#steel mclean

[sad-endings-suck]

Back to report that I have seen the first episode of the Fallout tv show on Amazon Prime and it fucking slaps. Along with this, The Last of Us (HBO), Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Arcane: League of Legends (obviously), and many more, we can now say for certain that we are in the un-official golden era of video game adaptations (at least if it stays the course *knock on wood*).

[krystalklear21]

Snog, marry, irradiate Fallout Prime edition

[thefandomentals]

In Bo's latest Fallout review, things start to cook as Lucy discovers some terrible secrets, Maximus returns to the fold, and The Ghoul enjoys a succulent wasteland meal.

[fandomnerd9602]

It all started when she was wounded in a firefight with the Brotherhood of Steel. Lucy McLean couldn’t stop the bleeding, no matter how many stimpaks she injected.

You ran to your companions aid with your own loyal canine Dogmeat by your side. "dammit Lucy" you muttered as you shot another brotherhood member before trying to stop the bleeding.

"go" she tried to beg, "I'm just dead weight"

"not an option, vault dweller" you say back as you carry her in your arms to a nearby vertibird. Good old Dogmeat jumps into the copilot's seat as you pilot the aircraft.

“Where are we going?” Lucy asked rather weakly.

“Haven” you answered back.

You met Lucy rather recently. You were kind enough and caring compared to most people in the Wasteland. All she knew was that you were a fellow survivor and that you had recently left your home in search of supplies. You never told her where you were from.

Lucy woke up to a sound she never thought she’d ever hear: the gentle lull of the ocean. This vault dweller found herself in a small oceanside open aired bungalow. The walls were adorned with old posters with a magnificent view of a crystal blue ocean. The bed she found herself in was clean and pristine. Dogmeat was laying next to her bed, wagging his tail at seeing Lucy recovering nicely.

“Glad you’re feeling better“ you give a small smile from a nearby chair. “It was touch and go for awhile but I’m glad you’re doing well”

“I’m dead”

You chuckle, “no you’re not.”

“What is this place? I mean it’s perfect and untouched by-“

“It’s sort of a bubble” you explained. “Completely safe from the fallout”

A little parrot landed on a nearby branch. Lucy was absolutely floored. Life has found a way thrive on this spec of land. The whole island was rich with floral and fauna, an untapped paradise. The island itself was roughly the size of Maui.

“How did you find this place?” Lucy looks around in amazement.

“I grew up here.” You bring her a pic of your own parents. “I head out to gather supplies and my parents…they didn’t make it”

Lucy looked at you, like she was looking in a mirror. Someone who lost a lot and yet was willing to keep going. It wasn’t just about the supplies. She saw you out there, protecting the innocent, stopping the Brotherhood and raiders when lever you could.

“Must get lonely here” she found herself musing.

“You interested in a timeshare?” You asked back with a little smirk.

Lucy couldn’t help but laugh. Maybe she could set down roots here. With you. With Dogmeat. But the world needed the two of you. Because sadly like the old saying goes:

War. War never changes.

[justanothervaultie]

Timeline check:

Do we know when Hank McLean was thawed in the Series and when he became overseer?

It would help with guessing Lucys age.

Also the Ghoul was put inside a coffin for 30 years. If the timeline checks out he should have been put in a coffin about the time Hank McLean was thawed from his cryo coffin.

I love the Thriller / Frankenstein / Dracula parallels here.

Both Lucy and the Ghoul emerged from a hole in the ground - a steel and wooden coffin of their own making.

And Hank was yoinked out by the consequences of his cruelty to put into the light. I keep gushing more and more the more facts I scrape together.

[dysfunctionallygrey]

MORE PJO/HoO x Pokemon rambles

My mind is a restless expanse of thoughts and it is my duty to make sure they are at LEAST coherent. The Heroes of Olympus and their Pokemon? Hell yeah high five me guy. I will probably go more in depth when i make their own individual posts... whenever that may be... Ill try and put up part 2 with the rest later!!

Jason has a full team of 6, he just has no memory of how he got them, or anything about them for the matter. When he battles though, the muscle memory kicks in and for a second his Pokémon think he's got his memories back and none of the whole amnesia thing ever happened. Only for a second though.

Reyna has two very loyal and very powerful Lucario. They follow her obediently around its actually sort of odd not seeing them with her. But that wasn't always the case. Back then, on a mysterious island, there were two sisters, each with their own Riolu. What happened to either sister, the other wouldn't know.

Me to any justice/fairness leader type character when i make a Pokemon au: Woe, Lucario be upon you.

Hazel... boy oh boy where do i even begin... The sheer amount of Pokemon i was able to find and go "hey that would fit for Hazel" But at the start of her story, id definitely give her a rock/ground/ghost type like a Golett and ive always imagined her having a Drillbur because i will bet on my life the real Hazel Levesque would look at the thing and immediately be endeared. Also a carbink. Guys its a little gem pokemon that can learn light screen its perfect for her.

