#the bbc should pick up sunny

[margle]

im fine with a short season but I wish they were allowed to do long episodes.

I would honestly prefer 6 x 50 minute episodes over 8 x 22 minute episodes.

the christmas episode is the longest so far (43 minutes) and I think it proves they can write really well in a longer format.

idk I think my most common complaint of the recent seasons (and the series as a whole) is that the pacing often feels off. the endings can feel rushed or unfinished and sometimes exposition can feel frustrating because the short running time leaves no room to breathe, meaning it can turn into an rushed dump of information (the gang gets cursed).

imo sunny works best in longer comedic scenes rather than rapid fire cuts. that interview scene in sweet dee has a heart attack is so much funnier in the bloopers because they expand upon each joke. for me, one of the best scenes of season 16 was mac and charlie at bonnie and mrs mac's house in frank shoots every member of the gang. it is given room to escalate within the scene, until it becomes most chaotic.

comparatively, in the gang gets cursed, each flashback is funny but not long enough to feel comedically satisfying. it cuts too fast to the next idea.

ik massive changes to the format are normally hated by sunny fans but if they keep doing more complicated episodes, I think they would benefit from more breathing room.

[4getfulimaginator2022]

The season 3 finale of Big Sky was the most anticlimactic finale for a TV show that I've ever seen. Think of a balloon when the air is let out. It was the most jarring, disconnected mess.

I've been through many, many TV shows, including the BBC Merlin and Once Upon a Time. Those shows had some wacky finales, but they were still exciting, they brought a new element that left the story on a cliffhanger, and most of the plot threads from the current season were tied up neatly. They also made you want to keep watching the show.

I don't know what it was that I watched last night. I feel like the show didn't answer even half of the questions that it brought up during the entire season. I have a list of the questions I wanted answered and which are probably going to stay unanswered.

Why/how did Paige steal the money in the first place and why was Luke involved in the theft?

Buck is the Bleeding Heart killer but never explains why, not even to Sunny? He said he tried to do good but can't explain why he murdered innocent girls and put their hearts in jars? Wtf? Is he just a cold-blooded psychopath? What is his story or "excuse"?

Walter's murderous tendencies (hunting Luke, the backpacker) are just wiped away as if they never happened?

Why was Avery even in Montana in the first place?

Why/how did Avery agree to work with the syndicate to get part of the money?

How did Avery know about the money or Paige/Luke when he got into Sunny's camp?

Who the hell ARE Paige and Luke?

Was Walter holding Paige against her will? Did she have any real feelings for him or just manipulated him?

Why does Buck kidnap Denise and Emily? He doesn't bargain for his freedom and I'm not even sure he knew that Paige saw the heart jars. What was even the point of this? He acted like he had no clear motive?! He could have asked Sunny to come anyway?

Second, I think the show was unfair to a lot of people who were shipping the main couple because nothing happened. We're not asking for big dramatic gestures, but as far as I'm concerned, it seems like Jenny's interest in Beau was one-sided/unrequited and even if that interest was sort of returned, it was too weak to be noticeable. I would have preferred for them to just be good friends and partners instead of the writers teasing a building romantic relationship that they had no intention of pursuing. Maybe the season just wasn't long enough. At this point it seems like they are anticipating the show will not be renewed and they didn't want to upset anyone in particular, either those who don't like Jenny and Beau as a couple or those who wanted them to get together. When are writers going to learn that you can't make everyone happy and you shouldn't even try because that's bad storytelling? Pick a side, people!

I will admit I started watching Big Sky because of Jensen Ackles and his great performance in The Boys. I think the acting is good, but the scripts suck. Honestly, what even was this finale? It was action filled and yet it felt like nothing happened. There were no real stakes because nobody really got hurt except for Buck, and I even would have appreciated an ambiguous ending where we weren't sure whether the big baddie or the good guy survived.

I feel like parts of the story were taken for granted and the writers expected us to fill in the blanks ourselves without giving us any backstory or explanation. I'm afraid that just won't cut it for me. I'm not saying that I need everything to be handed to me on a platter - I can think and figure things out for myself - but I still need them to give me enough information to put together. Everything was so disconnected and motives were so unclear that the reason I should feel anxious or concerned for the characters didn't exist. Buck had no legitimate reason to kidnap those girls, and he didn't do anything with that action except ask for his wife, who wasn't in prison or under arrest. She was just under surveillance and that was it. Again, there were no real stakes here.

To me, the writers seemed tired of their own story and opted to create an ending that was the easiest for them to write. Do I sound disappointed? Good, because I wasted so much time on this show, expecting it to be thrilling and well written, and I got a season finale that was written worse than for a fantasy show. The plot threads were not tied up as they should have been, and there was only partial resolution for character arcs. The red herrings were ridiculous. Sunny was advertised as the villain of the season, and while she was involved in crimes, it didn't feel like true villainy at all. Most of the time, I thought she was boring and not fleshed out enough for me to hate or even dislike. She seemed as much of a player as any of the other characters in the story, not the villain that is supposed to stand directly opposite the hero or even anti-hero. Then Buck didn't even go to jail or do penance for all those girls and other people he killed. The serial killer tendencies are hinted at too late to make much of an impact. He was evil but not fleshed out enough to be a villain either! Why should I even care when he never said why he believed he could do what he did, knowing that it was wrong? Motivation is what makes characters evil or good. I even speculated that Buck was covering up for Cormac or they were both serial killers, a father and son duo. Anything?! You can't just say, "Oh, he's a serial killer!" and that's it. No explanation, no motivation, nothing. ALL CRIME HAS A MOTIVE. FREE WILL = MOTIVE.

Even if Big Sky gets renewed for a 4th season, I don't think I'll be watching it. Rant over.

[inkyfishesii]

This is me asking you anything 🤸🏾‍♀️: for each of the BBC ghosts, what aspect about them is your favorite to write about? Like, what's a Julian trait you love including in your works?

ayyyyyyyy! Oh this is such a cool question!

Okay so all the ghosts, in ascending order of how much I've wrote them (sort of?), what's my favourite aspect to write about them:

Humphrey - I feel bad for how little I write Humphrey, but when I do it's usually because his dry wit is exactly what's needed at the point in the story. So I guess that!

Kitty - Kitty's voice is incredibly distinctive, it's really clear to my ear and although she doesn't use extremely modern terms, her way of speaking isn't as not-of-this-time like Thomas' is. I love writing lines for her because I don't need to necessarily get out the thesaurus to try and "Georgian-fy" things, which is a huge blocker if I want to just free write and not spend a year getting things spot on for thetime period.

Fanny - She's a real useful fucking plot tool - which hopefully doesn't sound like an insult! S3 clearly put a lot of work into her, and she's very much become the "solution" to a lot of my "who challenges X character on their stupid way of thinking" issues. For example, if you have a very frustrated Captain struggling with something, Fanny would immediately cut across that with "Don't be silly, you should do this". If the household is unable to collectively make a decision, Fanny would interrupt with "Well OBVIOUSLY it's this". She's really a competent mother of the house; I'm hoping we'll see a lot of that in the Xmas special.

Pat - Similar to Kitty, I find Pat's voice aces and easy to pick up. I'll be honest and say I don't write him much, because I tend to write........ let's say darkish themes which I think Pat's sunny attitude tends to subvert? Not that he's not a complex character, just his big revelation was that he needed to stop listening to CB radio and his wife might not have cucked him and I'm all uncontrollable drug issues!

Mary - I really, really, really haven't written enough Mary, and the reason is I don't have a good enough grip on her backstory to flesh out her character. Same with Robin. The best thing about writing Mary would be her sort of... otherworldliness? Of all the ghosts, she's the one who properly seems haunting. I'd like to do a piece about her and Annie, about how she felt when Annie was sucked off, make it gay, all that.

Robin - See above; not knowing enough about him makes me struggle, but he benefits from slipping incredibly well into my Julian-centric work. I like him being the one who goes for the gag, who supplements the dysfunction. He's the one who would yell food fight, you know? An agitator.

Thomas - When I'm having a good day with writing, his headspace is super interesting. For some reason, I picked up this headcanon of him suffering quite badly with his memory, and I'm trying to explore that in the thing I'm writing now - that certain parts of his knowledge are completely gone, but what is there is incredibly vibrant. I'm also trying to work in some rationale behind his obsession with Alison, like... to the point where it's really causing himself harm. It's super fun to work with an unreliable character, especially when he's paired with....................

The Captain - He's just. IDK. A challenge. For me, he's a real struggle to nail down, and that's why I like writing him. I'm trying to write from his POV now and it's incredibly difficult, because it's all nuance and what he doesn't say, whereas I usually like characters who scream their feelings. It's a real joy to carefully prise him open.

Julian - LOOK AT MY SON. He's just effortless for me, which is pathetic, really! I know so much about politics that I could vomit it up, so I can just wriiiiiiiiiiiite all this crap. Also he's an incredibly unhappy character, putting on this facade, and I think that's what grabbed me first off and made me check out the fandom. It was literally that moment in episode 1/2 where they're standing outside and he goes "So people just think of me as that weirdo MP who died in a sex scandal?". Alison goes: "Wait - that was you?" and Julian's face just immediately goes from sad and pathetic to this brilliant, distracting smile of "What? No! Heh!". It fucking put a fist inside my chest and twisted. That level of artful practice. It's brilliant to write such a sleazeball.

Thank you so much for that ask - super fun!

[soyouthinkucanwrite]

Chapter 4 – A new day

Synopsys: The name of the series is super random, don't mind me. Reader is a postgraduate student at NYU, made a docuseries on her research, and the show got picked up by Netflix. She goes on a press tour and meets Tom on a ‘chat show’. They get together and she decides to stay for a few days in London with him. This could be an amazing few days or more? It’s been interesting writing how they’ll deal with distance and tight schedules once ‘honeymoon’ is over...

Heads up: my first language is Portuguese, so that might explain some things here - of course, I wrote thinking about myself hahaha

Warnings for the series: mention of illicit drugs, angst caused by distance, smut (next chapters, very explicit), anxiety caused by paparazzi, and rude random people taking photos.

Other than that, this is just my guilty pleasure writing so lots of caring sweet Tom and fluffiness.

Chapter 1 - A new city

Chapter 2 - Show time

Chapter 3 - Unexpected texts

Chapter 4 - A new day

This is 1.8k words (approximately)

A while after overthinking it you closed your eyes and next thing you knew you were opening them at the sound of your alarm clock. Shit. ‘Should’ve sleept more’ was your first thought but then you remembered why you didn’t. You checked your phone. There was one text from “Tom Holland”, you just loved the quotation markes there, they reminded you of the mess it was your first interaction.

Did he really just Google-translated ‘beautiful’? And are you really swooning over that?

You got up from bed smiling like an idiot and went to get ready for the day. You were getting breakfast with David at the hotel so you had to hurry cause the Breakfast show begins at 7. It was supposed to be a bright sunny (and hot) summer day, which you knew was rare in London. But it was still a work commitment, so you decided on pants and maybe you could change before going to wherever you were going with Tom. Tom! Should you reply to him?

Ok. Play it cool. Now, focus on why you’re here in the first place, will you? You wore capri pants, a t-shirt tucked in with a belt and some stylish shoes. It looked cool, you were comfortable and that’s the best we can expect in a situation like this. No one’s expecting you to show up ready for a red carpet or anything like that anyway. You texted David and he was already downstairs getting some food, so you just went to meet him.

“Good morning” You greeted David at the buffet.

“Someone’s in a good mood. Good morning” He was in a good mood too, probably cause you’ll be going home today. Your good mood had nothing to do with that. If you’re honest, that was a reason for ruining your spirit.

“Uh-hum” You agreed.

“So, I was looking and I think I can change our tickets. You know, for earlier.” He told you as you were sitting in a table at the corner and you couldn’t help but look at him like he was saying something absurd. “Ok, you don’t look so happy about it.”

“No, I was just hoping to see the city today. You know, enjoy it a little bit before going back.” As you said that your phone lit up on the table, it was a text from Tom.

“The city. Right” David smirked at you.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You laughed at him and smiled when you saw the texts.

“Is that ok?” You heard David talking.

“Hum? Sorry?” You were smiling.

“Gosh I can’t with you. I said I might just change my own ticket, would that be ok with you?”

“Oh yeah! Go ahead. I’ll be fine. I have all my flight info.” He looked at you suspiciously.

“Just…please be in New York next week? The meeting is on Friday afternoon”

“What?” You laughed. “Of course I’ll be there. Why wouldn’t I?” He just shook his head and laughed at you.

You finished your breakfast and went back to the room to brush your teeth and get your stuff. 15 minutes later, you were in a cab with David going to the Radio One studios. On the way, you snapped a pic to send him, you know, keep the conversation going.

You rolled your eyes at him but still couldn’t help but agree.

The breakfast show was from 7 to 10 am, but your interview was not until 8 am. So you and David just hang out in the studio in the meantime. “The first hour is mainly for music”, the girl that welcomed you guys explained. Soon after, Greg James walked out to the little reception and greeted you and David. “Hey guys! Thank you for coming! I’m Greg, nice to meet you.” He offered.

“Hi! Thank you for having us! I’m (y/n), this is David.” You replied and gave him a quick hug.

“Hey! How’s it going?” David said and gave him a man’s hug/handshake. Boys.

“So this is basically standard, since it’s a live interview, I like to ask if there’s any topic you want to avoid or something you’d like to talk specially about?” He asked you.

“Oh…I don’t know. No? Just…let’s talk about how great the show is so people want to watch it and we can keep making more” You laughed.

“And it IS great! I’ve seen it, really loved. Congrats!”

“That’s kind of you. Thank you!”

“No problem, so…I guess I’ll just direct it towards the interviews you did, you can tell me some funny stories? Awkward ones preferably.”

“You got it! I’ll give you my worst embarrassment stories, you know, for the good of entertainment” You laughed.

--

A little while later you were sitting in the studio with Greg on the other side of the table. You told him about the show and some embarrassing stories as well.

“So, what are the plans now? Will we be seeing more seasons of the show? Maybe in other cities, London perhaps?”

“Well, I can’t say”

“Oh come on! Is Netflix the next Marvel on terms of keeping secrets?”

“No, I mean, I don’t know. I literally can’t say because I don’t know what the future looks like for us. It’s been so great to go out and talk about the show, and see how much people liked it but I’m kind of just enjoying while I can.”

“No! Don’t say that! They won’t let you get away like that!”

“I hope not! If they want us, I’m all in! I’d love to make 10 more seasons and in other cities, even! Can you imagine?"

“Now that’s more like it! Let’s make a deal, if Netflix don’t renew with you, BBC will take it!”

“Ok! Sure! Are you in charge of it?”

“No really, but that’s just a technicality” He laughed. “Alright, so we’ll play some music and when we come back we’re going to hear some unpopular opinions! Are you ready for it Ana?”

“Sure, yeah! I love the theme song, let’s do it!”

“Do you really? You listen to the show?”

“Yes! I really do, I’m a fan since when I was learning English! I genuinely love Radio 1”

“No way! Just for that, I’ll let you choose the next song"

--

When the song died over it was time for the game.

“Hey! If you need a job, you can just come work here with us as international music sommelier, what you think about it?”

“Oh don’t even joke. That’s my dream job, honestly!”

