#simon crenshaw

[mia-nina-lilly]

Dark Rise fandom.

Can someone remind me why Simon wanted to marry Katherine? Was it by chance? Was it because she was pretty? I can't remember and the wikis don't seem to have that information... 🥲

[karinonsan]

The Creens is giving me early Mo Dao Zu Shi confusion twister with hundred names thrown im for one person. Who was Han Guang-jun and Lan Wangji and Lan Zhan and Lan Er-Gongzi again? Wdym they're the same person???

Because, is Simon's name Simon Crenshaw because they called him Lord Crenshaw or is it Simon Creen? His father's name is Sinclair?? So is he Simon Sinclair or Sinclair is the father's name? WAIT WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE FATHERS NAME IS ACTUALLY EDMUND CREEN i thought the "S" was really for "Sinclair" while Simon was just really playacting the S is his brandname while it really was his father's (while actually it was neither)...

[will-kempen]

Random Dark Rise Poll 11/?

Here's something we haven't discussed yet. What was the deal with Simon and Katherine?

EDIT: I stupidly didn't think to include any option for "he was mysteriously drawn to her because Magic" but for the sake of the poll I feel like this could come under "he thought she was hot"

In your personal opinion/headcanon:

All Dark Rise polls here (will be updated as I post more)

[petulant-plants]

One of my favourite things about dark rise is that it never ever pulls it’s punches.

If something can get worse it will get worse every time, and I feel like that’s not something I usually see in YA books. Characters will have narrow escapes, they’ll make it out by the skin of their teeth, maybe with some losses along the way, but you know they’re getting through it, they’re the main characters after all. Except in dark rise there is literally never a single narrow escape and no one get out of a situation better off than they went in.

Will thinks of a way to avoid direct conflict between Simon and the Stewards? Too late Simon already invaded and everyone is dead.

Will realizes who he is? Oops Katherine overheard.

The gang needs to get out of the citadel before Crenshaw and his goons arrive? Well too bad, they’re already here and the party is split and everyone is suffering.

James comes and rescues Will from his own friends? Uh oh the collar is in place.

I feel like your average YA would have Will be clever enough to somehow evade these dangers and their consequences, and Will IS clever, it’s just that also life is hard and brutal and sometimes you won’t make it in time and you won’t be able to out manoeuvre your rich and powerful enemy.

[djuvlipen]

I grew up along Romania’s Black Sea coast. My father was the first in his family to graduate from university, and my mother went to a vocational school. Being educated was unusual in our Romani community. My parents raised me with a deep sense of justice and dignity. They told me to be proud of being Roma, while non-Romani people told me there was something wrong with me.

My parents still preserved some aspects of traditional Romani culture: They were obsessed with me maintaining my virginity and being a “good woman.” In many Romani communities, women get married as teenagers. Those who attend school often drop out before high school because they get married, or to care for their younger siblings and perform household chores. Others leave school out of fear of the racism they would face.

Romani women aren’t a monolith. But we all contend with patriarchy and marginalization both inside our culture and from the outside world. The contradictions I have witnessed led me to ask questions and eventually, to discover feminism and to fight for equality. Along this path of activism, however, I learned that I had to define my own understanding of what it means to be a feminist within my Romani identity.

Romani people have endured centuries of injustice across Europe, as an ethnic minority, yet we have a long history of resistance. By the late 1990s, I had graduated from university, gotten married and become a mother. I was also an activist in the Romani movement. I started to wonder what elders meant when they said that we struggled for our “rights.” I learned about the discourse around the universality of human rights. As Romani people, did we really believe in human rights? Or did we only believe in human rights when it came to our rights, Romani people’s rights? What about everyone else? And who is in the position of power to define Romani rights? I debated these questions with my soul mate and fellow Romani activist, Nicolae Gheorghe.

