#sim: Monica Woods

[maxinepixels]

*sprinkle sprinkle* 😌💦

Monica Woods and Rohan Basu have been together for two years. They met at a corporate Christmas party, as they both work in the corporate world. Monica is a business lawyer at Coleman and Howard Law and Rohan is a financial analyst for Goldbloom Financial Group (both located in downtown Lenox, NY). Rohan was taken with Monica at first site; he thought that she was the prettiest woman in the world. They recently got engaged two months ago and Monica couldn't be happier. I mean who wouldn't? She is spoiled by Rohan.

Rohan comes from money, as his family is well-known for their incredibly lucrative tea company. However, Rohan has made a way for himself here in Lenox. He has a reputation for being a shark in the financial world and always gets the job done, no matter what. Monica admires that in them, as she is the same way. Making partner at her firm was very important to her, and she was one of the youngest people to do so (she's now in her early 30s and is a very experienced lawyer for reference).

Monica definitely took Shera's advice and is living the life she has been wanting. However, even still marriage is very nerve-wracking for her, as she is used to being able to do whatever she wants, whenever she wants to. She is going to need to learn to balance her fast paced lifestyle with the "family" life.

To see more of Monica's life, please watch The Exchange Rate series on my YouTube channel!

[screenviolense]

underused starter call. but specifically for my least used muses who i think deserve more attention. those who specify muses or fandoms get priority. list of applicable muses under the cut

all fandomless ocs (there's too many to type here, just check the muse list.)

all animal crossing muses (fauna, isabelle, lucky, merry, skye)

aya drevis (mad father)

melody valentine (archie comics)

libby rhodes (the atlas six)

all ninth house muses (alex, dawes)

taylor gentry (behind the mask)

all halloween muses (laurie, vicky)

isobel martin (the night circus)

all the outer worlds muses (parvati, valerie)

all percy jackson muses (emmaline, jade, jessie, katie, mary lou)

dana polk (cabin in the woods)

all pokemon muses (cynthia, rosa, lucy, irida, luna, marie, melanie, monica, sonia, summer)

ginger branch (the quarry)

all stranger things muses (joyce, chrissy, rachel)

all days gone muses (sarah, rikki)

farrah (descendants)

all stardew valley muses (emily, penny, ola, violetta, shane, jodi, rosemary)

all harvest moon muses (kathy, molly, pepper, elyse)

all dragon age muses (hawke, arri, atlas, anais, millie, elian, rowena)

aahana (dnd)

all sims muses (ara, violet, kayleigh)

yor briar (spy x family)

lupe madrigal (encanto)

all star wars muses (leia, keeta)

all fallout muses (cressida, dahlia, lidia, sarah, victor)

nana (ffxiv)

all fire emblem muses (anya, celine, alcryst, ivy, kagero, orochi, hana, selkie, setsuna, robin, panne, say'ri, cherche, dorothea, byleth)

all the wolf among us muses (snow, bloody mary, nerissa)

laetitia bresson (lupin the III)

lucie tedbury (league of extraordinary women)

[justasmallbloginabigklainefandom]

@sohereswhatyoumissedlastweek replied to your post “remember when in idk 2008 you could just go to the...”:

Crazy right? That's also why I was so surprised Santa Monica Studio released a FREE dlc for God of War Ragnarok. And it's a damn good dlc too. It's surprising not to see greed for once

​I have so much to say about gamers and capitalism. As in, I find it kind of baffling how everyone not only seems to accept the new practices (which, to be fair, I get, because what can consumers do against big companies?), but also that people seem to be excited about these new shitty ass business models.

Ine, buckle up. I have a lot to say.

For example, I am beyond pleased that Tears of the Kingdom has no DLC, and people find that weird. How can I be pleased? Don't I want more Tears of the Kingdom??? I mean, yeah, kinda, but I am a huge fan of having things be finished and the devs say it's finished. I only have one thing I really, really miss, but I am content with the game. And in a world where DLCs are nowadays announced even before the game is released, it's a fresh breath of fucking air (of the wild, badum tsssssss-). It's honestly sad that Tears of the Kingdom not having pre-determined DLC is a rarity. Back when the first triple A games started pulling this shit, people were angry and understandably so. The devs basically say "Hey, we're going to release an unfinished product and you gotta pay more to get the full deal!" and people used to hate that, but now it's a common practise.

So yeah, Nintendo gets an A+ for NOT announcing Tears of the Kingdom DLC.

Because I like DLC. I think DLC can be good. Splatoon 2 DLC is amazing. Mario Kart 8 DLC is amazing, but that's because they give a lot of new stuff years after the initial release, so it actually feels like it adds something! The devs didn't have to do it, but they did. But Splatoon 3 also has pre-determined DLC now and not only that, it comes in waves, which is also a new common thing. And interestly enough, there also seems to be a trend where the first wave of DLC is bad (Pokémon, Splatoon 3, Fae Farm...) (Heck, I initally was even excited about the idea of standard Pokémon DLC, since it beats the previous 3rd game model, but this is also not going well.)

This is why I wouldn't mind if, for example, two years later the Tears of the Kingdom devs change their mind and announce DLC anyway. The problem nowadays is just the pre-determined DLC.

And as you said, DLC can just be free. I, for example, respect ConcernedApe so much for making all Stardew Valley updates entirely free, and he added A LOT. All of 1.4 had the multiplayer stuff and 1.5 had basically a whole new post-game that took hours. And 1.6 is also shaping up to add cool stuff. FOR FREE.

I don't mind paying for DLC as long as it is good and doesn't feel greedy af. But also, it feels like you cannot get around it, because I am genuinely interested in Splatoon 3 DLC wave 2, especially since I know the devs can deliver (see Splatoon 2 DLC). I just wish they had approached it differently. But DLC has become greedy, from pre-determined DLC, to bad DLC, to whatever the fuck the Sims 4 is doing.

But this is just DLC. It feels like DLC is a hit or miss: it CAN be good, it CAN be amazing, even. But then we get shit like pay-to-win and whales and microtransactions. I saw in a video from BeatEmUps that even full price games now have additional microtransactions, which is wild. Woods BeatEmUps rightfully calls it out, but I am afraid this is the next step in the industry. The idea of microtransactions is that they are part of the "free-to-play" model, which is unfortunately also a thing studios are prioritising. I paid €4 for Good Pizza, Great Pizza without microtransactions. I could've played it for free on mobile, but then I have microtransactions. I have seen people online say they spent over $50 on it, and that's little. I once asked my friend who plays Genshin whether she spent more than €60 (which is the sale price these days) on that game, and she said "Yeah, definitely" and got a wake-up call. But this is also why Good Pizza, Great Pizza hasn't been updated on the Switch since 2021. I am missing the majority of the game and obv the devs aren't going to prioritise Switch players, since we don't pay them more additional money.

Oh, and the idea that you need an account for everything to even start a game. I was excited to try Fall Guys until I realised it was literally unplayable without an account. There's even a move to being constantly online to even launch a game, which... what the FUCK? Especially with cloudstreaming games etc. If I own a game, I want to be able to play it when I want. That shouldn't be a big thing to ask. Cause... what does it add? With Palia, it allows cross-play, so there it might be a good trade-off and I am actually considering getting an account. But with Palia, you can also play it without it! Here, an account is purely optional and it actually has a function.

"But doesn't Nintendo have an account?" yes, same thing. I have my games linked to my Nintendo account for cloud saving, but it isn't a must to play the games. Although, surprise surprise, I do pay an annual subscription for it, BECAUSE THAT'S ALSO PART OF IT. Sigh. Really. Splatoon 3. Really. I love you. But come on. On paper, it's €60 + €25 + annual €20 (or higher*) to even properly play that game! You don't even pay for a server. You pay for your own wifi. 3DS and Wii U and DS had its own Nintendo servers for FREE. And sure, they are gone now since Nintendo stopped support, so that might be the new trade-off, but still, if I am in a place without great wifi, I cannot play the game I paid €85 for and where I pay €10(*) a year for to play.

(* because you can also get NSO+ for €50, BUT you can also be part of a family plan, which is why I only pay €10 for NSO+, but not everyone can do that.)

Cause I know someone who has over 100 hours on Super Mario Maker, but as he said, the fun is in the online mode and he no longer has NSO, so he stopped playing entirely, and that was his only game on Switch. Luckily, there are still plenty of games that don't need online features, BUT AGAIN, I won't be surprised if the industry starts prioritising them since they will make them more money.

UUUUUUUUGH. I JUST HATE THE PAY-WALLING OF PREVIOUSLY FREE STUFF. I LOVE VIDDY GAMES, BUT VIDDY GAMES DO NOT LOVE ME.