“It’s settled them” The interview was going really well, and it was almost ending. “Alright, so our time is almost over. Shall we hear some unpopular opinions and send you all to the weekend with a pinch of wrath?”

“Yes please! Let’s hear them” The theme song started to play and you sang along. “Come and give us your unpopular opinion, something up to know you’ve been scared to say”

“That was great! And in the first try! You really are a listener!”

“Told you!”

“Ok so, first on the line we have Maya. Hello Maya? What’s your unpopular opinion?”

“Calling people bestie is cringe” The girl on the line said.

“Uh agreed” You said.

“You agree with her?” Greg asked you.

“Yeah. If it’s not ironically, it’s very cringe. Like calling your husband hubby”

“To be fair, most pet names are cringe” Greg offered.

“True, very true. Hey, love is cheesy. Nothing wrong with that. People in love are just not cool, have you ever met a couple that was genuinely cool?”

“No, I have not. Well, I mean…the Beckhams are cool.”

“Uh good one. I stand corrected. But can you imagine Victoria calling Dave ‘hubby’ or the other spice girls ‘bestie’?”

“Definitely not.” You guys laughed together, you were just being silly. “Good one Maya! Alright, next call is Kyle. Hello Kyle?”

“Hi! Flat watered down soda tastes good.”

“What?” You yelped. “Are you ok, Kyle?”

“And that’s why we call this segment ‘unpopular opinions’” Greg laughed. “Do you want to defend yourself there Kyle?”

“Not really, I just prefer it like that.” Kyle said and you and Greg laughed.

“You know what Kyle? You keep doing you. You might want to try some juice or iced tea, though. But you do you man.” You joked and Greg cracked up.

“That was great, I love it!” Greg said. “That will be all for today, don’t forget to check (y/n)'s new show this weekend and spam Netflix about how much we need more seasons!! And bring (y/n) to London Netflix!”

“Oh my god I loved it! Thank you so much for having me, I had the best time!” You thanked him. Music started to play and you took off your headphones. “Thank you, really. I was great!” You said directly to Greg.

“Oh don’t thank me! I really hope we’ll see you more! Come back always to promote the next seasons and projects!” He offered.

You got out of the studio and greeted David. “That was so much fun!” You told him.

“You’re killing it there ! Mission accomplished, finally! Are you coming back to the hotel or are you meeting with ‘the city’ from here?” He asked you using air quotes for ‘the city’ and smirking.

“I’m coming back to the hotel, thank you very much.” You rolled your eyes, but you knew he was just teasing you.

Chapter 5 it's fluffly london date and it was so much fun writing it, can't wait for you to read!

[aion-rsa]

Unforgotten: the Clues in the Titles and Why Every Detail Matters

https://ift.tt/3b8wdBf

Warning: contains spoilers for Unforgotten series 1-3

“You’d be surprised,” says Peter Anderson, creative director of the studio behind the title sequences for hit ITV crime drama Unforgotten. “You can show something really on-the-nose, and people won’t get it until they’ve been told. We fret and worry about giving too much away but the clue is only triggered when you know the context.”

Each 40-second title sequence for Unforgotten is a curated collection of purpose-filmed scenes designed to go where the drama can’t – namely, inside the characters’ heads. Every series starts with the discovery of a long-buried body, then introduces viewers to a guest cast of characters whose connections to each other, and to the historical murder, gradually unfold. It takes six episodes to solve the mystery, but right from the start, the abstracted and symbolic images created for the title sequence already hold all the answers. 

“Some of the images are big clues,” explains Anderson. “With the current series titles, there were some things that were taken out and then went back in, that are incredibly poignant, really incredibly amazing clues, I can only be ambiguous about it at this stage.”

Our new titles, full of little teasers and clues. Made by the brilliant @PAndersonStudio #OneDayMore #Unforgotten 4 https://t.co/rE5XAo5lx6

— Chris Lang (@ChrisLangWriter) February 21, 2021

How the series four title sequence relates to the new story, airing on Mondays at 9pm, is currently anybody’s guess. The meaning behind its images – a smashed car window, an allotment, a discarded fountain pen, to pick just three – will only become apparent after the finale. “You should have a relationship with the title sequence that grows as the drama grows,” says Anderson. Look back the title sequences for previous Unforgotten series and that’s exactly so – they’re transformed by hindsight.

Take the series two montage, which opens with a shot of a pub table and three empty drinking glasses. Atmospherically, it’s a lonely image, but hardly ominous. In the finale, the scene is revealed to be a turning point in the investigation as the place where the murder suspects gather and the truth is finally told. It’s a terrible truth about three lives irreparably damaged by childhood sexual abuse, and provides the answer to another title sequence mystery. The dreadful significance of a previously unexplained shot of an empty yellow tent is made clear in a heart-rending monologue from Mark Bonnar, who plays lawyer Colin. The abuse Colin suffered as a child began aged nine, on a camping trip. Each week, viewers have been shown the tent from his memory – a formative moment that haunts the titles in the same way it haunts the character.

“That’s one of those occasions where the titles are showing you something awful and poignant, a game-changer,” says Anderson. “In a way, the tent is the scene that forms the whole story of the drama, but it’s in the titles. It’s not a flashback, it’s been allowed to be in this other place, this place that says to you, ‘Before you watch this drama every week, think about some of these things’.”

Copyright: Peter Anderson Studio

Not every image is necessarily a clue. “Some of them are setting the scene, some of them are memories that form the characters, some of them are about placing the different time zones that you’re in.” Unforgotten is a time-travelling series, says Anderson. “The titles are showing us that we will be in memory.”

All four series titles share the visual metaphor of unsettled dust motes floating from scene to scene. “It’s talking about how, the moment Cassie and Sunny (the show’s detective leads played by Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar) come knocking on your door with news or an accusation, it unearths a whole series of events, whether you’re innocent or guilty. The dust, your past, is unsettled. That thread follows through all the title sequences, it’s about the everyday becoming disrupted and changed.” 

Clues and reminiscences are purposely blended in the Unforgotten titles. Some memories may be more important than others, but nothing is frivolous, says Anderson. In the series two sequence, even a glimpsed pan of peas boiling on a stove feeds into the working class roots of a now wealthy, knighted business tsar. “Even the peas have a job to do because they’re taking you back inside the head of a character.”

“One that pops to mind is a car crash scene from the series one titles. It’s the moment that one of our characters was in the crash that put him in his wheelchair. That’s not something shown in the drama, but that’s a moment that formed that character, a lot of his traits come out of this awful thing that happened.”

Read more

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By Louisa Mellor

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Title scenes are a different type of narrative that hark back to the silent movie era, Anderson explains. “It’s about subtly extending the storytelling, extending the characters through their memories, taking you to a place that formed them that the drama doesn’t have the time to show. It might be referred to in dialogue, but we can actually make it in the titles.”

They can make it, but not wanting to give the game away, they also have to obscure it. “Something that seems abstract often is laced with meaning,” he says, citing a tiny snippet in the series three credits where we see a close-up of a deer’s eye. The deer turns out to be a plot point, as the animal hit by an underage driver whose father suspects him of having killed the victim. In the same sequence, a poetic scene shows grass and flowing water. “To the viewer that will just be abstract and atmospheric, but actually, that’s the moment when the river broke its banks and carried away the body.”

The Unforgotten titles incorporate the settings used in the show, but – until this series because of last year’s Covid-19 restrictions on set visits – were always purpose-filmed by Anderson’s studio and not compiled from existing footage. They’d pop in to a set while the production was on lunch and get the coverage they needed, borrowing key props and costumes. That’s how a necktie worn by a character revealed to have a sadomasochistic fetish is glimpsed binding the hands of a young woman (a Peter Anderson Studios intern, being useful on her first day) in the series two sequence. A suitcase used to contain and dispose of a murder victim is spotted sitting innocently at the bottom of a wardrobe. “We have access to all the costumes, the props, the poignant clues from the drama itself. The detail that’s in there comes direct from the drama.” 

Copyright: Peter Anderson Studio

Each Unforgotten title sequence begins life as around 100 short scenes written by Anderson after reading all six of that series’ scripts. It’s unusual to be granted such breadth of access in TV drama, which is part of what makes the title work on Unforgotten so special. The entire Mainstreet Pictures team, from creator and writer Chris Lang to the producers and directors, collaborate on whittling down the list of scenes until they say everything they need to, without giving anything away. 

This kind of devotion from a production company to a TV title sequence is rare in the UK, says Anderson. He’s experienced it precious few times in his career: with Neil Gaiman creating the stunning 2D animated titles for Good Omens, with Steven Moffat and the producers of BBC One’s Sherlock and Doctor Who – for which his studio made the series seven titles starring Matt Smith – and here, on Unforgotten.

Lang tells Den of Geek that he’s never worked on a series with such a symbiosis between the titles and the drama. “We meet at late script stage, when the characters are fully formed, and then we decide together which echoes, teases and clues we want to put in to the opening sequence.” Lang describes the titles for each series as a mini drama of their own, easing the audience into the world of the show. In dramatic and storytelling terms, he says, the titles do a lot of heavy lifting.

“Chris will say ‘Can we add this scene? Because this is why that character was formed’, explains Anderson. “I can’t extend a character’s story in the way that the writer can. He knows implicitly how he’s formed his characters, he knows their past. He knows which memories are important”. It’s about understanding the detail of every bit of storytelling, “that even a half-second snippet really matters.”

Copyright: Mainstreet Pictures

One character-forming scene that’s only a half-second snippet in the series three titles shows a young child being hugged by a woman. The costume, backdrop and lighting suggest the 1960s, putting us in the realm of memory. In that half-second, Anderson confirms, we’re inside the mind of Dr Tim Finch, an extremely damaged man played by Alex Jennings.  “It’s just meant to be a flicker of time showing an overbearing mother that formed part of his character. If you look at the detail of that shot, what’s important is the fact that he’s being smothered and the smothering therefore has a psychological effect on him growing up.” 

Another key memory scene – a child’s-eye perspective of a woman peeling potatoes at a sink, which relates to the moment a character told her mother she was being abused by her father – was coincidentally filmed in the same location: Anderson’s kitchen at home. “I have a 1950s house with a genuine 50s kitchen with a genuine 80s wall with a genuine 70s floor, so as a location, it’s utterly fantastic for time travel,” he laughs, angling his laptop camera down to show a tiled floor fans will recognise from several of the Unforgotten title sequences. 

In the US, Anderson explains, TV titles are highly paid for, but in Britain it remains a lo-fi business. When his studio created the fast-paced title sequence for high-profile Sky One drama Lucky Man, for instance, instead of closing the roads and wiring up a street with cables to film the fast-paced street scenes, they did it using an actor from Starlight Express roller skating through London wearing a GoPro.

Copyright: Peter Anderson Studios

Series two’s yellow tent scene was filmed using vintage camping equipment pitched in the park next to Anderson’s home. “That was me and a cinematographer on the side of a hill. We set it up meticulously with an oil lamp from the period. We wanted the light to be perfect, so for just that one scene we probably spent between three and four hours shooting.”

A television drama often won’t have the time to be so indulgent with its photography, he says. For the series three titles, his studio shot Bristol Bridge in the early hours of the morning, starting off in the dark and the snow, waiting until the light was just so. Production arranged the official permissions, the hotel, everything so that Anderson’s team could film just two scenes of no more than a few seconds each. It’s proof, he says, of how much everybody involved cares and how every detail matters – something well worth remembering the next time your finger hovers over that ‘Skip Intro’ button.

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Unforgotten series 4 continues on Mondays at 9pm on ITV1.

The post Unforgotten: the Clues in the Titles and Why Every Detail Matters appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/303o3nf

[bmenvs3000]

Weather - Natures Amazing Characteristic

Nature is amazing in itself and to have to pick one single amazing characteristic to talk about is a very hard task. However, after soaking up the question and really taking it in, I realized that to me, the most amazing thing I know about nature is weather. Weather is important to our lives in many different ways; it controls the distribution of rainwater on earth (all organisms on earth need water to survive), it has had an impact on the distribution of humans on earth (mitigation), and to me it is just fascinating.

The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is look outside my window to see what the weather is like and quite honestly, I base many of my daily decisions on it (what shoes I should wear, if I need a jacket, if I should go on my daily outdoor run, etc.). These day to day weather changes can really influence how many people feel and the way they look at the world. With weather comes seasons and with seasons comes many things to look forward to. For example, right now it is fall, and it also happens to be my favourite season. I love the feel of the cool chilly air in the fall and I enjoy sitting under my cozy blanket with a hot chocolate watching the colourful leaves fall down. I look forward to the fall season every year and the different weather it brings along. With each new season comes “new nature” to explore. Summer means warm weather and exploring the lakes and oceans, while winter means cold weather and exploring nature through skiing and snowboarding on different mountains and cliffs, every season has its perks!

- Here is a photo I took in Sarinia, ON this summer while watching the sunset near the beach.

Things as little as the sounds of crickets at night as opposed to birds chirping in the morning amazes me. There’s just so much to indulge in when it comes to weather. Although, I would love to focus on just the amazing things that weather has to bring, I do think that it is important to address the negatives as well. During the past century, humans have released huge amounts of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. With this buildup of greenhouse gases, the climate has been changing. By definition, climate is the weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period. What this means is that our climate is becoming increasingly extreme. Hot places are becoming way too hot and cold places are becoming way too cold. There has been an increase in the number of hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. All of these things are a direct result of global change resulting from greenhouse gases. We as a community of individuals and organizations need to start working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before it is too late. Here is a link on how you can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions that I thought was very educational: http://www.eastgwillimbury.ca/Services/Environment/Ways_to_Reduce_Greenhouse_Gases.htm?PageMode=Print

- This is a photo I found on the BBC website of a baby polar bear and his mom sitting on melting ice due to climate change. This photo is very powerful and captures many of the realities we fail to see. If all the ice melts, polar bears will have nowhere to go and will eventually go extinct.

If we work together to reduce these greenhouse gas emissions then our climate will slowly begin to go back to normal and we can go back to enjoying all the amazing things nature and weather have to offer!

My question for you this week is: do you ever notice your mood changing based on weather?

Personally, when it is rainy outside, I find myself a little grumpy and when it is very sunny and nice out, I find myself very cheerful and excited to take on my day! Is this something that you experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers.

Reference:

Climate Change Indicators: Greenhouse Gases. (2017, February 22). Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/greenhouse-gases

Gill, H. (2020, July 20). Climate change: Polar bears could be lost by 2100. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-53474445

USBC Science Line. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2020, from http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=4580

[bryonysimcox]

Spring has Sprung and Life Continues: Week 11, Spain

Another week spent in the Catalunyan countryside as coronavirus lockdown continues. Here are my reflections on the arrival of spring, broad beans, ecological economics and the launch of ‘The Hundred Miler’.

This last week has seen the welcome face of April - signalling that spring is certainly here along with the arrival of Easter. It’s a time associated with new life, new starts, sunny days and longer nights. Even though we remain in full lockdown here in Spain, it feels as though we can draw upon the changing season as a source of assurance.

The week started with something rather special. I finally got to drive Suzi!