At the same time, I began to question the condition of women and girls in our community, and why we were treated differently from the boys and men around us. Even when I joined the Romani rights movement, I was expected to behave in certain ways that men defined. They determined who was a “good” Romani woman activist. Some Romani male activists tried to monitor my sexuality and called me a “whore” when I had a relationship with a man when I wasn’t married. It was the verses of our beloved Polish Romani poet known as Papusza (whose real name was Bronislawa Wajs) that brought me comfort. She wrote about the Holocaust and of being a woman defying constraints and traditional roles for women, for which she was ostracized by the community. Where were women’s rights within the discussion of Romani rights?

Then came feminism. I met Debra Schultz the American Jewish historian, who could see all these questions burning inside me. She bought me the first books about feminism that I read, including works by thinkers such as Simone de Beauvoir. But I really fell in love with the work of Black feminists Angela Davis and bell hooks, whose book, “Ain’t I a Woman” became like a bible for me. And later, I met law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, who introduced me to the concept of intersectionality between race and gender. Finally, the way I saw the surrounding world and my Roma world became clearer to me.

Feminism gave me the lens to question the world’s power dynamics, from private spaces to international politics. Despite this intellectual awakening, I still went on to face horrible racism when I met white feminists, who said they didn’t see the point of including Romani women in feminist agendas when there was already an existing Romani rights movement. When there was a spike in racism against Romani people in Europe around 2005-07, I reflected on how to practice a feminism that did not erase my Roma identity and that did not reinforce the oppression of my community.

Neither of the two social movements that I have moved between — feminism and Romani struggles — wanted Romani women’s concerns to be highlighted unless those in charge got to decide how to portray such issues. Every social movement has its prejudices, I learned.

So, what is Romani feminism? To me, it means I have the freedom to choose what version of a Romani woman I want to be. Romani feminism is the force that makes it possible for our communities to grow and to challenge others around us. Our feminism reminds us that the greater Romani movement should not only be about how to get into the structures of power, but how we should never forget the local communities, and the people. We should be close to our people at the local level, in their daily lives, while challenging both racism and sexism.

We Romani feminists reiterate pride in being Roma by constructing and reconstructing through archive, memory and art, the possibility for the next generation to practice a new identity, without the burden and control that our ancestors faced. Our work ranges from creating collaborations such as the Roma Women’s Initiative, a group of female Romani leaders across Europe, to providing social services to Romani women who continue to face harassment, racism and other challenges. We are creating our own ways to help each other.

Some may call me a pioneer, or a traitor for splintering the Romani rights movement. For others, I am not radical enough. But after three decades as a Romani feminist, I am still acting against “anti-gypsyism,” manifesting the love of my people, crying out loud with pain when I feel and see how others hate us.

Nicoleta Bitu is a Romani feminist activist and scholar based in London.

[steveconte]

“WE LIKE IT”  - Music

“WE LIKE IT”  - Music & Lyrics by Steve Conte & Andy Partridge

Steve Conte - Vocals, Guitars, Percussion, Handclaps

John Conte - Bass

Prairie Prince - Drums

Rob Schwimmer - Keyboards 

Backing vocals - Ian Hunter, Rick Tedesco, Kevin Tyler Preston, Glen Matlock, Prairie Prince, Thommy Price, Marshall Crenshaw, Tommy Henrickson, Kyf Brewer, Marc Broussard, Steve Lillywhite, Kasim Sultan, Jessie Wagner, Palmyra Delran, Genya Ravan, Simon Kirke, Danko Jones, Nasty Suicide, Dennis Dunaway, Kevin Salem, Danny B. Harvey, Jonathan Clarke, Robert Eriksson, Dregen & Majsan, Kevin March, Chips Kiesbye, Rich Ragany, Keith Roth, Damon Johnson, Rich Jones, Billy Hopeless, Alycia Jones, Jay Millete, John & Jennifer Kerns, Danni Action Michael Imperioli, Frank Lammers, Christian Keiber, Kerry McGann, The Brazen Giant Ensemble, Ryan Hamilton, Ben Rubin, Jan Verdoorn, Mickey Leigh, Westley Crawford, Janie Barnett, Nicki Richards, Lajuan Carter-Dent, Baz Conte