I already have a post for Piper Mclean. But the gist of it is Piper eevee piper Sylveon. and femininity and queerness and self acceptance. go read my post if this seems interesting to you.

i love Annabeth Chase a lot. If you asked me what i wanted to be as a kid i would've said her and since i love her a lot she deserves only the best (my favorite pseudo): Metagross. But only evolving very late. I imagine it also as a gift from her mom. (Metagross = Steel Psychic = big brain = Clear body user = invisibility cap) At first shes SUPER stoked like holy hell a pseudo legendary, at 12 years old!! and then she starts training the Beldum and she realizes oh. wow it is taking too damn long for this thing to evolve into a Metagross. It doesnt stop her from being smart and giving it Eviolite lol. And then it reaches the MoA equivalent to the story. She confronts Arachne (probably pokemon battle) then the Metang evolves into Metagross. Athena is probably smiling down at her. and then she gets sucked into distortion (aka tartarus) :P

Percy Jackson has Mono water team. With a Gyarados and a Palafin. Funny thing is Jason also has a Gyarados. Neither of them are allowed to have it out in a 1km radius of eachother.

part 2 perhaps later

[lebaronlordking]

Saturday Afternoon Reggae Show DJ LeBaron Lord King August 17, 2024 lebaron@kpoo.com

#SaturdayAfternoonReggaeShow

4:00 PM Yabby U - Jah Over I 4:05 PM Lee Perry - Bird in Hand 4:10 PM Chronixx - Dela Move 4:13 PM Lila Iké - Dinero 4:16 PM Iotosh - Fill My Cup 4:20 PM David Conscious - Mighty Men 4:24 PM Dezarie - Gone Down 4:28 PM Queen Ifrica - A.E.I.O.U (NOTHING) 4:31 PM Lutan Fyah - Bla Bla Bla 4:38 PM Mike Brooks - River Nile 4:42 PM Buju Banton - Steppa 4:45 PM Alton Ellis - Girl I've Got a Date 4:48 PM Phillip Fraser & King Tubby - John Saw Them Coming 4:54 PM The Wailers - 400 Years 4:57 PM Izoardi - Jungle 5:00 PM Kabaka Pyramid - Red Gold and Green 5:03 PM Burna Boy - Last Last 5:06 PM Kabaka Pyramid - Well Done 5:10 PM Yendry - You 5:13 PM Chezidek - It's Time 5:17 PM J Boog - Blaze It for Days 5:21 PM JStar - Babylon Children 5:25 PM Bitty McLean - In and Out of Love 5:31 PM Jah Cure - Marijuana 5:35 PM Bobo Nattywell - Longtime 5:39 PM Mutabaruka - The Monkey - Mento Mix 5:42 PM YG Marley - Praise Jah in The Moonlight 5:47 PM Culture Brown - Strong and Bless 5:47 PM Warrior King - People of This World 5:50 PM The Wailers - Put It On 5:54 PM Watty Congo Burnett - One Hot Night 6:00 PM Steel Pulse - Prodigal Son 6:03 PM Capleton - That Day Will Come 6:07 PM Gappy Ranks - Maad Sick 6:12 PM Earl 16 - Vampires 6:15 PM Eesah - Tell No Lie 6:18 PM Tafari - All of My Love 6:21 PM Don Carlos - From Creation 6:26 PM Culture - Black Man Get Your Culture 6:28 PM Max Romeo - Chase the Devil 6:31 PM Burning Spear - Hail H.I.M. 6:36 PM Damian Marley - My Sweet Lord 6:40 PM Mikey Dread - Roots and Culture 6:41 PM Elton Preto - Roots and Culture 6:45 PM Fe Me Time All Stars - Wicked Have To Feel It 6:48 PM Stoneface Priest - After Pride Comes Fall 6:52 PM Lila Iké - Good & Great 6:53 PM Alborosie - Give It to Them

[genrebender]

Some Canonically Queer Characters:

Asexuals and/or Aromatic:

-Jon Sims - asexual biromantic (The Magnus Archives)

-Jay - aromatic & asexual (Supernatural Academy -in show not sure about books)

-Alastor - aroace (Hazbin Hotel)

-Caduseus Clay - aroace (Critical Role: Campaign two the Mighty Nein)

-Lilith Clawthorne - aroace (The Owl House)

-Artemis/Diana aroace (PJO)

-Hestia aroace (PJO)

-Athena/Minerva alloromantic & asexual (PJO)

-Reyna Ramírez-Arellano alloromatic & asexual (PJO)

Bisexual:

-Luz Noceda (The Owl House)

-Korra (The Legend of Korra)

-Asami Sato (The Legend of Korra)

-Millie (Helluva Boss)

-Moxxie (Helluva Boss)

-Loki (Marvel Comics and MCU)

-Loki (PJO/Magnus Chase books/Riordianverse)

-Tony Stark (Marvel Comics only)

-Logan/Wolverine (Comics non 161 universe)

-Jesper Fahey (Grishaverse/Six of Crows)

-Nina Zenik (Grishaverse/Six of Crows)

-Tommy Shepherd (Marvel Comics)

-David Alleyne (Marvel Comics)

-Hercules (Marvel Comics)

-Marvel Boy (Marvel Comics)

-Yizhi (Iron Widow)

-Shimin (Iron Widow)

-Zetain (Iron Widow)

-Mystique (Marvel Comics)

-Kate “Kitty” Pride (Marvel Comics)

-Harley Quinn (DC)

-Poison Ivy (DC)

-Catwoman (DC)

-Joker (DC)

-Tim Drake (DC)

-Wonder Woman (DC)

-Yuuri Katsuki (Yuri!!! On Ice)

-Bow (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power)

-Glimmer (She-Ra)

-Mermista (She-Ra)

-Sea Hawk (She-Ra)

-Lonnie (She-Ra)

-Rogelio (She-Ra)

-Kyle (She-Ra)

-Entrapta (She-Ra)

-Tim Stoker (TMA)

-Georgie Barker (TMA)

-Vax’ildan (Crit Role: Campaign 1 Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Vex’ahlia (Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Allura (Vox Machina)

-Caleb Widowgast (Mighty Nein)