When we first bought the van in Summer 2019, I was still only 24, and it was really expensive to get me insured on it. There seems to be a transition point for insurers at age 25, so George and I had always agreed that after my birthday at Christmas, we’d get me on the insurance. But we never got around to it, partly because of the additional expense, and partly because it wasn’t a huge priority, until the start of March. And then of course, we were in Valencia and the lockdown hit, so we had nowhere to drive to even once I was insured!

My first drive here in Catalunya was pretty fun, even though it was just a trip to the supermarket. Because we’re in lockdown, the roads are super quiet which has been great, and the roads around the cottage aren’t tarmaced, so I could do some offroading as well. I’ve since driven a couple more times to and from the supermarket, and it’s so nice to be behind the wheel again. I haven’t driven since we owned our last van, Casper, back in Sydney!

(Images, left to right) My first time driving Suzi the HiAce, and a throwback to driving our last van Casper.

On the topic of Sydney, I have been doing some serious reminiscing. It’s almost coming to exactly a year since George and I flew back to the UK from Australia, and anniversaries always tend to bring on waves of nostalgia. It’s mad to think that a year ago, we didn’t own a van, not least have a clue about where we’d be living in the van! And of course, there’s no way I’d have imagined that we would be stuck amid a pandemic-induced global lockdown. Oh, to have the gift of foresight... 

The year that ensued after we left our friends, jobs, and security blanket of Sydney was an absolute rollercoaster. We naively aimed to have the van built and prepped in a matter of months, and when the van-build rolled over towards Christmas 2019, I felt like an absolute failure for not having finished it sooner. And yet now, upon reflection, I guess it’s not such a bad achievement to have managed to buy and build Suzi the HiAce, both of us get jobs in Manchester and move into a flat there, launch our documentary channel ‘Broaden’ and set off for Europe all in a year.

We can all benefit from a bit of self-reflection to put progress into perspective.

(video) Broaden’s latest video; an overview of who we are and what we’re about. It’s helped me to reframe some of the successes of this last year.

I feel like a stuck record, but food is a wonderful experience which punctuates the repetitive days of lockdown. Last week I wrote about calçots, a deliciously sweet spring onion special to this region and eaten with Romesco sauce. This week, it’s all about broad beans. The garden here is full of them, so I’ve been tasked with picking and podding. Most of them are fat enough to be podded, and are even better if you go the extra mile by blanching them and removing their skins. The smaller ones can be eaten as they are, and make for a lovely crunchy stir-fry ingredient too.

Preparing broad beans can be time-consuming, but also a wonderfully cathartic activity. My granny in Scotland used to have plenty of these beans in her garden, and I remember summer days spent picking and podding with my mum. We’ve stored plenty here in the freezer but have also kept some fresh and I am continually finding ways to incorporate them into our meals. A quick call to my well-resourced mum also resulted in her sending pages and pages photographed from Jane Grigson’s vegetable book: not only with plenty of recipes but incredibly detailed descriptions of the vegetable’s history and qualities too.

(images) Beautiful fresh veggies from the market were a highlight of the week, as well as picking these broad beans straight from the garden. The bowl on the right is what was distilled from podding four huge bags’ worth.

The resurgence in cooking and baking whilst in lockdown is inspiring, but I’ve been thinking about how it affects our supply chains as well.

Just this morning on BBC News I saw an article about dairy farmers having to throw away vast amounts of milk as cafes, hotels and restaurants remain shut, and another article about how there’s been an insane increase in demand for flour, as everyone takes to home baking. Many mills are now working around the clock to meet the demand in the UK and I was especially interested to read that even if there’s enough flour that there’s a shortage of packaging, because usually only 4% of flour produced goes into the smaller bags that we see on supermarket shelves.

Coronavirus has triggered so many changes in how we live and how we behave, that it's wreaking havoc on supply chains like this, and of course, the economy. That said, whilst the negative effects are hard to deny, scientists, economists and ecologists alike are suggesting that we should leverage the situation as an opportunity to reflect on how we all live, and how we might return to ‘normal’ life without just returning to business as usual. I agree: this is a unique opportunity to reassess production and consumption, how we assign value to things, and the economic and political models that we use to govern our world.

The connection between global lockdown, coronavirus, climate change and our economy has really got me thinking.

I recently read an incredible article by ecological economist Simon Mair in Singularity Hub which looked at this relationship. The article pulled together disparate strands that have been on my mind for a while, each related to various books which I’ve been reading, and which I can now see are interconnected. Simon suggests that the Covid-19 crisis could be a chance to “expand our economic imagination”. He explains that coronavirus, like climate change, demands a type of downscaling, counter to the ‘wartime economy’ mentality and massive upscaling of production. 

“If we want to be more resilient to pandemics in the future (and to avoid the worst of climate change) we need a system capable of scaling back production in a way that doesn’t mean loss of livelihood”, says Simon.

The article is full of gems, and Simon explores things such as our current addition to economic growth and productivity, the transfer of healthcare and labour goods out of the market and into the hands of the state, and the social forms that could come from an ethic that values care, life, and democracy. It answers some of the questions posed by George Monbiot in ‘How Did We Get Into This Mess?’, echoes some of the radical economic theories proposed by Kate Raworth in ‘Doughnut Economics’, and parallels ideas of democratic market socialism put forward by ‘How to Be an Anti-Capitalist in the 21st Century’ by Erik Olin Wright which I’m currently reading. Simon’s article has really got me so fired up, in fact, that I’m working on an idea for a new video which explores the topic, so watch this space.

(images) Three fantastic books which I highly recommend.

On the subject of videos, Broaden has been one of the only things keeping us sane! I am eternally grateful to have a creative outlet in times like these, and one which involves a collaborative partnership with George too. Whilst we aren’t able to explore places in the van, or capture footage for new films as we’d love to be doing right now, we are at least able to edit from the cottage and work on promoting the content that we are already releasing.

It feels so tricky to get the right tone when releasing videos during a global pandemic.

We are both conscious of remaining sensitive to the severity of the health crisis, whilst balancing that with the reality that life goes on, and that people still want to see pictures, watch videos and read articles that engage with other topics too. As Broaden, George and I obviously made the decision to launch our documentary ‘The Hundred Miler’ during this time, and I hope that people see it as a celebration of running, the natural world, and human resilience, and perhaps even an escape from the daily news of the virus, rather than something insensitive or badly-timed.

(video) Trailer for ‘The Hundred Miler’

‘The Hundred Miler’ comes out this Saturday 11th April, and we have been overwhelmed by the response already. People have really got behind the project, helping to share it on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and widen its potential reach. George has been making this film for well over three years, so it feels like an immense milestone to finally have it shown to the world. I don’t think I know many people who hold themselves to such high standards as George, and so to have so many positive messages and people planning to tune in for the live premier on Saturday is the best affirmation of all his hard work that I could wish for. It has been a pleasure to see him create this documentary, and also to have been involved in the production and final stages of its creation.

The Hundred Miler is a film about three Australian guys, taking on the biggest race of their lives; UTMB.

‘Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc’ is renowned in the trail-running world, as one of the most challenging and scenic ultra marathons. The Hundred Miler is an attempt to bring this story to the masses, and we hope that it appeals to non-runners and runners alike, for its underlying themes of companionship, commitment and strength. It premiers live on YouTube at 10am in the UK, which is 7pm in Australia on 11.4.20, and after that the video will be available to watch as a normal video. You can find BTS footage and more information about the film on our Instagram here, details of the launch on the Facebook event here, and the link for the video itself here. You can also subscribe to Broaden’s YouTube channel and set a reminder for when the film goes live.

(video) ‘The Hundred Miler’ which goes live on Sat 11th April.

 It goes without saying: I am really missing the open road and living in a van. And I’m not immune to fear of the future either. But as the days and weeks pass, we learn to adapt to changing circumstances and continue to find hope among them. In a way, it helps to know we are all in the same boat, facing a topsy-turvy life full of roadblocks and revelations. Thanks for tuning in to read my weekly ramblings and I hope you’re all keeping as well as you can be. Until next week!

[paradisobound]

I Want It, I Got It: Chapter 17

Summary: Phil Lester was a worker for the BBC in London. Working in the advertising department, he was content being alongside his friend and fellow coworker PJ during every shift. However, the BBC is temporarily being used as a film set for a new movie staring Hollywood ‘It’ star, Daniel Howell. Being stuck as an extra on the set, Phil finds it’s hard to ignore the famous star. And maybe, just maybe, Dan finds it hard to ignore Phil as well.

Word Count: 3.5k (this chapter)

Warnings: Occasional swearing and sexual themes

Rating: Explicit

Updates will be every Sunday around 1pm EST

**MASTERLIST | READ ON AO3 | WATTPAD**

For a split second, Phil thought that maybe this idea wasn’t the smartest. It wasn’t exactly the most fool proof and he was sure that something bad was bound to happen. For one: he had no idea what it even meant to arrive to an airport and have a private jet waiting for him. 

That in itself was quite over whelming. 

For two: he had no idea how it even went to ride on a private jet. All he knew was that Dan’s bodyguard and a few other people who neglected to introduce themselves were also on the same plane and he felt a bit…out of place. Especially so with his Adidas bag as his ‘carry on’ luggage. 

His brother Martyn was watching Spike for the week and Phil had dropped him off before running to the airport after being stuck in traffic. Dan had reassured him that he plane would not leave without him―contrary to every other commercial plane. But Phil still felt like he had to rush to get there. 

But it was an entirely different feeling stepping off from the plane and being in sunny Los Angeles with the warmth kissing his skin. He’s escorted away to a private car by Joshua which should feel weird but Phil honestly finds it comforting knowing he had Dan’s bodyguard to protect him from any weird paparazzi or people. 

Phil gets into the back of the car and relaxes into the seat as the driver pulls away. He opens his phone and sends a text to Dan saying that he was here and on his way to his house…his house. Man, Phil didn’t quite know what to expect knowing he was about to see Dan’s house. Should he be nervous? Should he be excited? What is the proper reaction to seeing someone famous’s house for the first time? 

Nothing is said by anyone in the car the entire time they’re driving. If Phil wasn’t so overwhelmed by the entire ordeal, he might have used some of his abilities to start small talk with the driver but instead, he’s left speechless. 

It doesn’t take long for them to get to where they need to be and soon, Phil feels his breath leave his body as he gets to see what Los Angeles is beginning to look like―minus the heavy traffic that was currently holding them up. 

He took some photos for himself to keep as a memory and he added a snapshot to his Instastory so that way he could brag to his friends back home where he was. He knew that they would all be waiting and watching over social media for anything that he may say or post. 

Not to mention, he’s sure his name is going to be on some news sites by the end of the evening anyway. He can imagine it now. DAN HOWELL’S NEW BEAU ARRIVES IN LOS ANGELES or something like that. He feels a bit exasperated even at the thought of it. 

They crest up a steep hill and suddenly, they’re heading towards bigger and bigger mansions and Phil feels his heart stop a bit in his throat. He knew that Dan’s popularity and celebrity status would obviously mean that he would have a massive house but he was sure that the house they just passed was one of the Kardashian’s. 

“Excuse me…” Phil found his voice ringing out in the dead silence of the car. The driver turned his head slightly in recognition of Phil getting his attention. “Where are we?” 

“The Hollywood Hills.” The driver answers calmly. 

“Dan’s house is up here?” 

The driver nods. “Mr. Howell’s house is right up here. Just have to turn here and ring through the gate.” 

Phil sat back and watched as the driver took a right turn and suddenly was confronted by a gate with a code on the side. The driver put in the code and the gates shuddered before they began to open slowly, allowing for the driver to pass through. 

The drove down the straight road until they reached a semi-circle and the driver pulled around. In full view was Dan’s home, sat back away from everything else. It was pristine white with a beautiful fountain in front of it. It wasn’t nearly as big as all of those mansions that Phil had seen but it still blew his mind when the driver stepped out and opened his door for him. 

Phil grabbed his bag and stepped out onto the pavement of the driveway. He took in a deep breath and reached up, anxiously pushing his glasses further on his nose in a nervous habit. He began to walk forward, not even sure where to go in when he sees Dan, stood on the steps of his house with his arms crossed loosely over his chest. 

Phil had the overwhelming urge to run over and pick him up, squeezing him tight and just hugging him until they can’t breathe. But he didn’t. Instead, he tried to, as calmly as one could when they were shaking, walk over to Dan. 

Dan flashed his massive blinding smile at Phil and Phil flashed it back and suddenly, his bag was dropped to the ground as Dan wrapped his arms around him in a hug and held on tight. This was the first contact that they’d ever had but Phil honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Dan’s hug was genuine and warm and all Phil wanted to do was never let him go. He felt Dan’s face press into his neck as his grip tightened for a moment and then loosed. Phil let go and Dan let go too and they just looked at each other. 

Phil could kiss him. He really could and maybe he will? 

It would be so easy to lean in and just do it. 

He begins to lean in and Dan looks like he’s going to lean in too but…

“Dan? Where did you go? We’re not done going over what we’re setting up for the party tonight!” 

Marianne, Dan’s manager, came rushing out the door after them and whatever moment they were sharing was gone just as fast as it had came. 

Dan rolled his eyes and waved her off. “Tell Jess and Morgan that I’ll be back in a moment. Whatever they’re setting up can’t be that important anyway.” 

Phil furrowed his brows and when Dan turned back, he sensed the confusion that read on Phil’s face. “I’m sorry. I’m hosting a party tonight here at my house because apparently that’s what I have to do and my team are just busy setting up the decorations and everything else now. The caterer and the musicians will be around a bit later and this is all a bit of a hectic day, isn’t it?” 

Dan laughed nervously and Phil nodded because he really just wanted to spend the day with Dan. He wanted to be alone with Dan and just…he just wanted to be with Dan. No one else. Just him and Dan, cuddling or doing something more in Dan’s bed as they indulged in lost time. 

Phil really wanted to ask Dan on a date…and even better, maybe ask Dan if he’d like to be his boyfriend. But that’s a bit hard if Dan’s going to have hoards of people over tonight for a party. 

“I’m so sorry.” Dan repeats. “The timing was just pretty shit if I’m being honest but they wouldn’t really budge for the date since invitations went out for it like three weeks ago. I promise that the rest of the time you’re here, there will be no one else around. It’ll be just us.” 

Phil nods and forces a smile to Dan who just smiles back gently. 

“I’m really glad you’re here.” Dan continues. 

“I’m really glad I’m here too.” 

“Do you want something to eat? Or would you like a place to rest for a bit? I know how jet lag is so I can show you my room and you can take a little nap?” 

Phil nodded because he would love to take a nap for a few hours to try and catch up on sleep. He would absolutely love to just lay down in the plush comforter and pillows that he sees every time Dan Skype’s him. 

Dan motions him inside and Phil follows him, immediately feeling his breath hitch at the sight of the inside of Dan’s home. There is a grand staircase front and center when you walk in, and behind that, Phil can see an open area with what looks to be a TV and a living room set up. And in the distance, just past the windows, he can see a pool overlooking the valley. 

Dan takes him up the stairs and Phil follows as they head towards Dan’s bedroom. Dan pushes the door open and when Phil walks inside, his jaw drops. A massive king bed took up majority of the wall but that didn’t account for the rest of the stunning decor that laid around the room and on the walls. 