[k1k101-sims]

This is the second part of my Gen 2 Set of Lookbooks. As said in the previous post, this is based on my Legacy Challenge (links to rules here)

The Skin Details for their parents can be found in my Models Masterlist, where you'll find Lucian and Willow. Willow was also used for Gen 1's Lookbooks. Part 1 is the Gardener's Route and Part 2 is the Writer's Route

Given that this Lookbook is the children of these, they wont show up in my Models Masterlist, but I will link their Skin Details at the bottom.

If you want to see the Older Sister, on the Mischevious Engineer Route, Link is Here

Without Further Ado, here's Oak Woods!

Everyday:

@clumsyalienn's Monica Hair

@yooniesim's Spirit Coin Necklace from Variation Necklace Set

@pralinesims' Version 6 of Agony Earrings from the Piercing Collection

@rustys-cc's Shorter T-shirt

Realm of Magic's Ripped Jeans

@jius-sims' Waterproof Boots 1 from Men's Shoes Collection Pt1

Formal:

@johnnysimmer's Ricky Hair from Sparks Hair Set

@pralinesims' Version 7 of Agony Earrings from the Piercing Collection

My Wedding Stories' Vest and Tie

@aharris00britney Phillip Khakis Patterned version from AxA 2022 set

@jius-sims Lace Up Boots 1 from Men’s Shoes Collection pt 1

Party:

@johnnysimmer's Henry Hair V1

@yooniesim's Link Chain necklace from Variation Necklace Set

@pralinesims' Version 7 of Agony Earrings from the Piercing Collection (Previously listed in Formal)

@its-adrienpastel's smart watch from First Fits Kits Conversion pt 2

@clumsyalienn's Caspien Shirt from Heatwave cc pack

Get Famous' Leather Pants

@jius-sims Chelsea Boots 1 from Men’s Shoes Collection pt 1

Both have the same hair from Everyday. They both also have @buglaur's Gael Earrings

Cold Weather:

@aharris00britney Calvin Blazer from AxA Paris

@nucrests' SDX016 Jean Cuffs from Assorted Collection pt 2

@jius-sims Waterproof Boot 1 from Men’s Shoes Collection pt 1

Hot Weather:

@its-adrienpastel Bobby Shirt found in High School Years Add-On pt 2

@nucrests' EP12 Pants Offset from Assorted Collection

@jius-sims' Low Top Chunky Sneakers 1 from Sneakers Collection pt2

All three have the Monica Hair from Everyday

Swim:

Island Living's Tank Top

@nucrests' Low Tide Boardshorts from Heatwave beachwear collection

Sleep:

@nucrests' Open Shirt with Briefs from Simtimates Addon

Athletic:

@mossylane's Sleeveless Hoodie from over-sized Hoodies set

@clumsyalienn's Wyatt Pants from Miracle CC pack

@jius-sims Low Top Chunky Sneakers 1 from Sneakers Collection pt2

Skin Details:

@serawis' Cocoa Beans Face overlay

@northernsiberiawinds' Dimples N2 from Gloss Collection, Default and Non-Default Eyes and Moles N2 from Indian Summer Set

@simandy's Torrada Bodyblush

@kijiko-sims' Skin Detail 3D lashes Version 2

@yooniesim's Jimin Teeth from Imperfect Teeth Set

@rheallsim's Proper Hairline

@twisted-cat's Buff Eyebrows from Brow Set N4

@lightdeficient's LuumiaSim's Body Hair updated

[losieee]

Santa Monica Beach House

Welcome kindred, to the first official installment of Sims 4: Bloodlines!

Smiling Jack: "What a scene, man! Hoo-wee! Then they just plop ya out here like a naked baby in the woods. How 'bout that?"

Sims 4: Bloodlines is a fun little side project i started, where i want to recreate some of my favorite places from Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines in Sims 4 WITHOUT using any mods or cc!!

To kick the series off we have The Beach House located on the Santa Monica beach, that you encounter during the "Surf's Up" quest!

I made the build as close as i could to the game + some extra added stuff to give it more details and look better in Sims 4. I have also included some references and objects that can be found in VTM:B!

Help Mercurio get the Astrolite back, fledglings!

Dog: "Grrrrrr...."

Build Info

Built in Oasis Springs - Sandtrap Flat

Residential

30x20

1Br, 1Ba

37,871 §

No CC

Expansion Packs: Horse Ranch, Growing Together, Cottage Living, Snowy Escape, Eco Lifestyle, Discover University, Island Living, Get Famous, Cats & Dogs, City Living, Get Together, Get to Work

Game Packs: Werewolves, Dream Home Decorator, Journey to Batuu, StrangerVille, Jungle Adventure, Parenthood, Vampires, Dine Out, Outdoor Retreat

Stuff Packs: Nifty Knitting, Laundry Day

Kits: Basement Treasures, Everyday Clutter

Check out my other Sims 4: Bloodlines builds!

And don't forget about my Pawnshop Lodgings 508 (Santa Monica Haven) build

Download (sfs) | Gallery ID: Losieee

RESHADE @mooonivys If you use my builds and upload screenshots, videos, edits or anyhting else, please @ me! I love to see them!

[onlycodcanjudgeme]

Fic Exchange Friday

Over the past week, you’ve sent us your highlights of fics to show off, and looked forward to reading and reviewing new fics buried deep in the pile of the Cal of Duty fanfic archives. And we have made it our mission to collect and compile them all for your convenience. Now—the moment you have all been waiting for!

Drumroll… 🥁 🪘

The Big Fic Exchange Friday!

available to you by OnlyCODCanJudgeMe

Thank you to everyone who participated in this experimental event! We hope you'll find some new fics to fall in love with, and we’d love to hear if you’re interested in seeing this event again in the future!

Without further ado: please enjoy our masterlist of fanfics galore!

@alidravana

Wednesday Pick Me Up — When the Green Team takes over running the coffee canteen at the Santa Monica base, a particular blonde barista catches Keegan’s eye…and maybe his heart. We Break So Beautiful — An exploration of the importance of touch in Mitchell's and Gideon's continuously evolving relationship. Partners in Crime — AKA 3+1 times Logan was completely oblivious, and the one time even he couldn’t miss the signs in front of him. Waiting on that Morning Sun — While Keegan lays wide awake at night, Logan wrapped around him like a cuddly octopus, he reflects on the changes in his life since Logan Walker appeared in it. The Sky Burns Red — Against all odds, Roach and Ghost make it out of the pit.

@mikk1n

The Plagued Capital — After his death in Prague, Soap MacTavish wakes up in a city both alien and familiar. He stumbles across a pub and a conspiracy. Watered Elixir — Plague breaks out on a ship bound for Karnaca. As luck would have it, Makarov falls ill.

@samatedeansbroccoli

Scale of Fear — Verdansk saw a dragon, but Woods only saw a man in pain. Dragon!Adler x Woods. Shabbat Meal — Having taken up a job as a Death Row cook, Lazar talks to Sims about the past. Tili Tili Bom — After Solovetsky, Belikov ensures Bell gets the best care away from prying CIA eyes. Belikov/Bell if you squint. Together — When the odds are stacked against him, Édouard Conteau finds an unlikely ally to help him out. Ghost/Templar if you squint.

@samithemunchkin

I had a thousand bad times, so what’s another time to me? — Mitchell knew, deep down, that in his situation none of that mattered. He was about as unfit for duty as a toddler. Or, the beginning of fics following Mitchell and Gideon's life after the fall of Atlas

@satan-incarnate-666

Fall Into the Sky — A set of angsty Modern Warfare Two oneshots!! i can't believe how far we have come — A feel-good 141-shot (get it? im hilarious really) with lots of found family fun!! I'm Almost Me Again, She's Almost You — Mason/Woods post-Black Ops One angst ft. baby David and Mrs. Mason!! Hold On, My Dear, I'm Coming Home — Post-canon hurt/comfort for the Modern Warfare 2019 ensemble!! Heaven And Hell Were Words To Me — MW2 But They're A Bunch Of Immortals au!! Features Ghost/Roach/Soap; Currently on hiatus but I'm writing for it again!!

@tokillamockingbird427

Placeholder — A "What if..?" scenario set in the COD: Ghosts universe where Rorke, the antagonist of the cannon uni, and Elias, the protagonist's father, are swapped. Results in many interesting and tear jerking hijinks. (The "What if..?" being: "What if Elias was the one to fall instead of Rorke?").

@weavergrigori

Operation Greenlight, Redlight — Takes place after the duga ending, in a timeline where things can somehow get far worse than just nukes in europe. It's heavily zombies focused but has a strong link to the bo1 and bocw campaign !

[guigz1-coldwar]

"Pure heart": New chapter for "The City of Angels: Under the Skin" is out!

Chapter Summary: Bell managed to find out about Maxis' location right in Grey's apartment & events took an unexpected turn with Maxis having a cardiac arrest. If Bell still succeeds to save her with Grey and send her to the hospital...the day wasn't over for her...

To read it on AO3, click here!