-Mollymauk/Lucien/Kingsley Tealeaf (Mighty Nein)

-Laerryn Coramar-Seelie (EXU Calamity)

-Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast)

-Star Lord (Marvel Comics)

-Apollo (PJO)

-Zeus/Jupiter (PJO)

-Poseidon/Neptune (PJO)

Demisexual:

-Keyleth (Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Essek Theylss - demisexual & demiromantic (The Mighty Nein)

Pansexual:

-Deadpool (Marvel Comics and implied in movies)

-Blitzø (Helluva Boss)

-Rita (The Penumbra Podcast)

Lesbian:

-Adora (She-Ra)

-Catra (She-Ra)

-Perfuma (She-Ra)

-Scorpia (She-Ra)

-Netossa (She-Ra)

-Spinnerella (She-Ra)

-Kima of Vord (Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Beauregard Lionett (The Mighty Nein)

-Yahsa Nydoorin (The Mighty Nein)

-Kara Brunehilde (Venture Maidens)

-Rem (Venture Maidens)

-Gidget (Venture Maidens)

-Hemithea (Riodianverse)

-Josephine (Riodianverse)

-Lavinia Asimov (Riodianverse)

Gay/Achillean:

-George (She-Ra)

-Lance (She-Ra)

-Double Trouble (She-Ra)

-Taryon Darrington (Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Shaun Gilmore (Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Orym (Critical Role: Campaign 3 Hell’s Bells)

-Teddy Altman (Marvel Comics)

-Billy Kaplan (Marvel Comics)

-Bobby Drake (Marvel Comics)

-Angel Dust (Hazbin Hotel)

-Cecil Gershwin Palmer (WTNV)

-Carlos (Welcome to Night Vale)

-Nico di Angelo (PJO)

-Hyacinthus (PJO)

-Ganymede (PJO)

-Wylan Van Eck (Grishaverse)

Trans (M&F):

-Jewelstar (She-Ra)

-Perfuma (She-Ra)

-Khemdal Dust (The Mighty Nein)

-Terra (The Mighty Nein)

-Yussa Errenis (The Mighty Nein)

-Sipriotes (Riodianverse)

Nonbinary:

-Double Trouble (She-Ra)

-Jay (Supernatural Academy)

-Bryce Feelid (The Mighty Nein)

-Juno Steel (The Penumbra Podcast)

-Raine Whispers (TOH)

-Masha (TOH)

-Pottery Barn??? (Riodianverse)

-Mother William non-binary & two-spirit (Riordianverse)

Gender-fluid:

-Loki (Marvel Comics)

-Loki (Magnus Chase books)

-Mollymauk Tealeaf (The Might Nein)

-Bryce Feelid (The Mighty Nein)

-Alex Fierro (Magnus Chase books)

Not specified in cannon but generally queer:

-Amity Blight (TOH)

-Raine Whispers (TOH)

-Ed’s Clawthorne (TOH)

-Mara (She-Ra)

-Martin Blackwood MLM (TMA)

-Melanie King WLW (TMA)

-Victor Nikiforov (Yuri!!! On Ice)

-Scanlan Shorthalt (Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Zahra Hydris (Vox Machina/TLOVM)

-Stolas (Helluva Boss)

-Eadwulf Grieve (The Mighty Nein)

-Zerxus Ilerez (EXU Calamity)

-Will Solace (PJO)

-Magnus Chase (Riodianverse)

-Piper McLean (PJO)

Polyamorous:

-Yizhi (Iron Widow)

-Li Shimin (Iron Widow)

-Wu Zetain (Iron Widow)

-Star Lord (Marvel Comics)

-Caleb Widowgast (The Mighty Nein)

-Astrid Becke (The Mighty Nein)

-Eadwulf Grieve (The Mighty Nein)

-Lonnie (She-Ra)

-Rogelio (She-Ra)

-Kyle (She-Ra)

[arianatheangel-girl]

Tulsa McLean...Babysitter?

(AN: This was inspired by @plasticfantasticl0ver and one of their anons. I really hope you like this! Warning: mentions of bodily functions. Tagging some of my favorite people: @kiankiwi @mooodyblue @loving-elvis @septembersghost @deke-rivers-1957)

***

Tulsa was beginning to wonder what he was so worried about in the first place.

The soldier had checked on his friend Rick’s baby a few times in the past few hours, and the kid was still sound asleep. Maybe this was easier than he thought.

But Tulsa was getting a bit hungry, so he figured there was no harm in making himself a sandwich; after all, Marla did say that he could help himself if need be.

The black-haired soldier whistled to himself a little as he fixed his sandwich, thinking this whole “babysitting” thing was actually pretty easy.

He was about to find out how wrong he was. Just as he went to take a bite of his sandwich, he heard the sound he’d been dreading; the baby was crying.

Immediately, Tulsa started to panic a bit, not really knowing what to do. He quickly got up, discarding his sandwich on the kid’s high chair for the moment before rushing towards the baby’s room. He just hoped whatever the problem was could be fixed easily; he had no clue how to deal with babies since he didn’t have much family and was an only child.

“Whoa, whoa whoa. Just, just be calm. Calm down; actually, that goes for both of us!” He told the baby, trying to make eye contact with the little guy. “Hey, don’t be scared. Don’t be scared!”

If the baby heard his words, he either didn’t understand him or wasn’t paying attention; the child just continued to wail, not liking that this weird-looking stranger was here instead of his mother or father like usual.

Tulsa kept trying to reassure the baby, though it was clear he had no idea how to talk to small children; it was as if he was speaking to an adult. “Hey, your ma and pa will be right back! They just went away to get married!”

