#the leaves changing in west nj

[aisling-saoirse]

Stirling Hill, Ogdensburg, NJ - October 17th 2024

[wttt-dirus-work]

Can u tell me some stuff about Quebec?

wanna give her a cameo in an fic

Hey! So first of all, YESS!

Now, you weren’t quite precise in your ask, so imma share a variety of my own headcanons to give you some more info^^

Physically:

She has middle back long, slightly curled deep brown hair, with copper reflect in the summer, and the crystal-clear blue eyes you can imagine (when she’s angry her eyes become more white than blue, and the air is way colder than before). Her skin is pale, pinkish on the nose and cheeks in the winter, and she got some freckles. In autumn, her hair is redder and more blond than brown (leaves changing colour) when she’s in the south of the province.

Her body temperature is usually colder than any of the Northeast States and lower the more she is north in her province (the only state who share the same temperature is Alaska). Now, during the summer, depending on what’s going on, she can get as warm as the lower east coast state when she has wildfire. If she had tornadoes, she’s physically frazzled, and if it’s flood, her skin takes a greenish or bluish tint. If it’s a good summer (no fire, tornadoes, or floods) she has a good temperature, around the same as the Northeast states.

For her clothes, from Automn to spring (October to April), it’s usually a t-shirt under a flannel, a toque (beanie) or earmuff, jeans, mittens, and converse (boots if there’s snow). Her shirt is usually a HABs shirt (Montreal Canadian hockey team), especially during hockey season, her flannel dark blue or bright red, and her toque vary. Sometime is a blue one with her name on it, other times a white one with a pompom, or it’s a Nordiques de Québec one (Québec City hockey team before they were bought by Colorado and became the Avalanche).

During the summer, it’s usually capri pants or long shorts, a tank top or t-shirt, a cap (usually a Buffalo bills one, or Jersey Devil after she started her relationship with NJ), and sunglasses. Sometimes she wears flip-flops, other times sandals, depends on her mood and where she’s going. She’s a fervent user of sunscreen and always got water on her.

Character:

Honestly, depends on the situation. She can be a real Bitch if she wants to, mainly with the other province when they attack her (usually the wests ones). She’s a mom friend if she knows you and care about you and will make fun of you if you embarrass yourself with her (she respects boundaries tho). She knows her worth and is incredibly stubborn when she wants to. If you dare compare her to France she’ll make you regret it and she is really proud of her culture (never says Poutine was made anywhere else than in Québec, she and I will fight you about it). She’s always happy to teach people French and if you respect her she’ll respect you.

She’s polite meeting new people and like to share culture; she’ll judge you if you do something stupid though.

Concerning religion, she’s a little lost. When she became New France, in the 1500s, she was divided between the Catholics and Natives spirituality (usually animist) before staying Catholic. Then, during the Quiet Revolution in the 60s, Québécois rejected religion, and made the government secular (not linked to religion). So, I believe she’ll be mainly Agnostic, for mostly only the oldest generations (Boomer and older) are church goers.

Relationship:

Now, her relationship is carved from centuries of existence and experience and differ from if they’re Canadian or not.

Canadian provinces and Territories:

She’s *friendly* with New Brunswick and Nunavut, but don’t really speak with Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia. She’s extremely supportive of Newfoundland and Labrador (Trans man) and has a great relationship of mutual respect with Northwest Territories (They’re as old as the other and have known each other for a long time).

Concerning Ontario it’s more of an indifferent to *I kind of care about you* relationship. They don’t agree about a lot of things and usually snap each other (Ontarian drivers are terrible, I swear), but they will support each other when the West become snappy at them.

Québec barely care about Manitoba (the feeling’s mutual) and Yukon (they don’t know each other well).

Now, for the West province, well, its complicated. British Columbia is a bitch most of the time because she likes to rile up other people. Québec respect her because she’s alone on the other side of the Rockies and is the oldest Western province, and as women alone on their own for a long time of their existence, they both respect each other. It doesn’t stop BC from having terrible social skills (except when she’s high, then she’s like a hippie and is nicer while also staying passive-aggressive).

Now, Alberta and Saskatchewan are twins; they share the same Province day and are only older than Nunavut. Saskatchewan is the nicest one, but still resent Québec for trying to separate in the 70s. Alberta uses Québec to blame most of her problem; the French province is far from her, refuse to speak to her in English, and well, Québec doesn’t care about them most of the time. To her they are children, who doesn’t understand her, or even try to get her point of view, so she won’t fight them about it.

Concerning the states:

I wrote about QC and Alaska and their relationship in I've tried to put this all behind me (I think I was wrecked all along), but in short they met during the New France era, when Alaska was still owned by Russia, and became close friends despite the language barrier. They met again because of Maine.

For the Northeast, Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas, I already share some of it in my fic Five times Québec helped a Northeast State. I headcanon her as on the Aromantic spectrum (Gray or Demi) and Pansexual, and she slept with PA, NH, and Vermont before they settled down (NH with Vermont and PA with Ohio). She and Jersey have a together/not together relationship (really you need to read the fic to get it) and she’s married to NY (QPR).

Maine is like her brother, Connecticut, NH, and Vermont her close friends, and the rest are her friends. She loves Virginia and their ability to bring the other back in order when they get too chaotic. Mass, PA and she are always ready to fight each other concerning hockey (they were pissed when tempa won two Stanley cup), and she likes to watch Rhode Island kick someone’s butt.

For the other southern states, well they helped her out when Britain ordered her captured (before her wedding to NY) and she always liked them for that.

Finally, Louisiana. I didn’t present their relationship yet, but I’m working on their fic.

Louie resent her. It’s not conscious, more something they both refused to acknowledge, really. He didn’t know that, when they were separated, she was sold to the British while France sold him to Spain. He resent her because she never tried to get to him, or get him back, and how she never helped him from Spain treatment.

I’m waiting to write those two, so yeah.

That was it! You got me to write a story, omg. If you have any question hit me up^^

[pxlmtrecs]

(—) ★ spotted!! MIA BAKER on the cover of this week’s most recent tabloid! many say that the 25 year old looks like MADISON BEER , but i don’t really see it. while the SINGER is known for being LOYAL my inside sources say that they have a tendency to be STUBBBORN i swear, every time i think of them, i hear the song TEST DRIVE BY JOJI {she + her / cis female}

FULL NAME  :  mia renee baker.  NICK NAMES  :  mia , mi , m , mimz.     AGE  : twenty five   DATE OF BIRTH  : may 16th , 1999.   ASTROLOGY SIGN  :  taurus sun , gemini moon , gemini rising. GENDER  :  cis female.   PRONOUNS  : she / her / hers.   SEXUALITY  :  bicurious.   OCCUPATION  : singer POSITIVE TRAITS  : creative , loyal , stable , honest , independent , strong willed , charming , intellectual , faithful , loving. NEGATIVE TRAITS  :  blunt , stubborn , possessive , indecisive , can be selfish at times , closed off ,  irritable .  HABITS  :  biting her cheek when she’s nervous , putting her hair up in a bun when she’s getting a task done , cleaning when anxious or mad , flirts to make things more comfortable . AESTHETICS  :   messy bun , getting underneath the blanket when sad , flowery summer dresses in a green field , papers with notes and words all over the floor , piano playing at 1am , lamp lights in the middle of the night . CHARACTER INSPO  : mary santiago , joey potter , samantha micelli, aria montgomery , topanga from boy meets world , rory gilmore  (that’s it for now) . VOICE CLAIMS: madison beer , gracie abrams  

background :

-- david and alexandra baker were high school sweethearts . they were both born and raised in west orange , nj . they got married in 1996 , and traveled the world a bit . they came back to montclair , new jersey after a few months . her mother was a teacher in one of the elementary schools while her dad worked as banker . the bakers (like their last name) loved baking , but they both had jobs they loved .  –– it wasn’t until 1999 , when mia was born that the bakers decided to change their lives completely . the doctors told alexandra that after the birth of mia , she can’t have any more kids . so they opened up a small boutique bakery in montclair and called it ‘mia’s’. to them, she was their whole world .  –– their bakery was the best one around montclair, causing it to be packed on certain days , but the bakers didn’t mind it . as long as they were able to provide the best of the best for mia , they were happy. –– growing up an only child , she had everything she wanted . she wasn’t that spoiled and she never had the most expensive things , but her parents got her whatever she wanted . she was a quiet kid , never really cried or screamed , was every parent’s dream child . she was extremely smart and did well at school . -- at the age of 12 , everything changed . her dad just got up and left her and her mom . it wasn't until a few years later that she found out her dad was cheating on her mom and had a whole family of his own . this caused her mom to spiral . she was constantly looking for someone to fill in the void david has left . she wanted someone to be a father figure to mia . -- when david left , alexandra blamed herself . she thought she wasn't good enough , she thought she was not pretty enough . maybe she wasn't a good enough of a wife . -- due to all of that , she projected these feelings to mia , telling mia that she always has to look pretty , to put on makeup , to dress nice -- even if she's just going out to the grocery store . -- her mom would go out every night , leaving mia on her own . mia was confused , but her mom told her it's going to change their lives . and it did . it didn't take long before she met her current husband - mia's step father , who was a well known business man all over the US . -- mia's step father was rich , which made alexandra close her bakery , as her new husband was the provider and breadwinner . -- around the age of 14 , mia started exploring the idea of writing , but she never really did anything with her songs as they were about friendships that ended and high school boyfriends that cheated on her ( not really cheated as she was never exclusive with anyone ) . a month after the school year was over , her mom and her moved to beverly hills to live with her step-dad , as he had to move to california . -- mia wasn't really interested in going to college , but she did put some time and money into piano lessons and guitar lessons . she always had a love for music . -- but it was when she met maddox , that she really got into writing . they met when she was 19 , he was truly everything she wanted . he made her feel loved , he gave her all of the attention she needed . until he didn't anymore . one day he just disappeared on her and that broke her completely . she understood why her mom acted the way she did and why she felt the way she did . -- that was when mia really got into writing and put one of her songs online on youtube . the video went viral in less than 24 hours . in 48 hours after the video was posted , she was already signed to a record label . -- however , she left the record label a year after being signed . they didn't really think that the "heartbroken girl" should be her vibe . they thought she should make more poppy-sexy songs rather than talking about her heartbreak . so she decided to leave them , knowing that she would rather put out something she believes in than something that will gain her fame . -- it didn't take her long until she found a new record label , that supported her and let her put out anything she wanted .

[womensharpoon]

THE NEXT STAGE

Where was I before I was so rudely interrupted by the need for sleep? Ahhh, New York City in 1968. Slow changes were gone, speed was catching us all up. Today's fashions lasted a day, Studio 54, Peter Max, psychedelia, Across the Universe. If I wave my hands now I can see great bubbles spewing from my finger tips of the wanderings we did, the discoveries we made, all wrapped in glorious bright luminescent colors. Cheryl was obsessed with New Hope, PA. Her parents lived in the outskirts of Princeton and it was just 1/2 hour drive to New Hope, after an hour's bus ride from the New York Porth Authority, where the crafts folk made and sold their wares. A new world opened up, Byron Temple's pottery, the pot smoke so thick you could get a contact high just sitting outside on the mountain among the kilns. Leather workers, potters, woodworkers, stained and blown glass, the Now and Then Shop where Patchouli mixed with Nag Champa and you wore that scent for days just by loitering for 15 minutes. It briefly disguised the pungent and ever pervasive lingering aroma of ganga.

