#the real edwin legacy | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

starset21 · 2 years ago

Text

Sincerely, Yours

Standard disclaimer: I only own my original characters, I've done some research but there will likely be Navy/military inaccuracies, and I do not consent to the posting, translating, or publishing of my work to any 3rd party site, the only place it may be found is on tumblr and Wattpad under @.itswildflower

Warnings: I guess death?

Summary: A little bit of back story for our two lovebirds

A/N: This is my first real attempt at truly posting a series on here so yay... Do we want a word count for these things?

Looking for future chapters? Sincerely, Yours Masterlist

Prologue:

When Jake walked into the local bar in Miramar he didn’t expect to see a woman in a blue floral sun dress leaning against the bar beside her twin and his pilot, each of them throwing back a shot of Jack Daniels. “If it isn’t Tempest and Razor,” Jake drawled, allowing his southern accent to make its appearance. “That's certainly one way to celebrate getting into Top Gun, did you get one for me?” The woman turned to him a wide grin on her face. “Jake!” Jake grinned just as wide as she practically threw herself into his arms, hugging him tight. “Surprise!” he chuckled, pressing a kiss to her head before she let go of him and turned back to the others. “Looking good Hangman,” Razor teased. “I am good, Razor,” Jake replied before turning to the pilot standing beside him. “Duster,” he greeted with a dip of his head. “Hangman,” the man replied, dipping his head in return. “Ok enough boys, another round before we go mingle with the other pilots,” the woman demanded, taking Jake’s hand in hers and pulling him over to the bar where she raised a hand to signal the bartender. Jake couldn’t help but smile when he looked at her, Tempest, the windy storm that blew into his life that day at the academy when she’d bumped into him, otherwise known as Indira ‘Ria’ Kazansky. Ria handed Jake his shot as her twin, Rhett, and his pilot, Will took theirs from the counter. They cheered before downing them.

“Dance with me, Cowboy,” Ria told Jake before pulling him over onto the small dance floor. Jake spun her around to ‘I’ll Be’ by Edwin McCain before they decided to take a break, walking over to where Rhett and Will were finishing up a game of darts. “Twenty bucks says you can’t get three in a row,” Will told Jake, offering him his set of darts he’d just collected from the board. Ria held a hand to her mouth as she and Rhett glanced at each other, holding in their laughter. If there was anything else besides flying that Jake Seresin was good at it was Darts. Jake smirked in his usual arrogant way and told him ok before he threw 2 perfect bullseyes. Ria held in her snickers as she moved so one of her hands was over his eyes so he couldn’t see. “That’s not fair Ria,” Jake grumbled. “Just do it,” she laughed. He sighed but threw the last dart, managing to make the bullseye again. Will groaned and she pulled her hand away as Jake cheered. “Hand it over Duster.”

They’d done it. After 13 grueling weeks, they had graduated from Top Gun. The 1% of 1%. Another step in their father’s footsteps. Another step in their own legacy. Ria grinned as she held the trophy and took a picture with her father and twin. There were people congratulating her and clapping her on the shoulder. A throat was cleared and the group of mingling aviators turned to the stage where their CO was with the microphone. “I hate to cut this short but we have urgent news. Several of you are being deployed to two separate operations right away. Tempest, Banshee, Raptor.” Ria accepted the paper from her commanding officer with a stiff nod, opening it to quickly read where she was being sent. “And Hangman, Razor, Duster,” the Captain called out. “You’ll be briefed once on board. Say your goodbyes, choppers leave in 20 minutes,” he finished once they’d all been handed their orders. Ria said goodbye to her parents before joining Jake, Rhett, and Will to say goodbye to them. She gave Will a fist bump before enveloping Rhett in a tight hug. “You be careful Ria,” Rhett murmured into her ear. “You too,” she responded, squeezing him tightly before letting go and moving to hug Jake. Jake held her close. “It’ll be ok, we’re the best of the best, now it’s time to prove it,” she told him. “That’s right,” he replied before he let go of her. “Are you worried about them?” Andrea asked as the two women grabbed their flight gear. "No, my two best guys are going to be together and watching each other's backs, what more could I ask for."

Ria’s mission was a success, a quick in-and-out bombing run, that honestly made her question why they’d ordered them there so soon after graduating. She finished debriefing and was headed to get some food when she was intercepted by the chaplain on board. “Lieutenant Kazansky.” Ria was immediately suspicious because usually, the chaplain doesn’t address you directly unless there was news of something happening. “Ma’am,” she addressed, as she steeled herself for whatever was to come. “If you’d come with me,” she said simply. Ria nodded and followed the chaplain to one of the various private offices on board and motioned for her to take a seat. “The Secretary of the Navy has entrusted me to express his deep regret that your brother, Everett Kazansky has been killed in action. His plane was unable to defend itself further from surface-to-air missiles launched and it went down over the ocean. He and his pilot have been recovered and are on the way stateside. The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in your loss. Your command has been informed and there will be a helo waiting to take you back shortly after you pack your gear.” Ria blinked, in a state of shock, as she took the information just given to her in. “Wait!” she exclaimed after a moment. “Is there anything about Jake Seresin? He was supposed to be with them, is he ok?” Ria asked. “I was only told of your brother and his pilot’s passing.” Ria blinked again, leaning back in the chair she was sitting in with a deep sigh of relief.

A portrait of her twin in his service uniform stands tall behind his casket. She felt entirely numb as she stood almost stoically beside her parents and younger siblings, hardly paying any attention to anything the various people who had known her brother had to say. She declined to say anything, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to get through it without crying again. She had cried herself to sleep last night and today she felt she had to be strong for her family. Taps played and they folded the flag that had been draped over his casket before they walked past her parents and presented it to her with a salute. She stared at the flag being held out to her for a moment before she accepted it, holding it tightly to her body. She knew the risks that came with being in the military, she’d signed up for it too but now it all felt too real. Her twin was gone. Her other half. She watched as they fired the shots and one of her brother’s squad mates pounded a set of wings into the coffin and saluted. Where was Jake? Why isn’t he doing that part? Her eyes darted around the crowd of service members gathered and they couldn’t find that familiar head of blonde hair or green eyes. When she couldn’t find him she disappointedly turned her attention back to the ending of the ceremony. She stared as they lowered the casket into the ground and the F-18s flew the missing man formation overhead. The ceremony concluded and people began leaving. Admiral Tom Kazansky turned to his oldest daughter as Sarah took the two youngest back to the car and that’s when the tears welled up in her eyes again. Tom pulled her into a tight hug and she let them fall in the safety of her father’s arms. “Why isn’t he here?” she asked quietly and Tom sighed as he rubbed her back. “I don’t know baby, I don’t know.” Ria looked back at her brother’s grave one last time before her father led her back to their car. Once situated in the back seat of the family car Ria tried texting Jake but it came back undelivered so she then tried calling him. “This number has been disconnected, please try again.” Ria’s brow furrowed. Disconnected? Did he break his phone and need to get a new one? He has her number written down in his address book so he should be able to text her or call as soon as he gets a new one then, right?

She wouldn’t hear from him again for another 6 years. In the meantime, however, she sent him letters.

Dear Jake,

I have a feeling you left without saying goodbye because you think I’m upset with you because of what happened. I’m not. I know there was nothing you could have done. I swear it, I just want my friend back. I think I’ll be more upset and hurt if I can’t talk to you again. I hope you know how much you matter to me.

Sincerely,

Yours

#top gun maverick #hangman top gun #jake seresin x oc #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin fanfiction #starset writes #jake seresin

26 notes · View notes

bookeysnewsletter · 3 months ago

Text

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator: Key Insights and Lessons

Chapter 1 What's Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre, Roger Lowenstein, Rick Rohan

"Reminiscences of a Stock Operator," written by Edwin Lefèvre and often associated with figures like Roger Lowenstein and Rick Rohan, is a fictionalized biography of Jesse Livermore, one of the most famous stock traders in history. First published in 1923, the book chronicles Livermore’s trading techniques, philosophies, and psychological challenges in the stock market. It offers insights into market dynamics, speculation, and the emotional rollercoaster that traders face. Through the narrative, readers witness Livermore’s journey from a young boy working in a brokerage firm to becoming a legendary trader known for his immense wealth and equally profound losses. The book remains a classic in finance literature due to its timeless lessons about market behavior, human psychology, and the importance of discipline in trading.

Chapter 2 Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre, Roger Lowenstein, Rick Rohan Summary

"Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" is a classic book written by Edwin Lefèvre, based on the life of the legendary stock trader Jesse Livermore. Published in 1923, the book offers insights into Livermore's trading strategies, psychology, and the stock market.

Summary:

Plot Overview:

The book follows the fictional character Larry Livingston, who parallels Jesse Livermore's life as he navigates the ups and downs of stock trading. Livingston shares his experiences, reflecting on the lessons he learned along the way, offering a unique perspective on the behavior of the market and traders.