Taglist: @snowgoldwaylon , @clxudtea , @efingart, @chrystallenex ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dammit, if this day couldn't go shitty every hour, I don't know if I should be feeling like making my job but here, that was another case. Managing to avoid death two times in a row in just one day was like the first time it was happening. Hudson first tried to choke me to death for catching me looking at his locked stuff in the boxing club and minutes ago, it was none other than Samantha Maxis, the german woman the police & me are trying to find all over town to finally find her hiding in miss Grey's apartment and also trying to kill me before she suffered from a heart attack and me moving to save her.

After Miss Grey finished her call for an ambulance to come over, she assisted me long enough at my side, making sure that Maxis stayed alive, and hopefully, for us, the medics managed to arrive in here 5 minutes exactly after the call was made, taking charge of Maxis as we were following them outside, having her on a stretcher before they got her inside their ambulance, Miss Grey unable to come with her for the moment and same for me, just able to to see the ambulance driving away from us in the streets, leaving me alone with her.

She could see on my look that I wasn't pretty happy about the fact that she lied to me numerous times especially on hiding Maxis right under my nose. It was getting clear now, miss Grey has been hiding her since the day Dunn got murdered and the last time I came here, she managed to hide me that fact. It was maybe understandable for her to do that but not helping at all. However, I wasn't still convinced at all that Maxis could have done this to Dunn, something wasn't right in the case and I needed to know...and the only person that can tell more...is Maxis herself.

I stayed at least one more hour at miss Grey's apartment to get patched up on the few parts of my face that were scratched, a little bruise in the jaw. We also talked a bit over what & why did this all happen, her revealing to me that Maxis came to see her the night of the day Dunn was dead, pleading that she didn't kill Dunn at all and that she was surely going to be the first suspect in the case, prompting miss Grey to hide her until I got here for the second time and find her...I know someone in the police force that will be quite happy to hear everything.

Once that hour was done, I had to leave miss Grey alone for the day with my new destination: the UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, the hospital where Maxis was taken. I couldn't let miss Grey come with me as the police must have been put aware that Maxis was found and that she will surely be watched over by them and that was enough for her to be convinced, assuring her that she will be mostly released in a few days and that the two could be reunited if nothing wrong happens, now was my time to get back behind the steering wheel of my car and be on my way to the hospital, thinking about who I could find from the force: Woods, Mason or maybe the Commissioner Sims, I'll see.

I arrived at the hospital a few minutes after getting stuck between the L.A.'s traffic, my eyes were on the parking spots, almost all filled with police car...well, seems that the police is fully aware now and since I learned of a few things yesterday, maybe that Adler will get aware of it soon, miss Park told me that he got eyes in the police, men under his payroll. I got out of my car after parking it next to a cop one before walking towards the hospital and then entering it, already finding a cop next to a coffee machine at the reception desk and for me, I don't know I needed to ask where was Maxis' room to the receptionist...someone walking in...

"Bell!" This, someone, was the very same commissioner, Lawrence Sims as he was accompanied by another policeman, a sergeant if we look closely, probably giving orders before his eyes went on me. "You can go now," I heard him say to the sergeant before his head came back at me. "I wonder when you will turn up here," He told me, our hands moving for a shake.

"Well, I think you got heard of what happened," I guessed, shaking our hands with a little grin on our faces. "And that you know why I'm here," He nodded at me on this, not stupid to know that I wasn't coming here for the beauty of the place.

"Follow me," He ordered, a sign with his head behind him before turning his body around to walk in the direction he came in, causing me to get on his side. "When we learned that Maxis was taken here, I was somehow thinking it was either Woods & Mason or you doing it," He presumed, both of us entering in a long hallway, seeing doctors & patients around it. "Most reliable solution was you, the two are enjoying a day in the mountains,"

"But you didn't expect where Maxis could have been hiding all along?" I suggested, already thinking about his reaction to this.

"To say, I knew that something was off in Grey but not that," He affirmed, his face showing the truth of his surprise. "I was suspecting that she could be hiding something and you're the person that got it right," He added as we make a turn to arrive in a staircase, going up. "Anything you can tell me about her?"

"If we had to talk about Maxis, I'll say that she got a big strength if you look at my face," I knew he was talking about Grey here but I wanted to show him the extent of what Maxis did to me even I wasn't angry against her...but I guess that my face was not able to be hidden but everyone, even him, acted if it wasn't too much. "But yeah, Grey & Maxis are together, it's been a while and she made me learn about an event that happened in New York two years ago,"

"Go on," Sims instructed, staying clear in his role to know more.

"Maxis got into a fixed match, she was supposed to lose but..." I started, allowing Sims to guess sometimes what I can reveal to him while staying focused on walking up the stairs, passing through some cops.

"But she decided to change the result and win," I nodded at this.

"Her former manager wasn't happy about it, tried to kill her as she was going to left town but instead, it was him and his men who got killed," I continued into giving him that information as I could observe that once we got on the floor where I presume Maxis' room is, I was meeting fewer doctors and more cops guarding the place...Maxis' security was high. "I think that your Eastern colleagues know that event but I don't think that's necessary to give them Maxis,"

"And why that?" He asked me, curious.

"You won't believe with who that manager was working for," I said, causing the commissioner Sims to narrow his eyes towards me, thinking that I was laughing at his face but his expressions weren't showing this...more a surprised reaction if I can see better.

"Adler?"

"Yeap," I affirmed, not stopping in my walk like him to take a moment. "But I think Adler was aware that Maxis killed her former manager and by the odds, Maxis went to flee in L.A to work in a boxing club owned by him...coincidence?"

"Hmm..." Sims mumbled, scratching the right side of his jaw with his hand. "Maybe that Adler was blackmailing her, if she wasn't doing as he said, he can give her up the police in the East," Sims thought, making theories about this situation that could be the reality and that only Maxis can give answers to me about that. "You're still convinced that Maxis didn't kill Dunn?" He demanded, our walking pace getting slower before we arrived next to a door, two policemen in front of it along with a group not too far, in a waiting space with benches.

"Yes," I simply said.

"You think you can make her talk after what she did to you?" He demanded again.

"Well, if she's awake and not going to throw a punch at me again, I can," I breathed, moving my eyes towards the door, thinking of what could happen...is she going to talk? Is she going to stay silent?. "Is she awake anyway?" I asked.

"It's been 10 minutes now, she managed to wake up faster than we thought but yes, she's looking okay but her heart is still trying to catch up," He responded to me, gesturing with his head at the door, the policemen in front of it directly moving aside of it without having to be verbally ordered to. "You have at least 10 minutes here, doctors don't want her to make another heart attack," He advised me and I nodded before he starts to move away from me, leaving me alone in front of the door.

A deep breath from me, a strong mind to be prepared about anything now before I decide to get inside the room, one of the policemen getting his right hand over the door handle to open it for me, allowing me to enter this room, a banal medical room to say...been a while since I didn't enter a room like this, maybe 3 years ago...and I was the one in the bed, I caught a bullet in the right shoulder while trying to stop a man who has cheated on his wife...anyway, I need to focus on the case...Maxis...

Her bed wasn't located in the middle of the room right in front of the door but rather a few steps from the large window giving a big view over Santa Monica and the nearest beach, she was laying down on her bed, her left arm in plaster because of me and her eyes were looking away, at the window.

"You didn't wait at all, miss..." She spoke up, keeping her eyes on the window and having guessed on who got in.

"Jessica Blackwell, call me Bell," I presented myself to her, keeping a low voice as I was slowly walking towards her bed, feeling that room really...silent if no one talks. "I guess that you don't have to present yourself, I know who you are and what you can do," I told her, going next to the chair near her bed.

"I wasn't myself," She muttered, her head lowering down a bit.

"You were just defending yourself," I assured, sitting down on the chair and taking an analysis of her feelings & moves...anything could be useful here...she was looking sad, different from the person I fought with one hour ago. "You thought that I worked with Adler and...well, not directly but he kinda hired me about Dunn," I added, half-confirming her suspicion on me.

"It's not his style to hire someone like this, miss Bell," She said, her head slightly moving at me where I could see her face...the scars on her left cheek...three parallel lines going up until reaching her nose. "Adler has been taking extreme measures to take care of his business but hiring you for that? You must have something linked to him or maybe that you are popular in your work," She guessed and to say...I couldn't answer it because I don't know what to say here...I don't have anything in common with Adler and have been popular as a detective...not sure...

"Honestly, I can't answer it," I told her directly with a shrug. "But you can maybe answer my questions about everything...if you're willing to know the truth too," I proposed, taking out my notebook off my jacket and putting it over my lap, grabbing my pen on the same occasion.

"Well, I guess that I don't have a choice and...since the truth, I need it too..." She stopped herself to make a deep breath, her face showing signs that it was time for her to give out some stories about her. "What do you want to know first?"