Cheryl had moved into an apartment on 37th and 3rd and her drug wasted boyfriend had either gone into rehab or run away, but either way, she needed a roommate and I was finally able to flee my parent's house and rules. I worked on Madison Avenue at Y&R and quickly realized I couldn't see myself typing and taking shorthand for these Mad Men for very long. Cheryl worked in the Grace Building for NYU. Neither of us saw a future here. It was a nice place to visit but...

A plan was born to find a way to move to New Hope. Listen, this is my life...I get an idea and a train pulls up right in front of me that says "here's the way, jump on." Have I never jumped on? No, and again, no.

We saw an ad somewhere for lessons in weaving. The 2nd floor of the YWCA on 9th on the upper west side was a sea of looms. We learned about warp and weft, the heddles, the selvage. Yarn in every conceivable color and texture. After 3 months we were anxious to leave the city and ready to follow our dream. Our lease was up, an apartment opened up on 32 South Main Street above Dr. Ricker's office, a loom was for sale from an old attic of an old lady in Flemington, NJ. Cheryl's father picked us up, we loaded our possessions into his truck and drove out through the night, over the bridges and landed in our new home.

[crow-doc-with-a-pen]

Getting frustrated with my stories so have some random cryptid stuff:

Gov's voice sounds like static when he gets stressed

Nevada can change colors. He also keeps his ear things pointed down because he will accidentally hypnotize people

West Virginia's wings leave a coal like dust on everything

I really like Chupacabra Cali. Looking it up though, Chupacabras are described as four to three feet tall... But my cryptids are still proportional to their state size. So obviously Cali is much bigger than that... Which also means that the first time that Cali and NJ met was absolutely terrifying if NJ had already heard about Cali, especially if he was just expecting him to be four feet tall.

Alaska is almost definitely some bear yeti thing (in the right light, his fur will shimmer like the northern lights)

Georgia is a weird mossy swamp mountain thing. He smells like peaches but he looks more like a living oak tree thing covered in Spanish moss

[outoftowninac]

THE UNSEEN HAND / THE OUIJA BOARD

1920

The Ouija Board (previously known as The Invisible Hand) is a play in three acts by Crane Wilbur. It was originally produced by A.H. Woods and staged by W.H. Gilmore starring Alma Belwin and Mr. Wilbur (above). 

The supernatural themed play was billed as a “play of the seen and unseen.” This was Wilbur’s first play on Broadway as a playwright.  Rehearsals began in late January 1920. 

About the Title: A Ouija board, also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat board marked with the letters and numbers along with various symbols and graphics. It uses a planchette (small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic) as a movable indicator to spell out messages during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the planchette, and it is moved about the board to spell out words. "Ouija" is a trademark of Hasbro, but is often used generically to refer to any talking board.

The play takes place in the library in Henry Annixter's house and a room in Gabriel Mogador's house in a large manufacturing town in the upper part of New York State. 

A woman who is left too much alone deserts her husband for another man, who in turn deserts her. Her husband condones her fault and she returns to him, but lives only a short time, leaving a little boy, the father of whom betrayed her. Her betrayer finally lands In prison, and after his release disguises himself as a spiritualistic medium and starts swindling the people of a large town by purporting to receive communications from the dead. Among his victims is the man whom he has wronged, and who believes he can communicate with his dead wife through the writing stunt. The mind of the faker becomes so unsettled that he Imagines he sees the woman's spirit and unconsciously reveals his identity In the writing. His patron becomes enraged and plunges a dagger in his back, killing him. When discovered, the dead man's hand is resting on the pad, and the message of the dead helps to solve the second crime, that of the killing of the man who killed the medium. The perpetrator of the latter tragedy is none other than the medium’s son, a dope fiend, who expected to marry the daughter of his benefactor, who inherited her father's fortune.

As The Unseen Hand, the play opened in Atlantic City at the Globe Theatre on February 16, 1920.   

It was next seen at the Lyceum in Paterson NJ on March 26th and 27th. 

After this engagement, producer Woods changed the play’s title to The Ouija Board, despite it having a very small part in the action of the play. 

The Ouija Board opened on Broadway at the Bijou Theatre (209 West 45th Street) on March 29, 1920. 

About the Venue: The Bijou Theatre was built in 1917. In 1935, it became New York's first all-cartoon cinema, beginning a rotating cycle during which the house alternated between legit and movie presentation (except when it was dark from 1937 to 1943). In 1959, the adjoining Astor was renovated and acquired a large chunk of the Bijou's space. It reopened as an art cinema in 1962. Intermittent legit productions followed until the theatre was demolished in 1982, making room for the Marriott Hotel.  

“One of the devices of the play which surprised but did not altogether please us was an electrical device installed n a phonograph by which anybody who played "Fair Harvard' would be shot in the chest. It served to kill one character in the play and another barely escaped. We would have found it more pleasing and convincing as well, if he had died from ‘Boola Boola’ or ‘Old Nassau.’“ ~ HEYWOOD BRAUN

The play ran 64 performances at the Bijou closing on May 23, 1920.  On Monday, May 25th the play decamped to Boston’s Plymouth Theatre where it quietly departed this theatrical world after a brief run. 

[spectral-apparitions]

I changed my mind I AM going to continue that post

NSR artists walk in on you (their partner!) singing and/or dancing along to their music

under the cut because it’s long. There’s also spoilers

Mayday: You'll know when she's there because she SQUEALS. She can barely articulate "Babe you're so cute oh my gosh you like it?!" because she really does think you're just wonderful and she's overjoyed you like her music. She's immediately running in to join you, singing along and doing air guitar. When the song ends she's asking you what your favorite songs are, and she tells you that you don't need to be nervous, you can sing and dance and shout and have a good time around her! She tells you that if you want she can play just for you some time and you can have your own private concert! Expect that in the future she'll be coaxing you to join her in dancing and singing more often. She just loves seeing you have a good time!

Zuke: He'll stay quiet a moment and watch you, smiling (because he thinks you're so cute). He's so silent you won't know he's there until you see him. He apologizes for startling you. And if you're flustered by him seeing you, he'll try to comfort you and insist that there's no need for you to be embarassed. He'd like to join you in listening to this, but he also offers to leave you alone if you'd prefer. You can see the excitement in his face as he tells you he's glad you enjoy the music. Now or any time in the future if you want to groove along to music he's happily drumming or tapping away next to you and watching/listening to you.

DK West: For just a moment he'll pause and quietly chuckle while watching you. He's simply delighted! Soon enough he's joining you, right on beat. There's no time for you to pause because he'll take your hand and pull you into a dance with him. As the song goes on he'll clap to the beat and hold his hands out for you to clap each others'. Whatever the words are to this song, he starts out going along with them, then starts ad libbing to rap about how cute you are and how the two of you are so powerful together. When the song is over, he wants to make sure you know that you're welcome to sing, rap, clap, or dance along with him any time, he would enjoy it.

DJ Subatomic Supernova: Standing there silently with his arms crossed just watching you until you finally notice him. If you know how to read his expression, you can see the little mix of excitement and flustered. Truthfully he's quite flattered (and proud) that you enjoy his music and oh goodness he didn't think you could get any cuter but here you are. But he won't say all that, instead quietly (and if you listen closely, with a slight tremble) brush it off and say something about how it's no surprise that you've fallen for his music as well. He's not one to dance or sing around other people, so he's nervous to join, and if he sees that you're flustered he understands, either way he lets you be to jam by yourself. But you might notice that from here afterwards he turns his attention to you when his music is on, and when you're alone together he'll hum something he knows you like, hoping that you'll let loose around him.

Neon J: For a second he just freezes because oh my god you're so precious! He debates if he should leave you alone or if he should come join you because he doesn't want to scare you, and he's so preoccupied with considering this and being mesmerized by you that he hardly registers when you've stopped because you saw him. Whether you're shy about it or still grooving along happily, he quickly collects himself and rushes over to be next to you, singing along loudly. It makes him happy to see you enjoying yourself, and even more so if you do so with him. If you'll let him he'll stay with you for several more songs, and he'll try to show you dance moves you can do together, or he'll do silly poses and voices to get you to laugh. Just be ready the next time you're around both NJ AND 1010 when they're singing because he'll try to get you to join and you'll have five others making a scene with you.

Eve: She stands back and watches you in awe. She's just taken by how you personalize her music. She's glad that you enjoy her art, and she loves seeing how you connect with it and enjoy it (she loves YOU!). When you finally notice her, she’ll compliment your singing/dancing. She ask you if she can stay with you or if you’d rather she leave you alone, but you can see the light in her eyes and how she can’t take them off you. Let her hang out with you, she wants to spend time with you. And when you let her stay she’ll pose and dance along to the music, even mirroring what you do and sometimes pulling you into a move or two. Afterwards she’ll tell you how she enjoys dancing with you (yes, even if you had been stumbling over yourself) and she would love to know what you think of more of her music.

Tatiana: She’s a bit stunned that you’re listening to her old music in this day, but you seem like you’re really enjoying it, so she can’t help but smile at that. She does her best not to disturb you and may even slip away without you noticing. In the case that you do notice her though, she just gives you that little smile and apologizes in case she’s bothered you. If you’re embarrassed, she’ll tease you gently about your expression, but quietly adds that she’s happy to see you having a good time, don’t let her stop you. Or if you’re more bold, invite her to join with you and watch HER get flustered. She still remembers the words and riffs but gosh it’s been so long, she’s not sure how she sounds (she sounds great, actually). Eventually she’ll ease into singing along and end up having a good time with you.

[meister-draws]

I love your NSR\Pokemon Mystery Dungeon crossover! Just out of curiosity, what ‘mons would the other artists be? I was thinking Cosmoem or Minior for DJSS and Primarina for Sayu, but I dunno about the others.

Thank you, I’m happy that you liked it anon! 😚

And I’m glad you asked because I actually already have ideas for what the other artists could be (and will be very happy to draw them if other people want me to 😉)

I’ll list everything under a readmore since this is gonna get very rambly. Anyone’s welcome to give their thoughts and ideas in the replies too.

DJSS

There aren’t that many space-themed pokemon so narrowing down some fitting choices for him is hard but my first choice for him would be Deoxys, specifically the defense form since it’s more similar to DJ’s silhouette. They both can change their shape to some degree, they both have spaghetti arms, and they both have an orb as part of their designs, the only difference being DJ’s orb being his head and Deoxy’s orb in its chest actually being its brain. But if you don’t like the idea of him being a mythical pokemon then minior is a good option for him too, and a hilarious one because DJ is supposed to be a huge and hefty guy and then you got minior who is tiny. Aesthetically, Cosmoem would’ve been a good choice for him, but idk how I feel about assigning him a pokemon that’s literally described to be a lifeless cacoon.