Key Themes:

1. Market Psychology:

- The book emphasizes the importance of understanding market sentiment and the psychology behind trading. Livermore notes that fear and greed are powerful forces that influence investor behavior.

2. Trading Discipline:

- Successful trading requires discipline and the ability to stick to a strategy. Livermore discusses the importance of cutting losses quickly and letting profits run.

3. Risk Management:

- Livermore highlights that recognizing and managing risk is crucial for long-term success in trading. He advises traders to be aware of their position sizes and market conditions.

4. Learning from Experience:

- The narrative stresses the necessity of learning from both successes and failures. Livermore recounts his own missteps and the wisdom gained from them.

5. Speculation vs. Investment:

- Livermore makes a distinction between investing and speculating, suggesting that speculation involves shorter time frames and a more active approach to trading, whereas investing is typically more long-term.

Influence and Legacy:

"Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" has been revered by traders and investors for its timeless insights into the nature of financial markets. Many consider it essential reading for those looking to understand the art and science of trading, and its lessons remain relevant even in today's market environment.

The book's narrative style makes it enjoyable to read, while its themes resonate with anyone interested in the challenges and strategies involved in the world of stock trading.

Chapter 3 Reminiscences of a Stock Operator Author

"Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" is primarily attributed to Edwin Lefèvre, although it is often thought of as somewhat autobiographical, as it chronicles the experiences of the fictional character Larry Livingston, who is based on the real-life trader Jesse Livermore.

Edwin Lefèvre

- Biography: Edwin Lefèvre (1871–1943) was an American author and journalist known for his works on finance and trading. He was a financial journalist and wrote several books, but he is best known for "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator," which was published in 1923.

- Other Works: Lefèvre authored several other books, including:

- "The Market Bazaar" (1925)

- "The Man Who Sold America" (1928)

- "The Sacred Tree" (1930)

Roger Lowenstein

- Contribution: Roger Lowenstein is a financial journalist and author best known for his books on financial markets and notable figures in investing. While he did not write "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator," he has written introductions and analyses related to the book and its themes. Some of his notable works include:

- "When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management" (2000)

- "Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist" (1995)

Rick Rohan

- Role: There may be some confusion regarding Rick Rohan, as he is not widely recognized as a key figure associated with "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator." If you have specific contextual information about him in relation to the book, that would help in providing a clearer picture.

Best Editions of Reminiscences of a Stock Operator

- Editions: Many editions of "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" have been published since its original release. The best editions often include additional commentary, analysis, or introductions.

- Some recommended editions:

- The 1994 edition by John Wiley & Sons, which includes commentary by financial professionals and contextual analysis.

- The leather-bound editions or those published by collectible presses that offer a high-quality print experience for collectors and serious readers.

Overall, "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" is highly regarded within financial literature and continues to be a recommended read for those interested in stock trading and market psychology.

Chapter 4 Reminiscences of a Stock Operator Meaning & Theme

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator Meaning

"Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" is a classic book published in 1923, written by Edwin Lefèvre. It is often regarded as one of the most insightful accounts of trading and investing in the stock market, and it is presented as a fictionalized biography of Jesse Livermore, a famous stock trader of the early 20th century. The book captures the inner workings of trading, the psychology behind market moves, and the experiences of a trader over the years.

Key Themes and Meanings:

1. Psychology of Trading: The book emphasizes the importance of psychological factors in trading. It illustrates how traders’ emotions can influence their decisions, often leading to mistakes. Understanding one's own psychology is critical for success in the stock market.

2. Market Cycles: Lefèvre details the cyclical nature of markets, showing how trends shift and how important it is for traders to adapt their strategies as conditions change.

3. Risk Management: The narrative stresses the importance of money management and risk control. Livermore's experiences serve as a reminder of the necessity of having a plan and managing risk appropriately to survive in the volatile environment of stock trading.

4. Experience and Learning: The protagonist’s journey of making mistakes, learning from them, and ultimately gaining wisdom echoes the idea that experience is a vital teacher in the world of trading.

5. Speculation vs. Investment: The book distinguishes between speculative trading and long-term investing. Livermore's strategies largely revolve around speculation, and a significant part of the narrative is about his ability to read market trends and changes.

Contributions by Roger Lowenstein and Rick Rohan:

Roger Lowenstein is known for writing about finance and investing, and he has penned a preface for some editions of "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" that contextualizes the work within the history of finance and its relevance to modern markets. His insights help readers understand the timeless nature of the lessons in the book.

Rick Rohan may refer to additional commentary or analysis about the book, discussing its impact on traders and its status as a seminal work about the dynamics of buying and selling stocks.

Conclusion:

Overall, "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" remains a highly influential work in the field of trading literature, offering timeless wisdom about the markets, trading psychology, and the mindset needed to navigate the complexities of stock trading. Its teachings are applicable not only in the context of the early 20th century but continue to resonate with traders and investors today.

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator Theme

"Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" by Edwin Lefèvre is a classic work in the realm of financial literature, often considered a semi-autobiographical account of the life and experiences of the famous stock trader Jesse Livermore. The novel captures numerous themes that resonate throughout the world of trading and investment.

Here are some of the central themes of the book:

1. Market Psychology: The book delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of trading. Lefèvre highlights how fear, greed, and market sentiment can influence investor behavior and market trends. Understanding psychology is portrayed as a crucial skill for a successful trader.

2. Speculation vs. Investment: A clear distinction is made between speculation and investment. The protagonist emphasizes that trading often involves short-term strategies and the ability to read market movements rather than long-term investment strategies based on fundamental analysis.

3. Discipline and Strategy: The importance of discipline in trading is a recurrent theme. The protagonist learns that following a well-thought-out strategy and sticking to it, even in the face of emotional reactions or market volatility, is vital for sustained success.

4. Learning from Mistakes: The narrative illustrates the inevitable setbacks and failures that come with trading. It emphasizes the importance of learning from one's mistakes, adapting strategies, and using past experiences to inform future decisions.

5. The Role of Information and Rumors: The significance of information—both accurate and misleading—is a crucial theme. The protagonist often navigates a landscape filled with rumors and market gossip, highlighting the need for discernment and critical analysis in trading.

6. Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: The journey of the protagonist is also one of self-discovery. Throughout the story, he reflects on his motivations, flaws, and the impact of his actions, indicating that personal growth is as essential as financial success.

7. The Cycle of Market Trends: The book discusses the cyclical nature of markets—booms and busts, trends and reversals. Understanding market cycles is presented as integral to making informed trading decisions.

8. Isolation and Pressure: The life of a trader can be isolating, and the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. The book explores how these factors affect the protagonist’s personal relationships and mental well-being.

These themes combine to create a rich narrative that not only recounts the experiences of a trader but also serves as a broader commentary on the nature of financial markets and human behavior. Overall, Lefèvre's work remains relevant today, providing timeless insights into the art and craft of trading.

Chapter 5 Quotes of Reminiscences of a Stock Operator

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator quotes as follows:

"Reminiscences of a Stock Operator" by Edwin Lefèvre is a classic book that provides insights into the stock market through the fictionalized memoir of Jesse Livermore, a famous stock trader. The book offers many valuable lessons and reflections on trading, psychology, and market behavior. Here are ten notable quotes from or inspired by the themes in the book:

1. "The stock market is never obvious. It is designed to fool most of the people, most of the time."

2. "It is not whether you are right or wrong that is important, but how much money you make when you're right and how much you lose when you're wrong."

3. "Successful traders always follow the trend, even when they don’t like where it’s heading."

4. "In the end, the market is a game of survival; it's not about the money, but about staying in the game."

5. "The ability to focus and make decisions despite uncertainty is the cornerstone of success in trading."

6. "A man’s character is his fate, and it is especially true for traders. Your habits and practices will shape your trading success."

7. "It takes a lot of courage to realize that you may be wrong, but the true test is what you do once that realization comes."

8. "Keep your losses small and let your profits run; that is the essence of successful trading."

9. "One of the best things a trader can do is to keep a journal of their trades; it helps to learn from both successes and mistakes."

10. "Market fluctuations offer opportunities; only the prepared mind can seize them."

These quotes reflect the core principles of trading, mindset, and risk management that Lefèvre highlights throughout the book. They continue to resonate with traders and investors today.

Chapter 6 Similar Books Like Reminiscences of a Stock Operator

Certainly! Here’s a list of five engaging books that delve into the world of finance, trading, and investment, providing insights into market psychology, strategy, and the experiences of traders and investors.

1. "Market Wizards" by Jack D. Schwager

This classic series of interviews with some of the most successful traders in the world offers profound insights into their philosophies and strategies. Schwager dives deep into the minds of these market wizards, exploring their techniques and the psychological challenges they faced, making it a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their trading mindset.

2. "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham

Often referred to as the bible of value investing, this book offers sound investment principles and advice that stand the test of time. Graham’s approach focuses on risk management and long-term strategy, providing readers with the philosophy necessary to navigate the complexities of the stock market. A great read for both beginners and seasoned investors.