No response from the baby except more wailing.

Okay, he thought to himself, this clearly isn’t working. So, he decided to try and mimic what he’d seen some of the German ladies do with their kids.

“I’m your ol’ Uncle Tulsa! Let’s play, huh? Here, look, look look!” He murmured, bending down and making a funny face to try and distract the baby.

Just as he bent down to get on the kid’s eye level, though, he noticed a horrible smell in the room. Confused, Tulsa sniffed around for a little bit, before realizing (to his horror) that the smell was coming from the baby.

That’s why it was crying: It needed to be changed. Well, that solved one mystery, but it also created another problem; Tulsa had never changed a diaper in his life, and didn’t really know what he was supposed to do.

But, well…women did it all the time, so how hard could it be?

“Oh…okay Tiger. I see what’s wrong. Okay, let’s uh…let’s get you cleaned up, huh?”

Inwardly panicking, Tulsa awkwardly lifted the baby from his crib, trying to find someplace to change the baby (not even noticing the changing table in the room since he was too focused on the baby), before eventually settling on the kitchen table since there was one or two diapers there that Marla hadn’t put away yet. 

Once he’d moved the food out of the way and laid the kid on the table, he carefully undid the kid’s sleeper and removed his clothes, before grimacing a bit and trying to steel himself for what had to be done.

“Okay” Tulsa mumbled to himself, scratching his chin for a minute. “Looks like we just…pull these sticky tabs on the sides apart…this shouldn’t be too hard. All right, I think I just pull this down and slide it off and…GACK!”

Tulsa immediately started coughing and gagging when he saw the big mess the baby had made all over itself, plugging his nose with one hand.

“Ugh! Tiger, what the heck has your mama been feedin’ ya, huh? Did..did you eat sauerkraut before bed or somethin’? How does a lil’ thing like you make such a huge mess?”

The baby just started giggling and kicking his legs, laughing at the disgusted faces Tulsa was making.

“Oh, so you think this is funny, do ya?” He mumbled, looking wildly around for some help; he did not want to touch that huge stinky mess with his bare hands.

Just then, his eyes landed on a pair of kitchen tongs. Perfect!

Grimacing, he used one hand to lift the baby’s ankles and used the tongs with his other hand to pull the dirty diaper out from under the baby and toss it into the open garbage can nearby, accidentally dropping the tongs in the garbage in the process. Oh well. He’d get them out later. Or not; maybe Rick could use a new pair of tongs anyway.

Okay, at least that part was done. Now he needed to clean the kid off. After thinking for a minute, he went to the kitchen sink and turned it on, before picking up the baby under his arms and holding him in the sink’s stream to try and wash off the mess. The baby seemed to find this whole thing amusing, and kept kicking his legs as Tulsa waited for the water to wash the mess away, splashing his uniform with the tap water several times.

“Ugh, come on, hold still you little rascal! I’m tryin’ to help ya here!” Tulsa grumbled, knowing the kid probably didn’t understand a word he was saying.

Once the kid’s lower half was clean, Tulsa grabbed one of the kitchen towels and wrapped it around the baby to dry him off. “Man, you babies have it made; I would kill for this kinda service!” Tulsa complained to himself.

Okay, now came the last part; putting the clean diaper on. Once he’d put the kid back on the table, Tulsa reached for the clean diaper and tried to slide it onto him as the kid kept squirming and rolling around while kicking his legs; it was as if he didn’t want it on.

“Come on Tiger, just hold still will ya!” Tulsa grumbled, trying to tape the garment onto him.

Then one of the tabs ripped off. Crap. Now what? He thought. He tried to tape it on anyway, but when he picked the baby up, the diaper slid right off.

Just then, the baby giggled and started to pee on him.

“ACK!” Tulsa yelped, holding the baby at arm’s length and turning him the other way; he hadn’t been expecting that at all.

Tulsa looked at the large spot on his uniform in despair. At least most of the mess got on the table this time. Problem was, the kid had also peed on the spare diapers, so now Tulsa had nothing to work with.

“Ugh, okay. Now what do I do? Diapers, diapers…I gotta get diapers.” He mumbled to himself, before he had an idea. “I…I gotta get help!”

Thinking quickly, he used the kitchen towel to try and wipe the kid clean; the baby was now crying again from being cold. Picking him up, he ran to the phone and dialed the only number he knew; the club where Lili worked at. Once Lili came to the phone, he did his best to explain the situation.

“What’s all that noise?” She asked.

“Oh, uh…that’s the baby.” Tulsa replied.

“Baby?”

“Look, I uh, I don’t wanna bother you at work Lili, but, uh, see, I’m just babysitting for a buddy that just ran away to get married. And…and I’m in trouble!”

Lili smirked. “Oh, I know. You don’t know how to change a diaper.”

Tulsa just groaned. “Yeah. There’s a huge mess everywhere, an’ I…I don’t have any spare diapers, and the kid’s cryin’ and everything, he’s goin’ nuts, and…look, I’m telling ya Lili, it’s an emergency!”

Lili nodded. “I was just leaving here, Tulsa. Tell me where you are, and I’ll meet you over at your friend’s house. I’ll see if I can pick up some more diapers on the way; I should be there in about twenty or thirty minutes.”

Tulsa sighed in relief as he told her where to go. “Uhh…yeah, that’d be great. Thank you. ACK, no, not again!” He suddenly yelped, as the baby started peeing again and quickly drenched the towel and the front of his uniform as he held onto him.