His bed was covered in a black grey duvet with big fluffy pillows and an ottoman in the front held a brand new sparkling suit and a pair of shoes―obviously for the party. Phil walks in further and looks out the left side, seeing a balcony with sliding glass doors and those billowy white curtains that Phil always thought looked cliche in romance novels. 

“It’s a bit of a mess.” Dan says, rubbing his neck. “But I haven’t really had the motivation to clean it up or anything.” 

“Dan, this is stunning.” Phil says, turning around and dropping his bag. “Everything about your house is just stunning.” 

Dan bites his lip and flashes red. “I personally think it’s a bit much but…it’s nice every once and a while to indulge in the perks, I guess?” 

Phil walks over to the bed, his feet carrying himself before he can even comprehend where he’s going. He presses his hand on the duvet and pushes down, feeling the feathery weight under his hand. He takes a seat and toes off his sneakers, hoping Dan won’t mind, and feels himself sink into the mattress. 

“You look like you’re in heaven, mate.” Dan says with a laugh. “But you’re welcome to sleep here for a little bit. I have to go back downstairs to make sure Marianne and the team aren’t fucking anything up but I’ll come up and wake you up if you start sleeping too long.” 

Phil nods and turns to him. “Thank you.” 

Dan nods back and smiles before he turns on his heels and leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. 

Phil lays down on the bed and feels his body sink into it. He closes his eyes, taking off his glasses and setting them to the side, and just relaxes into it. He could get used to being here, sharing this bed with Dan. 

He doesn’t know how long he sleeps for, or really know even when he falls asleep. But when he wakes up, Dan is laying beside him in bed, his own eyes shut in a peaceful slumber. 

Phil gets the urge to reach over and stroke a stray piece of his hair off from his eyes. But he doesn’t. He just watches as Dan’s face crinkles up a bit in his sleep and then relaxes. He finds himself rolling closer, wanting to experience what it’s like to cuddle with Dan―and especially one who is sleepy. 

He reaches out and arm and puts his hand on Dan’s side, feeling the warmth travel through his touch. Dan stirs and Phil jumps, immediately thinking that his was a mistake and he’s breached some line that he shouldn’t have. But instead, Dan’s eyes open just a little bit and he smiles gently at Phil before he throws his arm over Phil’s chest and scooches forward. 

Dan’s head comes to rest on Phil’s chest and Dan’s body is practically covering Phil’s at this point, but he doesn’t care in the slightest. Dan’s weight and warmth is grounding for him and he wraps his arms around him, holding him just the way he wanted to, and lets his eyes drift back off into sleep. 

When he wakes up again, Dan is sat on the edge of the bed, stretching his arms up and then reaching down to unwrinkle his shirt that had gotten wrinkled as they slept. Dan scratches his side and then turns his head and his lips curl up in a smile as he sees Phil awake. 

“Hey, didn’t mean to wake you up.” 

Phil shook his head. “You didn’t.” 

“Is it okay that we cuddled?” Dan asked, his voice getting a bit more airy and serious. “Because I know I can get a bit clingy when I sleep but I didn’t want to cross any lines.” 

Phil quickly shook his head. “I really loved cuddling with you actually.” He smiles wider. “I really would like to do more of that actually.” 

Dan laughs and lets out a snort as he stands up. “Maybe later. But my party begins in a few hours and I need to get ready and I’m assuming you will have to too. And I also want to eat something before it begins as well.” 

Phil nods and begins to sit up, putting his glasses on as he swings his legs out to the edge of the bed and begins to stand on wobbly limbs. He’s still a bit jet-lagged, nowhere near as bad as he was before. 

He’s about to walk to his bag and pull out some clothes when he’s hit with the sudden realization that he did not pack anything for a party. Nothing he brought would be suitable for Dan’s party. 

“I don’t think I have anything to wear.” 

Dan looks up from where he’s stood at the end of his ottoman. “You can just borrow something of mine?” 

That is how two hours later, Phil ends up in the middle of a party that is definitely in full swing with a small plate of Hors d’oeuvres in his hand. He’s not quite sure where to begin or even how to begin. 

Dan is by his side but it’s been hard to really know what he’s supposed to do in these situations when Dan is currently downing his third cocktail of the evening and Phil isn’t even sure where his went. 

There had to be over 300 people in Dan’s house. It felt like people were packed like sardines inside the walls and Phil felt a bit overwhelmed. But at least this part was classy compared to the university parties that he used to go to as a student. 

These people were all dressed in fine and fancy dresses and well groomed tuxes. They sipped Champagne and ate finger foods and mingled with everyone else. There was no crazy lights or music or really anything that would scream a crazy party to Phil. 

But it’s just that these were all high profile celebrities and here was Phil, trying to find his way through the crowd to follow Dan, all the while trying to not spill his plate of food on the floor. 

Dan tried to introduce him to some of his friends. Many of them he did recognize from TV shows and even other movies. But a lot of them he didn’t know and he wanted to remain polite so he just nodded slowly and smiled as if he did know who they were. 

But it was hard for him to navigate all of the people and to find people he actually felt like he could speak to. A lot of them weren’t even the same social class as Phil and it was quite obvious in the way they held themselves in comparison to Phil who, frankly, had no fucking clue what he was doing. 

Within a few hours, he was a bit exhausted already and he could tell Dan was as well. But everywhere Dan went, he went, and when he find himself getting too claustrophobic, he walked out the sliding glass doors onto the patio with the pool where less people were mingling. 

He found a seat on a bench by the poolside and set down his plate and cursed himself for losing his actually really amazing cocktail. But it felt good to take a break away from everyone and not feel like he was fighting through the crowds. 

He’s not even entirely sure where Dan went either. 

Phil sits in silence all by himself as he eats the rest of his food and then gets out his cell phone to scroll through social media for a few. He’s still scrolling through his phone when footsteps enter his thought and he looks up and sees Dan stood in front of him with two glasses in his hands. 

He hands one to Phil and then he takes a sip of his own before sitting down. 

“It’s all a bit much, isn’t it?” Dan says, setting his glass onto the bench next to them. “It’s all a bit crazy actually when I look inside my own home and see everyone here. Like, I don’t even know a quarter of these people.” 

“What is the party for?” Phil asks. 

Dan shrugs his shoulders. “Literally not even that sure to be honest. I think something to do with my film.” 

Phil nods slowly and brings the rim of the glass up to his lips as he takes a drink and sets it down. “I’ve never been to a party like this before.” 

“I know.” Dan says. “I never had either prior to me actually becoming a well-known somebody.” He pauses. “They’re just so overwhelming. Funnily enough, you snagged this bench to break away which is the same bench I go to when I’m feeling overwhelmed.” 

“It’s a beautiful view, sitting here.” Phil comments, pointing out to the valley that you see just beyond Dan’s fence surrounding his pool. 

Dan nods. “It’s one of the few perks of owning this house.” 

Phil doesn’t know quite what to say, so he brings up his glass and takes another sip of his drink. Dan beside him finishes off his own.

“I’ve felt something for you since we saw each other for the first time in London.” Dan suddenly says. “And I feel like if I don’t say anything now while I’m a bit buzzed than I won’t. But I just wanted you to know that.” 

“I’ve liked you since we met.” Phil admits. “I knew it was more than just a silly crush when I couldn’t ever get you out of my head. I thought about you all the time.” 

“All the time?” Dan asks, raising an eyebrow. Phil feels his cheeks flush and he reaches out to swat gently at Dan’s arm. 

“You know what I mean.” 

“I really like you, Phil.” Dan says, turning his head to face him. 

Phil feels himself smile at the declaration before both them begin to lean in. 

Their lips collide and Phil feels how perfectly they slot together, almost as if they were made for each other. Dan’s hand comes up and his fingers weave through Phil’s hair as he holds him close for the kiss. 

Phil feels Dan’s tongue swipe against his bottom lip and he opens his mouth to let Dan in as their kisses deepen. He feels his breath shorten and his hands move up on Dan’s blazer, grabbing the lapels and pulling him closer. 

It was like fireworks going off in the distance. Dan’s lips on Phil’s felt perfect and natural. They were soft but also a bit dry but Phil didn’t care. He pulled back from the kiss and looked at Dan, his lips red and swollen. He dove back forward and connected their lips again like their lives depended on it. 

He doesn’t know how long they actually kissed for and frankly, he doesn’t care. When he pulls back for the second time, he looks at Dan and just smiles and laughs and Dan does the same. 

Everything feels spectacular and right. Phil can already feel the fondness for Dan climbing higher and higher the longer that they sit together on the bench. Dan intertwines their fingers and Phil hold his hand close to his body as they sit. 

The party continued behind them as they spoke the rest of the night away. They stole a few more kisses before they headed back inside as the party began to fizzle and people began to leave. 

By the end of the night, they were back in Dan’s bed together and Phil held Dan close, pressing little kisses on Dan’s hair as they fell asleep. 

Everything about this day was more than Phil could have ever asked for and he’ll never forget it as long as he lives. 

[elleberquist6]

Play Upon Me Like This Piano - chapter twenty-eight

Summary: In many ways, Phil’s life is perfect: he loves his life in London, he has a wonderful brother and parents, and he has a great job as a radio DJ for BBC Radio One. There’s only one thing missing in his life… A rumor reaches an executive at the BBC about a talented local piano player named Daniel. The executive decides that Daniel would be the perfect guest on Phil’s radio show, so she sends Phil to speak with the evasive and mysterious piano player.

When they finally meet, Phil starts to think that he has found the person who will make his life complete. Unfortunately, Dan has a secret that will make getting close to him difficult.

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 1955

Warnings: Smut

—

Siren fact: By the 1800s, hoaxers churned out faked mermaids by the dozen to satisfy the public's interest in the creatures. The great showman P.T. Barnum displayed the "Feejee Mermaid" in the 1840s and it became one of his most popular attractions. Those paying 50 cents hoping to see a long-limbed, fish-tailed beauty comb her hair were surely disappointed; instead they saw a grotesque fake corpse… To modern eyes it was an obvious fake, but it fooled and intrigued many at the time. Some researchers believe that sightings of human-size ocean animals such as manatees and dugongs might have inspired merfolk legends. These animals have a flat, mermaid-like tail and two flippers that resemble stubby arms.

They don't look exactly like a typical mermaid or merman, of course, but many sightings were from quite a distance away, and being mostly submerged in water and waves only parts of their bodies were visible… When you add in the factor of low light at sunset and the distances involved, positively identifying even a known creature can be very difficult. A glimpse of a head, arm, or tail just before it dives under the waves might have spawned some mermaid reports. [https://www.livescience.com/39882-mermaid.html/]

“Do you hear that?”

“Mmmh?” Phil groaned and opened his eyes a fraction of an inch. He was sitting in a slumped position on the sofa, with Dan sleeping cuddled against his chest. When they had both been too exhausted to be stiff with terror anymore, Phil had pulled Dan close and they had both fallen asleep. As Phil looked around, he noticed that Dan was still asleep, but Martyn was getting up from the floor and staring at the stairs. Phil asked, “What did you say?

“I hear something,” Martyn said, and then he ran up the stairs and out the door.

Phil blinked in the light that streamed down from the open door – it looked like a sunny day outside. He listened for whatever sound had alarmed his brother but heard nothing except for the soft swishing of waves. It sounded peaceful outside… Phil gasped and sat up a bit, jostling Dan who startled awake.

Dan looked around wildly before his eyes settled on Phil’s face. He asked, “What’s happening?”

“Um, I think that the storm is over. Martyn is up on the deck now… I think we’re okay!”

Dan tilted his head. “I hear something… Do you hear that?”

Phil started to shake his head because there was no thunder crashing, no pounding rain, and the sea sounded calm. But then he heard it: in the distance, Martyn was talking to someone. It was hard to make out what he was saying, but Martyn sounded excited.

“It must be someone from the Lifeboat Station,” Dan said with a smile, which then quickly faded. “Phil… how am I going to explain to them that I’m here? I was in the Lifeboat Station yesterday, but now I’m here being rescued. This is a disaster…”

“I’m sure it’s going to be okay. It will all be fine! They probably won’t even notice,” Phil said as he put a hand on Dan’s shoulder, but Dan stiffened under his touch.

Dan sucked in a sharp breath like he was trying to calm himself. He snapped, “Look, Phil, I know you’re trying to be nice, but stop! You can’t just say things like that!”

Phil removed his hand from Dan’s shoulder. “Are you angry with me?”

Dan sighed and shook his head. “No, of course not. It’s just that you don’t understand. Phil, this is my biggest secret, one that I have been protecting for my whole life. I’ve lived in fear of people discovering what I am for 27 years. And now you tell me that this risk is nothing? That it will all be fine? It sounds like you’re not taking this seriously.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” Phil bit his bottom lip as he thought. “Maybe you can jump off the side of the boat and swim to shore. Are you strong enough to do that?”

Dan opened his mouth to say something, but at that moment Martyn was bounding excitedly down the steps with a grin on his face. He was carrying two water bottles, which he ran over to give Dan and Phil on the sofa. He said, “Here, drink! We’ve got plenty of water now.”

As they both eagerly twisted the caps off the water bottles and took deep swallows, Martyn shifted in place before them, eager to share the news. Once they had both finished drinking, he blurted, “There’s a rescue boat here to save us! Since our boat is still operational, we are going to follow them as they lead us back to shore. We’ll be back on land within the hour.”

Dan swallowed heavily and asked, “Is the rescue boat from the Lifeboat Station?”

Martyn’s grin widened and he nodded. He didn’t notice the alarm on Dan’s face and he said, “Yeah, the guys from the Lifeboat Station were looking for us, just like you said. Thanks, Dan.”

Then Martyn started to pace the room like an excited caged tiger as he stared at the stairs like he was waiting for something to happen. Dan was staring at the door intently at the stairs too, maybe expecting one of the men from the Lifeboat Station to come through the door at the top of the steps.

Phil tapped Dan’s arm to get his attention. Then he mouthed the words, “Should you go?”

Dan nodded, though he didn’t look very sure of the prospect. Phil had hoped that since the storm passed that swimming would be easier, but Dan just looked like he would rather drown attempting to swim in this exhausted state than face the men of the Lifeboat Station and their questions. And suddenly Phil was terrified for him, as he was starting to understand what this secret meant to Dan.

Just as Dan looked like he had decided what to do and was bracing himself on the arm of the sofa to get up – not that Phil was going to let him leap off the boat if he was too weak to swim – there was the roar of a motor and the floor lurched beneath their feet. Phil gasped in surprise and said, “We’re moving! Mar, what’s going on?”

Martyn looked at them and smirked at the alarm on their faces. “Relax, one of the guys from the rescue boat is sailing us. I told you, we’ll be at the marina in less than an hour.”

Having no other choice, Dan settled down and took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself. Phil put a hand on his arm, but Dan didn’t appear to notice or be comforted by it. Now that he couldn’t jump unnoticed from the boat, he just looked trapped and miserable.            

By the time they arrived in the marina, Martyn had also noticed Dan’s distress – his tense shoulders, wild eyes, and the way he gripped the water bottle so tight in his hand that the plastic crunched – and he was looking at Dan curiously. Just as Martyn opened his mouth and looked like he was going to ask what was wrong, they heard the motor shut off and the familiar sounds of the marina were suddenly audible. The three of them became very still, straining to hear familiar voices in the nearby chatter of people who sounded like they were gathered on the dock, awaiting their arrival.