3. "Flash Boys" by Michael Lewis

In this gripping narrative, Michael Lewis exposes the rise of high-frequency trading (HFT) and its implications for the stock market. The story centers around a group of traders who aim to expose the unfair advantages of HFT firms. It's an eye-opening account of how technology has influenced trading, revealing the inner workings of Wall Street in an engaging and accessible way.

4. "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" by Burton G. Malkiel

This seminal book presents the efficient market hypothesis and outlines the concept of a random walk in stock prices. Malkiel discusses various investment strategies, including index funds and long-term investing, making it an excellent guide for both new investors and those looking to refine their understanding of market dynamics.

5. "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" by John C. Bogle

Written by the founder of Vanguard Group, this concise book champions the benefits of low-cost index fund investing. Bogle emphasizes a long-term investment approach based on sound principles rather than market timing. It is a refreshing reminder of the power of patience and disciplined investment, perfect for anyone seeking to build wealth over time.

These five books collectively offer a wealth of knowledge about trading and investing, blending personal stories, financial theory, and practical advice. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced trader, these reads will provide you with valuable insights to enhance your financial journey.

Book https://www.bookey.app/book/reminiscences-of-a-stock-operator

Quotes https://www.bookey.app/quote-book/reminiscences-of-a-stock-operator

Flash Boys https://www.bookey.app/book/flash-boys

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PkfwoYgimU

Amazom https://www.amazon.com/Reminiscences-Stock-Operator-Edwin-Lef%C3%A8vre/dp/0471770884

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/100779.Reminiscences_of_a_Stock_Operator

#Money & Investing #Memoirs #Investment & Money Management

0 notes

bentuckett1997 · 3 months ago

Text

Lucille Ball - The real Queen of Star Trek <3

The path to bringing Star Trek: The Original Series to television was both lengthy and challenging; however, series creator Gene Roddenberry received invaluable support from an unexpected figure - LUCILLE BALL <3

Without the assistance of this remarkable woman and her studio, the franchise might have faltered and never come to fruition.

Lucille Ball is primarily recognized as the comedic icon of I Love Lucy, a groundbreaking show that she produced and starred in alongside her husband, Desi Arnaz. The immense success of this sitcom, which aired for six years, enabled her and Arnaz to establish their own production company, Desilu Productions. Following their divorce in 1960, Ball assumed control of the studio, solidifying her status as one of the most influential women in Hollywood.

Four years later, Roddenberry approached Desilu with a concept for a pilot that would eventually evolve into Star Trek. Ball acquired the series, despite her initial lack of understanding; it is said that she believed the title referred to a troupe of traveling USO entertainers from World War II. In his book Inside Star Trek: The Real Story, author Marc Cushman noted that while she may have initially misinterpreted the Star Trek concept, the television industry’s “wacky redhead,” recognized for portraying a character with a penchant for outlandish schemes, had absorbed valuable lessons from Desi Arnaz. Despite being labeled as eccentric by industry insiders, Arnaz consistently demonstrated his critics wrong.

Nevertheless, she championed his vision of a space western, even in the face of skepticism from some board members. It was largely due to her support that “The Cage” was brought to fruition. Ball remained committed to the project through the production of two pilots and a substantial budget, leading to the legacy we know today. Studio accountant Edwin "Ed" Holly has been quoted as saying, "If it were not for Lucy, there would be no Star Trek today."

Without Lucille Ball's support, "The Cage" could have marked the conclusion of the Star Trek franchise. It is uncommon for second pilots to be commissioned without the backing of influential individuals. NBC had the option to decline Star Trek entirely; however, Ball, who had faith in the project, intervened and ensured its continuation in a manner that would have made any Starfleet captain proud. She is among the many talented women who have contributed to the enduring legacy of Star Trek into the 21st Century, and she stands out as one of the pioneers.

Her conviction in Star Trek is the reason for its existence as we know it today. Ball was not merely a comedian and a cherished television figure; she was also a shrewd producer who deserves recognition for her behind-the-scenes contributions, including her role in realizing Roddenberry’s vision. For this, we can all appreciate Lucy.

Lucille Ball helped Star Trek become a cultural icon in a number of ways, including:

Supporting the show

Ball supported the show through two pilots and a large budget, even after the first pilot bombed and production costs increased.

Overriding the board

Ball went against her production company's board to ensure the show had a second chance.

Financing the second pilot

Ball agreed to help finance the second pilot, which introduced William Shatner as Kirk.

Helping to achieve Roddenberry's vision

Ball helped to achieve the vision of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.

Being a majority shareholder

As the majority shareholder on the board, Ball could have killed the project, but she didn't.

Ball's work on Star Trek is considered to be one of the most important things she did in her career. The Star Trek website says that without Ball, the original series might not have made it onto TV and become a cultural institution.

#Startrek #Lucilleball #Startrektos #StartrekOriginalSeries #Startrekthecage

#star trek

0 notes

helltechnicality · 6 months ago

Text

" it is not pleasant to die and be reborn. " it is said as casually as one would discuss the colour of the sky. edwin has experienced the cycle of renewal quite a lot in his afterlife. it is never easy and does not ever lose the sting and fear that comes with a life ending even if another is just around the corner. " i had not connected the old adage with the real life applications. it is still a finite amount of lives so do please be more careful with them in the future. " it is as close to comfort as edwin can offer anyone.

the question momentarily stuns him and he merely blinks in response. " i prefer logic. it is easier to digest and examine. in my time, there was not much stock taken in talking through emotions. nor was their want to be seen as anything less than an intellectual capable of weathering any storm to protect one's family and legacy. i'd sooner get the rod had i thought any other way than confirmation of a correct action. " he falls back on edwardian etiquette so not to have to explain how hell had tempered all emotions into silence. how any sound of distress or emotion would draw the terrifying spider or the other demons who had played owner of his soul. he cannot emote as charles would for it would put him in danger. it has always seemed to do so and he cannot break a habit that has kept him existing.

for a moment they are in a state of motion. it is different to travel through a mirror and he finds that should he have a stomach it would most likely be clenching ready for a quick exit out of him. but he is careful to cover any discomfort with a level head. " you have not even told me her name! " he follows the other with an exasperated yell. had he wished to be left behind as someone charges into the unknown with reckless abandon he'd have brought charles.

" I'm sorry too -- " For himself. It was his third life after all which doesn't leave him with many to spare so carelessly anymore. It meant he had to be more cautious and the cat king didn't like the thought of that. Cats lived freely after all -- or at least they were meant to. He was no different. " I'm sure you've heard of what they say about cats; nine lives ~ " A flutter of fingers given with explanation. Dismissive as he doesn't go into details about how many he had left -- because that's embarrassing.

" Perfect. " It's returned with a delighted clap of hands. " But does everything always have to be logical for you? " It's more of a rhetorical question than anything else though.

And arm then comes around Edwin's shoulder before teleporting to said contact's home. Nothing spectacular, just a little house outside of town. Clothes is brushed off before pulling away. " You're going to have to plead your case with her. She doesn't like involving herself in things she doesn't find worth the effort. Probably why she lives out here. " Said with a slight shiver before approaching home and just heading inside.

#dogtccth #？ ⇆ ( i'm the brains | threads. | )

15 notes · View notes

simulation-machine · 3 years ago

Photo

Coming from a dysfunctional family, it always makes me a bit weary when I have families that just turn out so happy, who love and support one another with no drama.

#sims 4 #sims 4 legacy #legacy challenge #autumnalzodiac #gen 2 #Aquarius #Pisces #Delyth Brisa Teignmouth #edwin pries #finnegan #Muriel Perlita Teignmouth #Carlow Lachlan Teignmouth #Ashling Lily Teignmouth #happiness is gross #healthy families are fake #sims is not real life

0 notes

giveamadeuschohisownmovie · 2 years ago

Note

How would you pitch the Armor Wars Disney Plus series?

MAIN PLOT:

Set one year after Tony Stark's death, Stark Industries is going through a rough patch. The company is struggling to figure out how to move forward, resulting in two different camps; Pepper Potts, who wants to continue Tony's dream of world peace and Edwin Cord, a rising businessman who wants to bring back the weapons division.

Part of what's driving the push to resurrect the weapons division is the state of the world. Several countries feel under-equipped to handle threats such as Thanos and are also envious of how advanced Wakanda turned out to be (insert social commentary on neo-colonialism here).

In the midst of this corporate chaos, James "Rhodey" Rhodes is struggling with coming to terms with Tony's death. Rhodes had inherited the Iron Man lab based on Tony's will, but Rhodey feels that he's not the right man for the job, especially since he's not an engineer. As Rhodey contemplates how to move forward in life, he is called back into action when he learns about the rise of the "Fake Iron Men".

Somehow, Tony's tech has slipped into the black market, leading to terrorist/criminal organizations around the world getting their own versions of the Iron Man suits. This, in turn, leads to several countries demanding their own Iron Man suits in order to fight back.

Not wanting to see the legacy of his late best friend be tarnished, Rhodey suits up once again in order to get the bottom of the "Armor Wars" conspiracy.