"Adler..." I marked down its name on top of the notes, starting with an easy subject at first for me...everything has a beginning. "How did you meet him? Was it after New York, right?" I demanded, a sigh coming from her directly.

"Elizabeth..." She breathed, saying miss Grey's first name. "Yeah, it was after I...I...killed my manager, Richtofen...one of my friends told me to go to the West, maybe Los Angeles," She started, along with me, writing down what she was saying. "Unfortunately, it was a trap that led me right into my old manager's boss...Adler," She scratched her head with her unbroken hand and then, another breath. "He knew well that I killed his men in that alley, he told me that if he wanted me to pay the debt, I had to stay under his watch in Los Angeles until...until...well, just to keep me under control or he'll give me up to the East,"

"Alright," I silently whispered, writing down the confirmation from her...Adler knew well of Maxis' involvement in the New York event two years ago. "A sort of blackmailing if we can resume it?"

"Yes," She confirmed, along with a nod.

"Did he try to threaten you or...miss Grey?" I demanded, curious.

"Well...he got aware of our...relationship a while ago when Hudson...Jason Hudson caught me & Grey kissing before opening the club for a day, she was receiving threats from time to time and it wasn't coming from Adler's men directly," She confessed, making another note in the book and I was feeling more distraught & disgusted by Adler's person. "He's using cops on his payroll",

"Like...the cop that visits miss Grey from time to time?" I suggested, pointing the pen in my right hand behind me like that and a nod came from her to confirm this.

"Yeah, that's why...that's why I decided to go live with Grey in her apartment with my dog...just two days before Dunn died," She explained, giving me another subject to talk about here.

"Dunn...where were you when he got killed?" I questioned her, making sure to see her good and her reaction.

"I was in my apartment all night, packing some of my belonging to move it to Grey and...I didn't sleep all night, planning to get some rest for the day before I realized I forgot something at the club...I went to it and....and then, I saw his body over the ring," She revealed to me, making another discovery in this case and it was quite surprising, even having to cross a word I spelled badly in my notes. "I was terrified of this and....I was scared because I would have been the primary suspect here,"

"That's what happened, Maxis," I said, reminding her that even doing that caused her to be marked as the main suspect of that case.

"We had a dispute hours before the club shut down...in front of almost everyone, he was almost drunk, shouting at me for trying to make him lose his life and...I went a bit over the edge, telling him back that he was working with the worst human and that soon or later, someone will kill him," She suddenly resigned herself to explain what happened, I heard words from that but now, she was telling me directly this. "I then stormed out in anger of the club...that's the last time I saw him alive," She affirmed in a clear & sorry voice...she was surely hating herself for what happened. "It's my fault that it happened, me & that morphine..."

"The drugs?" I thought.

"Yes," She nodded.

"You may be overheard me with miss Grey, right?" Another nod.

"I tried to stay off that shit but...the pain, it got over me and I resigned myself to do it...because of Adler's advises on taking some," She admitted, giving another detail...Adler's suggestions to take drugs...not nice from him. "Almost every of the person fighting in that club is taking drugs, it's mainly morphine or anything removing pain, that shit," She added.

"Damn...that's a lot," I murmured while writing down those...it's not just Maxis but every boxer involved into taking drugs, it can explain Hudson's strength against me earlier..."You can tell me more about it?"

"Uhm...I don't think I can say more for the moment, doctors said that I should have a rest and you know, my heart," She declared, seeing her arm moving over her chest, her voice sounding low, a bit troubled to do that and for me, it was okay, her life was important than to freak her over to know more, I'm patient and...Maxis doesn't deserve that at all. "I'm very sorry,"

"It's okay, as long that we can know more about what happened," I said, finishing to write the last words before closing the notebook and getting it back along with the pen inside my jacket. "I'll maybe come back tomorrow or in two days, do you think it's okay?" I asked her.

"Yes," She replied, seeing her making a smile but not too much...more like a grin before I went to get up from the chair and then, move to the door. "By the way..." I stopped in my walk to turn at her, briefly seeing a better smile on her face. "Thank you for saving my life, I owe you," She thanked me, causing me to give another smile to her.

"Thank you too," I nodded with my smile before resuming to walk away from here, opening the door of the room, and then, as I was going to step outside, I went to turn around on my own at her, seeing her looking back through the window...maybe thinking of a good thing...

"Maxis, hope that you will be better soon...you don't deserve that..."

[mimisimsss]

This is the next room from the huge beach house, you can find it in the gallery, my account is @Mimi3353, you can also type anisroom. Here is the cc you have to download first, to see the objects in your game. Thank you so much to the cc creators and the sims resource, the sets are totally free! You have to put the files in your Mods folder, which is in your Documents/Electronic arts/The sims 4/Mods. Happy simming!

1. Yslextius bedroom by @jomsimscreations

https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/yslextius-adult-bedroom/id/1446077/

2. @pralinesims Veox stone wall https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-walls/title/veox-stone-wall/id/1362537/

3.Muldia bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/muldia-bedroom/id/1462173/

4.Elamia bedroom  https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/elamia-bedroom/id/1443258/

5.Enora bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/enora-bedroom/id/1299343/

6. Severinka_`s  Monica bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Severinka_/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/monica-bedroom/id/1442052/

7.Thalmia bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/thalmia-adult-bedroom/id/1440933/

8.Praline sims stylish tile 15 https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-walls/title/stylish-tiles-15/id/1298755/

9. NynaeveDesign`s Sheer Lyne curtains https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-objects-furnishing-decor-curtainsblinds/title/lyne-curtains--sheer-curtains-2x1/id/1439170/

10.Acsventsy bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/acsventsy-bedroom/id/1453153/

11. SIMcredible!`s La vie en rose https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-garden/title/la-vie-en-rose-/id/1477859/

12.ShinoKSR`s Classy office https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-study/title/homeoffice-classy/id/1440325/

13. Pralinesims TUZ wood floors https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-floors/title/tuz-wood-floors/id/1449975/

14.Sianatum bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/sianatum-bedroom/id/1352363/

15.Sudddenly classic bathroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-bathroom/title/suddenly-classic/id/1316653/

16.Momentum bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/momentum/id/1356137/

17.Cafe creme bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/cafe-creme/id/1319140/

18.Raelma office https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-study/title/raelma-office/id/1414187/

19.Septania bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/septania-bedroom/id/1414013/

20. ung999`s black white bedroom https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/black-white-bedroom-/id/1355670/

21.Madame robert https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-sets-objects-adultbedroom/title/madame-robert-bedroom-baroque-modern/id/1311998/

[blackchildrensbooksandauthors]

40 Books to Celebrate National Poetry Month

The forty books listed offer a range of diverse topics from Phillis Wheatley’s ruminations on various subjects to Mahogany L. Browne’s Black Girl Magic—from laughing feet to family love—Harlem to hair. April is National Poetry Month, and there’s something here for personal, classroom, and community enjoyment or inspiration. Poetry Month is “the largest literary celebration in the world,” so go here for ideas on how to celebrate all month long and here for more poetry selections from Nikki Grimes, Marilyn Nelson, Kwame Alexander, and other poets. Happy Poetry Month!

My People - Langston Hughes, Illustrator - Charles R. Smith Jr.  

I Am Loved - Nikki Giovanni, Illustrator - Ashley Bryan

My Feet Are Laughing - Lissette Norman, Illustrator - Frank Morrison  

Young Cornrows Callin Out the Moon - Ruth Forman, Illustrated by Cbabi Bayoc  

Bronzeville Boys and Girls - Gwendolyn Brooks, Illustrator - Faith Ringgold  

Love to Langston - Tony Medina, Illustrator - R. Gregory Christie  

Hey Black Child - Useni Eugene Perkins, Illustrator - Bryan Collier  

Read and Rise - Sandra L. Pinkney, Illustrator - Myles Pinkney  

I Am the Virgin Islands - Tiphanie Yanique  

I Live in Music - Ntozake Shange, Illustrator - Romare Bearden

We Are Shining - Gwendolyn Brooks - Jan Spivey Gilchrist

In Your Hands - Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrator - Brian Pinkney  

That Is My Dream! - Langston Hughes, Illustrator - Daniel Miyares  

Some Kind of Love: A Family Reunion in Poems - Traci Dant Illustrator - Eric Velasquez  

Life Doesn't Frighten Me - Maya Angelou, Illustrator - Jean-Michel Basquiat 

Oh, Brother! - Nikki Grimes, Illustrator - Mike Benny  

Sail Away - Langston Hughes, Illustrator - Ashley Bryan  

Ostrich and Lark - Marilyn Nelson, Illustrators - San Artists of the Kuru Art Project in Botswana  

Crowning Glory - Joyce Carol Thomas, Illustrator - Brenda Joysmith  

Harlem - Walter Dean Myers, Illustrator - Christopher Myers  

Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou - Dr. Edwin Graves Wilson Ph.D., Illustrator - Jerome Lagarrigue  