We Like It  (Conte/Partridge)

Yeah, yeah we like it

Yeah, yeah we like it

I’ve got something gonna make you scream

Yeah, yeah we like it

I’m the candidate pushing your American dream

Yeah, yeah we like it

All politicians got their pants on fire

Everybody knows the situation is dire

I’m no messiah and I ain’t no liar

But I know what ya want and I know you’re gonna like it

Yeah, yeah we like it

A tap in the kitchen, that turns on the beer

Yeah, yeah we like it

There’ll be no hangovers, they’re illegal here

Yeah, yeah we like it

Now everyone is beautiful from north to south

The only ugly things are what come out our mouths

Peace, love and fun is what it’s all about 

‘Cause I know what ya want and I know you’re gonna like it

Improve your life, husband or wife

Until you're bored or dead and done

Promise you cash, your own fat stash

You know we print it by the ton

You won't go belly up

i'll overflow your cup

'Cause I know what you want and I know your gonna like it

Yeah, yeah we like it

Yeah, yeah we like it…

*Produced by Steve Conte (Additional remote production by Andrew Hollander & Andy Partridge)

*Arrangers - Andy Partridge & Steve Conte

*Published by Thunderdog Music / Teosto (Worldwide), ASCAP (North America) and Warner Chappell / PRS

*Recorded at Renegade Studios, NYC 

*Mixed by Geoff Sanoff

[consoledacup]

For those who see a regression in Jordan's character in the latest ep....

The pilot set Jordan's series Achilles heel in motion incredibly well. He overhears his dad, the great NFL star Billy Baker, say that Spencer is the guy who will deliver the Beverly Hills championship. His name wasn't mentioned at all. And he's back to the day that he broke a window and saw the pride in his dad's eyes once he realized Jordan could be an exceptional quarterback.

Jordan said it as much in 5x19. He was chasing his dad's attention ever since. And all of his actions from the pilot to s4 constantly informed that idea.

It's why he was messing around and getting high. He saw how the connection between his dad and Spencer was unlike anything he's experienced. And was just kinda like, well, what's the point? I suck, so I might as well have fun. And then when GW is working with him, he can't shake the, what do you think? Am I good? Is my dad wrong? Am I good? Am I good? Am I good?

And then of course after his dad's affair was revealed, and this man that he idolized revealed that he was very, very human, all hell broke loose. And when he's told he's going to be a father, he's like. Well, shit. Maybe this is something that will bring us closer in a weird way because he's not perfect either. He has no choice but to help me, right?

He is brokenly trying to make peace with his failed relationship with his dad and letting down his mom. And then Spencer, his brother, not only leaves Beverly but takes his dad with him. His dad follows the perfect son. Of course he's going to marry Simone. Because Simone is telling him, I know you would've been a great father. I know you can support me. I see you as a man. And then he completely loses himself after his concussions. Because the one thing he had going on with his dad, with his friends, with his school, with his future, with all of it... was football. And if he didn't have football, where else was he gonna find approval?

Once he gets Spencer to train him and becomes this really bad ass player, he's like... wait a minute. GW saw something and trained me really hard. Now Spencer is pushing me hard. Maybe it isn't me... maybe my dad just doesn't see me as anything special. And Simone has these dreams and fell in love with Bringston, and maybe that's my dream, too.

And s4 is when he finally starts to let go of his expectations that his dad see him as anything as a screwup. And that's when Billy is starting to think, hey wait a minute. What did I do? How did I fail my son this way? It's the classic "Look at me! Dad! Dad! Dad..." The minute Jordan shuts up, Billy looks.