PLOT DETAILS:

Other characters who make an appearance in the series: Riri Williams (Ironheart), Morgan Stark, Happy Hogan, Shuri, Rhodey's family

Edwin Cord is a red herring villain. Rhodey is led to believe that Cord is the one who sold the suits to the black market in order to create a crisis that would somehow lead to the return of Stark Industries' weapons division. However, it's revealed that Cord is just a greedy businessman who was being used by the real mastermind.

The TRUE main villain of the series is Ultron-5. We learn that the original Ultron created several backups of itself in case they lost the Battle of Sokovia. Ultron-5's plan is to leak Stark technology all over the world in order to destabilize the international community. Instead of trying to destroy the world directly, Ultron-5 wants people to destroy themselves.

In the finale, even though Rhodey defeats Ultron-5, Ultron-5 says that he still won the war because he succeeded in "sharing" Tony's technology to countries all over the world. Now, the level of war that people can wage on themselves has been permanently heightened. So...yeah, my version of "Armor Wars" has a pretty bleak ending.

The one positive here is that Rhodey did prevent Ultron-5 from sparking World War III. Although Tony's technology has been spread all over the world, Rhodey was at least able to maintain peace.

Ultron-5 is destroyed by Rhodey, but it doesn't matter since that just activates another one of Ultron's backups (similar concept to "Detroit Become Human", where a new Connor shows up every time a Connor model is destroyed).

POST-CREDITS SCENE: Vision, who we last saw fleeing Westview, encounters Victor Mancha, the robot-human hybrid son of Ultron-5.

37 notes · View notes

xeo-kunsatan · 3 years ago

Text

Beryl (Frozen Ocs)

Made: in Ibis Paint.

He is an anti-hero Jester from the kingdom of Vidorian (England), wich Born with Ice magic.

His real identity is that he is the Princess Marjorie who almost everything thought that she was death by a Snow storm next to her family but not. She, her younger sister and a slave managed to survive.

Backstory

Marjorie was a Little princess with ice power who loved the circus of Jester from her father's court, she wanted to participate with them but her mother forbidden her, Marjorie just was a perfect doll for her mother, just an accessory by her unusual characteristics.

Marjorie found a way to hide herself from her mother so she made herself a costume so her parents would not notice her, with that she sneaked to the circus to be part of the cast with the name Beryl and Boy identity, she managed to join because everyone liked her tricks with ice and snow.

The leader of the cast (Edwin/Diamond) was the most fascinated with Beryl's Tricks and also became into a second paternal figure for Him.

After many years Marjorie's mother found out that her daughter was sneaking off the castle to go to the Circus, she completely mad ordered to cut their heads.

Marjorie's father was shocked by his wife decision and died by a heart attack for the stress. In the day of execution by seeing her second dad die, something broke inside Marjorie.

Many years passed by, at 19 Marjorie got tired of her mother and snapped, releasing all her power with full of rage killing almost all the people in the castle, with her sanity low and by seeing her transformed into an ice sculpture, she as a punishment made the sculpture bring to life but as a Ice Zombie.

By seeing her younger sister Arabelle alive and found out that her sister has the power of fire, a piece of Marjorie's sanity came back.

Afraid of being considered a Monster by her sister, Arabelle hugged her telling that she was tired of her mother as well.

Something Marjorie had from Diamond was just his Hat and Suit, In that moment she put of the suit and adopted their Identity Beryl again.

Next to Arabelle and Hugo (An Ex slave from) Beryl traveled around the world to continue Diamond's entertainment legacy, while also is bringing immoral Justice around.

At difference of Queen Elsa, Beryl has a fluid control with his magic, Synchronizing moves with the magic, also that many times he likes to create ice weapons.

Personality: Sarcastic, cynical, eccentric, cold, Funny, Mad, and sometimes devilish. He is just sweet and warm with his Sister and His friend Hugo.

He and Family used to visit Arandelle Kingdom and for it Beryl knows Anna and Elsa.

Beryl considers Elsa as someone weak and coward who doesn't appreciate her magic enough.

#disney frozen #frozen disney #Frozen #Anti-hero #frozen oc #my ocs

11 notes · View notes

junker-town · 3 years ago

Text

Western Illinois, Year 40, 2046-2047

The final season of our sim dynasty with Western Illinois in College Hoops 2K8 is here.

Welcome back to our simulated dynasty with the Western Illinois Leathernecks in College Hoops 2K8. You can find a full explanation of this project + spoiler-free links to previous seasons here. Check out the introduction to this series from early April 2020 for full context. As a reminder, we simulate every game in this series and only control the recruiting and coaching strategies. Dynasty mode runs for 40 years.

Before we pick up with the Leathernecks at the start of Year 40, here’s a recap of everything that happened last season:

Western Illinois entered Year 39 trying to three-peat as national champions for the first time in program history. We lost two starters early to the NBA coming into the season, but still had enough talent to be ranked No. 10 overall in the preseason polls.

We ran through the regular season schedule, losing only one game to UCLA during the non-conference season and sweeping Summit League opponents once again. We entered the NCAA tournament at 29-1 on the year and earned a No. 4 seed to the big dance.

We beat Brown in round one, knocked off Georgia Tech in the round of 32, beat Indiana in the Sweet 16, and lost to Florida in the Elite Eight. We know enter the final season of my career tied with John Wooden with 10 national championships.

We added three players in our last ever recruiting class: five-star JUCO SF Jerald Obasohan, four-star SG Erwin Walls, and four-star PF Kenny Butler.

Here’s a first look at our roster for Year 40:

It feels like only yesterday that a fresh-faced, 25-year-old came to the small town of Macomb, Illinois with big dreams. Coach Rick was hired by Western Illinois to do the impossible: win a national championship with arguably the worst team in college basketball. After 39 seasons at the helm, our tiny program has accomplished that and so much more. Now it’s time to hang it up.

Our journey at Western Illinois is finally coming to an end. In literal terms, College Hoops 2K8 forces mandatory retirement upon coaches in dynasty mode after 40 seasons. All good stories need closure either way. As we start our final season, we have some big stakes attached to our swan song.

Western Illinois has won 10 national championships in the Ricky Charisma era. That ties us with UCLA legend John Wooden for the most in history. What started as a mission to win a single national championship has now left us with a different goal: to become the undisputed greatest program in the history of the sport.

While we failed in our bid to three-peat last season — falling to Florida in the Elite Eight — we did bring back all four breakout juniors for this season. We only lost starting center DJ Foster to graduation. Yeah, it’s been a while since we last published Year 39 (thanks for your patience), so let’s go over the roster:

PG Christano Ngounou, junior, 89 overall: Ngounou made major strides after being forced into the starting lineup last season, and now looks like a rock solid contributor going into our final year. An international recruit out of Cameroon, Ngounou is a fast 6’3 guard with lockdown defensive ability and a slightly above average three-point shot. We have bigger names on this squad who will be expected to carry the scoring load, but Ngounou is going to play a huge role because he’s way better than every other point guard on the roster. We need quality minutes from him in the tournament. Former five-star international recruit with B potential.

SG Bernie Doyle, redshirt senior, 92 overall: Doyle is an incredible talent who enters his senior year looking to fully blossom into a superstar. The 6’9 shooting guard uses his immense size on both ends of the floor. He’s elite at getting into the passing lanes and forcing steals (a team-high 1.8 per game as a junior) on the defensive end, and has a sweet three-point stroke offensively. Doyle is such a smooth scorer and dominant defender that it feels like he has the natural talent to develop into an all-great in his senior year. Let’s hope he’s up to the challenge. Former No. 36 overall recruit from Detroit with C potential. Projected lottery pick.

SF Floyd Keller, redshirt senior, 92 overall: Keller checks every box for a small forward. He has good size at 6’7. He has a three-point rating in the mid-80s. He’s the best dunker on the team. He’s an elite offensive rebounder for a wing with a rating in the low 90s, which helps equip him to play minutes at the four. After a tough shooting night in our Elite Eight loss last season — he went 1-for-7 from three — we’ll need Keller to be consistently great if we want one more run through the bracket. Former No. 101 overall recruit out of Dallas with C+ potential. Projected second round pick.

PF Oscar Fray, redshirt senior, 88 overall: Fray enters his third year as a starter with a fascinating combination of size and skill that could set him up for a breakout senior year. The 7-foot power forward is a great three-point shooter for his position with a rating just below 80. Defensively, he’s the top-rated shot blocker on the team, and also does a pretty good job on the glass. Former No. 118 overall recruit out of Lynn, MA with C potential. Projected second round pick.

C Brody Munoz, redshirt senior, 92 overall: Munoz finally gets the spotlight as a senior after backing up DJ Foster — a one-time NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player — for his entire career up to this point. We’re expected big things, and not just because he’s tied for the highest rated player on the roster going into the regular season. What Munoz lacks in elite size at 6’11 he can make up for with strength, agility, and rebounding. We expect him to be really good at forcing turnovers, grabbing putbacks, and helping fortify the paint. Former No. 169 overall recruit (No. 6 center) out of Nashville with B potential. Projected lottery pick.

