aman hotel can cost as much as buying a house, but it will give you "sovereign" affairs, which, as the hotel motto states, "you only have once in a lifetime."

Fairmont Hotels This luxury hotel chain was born in the 19th century in Canada as an offshoot of the colonial railway corporation! It was necessary to provide accommodation for travelers and workers who worked on the immense railway lines of the country. From those makeshift hotels, already at the beginning of the 20th century, a chain of high-quality hotels was established, present in major Canadian cities and beyond. Mandarin Oriental

The luxury hotel chain that bears this name derives from the history of two chains and eras. The Oriental Hotels were founded in the 19th century in Thailand by an American entrepreneur who went bankrupt in 1910.

On the other hand, Mandarin was born in 1963 in Hong Kong, with entirely different needs, namely to make luxury an opportunity. It was the Mandarin that was the first to have worldwide success, to the point of recovering the old hotels of the Oriental line and unifying the two names into a single brand. Today this company supplies hotels mainly in Europe and Asia. They are also present in China, although with a different word ( Wenhua Donfang.

Six Senses Hotel&Resort This luxury hotel chain is a far cry from the stereotype of the hotel for the rich. They are undoubtedly expensive and high-class hotels, but they arise from a noble need: always respecting the environment. The beginning was that of wellness treatment resorts, with some associated rooms.

Then the brand was successful, and by focusing on eco-sustainability, it established itself in the world, even in the luxury one! In recent years, in addition to resorts, Sex Senses has also begun to manage actual hotels, where the wellness center is just one of the many high-quality services offered to the customer.

If you are interested in more information about the best hotels then this blog will help to you

#best luxury hotel #hotel #best hotel

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superchandigarh · 2 years ago

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Find the Best Rooftop Restaurants in Mohali

There are many beautiful rooftop restaurants in Mohali; given below are the top best rooftop restaurants in Mohali to look for.

1) The Empire - It is a rooftop restaurant that has great views of the hills and is also a perfect place for enjoying a barbeque.

2) Woodland Terrace - The view from this restaurant at the airfield is one of its best aspects, but it also offers some great food and a wide range of drinks to keep you refreshed.

3) Pizza Hut - While it's a chain restaurant that you can find anywhere in the world, there is something about this eatery that makes it one of the most sought-after places when it comes to rooftop restaurants in Mohali. The restaurant has a very good ambiance and wonderful music.

4) Cafe Delight - Located at the Huda City Centre Mall, this is an amazing place for those who love their coffee. It also has other great food items on its menu.

5) Sky Restaurant - Located at the Rosewood hotel, this is one of the finest places to dine. The ambiance is amazing and the food is to die for.

6) Hotel Aerodrome - This place offers an amazing view of the airstrip, even if you don't have a plane to watch. The ambiance is quite good and so are the drinks it serves.

7) Barbeque Nation - Located at the Mohali Golf Club, this rooftop restaurant is the perfect place to spend some good quality time with your close ones.

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sadiajafarlaque · 2 years ago

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5 Exciting Ways to Enjoy a City Break in Bengaluru

A potpourri of cultures, Bengaluru is a happening city that can challenge the monotony of our daily lives. From fun adventure to blissful shopping and dining, the city is filled with options of activities to make you spoilt for choice. So, no doubt, it is the right place to enjoy a city break where you'll be hooked all day without any complaints!

Say, you stay in Kolkata. Then just book a Kolkata to Bengaluru flight, pack your bags and set off.

Here are 5 exciting activities to try in Bengaluru after you land:

1. A Vineyard Tour

This is a unique thing to try in Bengaluru. The city and its surroundings have some of the most breathtaking vineyards. After deboarding from the Kolkata to Bengaluru flight, drop by a vineyard and try fun activities like:

Grape stomping

Wine tasting

Learning about the art of winemaking

Two of the popular vineyards are:

Grover Vineyards in Raghunathapura, Devanahalli Road

Heritage Winery in Channapatna

2. Snow City Adventure

As the name hints, Snow City is a vast snow theme park with plenty of exciting activities to lure you with. These activities include snow mountain climbing, snow sliding, snow basketball, snow rafting and even rocking a snow dance floor. The temperature is -5°C to give you the chills (literally too)!