The Angels Lullaby - Joyce Carol Thomas, Illustrator - Pamela Johnson  

Wonders: The Best Children’s Poems of Effie Lee Newsome - Rudine Sims Bishop (Compiler), Illustrator - Lois Mailou Jones  

I See the Rhythm - Toyomi Igus, Illustrator - Michele Wood  

Under the Moon & Over the Sea: A Collection of Caribbean Poems - James Berry & Grace Nichols  

Daddy Calls Me Man - Angela Johnson, Illustrator - Rhonda Mitchell  

Children of Long Ago - Lessie Jones Little, Illustrator - Jan Spivey Gilchrist  

America, My New Home - Monica Gunning, Illustrator - Ken Condon  

Soul Looks Back in Wonder - Tom Feelings (Editor) Illustrator - Tom Feelings  

Words with Wings: A Treasury of African-American Poetry and Art - Belinda Rochelle https://amzn.to/2Gz4E5m

The Pioneers (Poetry from the Masters) - Wade Hudson  

The Poems of Phillis Wheatley: With Letters and a Memoir - Phillis Wheatley 

Carver: A Life in Poems - Marilyn Nelson

Poetry from the Masters: The Black Arts Movement - Eugene Useni Perkins 

Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People - Carole Boston Weatherford     

Martin Rising: Requiem for a King - Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrator - Brian Pinkney  

How I Discovered Poetry - Marilyn Nelson, Illustrator - Hadley Hooper  

One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance - Nikki Grimes, Illustrators - Various Artists  

Out of Wonder - Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, & Marjory Wentworth, Illustrator - Ekua Holmes 

Black Girl Magic - Mahogany L. Browne. Illustrator - Jess X. Snow

Find more children’s and young adult books by Black authors here 

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Your thoughtful donation will support our mission to promote awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors. 

Our stories matter. 

Thank you!

[xsvnflower]

muses por subir

ryan arnold (fc: miles heizer)

beth atkins (fc: sydney sweeney)

nathan brown (fc: brandon flynn)

luna woods (fc: crystal reed)

kyle sims (fc: tyler posey)

martin wheeler (fc: nico tortorella)

shane carter (fc: daniel sharman)

óscar leiva (fc: alvaro rico)

monica palmer (fc: madison beer)

bambi leigh (fc: emma mackey) 

elliot buckley (fc: joshua basset) 

lo dejo por aquí por si alguien quiere algo con estas muses que aún me quedan por subir (iré subiendo las fichas a lo largo de la semana, i suppose)

[myaekingheart]

10/28

There were multiple dreams this night.

The first one had something to do with my high school visual design class, but I can't quite remember what. I want to say it had something to do with sleep pods like in The Sims 3: Into the Future and something about running late?

I can't quite remember if this one was basically in the same "dream slot" (so to speak) as the one about my visual design class but I know that one at least faded into this one because the rooms looked similar. I was in a hotel room now with a man who I swear, the more I think about it, must've been Tom Ellis as Lucifer from Lucifer. He kept trying to get me to join him and this girl in their little fucking session, to make it a threesome. It was the day before the girl's wedding day (she actually looked like Doug's wife from The Hangover movies, I can't remember the actresses name) and I guess she was getting cold feet, needed one more big hurrah before she tied the knot, whatever. Either way, my blatant rejection time and time again I guess got her rethinking her choices and questioning her faith to her fiance because I refused to fuck someone else out of respect for my boyfriend or something.

This last dream was probably the fucking wildest out of all of them. It was a Friends based dream that started out in Central Perk. Ross saw a cute girl at one of the high tables that sit behind the big orange couch that he decided he wanted to ask out. She was with a friend, another girl. I can't remember which one was doing this (because my notes were a little vague when I jotted this down the morning after) but one of them was concentrating really hard on some book and a stack of homework. Either way, so Ross gets up to approach this girl he thinks is cute and ask her out but as he gets closer, he realizes this cute girl is none other than Rachel. Later that night, he and Chandler are on the rooftop balcony of this suburban cabin cottage place (it reminded me a lot of the neighborhood from Everyone Loves Raymond, so think upstate New York) where Ross confides in Chandler about what happened. Meanwhile, everyone else is across the street at another suburban cabin cottage-like place, I think they were all sitting at the kitchen table while Monica was serving dinner (the kitchen/dining area looked very much like that of Full House, like 80's/90's wood and florals). Across the street, the windows of the house next to the one Ross and Chandler were standing on are wide open and everyone starts freaking out when they see none other than Chandler climbing into bed with someone's boss (a female, but not Joanna). The dream then cut to a scene of him undressing out front of the house almost as if he was trying to pull some shitty strip tease. Later that night, Chandler goes back across the street to where everyone else is and expresses some regret for what he did. Monica comes over and comforts him, holding his head close to her chest and wrapping her arms around him, whatever, during which Chandler says something along the lines of "You know, the entire time I was over there, all I could think about was how much I wished I was over here with all of you guys instead, kissing and cuddling" (this being my brain's sad attempt at a classic awkward Chandler joke that made sense and sounded in character in the dream but doesn't apparently translate very well when I try to retell it but whatever, it's what happened and I can't change it so whatever.)

10/29

There were these two anime girls, they looked like they were probably from Pokemon more than anything else. One had dark brown/black hair with a headband and big, round, Harry Potter-esque glasses framing gray eyes and the other was taller with blonde hair and blue eyes. They were walking together with a little animal, their pet, along this white dock on their way to school. I guess they lived in a seaside town because of both the aforementioned dock and because everything was blue and white and bright and sunshiney. But anyways, so they had to board this boat bus (that looked kind of like a yacht or one of the boats at Disney World that take you between resorts) in order to get to school but they were running late. They reached the boat just as it was pulling out so they tried to jump onto the back seat of it but they ended up getting in trouble with this older girl who I guess was like the principal of the bus. Her name was Masamune and she had curly blonde hair and blue eyes and a white cap and a white outfit. She kind of reminded me of May from Pokemon, to be honest. But anyways, she got pissed when they tried to jump onto the back of the boat and cast them off. The girls were disappointed but they resolved to just walking to school instead, and as they did so they threw on this matching beige, slouchy knit beanies despite having headbands on and said something about "At least we have matching hats" or something to that effect, I believe? I don't know, something effortly positive was said as they and their little pet (who I can't remember what it looked like for the life of me but I want to say it looked very Pokemon-esque, as well) started walking to school.

10/30

This dream had really weird chronology but I remember being in a long, dark hallway looking for Brooklyn's 99th precinct. There were a lot of stoic strangers in police uniforms around who I was kind of scared to speak to but I remember asking one which way the 99 was and he told me to go left or something? So I started wandering down this hallway looking at the labels on all the doors trying to find the right one. There were so many, though, and it was hard to see because the lights were so dim. I think at one point I did finally find where I was supposed to go and I remember entering this large room that looked like part of a warehouse where the detectives of Brooklyn Nine Nine all were. It was very drab and dull and colorless, though, and I remember feeling nervous and kind of chaotic, even. I think someone gave me some mission to fulfill that required me to leave the precinct for something, I don't remember what it was, but then all of a sudden I got lost again and was wandering around the exterior of this strange Disney-themed theater place. Like I remember being on what was probably ground level outside of an entrance designed like Ursula's lair with dark/purple rock fixtures and seashells and starfish and whatnot. There was no one around to ask for help or directions so I was basically completely on my own here. There was, however, an alcove of sorts with a small set of rock-like stairs that didn't really lead anywhere. I tried climbing them but only ended up on this dark second story platform that didn't lead anywhere but through this unnerving round archway (think like how the entrance to Hot Topic used to look in the old days, but it kind of looked like an old movie reel or something) that led into blackness but somehow I instinctively knew it was an entrance to a stadium portion dedicated to Disney on Ice. I don't remember much after this but I know by the time the dream faded into blackness, I felt panicky and lost and confused and it was all very disorienting. Apparently feeling scared and lost seem to be recurring themes to my dreams these days.

[mrmichaelchadler]

Roma, Vice, Black Panther Win Big at 24th Critics' Choice Awards

The energetic host Taye Diggs kicked off the evening at the 24th Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, CA, with a song and dance number that honored inclusivity in this year's acclaimed films: “Crazy Rich Asians,” “BlacKkKlansman,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Roma,” “Green Street” and “Black Panther,” all to the tune of Cardi B's "I Like It"—a perfect crowd-pleaser. 

Credit: Sarah Knight Adamson

A rare occurrence also happened Sunday evening in two of the women’s categories: Best Actress in Film, and Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television or a Limited Series—both garnered ties. Glenn Close, for “The Wife” and Lady Gaga, for "A Star is Born." Earlier in the evening, it was Amy Adams, for “Sharp Objects,” and Patricia Arquette, for “Escape at Dannemora.” They shared Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television trophies.