We have an incredibly deep bench for our final season. Center Logan Polk (85 overall) will be our sixth man, and should be able to form a three-man front court rotation with the two starters in the tournament. After that, we have a lot of options but not a lot of good options.

Here’s the rest of the bench: wing Jaycee Queen (80 overall), wing Jerald Obasohan (79 overall), guard Archie Howell (78 overall), wing/guard James Haranga (74 overall), guard Edwin Walls (74 overall), and power forward Kenny Butler (74 overall).

This is really it. Year 40. The last dance. What a ride it has been. We start the season at No. 4 in the polls.

How did the regular season go?

For our final regular season, we tried to schedule a good mix of local schools and historic big conference rivals with a couple in-season tournaments thrown in for good measure.

Here’s how the regular season went:

Win over Bradley

Win over Nebraska

Win over UTEP

Loss to Southern Illinois

Win over Florida

Loss to Northwestern

Win over New Mexico

Win over DePaul

That sets up a rivalry game against Illinois. We’ve played the Illini in almost every season, and we don’t want to end this dynasty without one more dub. The losses to Southern Illinois and Northwestern were a real bummer, and we need a palate cleanser. Let’s go!

Big win, 102-68. Look at Cristano Ngounou hanging 17 points and six assists on the Illini. Love seeing both starters in the front court — seniors Oscar Fray (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Brody Munoz (18 points, 11 rebounds) — each dropping a double-double, too. And how about our new five-star JUCO addition Obasohan chipping in 12 points off the bench? Really promising performance from the boys.

We get a big win over Kansas in our next game. That sets up another marquee game with a program we don’t like very much out of the state of North Carolina: Duke. We’ve battling with Duke on the court and on the recruiting trail for 40 freaking years. Can we end this rivalry with a dub?

Ugh, loss, 88-83. Nice games from Bernie Doyle (19 points, four assists) and Oscar Fray (14 points, 12 rebounds), but it isn’t enough. That’s our third loss of the season. Get bent, Duke.

We end the year with three more non-conference games.

Win over Illinois-Chicago

Win over American

Win over Arizona State

While we may have lost the final battle to Duke, I won the war over Coach K with a significantly better career by any measure (more on that in a minute). Now it’s time to jump into conference play in the Summit League.

Did we go undefeated in conference season?

Yes we did, another perfect 18-0 stretch.

Now we enter the conference tournament. Can we punch one more automatic bid to the NCAA tournament?

Win over UMKC

Win over Southern Utah

Win over UL-Calcutta

We’re going to the NCAA tournament for the last time, but that isn’t even the headliner after winning the Summit League. Im taking home the conference tournament championship, I won game No. 1,171 of my career. That currently puts me ahead of Coach K for the most wins all-time.

We have built a great legacy at Western Illinois. Before we enter the NCAA tournament, let’s take a look at our statistical leaders:

What a year for Munoz. Dude sat on the bench for four seasons before finally getting a starting spot, and all he did was lead our team in scoring at 17.2 points per game. Fray was awesome, too, averaging a hair under 15 points per game while chipping in nearly two blocks and six rebounds per game. It’s good to see Keller and Doyle both hit double-figures in scoring. I’m a bit surprised Cristano couldn’t even put up seven points a night after his big game against Illinois, but the assist and steals numbers are solid. We’re going to need him in March.

The Leathernecks are heading into the NCAA tournament at 32-3 on the year. I can’t wait to see what seed we get.

2047 NCAA tournament

Well, we couldn’t end this dynasty without getting swindled by the Selection Committee one more time. We’re a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament. I thought we should have been a top-four seed without question.

We’ll open the tournament with a game against No. 11 seed Syracuse. Sheesh. Before we get to the game, let’s check in on our roster one more time:

I’m loving the way this group progressed through the year. We have two awesome wing scorers with an elite combination of size and shooting in Keller and Doyle. We have plenty of beef up front with Munoz, Fray, and Polk. Ngounou entered the program as a 77 overall and shot up to a 92 in three years without a redshirt. The bench also really improved during the season and should give us plenty of different lineup options in March.

This is going to be a tough run, starting with Syracuse. The Orange have knocked us out of the big dance before, and consistently put together really strong teams.

Our last dance starts now. As always, we’re simulating every game, I’m not controlling the ‘Necks.

Let’s go!

Win, 105-73! What an absolute beatdown. We’ve moving on to the round of 32.

Long-time followers of the series will know that our Leathernecks have always been known as a second half team. It happened in a big way in this game. Syracuse ended the first half strong to cut our lead to nine points, but we quickly turned it into a blowout out of the break.

I thought this was a tremendous all-around team effort. Six players hit double-figures in scoring with no one putting up more than Floyd Keller’s 15 points. Everyone who played recorded an assist. I loved this play from the first half when we set two screens for our five-star JUCO Obasohan that helped get him an easy layup.

twitch_clip

Our bench is a big question mark coming into this tournament, mostly because it’s filled with a lot of fresh faces who haven’t played big minutes in clutch spots before. I have to say, the performance of our reserves in our tournament opener was super encouraging. Obasohan in particular looks like a keeper after scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting and knocking down a three. We always need wing depth, and he should be able to provide that on this run.

The clear highlight of Obasohan’s night: this sick two-handed dunk in transition for an and-one.

twitch_clip

We love to turn defense into offense, and Ngounou and Doyle’s ability to get into the passing lanes really helps us out there.

Speaking of Ngounou in transition: he had a beautiful finish on the break to put the game fully out of reach. That’s what you want out of your point guard.

twitch_clip

The win sets up a second round game against Colorado State

The Rams have been a solid program throughout this sim dynasty, regularly making NCAA tournament appearances. We have a decisive edge in talent heading into this game.

We are one win away from going to the Sweet 16 and extended our run in the big dance. One time, ‘Necks. Let’s go!

Win, 109-79! We’re going to the Sweet 16!

We didn’t need to be a second half team in this one. Our ‘Necks blew the doors off Colorado State from the opening tip-off. I thought we played a great game offensively thanks to our inside-out ball movement.

We had five scorers in double-figures in this one, but it was senior starters Bernie Doyle and Oscar Fray leading the charge. We know Doyle is capable of taking over a game at his best, and he was awesome in this one: 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 shooting from three. The real story was Fray, though.

Fray was probably the least appealing long-term prospect of our recruiting class when he entered the program alongside Doyle, Keller, and Munoz. That was mostly because of his 74 rating and C potential grade. While he’s always been rated a few points lower than his classmates, Fray’s skill set on the court is so important to us. He’s a massive 7-foot power forward who can protect the rim and shoot threes. What more do you want?

Fray went off in this game: 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals on 9-of-11 shooting. I love watching the big man shoot from deep. This was from NBA range.

twitch_clip

Here’s one more catch-and-shoot three for good measure.

twitch_clip

Fray might get slept on a little on this team, but he’s absolutely critical to our success if we want to win it all.

I also want to shout-out the bench for another solid performance. I liked what I saw out of Obasohan (11 points) and Howell (10 points). Since we already have two Obasohan clips in this post, why not make it three? Love him hitting this triple in the first half to help us open up the lead.

twitch_clip

We’re rollin’.

The win sets up a Sweet 16 game vs. Alabama

We’re now four wins away from ending this dynasty with a national championship. A Sweet 16 game against Bama is going to be an absolute battle.

In our simulated future, the Tide have become a basketball school. This program seems to make the tournament every year, and they’ve given us plenty of trouble in the past.

A trip to the Elite Eight is on the line. Let’s go!

Win, 112-69! We’re onto the Elite Eight!

Say it with me: SECOND. HALF. TEAM. After a tight first half left us with a six-point lead coming into the break, our ‘Necks absolutely torched the nets in the second half to come away with the blowout win. Seriously: we scored 66 points in the final 20 minutes. That was an offensive clinic at its best.

I had a good feeling about the second half when Cristano got this three hit the rim like 50 times before falling. Sometimes you need some good luck on your side.

twitch_clip

A couple possessions later, Floyd Keller came down a ripped another three. We finally had a double-digit lead, and we’d never look back.

It was great to see Keller (15 points) get going from deep. He hit all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.

twitch_clip

While we don’t have any clips of the front court from this game, they absolutely deserve credit for the win.

Fray turned in another incredible performance, this one somehow even better than his last. He ended the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks on 10-of015 shooting. He didn’t attempt a three (booooo) but he dominated the game on both ends. His front court mate Munoz was almost as good. The senior center finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds. We kept going inside — Munoz and Fray combined for 35 (!) field goal attempts — and they were making the Bama defense pay.

Not the best Bernie Buckets game (9 points on 3-of-10 shooting), but I clipped this shot from the first half, so I might as well embed it here.

twitch_clip

Elite Eight, here we come.