“Cornelia?” Martyn gasped, and he ran up the stairs to see if he could find her.

Phil was eager to see Corn and Mum too, but right now he was more concerned about the person sitting rigidly at his side, and he turned to Dan with a reassuring smile. He was ready with the typical phrases “it will be fine” and “it’s all going to be okay” on the tip of his tongue but he remembered Dan’s reaction before. He decided on something more serious, saying, “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

Dan’s mahogany eyes shimmered and he swallowed heavily. “I, um… I’m not just nervous of seeing the guys from the Lifeboat Station – and fuck, but I am really freaked out at the thought of that. But, um, the other thing is that after being in the sea, it hurts people like me to walk on land for a bit. It’s like a pins-and-needles sensation in the legs, but really painful. I’m probably going to cry, which is a bad thing for another reason…”

“You’re going to be in pain? For how long?” Phil’s mind was reeling. He still didn’t understand what Dan was, but he hated the thought of him being hurt.

“Dunno, about an hour maybe? I don’t do things like this a lot, so I don’t know…” Dan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He looked like he had settled his mind on something when he reopened his eyes. “Well, it’s not like I can spend the rest of my life on this boat, so I guess I should get this over with.” Dan laughed at his own words, but the sound was hollow. As he got up, he picked up the blue blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders.

Phil also stood up and he opened his mouth to mock Dan for wearing the blanket like a superhero’s cape, but his teasing died in his throat as he saw the way that Dan clutched at the blanket, looking like a scared child who wanted to hide beneath it. He put a gentle hand on Dan’s arm and said, “Come on, it will be alright.”

Phil led Dan by the arm up the steps and then across the deck. They both froze at the sight of the marina as numerous curious eyes fixed on their faces – apparently it was not every day that a boat was lost during a storm and retrieved by the rescue services, and this was enough of a sensation to cause a crowd to gather to witness their return. There were curious locals, looky-loo tourists, a harried looking cop who was trying to keep the crowd back, two ambulances with lights flashing atop them, and several reporters who were holding cameras and eyeing them like hungry vultures.

At the sight, Dan whined, “Phil.”

“I know. But we’re almost out of here. And then we can go back to the hotel.” Phil scanned the crowd for familiar faces, and he saw his brother near one of the ambulances. He was having his pulse taken by an EMT. It looked like one of the men from the Lifeboat Station was trying to ask him questions, but Martyn was too distracted by Cornelia, who was at his side, to pay much attention to anything else. Phil tightened his grip on Dan’s arm and said, “There’s Mar. Let’s go.”

Dan followed him as they climbed off the boat, but he gasped the second his feet touched the dock and his legs buckled beneath him. “Oh… fuck,” Dan whimpered and pulled the blanket up over his head, covering his face from all but Phil’s view. “I can’t…”

“Dan, what is it?” Phil crouched before him, aware that an EMT had spotted Dan’s distress and was pushing through the crowd to get to them. Phil hadn’t forgotten what Dan had said about the painful sensation he would feel when attempting to walk on land, and now he was panicked at the idea that someone might try to drag Dan to a hospital, seeing him like this. “Is there anything I can do?”

Dan whispered, “Don’t let anyone see my face.”

“Why? Oh…”

[cleanwaterchronicles]

14 Winter-Themed Science Experiments & Activities for Students

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. They have come up with a list of 14 fun science experiments to do with your kids while at home this winter.

“Saying “goodbye” to warm, sunny days is never easy, especially if you live in a cold climate.  While you may feel stuck inside, you and your students can beat cabin fever this winter by embracing the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the season.

These engaging experiments, activities, and projects will inspire you and your students to brave the snow, ice and cold temperatures. The activities below provide a range of experiences for all levels of students from kindergarten through middle school. Cold-themed investigations explore chemical changes, states of matter, measurement, data collection, animal adaptations, physical properties, and landforms to inspire your students to explore nature’s wonderful white wonders. Many of these activities can be done whether you live in a cold or warm climate!

1. How Much Water is in Snow?

It’s hard to imagine that giant piles of snow contain just a few inches of water. Scientists say thirteen inches of snow is equivalent to one inch of water. Encourage your students to practice using their skills of making predictions, estimates, and measurements by collecting snow for an easy experiment.

For younger children, try a simple investigation with collecting measurements. Adapt this activity to make it more challenging for older children. They will enjoy making predictions about the amount of water in snow and estimating how much snow can be produced with differing amounts of rain.

2. Watch Snowmen Expand While Learning About Chemical Reactions

Using Alka-Seltzer tablets to investigate acid-base reactions is a nice change from the normal baking soda and vinegar reactions. Draw a snowman’s face on a ziptop bag and fill it with snow (or shaved ice if you live in a climate that doesn’t have snow). Add an Alka-Seltzer tablet to the snow and observe the snowman expand over a period of about an hour.

Students can compare reaction times by making several snowmen and placing them in locations with different temperatures (such as the refrigerator, freezer, room temperature and near a source of heat). Older students can find the relationships between temperature and reaction time, and make a line graph to plot their results.

3. Staying Warm in Icy Weather

Surviving a few months of winter is difficult enough for some non-migratory animals. It is hard to imagine how arctic animals make their homes in such frigid climates. Investigate arctic animal adaptations with the hands-on activity for younger children. Start your discussion of arctic adaptations with this video from PBS LearningMedia (Adaptations of Arctic Animals). Then, jump into this activity on polar bear adaptations where young students play dress up with different types of materials that correlate to the polar bears’ adaptations that help them survive in cold climates.

4. Instant Snow

You don’t need to put on your snowsuit to make snowmen with this snow! For a quick and satisfying sensory experience, make “snow” with just two ingredients – baking soda and water. Younger students will enjoy using small plastic animals to make tracks through the snow, or set up an imaginary winter scene. They can also practice spelling words by drawing in the snow with their fingers.

5. Explore the Melting Point of Ice

Navigating icy roads is much safer after salt has been applied. Students can investigate which products are most effective at melting ice through experimentation. Place an ice cube in four separate glasses and sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt, sugar, and sand to three of the ice cubes (do not add anything to the fourth one as it is the control). Observe the melting times of the ice cubes and discuss why some ice cubes melted faster than others. Older students will appreciate this video explanation of “How Salt Melts Ice.”

You can add to this experiment by testing different substances, using different amounts of the substances, and observing the ice cubes melting in warmer or colder temperatures to see how these factors affect the melting times.

6. Sticky Ice

Students will be amazed by this simple experiment that allows you to pick ice cubes up with a string. When the amazement wears off, explain the amazingly simple science behind the trick. This activity would fit well with learning about states of matter, melting points, physical changes, and chemical changes. You could also compare the effectiveness of different types of salt (table salt, kosher salt, rock salt) and ice melt.

7. Make Frost

Take your exploration of states of matter one step further by making frost on a jar. Condensation appearing on the outside of glasses is a mystery all children want to solve. Use this activity with a lesson on chemical reactions, condensation, and states of matter. Students could also make predictions and test other ingredients, such as sugar, baking soda, or different types of salt.

8. Watercolors and Ice Blocks

Combine art with chemistry with beautiful creations by adding watercolors to blocks of ice. Add salt to different areas to make divets and patterns in the ice blocks, and add your own colors with liquid watercolors or food coloring. The crevices created by adding salt and watercolors make a beautiful pattern in the ice blocks. This is a fun way to incorporate art and science as an introduction to melting points!

9. Simulate an Avalanche

Students will have a blast learning about avalanches and landslides with Discovery Education’s hands-on simulation. Students place a book on a wood plank, lifting the plank until the book begins to slide. They should record the angle or height of the plank when the book begins to slide. Students make predictions and test different variables by changing the slope and types of lubrication. Then they add different kinds of materials such as talcum powder, sand, and marbles between the book and the plank and record the height of the board when the book begins to slip. Afterward, discuss why the book slipped at different heights and how this experiment relates to avalanches and landslides.

This activity would fit nicely into a unit on forces, friction, and lubricants. BBC Earth Unplugged has an excellent video, “What Causes Avalanches,” explaining the conditions necessary for avalanches.  Extend the learning with a video about avalanches from PBS LearningMedia’s short video, “How Do Avalanches Form.”

10. Catch Snowflakes

If you live in an area that snows, try catching snowflakes and examine their image with a magnifying glass. Students can observe the number of sides snowflakes have and classify their shape.  With some hairspray and a glass slide, you can preserve the image of the snowflake and observe it long after the snow has melted.

11. Snowflake Physics

Each snowflake is unique. Explore the molecular structure and formation of snowflakes, then head over to PBS LearningMedia for ideas on how to integrate the physics of snowflakes into your science and math classes. Students can also learn to classify snowflakes based on their shape, while learning about the famous photographer Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley who perfected the art of capturing the beauty of snowflakes before they vanished.

12. Frozen Bubbles

If you live in an area with temperatures below freezing, students will enjoy watching frost patterns form on bubbles. Before heading outside, ask students to make a prediction about what will happen when you blow bubbles in freezing temperatures. You can use regular bubble solution or make a stronger version with corn syrup. If you are able to catch any frozen bubbles before they break, ask students to examine and sketch the crystal pattern that forms on the outside of the bubble.

13. Winter Scavenger Hunt

Kids love exploring the outdoors in every season. They will forget all about their cold toes with the fun scavenger hunts:

This simple “Outdoor Winter Scavenger Hunt” has pictures for young children, and encourages them to look up, down, and around to find objects all around them.

For a sensory experience, check out this “Winter Scavenger Hunt” where young students can search for things to listen to, smell, and feel.

Turn your “Winter Scavenger Hunt” into a photo opportunity with this activity

Inspire nature detectives with this “Winter Scavenger Hunt” with this tree-themed scavenger hunt

14. Winter-Themed Unit

Exploring winter science themes doesn’t need to be restricted to just one experiment or activity! Pull together various subjects with a winter-themed unit or project-based learning opportunities. Check out these websites to get started:

Exploratorium pulled together “Cool Experiments for a Hot Day”

Science Sparks has “Ice Experiments”

Beyond Polar Bears and Penguins will inspire you with their large collection of activities

STEAM Powered Family has a curated list of “Winter STEM Activities”

Which winter-themed activity or experiment are you going to try with your students?”

Source: https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/winter-experiments-activities

[aniallstory-blog]

Chapter Fourteen

After Niall went up to Manchester for the One Love concert, we headed back to London. Things felt a little hectic as I started trying to organize some kind of schedule of what needed to be done for the wedding and when each task needed to be completed and Niall was busy with more of his radio performances and album promo, but things were good. We came out of our rough patch stronger than before and the buzz of our upcoming wedding had us both on cloud nine. It was like we were in our honeymoon period all over again and I was over the moon.

Almost a week after we were back in London, I was editing a mock up of some potential invitations on a slow day at work when I got a text from Niall.

“Gonna be on BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in a few minutes, tune in if you can. Think you'll like it xx”

My interest was successful piqued. Niall was on radio shows all the time and he knew that I listened whenever I could, but he rarely messaged me to remind me or make sure I would. Knowing the sunny weather would probably keep people outside for most of the day, I quickly opened a new tab on my laptop and found a live stream of BBC Radio 1.

It didn't take long for Niall to be on and when he was I quickly realized why he wanted me to listen. He was singing a cover of a Julia Michaels song I'd heard once or twice, but had put his own spin on it completely and the way he was singing it so passionately really made it sound like his own song. My heart felt so full as I listened to the lyrics and heard him singing about having issues, but having the kind of love to get through them. It felt like he was singing directly to me and I don’t think I took a breath for the whole three minutes and twenty-eight seconds the song lasted. 

When the final notes faded away I felt so completely overwhelmed with love for my fiance that it was almost enough to make me cry. He must’ve been working hard on this cover the whole time we were apart.

I quickly messaged him, telling him how proud I was of him and formed a little plan of my own to show Niall how much I cared.

-

I was home almost an hour before Niall that evening which gave me just enough time to put my plan into action. I took a quick shower so I could shave my legs and make sure I looked presentable before slipping into my outfit for the evening. I wore my best push up bra to make my boobs look a good few sizes bigger than they were and a thong that made my bum look irresistible covered by a silky gold robe that came just down to the top of my thigh. I tied it up in the front just enough to cover everything, but making sure it was open enough at the top to be a bit of a tease.

Just as I finished getting ready I heard the front door open so I fluffed up my hair a bit, took a deep breath and headed downstairs.

“Ava, are ya home?” I heard Niall shout as he walked into the living room.

I moved into the doorway and leaned against the door frame in what I hoped would be a sexy, confident manner despite my nerves.

“Yeah, Ni,” I smiled. “I'm right here.”

He turned to face me, his jaw dropping just slightly as soon as he saw what I was wearing.

“Wow, Ava,” He said after a few moments of ogling me. “Ya look amazin'.”

“You think so?” I teased. “In this old thing?”

Niall chuckled and moved across the room, putting his hands on my waist and pulling me towards him.

“You do and ya know it,” He smirked before pressing a quick kiss to my lips. “But to what do I owe the pleasure of comin' home to ya lookin' so good?”

“I just really liked that song you covered earlier,” I confessed, putting my arms over his shoulders to tease the hair on the back of his neck. “You do have issues, Ni, but I love you more because of them.”

Niall's shoulders shook as he laughed again, pulling my hips closer against his as I buried my face in his neck.

“So ya got the reasoning behind the song, did ya?” He asked as I nodded and kissed his neck softly. “Well you have issues too, Ava, but there'll never be anything we can't get past.”

I groaned into his skin before nipping gently at his earlobe.

“God, Ni. I've never been so turned on by the fact that we have flaws before.”

“Think yer probably more turned on by the fact that we're strong enough to get through all our problems.”

I rolled my eyes at his correction and pressed my lips against his. All the passion and love that had been bubbling inside of me since I heard his cover came pouring out into the kiss. He smiled against my lips, his grip on my hips tightening as I ran my fingers up through his soft hair. I felt him nip gently at my bottom lip and parted them just slightly so he could slide his tongue inside. I felt a wave of heat and want wash over me and quickly moved my hands down the front of his chest, over the striped white and grey shirt that his stylist had picked out for him that day. It was soft under my hands and fit him perfectly, clinging to his body and muscles in all the right places. 

It was a good shirt, but it was currently in my way so I moved my hands underneath it and lifted them slowly, pulling the shirt with them. Our lips stayed connected until the very last minute when they had to part so I could get Niall's shirt over his head. Once it was out of the way though I tried to reconnect them only to be stopped by Niall.

“Are we,” He swallowed hard, his face flushed from our rather intense kissing. “Are we doin' this here?”

He gestured to the living room and a smirk slid onto my face.

“Why not?” I shrugged, walking towards him and pushing his chest gently so he would move backwards. “We have a perfectly good couch right here.”

I pushed Niall until the back of his knees hit the couch and he fell gently back onto his bum. Without a moment of hesitation, I fell down to my knees and rubbed my hand over the bump that had formed in his pants.

“Jesus,” Niall hissed, his palms pressing hard into the couch.

I giggled at his response before slowly pulling down the zipper and popping the button.

“Hips up,” I demanded, tugging his pants and boxers down to his knees when he did as I asked. “Been thinking about this all day.”