Lili couldn’t help but smile; she’d taken care of babies before. “Let me guess…he sprung a leak?”

Tulsa just sighed in defeat as he hung up the phone. He could only hope Lili would get there soon.

[gaytotaldrama]

Since you asked about prompts, while I haven’t got to World Tour in my rewatch, the thought comes to mind of a Gwortney piece where Courtney believes Gwen’s claims that was the one who Duncan kissed her rather than blaming her for “stealing” him

thanks for the prompt! hope you enjoy

also on my ao3

"Uh, I saw Duncan and Gwen kiss!"

In just a few words, Tyler Tucker had completely ruined Gwen's life. She knew she couldn't really blame him - the guy was clearly under Alejandro's crafty spell. But if he'd just stuck around for literally two seconds longer the night before, he would know the truth of what had actually gone down.

Gwen should be so lucky.

Duncan was on the ground, out cold from Cody's sucker-punch to his jaw. Gwen couldn't care. Serves him right, she thought. I told him to fess up to Courtney himself, and now the jackass has dug his grave even deeper.

As Cody and Tyler began to take flight, Gwen realized with a horrible clarity that since Duncan was out of commission, Courtney was headed straight for her. 

"I hate you!" she was screaming, flailing like some sort of enraged marionette. The only thing preventing her from tearing Gwen's face off was Sierra's  - surprisingly expert, though definitely slack - chokehold. "How could you?! I thought we were friends!"

"We are!" Gwen exclaimed, instinctually taking a few steps back. "Courtney, you have to believe me, I didn't want - "

"Oh, sure you didn't," Sierra sneered as Courtney continued to wriggle in her grasp. "You've been all over Duncan since season one! It was only a matter of time before you tried any funny business."

Gwen stamped her foot in frustration, gritting her teeth together. "I do not like Duncan! I never have! I was with Trent in season one, remember?"

But her defenses appeared to fall upon utterly deaf ears. "You," Courtney seethed, steam practically pouring out of her nostrils like a raging bull. "Are so eliminated."

"Look, if I could just - " Gwen started in a panic, but by then, Cody had already won the tie-breaker, and the wave of relief that crashed through her nearly knocked her down to her knees.

Back on the plane, things weren't pretty. Duncan was still passed out somewhere in economy - was Cody's punch really that strong, or was Duncan simply prolonging the inevitable? In any case, Gwen felt terrible. She was being looked down upon by her fellow contestants. She hadn't gotten to say (sing?) all she'd wanted Duncan to hear during their boar challenge, hadn't let him know just how pissed she really was. Not to mention that the person who was angriest with her right now was the very person Gwen wanted to - 

Whatever. Like that was gonna happen now.

And yet, she knew she had to try.

Leaving the confessional (the lock was still busted, if this show weren't so fucking cheap, if McLean wasn't such an asshole, none of this would have even - ), Gwen steeled her resolve and made her way back to first class as slowly as possible. Cody tried to catch her eye as she entered the cabin, but she steadfastly ignored him, ignored the daggers Sierra was shooting her way, too. Courtney was curled into one of the seats, sobbing uncontrollably as Heather patted her on the back. If Heather was now appreciated more than Gwen, she didn't know what she would do.

"Courtney, please," Gwen said softly upon approach. "I can explain everything to you."

"I don't want to hear it, boyfriend stealer!" Courtney screamed.

Gwen winced, shook her head. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I just need you to listen to me. Can we go out to the cargo hold or something?"

"What, so you can go spy and make sure Duncan hasn't been eliminated?!" At this, she fell prey to a fresh bout of tears.

"If you really want to talk to Courtney, then you can say whatever it is in front of us," Heather said, crossing her arms. "And if that juvie punk gets booted, then I say Good riddance."

"Fine!" Gwen threw up her hands, exasperated. "Fine, I'll just say this here." She hated to air more of her dirty laundry on TV, but that had always been par for the course with Total Drama. "Courtney, I didn't kiss him."

"Yes you did you little - "

"Duncan kissed me," Gwen all but yelled. Her cheeks burned shamefully at the memory. "Tyler didn't see the whole thing, but I pushed Duncan off of me almost as soon as it had begun. I didn't expect it to happen. I didn't want it. And when I rejected him, he got all grouchy and left."

"Oh, yeah, like we're gonna believe that!" Sierra shouted. "You stab Courtney in the back and then can't even own up to it?! You are soooo getting voted 'Least Popular Contestant' on my blog!"

But Cody, looking at Gwen with puppy-dog eyes, asked, "You're being serious, Gwen?"

"Yes." Gwen ran her hands through her rough hair, not even caring if she pulled out any strands. "I wouldn't lie about this. Ask Chris to show you the footage." She scowled at the floor. "And if Duncan gets kicked off tonight, I'll sleep as snug as a bug in a rug."

Silence, for a moment. Heather seemed about to say something. But then - 

"Oh my God," Courtney croaked. "She's telling the truth."

If Gwen had felt relieved when they won the Greece challenge, it was nothing compared to this. "Yes," she repeated, voice breaking. "I swear to you, Courtney, I am. I'm telling the truth."

And Courtney nodded, not meeting Gwen's gaze, her eyes rimmed with red. But it was enough for Gwen to know she believed her.

The others, however, weren't so easily convinced.

"Oh, come on, you two have always been close," said Heather. "If you're not into Duncan, then I'll marry Alejandro."