Sayu

If we were to consider Sayu’s form changes, I would actually make her the entire Popplio line; Popplio being the 1st standard form, Brionne being the 2nd, and Primarina being the 3rd. I’ve also thought about what team Sayu could be too; Tila being Jigglypuff, Remi being Smeargle, Dodo being a Kirlia, and Sofa maybe being a Porygon or a Porygon2. In the PMD world, Sayu could be an illusion brought to life thanks to the efforts of Dodo’s psychic abilities and the like.

DK West

If Zuke is a Treecko/Grovyle, then by default DK West would be Grovyle/Sceptile. The reason I picked the Treecko line for Zuke is because of the chill vibes the entire line gives off, and West is pretty chill too in his own way. Otherwise, he could be something like a Gengar for its ability to manipulate shadows and a tendency to mess with others (i.e. Zuke)

Yinu and Mama

It’s pretty obvious that they’ll be a Budew and a Roserade because of the rose motif, although I think Yinu could work as a Roselia too. I think it could work for her character as a prodigy for a young child like her to have already evolved.

1010 and Neon J

I could be predictable and make 1010 the eeveelutions; Red/Zimelu = Flareon, Blue/Purl-Hew = Vaporeon, Yellow/Haym = Jolteon, Green/Eloni = Leafeon, White/Rin = Glaceon or Sylveon, but I also like the idea of making 1010 Pawniards and Neon J a Bisharp because all of Bisharp’s pokedex entries talk about how it commands its own troop of Pawniard. Plus Pawniard and Bisharp are all part steel type which works with their robot/cyborg aesthetic well

With that said, I don’t not like the idea of making 1010 the eeveelutions. After all, what the two groups have in common is that while they’re both widely beloved they are also incredibly overrated. It just leaves the question of what Neon J could be because so far my other best pick for him would be Xurkitree, because both of them have a passion for dance apparently. And idk about you but there’s something very endearing about an extraterrestrial lifeform and a bunch of dogs adopting each other as a family unit. Sometimes a family can be some sentient cables and their five dogs.

EDIT: FALINKS! Falinks is also a good choice for 1010 and NJ! Can’t believe I forgot about them they were so obvious 🤦‍♀️

EDIT 2: A friend from a discord server I’m in also suggested Silvally for Neon J for the eeveelution 1010s. Silvally Neon J can change his type to reflect the boys’ much like how he can use them as weapons in the final phase of 1010′s fight

Eve 

It’s either Gardevoir or Medicham. Gardevoir can distort dimensions and its design suits Eve’s diva aesthetic well. But if Gardevoir’s too predictable of a choice, I also suggest Medicham because they both have a similar colour scheme (white and magenta) and Medicham’s mega evolution sprouts another pair of hands like how Eve can.

Tatiana

I want Tatiana to be some kind of legendary, preferably a fire type. Dialga sounds fitting because both of them have time control abilities, but then I saw someone suggest Groudon for Tatiana too which I also really like the idea of. Some less powerful and non-deity-like options I’ve considered are Entei and Moltres, both kantonian and galarian, though I think galarian Moltres matches Tatiana's intimidating stature more. I had also considered Arcanine for her too, even though it’s not a legendary pokemon in a true sense it is classified as ‘the legendary pokemon.’

BONUS

Kliff

I really like the idea of Kliff being a Rotom for his gift at hacking into machines and being tech savy.

Ellie the Alligator

A Totodile. They both almost look alike. She could be Team B2J’s third member

[aisling-saoirse]

Quaking Aspen - Populus tremuloides

Today I want to bring up a charismatic favorite: the Quaking Aspen. Like all populus species, it's a fast growing, clonal colony forming, northern extreme and mountain loving tree (just like its Eurasian sister species: A. tremula) with an incredibly wide range of distribution. In addition to all those interesting qualities, the oldest known organism is presumed to be a Quaking Aspen colony (Pando, in Utah)

General identification before I can talk about the more interesting bits, Aspens are best known for their yellow autumn leaves and smooth white bark with dark knots, they can grow as large as 60' but depending on their environment can be stunted to around 5-20' (think of krummholz). Leaves of this species appear slightly heart shaped and retain the same sheen on both sides (image 1). Plants are unisexual meaning individuals either have male or female flowers, interestingly enough this is a good method to distinguish where one colony begins and ends by looking at the color of the branches in spring (see image from Colorado below, note trees with light green and those without). Emerging catkins are white at first which become green and longer as the season changes, male catkins having slightly longer stamen but female fruiting catkins ultimately growing longest at 10 cm. Seeds are small capsules with silky hairs to assist in wind dispersion, these trees are ruderal so they produce around 1.6 Million a season with many unable to germinate. Seedlings often need consistent moisture and full sun to even germinate, most of the seeds growth goes to root structure the first year.

The name Quaking Aspen (or trembling per the Latin) refers to the extremely mobile habit of the leaf. Leaves are connected to flexible petioles (stems) which flip around in the slightest breeze. Environmentally speaking, I was once told that leaves have chlorophyll on both sides however this stem could also be a biological strategy to cope with harsh wind conditions in mountainous environments, I didn't encounter any recent research verifying this though. Interestingly enough, given the harsh nature of which this tree thrives, apparently, there is chlorophyll in its trunk, allowing extra energy to enter the tree when it's leaves are gone.

Quaking Aspen is an early succession species, able to reestablish/colonize a site after a fire or other major disturbance. Many of Upstate New York's famous Aspen forests are actually a result of logging and fires in the early 1900s rather than a typical forest compostion. Establishment is different depending on opportunity, in the west its often long lived clonal roots systems, in the high arctic its often through wind blown seed, in the east its generally short lived clones out-competed by hardwood/conifer forest after a century, and in its furthest southeastern range I typically only encounter individuals on rocky outcrops or former fields.

Above ground trees usually live less than a century, in the east maybe 50-80 years given our moisture, out west individual trunks can live two centuries. It's common to find dense forests with even-age trees since clonal root structures re-emerge together (Image above from Bluebell Knoll Mountain in Utah). Its also thought that the root system can live for two millenia or longer, Pando being an example of extreme longevity (I mean 40,000 years would survive an ice age, even in Utah there would be mountain glaciation, thats quite spectacular if true). Ironically, one of the best survival tools in the Aspen's playback is fire recovery, otherwise it will get out-competed/shaded pretty fast (see the context in image 2, that NJ forest used to have lots of aspen).

All this in mind its good to point out that Aspen's early successional habit makes it great for ecological restoration. It's common to find them as the first pioneers on former mines or superfund sites (aspen grove below from Palmerton gap, Pennsylvania). Unfortunately one of the negative side affects is that populus species often bring up a lot of heavy metals in their leaves and wood meaning they can re-contaminate through their own biological accumulation. Which is good for extracting small scale contaiminants...very bad for large sites where you need to trap metal under soil to prevent toxins from eroding offsite

All this being said Quaking Aspen's large geographic range mirrors that of the last glacial maximum, implying a rapid spread onto retreating glaciers. This also suggests a growth habit requiring wet or moist soil conditions. This range is North West to Alaska nearly touching the Arctic Ocean at its Northern-most range in the Yukon, then east to Newfoundland; south west to Mexico (usually restricted to high mountains) and east from Iowa to New Jersey (with scattered populations in West Virginia).

Since Aspen often colonizes sites of former glaciation, with climate change it's predicted there will be a northward and uphill progression of populations. Aspen isn't really in intense danger of dissappearing but studies have shown major stressors (draught, extreme heat, over-grazing) cause higher mass-mortality events from minor stressors (typically disease and insect herbivorey). Given the fact that many forests are clonal there was a question of low genetic diversity amoung populations, yet interestingly, individuals undergo somatic mutations (DNA alterations after conception) and are extremely variable, so different individuals often place different energies into different defense tactics.

In addition to all of this information Aspens are primarily used today to make paper pulp. Historically settlers used aspen to derive quinine (think gin and tonic), and indigenous tribes have a history of using big trunks to create dug out canoes.

So please go out to your nearest mountain/boreal forest to enjoy the Quaking Aspen's lovely smooth bark and haunting shaking in the wind!

[tinysupervicki]

It’s hard to stay away, huh? I did turn off my notifications on twitter but I still peeked. Why are y’all so amazing to me? What did I do to deserve this love? This community?

Since y’all have been there for me ever since my mom passed three years ago, I’d do anything for y’all. I felt I did let y’all down because I’m a content creator and haven’t done anything in so long. It sucks because I’m yearning to do so but lack the time due to now being an adult, working a grueling adult job and living with family.

I believe I will be able to get a place of my own later in the year, I’m really hoping for that. As for my full time job, I’m actively looking for another one. The one I’m at, I feel I work so hard but I’m not appreciated enough. It’s a healthcare industry and I work hard to help people with their needs while management focuses on metrics and numbers. I wanna get out of there.

I haven’t had time to myself and just be selfish for once? So I’m glad I was able to take time off to have a pretty long weekend to enjoy Sizecon 2020 and spend time with friends.

Let’s get started on the recap, shall we? Bare with me, I talk a lot (and not well might I add).

Day 1: Thursday 2/13/20

I woke up at 4 am to catch my flight that leaves at 6:45 am. I thankfully had all my bags packed, I just needed to shower and be ready. My dad took me to the airport and wished me off. At this point, I had plenty of time, even seeing the long TSA line at the Houston airport. I had internally groaned a lot but managed through. After having some minutes to spare, I grabbed a quick bite to eat at one of the dining places, a lovely breakfast bowl that I can have (those of you who don’t know me, I have celiac disease and I have to eat gluten free). Jumped on my flight and comfortably slept in my seat on the plane. The plan was to have a connecting flight to Charlotte, NC and then to Newark, NJ.

Two hours later, I woke up to not at my destination but at Colombia, SC. Apparently, while I was asleep, they had to divert us to the next airport because the weather was really bad in NC. We had two options: stay on the plane and wait it out until we’re back in the air to NC, or get off the plane and figure out another alternative. I stayed, I had plenty of time until my connecting flight was scheduled (which I actually got alerts that it ending up delaying a lot) so I stayed in my seat and watched greys anatomy. About almost an hour passed and we’re finally back up in the air, with more space to breathe since there were people that did leave the plane. Landed safely in NC and I ventured off to find snacks and wait at my gate. It kept delaying but I finally was able to get on my flight to NJ, making my total time at the airport and in the air...all day, I can’t do math lol. I safely landed in NJ at 5:30 pm, I had been awake since 4 am. It was a day.