Niall was already semi-hard so I pumped him a few times with my hand to get him nice and ready before slowly licking from the base to the tip. I heard the curse words fall from his mouth and I smiled as I took just the tip in my mouth, still using my hand to stroke him. After a few minutes of me teasing him, he groaned and pulled my hand away, gently pushing the back of my head down until my mouth was wrapped around his entire cock. I moaned at the action, turned on by Niall taking what he wanted, but also knowing the sensation that it would cause him. His hips jerked up slightly proving I was right.

“Sorry,” He gasped as I gagged slightly from the action, but I looked up at him as I bobbed up and down, almost letting him slide out of my mouth each time, in what I hoped would be a reassuring way. I loved it when he lost control a bit, when my actions drove him so wild he couldn't help himself, he needed more even if he knew he should show restraint. Every twitch of his hips, every time his hand gripped the back of my head a little tighter, every strangled moan that passed his lips. It all made my panties so damp that I was sure the expensive fabric was ruined by the time he stopped me.

“Shit, Ava,” He breathed out, pupils blown and hair wild. “Ya gotta stop or m'gonna come.”

I let him fall softly out of my mouth and went back to stroking him with my hand.

“That's okay, Ni,” I assured him. “Wanna make you feel good. If you wanna come in my mouth that's fine.”

“I-I don't,” He stuttered out as I moved the hand that wasn't stroking him to cup his balls. “Wanna come inside ya, want ya t’ride me.”

I smiled up at him, pleased with his suggestion and quickly stood up.

“I should take this off then, I suppose,” I said, playing with the tie on my robe.

Niall's hand quickly moved to replace mine that was previously stroking him as I slowly untied the robe and let it slide off my shoulders.

“How'd I get so lucky?” Niall muttered more to himself than to me.

I smiled, loving how worked up I had gotten him and turned around, deciding to give him a good show. I hooked a thumb into each side of my panties and then, painstakingly slowly, I slide them down my legs, bending at the waist to give Niall a great view of everything they had been hiding.

“Fuck, get over here now, love,” He insisted, though it came out as more of a whine than a demand. “Stop bein' such a tease.”

“I'm not being a tease,” I feigned innocence. “I can't ride you with my panties on, can I?”

I turned back to face him and quickly reached around behind my back to unhook my bra. Once it had fallen to the floor next to my panties, I moved back towards the couch. Taking in the sight in front of me, Niall stroking his impossibly hard cock just waiting for me to climb on top of him, I could feel the wetness on my thighs. I was dripping for him and suddenly desperate to have him inside me. 

Moving much quicker now, I straddled him, staying up high on my knees before reaching down and taking his cock from his hand. I carefully lowered myself just enough to rub the tip against my clit, earning a hiss from him and a moan from myself from the relief of finally getting some friction where I wanted it most.

I continued the action until I actually felt like I could possibly come just from that gentle touch, but Niall's hands moved to grip my hips rather roughly and I knew he'd had enough of my teasing. I put one hand on the couch behind Niall's shoulder to steady myself before lining him up properly and sinking down on to his cock. His head fell back against the couch as a moan fell from his mouth.

“Jesus, m'so deep,” He groaned as I closed my eyes and nodded my head.

I was so aroused and overwhelmed by the sensation that I wasn't even aware I started moving my hips until I felt Niall's hands slide around to my bum to help keep my rhythm steady.  I felt him stretch me every time I slid up and down his cock and heard the whimpers falling from my own lips every time he lifted me up just to let me fall back down. I needed my release and I could tell from the veins bulging in Niall's neck that he did too. I lowered my head down to kiss them gently as Niall's hands angled my hips forward, earning a shriek of pleasure from me. With the new angle my clit was rubbing against his pubic bone and tummy every time I settled in his lap and the added sensation was almost too much to handle.

“M'so close, Ni,” I breathed out, picking up my pace even more.

“Me too, love,” He assured me. “You first, come for me, Ava. Wanna feel you clenchin' around me. Wanna hear you scream.”

He thrust his hips up into my as I lowered myself down and I saw stars. My orgasm crashed into me hard and fast and I dug my fingers into the couch so hard I thought I might rip the fabric. Niall whispered words of encouragement in my ear the whole time as he continued thrusting up into me a few more times before his hips stalled and I felt him explode deep inside me.

I buried my face in his neck while I felt him pant through his orgasm, his grip slowly loosening on my bum as he came down. I placed gentle kisses against his skin, knowing I should get off of him and clean myself up, but suddenly I was feeling rather drained from my intense orgasm.

“Ya alright, love?” Niall asked me a few minutes later when I was still sitting on top of him despite his softening situation.

“Mhmm,” I mumbled, breathing in the scent of his sweat. “Just a little sleepy now, I came really hard.”

“Me too, darlin',” He smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear before lifting my chin so I was looking at him. “Why don't you go clean yerself up and I'll look for the menu from that Chinese takeaway ya like and order us some dinner?”

I perked up slightly at the thought of one of my favourite meals and mustered up the energy to push myself off Niall. I gathered my robe and underwear off the floor and made it as far as the door before I had to lean on the frame for support. Niall looked at me with a questioning glance, his eyes full of concern and I offered him a reassuring smile.

“My legs are all trembly,” I explained. “You fucked me so good I can't even walk.”

Niall tossed his head back laughing, a proud grin on his face.

“Glad to hear it,” He smirked. “That's always the goal.”

I giggled at Niall's smug face before continuing my trip to the bedroom, hoping I'd have the strength to make it up the stairs.

[callonpeevesie]

Thanks for the tag @elf-loving-dragon

Name: I'd rather not say

Nickname: not saying

Zodiac: probably Sagittarius

Height: 5'5"

Language: Bengali and English. I understand Hindi but can't speak it.

Nationality: India

Favourite season: there's something I enjoy in all of them

Favourite flower: hard to choose, but I sweet smelling flowers with light colours

Favourite scent: books, petrichor, coffee

Favourite color: blue

Favourite animal: I'm currently obsessed with foxes

Favourite fictional character: Héctor (Coco), and I don't suppose anyone here would recognise him, but Narayan Gangopadhyay's Pyala.

Coffee, tea or hot chocolate: tea

Average sleep hours: there's no average, it depends on what I'm reading at the moment

Dog or cat person: dog

Number of blankets I sleep with: either zero or one

Places my ancestors came from: Odisha and present Bangladesh.

Dream trip: currently it's Mexico (thanks to my Coco obsession)

Blog established: like a month back

Followers: 8

Random fact: I really hate it when people pretend you can't be just friends with someone of the opposite gender. I hate it with a burning passion.

Tagging @peach-cake-slice @hectic-hector @vanessafangirl13

That's it, I don't know anyone else.

20 Questions Game

Answer 20 questions, then tag 20 bloggers you want to get to know better.

Thanks for the tag @captain-marverica

Name: Katherine

Nickname: Katie

Zodiac: ☀️Aries, 🌙Libra, ⬆️Gemini

Height: 5′5″

Languages Spoken: English, and like advanced in French, I never got to go abroad 😔

Nationality: American

Favorite Season: Again, depends on my mood. I love the August-October time of year

Favorite Flower: Sunflowers, or pretty much any yellow flower, and the cute lil purple flowers that grow in my yard among the grass ☺️

Favorite Scent: Freshly cut grass, the ground after it rains, coffee shops

Favorite Color: Depends on my mood, but mostly sea green, light yellow, and hot pink

Favorite Animal: Dragons! More seriously, dogs, koalas, and horses.

Favorite Fictional Characters: 

Kylo Ren/Ben Solo

Merlin/Emrys & King Arthur/Arthur Pendragon

Thor, Dr. Strange, Captain Marvel

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate: Coffee 

Average Sleep Hours: Really depends. During quarantine it’s been 8+ hours. 

Dog or Cat Person: Dog, I have an (Apricot) English Mastiff and I LOVE HER 

Number of Blankets You Sleep With: One, all the way up to my chin 😌

Dream Trip: I mean I want to go to Disney World for Halloween or back down to my aunt’s house in the keys but like if we are seriously talking “trip of a lifetime”…. there are so many places

Places my ancestors came from (Lithuania, Ireland, Italy, and more places in the U.S.)

Literally all of the UK (WALES!!!)

Some tropical places would be cool too

Blog Established: Fall 2018

BUT I’ve had a tumblr blog consistently since 2012 (thepersonfrommemorylane, she-the-sea, both deleted)

Followers: 1,287

Random Fact: I have heterochromia in one of my eyes, so I have three random bars of brown in my otherwise green eye 👀

I am absolutely not tagging 20 people but I will tag @mother-of-lionss @tolkienlockian @i-really-should-change-my-url

[thisdaynews]

Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa: Villa move out of relegation zone

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/burnley-1-2-aston-villa-villa-move-out-of-relegation-zone/

Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa: Villa move out of relegation zone

Jack Grealish has been involved in more goals in the Premier League this season than any other English midfielder

Aston Villa moved out of the relegation zone with victory against Burnley at Turf Moor despite having a goal ruled out for a marginal offside by the video assistant referee system.

Jack Grealish thought he had put Villa ahead, nodding in Ezri Konsa’s cross, but striker Wesley was deemed inches offside in the build-up.

Grealish turned provider for Wesley 16 minutes later, before making it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time with a powerful strike inside the box.

Burnley responded in the second half, though it took until the 80th minute for Chris Wood to record their first shot on target – nodding a cross past goalkeeper Tom Heaton at the back post to make it 2-1.

The Villa keeper was then taken off on a stretcher after appearing to jar his knee while trying to keep out Wood’s header and Wesley had been forced off in a similar manner earlier in the half.

Defeat is Burnley’s third in a row in the Premier League, while Villa pick up their first victory on the road since beating Norwich City 5-1 in October.

Injured Aston Villa duo Heaton and Wesley to have knee scans

New Year’s Day Premier League live

Premier League quiz of the decade

New year but same old VAR

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Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa: ‘The lads wanted it’ – Smith

The year of 2019 ended with VAR controversy at Anfield, Carrow Road and St Mary’s as goals by Pedro Neto, Teemu Pukki and Max Meyer were ruled out after players were deemed marginally offside.

And on a sunny lunchtime at Turf Moor on New Year’s Day, nothing changed.

Grealish’s disallowed goal, which came in the 12th minute and was ruled out following a two-minute VAR consultation, was victim to another marginal offside call which angered fans inside the stadium.

Striker Wesley, who contested an aerial ball during the build-up to the goal, was deemed offside by barely an inch – the back of his heel appearing to cross one of several lines drawn by VAR.

Fans chanted their disapproval of the VAR systems as play resumed and, when Wesley responded to score Aston Villa’s opener, the players were reluctant to celebrate in fear of yet another goal being ruled out.

Even after Grealish doubled the lead – firing past a helpless Nick Pope from inside the box in the first half – fans jeered sarcastically at the kick-off because they had escaped another unfavourable VAR review.

Former Chelsea and England goalkeeper Rob Green said VAR was “clearly not right” on BBC Radio 5 Live, while ex-Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid added it was “just ridiculous”.

“How could that goal be disallowed?” said Reid. “Something needs to be done about it because I’m sick of talking about it and listening to it.”

How you reacted on social media:

Scott Smith: I’m a Birmingham City fan and even I think that VAR decision against Aston Villa was harsh.

Dane:Marginal VAR offsides are anti-football. Why wait for their next fancy meeting to sort it? Convene a meeting now and change it. It’s clearly ruining game after game.

Mark Davies: VAR is a joke and it is ruining game after game. Goal line checks only. That’s it! Ridiculous call at Burnley. It is not as if officials make loads of errors anyway.

Tom Sharpe: VAR is a fantastic piece of technology that should be a terrific addition to the game…but the use of it in football is so questionable and awful that every other game that uses it must look at football like its an idiot.

Adam Heap: I’m a Burnley fan and whether it’s ‘scientifically offside’ or not, that VAR can be used like that is just wrong. I’d be happier for Villa to have that goal.

Poor defending from Burnley as Villa’s formation change pays off

Sean Dyche was a frustrated figure on the touchline as Burnley had just one shot on target in the entire match

Dean Smith’s side came into the match having picked up just four points away from home and off the back of a poor performance in a 3-0 defeat at 10-man Watford on Saturday.

Smith said “a reaction was needed” prior to kick-off in Burnley and his players responded, creating goalscoring opportunities in both halves and deserving the three points.

The Villa boss mixed things up at Turf Moor, starting with a back three and playing Grealish in a more central role going forward and it paid off.

Grealish was at the heart of everything positive for Villa, playing three key passes and being involved in both goals.

But while Smith received the reaction from his players he had hoped for, there was more head scratching from Sean Dyche as Burnley produced another poor defensive display in the first half.

Twice, Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood gave the ball away in his own half, leading to chances for Douglas Luiz and Wesley.

And James Tarkowski was out-muscled far too easily as Wesley was allowed to turn and shoot in the box in the first half, before a poor clearance from the same centre-back led to Grealish’s disallowed goal.

Burnley did respond in the second half after fans had booed them off at the break – Jay Rodriguez and Johann Berg Gudmundsson coming on as substitutes – but they failed to create many clear-cut opportunities in front of goal.

Rodriguez should have scored when Tarkowski’s low cross bounced off his shin and over the bar from a few yards out, while Wood thumped an effort miles wide from an unmarked position in the box.

Dyche stood on the touchline with his hands on his head and was an agitated figure throughout.

Wood’s header gave Burnley some hope at the end – they put in 34 crosses from open play during the match and pressure built on Villa during the nine-minute spell of stoppage time – but the hosts could not conjure up another shot on target.

Tyrone Mings returned from injury to lead a back three at Turf Moor – one of five changes to the starting line-up

Ending a 12-game drought – the best of the stats

Aston Villa recorded their first away victory at Burnley since March 1959 (2-0 in the FA Cup), having previously gone 14 trips there without a win across all competitions (D6 L8).

Burnley suffered their first Premier League defeat against a team starting the day in the relegation zone since August 2018 (4-2 v Fulham), ending a run of eight such games without losing (W5 D3).

Burnley have lost each of their last nine Premier League games when failing to keep a clean sheet – indeed, the Clarets are winless in 18 games in the competition when conceding (D4 L14).

Grealish scored his sixth Premier League goal in his 19th appearance this season – as many as he netted in 31 matches in the Championship last season (excluding play-offs).

Wesley scored his first Premier League goal for Villa since October (two versus Norwich), ending a run of 12 games and 20 shots without finding the net.

Wood has scored more headed goals than any other player in the top five European leagues in 2019-20 (five).

‘VAR played its part as usual’

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Burnley 1-2 Aston Villa: ‘We dominated after half time’ – Dyche

Burnley boss Sean Dyche to BBC Match of the Day: “We had a strong second half in the Manchester United game and I expected us to carry that on but we were miles off to start. There were not enough players brave enough to get the ball into good areas.

“The main thing was we got a big response and we dominated the rest of the game from half-time onwards. We’ve got to perform for 90 minutes, that was the key.

“I’m a big fan of VAR, it looks like handball to me. You need those margins when you’re not playing well to go for you and that didn’t come to us.”

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith to BBC Match of the Day: “We changed the system and I thought that we wanted to get on the ball and play. The lads looked really accomplished at it. We’ve only had a couple of days to work on it. A lot of them have played it before at previous clubs. We’ve been conceding too many goals and playing the three helped us get an extra head in the box.