The location is Fun World Complex in J C Nagar. The park is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The entry fee is ₹390 per head on weekdays and ₹490 per head on public holidays and weekends.

3. Memorable Coffee Time

After exploring vineyards and the Snow City, you may wish to sit back and relax at a nice café. Bengaluru is popular for its unique cafés where great food meets mesmerising ambiance.

Here are some fave picks of café-hoppers:

Atta Galatta in 5th Block, Koramangala (renowned as a Bookstore-cum-café)

Rasta Café in Bengaluru-Mysore Road (well-known for the 3-acre activity area featuring this Rastafarian café

Marzipan Café and Bakery in Ulsoor Road (loved for its Mediterranean food)

4. Street Shopping

The streets of Bengaluruare treasure troves of goodies like jewellery, clothes, bags, shoes, electronics, condiments, and more.

Some of the famous street-shopping hubs are:

Commercial Street (known for clothes, jewellery, and spices)

MG Road (known for brass, sandalwood, and rosewood items)

Jayanagar 4th Block (known for household goods, footwear, and artworks)

Majestic Market (known for garments, perfumes, and local and Chinese electronics)

These places are great to take souvenirs back home on your Bengaluru to Kolkata flight.

5. Trek on Nandi Hills

Love trekking? Then head straight to Nandi Hills, 60 km from Bengaluru on the second day. Feel your adrenaline rush as you trek on rails or cycle up the whole route to a magnificent viewpoint. You can even try paragliding over the fortress of this ancient hill while enjoying a bird's eye view of everything around you. The entry fee is ₹10 per head.

Between your Kolkata to Bengaluru flight and the return flight, enjoy every moment in Garden City. Click loads of pictures to show your loved ones back home.

#Kolkata to Bengaluru flight #Bengaluru to Kolkata flight

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newmusickarl · 2 years ago

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Top 101 Songs of 2022

2022 has been an exceptional year for new music and as always, I thought I would share with you my favourite songs of the last 12 months. Unlike my albums list, this one is unranked as this isn’t necessarily what I think are the best songs of the year, but more the songs that have ultimately come to soundtrack my 2022. Also, I find it impossible to favour songs over one another half the time – these are simply different tunes for different moods.

In this year’s playlist are plenty of lesser-known gems from some of my favourite new discoveries, the year’s best album cuts, my favourite collaborations, guilty pleasures and, of course, some of 2022’s biggest singles and club bangers. As always for the sake of diversity, I’ve kept it to strictly one song per artist (excluding a couple who are also included on other tracks as features).

Now I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes – as the official Sound of the Summer for 2022 here in the UK, Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush is included, despite the fact it was originally released in 1985. Also, the playlist is 101 songs this year rather than the standard 100, as a certain Miss Simz came along very late in the day and needed to be included. So this year you get a bonus track!

Listen to the Playlist:

Listen on Spotify here

Listen on Apple Music here

Listen on Let’s Loop here

My Top 101 songs of 2022 in alphabetical order by artist:

1. Philadelphia by alt-J

2. Northern Star by The Amazons

3. Body Paint by Arctic Monkeys

4. One More Night by bexx

5. BREAK MY SOUL by Beyoncé

6. Bread Song by Black Country, New Road

7. If We Get Caught by Bloc Party

8. SUCKER by Blood Red Shoes

9. Visions by Blossoms

10. Wicked & Bad by Bob Vylan

11. Rosewood by Bonobo

12. MAN ON THE MOON by BROCKHAMPTON

13. Used To Know Me by Charli XCX

14. FLAG (Feel Like A Girl) by Coach Party

15. Holiday by Confidence Man

16. Aquamarine by Danger Mouse & Black Thought (featuring Michael Kiwanuka)

17. See You When The End’s Near by Day Wave (featuring KennyHoopla)

18. Set You Free by DC Gore

19. Kids by Deaf Havana

20. Rain by Deco

21. Far From Over by Deserta

22. I Don’t Need To Hide by DMA’s

23. Strawberry Lemonade by Editors

24. Additions Attachments by Elder Island

25. B.O.T.A (Baddest of them All) by Eliza Rose & Interplanetary Criminal

26. I Want A Love Like This by Everything Everything

27. Forget The Name by Express Office Portico

28. Forever In Sunset by Ezra Furman

29. Not Okay by Fickle Friends

30. 2am by Foals

31. Jackie Down The Line by Fontaines D.C.

32. the angel of 8th ave. by Gang of Youths

33. Cold by George FitzGerald

34. Biggest Mood Ever by HAAi & Alexis Taylor

35. As It Was by Harry Styles

36. Giving The World Away by Hatchie

37. Gone by The Haunted Youth

38. Polygod by Hayden Thorpe

39. Can You Afford To Lose Me? By Holly Humberstone

40. Not Alone by Hot Chip

41. If I Die Tomorrow by Jack White

42. The Old Style Raiders by Jamie T

43. The Drum by Josef Salvat

44. Mirrors by Just Mustard

45. More Pressure by Kae Tempest (featuring Kevin Abstract)

46. Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) by Kate Bush

47. Renegade by Kavinsky (featuring Cautious Clay)

48. Sailor by KAWALA

49. N95 by Kendrick Lamar

50. Bittersweet, TN by Kevin Morby (featuring Erin Rae)

51. Willing To Trust by Kid Cudi & Ty Dolla $ign

52. Neverland by Kyla La Grange

53. What Have You Done To Me? By Lane 8 (featuring Arctic Lake)

54. Happy New Year by Let’s Eat Grandma

55. Camera Chimera by LIES

56. X by Little Simz

57. Forever Is Too Long by Low Island

58. Hate by Loyle Carner

59. Set My Mind Free by Matt Guy

60. Doomscroller by Metric

61. Brooklyn. Friday. Love. By The Midnight

62. Goosebumps by MØ

63. The Foundations of Decay by My Chemical Romance

64. Still Call You Home by The Mysterines

65. Weird Goodbyes by The National (featuring Bon Iver)

66. Looking Back by The Native

67. Self Care by Nile Marr

68. anotherlife by Nilüfer Yanya

69. You Better Mean It by Nimmo

70. I Love You, Baby by Opus Kink

71. Call Me When You Leave by Oscar and the Wolf

72. Radio by Paolo Nutini

73. This Is Why by Paramore

74. words by piri & tommy

75. Happy Birthday In The Sky by Placebo

76. Lose Our Minds by Porij

77. The Rip by Porridge Radio

78. Reputation by Post Malone

79. Diet Coke by Pusha T

80. Black Summer by Red Hot Chili Peppers

81. The Void or Nothing by Sad Boys Club

82. Wild Grey Ocean by Sam Fender

83. Headspace by Sharon Van Etten

84. On the Run by The Sherlocks

85. We Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings by The Smile

86. Funny Way Of Showing It by Spector

87. That Boy on the Stage by Suede

88. Little Blue by Swim Deep

89. Never Good Enough by Tom A. Smith

90. Remind Me by Tom Grennan

91. MAGIC by Vince Staples & Mustard

92. Champion by Warpaint

93. Operator Error by We Are Scientists

94. How Do I Make You Love Me? By The Weeknd

95. If You Ever Leave I’m Coming With You by The Wombats

96. Widow by Working Men’s Club

97. Leader of the Pack by Wunderhorse

98. Pour Another by Yard Act

99. Burning by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

100. Haunt by Yumi Zouma

101. Happiness by The 1975

Hope you enjoy and keep an eye out later today for the first of my Top 10 Albums of the Year!

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millimallow · 6 years ago

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pt 8. - wild seeds of the sun

the eighth parth of the world of owa anthology. there’s a little bit of a gap between this and the last upload, i’ll get around to the others soon. in the meantime, enjoy, and check out the rest of the anthology if you do.

rest in the wild grasses where tall flowers grow, you can’t take it with you when you go.

sometimes, when the sun rises on a summer morning, i like to leave the city. maybe the buildings in episol aren’t that tall, but sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. that’s when you leave. i grew up in the countryside and it only feels natural to return there; nevertheless i would recommend this to anyone who might read it. you get on your bicycle, or the first early-morning tram out of the city, with your packed picnic and your book and you ride.

the horizon is painted in shades of pink and orange and yellow as far as you can see.