"I'm not," Gwen said emphatically. "So happy trails, Heather, you two will be perfect for one another." She turned defensively to Sierra. "And I guess you're gonna tell me you totally saw this coming and there's no way I'm being genuine, right? Because since you're an expert on this show, you must know me better than I know myself, huh?" When Sierra didn't answer, Gwen knew she had her pegged. "Ugh, you guys, I am not in love with Duncan! And, sorry, Cody, I'm not into you, either." At Cody's heartbroken expression, Sierra growled at her, but Gwen kept going. "Just because you all have complicated love lives doesn't mean I have to!

"You are so obviously into Alejandro," she continued, rounding on Heather. "But you won't admit it because you're too proud to own up to the fact that there's actually a perfect guy for Heather Hamada out there, and he's just as evil as you are!" Before Heather could splutter her way through a half-baked excuse, Gwen spun to level with Sierra. "And you - if you actually took a second to care about what Cody wants, you would know that you are always overstepping his boundaries!" She contemplated raking her nails down her face, so strong was her frustration at the people around her. "I won't deny that Duncan and I have a lot in common, and I won't deny that he has some sort of feelings for me. But I don't feel the same way. I was into Trent, I'm into Courtney, but I am not and never will be into Duncan!"

Finally, she broke off, heaving, throat drier than the stupid path to the Nile had been. She'd said her piece. She was finished, and if they still decided to send her home next time the Amazons lost, then she'd just learn to live with it.

But no one seemed angry anymore. In fact, they all seemed to be experiencing variations of different emotions, none of them hatred. Sierra's eyes were blown wider than usual, her jaw slack and her fingers twitching like she was itching to blog about something. Cody looked crestfallen, and Gwen felt bad for being harsh, but it had been three seasons and the guy still couldn't deal with the fact that she was never going to date him. Heather, meanwhile, was staring at Gwen with her hand pressed over her mouth and...giggling? It felt wrong to attribute such a cutesy word to the Queen of Mean, but there was no other way to describe the sickening sounds she was making. And Courtney...

Courtney was looking at Gwen like she'd just seen a ghost - and a real one at that, not Harold's stupid soccer ball-bedsheet combo.

"You," Courtney started and swallowed hard - Gwen tried not to track the bobbing motion of her throat. "You like me."

At last, Gwen's brain caught up with her stupid mouth, and she realized what she'd just admitted. Oh, shit...

It was at least a small comfort to know that no one would be asking her about Duncan again any time soon.

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 9.22

Beer Birthdays

Lord Chesterfield; English statesman (1694)

Alfred Vinzenz Werthmueller (1835)

George Kennth Hotson Younger (1931)

Carlos Sanchez (1958)

Dave McLean (1969)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Bilbo Baggins; Hobbit character

Frodo Baggins; Lord of the Rings character

Michael Faraday; English scientist (1791)

Joan Jett; rock singer, guitarist (1958)

Tatiana Maslany; Canadian actor (1985)

Famous Birthdays

King Sunny Ade; Nigerian reggae singer (1946)

Scott Baio; actor (1960)

Eric Baker; English activist, co-founded Amnesty Int’l (1920)

Toni Basil; pop singer (1943)

Elizabeth Bear; author and poet (1971)

Shari Belafonte; actor (1954)

Maurice Blanchot; French philosopher (1907)

Andrea Bocelli; Italian singer-songwriter (1958)

Debby Boone; pop singer (1956)

Barthold Heinrich Brockes; German poet (1680)

Harold Carmichael; Philadelphia Eagles WR (1949)

Nick Cave; rock musician (1957)

Neil Cavuto; journalist and author (1958)

Ellen Church; 1st airline stewardess (1904)

Dave Coverdale; rock singer (1951)

Quintin Craufurd; Scottish author (1743)

Babette Deutsch; poet (1895)

Ashley Eckstein; actress (1981)

Will Elder; illustrator (1921)

György Faludy; Hungarian poet & author (1910)

Tom Felton; English actor (1987)

Grigory Frid; Russian pianist & composer (1915)

Philipp Nicodemus Frischlin; German mathematician, astronomer & poet (1547)

Theodore Hook; English composer (1788)

John Houseman; actor (1902)

Bonnie Hunt; actor (1964)

Ruth Jones; Welsh actress (1966)

Anna Karina; actor (1940)

Brian Keene; novelist (1967)

Charles Keeping; English author & illustrator (1924)

Allan "Rocky" Lane; voice of "Mr. Ed" (1909)

Tommy Lasorda; Los Angeles Dodgers coach (1927)

Paul Le Mat; actor (1945)

Katie Lowes; actress (1982)

Matthäus Merian; Swiss-German engraver & cartographer (1593)

Ian Mortimer; English historian & novelist (1967)

Paul Muni; actor (1895)

Catherine Oxenburg; actor (1961)

Peter Simon Pallas; German zoologist & botanist (1741)

Rupert Penry-Jones; English actor (1970)

Sue Perkins; English comedian, actress (1969)

Saul Perlmutter; astrophysicist, astronomer (1959)

Rosamunde Pilcher; English author (1924)

Billie Piper; English singer, actor (1982)

Arthur Pryor; trombonist, composer (1870)

Paolo Ruffini; Italian mathematician & philosopher (1765)

Martha Scott; actor (1914)

Elizabeth Simcoe; English-Canadian painter & author (1762)

Bill Smith; clarinet player & composer (1926)

Theodore Clement Steele; artist (1847)

Michael Torke; composer (1961)

Ken Vandermark; saxophonist & composer (1964)

Charles Waterhouse; painter (1924)

Fay Weldon; English writer (1931)

Billy West; actor (1892)