“Burnley is a tough place to come and they know how to stay in this league but we felt we could compete with them. VAR played its part as usual but we scored two great goals as well.

“Jack Grealish is unfortunate to not have two goals today. I’m still not sure why it was disallowed looking at the still image. I thought theirs should’ve been disallowed for a push on Tyrone Mings.”

What’s next?

Burnley host League One side Peterborough United in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, 4 January (12:31 GMT kick-off) before travelling to Chelsea for their next Premier league match on Saturday, 11 January (15:00 GMT).

Aston Villa take on Fulham in the FA Cup (Saturday, 15:01 GMT) and travel to Leicester City on Wednesday, 8 January for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final (20:00 GMT). They return to Premier League action on Sunday, 12 January against champions Manchester City at Villa Park (16:30 GMT).

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[aion-rsa]

Doctor Who: Previous Guest Stars Who’d Be Great as the New Doctor

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It’s not unusual, in the world of Doctor Who, for the same actor to play more than one role on screen. From classic to modern Doctor Who, Nicholas Courtney, Ian Marter, Lalla Ward, Jaqueline Hill, Jean Marsh, Adjoa Andoh, Eve Myles, Naoko Mori, Vinette Robinson and more have all played multiple parts in the whoniverse. Before she debuted as companion Martha Jones, Freema Agyeman was a Torchwood employee who fell foul of the Cybermen in series two’s ‘Army of Ghosts’. Karen Gillan was a seer in series four episode ‘The Fires of Pompeii’ before she recurred as Eleven’s companion Amy Pond. Even the Doctor has had test runs. Colin Baker played a Gallifreyan commander in season twenty before taking over from Peter Davison. Peter Capaldi appeared in ‘The Fires of Pompeii’ as well as playing John Frobisher on Torchwood before taking up residence in the TARDIS.   

In the search for the new Doctor then, it makes sense to rifle through those actors the show already picked once to see who might be asked back. Continuity can be handled if need be – just do what Russell T. Davies did and make up something about spacial genetic multiplicity, or what Steven Moffat did and pretend it was all part of the Doctor’s plan to remind him to be a good man. In a few cases, the shared genetics wouldn’t even be an issue as the actor in question’s first appearance was either solely as a voice, or beneath too many layers of prosthetics to matter.

Gliding over a few previous guest stars whose current filming commitments likely take them out of the running (Andrew Garfield, Carey Mulligan, James Norton, Felicity Jones, Gemma Chan and Gugu Mbutha-Raw are probably all tied up…), here’s a choice selection of guest actors since 2005 who could all make fantastic, and very different, Doctors.

Chris Addison

Played: AI interface ‘Seb’, who greeted the recently deceased to Missy’s Nethersphere. Appeared in: Two-part Series Eight finale ‘Dark Water/Death in Heaven‘. Watch his stand-up and there’s a real Tenth Doctor energy about writer-director-producer-comedian-actor Chris Addison (The Thick of It, In the Loop, Veep). That probably means his time has come and gone on Doctor Who, as the show isn’t likely to want to repeat itself at this stage. Addison also has his plate full with the third series of Sky/FX’s excellent comedy-drama Breeders, but you could definitely picture him at the TARDIS console, couldn’t you?

Arsher Ali

Played: Bennett, a bookish recent military recruit to a Scottish underwater mining facility in 2119. Appeared in: Series 9 two-parter ‘Under the Lake/Before the Flood‘ Part of a large crew (initially at least) we didn’t see loads of Arsher Ali in his Doctor Who role, but what we saw was enough to convince that he has the presence and bearing of a potential Doctor. He was great as the lead in BBC’s Informer and as a conflicted journalist in the first series of The Missing, as well as in supporting role in Line of Duty‘s best series. Add all that to his breadth of stage experience and he’s a highly intriguing prospect.

Percelle Ascott

Played: Delph, a member of the Ux, humanoid aliens who live for thousands of years and have the power of telepathic inter-dimensional engineering (they can teleport planets). Appeared in: Season 11, Episode 10 ‘The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos‘. Not the only entry on this list with a Doctor Who-adjacent role in his back catalogue (see also: Anjli Mohindra in The Sarah-Jane Adventures), as a teenager, Ascott played science geek Benny in Russell T. Davies’ Wizards Vs Aliens. He was great then, but really showed his range in cancelled-too-soon Netflix supernatural drama The Innocents, where he stole the show. When he popped back up opposite Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor as the wise and conscience-led Delph, it was hard not to imagine what he might do in the Doctor’s role.

Zawe Ashton

Played: Lieutenant Journey Blue of the Combined Galactic Resistance, a solider on the Aristotle. Appeared in: the Ben Wheatley-directed Series 8 episode ‘Into the Dalek‘. A regular on ‘Next Doctor’ wishlists for some time now, Zawe Ashton is a terrific actor who came to fame as hedonist Vod in Channel 4 student comedy Fresh Meat and who’s recently been seen in Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale. In ‘Into the Dalek’ she played a ‘shoot first ask questions later’ soldier, but Ashton has the range for serious, absurd and very funny – in short, everything required to make a great Doctor.

Maxim Baldry

Played: Dr Polidori, a nineteenth century character who was part of Mary and Percy Shelley’s social circle. Appeared in: Series 12’s ‘The Haunting of Villa Diodati‘, about the summer Mary Shelley conceived her famous science-fiction novel Frankenstein. Baldry’s scored a role in Amazon Prime Video’s new mega-money Lord of the Rings TV series, so his dance card is likely full for now, but he’s just the sort of actor to breathe fresh life into the role of the Doctor, much in the way Matt Smith did back in 2010. He’s probably best recognised right now as Viktor, the asylum-seeking boyfriend of Russell Tovey’s character in Russell T. Davies’ future-predicting Years and Years, but the Russian-British actor has been acting in films since he was a child.

Sanjeev Bhaskar

Played: UNIT’s Colonel Ahmed, a colleague of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in the fight against Missy’s Cybermen-from-corpses wicked plan. Appeared in: Series 8 finale ‘Death in Heaven‘. This Doctor Who role was just not enough of Sanjeev Bhaskar, an actor-writer-comedian whose role as DS Sunny Khan in ITV detective series Unforgotten has elevated him to the status of national treasure (partly because of his backpack, but mostly because of his decency and warm humour). Bhaskar is playing Cain opposite Asim Chaudhry’s Abel in Netflix’s forthcoming The Sandman series, and there’s series five of Unforgotten on the way, but wouldn’t he be great as the Doctor? As would another member of his family (see below)…

Mark Bonnar

Played: 22nd century miner Jimmy Wicks in the one with the ‘ganger’ clones. Appeared in: Series 6 two-parter ‘The Rebel Flesh/The Almost People’. No, of course they won’t let another funny, clever, slightly scary Scot with a brilliant face be the Doctor so soon after Peter Capaldi, but in a parallel universe, Mark Bonnar would make a very fine Doctor – something that hasn’t escaped Big Finish. He’s got it all (funny, clever, slightly scary, brilliant face) and frequently steals whichever show he’s in. Watch this two-parter, Catastrophe, Unforgotten series two and the brilliant Guilt (series two of which is approaching) for evidence of that.

Kevin Eldon

Played: Ribbons of the Seven Stomachs, a trader in the ‘Antizone’ obsessed with the Doctor’s “tubular” (or Sonic Screwdriver), and the voice of companion Antimony in an animated online adventure. Appeared in: Series 11’s ‘It Takes You Away‘ and 2001 webcast ‘Death Comes to Time’. It just seems a waste for the multi-talented Kevin Eldon to only play just one (or technically two, but just one on-screen) role on Doctor Who. And because his series 11 appearance was under a faceful of prosthetics, it wouldn’t even cause any continuity errors for him to come back in the role of the Doctor. Or a companion. Or another alien. Whatever it is, just give us more Eldon please.

O-T Fagbenle

Played: ‘Other Dave’, an engineer on an expedition to The Library who was eaten by the Vashta Nerada but brought back to life in the computer core. Appeared in: Series 4 two-parter ‘Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead‘ Fagbenle has recently been seen as Natasha’s fixer in Black Widow, June’s husband Luke in The Handmaid’s Tale, and as the lead character in sitcom Maxxx, about a washed-up former boy band member. The man has dramatic and comedy range, a very good American accent (not necessarily relevant here) and excellent screen presence. He’d rock the role of the Doctor.

Siobhan Finneran

Played: 17th century landlady/witch prosecutor Becka Savage/Morax queen Appeared in: Series 11’s ‘The Witchfinders‘. If the new Doctor’s going to be a woman in her early fifties, then it should really go to Jo Martin, but if she’s busy, how great would Siobhan Finneran be? The Happy Valley and Downton Abbey actor’s a treat in everything. She can be equal parts funny and imperious, and you can easily imagine her running circles around alien fiends and having a load of fun doing it.

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Tamsin Grieg

Played: the Nurse who inserts Adam’s infospike on Satellite 5. Appeared in: Series 1 Simon Pegg-starring episode ‘The Long Game’, alongside Anna Maxwell-Martin (who might also deserve a place on this list come to think about it). Tamsin Grieg would make such a good Doctor it almost makes you angry she’s never played the role. She has the dramatic chops to deliver all the world-saving speeches, and the comedic skill to give it all a sparkling light touch. She was chilling in her small Series 1 role, but it only showed a tiny portion of what she can do. Also, wouldn’t she look great in a signature coat.

Suranne Jones

Played: Idris, into whom the ‘soul’ of the TARDIS was poured, making her the ship incarnate until her body died. Appeared in: Series 6 episode ‘The Doctor’s Wife‘, written by Neil Gaiman. Perhaps a bit too similar to Jodie Whittaker to be a likely successor, but you only have to see Suranne Jones in BBC/HBO drama Gentleman Jack to know that she’s made of Doctor material. As nineteenth-century landowner and famed lesbian Anne Lister, she’s cleverer and faster than everybody else, with a fierce sense of boundary-breaking why-not-ness, and plenty of emotion. Look at most of Jones’ roles, including that of the TARDIS itself, and she’d be great in the part, especially if her regular collaborator Sally Wainwright is enticed into the showrunner gig.

Paterson Joseph

Played: the venal Rodrick, who competed against Rose Tyler in The Weakest Link on the Game Station. Appeared in: Series 1 two-parter ‘Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways’. Paterson Joseph was famously up for the role of the Eleventh Doctor that ultimately went to Matt Smith, and has been a stalwart entry in ‘Who next?’ lists of this sort ever since, so… this isn’t going to happen, but wouldn’t it have been great if it had? The Peep Show, The Leftovers, Noughts + Crosses actor and Big Finish voice artist is currently showing off his commander chops in BBC One submarine thriller Vigil.

Ralf Little

Played: Steadfast, one of the few crew members of an off-world colony ship who weren’t murdered by nano-bots. Appeared in: Series 10 episode ‘Smile‘. He’s currently solving baroque murders on a fictional Caribbean island in Death in Paradise, but none of that lot ever last long, which could free Little up for another spin in the TARDIS. Little has been a familiar face on British TV for years, after playing feckless teenager Anthony on The Royle Family and starring in a BBC Three sitcom that spanned the entire noughties, but now a little older, with plenty of experience under his belt, it could be Ralf Little’s time.

Susan Lynch

Played: Pilot Angstrom, a competitor in an intergalactic race who meets Thirteen on her second ever adventure. Appeared in: Series 11 episode ‘The Ghost Monument’. You don’t need telling why Susan Lynch would make a great Doctor, just watch any decent British drama from the last decade and she’s in it, showing you. From Save Me to Unforgotten to Happy Valley to Killing Eve to any number of TV and film roles, she’s a scene-stealer who can play mystery, tragedy, power… everything the role calls for.

Daniel Mays

Played: Alex, the unwitting foster dad of a Tenza-in-human-form son, George. Appeared in: Series 6 episode ‘Night Terrors‘ written by Mark Gatiss. RADA-trained Danny Mays can do comedy, drama, has some serious dance moves, and was a Line of Duty guest star, so we know he’d have no problem at all learning the Doctor’s long speeches. If the TARDIS wanted to cast a Gallifreyan Doctor by way of Essex, he’d be top of the list.

T’Nia Miller

Played: The General, Military Commander of the Time Lords, in their Twelfth Regeneration. Appeared in: Series 9 finale ‘Hell Bent’. The Years & Years and Foundation star played a Time Lord in her Doctor Who debut and can even already tick ‘Regeneration’ off the to-do list. Miller clearly has the bearing and gravitas required of the Doctor, looks great even in impractically massive armour, and was the absolute stand-out in Netflix’s 2020 horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor. If they could work out the continuity for a reappearance, she’d rock the role.

Lucian Msamati

Played: Guido, the father of Isabella, a new enrolment at Rosanna Calvierri’s school for girls. Appeared in: Series 5 episode ‘The Vampires of Venice.’ Since appearing in this 2010 Doctor Who episode, Msamati has gone on to appear in major series, from Game of Thrones to Gangs of London and His Dark Materials. He’s an experienced stage actor too, who’d be sure to bring dramatic heft to the role of the Doctor.

Anjli Mohindra

Played: the Scorpion-like Queen of the Skithra, a species that relies on other species for their engineering. Appeared in: Series 12 episode ‘Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror‘. Anjli Mohindra already has a long history with Doctor Who, having appeared under layers of prosthetics and make-up in Series 12, provided the voice of the Mechanoid Queen for animated Time Lord Victorious series Daleks!, and playing the recurring role of Rani Chandra from series two of The Sarah Jane Adventures. Would that preclude the Vigil and Bodyguard star from stepping behind the TARDIS console in the top role? Nah.

Sophie Okonedo

Played: Elizabeth X of The United Kingdom aka Liz 10 of Starship UK. Appeared in: Series 5 episodes ‘The Beast Below’ and ‘The Pandorica Opens’. One of our finest actors, Sophie Okonedo not only played the future queen opposite Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in Doctor Who, she was also the voice of the Shalka Doctor’s companion in the BBC’s ‘Scream of the Shalka’ animated webcast, way back when. She’s currently starring in Amazon’s Wheel of Time adaptation and voices the key role of angel Xaphania in His Dark Materials, so probably has too full a plate to step into the TARDIS, but casting her as the Doctor would be a no-brainer.

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Tom Riley

Played: Robin Hood. Appeared in: 2014 Series 8 episode written by Mark Gatiss ‘Robot of Sherwood’. Tom Riley played a legendary genius and multi-hyphenate over three seasons of Da Vinci’s Demons so taking on the role of the Doctor wouldn’t really be a stretch. The actor is currently playing Augie in HBO/Sky drama The Nevers, which started life as a Joss Whedon-created supernatural fantasy before the showrunner left the project after the first six episodes.

Danny Sapani

Played: Colonel Manton/Runaway (depending on your perspective). Appeared in: Series 6 episode ‘A Good Man Goes to War’. The River Song/Melody Pond revelation overshadowed much else that happened in ‘A Good Man Goes to War’, but nonetheless, seasoned Brit actor Danny Sapani made an impression as enemy of the Doctor, Colonel Manton, who conspired with Madame Kovarian to kidnap Amy and Rory’s baby. Sapani’s enjoying a long career on screen and stage, with stand-out TV roles in Penny Dreadful, Harlots and Killing Eve, as well as the upcoming part of Captain Jacob Keyes in video game adaptation Halo.