And it isn't until Jordan starts getting closer to Layla that he begins to let go of his people-pleasing tendencies. His whole life, he's like, Are you proud? Are you proud now? How about now? What should I do? What should I do? What can I do to make you proud? And in a loving way, Layla has no time for any of it. Isn't it funny that she brought up him seeking his dad's approval in the studio when he didn't even mention his dad? Olivia has told him that Jordan sometimes doesn't see himself as great. But Layla's the first person to say, what even defines greatness? What do you want?

And it's that thought that has Jordan finally progressing on the path to leadership. And finally mends, really mends, his relationship with his dad. Jordan lets go of trying to please him so damn much and starts going after what he wants. And accepts his dad for the flawed man he is and loves him for it. And then Billy finally, finally, finally is like, I screwed up. But I will be the best damn coach to you if you give me another chance. Because I can't lead this team without your talent. And when Billy decides to stay at Crenshaw, Jordan isn't even phased. Because he had finally started to look inward.

When Billy dies, he immediately tries to be his father. And pretty quickly realizes that that's not gonna work because he's not. He's always, always, always been Jordan Baker. Not Billy Baker's son. And in that way, he knows how proud he's made his father.

Don't you see? It is a leap of faith to get engaged at nineteen, and I'm not saying it's not risky because it is. But he figured out what he wanted. Good or bad, he didn't talk to anyone else about it. He didn't say, what should I do? What would Dad do? Even when Layla was so adamant against Asher proposing to Jaymee, he had to see for himself what her answer was going to be. He's not relying on anyone else to tell him his dreams or show him his path. He didn't want to waste any more time waffling when, in his gut, he knew what felt really, really right. And he chose his way.

The Jordan Baker way.

[kickmag]

Will Smith & Coco Jones Celebrate Season 3 Of BEL-AIR With Performance At Peacock BBQ

Will Smith and Coco Jones performed at Peacock's BBQ last night to celebrate season 3 of BEL-AIR. The event took place at the Universal Studios Backlot in Los Angeles. BEL-AIR cast members Jabari Banks, Coco Jones, Adrian Holmes, Jimmy Akingbola, Olly Sholotan, Akira Akbar, Jordan L. Jones, and Simone Joy Jones, attended alongside executive producers Will Smith and Morgan Cooper; showrunner, executive producer, and writer Carla Banks Waddles. Special guest stars in attendance included Jazlyn Martin, Justin Cornwell, Alycia Pascual-Peña, and more. Trejos Tacos, Black-owned Earle's On Crenshaw, and Eagle Rock BBQ catered the event. The Blaccess (Black Access term coined by Will and Carlton) Flea Market featured three Black-owned vendors and Blaccess merchandise. DJ Meel kept the music going, and Charles Kuykendoll was the host. BEL-AIR's third season debuts on Peacock on August 15th. 

[aspiringpolymath]

Mid Year Reading Check In

I compiled this at the end of June, so it's not up to the minute accurate, but a good indication of how my reading year has gone so far. I tweaked the questions a bit to suit my reading style. If anyone sees this and wants to answer them PLEASE tag me so I can see what you are reading!

Mid Year Book Check In Questions:

Did you set a reading challenge; if so, how’s it going? (AKA How many books have you read?)

Best book(s) you’ve read so far?

Best sequel or book in a series you've read so far?

New release you haven't read yet, but want to?

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?

Biggest disappointment?

Biggest surprise?

Favorite new author? (Debut or new to you)

Newest favorite character (for whatever reason)?

Book that made you cry or saddest book you’ve read?

Book that made you happy?

Favorite review you've written this year? (Can be glowing or a takedown)

Favorite cover for a book you've read this year?

What books are your priority to read by the end of the year?

Answers:

According to GR, I’ve read 239 books (tho I prefer ‘title’ since some are pretty short. I read a mix of novels, novellas, shorts and manga/comics.) My GR goal is 365, so I’m ahead of schedule!