The win sets up an Elite Eight matchup against No. 1 seed Indiana

Our run in the NCAA tournament has been a breeze up to this point, but I fear things about to get a lot more difficult. Our plucky No. 6 seed is about to run into one of college basketball’s blue bloods: the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers.

The Elite Eight has been something of a bugaboo for us. We lost in this round last year. We’ve lost in this round many times before. I don’t want it to happen again.

A Final Four trip is on the line. As always, we’re watching a simulated version of this game; I am not controlling the Leathernecks. Let’s go!

youtube

***

Loss, 96-86. Oh my gosh. And just like that, our dream of ending this dynasty with a national title is over.

I am devastated. I really thought this team was good enough to send me out on top, but it wasn’t meant to be. The Hoosiers’ outside shooters did us in. Indiana’s guard-heavy lineup caught fire from deep (10-of-21 for 47.6 percent), and our perimeter attack couldn’t keep up. We only hit 6-of-22 (27.3 percent) attempts from three.

What happened to our second half team this time? We were only down two going into halftime, but we were outscored by eight over the final 20 minutes. Tough scene.

There were some solid individual performances. Munoz went out strong with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bernie Doyle dropped 21 points and hit this three-pointer to keep us in it early.

twitch_clip

Floyd Keller just didn’t give us enough on the wing. He shot 1-of-8 from three in the loss. He did give us a little juice in transition, at least.

twitch_clip

Cristano played all 40 minutes, and had eight points and nine assists. I really wish I got another year with him as a senior next season.

twitch_clip

Unfortunately there is no next season. After 40 years at Western Illinois, our sim dynasty is over. Here are some final numbers on the series:

Final record: 1,177-213

10 national championships (tied with John Wooden for the most in men’s college basketball history)

15 Final Four appearances

25 Sweet 16 appearances

Final NCAA tournament record: 113-27

38 Summit League regular season championships

35 Summit League tournament championships

38 seasons with 20+ wins

61 players drafted

The thing I’m most proud of? After we made the NCAA tournament for the first time in Year 3, we didn’t miss it again the rest of this dynasty.

Is Ricky Charisma the greatest men’s college basketball coach ever?

I think so. Here’s how we stack up to other top coaches in NCAA history in important categories.

Total wins

Ricky Charisma: 1,179

Mike Krzyzewski: 1,170

Jim Boeheim: 1,083

Roy Williams: 903

Bob Knight: 899

Dean Smith: 879

Jim Calhoun: 877

Adolph Rupp: 876

Bob Huggins: 828

Eddie Sutton: 806

Tournament wins

Ricky Charisma: 110

Mike Krzyzewski: 94

Roy Williams: 77

Dean Smith: 65

Jim Boeheim: 57

Tom Izzo: 52

Jim Calhoun: 49

John Wooden: 47

Final Four appearances

Ricky Charisma: 15

Mike Krzyzewski: 12

John Wooden: 12

Dean Smith: 11

Roy Williams: 9

Tom Izzo: 8

Rick Pitino: 7

Denny Crum, Adolph Rupp, John Calipari: 6

Consecutive tournament appearances

Western Illinois: 36

Kansas: 31

North Carolina: 27

Arizona: 25

Duke: 24

Michigan State: 23

Gonzaga: 22

Winning percentage

Ricky Charisma: 84.7

Mark Few: 83.44

Sam Burton: 83.33

Clair Bee: 82.444

Adolph Rupp: 82.1

John Wooden: 80.3

National championships

Ricky Charisma: 10

John Wooden: 10

Mike Krzyzewski: 5

Adolph Rupp: 4

Roy Williams: 3

Jim Calhoun: 3

Bobby Knight: 3

Who is the best player in Western Illinois history?

That’s the big question within the fanbase right now. Before we get to it, let’s look back at our greatest recruiting wins.

We landed five five-star recruits out of the domestic high school ranks during my time at Western Illinois. We also signed nine five-star JUCO recruits, and six five-star international recruits from places like New Zealand (shout-out Dave French), Montenegro (anti shout-out Vitor Andrisevic), France (what up, Kim Kone!), and Cameroon.

The highest-rated recruit in program history was Sammy Yan at No. 10 overall in 2032. He was pretty much a disappointment. The program’s all-time leading scorer was center Vinnie Harmon with 2,452 career points during his career. He was the No. 122 overall recruit and the No. 8 center (those that followed the series or played the game know that centers are always weirded underrated on the recruiting trail).

Here are some more numbers during tournament games only (aka, the games we streamed), from the amazing Leathernecks Database maintained by our fans:

The highest rated player in program history is a tie between small forward Nic Cummings and point guard Duncan Martinez, who are the only players to reach 97 overall. Cummings in particular is a great choice for the GOAT. He ended his career with three national titles, though only one as a starter. He’s top-10 for me, but not No. 1.

The people’s choice for the GOAT is Deke Van, the legendary center who helped carry us to our first national title in Year 8. Deke’s turn from from Year 7 goat to Year 8 GOAT is the most memorable we’ve ever had. We couldn’t have done any of this without you, Deke.

When Coach tell you youre guarding @deke_van https://t.co/RDhmDAPRA8 pic.twitter.com/fm2udgvMZT

— Ryan Thomas (@RTtheSID) May 10, 2020

As the series went on, other great players emerged who finished with gaudier stats and better resumes.

My personal favorite might be Bert Draughan, Mr. Basketball out of Chicago (No. 29 overall recruit), who went on to win a title with us in Year 13 and also starred for our Year 11 team that began the season 35-0 before losing to Michigan State in the Final Four. Harmon is another fine choice. Skip Clemmons helped us win three national titles in Year 23, Year 24, and Year 26. Albert Jagla, Clemmons’ former teammate, played a big role in our first back-to-back championship squad, and is arguably the greatest perimeter bucket-getter in program history.

All-time favorite moment? Impossible to say. The first one that comes to mind is Kim Kone’s go-ahead corner three in the 2024 tournament. Najeeb Goode’s steal vs. UCLA in the Final Four to help us win our second title in Year 13 also stands out. There was also the time superstar power forward Allen Cunningham took off his pants mid-game.

twitch_clip

Thank you to everyone who read, watched, and interacted

I started this series on April 11, 2020, a few weeks after the pandemic had shut down all ‘real’ sports. At the time, I was gearing up to cover the 2020 NCAA tournament. That never happened. I had college basketball on my mind, and I always wanted to write something on ‘College Hoops 2K8’, probably my favorite video game ever. This project is what came of it.

I had no idea if anyone was going to read this. I definitely did not think I’d finish out all 40 years like a complete lunatic. I didn’t think I’d write the equivalent of multiple books in terms of total word count.

Just before I dropped the first post in the series, I tweeted this:

Got a real dumb blog post coming

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) April 11, 2020

I wrote around 70 posts in the series, counting the inaugural Hall of Fame induction (read a big Deke Van retrospective at that link) and two posts of my Deke Van x Seattle Supersonics spin-off. I’m estimating I wrote 200,000 words in this series. That’s about the length of “The Fellowship of the Ring.”

I still can’t believe everything that came from this series. The Washington Post wrote a profile on it. I went on WGN TV and did a few radio spots promoting it. We sold a Deke Van t-shirt with Homefield Apparel. Our series inspired a new friend in Japan named Thanh Nguyen to write a pair of e-books adding greater depth to our story. Friend of the program Mike Rutherford did an amazing hype video for our first championship run. When I moved the series to Substack for a few months, more than 7,000 people signed up for email updates and still remain. Our first Twitch stream for the Year 8 Final Four drew more than 7,000 total viewers, and had 2,500 concurrent viewers on it at as we were closing out the win. On SB Nation, the series has been viewed more than 500K times.

What really made the project special was always the community around it. Some quick shout-outs:

The Leathernecks Database is an amazing companion to this series. You can lost in there. Thank you to the diehards to helped maintain it, and reader Evan for starting it.

Thanks to my guy who started the Leathernecks Nation instagram fan page and whoever is behind the wondrous fake Deke Van twitter account.

Thanks to everyone in the Discord who maintained ‘Necks discussion always and forever.

Thank the diehards that came out for every Twitch stream. I don’t want to name names because I’ll forget someone, but you know who you are. I love you all. I also want to thank the readers for keeping up with the recaps, and everyone who emailed me feedback throughout the series. I also want to thank my buddy Scott for introducing me to the game and running through multiple 40-year dynasties with me way before I ever considered blogging through it like this. This series would not exist without him.

What a ride it’s been. As I sim through to the end of the calendar, I’m greeted with this message.

Thank you, everyone. Go ‘Necks.

3 notes · View notes

dorevenge · 3 years ago

Text

where ignorance is bliss - chapter 1

SUMMARY: Maria Collins Carbonell is a young woman in a man's world, fresh out of college and ready to take on the '60s with Obadiah Stane on her arm, until she meets an older and mysterious Howard Stark - who's on his way to change the world, and he wants to take her with him. [AO3 LINK] Rated Teen

CHAPTERS: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ☆

PAIRINGS: Maria/Howard, Maria/Obadiah, Peggy/Daniel, Edwin/Ana, Carol/Maria

… Where ignorance is bliss,

Tis folly to be wise

– Thomas Gray, 1742

If you ever met Howard Stark, you only knew half of the man.