The Best Actress Oscar race is now the most capricious, as Lady Gaga is back in the running after being shut out of the Golden Globes. Close’s riveting performance in “The Wife” showcased her career talents as one of the great actors of our time. For Lady Gaga, a relative newcomer to acting, she stunned all in her soul-baring, passionate and natural performance.

Glenn Close’s warm acceptance speech was directed to all women as she embraced the notion of celebrating together with another female, instead of continually being pitted against each other. Close thanked her daughter Annie Starke, for helping her create her part in “The Wife.” A tearful and gracious Lady Gaga praised her director Bradley Cooper for his cinematic guidance. After leaving the backstage press room upon the conclusion of the show, while following the exiting crowd, I found myself directly behind the “A Star is Born” dinner table and witnessed a supportive Sam Elliot and a misty-eyed Gaga sharing a tender moment.

Getty Images

In the Best Picture race, “Roma” director Alfonso Cuarón’s personal black and white foreign language film won both Best Foreign Language Film and Best Film. "Roma" received four awards in total, the most of the night, including Best Director and Best Cinematography. “Black Panther” and “Vice” followed close behind, each winning in three categories.

Christian Bale, as Dick Cheney in “Vice,” won the Best Actor and the Best Actor in a Comedy awards for his conspirator performance. “Bohemian Rhapsody'"s Rami Malek and “Green Book”s Viggo Mortensen are also main runners for the Best Actor Oscar.

In the Best Supporting roles, Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk” won over co-frontrunner “Vice's” Amy Adams, who has been Oscar-nominated five times, but has yet to win. King paid homage to author James Baldwin, writer of the 1974 novel the movie is based on by saying, “Thank you for being the voice for the voiceless—for educating a country even when they didn’t want to learn a lesson. For still educating us posthumously.” Concluding, “I’ll leave you with this: in the words of James Baldwin, ‘we can make America what America must become.’” 

Mahershala Ali’s Dr. Don Shirley’s performance in “Green Book” won critics over frontrunner Richard E. Grant’s performance in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” Ali sidestepped the recent "Green Book" controversies by speaking directly to the film's composer and pianist, Kris Bowers, saying, "This gentleman I owe so much. This is my other co-star, he doubles for me, and he did the composition for the film. He was my piano teacher and my friend." 

Getty Images

Upon the announcement of Best Comedy, “Crazy Rich Asians” the excitement was apparent as the cast leaped to their feet and rushed to the stage while high-fiving and cheering. Best Sci-fi or Horror Movie winner John Krasinski for “A Quiet Place” gave a tribute to his wife, Emily Blunt and their kids by saying, "I got to make a movie about a love story and a love letter to my kids. I got to do it with the love of my life by my side, so I'm pretty sure it doesn't get much better than that. Thank you so much."

This year’s #SeeHer Award recipient, Claire Foy, was presented by former #SeeHer Award recipient Viola Davis. The award recognizes a woman who embodies the values set forth by the #SeeHer movement—to push boundaries on changing stereotypes and recognize the importance of authentic portrayals of women across the entertainment landscape. The mission of #SeeHer is to accurately portray all women and girls in media so that by 2020, the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, they see themselves reflected as they truly are.

Credit: Sarah Knight Adamson

In conclusion, the evening is a celebration honoring talent and a chance for critics to meet talent face to face. Each year has a different tone, as last year’s #MeToo movement had just kicked off. ‘Inclusion’ now appears to be front and center.   

FILM

BEST PICTURE

“Black Panther” “BlacKkKlansman” “The Favourite” “First Man” “Green Book” “If Beale Street Could Talk” “Mary Poppins Returns” “Roma” “A Star Is Born” “Vice”

BEST ACTOR

Christian Bale – “Vice” Bradley Cooper – “A Star Is Born” Willem Dafoe – “At Eternity’s Gate” Ryan Gosling – “First Man” Ethan Hawke – “First Reformed” Rami Malek – “Bohemian Rhapsody” Viggo Mortensen – “Green Book”

BEST ACTRESS

Yalitza Aparicio – “Roma” Emily Blunt – “Mary Poppins Returns” WINNER (tie): Glenn Close – “The Wife” Toni Collette – “Hereditary” Olivia Colman – “The Favourite” WINNER (tie): Lady Gaga – “A Star Is Born” Melissa McCarthy – “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Mahershala Ali – “Green Book” Timothée Chalamet – “Beautiful Boy” Adam Driver – “BlacKkKlansman” Sam Elliott – “A Star Is Born” Richard E. Grant – “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” Michael B. Jordan – “Black Panther”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Amy Adams – “Vice” Claire Foy - "First Man" Nicole Kidman – “Boy Erased” Regina King – “If Beale Street Could Talk” Emma Stone – “The Favourite” Rachel Weisz – “The Favourite”

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

Elsie Fisher – “Eighth Grade” Thomasin McKenzie – “Leave No Trace” Ed Oxenbould – “Wildlife” Millicent Simmonds – “A Quiet Place” Amandla Stenberg – “The Hate U Give” Sunny Suljic – “Mid90s”

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

“Black Panther” “Crazy Rich Asians” “The Favourite” “Vice” “Widows”

BEST DIRECTOR

Damien Chazelle – “First Man” Bradley Cooper – “A Star Is Born” Alfonso Cuaron – “Roma” Peter Farrelly – “Green Book” Yorgos Lanthimos – “The Favourite” Spike Lee – “BlacKkKlansman” Adam McKay – “Vice”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Bo Burnham – “Eighth Grade” Alfonso Cuarón – “Roma” Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara – “The Favourite” Adam McKay – “Vice” Paul Schrader – “First Reformed” Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie, Peter Farrelly – “Green Book” Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, John Krasinski – “A Quiet Place”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole – “Black Panther” Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty – “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” Barry Jenkins – “If Beale Street Could Talk” Eric Roth and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters – “A Star Is Born” Josh Singer – “First Man” Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee – “BlacKkKlansman”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Alfonso Cuaron – “Roma” James Laxton – “If Beale Street Could Talk” Matthew Libatique – “A Star Is Born” Rachel Morrison – “Black Panther” Robbie Ryan – “The Favourite” Linus Sandgren – “First Man”

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Hannah Beachler, Jay Hart – “Black Panther” Eugenio Caballero, Barbara Enriquez – “Roma” Nelson Coates, Andrew Baseman – “Crazy Rich Asians” Fiona Crombie, Alice Felton – “The Favourite” Nathan Crowley, Kathy Lucas – “First Man” John Myhre, Gordon Sim – “Mary Poppins Returns”

BEST EDITING

Jay Cassidy – “A Star Is Born” Hank Corwin – “Vice” Tom Cross – “First Man” Alfonso Cuarón, Adam Gough – “Roma” Yorgos Mavropsaridis – “The Favourite” Joe Walker – “Widows”

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Alexandra Byrne – “Mary Queen of Scots” Ruth Carter – “Black Panther” Julian Day – “Bohemian Rhapsody” Sandy Powell – “The Favourite” Sandy Powell – “Mary Poppins Returns”

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP

“Black Panther” “Bohemian Rhapsody” “The Favourite” “Mary Queen of Scots” “Suspiria” “Vice”

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

“Avengers: Infinity War” “Black Panther” “First Man” “Mary Poppins Returns” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” “Ready Player One”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

“The Grinch” “Incredibles 2” “Isle of Dogs” “Mirai” “Ralph Breaks the Internet” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

BEST ACTION MOVIE

“Avengers: Infinity War” “Black Panther” “Deadpool 2” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” “Ready Player One” “Widows”

BEST COMEDY

“Crazy Rich Asians” “Deadpool 2” “The Death of Stalin” “The Favourite” “Game Night” “Sorry to Bother You”

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY

Christian Bale – “Vice” Jason Bateman – “Game Night” Viggo Mortensen – “Green Book” John C. Reilly – “Stan & Ollie” Ryan Reynolds – “Deadpool 2” Lakeith Stanfield – “Sorry to Bother You”

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

Emily Blunt – “Mary Poppins Returns” Olivia Colman – “The Favourite” Elsie Fisher – “Eighth Grade” Rachel McAdams – “Game Night” Charlize Theron – “Tully” Constance Wu – “Crazy Rich Asians”

BEST SCI-FI OR HORROR MOVIE

“Annihilation” “Halloween” “Hereditary” “A Quiet Place” “Suspiria”

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

“Burning” “Capernaum” “Cold War” “Roma” “Shoplifters”

BEST SONG

“All the Stars” – “Black Panther” “Girl in the Movies” – “Dumplin’” “I’ll Fight” – “RBG” “The Place Where Lost Things Go” – “Mary Poppins Returns” “Shallow” – “A Star Is Born” “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” – “Mary Poppins Returns”