Bests

Manga - Restart After . . . duology by Cocomi

Graphic novel - Mamo by Sass Milledge (ff ya)

Non LGBTQ+ romance book - The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (still casually queer)

Short book - Bisclavret by K.L. Noone

Standalone mm romance book (there are not a lot of these, lol) - We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian (I didn’t want it to be over, so I really took my time.)

3. Three way tie between The Missing Page by Cat Sebastian, Malibu by Emmy Sanders, and Out of the Wild Night by Marina Vivancos. Oh, and Muscle Cub by Slade James!

4. Loads, but I still haven’t read The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles and I really need to get on that.

5. I’m looking forward to the next volume of Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide by Mone Sorai. Oh, and Gentle Chaos by Tyler Gaga (ghosthoney on IG and TikTok)

6. I was most recently disappointed by How To Say I Do by Tal Bauer - not hugely, just wasn’t what I was hoping for.

7. I was really pleasantly surprised by Show Me How to Trust by Ray Celar. I didn’t have high hopes after book 2, but this one really took the time it needed to with the characters. Not a perfect book, but really lovely.

8. I’ve read a couple of short things by her in the past, but this year Crystal Lacy has become a new go-to author.

9. Sal from The Demon’s Mate by Delaney Rain, and maybe Collin from Off-Ice Behavior by Hannah Henry.

10. Some I’ve already mentioned made me cry, but I Felt a Funeral, in My Brain by Will Walton made me cry no fewer than five times. It’s a weird prose poem YA book about grief and generational addiction, I thought it was so well done. A book that made me cry mostly happy tears was Keep Me by HJ Welch.

11. The audiobook of Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green made me legitimately lol.

12. Well, the one that has gotten the most likes on GR is my 1 star of The Right Wrong Number by Katie Warren, but I did like my pithy review for So These Rude Grumpy Arrogant Jerks Fall In Love and It’s Gross by TJ Land. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5353619286

13. The Roger Crenshaw books by Taylor Titmouse have amazing covers, and illustrations inside, too.

Also, Haunt, Heart, Havoc by Freydís Moon has a super striking cover.

14. I’d like to get back to In Memoriam by Alice Winn. I started it, but there were holds and I knew it was going to get very sad. Oh, and this probably should have been listed above, but I also want to get to Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly soon.

[theuniverseawakens347]

Lee so hell bent and desperate to get a diagnosis SHES using me to diagnosis bitches who look like me n Daniel’s ex and friends to talk shit about me and then got Paula king faking a psychiatrists… Taylor senior … her house apartment up the street around the way from Paula Mitchell lee likes to keep the stalking slaves close to me n Tristan stuff - a sneak attack breaking in but lee you lame as fuck that unit is getting remodeled or did and is green…. On Ventura buy or pass the target by paul Mitchell… Kimora Jay sleeping in her car over there… thanks Lee get the info as I write this you stupid fucking bitch ass piece of a mother but you sooo fucking concerned w other moms STOP BEING A FUCKING KAREN EVEN THE HOUSE NIGGER HATES YOU IN FUCKING FULL… PAULA YOU TWO - TAYLOR SR WHY SHE PAYING UR RENT N PIMPING YOU MEN TO DATE .- “ she a female Tristan and I hate pops for Malik” … okay what Daniel got to do with this how you get his sperm for babies - DANIEL I DID UR HAIR AT SCHOOL YOU SEEN UGLY AS PERSONAILTY DAE DRESSING LIKE A WOMAN. Mhmm “ do you mind that” no he’s a friend* - faked it like the rest of weird easy money slave stalking cunt ass bitches. .. Paula Barton how you know Kimora Jay and Alissa morris from CSUN DAISY FLORES FULLERTON … grad w honors STUPID FUCKING LAW DEGREE FOR TINA OSHINUGA AND AJA MILES ANTHROPOLOGY N MORGAN SIMON UCLA GOT KICKED OUT OR LEFT CAUSE HE LOST HIS TRACK SCHOLARSHIP SO LEE ASKED HIM TO MURDER ME 2021 to get him back to school - MIACH AND HIM UPS DRIVING … HOW I STEAL PACKAGES W YOU - THE NIGHT MORGAN SAID HED COMMITT SUIDE TO MIACH AND MICAH CALLED ME TO COME OVER 1 am NICE RENTED G WAGON TRUCK JEEP … DONS BY THE PARK LABREA ACROSS KENNETH HAN… WHO HAD A SHOOTING !? MATEO WHY IS MORGAN A LIAR … OH HE SHOT SOMEONE THAT NIGHT AND DIDNT TELL ME SHIT WAS IT AFTER IMLEFT N SAID “ you calling MIACH out for doing weirdo shit but you faking a sliced to see if he cares about you you gotta be toxic too” and left AINT seen or heard from em since - THANKS AUG 17th 2021 - NOW SETTING ME UP FOR UR FUCKING MURDER CHARGES CAUSE YOU COWS BRAINS DUMBASS LAW KIDS LADERA VIEW PARK N HATE AJA BUT USED MY NAME THANKS TO MORGAN AND MATEO AND MICAH ( innocent) - Ian king … kj smith… Andrew Johnson when did you become a police office like Julian Jackson a fire fighter .. - yes Willie you can fight for me black Israeliten… Trenton graham look just like Jeff miles …. Miles printing down Crenshaw shut down when - clarity Basel hassoldt Torrance