He was lauded as a genius, a gamechanger in every field, a philanthropist for tomorrow, the best of humankind – yet he managed to be the worst of it at the same time.

I met him at a casino in ‘60, charmed and overpowered after losing millions for the thrill of it, and we married shortly after. It was the beginning of the last twenty years of my life.

September 17, 1959 – Queens, New York City

“Obie, dear, we’re going to be late.”

“Darling, it’s check in four. Entertain me for just a few more minutes.”

“Chess minutes are longer than normal minutes, and being late in normal minutes makes Giulietta mad.” My eyes flash across the board, and the moves come to me. Hovering my fingers above the pieces, “I move my rook here, you’ll be forced to move this pawn, then my bishop here… Check in two, love, let’s go.”

I check in the mirror that every blonde hair is where it’s meant to be and adjust the pearls around my neck. Obadiah always wanted me to look good – not too good that other men would chase me, but enough that they would look at him because he was standing next to me. “They’ll look at the beautiful dame, then the businessman who’s arm she’s on, then ask to invest in his company just for a chance to be near her longer.” I wasn’t convinced that his plan worked.

Obadiah and I have been together for seven months at this point, long enough to grow tired of his perpetual tardiness, but not long enough for us to be seen leaving the same hotel room together. We slept in separate beds last night, of course; Obie is a man of high morals but tight checkbooks.

Purse hanging from the crook of my elbow, I call out over my shoulder, “I’ll meet you downstairs.” He hums in response, still curled over the chessboard trying to figure out where he went wrong. I close the door behind me.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Obie says, coming in from the elevator, fiddling with the cufflinks he bought just for the occasion – more than he could afford, he’ll probably return them at the end of the trip – the light from the chandelier above reflecting on his scalp. We leave the lobby to wait outside.

“Stop fretting. Your presentation will be flawless.” I straighten his tie as the taxi slides to a stop outside the hotel doors.

“I don’t want to let Howard down. Everything is riding on this.”

“I know, Obie, I know.”

I talk with the wives of the other businessmen in a corner, while they over-sip on over-sweet drinks. Obie didn’t send me to spy, but it’s hard not to notice when their loose lips spill secrets not meant to leave the boardroom, and surprises meant to wait for the expo. The first day of the event was reserved for socialization, for inventors and investors to shake hands, tease each other about what they might be presenting and prod for any information they can get. The women are undermined, seen and not heard, but always listening. Always listening.

This was my second Stark Expo; last year I attended as an intern at the Future Foundation, frequently dismissed as a secretary or spouse before I got the chance to share that I was about to graduate from Columbia Business School with Honors. I was put into a box before I opened my mouth. The fifties are a terrible time to be a smart woman.

Tired of the gossiping, tipsy wives, I leave to find Obie. He was almost always easy to find, taller and broader than most of the scholars who have never known a hard day of work in their life, and his bald head shines like a lighthouse. Unsuccessful, I wander off alone.

A waiter hands me a martini, and I find myself in front of the exhibit dedicated to Captain Steve Rogers. It was the same every year; there’s no new information about the man since he crash-landed in the Atlantic, but the fanfare and mythos around him has only increased. The shield and empty suit sat behind a wall of thick glass, carefully preserved by the curator, who was a close friend of the Captain. Several pictures of him decorate the exhibit. Tall, blonde, steel blue eyes. He was handsome, with wide shoulders and an even wider jaw. The perfect American specimen.

I stand in front of the suit, the reflection of my head barely coming up to its sternum, imagining how differently the war might have ended had he survived. A silhouette joins from my right and makes me jump, my senses a little dulled from the drink. I turn around.

“Peggy!”

The brunette Englishwoman takes me in her arms, and I breathe in her perfume. I had met her at last year’s expo when she tried to convince me to learn some self-defense, promising it wouldn’t make me too muscular and unfeminine.

We let each other go, and I notice her cast a sad glance at the exhibit before looking back to me. “Maria, how are you? Are you still working for the Future Foundation?” She looks perfect, as always, with her signature red lipstick.

“I’m well. I graduated from the internship and am working elsewhere. I’m here with a man.” Her eyes widen curiously as I continued. “He’s presenting an invention on Saturday.”

“Is it serious?”

“It’s… Comfortable.”

“If you need some excitement, my offer from last year still stands,” she offers. I smile at her politely, looking down at my shoes. I don’t think I was meant to be a secret agent.

“Maria, there you are! I have someone I want you to meet.” Obadiah blunders into the exhibit, a drink in his hand, and it is clearly not his first. He places a large hand on my shoulder and turns around to point back into the party. “Oh, I don’t know where he went. Howard was just here.”

“He’s probably off in a corner with some blonde,” Peggy smiles. “I need to speak with him, I’ll send him your way once I find him.”

She leaves, and once she’s out of eyesight, Obie’s hand slips from my shoulder to my waist. The forwardness brings me out of the martini-induced hazed, and I stand straight up. I move his hand for him.

“Sorry, Mar,” his breath reeking of alcohol, releasing me. “I’ll find something to eat, get something to soak it all up. I’ll need to stay sharp tonight.” He kisses me on the cheek, and I’m alone again, the swell of music and murmur of guests in the background.

Obadiah’s presentation went smoothly, but not as fantastical as he had hoped. The inventor before him showed something very similar, and the crowd was unenthusiastic and less receptive. Some investors bit at the bait, handshakes and promises were exchanged – but no money, which is what Obie desperately needs to continue this charade of a rich man. He came from very little, but he is very good at multiplying anything that crosses his path, a paradigm of the American legend. I do not know much of Obie’s past, but I do know it is grim enough to make him cry in his sleep some nights. Maybe I should invest in gasoline, he would ponder, or some new kind of energy. I need to create a legacy.

His legacy. We talked more of his legacy than anything else, more than chess moves or what to have for dinner or even the weather. His legacy. And he was positive his legacy would start with the two of us, flowing from our descendants, a watershed to admire for decades to come. While he hasn’t asked my father for my hand, he has dropped more than enough hints about his intentions, and I dodge every one of them best I can. He was 29 – six years older than me – and it was time he started a family by society’s expectations. I just wasn’t sure I that wanted to participate.

He lives in a tiny apartment in the Bronx – an apartment, not a house – and invests every penny he earns back into his machines. My father, a realtor, tried to convince him into investing into some real estate in the Upper East Side, but Obadiah gently refused his help, believing the only way to make in this world is to make it on your own.

I am asleep by the time he returns from the second day of the expo, and his entrance wakes me in a start. I had retired early, not wishing to entertain the drunken wives any longer.

“That bastard,” Obie trails off, locking the hotel door behind him and setting the key on the dresser. He sits on the second bed in the room and collapses into a sunken posture, his head falling heavily into his hands.

I slip out from under my covers and sit next to him. I run my hand up and down his back, trying to bring comfort to the defeated man. He would never tell me what had occurred that day, no matter how many times or ways I tried to ask, only the aftermath and resentment that followed, and it is my duty to pick up the pieces.

“God strike me down if I ever willingly enter business with a Stark,” he finally sighs into his hands. “That man is the worst of them all, a piranha and a coward. I told him my next great idea, and not five minutes later I hear him pitching it to an adoring crowd like it was his own. The rich get richer, and I’m still at the bottom. Hold me to it, Mar, if I ever shake his hand, it better be when I’m buying his company out from under him.”

“Yes, dear.”

#where ignorance is bliss #wiib reading #marvel #howard stark #what if #fanfiction #canary writes a fanfiction

3 notes · View notes

shxwmaster · 4 years ago

Text

@archmage--khadgar sent: retrouvaille - the joy of meeting or finding someone again after a long separation; rediscovery

✧°⋆ 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐞 ————send in a word for a drabble or starter based on it.

——

(( I don’t know how canon I want to make this just yet BUT I was hit with a specific idea that I had to run with. Shaw doesn’t have many people he can reunite with, let alone feel happy about it, but this is... ONE. ))

...

[ARCHIVE: YEAR 32 — LOG SHW009876]

Shaw owes his life to the Uncrowned. Without them, he’d still be suffering, still be trapped as Stormwind crumbles under the influence of Detheroc wearing his face. Or, more mercifully, he would have died there, starved, infected, weak, pathetic. They’d saved him, saved Stormwind, spared them from an unnecessary war — he loathed that such an intense debt was placed on him.

Some time after his rescue, and after defeating Detheroc in Stormwind, he returned with the Champions and the rogues into the Uncrowned’s hideout. He pledged his loyalty, he thanked them, and he sought to get straight to work.

But he was weakened already from the months of imprisonment, and moreso from a neglected wound in the fight at SI:7 against the dreadlord. Ravenholdt and the others set out to get back to business, and he collapsed.