Yo, I’m gonna get him and his wife a gift, I swear to god, but DJ (aka Giantgripper) saved me by picking me up from the airport and letting me stay the night at his place. When he’s the host, he does one heck of a job as a host. Since I hadn’t eaten a proper meal since 5 in the morning or so, DJ took me to a Mediterranean little mom and pop restaurant that I fell in love with. Had a stuffed pepper and practically cleaned everything off my plate. After we ate, I accompanied DJ while he did some errands for extra things he needed for the con (which did include articles of clothing for the giant cafe lol). I was happy to help as much as I could. After that, we made it back to his place. Once his wife Adri (chibiana) came home from work, we watched a documentary while trying (and failing with me because I’m a turd) to make different mixed drinks to taste. I ended up going with hot chocolate, I’m a simpleton when it comes to alcohol. A little bit afterwards, I had to pass out, it was a long ass day.

Day 2: Friday 2/14/20

Valentine’s was just another day for me. Woke up, got dressed, and DJ surprised me with a fresh homemade breakfast. It was magnificent, I scrapped the plate then too. Plans for the day was to get allllllll the stuff we need and travel to the hotel, which apparently was an hour and a half away from DJ’s house I believe. Adri had to go do another thing for work and was gonna meet up later. DJ and I traveled to the hotel first. I passed out again in the car, I was so exhausted from before I guess it had hit me again.

We made it to the hotel and unpacked the car with my stuff, his and Adri’s bags, and things for the con. I got to say quick hellos to people I knew that were already there (gave a big ass hug to Miss Kaneda, she’s so precious and a big hug to IamFilledwithStatic). I was going to be sharing a room with shortmarcy, Morgana (Moe), and Guiri. So since I had arrived first, I will check in first; Morgana and Guiri were still flying from Spain and shortmarcy didn’t come until the next morning. Since it was under shortmarcy’s name and the deposit was paid under her, She had to call to have the hotel let me check in for her. In turn, I had to put my card on file. I thought I was being a responsible adult and I thought it was gonna charge like half of the charge or something but...they charged the full price of the hotel. Which was $503...which was basically everything in my bank account. I didn’t know that was gonna happen, I panicked and just sat on the couch outside of the con area while Robyn (goddess-rei) comforted me. I had to come to terms that shit happens and I had no money for the weekend. But I graciously had the best of friends this weekend, I’ll get to that in a sec.

After my bumming out, I changed to put on my blouse for the valentines banquet (one of my guaranteed dinners that night lol). I met up with Morgana and Guiri and also sillylilbug (she’s so adorably sweet). We had our own table along with my friend Joe (CaptainRandGTS, who is a phenomenal photographer btw). We ate some good food and they took account of my gluten free (however I think the chimichurri steak may have upset my stomach). I said goodnight and went to my room to basically turn the bathroom up XD I had changed into my pajamas to head downstairs to get water and pain medicine when I turned the corner and saw a group of people walking down the hall. Guys, I’m still getting used to this, but the group was like, “Is that Vicki?!” “That is her!” And I was like WHAT. It was my lovely friends sviolet, mansquishers, mister finch, Joseph moestar, and Strongshadow2018. I was so surprised and honored, I was gushing. I got to hang out with them in their hotel room for a bit, played cards against humanity (I WON!) and ate ridiculously delicious gluten free cookies misterfinch made.

Day 3: Saturday 2/15/20

Con day. This day was a bit of a blur honestly (my mind is not the same people) but I know I took this day to “try” and relax. I was still bummed about my money problem but I had enough to buy the breakfast buffet meal ticket. My idea was to chow down a lot of food (since it was a buffet) so I won’t ask for food but that did not happen because I have wonderful friends?? Towards noon, I went to ihop with my crew (we called each other the sizecon crew lol) with sviolet, mansquishers, mister finch, Joseph moestar, and strongshadow2018. We had a nice time and I was so grateful for the lunch! Once we headed back to the hotel, we split up to do more con shenanigans. I met so many people, it was amazing. People I already knew and new people as well. It was awesome to match names to faces, it was so cool. I’m telling you though, my mind is not the same so I can’t list out the whole list of everyone I’ve seen. Then I got to see my good friend Steve (Miles Striker). I’m so fucking proud of this dude. He showed me a film he wrote, recorded, and edited all by himself, it was mindblowing. We had to go back downstairs after that because I forgot I had a social to lead and he had panels to go to. I stopped by the giant cafe, that was fucking wild. I ran the Fluffy Feels Social and I did my best because I’ve never ran something like that. But I’m glad we all liked the same thing and we just kept talking! It was getting late to when the Playroom was gonna start, so I headed back upstairs. Chilled a bit more with my crew and then headed back downstairs. I don’t know what got over me, but I gathered enough courage and joined the nude swimming party. I cannot believe I did that, that was a big step for me. Kinda sucked getting out though because I didn’t have extra clothes and it was fucking cold.

Day 4: Sunday 2/16/20

Technically last day of the con but it was the busiest. I spent all morning practicing my skit for the Tiny Cafe. I was nervous and pacing around in my hotel room, making sure I get it right. Around 12:30, I headed down to meet up with the rest of the cafe to get ready when we start at 1 pm. I could not describe how nervous I was. I wanted to make sure I didn’t mess up and I know I was lip syncing (graciously provided by Anoka’s vocals) I was still nervous as fuck. This was a performance and I’m now more confident talking to others about my kink/aesthetics but performing? Oh lawd. We had a big crowd apparently, I was surprised. We had to get more chairs and apparently turn people away? THAT MADE MY NERVES SKYROCKET. The cafe starts with a wonderful performance by Adri (Chibiana) then followed by cute transitions from our servers mini-moo and shortmarcy. Then it’s time for our skit: Veronica (Jitensha), me, and Aim were shrunk and sung songs about our giants. I was first (omg) and mine was in the style of “Maria” from west side story (Veronica called it Shrunken side story). I was shaking like a leaf and tried my best to get through the whole song while doing silly quirks of mine. Once that was done, I rushed back from my spot XD it was Veronica’s turn to sing about a giant dick lol and Aim serenading a giant lady. After our skit, it was the grand finale of Morgana performing a dance in a giant hamster ball. It was incredible. Despite my anxiety, I’m glad I did this and we did so amazing (we made tips!!!!).

Right after that was done, I had to rush to lead a social of Giant men and Tiny women. It was a small turnout but we still got people and we talked a lot. When that was done, I rushed to be on my first panel of the day: Owning what you love. After that was the Macrophile panel and then after that was the Diversity panel. I was on all of them and they were back to back, I was a busy lady lol. After that panel, I was free! Since I made tips from the cafe and I was broke from the hotel, I got to buy a few things in the vendor hall. Was able to say hi to some people I knew like scridam, the reducer, miss kaneda, iamfilledwithstatic, robclassact, and aborigen. It was also mister finch’s birthday so since I was free for the night, I went with the crew to go celebrate at a restaurant. That was such a nice time, I swear everything I did this weekend I wanted to experience again. When we came back to the hotel after dinner (after a quick stop to the liquor store lol), I was able to make it in time for the closing ceremony. Hearing everyone’s words touched my heart and reminded me why I love this community. So I was able to give a speech to say that; this is my second home when I lost my only home when my mom passed. God, that room was filled with so much love. I went back upstairs and hung out more with the crew and watched Promare (pretty sick movie). I was gonna head to bed but I hung out more with Steve and we watched a movie before passing out.

Day 5: Monday 2/17/20

It was time to say all of my goodbyes to everyone that had to leave. I gave so many hugs and love, I just miss them all. Most of the crew had to head out, except for sviolet, she had her flight in the afternoon. So we went out to breakfast at a Mexican restaurant, reminiscing this whole weekend. We came back to the hotel to chill in my hotel room. Morgana and Guiri were leaving to the airport back to Spain and shortmarcy wanted to venture to NYC before she went home the next day. So sviolet and I chilled in my room before she had to head out.

Then for the rest of the evening, I had the room to myself. I watched law and order svu whole packing and double checked I had everything. I waited up for shortmarcy to come back (I was so worried) but she made it back after 10 pm safe and sound. At that point, I had to go to bed because my flight in the morning was at 5:45 am.

Day 6: Tuesday 2/18/20

I woke up at 3 am to get to the airport on time and my Lyft driver I got...I had a feeling he was having a bit of fun by himself before he picked me up. Because it stunk in the car of cum. Whatever, I held in my breath and made it to the airport safely. My flights were on time and I slept on each one. I did not want to go back home.

Back to reality and I hate the after con blues! Especially with how much this con and community means to me.

Hoping there’s a next year and I’m ready to help as usual.

Y’all have a goodnight ❤️

[uncannychange]

Created by Dr. Xiao Dang Lok, who was looking for a way to correct multiple genetic defects from the deadly to simple color blindness she found a way via a few dozen injections and a week-long full soaking in a bubbling vat of nanobot goo. Don't worry breathing is taken care of via a full face mask that also imparts other even smaller nanobots into the lungs, and discomfort is eliminated through the use of another Xiao invention, the Sonic Hypno Vibe Helmet that puts the person having their DNA cleaned and repaired in a fugue state while simultaneously imparting vital information (new language, social, deportment and employment skills). This is very important as along with correcting all the other flaws it also corrects two of what Dr. Xiao considered of the ones most in need of repair, not being a Han Chinese, and being male. However at the end of her treatment all that is fixed.

Below are some of the first to experience Dr. Xiao's life-changing DNA repair work.

Justin Barrett of Pennsauken, NJ was having a lot of trouble with school bullies. It was a daily thing. Also, he was allergic to chocolate.

Madame Xiao fixed that problem and now chocolate is not a problem for former Justin, now Zhang Zedong Dai, nor are the local toughs, as her new winning smile always disarms them, letting her get close enough to use her newly learned skills in Wing Chun and Praying Mantis kung fu.

It looked like Kevin and Sheri Warner of Silverdale, KS was going to spend most of their married life fussing and fighting.

Thanks to Madame Xiao as Hou Nuan and Hou Qigang they could not be happier now that they have so much more in common.

Try as he might nothing Chester O'Brien of Winnfield, LA did seem to help which his acme. But Lok knew that was easy to fix.

And yes Chester is having a bit of a rough time coming to grips with how she looks now, but once Xuan Guo Feng gets her first look at the nightlife in Hong Kong we are sure she will adjust.

But it's not all just changing the body and the mind more than a bit, there are other benefits to be gained. Like with Miss Mary S. Buckley Atlanta, GA, after she was done Madame Xiao say to it that there were also other lessons to be learned. Miss Manners has nothing onthe style you can learn from Madame Xiao Dang Lok!

However don't think for a moment that the Xiao process overwrites those it repairs and improves, not at all, it leaves them themselves... mostly... it just does some translating let us say.

Such as with Mister Stephen A. Brown West Palm Beach, FL, he has his very own style.

Now as Sun Heng Shufen she still does, just more so... if you know what we mean.

[dippedanddripped]

A Q&A With Keary Kase On Pioneering Hip Hop In Portland

Trenton, NJ born rapper Keary Kase is now pioneering hip hop from Portland, Oregon. After having been involved in a Nike ad campaign that featured him on Billboards across the US, Keary’s singles began to top the radio charts. He began to work with artists like The Wutang Clan and producers Bosko and Non-Stop Da Hitman. Most recently, he partnered with Adidas designers in Portland to develop ‘Reder’ – an athletic apparel brand with focus on CBD delivery systems for athletes who are recovering from injuries.