[harmony-of-political-science]

Bridging Theory and Lived Experiences: A Melodic Exploration of Gender, Race, and Politics

Harnessing the Power of Music

Through the artistic expression of music, this project seeks to evoke emotions, prompt critical thinking, and offer a fresh lens to examine the complex interplay between political science theories and the realities faced by marginalized groups, particularly women and people of color, within the context of US politics and social movements.

Curating a Thoughtful Spotify Playlist

By curating a thoughtful Spotify playlist, with each song symbolizing or resonating with concepts, events, or ideologies, the project can provide a unique and engaging perspective on the nuanced relationship between political science theories and the lived experiences of different genders and races. By bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world expressions through a carefully curated playlist, the project aims to make these concepts more accessible, relatable, and impactful for listeners.

Weaving Theory and Artistic Expression

The playlist serves as an artistic expression, using music to evoke emotions, prompt critical thinking, and offer a unique perspective on the nuanced relationship between political science theories and the lived experiences of different genders and races in the US. Through the powerful medium of music, this endeavor deftly weaves together the seminal works of esteemed scholars such as Kimberlé Crenshaw, Bell Hooks, Ange-Marie Hancock, Kai M. Green, and Mala Htun with the evocative lyrics of celebrated artists like Hozier ft. Mavis Staples, Olivia Rodrigo, Nina Simone, Taylor Swift, Halsey, Jamila Woods, Rina Sawayama and Shea Diamond.

Exploring Complex Concepts through Music

This harmonious convergence aims to provide a unique and engaging lens through which to examine complex concepts such as intersectionality, critiques of mainstream feminism, the "visibility project," and the transformative potential of autonomous social movements. By curating a thoughtfully crafted Spotify playlist, this project transcends traditional academic boundaries, inviting listeners on a melodic journey that amplifies the voices, perspectives, and artistic expressions of those existing at the intersections of racial and gender oppression.

[occupyhades]

God's Whistleblower

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 (ESV)

One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan. Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” Job 1:6-7 (NLT)

This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. 1 John 3:10 (NIV)

What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars. Proverbs 6:12 (NLT) 

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. James 3:9 (NIV) 

As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” 1 Corinthians 1:19 (NLT)

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. Apocalypse 20:12 (BSB)

And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Apocalypse 20:15 (BSB)

[abbloodtype]

Allah the seat of marriage a Saudi blood of Crenshaw.