BEST SCORE

Kris Bowers – “Green Book” Nicholas Britell – I”f Beale Street Could Talk” Alexandre Desplat – “Isle of Dogs” Ludwig Göransson – “Black Panther” Justin Hurwitz – “First Man” Marc Shaiman – “Mary Poppins Returns”

TV

BEST DRAMA SERIES

“The Americans” (FX) “Better Call Saul” (AMC) “The Good Fight” (CBS All Access) “Homecoming” (Amazon) “Killing Eve” (BBC America) “My Brilliant Friend” (HBO) “Pose” (FX) “Succession” (HBO)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Freddie Highmore – “The Good Doctor” (ABC) Diego Luna – “Narcos: Mexico” (Netflix) Richard Madden – “Bodyguard” (Netflix) Bob Odenkirk – “Better Call Saul” (AMC) Billy Porter – “Pose” (FX) Matthew Rhys – “The Americans” (FX) Milo Ventimiglia – “This Is Us” (NBC)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jodie Comer – “Killing Eve” (BBC America) Maggie Gyllenhaal – “The Deuce” (HBO) Elisabeth Moss – “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu) Sandra Oh – “Killing Eve” (BBC America) Elizabeth Olsen – “Sorry For Your Loss” (Facebook Watch) Julia Roberts – “Homecoming” (Amazon) Keri Russell – “The Americans” (FX)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Richard Cabral – “Mayans M.C.” (FX) Asia Kate Dillon – “Billions” (Showtime) Noah Emmerich – “The Americans” (FX) Justin Hartley – “This Is Us” (NBC) Matthew Macfadyen – “Succession” (HBO) Richard Schiff – “The Good Doctor” (ABC) Shea Whigham – “Homecoming” (Amazon)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Dina Shihabi – “Jack Ryan” (Amazon) Julia Garner – “Ozark” (Netflix) Thandie Newton – “Westworld” (HBO) Rhea Seehorn – “Better Call Saul” (AMC) Yvonne Strahovski – “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)Holly Taylor – “The Americans” (FX)

BEST COMEDY SERIES

“Atlanta” (FX) “Barry” (HBO) “The Good Place” (NBC) “The Kominsky Method” (Netflix) “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon) “The Middle” (ABC) “One Day at a Time” (Netflix) “Schitt’s Creek” (Pop)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Hank Azaria – “Brockmire” (IFC) Ted Danson – “The Good Place” (NBC) Michael Douglas – “The Kominsky Method” (Netflix) Donald Glover – “Atlanta” (FX) Bill Hader – “Barry” (HBO) Jim Parsons – “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) Andy Samberg – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Rachel Bloom – “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (The CW) Rachel Brosnahan – “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon) Allison Janney – “Mom” (CBS) Justina Machado – “One Day at a Time” (Netflix) Debra Messing – “Will & Grace” (NBC) Issa Rae – “Insecure” (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

William Jackson Harper – “The Good Place” (NBC) Sean Hayes – “Will & Grace” (NBC) Brian Tyree Henry – “Atlanta” (FX) Nico Santos – “Superstore” (NBC) Tony Shalhoub – “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon) Henry Winkler – “Barry” (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Alex Borstein – “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon) Betty Gilpin – “GLOW” (Netflix) Laurie Metcalf – “The Conners” (ABC) Rita Moreno – “One Day at a Time” (Netflix) Zoe Perry – “Young Sheldon” (CBS)Annie Potts – “Young Sheldon” (CBS) Miriam Shor – “Younger” (TV Land)

BEST LIMITED SERIES

“A Very English Scandal” (Amazon) “American Vandal” (Netflix) “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX) “Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime) “Genius: Picasso” (National Geographic) “Sharp Objects” (HBO)

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

“Icebox” (HBO) “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (NBC) “King Lear” (Amazon) “My Dinner with Herve” (HBO) “Notes from the Field” (HBO) “The Tale” (HBO)

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Antonio Banderas – “Genius: Picasso” (National Geographic) Darren Criss – “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX) Paul Dano – “Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime) Benicio Del Toro – “Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime) Hugh Grant – “A Very English Scandal” (Amazon) John Legend – “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (NBC)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

WINNER (tie): Amy Adams – “Sharp Objects” (HBO) WINNER (tie): Patricia Arquette – “Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime) Connie Britton – “Dirty John” (Bravo) Carrie Coon – “The Sinner” (USA Network) Laura Dern – “The Tale” (HBO) Anna Deavere Smith – “Notes From the Field” (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Brandon Victor Dixon – “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” (NBC) Eric Lange – “Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime) Alex Rich – “Genius: Picasso” (National Geographic) Peter Sarsgaard – “The Looming Tower” (Hulu) Finn Wittrock – “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX) Ben Whishaw – “A Very English Scandal” (Amazon)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Ellen Burstyn – “The Tale” (HBO) Patricia Clarkson – “Sharp Objects” (HBO) Penelope Cruz – “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX) Julia Garner – “Dirty John” (Bravo) Judith Light – “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX) Elizabeth Perkins – “Sharp Objects” (HBO)

BEST ANIMATED SERIES

“Adventure Time” (Cartoon Network) “Archer” (FX) “Bob’s Burgers” (Fox) “BoJack Horseman” (Netflix) “The Simpsons” (Fox) “South Park” (Comedy Central)

“Critics’ Choice Awards” are bestowed annually by the BFCA and BTJA to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. The BFCA is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 300 television, radio and online critics. BTJA is the collective voice of journalists who regularly cover television for TV viewers, radio listeners, and online audiences. 

Sarah Knight Adamson© January 15, 2019, member of the BFCA, article for Rogerebert.com

from All Content http://bit.ly/2RA7uxh

[empireintheair]

-By Sam@Empire-

Last month I took on a The Speed Project. I wrote about the race a year ago, observing from the outside, but this year I got to live it myself.

The Speed Project is an ultra relay. 344-something miles from Santa Monica Pier to the “Fabulous” Las Vegas sign. Crazy right? Crazy enough for almost 40 teams, and some hundred runners to fly from 20 different countries to participate. There’s no monetary win. Just, a pool party, a cool vintage medal and of course bragging rights.

What started as a dream project turned into this ridiculous challenge to be apart of a TSP legacy.

This year I got to join the Mission I’m Possible family. Unlike most teams that stuck to 6 runners, we had about 12 runners + crew. Being the third year participating in this race, we had a few seasoned runners who knew what to expect out of this race and call the shots on segments.

What made this race different from others was that being nearly 40 teams, this race was going to become more competitive.

Thursday March 29th, 2018

Teams gathered at TSP HQ for briefing, packet pickup and to kindly meet the competition. I was getting goosebumps seeing all the RVs and chaser vans lined up in the tight parking lot and seeing the excitement in all the runners. Kraft Runners one of the anticipated leaders of the race, get awarded most low key RV by hiring an artist to tape up their vehicle (and lost their $1000 deposit as well… lol)

During the meeting Nils, founder of TSP had to be stern about listening to cops and not ending up arrested. Unlike other countries, we gotta take our authority more seriously.

“There are no rules, but there are laws”

Being at the briefing, we realized how small the running community was, and saw some familiar faces from the Bay Area including @concreterunners and female team @dthxsqd. Our friend Jenny @sherunsf, who we haven’t seen all year even stated “Is this what it takes to see each other? TSP just to run with each other again?!” I guess so.

Friday March 30th, 2018

It was about 3:30am as we were pulling up to the Santa Monica Pier sign. From what it looked like, some teams had been there for some time, maybe even slept at the start.

The starting line looked eerie. The plan was to start an hour earlier than previous years to get out of LA sooner and avoid traffic. There was still some fog rolling in from the beach but it just made the whole atmosphere look THAT more epic. The TSP media team was giving their final speeches, and this was probably the last time we would see all runners together until we got to the Vegas.

At 4am the race began! I was nervous, jittery, anxious but also excited. MIP decided we wanted to start with sisterhood so Jenay and I would be starting off the first leg. Although I wasn’t the very first runner, I would be meeting Jenay 3miles in to finish up the first segment. Our strategy was to keep each leg mileage short so that we could recover quicker.

Half our team went ahead where we would meet later that morning. Throughout TSP, we had two vehicles: a chaser van support vehicle to hold runners on deck and an RV for food and sleeping when you weren’t running.

Around 9 am, we linked up with the RV and switched runners from the RV and the chaser van. Sophia mentioned that we were already so much ahead of our time the previous year, but also, the race being an hour earlier than last year made a huge difference and allowed us to get out of LA traffic much sooner.