Ray Wetzel; trumpet player & composer (1924)

[whispers-soundtrack-project]

Loki

Fanmix Part Four

Part One * Part Two * Part Three

Link to the Spotify Playlist is at the bottom of the post

Bring Me Back To Life (Ht Bristol, Charlie Bannister, Vincent Steele, & Nine One One)

I did my part, I tried my best, * The things I'm fighting to protect * Always shatter into pieces in the end

Mercury (Sleeping At Last)

No one can unring this bell * Unsound this alarm, unbreak my heart new * God knows, I am dissonance * Waiting to be swiftly pulled into tune

Razor's Edge (Digital Daggers)

I'm scared 'cause the past * Keeps pulling me back * Distorting the future * It's holding me close * It loves me the most * It's tearing the sutures

Fragile Minds (Silent Theory)

It's getting harder to know if I'm sane, * My issues are leaking outside of my veins, * Somebody save me, or end me, * I haven't yet made up my mind

Fight For Survival (Klergy)

See a smoke arising in the distance * What would be the point of your resistance? * Chaos all around you, there is nowhere left to run * Setting sun and it's done

Crossroads (Don Mclean)

You know I've heard about people like me * But I never made the connection. * They walk one road to set them free * And find they've gone the wrong direction

Who I Am Hates Who I've Been (Relient K)

I'm sorry for the person I became * I'm sorry that it took so long for me to change * I'm ready to be sure I never become that way again * 'cause who I am hates who I've been

Insomniac (Amber Run)

You, my friend * Remind me of someone that I used to know * You've got his eyes, you've got his shadow * When did you become the kind of man to dance at funerals?

Five (Sleeping At Last)

It feels like an out of body experience * But something gets lost from a safe distance * Now I can't put my mind to rest * And I can't help but second guess * Living behind this one-way mirror

How Did You Love (Shinedown)

You can have the sound of a thousand voices calling your name * You can have the light of the world blind you, bathe you in grace * But I don't see so easily what you hold in your hands * Cause castles crumble, kingdoms fall and turn into sand

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"To Investigate Message About Tim Buck Trial," Kingston Whig-Standard. June 15, 1933. Page 2. ---- Judge McLean Asks That Telegram Be Brought to Attention of Attorney-General of Ontario. --- Charging that the indictment against Convict Tim Buck for participating in the Penitentiary riots of October 17, 1932, had been "framed" and demanding that it be rescinded, a telegram from the Finnish Organization of Canada was delivered to Judge Evan McLean yesterday afternoon during the trial of Convict Hugh Burling. Judge McLean read the telegram to the Court and then instructed Crown Attorney T. J. Rigney to report the matter to Attorney General.

The telegram read as follows:

"Judge In Charge Tim Buck Trial "Care W. D. Rigney. K. C. "We, the members of the Finnish Organization of Canada, assembled in our national convention in the elty of Toronto, hereby demand the rescinding of the frame-up indictment against Tim Buck and the establish-ment of the rights of a the political prisoners. Convention Committee." Mr. Rigney delivered the telegram to the Judge, while Guard William H.Godwin was giving evidence for the Crown in the Burling case. Judge McLean halted proceedings while he read the telegram to the Court, He then said that no organization had any right to attempt to influence or intimidate any Judge and advised. Mr. Rigney to report the matter to the Attorney-General Guard Godwin Guard William Godwin was the first witness for the Crown to the case of Convict Hugh Burling when Court was resumed in the afternoon. Burling's case is the first in the large docket of twenty-seven cases that will probably come before the General Senaton of the Peace and County Court. Burling one of twenty-four convicts charged with taking part in the Penitentiary riots, a twenty-two years of age, and was sentenced at Sandwich In 1931 to five years in the Kingston Penitentiary for assault and robbery,

For the benefit of the jury Guard Godwin gave a minute description of the lay-out of the penitentiary with particular reference to the work-shops in the main dome where the not was centred. A plan was exhibited to enable the jury to gain a clear picture of the interior.

Witness said that precautionary procedure was taken by the prison authorities in preparation for the rumored riot which was to take place on the afternoon of October 17. The guards in the towers were doubled and the steel shop doors were locked. He described how the convicts assemble in the shop dome, what was saild and what was done there. Godwin said that any official sttempting to leave the dome was gently but firmly told to remain where he was. The doors were barricaded with stone bankers and condemned machinery. Inspector Smith had made an attempt to leave the building, but had been prevented from doing so.

According to Godwin, Tim Buck asked the men if they were going to give in or "fight it out". When the convicts had elected to fight it out, Buck had told them to barricade the doors and fill every available utensil with water. These orders had been carried out by the men. "Why didn't you stop these men?" asked Crown Prosecutor Col. Keiller MacKay. "It wasn't possible." "Why not?" "The men were out of control and crow-bar. I did not want to get my brains knocked out." Witness stated that he had seen Burling in the dome. He named several convicts he had seen there, among them Convict Burling. Under cross-examination by W. H. Herrington counsel for the defence, Godwin admitted that there were some men who did not leave the shops when the trouble started, and also that there were men in the dome who did not join in the shouting nor in the general milling around. He said that when Inspector Smith and he entered the dome the doors had been barricaded immediately behind them. Witness said that at all times he had felt that his life was in considerable danger.