I allow words to decide the seat of lies to destroy words that are simple. We argue the defense of life that reflects the war of hate. God is silence that reflects the cost of Mecca a gift of silence. How is the subject a word of gifts that will direct words if they support lies? Racial suggested terms ,so they confuse words a decision that sheds lies of Muslim existence the trait of its blood,as they perform favors for Simon a racist. A selected image is a word to withdraw character, so a weapon to destroy lies the ability to halt your treaty me a King Escobar.

[steveconte]

It’s the premier of my new video, “We Like It” from The Concrete Jangle!

Featuring the voices of: Ian Hunter, Kevin Preston, Glen Matlock, Prairie Prince, Thommy Price, Marshall Crenshaw, Tommy Henrickson, Kyf Brewer, Marc Broussard, Steve Lillywhite, Kasim Sultan, Jessie Wagner, Palmyra Delran, Genya Ravan, Simon Kirke, Danko Jones, Nasty Suicide, Dennis Dunaway, Kevin Salem, Danny B. Harvey, Jonathan Clarke, Robert Eriksson, Dregen & Majsan, Kevin March, Chips Kiesbye, Rich Ragany, Keith Roth, Damon Johnson, Rich Jones, Billy Hopeless, Alycia Jones, Jay Millete, John & Jennifer Kerns, Danni Action Michael Imperioli, Frank Lammers, Christian Keiber, Kerry McGann, The Brazen Giant Ensemble, Ryan Hamilton, Ben Rubin, Jan Verdoorn, Rick Tedesco, Mickey Leigh, Westley Crawford, Janie Barnett, Nicki Richards, Lajuan Carter-Dent & Baz Conte (many of whom can be seen in this video…)

Strap in for some political commentary that doesn’t take sides and calls out the ridiculousness of both parties…

[consoledacup]

Is Layla a main character?

I can’t believe some people claim that Layla isn't a main character, when, in reality, she plays a central role in numerous major plot lines throughout the show.

I personally think that the biggest storylines are of course Spencer's life and his journey to the NFL, the dynamics within the Baker family, and the music storyline. and Layla has had a huge role in all of these narrative arcs. People may disagree that the music storyline is one of the main ones but here are my reasons why I think it is.

1. Consistency: The music storyline has been present since the first season.

2. Character Involvement: the music storyline is not just exclusive to Layla, several of the main and recurrent characters, including Coop, Patience, Preach, and Shawn, have had their own music-related storylines.

3. Bridge Between Worlds: obviously Spencer and Billie are the bridge between Crenshaw and Beverly Hills. But to me the music storyline also acts as a bridge connecting Crenshaw and Beverly Hills, since a lot of the Crenshaw characters have been part of the music storyline.

4.Vegas Fiasco: The music storyline served as the backdrop in the Vegas plotline, as Layla’s invitation to Coop’s show was the reason everyone was there.

5.Guest Stars: The presence of famous guest stars like JoJo and Shawn Stockman show how important the music storyline is.

6.Recurring guest Characters: Many recurring characters, such as JP, Clay, Carrie, Gia, Miko, and even Sky, are tied to the music storyline or Layla herself.

Layla’s status as a main character is undeniable and here are some of my reasons:

1. Baker Family Connection: Her close relationship with the Baker family, particularly as Olivia’s best friend and Jordan’s fiancé, mirrors Spencer’s bond with the Bakers, as he becomes like a son to Billy and Laura just like Layla, is best friends with Jordan and in love with Olivia.

2. Bridge Between Worlds: Layla’s involvement in the music storyline serves as a bridge between Crenshaw and Beverly Hills, for the reasons I mentioned before.

3. Central Role in Major Plot Lines: Layla has played a central role in many major plotlines, including her relationship with Spencer, the Spelivia love triangle, feud between Asher and Spencer in season 1, love triangle with Simone and Jordan, Patience’s storylines, Coop’s music storyline, etc.

4. Independent Storyline: Layla has her own storyline (music) unrelated to Spencer or football, that plays a major role in other character’s arcs demonstrating her significance in the show.