We had the chance to sit down with Keary Kase to talk about Portland’s thriving hip hop scene, his Nike campaign, and what fans and followers can expect in 2020.

Tell us a little bit about the hip hop scene in Portland. We’d love to know more!

Portland hip hop has so many facets, I’m not sure where to begin. We do have a solid foundation of originals, like Mic Crenshaw, Cool Nutz, Mellenium (Kenny Mack), Maniac Lok, Bosko, Vursatyl, X-Kid, DJ Wicked, Pete Miser and myself, who are still active.

Having strong artists, who have made careers in Hip Hop, as role models and idols allows the kids to aspire to become musical artists. Without these examples, the endless call to normalcy and job security (which we all now know is B/S) by pretty much EVERYBODY, would lead these young Ore-guns to self doubt and failure.

Mike Capes, Swiggle Mandela, Drae Steve’s, JR Patton and Keith Canvas are a few Portland artists to check out.

Right now, a lot of artists are showing support to the BLM movement using their voices to speak, rather than rap to those participating in protests, rallies and such.

How do you feel being originally from the east coast has affected your musical style?

In my embryonic years, I saw myself as an east coast rapper. I felt like, with the exception of rappers like Ice T, Too Short, NWA and The DOC, west coast rappers were mostly basic compared to east coast rappers. They had KRS, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick (my favorite golden era rapper), Special ED, Kool G Rap & Polo, RAKIM!!! Plus WBLS used to play all the hot new shit off the block.

I was enamored by east coast swagger and tone. The slang and accent was natural for me because my entire family spoke with it. My ability to slip in and out of the style made me different in Portland.

In the early 90’s I started spending time in LA. I was slanging FIMO beads to tourists at Venice Beach in the daylight and going to clubs and shows at night. I met this dude named Self Jupiter at this summer festival called The African Marketplace, where I was selling jewelry and celebrating my black youth. Jupiter was a member of a rap group called Freestyle Fellowship. He gave me a tape. After I listened to it, my entire opinion of west coast hip hop was turned upside down. I witnessed west coast rappers like Volume 10, WC, Divine Styler, Cypress Hill and E40 change the game. I became influenced by them and my style was set free. I became open to all influences, no matter if they came from the east, west, northwest, midwest or south.

Tell us more about the Nike ad campaign you were featured in. How did that come about?

One day I was leaving my boy Tommy Hestmark’s studio in downtown Portland. I was walking down the street with my back straight and my chest and chin up, as all men and women should. This guy approached me and said “excuse me, can I talk to you?” I looked at him sideways and he says “no, no. It’s just…. Your face is CRAZY!” I squinted as if to say “do you hear yourself fool?” He pulls out a card and explains that he owned a modeling agency and he thought my look was money. He asked me to call to schedule a test shoot. I called and scheduled the shoot. When I went there, he asked me if I was wearing boxers. I confirmed, then he asked me if I would take some test shots in my boxers. I’m thinking this dude is either going to proposition me for sex or he wants to see if I can be the next face of Calvin Klein. I gambled on Calvin Klein and agreed to take the pics. We walked into a hall and he said “you can get undressed here,” then walked away. So there I stood baring all that my boxers would not cover, with my clothes in a small pile on the floor. I heard footsteps, then an attractive woman appears holding a camera. It was his wife. She told me where to stand , took a couple quick pics and said “Keary, you’re a machine,” then allowed me to get dressed and walked me out.

A few weeks later they called me back and said a photographer knew of me and wanted to do a martial arts shoot. There was no pay, but the photographer was well known and really good. I had no portfolio, and no published work so this was an opportunity to do TFP to add to my comp card.

The photographer, Marcus Swanson, wanted me to do a flying sidekick, which is a classic taekwondo photo kick. When I got there, there was nowhere to get a running start so I improvised and pulled it off. While I was there, a Nike scout was lurking. As I was leaving, Marcus’ assistant, Amber Geiger, mentioned a potential shoot for Nike and asked if they could do a quick polaroid. Snap snap and I was out. A few months passed by before I got a call back from my agent about the shoot. In those few months, I became a black belt, won a gold medal at the the regional national qualification tournament in the black belt dividion, then a silver medal at the US National Championship, and was leaving in a few days to go whoop everybody’s ass at the invitational US Team Trials. It didn’t play out that way but I believe being so active in the few months between the martial arts test shoot and the paid shoot is what influenced their decision to go with me for the ad campaign. We agreed on a date and time, after my return, for the shoot.

When I got back, we did the shoot. I thought it was going to be light work but it was brutal. Modeling is hardcore. I remember seeing myself on a billboard for the first time. It felt like a distant relative to masturbation. I also remember it taking forever to get my money. Agencies can be gangster. I had to make some very firm promises before I got the check. After that, our relationship became square.

You have worked with several platinum artists and producers. Do you have any memorable stories about your experiences that you’d like to share?

Hmm. I don’t like to deride or D-RIDE anyone, but there was an interesting encounter with a Wu-Tang Clan member named Cappadonna. Cappadonna, Killa Priest and a small crew they were touring with were staying at my house when they stopped through Portland. My roommate, MyG,  was helping them do some business in Portland while they killed time before their next tour date. At the time, we had a lil 5 bedroom spread with 2 recording studios in it, so we let their whole crew crash at the spot. The house was already like a revolving door for whoever was on tour in the NW. Artists could come through while in town and collab, get local pub through us and be blessed with some Oregon grown greeneries for the road.

So this was the first time we met (Cappadonna & I). I was taking acting classes at the time so I was gone when they pulled up. When I got home after class, Cappadonna was in the booth. I walked in the room and he started talking wild like “aye yo break that nigga watch!…stab that nigga!” I’m standing in a room full of dudes, with New York energy, that I don’t know, so I assumed he was talking about me. I dip out to my room and get a screwdriver just so I have something in my hand incase things go left. A few minutes pass, then MyG tells Cappadonna to move on to the next part. At this moment I realize he’s in character and not talking about me at all. Killah Priest enters the room. We introduce ourselves and dap up. He asks me what I do and I tell him that I’m in acting school. When Cap comes out, KP says “this is Kase, he’s an actor.” They gave each other a look that, to me , expressed what he spoke as “this is Kase, he’s a fake nigga.”

Granted, I’ve been a skater since day 1, so I understand that some black people (especially at the time) associate being a black skater with being less black or more white. With that in mind, I let what he said breeze by.

After we blessed up, we got to the business. Bosko had let me hold a beat that I wrote a sticky verse to; Cappa liked it so I let him put a hook on it. Me and KP did a DOPE song on a track that this dude named Smoke produced. It sounded like some official Wu-affiliate shit. MyG lost the session so none of that material was ever released.

The next day the energy still felt suspect. Like they thought I was a suburban negro, lol. I took them to the block, which is now gentrified, but was still hood at the time. Cappa called my whip a 666. It was the same Denali XL with the same 26” Trump Spinners that was in the video for the song he was promoting at the time, but mine was cleaner. It seemed like he felt a way about it. We went to my mom’s restaurant, where Cappa requested a Psalms verse from my mother. She said “how about a Revelation,” and laced all of us.

I dropped them at the barber shop to get faded and bladed. When they came out, the energy was different. Cappadonna got in and said “you know your hood and your hood knows you. He said you put your moms in that restaurant, didn’t you?” I just looked at him and put my hand out. We dapped up and the respect, which was first being given by me and received by him, suddenly felt mutual.

Cappadonna is a wise dude and a beast MC. I asked him questions related to his lyrics. He explained to me what “God Degree” and “7:30” meant and told me the story of the origin of his name. You might be able to detect that I’m most definitely still a Wu-Tang fan, although I liked his earlier work. KP knows what I mean by that.

Tell us about your involvement with the CBD industry and your views on how it can be a therapeutic tool for people?

CBD is my go-to treatment for a number of conditions. If I am anxious, I use a non-psychoactive tincture. This gives me a general sense of well-being, without making me feel altered or high. I feel like myself on a good day. If I need to restful sleep, I employ a cannabinoid rich CBD blend that allows me to drift off into REM without jumping up 100 times to make sure the garage door is closed (or whatever). Using CBD is like taking premium vitamins.

In 2019, I started a company called Nina Botanica with a material designer who works for Adidas in Portland. I began researching how to use compression technology as a CBD delivery system for athletic injury rehabilitation. There are some products on the market that offer a similar product, but none that fully address the issues of muscle strains, tears and associated pain that can knock an athlete off of their game. What sets us apart is, our CBD compression system has a lifetime guarantee. You can use it until you’re tired of using it.

We also designed a pod based delivery system, called the NINA , with Shenzen based technology company Smoore. The smart hexagonal pod + cartridge system uses inductive charging in place of the industry standard USB to power up.

Due to COVID-19 and our current bout with systemic racism, the techy products will be in preliminary production until mid-late 2021.

Tell us about your latest project “Craze”. Who is involved and what inspired it?

I was a week back on after being off music for years. Just getting my lungs back, not planning on dropping anything yet; just warming up. An artist named Uneek, who had been my mentee for several years, reached out. He was talking about how he blew all of his savings on medical expenses for his seed and how William, Lil Willi and Big Bill were all coming for him at once. He had just got robbed in Atlanta, so he was shy about who he could trust in Portland.

Uneek asked me to help him to rebrand himself and act as a manager, as I did in the beginning of his career. Since he had just found the strength to come out about his sexual identity, he wanted to look to the LBGTQ community for support. Since that was outside of my sphere of influence, I decided to help him generate some traffic in his home studio, offering tracking and mixing as an engineer. I told him we could put out a mixtape to re-introduce him to his followers and the rest of the world. I got 15 tracks from  producers, Sixteen and J Doe. I wanted to see how serious he was about his career so I told him to put hooks on  all 15. He would send me a rough lyric or melody, then I would write or rewrite the lyrics then massage the melody and coach him on how to execute it.  After he did it, I would chop it and arrange it in a Logic, while I was on the road.

Once the mixtape concepts were in the bag, I told him we needed a real record to kick it off. There was a lot of material in his catalog, but nothing that sounded like a hit single to me.

He got a track from this lil dude named 64 and put a hook on it that had us laughing. He was like “yeah this track sound like something Da Baby would get on.” It wasn’t my style, really, but I kept getting drawn into the drums. I let the first line go off the top then it seemed like the rest of the lyrics were just there. We called it “She A Thot.” It dropped on all platforms back in April of this year.

Craze, the follow up single, manifested itself off of the vibe we were on after “She A Thot” dropped. 64 had sent us a 3 pack of beats so it had some of the same feel as the others, however, the “Craze” beat was much more elegant than the other two.It was like the bigger, sexier, more mature and pondering sister of the “She A Thot” beat.

When I started writing, I felt the beat asking me to confess. It was saying “tell your truth, Kase.” The melody in my head was so balanced that I just let it drive through the first verse. I remembered, as a young man, being so caught up in hustling that I lost my compassion for people. I reflected on how I had spent the last decade, since my first daughter was born, re-approaching life with more compassion.