Amit Shah

Played: Rahul, brother to missing person Asha Chandra, both victims of Tzim-Sha. Appeared in: The Series 11 opener ‘The Woman Who Fell to Earth‘. A skilled comedic actor who has a habit of stealing scenes, even in serious supporting roles like this one, or last year’s turn as a doctor experimenting on children in His Dark Materials, Amit Shah would be a great surprise to find in the TARDIS. Experienced but not yet a household name, there’s a Matt Smith vibe about this one. Revive him as a companion, at the very least?

Peter Serafinowicz

Played: the voice of alien warlord The Fisher King (though the character’s screams were provided by Slipknot front man Corey Taylor). Appeared in: Series 9 episode ‘Before the Flood‘. Likely not the photo of Peter Serafinowicz his Nan keeps on the mantelpiece, this is the villain he voiced in a Series 9 two-parter. It’s Serafinowicz out of the make-up and prosthetics though, who’d make an intriguing prospect as the Doctor. Great voice(s), great face, serious presence, humour, loads of experience… what else do you need?

Nina Sosanya

Played: Trish Webber, mother of Chloe Webber, the little girl endowed with the psychic powers of an Isolus. (And in Big Finish audio adventure ‘Aquitaine’ Captain Maynard’). Appeared in: Series 2 Olympics episode ‘Fear Her‘. A regular RTD collaborator, with previous roles in Casanova and Wizards Vs Aliens as well as Doctor Who, Nina Sosanya is a joy to see in any cast, which must be why she’s (thankfully) in everything. She’s great in comedy (Good Omens, WIA, Staged, Nathan Barley) and in drama (Last Tango in Halifax, Killing Eve, His Dark Materials, Little Birds) and would no doubt make a very convincing centuries-old two-hearted big-brained Time Lord. Get her a statement coat and get her in the TARDIS.

Meera Syal

Played: Dr Nasreen Chaudhry, the scientist in charge of an ill-fated deep drilling mission in a Welsh village. (As well as voicing audio stories and audiobook Borrowed Time). Appeared in: Series 5 two-parter ‘The Hungry Earth’ and ‘Cold Blood‘. Actor-writer-comedian Meera Syal, CBE, had a fair crack of the whip in Series 5 Silurian two-parter, but would always, always be welcome back for more. As well as comedic talent, she has the dramatic presence, brains and stature to play the Doctor. Her husband Sanjeev Bhaskar (see above) will just have to fight her for the role.

Joivan Wade

Played: Bristol graffiti artist Christopher Riggens aka Rigsy. Appeared in: Series 8’s ‘Flatline’ and Series 9’s ‘Face the Raven‘. Joivan Wade is currently starring as Victor Stone in Doom Patrol for the MCU, so it may be a while before he returns to the UK, but his two appearances in Doctor Who proved him to be a charismatic talent who’d energise the TARDIS if welcomed back.

Harriet Walter

Played: British Technology Secretary and later, Prime Minister Jo Patterson. Appeared in: Series 12’s ‘Revolution of the Daleks‘ (as well as voicing the role of Beatrice in audio story ‘The Boy That Time Forgot’). Having a Dame in the TARDIS would be quite something; that Dame being Harriet Walter would be off the charts brilliant. Just look at her – the face, the voice, the hard-to-define quality that means the moment she opens her mouth, everybody shuts up and listens. Harriet Walter, stage and screen star of Killing Eve, Succession, The Crown, Downton Abbey and so much more, would make a very fine Doctor indeed.

Marc Warren

Played: Elton Pope, co-founder member of LINDA, a group of humans who meet to swap stories on their encounters with the Doctor. Appeared in: Little-loved Series 2 episode ‘Love & Monsters‘. A very familiar face on British screens, with regular roles in hits including Hustle, Mad Dogs, The Good Wife and The Musketeers, there’s always been something about Marc Warren that makes you think he’d make a really great alien. See him as The Gentleman in Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, or Mr Teatime in The Hogfather, and you’ll agree. Top Doctor potential.

Gemma Whelan

Played: the voice of loads of characters for Big Finish audio adventures, but never (yet) on screen. Appeared in: ‘Ninth Doctor Adventures’, ‘Dalek Universe’, ‘Counter-Measures’ and more. Always a treat wherever you find her on screen, actor-comedian Gemma Whelan is best recognised as warrior leader of the Iron Islands, Yara Greyjoy in Game of Thrones but she’s been great in Killing Eve, Gentleman Jack, Upstart Crow, The End of the F***ing World, and recently, a killer episode of Inside No. 9. If Doctor Who is looking for another late-thirties Yorkshire lass to take on the Doctor’s mantle in future, go Whelan or go home.

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Doctor Who Series 13 will air on BBC One and BBC America this autumn.

The post Doctor Who: Previous Guest Stars Who’d Be Great as the New Doctor appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3CC4kfL

[employsophiejackson]

19 Reasons Buzzfeed Should Employ Sophie Jackson (#13 is questionable)

1. I write every day of my life. Yes, even when I’m not being paid for it.

My whole life is basically just an endless series of things I become passionate about. How do I express these passions? I write about them - at great lengths, and with a lot of enthusiasm. 

2. I’m your target market.

To attract a Buzzfeed key demographic, one most think like a Buzzfeed key demographic. 

Obviously the appeal of pop culture bulletins and informative listicles is fairly universal. Your typical reader, however, is the Western millennial spending their coffee break glued to a smartphone, and I fit in there quite comfortably. 

3. There is not a meme that eludes me.

In most job applications, this wouldn’t really be the kind of quality one boasts about. Spending every spare moment browsing Reddit, Tumblr and Twitter might not be the coolest of hobbies, but it does mean the I see practically every meme that comes into existence - however short-lived, however nonsensical.

And I’m not just talking about viral memes. Those alternative memes one only discovers when browsing the dark corners of Tumblr at 3am? I see them. I know them. I know them all. If anyone’s gonna earn a job at Buzzfeed solely for their meme expertise...

4. I’m extremely flexible.

No - I’m not just talking about my enviable yoga postures. I adapt to new environments like a Victoria Secret model adapts to the latest fad diet. Whether you need me to travel, stay put, work weekends or switch between tasks - it’s all fine by me.

5. I’m as familiar with past pop culture as I am with contemporary pop culture.

From The Bell Jar to The Fault in Our Stars, from Pissaro to Koons, from Blackadder to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia - I spend as much time obsessing over past icons as I do over today’s hottest releases. Good pop culture tends to remain relevant, so for every American Idol episode I've seen, I’ve watched just as many Top of the Pops re-runs. Whether you want me to cover David Bowie or Beyonce, I’m just as happy either way.

6. I have live reporting and interviewing experience.

I’ve professionally and confidently conducted interviews with a number of high profile figures including representatives of global charities, industry leaders, social media influencers and world league professional poker players. In the past two years I’ve also gained experience reporting at live sports events watched by thousands.

7. I know a thing or two about SEO.

Just kidding, I know like twenty things about SEO. Whether it’s in relation to social media marketing campaigns or the optimization of home page navigation, this is the field I’ve known from the earliest days of my career.

I could tell you, for example, the most competitive keywords for whatever you’re promoting. I can point you to the latest Google updates and explain what they mean for content strategy and link acquisition. My SEO crush is Rand Fishkin, and I know what Matt Cutt’s dinosaur impression looks like.

8. I’m a meticulous editor and fact-checker.

Living in what is becoming known as a ‘post-truth’ society of misinformation and fake news, impartial and factual journalism is as essential as ever.  

Even if written with a light-hearted tone or for entertainment purposes, I believe there’s rarely a publication that is justified in foregoing thorough fact-checks.

As such, it has become second nature for me to cross-reference, double-check, triple-source and provide ample citations for anything I write. In short, I do not take lightly the responsibility that comes with producing content for an internationally respected brand.

9. I’m not one to shy from politics.

And in this current political climate, one doesn’t really have the luxury of staying quiet. I appreciate the importance of delivering criticism and drawing attention to issues in a respectful manner that helps create productive debate and engagement.

With an education in UK politics, US politics, modern political history and Western political theory - I write about political matters with confidence and passion. If there’s one thing Buzzfeed does well (and Buzzfeed does several things well), it’s presenting a light-hearted and accessible examination of complex issues at a time when such media is especially needed.

10. I’m totally comfortable writing in whatever style a piece of content calls for.

My experience in writing has been varied and far-spanning. I believe this to be useful, in that appropriately repurposing content for different platforms while maintaining consistency in tone is now a necessity for any online brand marketing.

My thorough grasp of the English language is one of many reasons I am highly qualified to undertake this task. Whether you want a blog post, informative review, promotional copy, argumentative op-ed or journalistic analysis - I can adapt my editorial style accordingly. One moment I can be writing a political take for The Hill, the next moment I’m focused on comparing Jeff Goldblum to pasta for The Reductress.

11. I’ve spent the last three years writing articles on every subject under the sun.

From beauty guides to morbid crimes to album releases to terrifying advancements of artificial intelligence - there’s not a subject I won’t or can’t write about. 

‘Research’ is my middle name. I didn’t always know a lot about Bitcoins, Bill Clinton’s diet or Niagara Falls - but when my job calls for me to research something, I’m going to be an expert by the time I put pen to paper...or fingers to keyboard.

That being said - there are some subjects on which I am especially well-versed, and therefore love writing about the most. These subjects include, but are not limited to, intersectional feminism, contemporary art, modern history, animal welfare, mental health, science fiction, alternative fashion and classic rock.

12. I’m on the lookout. 

I have an eye for interesting stories and upcoming trends. My mornings are defined by two activities in particular; 1) drinking coffee with obscene amounts of sugar, and 2) checking the BBC, The Guardian, The Verge, ThinkProgress, Buzzfeed, ATTN:, Vox, The Washington Post and a bunch of other cutting-edge news publications. Not only do I stay-up-to-date, but I know how to translate news into clickable, shareable and relatable content that gets people commenting.

13. I bake the most divine Victoria Sponge cake and would bring it into the office.

“Feast upon my creation, colleagues” is something I would not say because that is weird.

14. I’ve done a fair bit of travelling.

Globetrotting is an interest that has taken me from the coffee shops of Amsterdam and cathedrals of Rome to the forests of Sweden and beaches of California. A global perspective is important when writing for a global platform, and I believe my travel experiences will enrich what I can contribute to Buzzfeed.

15. I’m a quick learner.

There’s no doubt I’ve still got a lot to learn. Fortunately, I pick up most things quickly and have no problem putting aside extra time for studying should I lack any particular experience or know-how when it comes to my career. I would like to improve my GIF making game, Photoshop abilities and a couple of other mostly self-taught skills. Buzzfeed seems like the kind of environment to facilitate that growth and development.

16. I’m a closeted Yankophile.

Yes, I may devour crumpets and Earl Grey tea for breakfast, but deep down there’s a part of me that just wants to live my life like an American hipster in an innocuous coming-of-age comedy. I grew up on a diet of American TV and literature, so writing for an American audience comes as naturally to me as writing for British readers.

17. I pride myself on being a good colleague. 

Respect, positivity and open-mindedness - those are the principles I believe underline a healthy work environment.

I perform equally well in a team as I do independently. My management experience has taught me how to recognize and encourage my colleagues’ strongest traits, while giving them a space in which they can feel heard and supported.

18. London is one of my favourite places in the whole world.

Why does that make me an ideal candidate? Well, in a way my love for London is irrelevant - except that my excitement over living in the coolest city on earth will probably manifest itself in the form of a big smile each morning. I’d be over the moon if I could relocate to that rainy hub of art galleries, innovative music scenes, cultural merging, vintage street markets and lush city parks.

19. I aim for excellence.

If there’s a sentence you’ll never hear me say, it’s “that’s not in my job description”. I genuinely enjoy pushing myself and always aim to impress. No matter what project is at hand - I won’t stop until I’ve put my 100% into the job. If I work for you, you can rest assured you have a driven, reliable and problem-solving employee at force.

[ericfruits]

Why people care about ancient buildings

“WHAT IS CIVILISATION?” asked Kenneth Clark 50 years ago in the seminal BBC series on the subject. “I don’t know, and I can’t define it in abstract terms, yet. But I think I can recognise it when I see it, and I’m looking at it now.” And he turned to gesture behind him, at the soaring Gothic towers and flying buttresses of Notre Dame.

It seems inhuman to care more about a building than about people. That the sight of Notre Dame going up in flames (see article) has attracted so much more attention than floods in southern Africa which killed over 1,000 arouses understandable feelings of guilt. Yet the widespread, intense grief at the sight of the cathedral’s collapsing steeple is in fact profoundly human—and in a particularly 21st-century way.

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It is not just the economy that is global today, it is culture too. People wander the world in search not just of jobs and security but also of beauty and history. Familiarity breeds affection. A building on whose sunny steps you have rested, in front of which you have taken a selfie with your loved one, becomes a warm part of your memories and thus of yourself. That helps explain why China is in mourning—WeChat, young China’s principal means of talking to itself, has been throbbing with the story, and Xi Jinping, the country’s president, sent a message of condolence to Emmanuel Macron, his French counterpart—while India was largely indifferent. Tourism from India to the West is a trickle compared with the flood from China.

This visual age has endowed beauty with new power, and social media have turned great works of art into superstars. Only a few, though, have achieved this status. Just as there is only ever a handful of world-famous actors, so the pantheon of globally recognisable cultural symbols is tiny: the Mona Lisa (see article), Michelangelo’s David, the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramid—and Notre Dame. Disaster, too, is visual. In the 24 hours after the fire started videos on social media of the burning cathedral were viewed nearly a quarter of a billion times.

Yet the emotions the sight aroused were less about the building itself than about what losing it might mean. Notre Dame is an expression of humanity at its collective best. Nobody could look up into that vaulted ceiling without wondering at the cumulative genius of the thousands of anonymous craftsmen who, over a century and a half, realised a vision so grand in its structural ambition and so delicate in its hand-chiselled detail. Its survival through 850 years of political turbulence—through war, revolution and Nazi occupation—binds the present to the past.

The fire also binds people to each other. The outpouring of emotion it has brought forth is proof that, despite the dark forces of division now abroad, we are all in it together. When nationalism is a rising threat, shared sadness makes borders suddenly irrelevant. When politics is polarised, a love of culture has the power to unite. When extremism divides Muslim from Christian and religious people from atheists, those of all faiths and none are mourning together. An edifice built for the glory of God also represents the unity of the human spirit.

And it will be rebuilt. The morning after the fire, the many Parisians who went to the cathedral to mourn its destruction found comfort instead. Although the spire is gone, the towers are still standing and it seems likely that the whole building can be revived. The effort to rebuild it, like the fire, will bring people together. Within 24 hours, €600m ($677m) had been raised from businesses and rich people, and a rash of crowdfunding campaigns started. A high-resolution laser scan of the building, carried out recently, should help.

It will never be the same, but that is as it should be. As Victor Hugo wrote in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a three-volume love-letter to the cathedral: “Great edifices, like great mountains, are the work of centuries. Art is often transformed as it is being made...Time is the architect, the nation is the builder.”

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline "The human spark"

https://econ.st/2PeHhA6