5. Guest Characters : Many of the guest characters are specifically for Layla’s storyline (JP Keating, Carrie, Gia, Sabine, Shawn Stockman, Chyna, christian).

6. Layla’s sets: Layla has sets specifically for her( music studio, previous houses, her bedroom, rehab facility).

7. Glue of Girls’ Friendships: Layla is the glue of the girls friendships. Olivia, Coop, Patience and Jaymee are all closer to Layla.

8. Crossover Involvement: Layla has been part of the storylines in both AA and AAH. She has played a role in many of the crossover episodes (even when she wasn’t in the crossover episodes she was a topic of conversation).

9. Ongoing Beverly Hills Connections: She still has connections with all of the Beverly people. In season 5 Asher and Layla had a great friendship, Layla came up with the idea of the fundraiser for Jaymee and both Asher and Jaymee asked Layla for advice regarding their relationship. Also in season 5, she had several scenes and storylines with JJ.

10. Layla is part of the core four 😉- She is the best part of Jordan’s life and his future wife. She is Olivia’s best friend and Laura’s bonus baby. And even with their history she is still Spencer’s friend.

There ya go! We love Layla Keating here.

And even if we didn't, she's still a main character.

[adultswim2021]

Frisky Dingo #18: “The Miracle” | September 24, 2007 - 12:00AM | S02E05

The previous episode of Frisky Dingo showed Val popping up out of a duckblind and shooting Xander and Killface at point-blank range. Turns out she missed somehow. Val, outnumbered with two hunting rifles trained on her vitals,  would appear to be at the wrong end of some turned tables. But! Suddenly she takes off with Xtacle-grade armored rocket pants. We are also treated to a brief clip of Simon selling her said pants, which I think might be a dangling plot thread from season one? I don’t feel like checking to make sure. 

This “miracle” (as Killface sees it) causes Kilface to go full-on godmode and become a believer in the Bible. This causes him to go on a media tour where he continually puts his talon in his mouth; going against all the values of the godless Democratic party. He decrees that global warming, the single issue he was previously running on, is a hoax, and also that being gay is a disgusting sin. Did I mention that the guy who voices Stormy on Sealab shows up on these pundit shows? He’s essentially playing himself, being an actual political pundit. I forget if I mentioned this, and even though it would require even less effort to find this out (scrolling down on this blog) than the other thing I said I didn’t feel like researching, I simply don’t feel like doing it. I am SO, so sorry. 

Anyway, turns out Killface’s son Simon is gay, and there’s a lotta talk about soy and Fred Dryer being a factor. Xander’s sexuality is also brought into question for being equally infatuated by Fred Dryer as Simon is. Xander was also in a gay porn film, if you’ll recall episode 2 of this season. These are the reasons Stan cites for Xander’s campaign not to pounce on the matter. Killface grapples with his newfound religion but ultimately demonstrates that he loves his son no matter what, which is nice. Frisky Dingo! Not as homophobic as it could be! Suddenly a rocket gets launched into Killface from behind in what appears to be a more successful assassination attempt. It seems to explode and, one would think, kill him right before the show ends.

I guess the show is showing a little improvement episode-to-episode, which roughly is how I remember this season being. The stories make sense, move briskly, and there are applaudable attempts at comedy. And– hey! Did I mention that the voice of Killface’s campaign manager is Martha Crenshaw, aka American Mom from The Brak Show? I just noticed that in the credits. I really should pay closer attention to stuff like that, huh?

MAIL BAG

You always say you didn't laugh, but the real question is... Did you smile, did you feel joy, did you feel the sand between your toes. Did the adult alternative comedy make you... LOVE???

No the adult alternative comedy cartoon show did not make me love.

you seem to be warming up to robot chicken

Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a little bit. I largely despise it, but in the interest of fairness I think it’s prudent to point out when there’s stuff on it that I appreciate or like. I don’t wanna be accused of frontin’. You know? I don’t front.