Whatever you have done in your past does not define you. But sometimes it’s good to talk about it. Black  people have traditionally been afraid of counseling or therapy. Mostly because of our trust issues with the people providing those services. I strongly suggest talking to someone about the things that trouble you. My uncle Jeff calls it “dumping.”

Music is my therapy. Dumping is my new craze.

What artists are you listening to right now and why?

I like listening to new music. I’m listening to Lil Durk, Pop Smoke, Amine, Jack Harlow, etc. But that’s like research for me. I like to see and hear what the big dogs are investing in. But right now, I’m developing a K-Pop artist, so I’m listening Big Hit Entertainment’s people. I’m about to go over there and liberate some musical slaves. (*artists)

But I still listen to Sade.

What’s next for you in 2020? What can fans look forward to?

I’m dropping a mixtape later this month. I may be doing a record + video with Compton artist, AD in the next few weeks. We’re still working out the details, but he’s doing real good right now.

Other than that, I’m developing a young K-Pop idol named Kiari. That genre is making big waves. I’m also looking at television as a next play. I have a pocket ace in the Chinese market that I’m keeping tucked. Oh I’m doing business with China.  Sorry Chump…I mean, Sorry Trump. No, wait, I had it right the first time.

[thecrazydoglady-posts]

Miniature Bull Terriers

Temperament:

- Upbeat, Mischievous, Comical, Fearless, “Terrier fire”

Size:

- Height: 10-14 in @ the shoulders

- Weight: 18-28 lbs

Life Expectancy:

- 11-14 yrs

- activity levels tend to slow down around 11-12 yrs

About:

- Almost exactly like the Bull Terrier

- Square, muscular, strong for their size

- Large, egg-shaped head and dark, triangular eyes

Nutrition:

- In order to not change a dog’s diet too fast, find out what your new puppies diet was at the breeder’s.

- For a day or two a puppy may not eat because of the new surrounding, any longer than that; contact a vet.

- Don’t leave food down for a puppy if it doesn’t clear it.

- If the puppy experiences any other symptoms, then contact a vet

- If not, the puppy is most likely ‘training the owner’, bull terriers tend to do this, don’t put the food back down and continue with feeding normally.                                                                                                

- Follow breeder/vet advice on portions; bull terriers are sensitive to becoming    overweight.

- Ask your breeder for a natural method feeding chart

- Bull terriers have very powerful jaws and can chew off and swallow pieces of bones which can cause blockages in the digestive system.

- Don’t give your mini bull terrier bones

- Raw hide chews should NEVER be given to bull terriers (including minis!)

- They can be swallowed and get stuck in the throat

Grooming        

- Minis have fast growing nails, regular trimming is needed

- Minis are prone to “eye boogers”, just use a damp clothe to wipe them away and then a dry cloth to dry whenever you spot these

- At home weekly ear checks, look for wax (use a cotton ball to gently remove any wax), or infection (redness, swelling, bad odors). If any signs of infection, contact a vet

- Regular teeth brushing and vet cleanings

- Regular baths (every three months, unless your mini plays in dirt or mud (which is not unlikely!) then use a bristle brush to remove dirt then bathe immediately.)

- Use a hypoallergenic shampoo, minis have very sensitive skin.

- Outside shedding season a weekly once-over with a soft brush or a hound glove is all that’s needed for a well groomed bull terrier!

- During the twice a year shedding season (spring and fall) a daily once-over is recommended.

Basic Brushing

You’ll need: a bristle brush, a fine-tooth comb, and a grooming glove

1. Use bristle brush, start at head and work down he dog’s body, ending with the hind flanks (the space between the hip and thigh) and the tail. Be gentle but thorough!

2. Use the comb, use long strokes to remove loose hair.

3. Use the grooming glove.

4. (Opt.) Spritz a little conditioning spray or rub on a bit of coconut oil

Exercise

- Mini bull terriers require enough exercise to keep good muscle tone.

- Preferably access to a yard but can live in a sizable apartment or condo.

- A moderate walk daily is needed after the 1 year point

-  NOT AN OUTSIDE DOG

- A “sudden lameness” can occur in puppies

- Puppies’ joints can’t handle the energy the puppy wants to exert

- Minimum exercise, no jumping up and down from heights, or sudden stops at high speeds for puppies

Training

- Minis will usually require a trainer with a firm hand and a gentle voice, with patience and a good sense of humor

- Clicker training is recommended

- Positive, light, and fun training that keeps the terrier’s attention is most effective

- Heavy socialization from 8-20 wks is essential, and starting training early is a good idea

- Canine Good Citizen programs are awesome!

- Some cool trainers listed by state below!

Health

Ask your breeder for:

- Health tests performed on sire and dam (father and mother)

- Results on heart and kidney issues, deafness, luxating patellas (a kneecap disorder), and primary lens luxation (dislocation of the eye lens) tests

Recommended Health Tests:

- BEAR Testing

- Kidney-Urine Analysis

- Opthalmologist Exam

- Cardiac Exam

- PLL DNA Test

- May have issues with glaucoma, lens luxation, and deafness

- Susceptible to kidney disease

- Regular hearing and eye exams are highly recommended.

Official Breed Club Health Statement 

History

- Bull terriers were created as fighting dogs in 1830s England

- Cross between bulldogs and (now extinct) english terriers

-  Soon a mini version was worked on to use as above-ground ratters (it’s exactly what is sounds like.)

- Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as their 134th breed.

Other Future Owner Info

Energy Level: Energetic 

Children: Better with older children

Barking: Likes to be vocal

- Can’t be home alone for too long

- Will get bored and tear apart everything

- They can suffer from separation anxiety which can cause nonstop barking and chasing of the tail incessantly

- Incredibly affectionate

-  Unneutered male don’t get along with other males 

Breeders:

Puppies avaliable June 2020 in Georgia - DILLIGAF MBT

Breed Club Rescue: Miniature Bull Terrier Club of America

Breed Club Rescue Name: Kathy Brosnan

Breed Club Rescue Email: kmbrosnan@earthlink.net

Breed Club Rescue Link: https://www.mbtca.org/

California: lilitchsft@gmail.com / Lil’itch (AKC Breeder of Merit)

Canada: jewelsmb@live.ca / JewelsMBTS

Colorado: bantammbt@gmail.com / Bantam

Connecticut: 203-710-9971 / Olmar Kennels (AKC Breeder of Merit)

Delaware: ironhead4990@gmail.com / Ironhead

Florida: minnehahashores@gmail.com / Minnehaha

Illinois: aqualee000@aol.com / Sly Dog Kenne

Kentucky: cmschuur@gmail.com / Old Forge

Michigan: michkdm@yahoo / Ironwood

Missouri: waltdal@aol.com / Eggstream (AKC Breeder of Merit)

Montana: cjsminiranch@yahoo.com / Big Sky

New Hampshire: annlwiggins@yahoo.com / Ann Wiggins

New York: boats776@yahoo.com / Anchor Up

Ohio: omegambt@gmail.com / Omega (AKC Breeder of Merit)

Oregon: dcomplex@netzero.net / Calypso (AKC Breeder of Merit)

South Carolina: blk@menusha.com / Menusha (AKC Breeder of Merit)

Texas: mdsunrise81@yahoo.com / Sunrise (AKC Breeder of Merit)

Virginia: patronusmbt@gmail.com / Patronus (AKC Breeder of Merit)

Wisconsin: minbull2002@yahoo.com / Kenron

Trainers:

Alabama: Island Dog LLC / Hunstville, AL

Alaska: Your Dog ETC / Anchorage, AK

Arizona: Obedient Beat K9 Training / Phoenix, AZ

Arkansas: Clay’s Top Dog / Conway, AR

California: California Academy of Dog Training, LLC / Downey, CA

Colorado: Noble Beast Dog Training / Denver, CO

Connecticut: Secret Lake Dog Training, LLC / Avon, CT

Delaware: Positive Results Dog Training, LLC / Wilmington, DE

Florida: Jacksonville Pawsitive Training, Inc. / Jacksonville, FL

Georgia: Pups To Pockets, LLC / Peachtree Corners, GA

Hawaii: Pro Dog Hawaii / Kaneohe, HI

Idaho: Canine Companions of Pocatello / Pocatello, ID

Illinois: Torbel’s Canine Connection / Bourbonnais, IL

Indiana: Over The Rainbow Dogs, LLC / Muncie, IN

Iowa: Top Canine Solutions, LLC / Cambridge, IA

Kansas: Daiger Dog Training, LLC / Kansas City, MO

Kentucky: Dependable Partners Dog Training, LLC / Louisville, KY

Louisiana: Dog Gone Right, LLC / Hammond, LA

Maine: Pamela Belcher / pamelajbelcher@yahoo.com / Eliot, ME

Massachusetts: PetSmart, Chicopee MA / 413-377-2883 / Chicopee, MA 

Michigan: FIDO Personal Dog Training, LLC / Ferndale, MI

Minnesota: Dog Talk Training MN / Coon Rapids, MN

Mississippi: Pawsitive Companionship, LLC / Memphis, TN

Missouri: Spry Dogs / St. Louis, MO

Montana: Intelligent Canine / Billings, MT

Nebraska: Big Moose Dog Training / Malmo, NE

Nevada: imPETus Animal Training by Holistic Hounds / Las Vegas, NV

New Hampshire: Wagging Tail Academy, LLC / Hollis, NH

New Jersey: Dogstar Training NJ, LLC / Aberdeen & Hightstown, NJ

New Mexico: Good Dog Training Center & Doggie Resort, LLC / Rio Rancho, NM

New York: Drew Watson Pups / New York, NY

North Carolina: CANINE PawRTNERS / robinthedogtrainer@gmail.com / Charlotte, NC

North Dakota: Captain’s Canine / West Fargo, ND

Ohio: Pups Grow Up, LLC / Dayton, OH

Oklahoma: Elizabeth R. Maupin / z.maupin@yahoo.com / Moore, OK

Oregon: Auntie Sally Dog & Puppy Training / Milwaukie, OR

Pennsylvania: Grandma’s Dog Daycare / Pittsburgh, PA

Rhode Island: Patience Inspired Dog Training / Coventry, RI

South Carolina: Bright Mind Canine Services / Charleston, SC

South Dakota: Tenacious Dog Training / Sioux Falls, SD

Tennessee: Ren’s Pups, LLC / Hendersonville, TN

Texas: Smart Dog Dallas / Dallas, TX

Utah: Three Little Pits Pawsitive Dog Training / Kamas, UT

Vermont: Diamond in the Ruff Dog Training / Burlington, VT

Virginia: Paw in Hand Training / Catharpin, Va

Washington: Matters of the Canine Kind LLC / Tacoma, WA

West Virginia: Wee Beasties, LLC / Danese, WV

Wisconsin: Best Paw Forward / Menomonee Falls, WI

Wyoming: Progressive School for Dogs, LLC / Greeley, CO

Sources:

- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-bull-terrier/

- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_miniature_bull_terrier

- http://thebullterrierclub.org/ownership/feeding-3/

- https://apdt.com/

[orsanasxm]

Innovative Functional Regenerative Medicine

Innovative Medicine is about restoring your body and mind’s power to heal itself by tapping into your own healing potential. The art of medicine is to understand and to anticipate a dysfunctional organism to help restoring itself to its full potential. There is an inevitable link between physical and mental health. The human body reacts to emotional and mental stress and distress. Innovative medicine recognizes this. A variety of approaches and therapies are incorporated that include psychological and emotional factors. These factors are often – but not always – entangled with a need for lifestyle adjustments or spiritual therapies. Spiritual therapies may include spiritual counseling, meditation, consciousness practices, and more. Often health care professionals don’t give any attention to this factor. Spirituality has such a vast space of manifestation that only a few dare taking the risk to integrate it in their approach of healing. It’s linked to connections within the universe and a moderate understanding of our existence. Innovative Medicine understands the spiritual association when it comes to wellbeing and health. Spirituality is closely related to mental wellbeing. Researchers found that stress and depression are linked to a decreased immune response. These aspects leave the human body susceptible to disease and may be the ultimate cause of one’s illness. Innovative Medicine emphasizes lifestyle changes as a considerable and important part of living a healthy life. It can impact a person’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental state. In Innovative Medicine, lifestyle factors aren’t limited to diet and exercise. These factors also involve stress-related mechanisms, relationships, and psychological consequences associated with psycho-emotional therapy methods. A sense of purpose or a person’s general happiness may also contribute to disease or illness. Innovative Medicine takes everything into account. It recognizes that acupuncture, TCM, Reiki, ‘qi’ therapy types, Ayurveda, homeopathy, herbology, emotional techniques, spiritual practices, and therapeutic touch energy therapies benefit certain individuals. It also realizes that great advancements have been made in energy medicine. We live in a global world where the East meet the West and there should not be preferential therapies based on religious, philosophical, cultural or financial preferences. A Doctor works with the noble purpose to help a human being in moments of pain, disability and sickness to the best of his ability with the tools he has to his disposition under whatever circumstances. He will never act to purposely, consciously and willingly harm any human being. There is a very fine silver lining between what is called innovative and functional medicine. But in both we can observe a new born unique approach towards health and wellbeing. A honest whole evaluation that considers the human being as a complex organism where all internal mechanism are connected and function with each other as well with the outer world. It will be very difficult to create health in an ecological sick and destroyed planet.The goal of Functional Medicine is to promote health and vitality in each patient. Practitioners examine each patient’s lifestyle and unique biochemical factors to identify the underlying causes of their disease and find treatments that help return patients to optimal health. Functional Medicine is holistic, one clinician looks at all aspects of the patient and focuses on prevention and health promoting lifestyle changes with sustainable treatments that address the underlying causes of dysfunction. Restoring patients to health Functional Medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century.By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, Functional Medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.Functional Medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, Functional Medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual. Functional Medicine incorporates the latest in genetic science, systems biology, and understanding of how environmental and lifestyle factors influence the emergence and progression of disease. Functional Medicine enables physicians and other health professionals to practice proactive, predictive, personalized medicine and empowers patients to take an active role in their own health. The most important factors, and the ones we examine first when gathering information about the patient, are the foundational lifestyle factors; sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress levels, relationships, and genetics. These are the roots and soil, which are in turn influenced by specific predisposing factors (antecedents), discrete events (triggers), and ongoing physiological processes (mediators), and may then result in fundamental imbalances at the trunk. These can eventually result in the signs and symptoms that are grouped into a diagnosable constellation that we call disease. Functional Medicine is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.A diagnosis can be the result of more than one cause. For example, depression can be caused by many different factors, including inflammation. Likewise, a cause such as inflammation may lead to a number of different diagnoses, including depression. The precise manifestation of each cause depends on the individual’s genes, environment, and lifestyle, and only treatments that address the right cause will have lasting benefit beyond symptom suppression.It is an approach to health care that conceptualizes health and illness as part of a continuum in which all components of the human biological system interact dynamically with the environment, producing patterns and effects that change over time.

DOCTORS LIST

Lisa M Bixby Dr. MD | Innovative | 1532 Salt Point, Tpke, New York 12569

Peter R.Breggin, MD | Psychiatrist | 101 Easte State Street, #112, Ithaca, New York 14850

Yashoda Bhaskar Dr. Lifestyle Medicine Specialist | Innovative | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA

Jennifer Chevinsky Dr. MD Physician, Lifestyle Medicine Specialist  | Innovative | Atlanta, GA, USA

Lori Carnsew Dr. Lifestyle Medicine Specialist | Innovative | 118 S Pendleton St, Easley, SC, USA

Joshua Cusick-Lewis Dr. MD, MPH, Family Practitioner | Innovative | Robert C. Byrd Clinical Teaching Center 5th Floor, 3200 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304, USA

Justin Charles Dr. MD Physician Lifestyle Medicine | Innovative | New Haven, CT, USA

Caldwell Esselstyn Dr. Surgeon, Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute | Innovative | 1950 Richmond Road Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124

Joel Fuhrman Dr. Wellness Center, Specializing in Nutritional Medicine & Lifestyle Counseling and Coaching | Innovative | 4 Walter E. Foran Blvd, Suite 409 NJ 08822

Michael Greger Dr. | Innovative | P.O. Box 11400 Park, MD 20913

Steven Gundry Dr. | MD, FACS, FACC | 9465 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300 Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Jennifer Hetrick Dr. Family Practitioner, Lifestyle Medicine Specialist    | Innovative | 885 High Street, Suite 107; Worthington, OH, USA

David Katz Dr., MD, MPH | Innovative | 1001 Woodward Ave., Suite 500 Detroit, MI 48226

Anitha Kankar Dr. General Practice Doctor | Innovative | 8040 Van Nuts Blvd

Lori Lindbergh Health Coach, Ph. D. | Innovative | 2691 Bedford Street, Johnstown, PA 15904, USA

Philip Memoji Dentist D.M.D, F.A.G.D., F.I.N.D., C.N/C. | Innovative | 438 Springfield Ave Suite #3, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, USA

Peter Osborne Dr. | Innovative | 7616 Branford Pl #110, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Jay Pennock Dr.  Physician| functional | 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Pamela A. Popper Dr. PhD President Wellness Forum Health | functional |

Danae Perkins Dr., Family Practitioner | Innovative | 1150 North Sister Catherine Way, Nampa, ID, USA

[thefreshfinds]

Dre Skuffs - Shade Theory

An album that gives back to the world & then some, Dre Skuff’s 18 tracked album Shade Theory (prod by Pawcuts & more) shows all sides of who he is as an individual in one. Each track alone looks beneath the surface.

Cornered in by a vision, Dre is able to scope out his truth. Their truth. “This project is for the world to hear all shades of me.” Dre adds “I’m not just calm or on my thugged out sh*t or a ladies man & that’s the greatest part about it. I had no difficulty even making this because it’s just so easy to be yourself. Shade Theory was moved by a feeling”

One moment the disciple could be fighting for what’s right for the people (Can’t Stop), showing a more vulnerable side (Sippin’ Yak) or even letting the suckers know that he not the one to be pushed! (Handouts & Fed Up). Yet Dre’s star-power remains on a thou’ (Hot & Top Ace Intro).

He’s as ill as it gets & creates a different illustration through the means of storytelling & complexed flows.

THE BREAK-DOWN

1. Top Ace Intro: Wow! What a way to make an entrance! Followed by the jingle of gold coins, the elevating pattern from the beat leaves room for Dre Skuffs make his triumph. Announcing himself as an emcee whose “rap style is impeccable” over a hallow chant in the background, he goes in about how he’s never going to stop(even if life throws some obstacles in his way.) While others may do it for clout, Dre does it simply because it’s something he’s good at & destined for.

2. Can’t Stop ft Jah Vision: Easing in with talks of struggle & making a change for the nation, this beat screams POWER as Dre allows that same laid back demeanor he carries to wrap into his verses. At most this song speaks about issues that need more awareness (like led in water fountains or even overpriced education) that people aren’t woke to. Through it all, his people remain strong so it doesn’t matter what the world tries to throw their way. To add an moving effect is Jah Vision’s war-ready vocal arrangement which subconsciously makes the people feel like they can get through anything.

3. Intelligent Thug: In pursuit of an glimmered blare of trumpets, Dre uses his eloquent ways to speak about women who want a man who’s gully & book smart. Although Dre has been through the wringer, he doesn’t allow it to determine where life takes him. He’s a knowledgeable being with a good head on his shoulders but in this song it seems like he’s mimicking the girls of this generation who just want a “bad boy.”

4. Hot ft Big Rod: An more upbeat track that aims some flexecution at his haters, Dre pulls out a “I win you lose” attitude in his verses. He’s coming for his spot & is damn if he lets anyone take it!

5. Phone Call 1 + 15. Phone Call 2: These two are basically conversation’s Dre has with another. Phone Call 2 is a conversation with a loved one about his recent tour & how he’s been living it up! (He also doesn’t forget to show her love for all she does. I mean.. this mysterious woman has been showing love since day one so it’s only right.) But in Phone Call 1 it surfaced around the Ghostface Killa & 50 Cent beef. *The speech is slowed down for effect*

6. Handouts ft. N-Omega: Bouncing through your temple with that West Coast vibe, Dre & N-Omega spit about the sleazeballs who just want to benefit off of their hard work. Frankly, they’re just fed up & advice whoever thinks to try it to just not. (Just invest in yourself. They’re not your ticket out of Bumsville.)

7. The Unknowing ft Courtney Danger: “In life no one knows what shall unfold.” This very line is best sung smoothly by Courtney Danger in this track & it’s true. Though someone’s actions may appear vile, there could be a better reasoning as to why it is done. Luckily Dre Skuffs gets it & so he tells a number of stories revolving around it over a soulful production. This track just oozes into your listening stream! You can’t help but to leave it on repeat.

8. Gimee My Cash ft Khalil Jibran: Most likely to make you two-step, Dre Skuffs is all about his business in this track! (& yes he wants to be PAID. IN. FULL.) It could all be so simple yet people want to make it difficult by not giving credit when it’s due but Dre & Khalil are here to set them straight. The versatility from these two emcees is apparent as the breakdown from the track builds up in time for them to both speak their piece.

9. Insane-Mesmerized ft. Johanny: A track that’s sure to woo the ladies, Dre Skuff puts on his charm & speaks of a lady who he attracts to like a magnet (but he seems to be caught up in his ways). In the bridge of 3:13 Johanny speaks in the woman’s perspective, singing ever so softly about how she feels the same. (Alexa cue Dangerously in Love by Beyonce’). As a sweet touch, the beat makes sure to center on a lightly pressed snare drum & trickled, lightly pressed piano chords, slowing down in time for Johanna’s piece. (Kind of how Drake does in some tracks off his latest album: More Life)

10. Mile Away ft Sunnie: Jazzy yet soulful (thanks to Sunnie’s powerful range), this track speaks about the ones who thought they blindsided Dre Skuffs but boy were they wrong! Stronger than ever, Dre Skuffs comes in empowered & ready for any other obstacles headed his way.