post-graduation is a busy time. all the work i put into an organ, only for it to spit me out again like a stray toxin, dissipates like the sweet red smoke a spice trader excites into the air for their customers. between interviews and freelancing and travelling there’s not much left, but then you get a weekend to yourself and it’s like a breath of fresh air for you to take in. and as much as i love them, sometimes your relatives aren’t asking you over at the same time, so you can breathe a sigh of relief. maybe i was always naïve to believe that having siblings out of nowhere was so easily dealt with, so easily adaptable to, because they live far away from you.

enough about my personal baggage. you’re here to read a column about going into the countryside for the day. well, make sure your schedule is clear, is the first thing. the second thing is to make sure you’re packed well. as beautiful as the land is, and as good as it is at providing for us, it will not provide you entertainment and sustenance selflessly. what i mean is- pack a book. pack several, if you read fast. my long-time favourite is nierwei’s anthology of art 3950-4050, pt 2, though any part will do. you probably already know the name nierwei from his own famous artworks, most significantly the arcophite majestic, but there’s a fair amount of his published essays on other works and artists out there, and in my opinion this is the best of the bunch. i’ve always admired young man on the beach by irmeslez nasaghir, and in the anthology nierwei takes his eye to the naturalistic and utopian aspects of the painting which are commonly overlooked in favour of inquisition into the nature of the subject. if you would prefer the beach, many miles away from episol, it will perhaps transport you there. if not, it’s the ideal reading companion on a warm-and-windy day.

and pack food as well. this one is more subjective, depending on your particular diet, but there’s no cooler out in the fields, so don’t pack anything which tends to melt or spoil in the sun unless you plan to consume it immediately. you may want to prepare food in advance, or use some extra money to wander into a nearby town and order yourself lunch and dinner. either way, prepare for how and when you’re going to eat it. being outdoors requires a sanitary surface for eating. when i go, i prepare black pepper-roasted turkey on pale brown bread, smothered with a fruit chutney and accompanied by a package of raisins and cranberries. eat it on your lap, the paper-and-string wrapping becoming your quiet informal plate. of course, water is a necessity, and think of how you’re going to dispose of the remnants so that you don’t spoil the countryside for others. dispose of your apricot pits and apple seeds away from farmers’ fields so as not to contaminate the crops, but feel free to plant them in the earth anywhere else. you can do the same with wild sunflower seeds if you haven’t eaten them all already.

even now, having spent much of my life in both, the difference between the city and the countryside is hard to articulate. not just in the shape of the buildings and their density, or the growing of crops and the quiet- those are easy. the countryside is… tranquil, even to the extent that time almost slows when you’re out there. i look up at the sky and an hour feels like an hour, not a collection of minutes that i just hallucinated in a board meeting between housing planners. you can feel whatever you want out there. with that said, be careful around the country roads. farmers of all kinds out here aren’t used to slowing for crossers, and virtually all of them are still manning the old-style horse carriages with goods storage. any entanglement between you and one of these will be immensely unfortunate for both you and the driver, but most of the pain will be reserved for you. this makes their speed limited, however, so simply utilize common wisdom and look both ways even if you can’t hear anything, and try to cross when you’re higher up on the land. your clothes for the day should be comfortable and practical, avoiding showiness that the locals don’t appreciate, and if you’re planning to be out there until the evening or night then you should at least be somewhat visible. cast a spell on yourself to get noticed if that’s what it’ll take- night is the most dangerous time. i won’t buy into the rumours publicly, but nobody knows a place better than those who live there, and the tale of a herd of goats left outside at night returning with a few missing is nothing to scoff at. maybe you won’t die, but maybe you’ll get mistaken for a goat and kidnapped. this is bad for your punctuality at work the next day.

(it’s a good enough draft, but i’m not sure how i feel about it. is it too flowery? too intimate? making too many assumptions? this is hard. i studied architecture, and writing about it for a lifestyle newspaper doesn’t involve much academic analysis of form and function. whatever. i can save this for tomorrow… and work on it then. maybe i’ll sign my name here in advance.)

- daer giygromos, junior culture and events columnist. very, very sleepy…

(goodnight, work.)

#dnd #short fiction #fantasy #world of owa #writing #daer giygromos #rosewood hills #glad to get this done since i've been in a writing funk for a bit

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