When in the RV, one of the most important things to focus on is recovery. With the sun being up and the energy still giving you that runner’s high high, you want to be awake (because FOMO) and recover your calories. However, you don’t want to eat too much so you don’t have to take poops in the wilderness. Rule #1: no pooping in the RV.  Tuna Cracker Snacks, and Smucker’s Uncrustables were my food of choice for majority of the trip. (I’m pretty sure I ate most of them… sorry team)

As we were waiting for another switch, we parked in this vacant lot somewhere in Palmdale where we were caught up with Concrete, Death Squad, and I think AM:PM(Australia). In the middle of our break, the homeowner of the property came out and initially we thought he was going to kick us out of the lot. Rather than scolding at all these runners, he basically, opened up his home to us offering water, food, (but most importantly, a toilet) after a little curious questioning of what the hell we were doing causing traffic in their quiet town. He also had the cutest puppers that just wanted to play with some humans. Turns out, his kind soul was just home cooking for his friends that are at work all day so that they don’t have to worry about it when they come home. That’s friendship.

By 2pm, MIP was reeling in to the RV again. I myself wasn’t going to run in this next segment so I got to relax for another 5-6 hours. We drove ahead and made our way to the next rest stop before entering the Airplane grave yard.

This area was one that were highly briefed about at the meeting. It was known for stray dogs, rattlesnakes and also meth heads. In the handbook, it pointed out specific directions to stay close to the runner, just in case something/someone starts attacking. Just to be safe.

It was roughly 7pm, but it was light enough that we were still able to see the graveyard of huge airplanes and broken down cars. We were also running along another team, and we were trying our best to stay close by. As if playing catch up with Vans and RVs. Again, we were way ahead of MIP’s time last year that we got to see the TSP course in a different but also competitive light- literally. Throughout the night we continued being neck and neck with these other teams.

Due to a high volume of complaints leaving Palmdale, support vehicles were asked to drive ahead and not follow too close behind runners when we got back to the paved paths. If you thought you were afraid of the dark, try running a mile in it by yourself with no support. Although I had the full moon and a headlamp to light the way, it was so spooky just being alone on the road, when all you can hear is the water in your hand held bottle swooshing back and fourth and your feet hitting the pavement. It was meditative, but still spooky-A…F.

Once we got to the next transfer location close to midnight I was so happy to hear that the rest stop had showers. I wasn’t a fan of the idea of having to shower in dinky RV shower (shout out to Body Wipes) , but had to balance with the fact that the showers would only have ice cold water to bathe in. Good for recovery, I guess. I then treated myself to a strawberry shortcake ice cream because day one was over and yea, I damn well deserved it.

 Saturday March 31st

Overnight, the majority of brothers of MIP covered trail portions in the dark.

Simeon Ran this same unsupported 9 mile leg 2 years ago and had to have a support vehicle come find him- he didn’t complete his leg that time. This year, he needed and wanted to redeem himself.

During that same leg, our van found another runner going the wrong way. In true MIP spirit, we picked him up, and dropped him off with our runner. We had them stick together for the rest of segment since it honestly didn’t matter at this point who was ahead or not. Coincidentally, Sim was wearing his volt Nike Pacer shirt not only for visibility, but acting upon that life role for the other runner. Their team was so thankful for us saving their mate.

I tried to get a good sleep, but was restless. You kinda stress about about having to get up to run your next segment. It was still pitch black outside, close to 4am. At the rest stop, we were waiting on Bryan, who was in the middle of a tough trail portion. Yea, I’m the dark. He described this portion like he was running but not going anywhere- as he compared it to running in quicksand. But like him, still had a smile on his face the entire time. We saw nothing but little flashlights in the distance so Julian went out and met him a few meters in for the exchange. Next was Ozzie and DZ.

By 6am we were heading into an even tougher trail portion. There was this one specific hill during the entire race that we have been warned about. No support unless you have a 4Runner.

In the chaser van, we were strategizing that I would take on the beginning half, have the van meet on the other side of the hill and Sophia run the second. Just before my portion, we stopped by a gas station as DZ was running his portion. Everyone needed this rest stop to restock on water, ice, and snacks and the toilet.

As we were driving back, we see some runners hopping over the hill thinking “DAMN, they got here quick!” Knowing DZ, we figured he would make it to our checkpoint fast, but for some reason, waiting, he was no where in sight. we then realized… what if he was one of those runners we saw over the hill?

We drove ahead on the highway, looking out for our runner in his gray shirt and there he was! Thankfully this portion was in viewing distance of the highway. Jupiter, our driver, was contemplating if we should drive ahead and meet him where we had originally planned to exchange Sophia, but next thing you know he makes a U-Turn along the dirt median, cuts traffic and pulls over. I then had to hop out of the Van with little to no thought, jump under barbed wire slide down a rocky path and meet up with DZ on the trail. All he said was “WE’RE AHEAD!!” as he was trailing another runner.

That runner happened to be Sandra Villines, of Firepower -Ultra Marathoner and Bad Water 2017 Winner, an ultra race through Death Valley… no big deal. For a team of Top females and 6 ultra runners, this group was hanging on to our team of 12+. I think at the moment I passed her on this trail portion-(hell yea i passed a champion), things began to get more competitive en route to Vegas.

In the light of things, DZ and I found a slab of wood on the ground that was an accurate shape of the state of Nevada, so of course we took it home with us.

During Jr’s portion, a 6-mile unsupported trail just before Baker, he called me saying his back was killing him, and I can tell he was in pain. Being the worried girlfriend that I am, I asked if anyone from the team could rescue andtake over the last portion of his leg for integrity purposes . Bryan, still tired from almost 10 hours of back to back segments still hadn’t recovered but knew he had to help Jr out. He described running to him as running into nothing but salt flats. It was tough running 2 miles out and back.

When we got to Baker to fill up on gas, SammyJo, Alexa, and Tony from MIP LV met up with us and something about their high energy gave us our second wind. Aka “fresh legs.”

It was about 11am, and Bryan said it was getting real, we were now entering the “Gates of Death Valley.” For the next 6 hours or so, the brothers would be running the desert through the hottest portion of the day. It was a segment that would take all heart. Thankfully, both SammyJo and Mia are trainers so they were able to help our runners recover in between legs.

We heard stories of the guys turning 2 mile segments into 1/2 mile segments since it was getting so hot and unbearable throughout the day. Everyone was out of it but they knew they shouldn’t even think about the mileage they had to cover and just run to get it over with.

Tony who was water boy even got in a mile to help the team recover just that much longer, however being water boy, the team forgot to get him water… lol.

The RV was parked at the end of the segment and we really used this time sleep and finish up RV decals. Crazy, but we saw Coach Raul of Nike Run Club LA, but also a TSP veteran just running on his own as he was training for Boston Marathon. WHO DOES THAT?

By 6pm, the Death Valley Squad was coming in for the exchange. While we went ahead, they said @wmnruntsp team met them on top of our RV without invitation. But rather than a hostile environment, it was a moment of peace and camaraderie. With the race being so competitive and nearly two days in, it was nice to just sit and enjoy each other’s company.

While running through Tecopa, the latter half of Death Valley, we were reaching higher elevation and got to enjoy a beautiful golden hour. Sammy Jo who only ran 2 miles said she was having trouble breathing! I even ended up getting a bloody nose due to the altitude during my segment and could tell my quads were giving out. Probably the slowest I ran the entire race at this point. Everyone was reaching their peak and exhausted, but knew we just about 6 miles each to run until the next exchange. I was also getting hangry.

More than 40 hours had passed by and closer to midnight, Jupiter was the last to exchange with those who were not even rested in the RV. This was the 30-something miles before the Las Vegas sign. I don’t know why we were stalling, but Simeon took off before we knew it. We had to catch up to Firepower who was just a couple miles ahead.

It was a continuous uphill segment, and Bryan said it felt like he was just walking(which Im sure was still probably 8min/mile pace) but once we got over the hill you could see the lights of the Vegas Strip. HOME STRETCH!

During that uphill, we took a lead on Firepower, but they were still on our tail.

With less than 20 miles left in the race, the guys were doing mile segments to quicken the pace. By the time Bryan was even able to get his things together in the Van, you hear DZ slamming on the van for the next runner to go!

“She’s right there!”

Adrenaline was pumping!  Once we caught up to this team, there was nothing holding the guys back. Roy even texted us in the RV “if anyone can put in a 7-8 minute mile it would help us rest our legs” — but yea, at this point, us slower runners wouldn’t really contribute.

Not that we didn’t want to help the team, but we couldn’t maintain the pace they were already going. Eventually Jenay and Laila joined van to get in their last miles.

5:03am

The Finish Line. It was a close race. We met up with the MIP 400 meters out to run them into the Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Compared to the year prior, we had a 12 hr PR! It was early in the morning, and although we didn’t have Vegas family and friends waiting for us like previous years, there was something about the intimacy of just have the team and a few spectators that made this moment so special.

They say there may not be a Speed Project next year, but we’ve heard that before. Until we meet again on the RUNway…

Sam@Empire.

The Speed Project 4.0 -By Sam@Empire- Last month I took on a The Speed Project. I wrote about the race a year ago, observing from the outside, but this year I got to live it myself.