11. Voice Drop ft. Big Rod & Liftoff: It’s survival of the fittest & so far, these three have killed off the rest. Big Rod, Liftoff & Dre go 0 to 100 & say they’ll continue to reign as number ones.

12. Fed Up: Dropping in with a dauntful beat to scare away those who try to test him, Dre Skuffs is fed up with these n*ggas. In this track he’s basically in full savage mode. He doesn’t care about these groupies (male or female) phonies, media platforms or DJ’s. At the end of the day Dre knows who really rides for him & is willing to show THOSE people love. For those plotting: He wants the smoke. All of it.

13. Sippin Yak ft Maxx Gilliam: We all need distractions to get away from the pain (whether good or bad) it just comes easy to us. This track is significantly relatable because we’ve all been there & it specifically focuses on the pain he endured while his cousin is suffering through an illness.) Whether it’s losing a loved one or just a love.. the pain can just be unbearable. Maxx Gilliam’s sweet, hallow singing pattern also makes you feel like things will indeed be ok.

14. Wanna Tell You: Seductive in its own manner, the production that Dre Skuffs chose for this track leaves a perfect imprint for his emotionally captivating rhymes. Followed by some slick Spanish murmurs & silhouetted piano chords, the multi dexterous Dre Skuffs places himself in the tale as a knuckleheaded young bull who’s just “DTF” with a beautiacious woman. As a result, Dre leaves room for milennials to relate & ponder on. This track shows others that their are consequences to every action we make so it’s best to consider all of the outcomes.

16. Real With Me ft Sobmar: Bringing back that 90’s soulful feel Dre speaks about the woman he looks for, one that’s honest, into him & someone he can just kick it with. That’s really all he ask for. Plain & simple. In pursuit is Sobmar’s mellow singing voice.

17. Be Free ft. Trish Jane: Smooth at it’s finest with the same trickled piano chords, the light hitting drum helps to tell an intriguing tale about a man who’d do anything for his family if it means to keep them happy “who’s lost in the sauce forreal”. Little does he know it’ll have the worst outcome. It just goes to show you that humans will do anything for materialistic things & it’s sad. I especially love Trish Jane’s risen singing pattern because it helps to deliver the main message.

18. The Charge Up: The instruments are HEARD in this last track. From the cymbals to the low guitar riffs, they bring the track to life. Dre Skuff is really trying to tell the TRUTH to everyone but sometimes it’s taken as being “boring” or “corny”. Advising others to not give into the evils of the world, he just wants his people to spread the love & fight for justice.

In a word, Shade Theory is timeless. It’s going to affect the world in a positive way. Each track is different & gives you topics to ponder on. “The sound is just us [NJ artist].” (But that can’t be said about every artist. Dre’s manager even thought Fetty Wap was from the South!)

Shade Theory is full of realizations, words of encouragement & shows that Dre’s drive is apparent. “You can break me down in 20 ways, but Shade Theory..that’s me.”

By: Natalee Gilbert

Shade Theory **Available on all platforms**

https://soundcloud.com/dreskuffs/sets/shade-theory​

[bloojayoolie]

Andrew Bogut, Cats, and Children: Perfect & perfectly loveable, baby boy. ,Lived w/adored children of every age & 2 small dogs! Friendly, affectionate w/strangers, happy & sweet. PANDA ID 5110 2 12 MOS 88 LBS BROOKLYN ACC INTAKE DATE – 12/22/2018 “I was given up for no time and because of my size.” Poor Panda, his parent gave him up for two very lame reasons and now he is in danger of losing his life. This gloriously happy, super friendly and affectionate boy is just a puppy, and full of puppy playfulness. He adores greeting new friends with jump up hugs and then kisses to their hands. We adore his smushy face that speaks to us of some possible bulldog heritage, and how can you resist a boy whose tail just never stops wagging and whose face lights up at the sight of you? He’s completely socialized, having lived and played happily with many children of every possible age, as well as 2 small dogs! He is very strong little man at 88 lbs, so any family who takes him on would need to be prepared for being pulled like a sled in the Iditarod when on walks. But he is so eager to please, so happy to be in company, that further training should be a breeze. Given how precious he is, it was no surprise he scored ALL COVETED 1’S ACROSS THE BOARD ON HIS SHELTER ASSESSMENT! So don’t wait another minute, hurry and MESSAGE our page or email us at MustLoveDogsNYC@gmail.com for assistance fostering or adopting this proven, perfect, family pet. A Staff Member writes: “Panda’s former owners describe him as friendly, affectionate and very playful. Panda loves being around people and likes belly rubs. Per our behavior staff’s assessments, Panda is a very large, strong dog with the capability to pull over an average adopter. His adopter must be prepared and able to handle a dog of this size and strength. It is recommended that he be walked on a front clip harness or head halter, which help diminish his strength through leverage, and that he be trained using positive reinforcement, reward based training to not pull on leash.” PANDA, ID# 51102, @ 1 Yr. Old, 88 lbs. Brooklyn ACC, Large Mixed Breed, Black / White, Neutered Male Owner Surrender Reason: No time and Panda’s large size Shelter Assessment Rating: Experienced Home (due to strength/size) Medical Behavior Rating: 1. Green OWNER SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION: Panda is a large dog, 1 years old male neutered. The owner bought Panda from a breeder when he was just 4-5 months old. The owners are surrendering Panda due to his large size and having no time. He has been living with 2 adults and 4 children. When strangers come over Panda rushes to the door and greets people by jumping up and giving hugs. He is excitable to meet new people. He wags his tails and licks your hand. Panda has lived with a house full of children ages 3, 5 11 and 16 years old. Panda is very playful and follows the children around. He sometimes throws his weight around and plays rough. He likes to jump up and also play tug. He is playful and excitable around children. Panda has lived with two small dogs. He is very playful around the dogs but sometimes plays rough and throws his weight around. Unknown behavior around large dog. Panda has never lived with cats. Unknown behavior around cats. Panda has no resource guarding. Panda has no resource guarding issues - owners can touch his food bowl while eating and the children remove things from his mouth and toys. Panda has never had a bite history. He is partially housetrained and has a high energy level. He has never had any medical issues. Other Notes: Panda is partially house trained. He gets a walk 3 times a day. He defecates outside on walks but will have pee accidents in the house. Panda is crate trained and spends 7-8hr in the crate but sometimes he consistently barks and whines in the crate. For a New Family to Know: The family describes Panda as friendly, affectionate and very playful. Panda loves being around people and likes belly rubs. He likes squeaky tops but chews them up in a day. He sometimes chews on shoes. He eats a diet of eukanuba dry food twice a day. INTAKE NOTES – DATE OF INTAKE 12/22/2018: During intake Panda immediately greeted counselor. He jumped up and licked counselor face and hands. His body was lose and wiggly. He kept jumping up making it difficulty to collar him. He allowed to be scanned and photographed. SHELTER ASSESSMENT – DATE OF ASSESSMENT, 26-Dec-2018 Look: 1. Dog's eyes are averted, with tail wagging and ears back. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity: 1. Dog leans into the Assessor, eyes soft or squinty, soft and loose body, open mouth. Tag: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Paw squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Paw squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Toy: 1. Dog settles close, keeps a firm grip and is loose and wiggly. Dog does not place his/her body between you and the toy. Summary: Panda allowed all handling throughout assessment showing no concerning behaviors. PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG NOTES: Panda's previous owner reported that he lived with two smaller dogs and played roughly with them. He has not been around larger dogs. 12/23: When off leash at the Care Center, Panda greets the novel female dog with a heightened stance, chattering his teeth and chin overs. He becomes increasingly sexually motivated, attempting to mount and paying little attention to our interruptions. The two were separated due to the increasing intensity Panda displayed in his attempts to mount her. INTAKE BEHAVIOR - Date of intake: 22-Dec-2018. Summary: jumps, excited, friendly. MEDICAL BEHAVIOR - Date of initial: 23-Dec-2018. Summary: excitable, sensitive w/ ears, allowed handling. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Potential challenges: Basic manners/poor impulse control, Strength/leash pulling. Potential challenges comments: STRENGTH/LEASH PULLING: Panda is a very large, strong dog with the capability to pull over an average adopter. His adopter must be prepared and able to handle a dog of this size and strength. It is recommended that he be walked on a front clip harness or head halter, which help diminish his strength through leverage, and that he be trained using positive reinforcement, reward based training to not pull on leash. BASIC MANNERS/POOR IMPULSE CONTROL: It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Leave it", "Sit/Stay", "Down" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control his impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward based training only is recommended. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 24-Dec-2018 Progress Exam. ACR: Intake 12/23. Noted to be ataxic on pm walk and has odd head circling behavior when excited. S/O: Dog is BARH, slight head tilt to left BCS 5/9. EENT: Mild+ amount brown waxy debris AU (AS>AD). Oral Exam: Grade H/L: Auscult wnl. Abd: Soft, non-painful. MSI: No ataxia noted during exam today Mentation: appropriate. A: Otitis externa, AU. P: Cleaned AU and applied Mometamax - continue SID x 6d, then recheck. Is the Initial Medical Status being Changed? No. New Medical Status: Is the Initial Behavior Status being Changed? No. New Behavior Color: 23-Dec-2018 DVM Intake Exam. Estimated age: ~1.5-2yrs based on PE and secondary sex characteristics. O reports P is 1yr. Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative. placed by LVT. History : Owner surrender due to his large size and excitable behavior. Subjective / Observed Behavior - BAR, allowed most handling; sensitive to ear manipulation. Excitable and pulls on leash. Evidence of Cruelty seen - none Evidence of Trauma seen – none. Objective: BCS 5/9, EENT: Eyes clear, ears have heavy black exudate, AU; no nasal or ocular discharge noted. Oral Exam: could not evaluate due to cooperation. PLN: No enlargements noted. H/L: No murmur ausculted; CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic. ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated. U/G: intact male. testicles are smooth and symmetrical. MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat; tail appears dislocated at the distal end. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities. Rectal: externally normal. Assessment: otitis externa, intact male, possible dislocated tail. Prognosis: excellent. Plan: recommend behavioral training, at time of surgery, ear cleaning and claro otic application + oral exam. (did not allow during intake). SURGERY: Okay for surgery *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** If you would like to adopt a NYC ACC dog, and can get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process, you can contact the shelter directly. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) If you CANNOT get to the shelter in person and you want to FOSTER OR ADOPT a NYC ACC Dog, you can PRIVATE MESSAGE our Must Love Dogs page for assistance. PLEASE NOTE: You MUST live in NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog. Transport is available if you live within the prescribed range of states. Shelter contact information: Phone number (212) 788-4000 Email adopt@nycacc.org Shelter Addresses: Brooklyn Shelter: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208 Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309