Mr. Herrington made a strong attempt to upset Godwin's evidence that he had seen Burling in the dome. He quoted the testimony given at the preliminary hearing and pointed out that Convict Burling had not been mentioned then. Godwin stoutly maintained that when he saw Burling in the Court he remembered that the Inter had been one of the men taking an active part in the demonstration. He also maintained that the only person with whom he had talked over the convict trials had been the Crown Prosecutor, Col McKay. He said when he saw Burling yesterday he remembered that the accused had been carrying a load of mall-bags to barricade the doors of the mail-bag department. Guard Robinson Guard Harold Robinson testified that Burling, who had been working in the change-room, had stopped working and joined the other men when the riot started. He also said that he had seen Burling later in the afternoon carrying a crow-bar. Robinson testified that in the dome the men were shouting rushing around and carrying crow-bars, hammers, pieces of street and other weapons.

Judge McLean made an appeal to both counsel to try to reach some agreement whereby unnecessary evidence would be curtailed thus saving time of the Court. Counsel were granted a brief recess to arrive at a decision, but no announcement was made of the result when the trial was resumed.

Witness testified that some of the convicts were armed with clubs and that the mob was making a terrific noise. He said that a large number of the men had joined in breaking down the shop-doors.

Counsel questioned witness regarding a meeting at the Warden's house - at which a number of prison officials were alleged to have talked about the trials. Robinson claimed that nothing had been said about giving evidence except that the truth was to be told. "The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth"? asked Mr. Herrington.

"Yes" "Of course, you realize that you must not suppress any evidence even is helpful to the accused?" "Yes." "You weren't told to at the meeting to suppress any evidence that might be of assistance to Burling?" "No, nothing was said about the matter at all." Only Armed Convict "What makes you remember so perfectly that you saw Burling carrying an iron-bar? Is there a something about his face that impresses you?"

"No. I remember his because he was the only armed convict among numerous convicts at the time that I saw him."

Robinson said that he saw Burling rush into the change-room with a crow-bar. "Why didn't you follow him?" "I thought there might be trouble?" "Were you afraid?" "No, I was not."

"You to the Crown that, you went into the paint-house to see what was going on, but if you saw Burling rush into the change-room with a crow-bar don't you think that was the logical place to go If you wanted to view a spectacle?"

"I didn't think it was wise to do so." "You are certain that you know Burling?" "Sure," Witness looked at Burling and the two exchanged smiles.

"Can you name any convicts who were barricading the door?" "No." "Can you name any of the convicts that were in the dome?" "Yes, There was Buck, Behan, Parkes, and Garceau, among others." "Did you see Burling there?" "No." "You know the rules of the Penitentiary, of course?" "Yes." "You know that the convicts are supposed to obey the guards and do as they are told?" "Yes." "Well, when the riot first started did you hear any guards tell the convicts to go back to work?" "There was no time to do that." "Did you make an effort to re-strain the men?" "I did not have enough time for that, I was in the change-room and the men rushed away from me before I could say a word.

"Convict Curry was the only man to stay behind and he asked what he should do, I told him that he had better stick around."

"Did he?" "I believe he did." Court was then adjourned until this morning.

[freedomdesignbuildva]

5 Ideas For Home Renovation in Alexandria, Clifton, McLean, Vienna, Great Falls, and Arlington, VA

Transforming an old home enables the residents to enjoy modern living features while not giving up the quaint and cozy feel, which becomes essential after a few decades of living there. The best way to ensure this is to consider a home renovation in Alexandria, Clifton, McLean, Vienna, Great Falls, and Arlington, VA. The engaged contractor is free to do as necessary by taking note of the existing features and rooms and trying to upgrade them as much as possible. ​ Sure, the homeowner may have some ideas, and the contractor would be able to convert the ideas into practical applications, thereby ensuring the best look and advantages. Some of the trends that may be incorporated to achieve the goals include the following:

1. Use of Sustainable Materials—Keeping the environment untarnished is an objective that cannot be toyed with today. The homeowner and contractor may work in tandem to incorporate eco-friendly materials such as recycled glass, bamboo, or reclaimed wood to spruce up the interiors and reduce the carbon footprint simultaneously.

2. Smart Home Technology—A modern home is a smart home today! The homeowner would be pleased to incorporate the necessary smart appliances and systems that not only improve ease of living but can also be controlled remotely. It is best to discuss smart features such as automated lighting systems, smart thermostats, smart locks, and voice-controlled appliances and incorporate the ones that can truly transform life for the better.

3. Vintage Elements—Old and rustic appeal does not have to be forgotten entirely, either. Instead, the homeowner can incorporate certain elements to ensure the old-age charm, thus making the newly renovated home much talked about. For example, the kitchen with a large farmhouse sink and sparkling stainless steel fixtures, along with cabinetry crafted out of reclaimed wood, can be functional and attractive at the same time.

4. Outdoor Living Space—Today, Most homeowners emphasize wellness and health. To ensure sustainable living without completely giving up on modern features, adding some outdoor space can be a good idea. Patios, decks, or gazebos can be stylish additions to the home and enhance its comfort and elegance.

5. Customized Storage—Adequate storage space is essential in a home. Apart from the kitchen and bathroom, the homeowner may incorporate storage solutions that remain well concealed and minimize clutter indoors. The use of bespoke cabinetry coupled with smart organizational systems ensures a neat and orderly home that is functional and aesthetically appealing.

Simply reorganizing the home to ensure enough space may not be enough. The property owner may need to consider house additions in Alexandria, Arlington, Clifton, McLean, Vienna, and Ashburn, VA, to keep the entire family together without compromising on comfort.

Adding an in-law suite to accommodate the visiting parents can be an excellent way to repay their years of support and love. Moreover, one may add a sunroom, thus taking advantage of the early morning sunlight to enjoy good health and well-being.