Infection, he remembers hearing someone say as he was being tended to. He was in and out, barely registering what was happening. Laid to a bed, cold cloth to his head, someone dressing a wound at his side he hadn’t noticed festered with fel. They called a priest from the Netherlight Temple, and he was given a strict order: rest.

Through the fever, he drifted, coming to now and then. How aggravating, to lose such control. Any of these rogues could have their way with him, and he’d be helpless to it, but he hardly has the strength to fuss and fight over it.

He awakes briefly to the sound of a door opening, his head spinning with the effort it takes to lift it to observe. A young woman, short cropped black hair and a stark red bandana toting a tray of tea had entered.

Vanessa.

He drops his head back down to the pillow, letting out a shaky laugh. “ So it seems I’m dying, then. ”

Vanessa gave pause, gaze flicking towards him briefly before continuing, setting the tray at the nightstand beside him. “ So negative. What makes the great Master Shaw say so? ”

His head lulls to the side, facing away from her. There’s an emotion caught in his throat he can’t quite identify. Grief? Fear? Sorrow? Humor? It’s all so tangled, and his limbs are so cold. “ It’s not the first time I’ve been stuck like this. Wounded. At the brink of death. Funny how sickness makes you see things. ”

“ Hmm. And funny how fevers always bring the most dramatic out of the finest soldiers. ”

He’s quiet for a long moment, enough that Vanessa wondered if he’d drifted off. “ I was seventeen. Tried to outrun orcs, fell off a wall, broke my shin. It was rainy and muddy, exposed bone was wrought to infection. I’d almost died — funny things, I saw, battling that fever. I hallucinated the dead. I thought I had saw my mother, but I didn’t remember her face. All so... wrong. ”

His voice lacks the usual restraint he would give it, so loose and strained it was. Delirious — the fever is perhaps worse than she’d anticipated. He rolls his head back to see her, tired green eyes searching hers, his face pallor and sweaty. Unbecoming.

“ I wish you were real. ”

Ah. That’s what this was. Vanessa doesn’t say anything, simply turning away from him to pour the cup of tea. He still has his gaze on her, however conscious he is, and for whatever reason, Vanessa can’t look at him.

“ You think you’re hallucinating. ”

“ I am. I read the field reports. I already know... ” He forces his head up to stare at the ceiling, vision spinning and blurring. “ I... I was never given a chance to say goodbye to you. After the riots, your father and I — we fought, Light, I could not... I had come home one day and you were gone. I wasn’t given a chance. ”

“ You had plenty of chances, Shaw, ” She says harshly, quiet voice spoken through gritted teeth. “ You sent your agents after the Defias. You knew what happened, you knew they were innocent. You could have come with us. ”

“ I am blood-bound to Stormwind, Vanessa. There was no choice for me. ”

“ There’s always a choice. You chose a broken kingdom over us. ”

He closes his eyes tightly, feeling the brunt of the dizziness wash over him. The pain is deserved, he feels. It’d be mercy if the infection killed him. “ I live with my mistakes. They haunt me every day, everything I could have done differently. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could have done more. Saved him. ” He pauses, and on these last words, his voice breaks. “ Saved you. ”

Vanessa stirs the cup of tea, mostly to avoid looking at him directly and to keep her hands busy. “ How noble, ” She says, retrieving a small, black vial from her belt. Just as practiced, just as planned. “ Those thoughts do much for us now, doesn’t it. ”

“ I prayed, Vanessa. I believe in nothing, not a single higher power but I prayed that you could have had a chance at a different life. After Edwin... — the Saldeans, they could have taken care of you. Given you a different path. You did not need to be confined to your father’s footsteps. ”

Her fingers are on the vial’s cork, ready to pop it open, but a thought stops her. She snaps her head to him, searching his bleary expression with furrowed brows as a realization dawns on her. “ ... You were the bandit that escorted me from the Mines... weren’t you? ”

“ You were just a kid... They orphaned you. Left you with nothing. Left the Brotherhood with nothing. They killed him, and did not bother to see what consequences were left behind. I had to look for you — I had to at least give you a chance. ”

She abandons the vial on the tray, reaching to his bedside to grasp his jaw and force him to look at her. There’s no strength to him; his head is loose with no indication that he can fight back. “ You went all that way — you found me, and you abandoned me at the Saldeans?! ”

The touch almost feels real — this image of Vanessa fills his blurred vision. Those fine angled brows resembled Edwin’s so much, those piercing blue eyes, that charcoal hair — it twists his gut and fills his heart with sorrow. “ They would have given you a normal life. ”

“ Why... Why didn’t you just take me? ”

The pain in her voice makes his eyes sting. Desperately, he had wanted to take her. Edwin was dead, and she was left with nothing — he hadn’t seen her in ten years but he could still raise her, still give her all the opportunities Stormwind had to offer, had the SI:7 induct her and change her life.

But he remembered then, what that connection to Stormwind, to the SI:7 and Assassin’s Guild, what that had all done to him, how loyalty was embedded so deeply in his blood he was forced to abandon love to further the crown — he could not sentence her to that fate. Not to this same fate that killed her father, that doomed her and the Brotherhood, he couldn’t do that to her. She could be normal — no VanCleef, no Shaw, just simple, humble farm girl Saldean. She could have been saved.

She staring down at him, fury and sadness in her eyes that were so familiar. His voice breaks when he answers. “ Would you have forgiven me if I did? ”

She glares at him for a long moment. The bandana conceals the number of times she’d opened her mouth to spit a retort but died in her throat, and eventually, she releases him, his head falling back to the side as she turns away. Forgiveness was not an option for her. This world, this kingdom, this man had taken so much from her. Forgiveness would be concession, surrender, to accept defeat. She had a legacy to uphold, one that couldn’t be won through something as pitiful as forgiveness. No, perhaps she wouldn’t have forgiven him, but it would have been nice to have a home.

The rage is enough to get her back to her plan. She resumes her work, popping open the vial and its viscous liquid. She’d designed it herself — a terrible neurotoxin, engineered just for Shaw. It’d be mistaken for the fel poisoning, stir up his memories and leave him paralyzed and numb, forced to watch his life play back. It’d shut everything in him down in minutes — no master rogue would be able to detect it. Potions, poisons, these were her specialties.

This is what he deserves.

She dumps the vial into the tea, watching the steam fly out as it mixes. Odorless. Beautiful. A work of art. Shaw’s lulling off, utterly disoriented and so far removed from reality she almost feels sorry.

“ I still remember sitting for hours trying to figure out a name... ” He murmurs. “ Kelsa. Variana. Llana. Charlene. Valeria. Maria. Rebecca. Edwin hated all of them. ”

He laughs a little at the fond memory. “ I’m not good at names. That was always Edwin’s strength — and I still remember. He said, no middle names, you get the first one down right or not at all. Which, in hindsight, was solid advice. Vanessa VanCleef — it rolls off the tongue so well. ”

She huffs. “ Better than Hope Saldean. ”

“ Leagues better. My grandmother tried so hard to have you named after her, or my mother. She gave me hell for not letting you take my surname too. Funny how different life could have been. ”

Vanessa frowns, carefully seating herself at the edge of his bed. She hadn’t seen him up close in years — it brings her mixed feelings. The memories she had of him were so, drastically different. Younger, cleaner, and without that stupid damn mustache. But now, he’s aged, wrinkled, greying at the temples and nothing of the energy she remembered him with. It’s weird, really, how it makes her feel.

Shaw’s saying something, so quietly under his breath she has to lean in to catch it.

“ I miss you. Every day, I have missed you, Ness, ” He murmurs, tear-filled eyes holding her gaze. “ I could not bring myself to take you. I prayed, prayed that you’d be better off without either of our legacies, and somehow, somehow things still... I tried. I tried to sabotage those efforts to take down the Defias. I kept the SI:7 out of Westfall, I redirected everyone to the Twilight’s Hammer. I prayed every champion that went into the Deadmines died before they could find you. And still... ”

“ History repeats. ”

“ Doomed to an ugly destiny, aren’t we? ” He laughs bitterly, weakly bringing a hand to cover his pale face. “ When you died... I feel as though a part of me died too. So many years it’s taken me to realize just what I was a part of. How much blood my loyalty spills. What I’ve let it take. ”

“ And now... ” She turns to stare at the cup of tea, her own gaze growing distant. “ Now that same loyalty will kill you too. You loved Stormwind so much, demons took advantage of it. ”

“ There is no love. I don’t think there was ever any love for Stormwind. ” His chin lifts, just slightly. “ Only duty. ”

What a prison.

The concoction on the nightstand would free him from it. Relieve him from his duty, from his loyalty. She’d finally have some semblance of revenge against those who’d wronged the Stonemasons and killed her father. She needs only feed it to him. It’d be so easy too, so, painfully easy. He’s ready to die already, still not even aware that she was real and solid and sitting before him.

It’d be so easy.

So why can’t she do it?

In the end, the truth was, a small part of her had also missed him. Even through the anger and the betrayal, the hurt and the grief, in the end, the only memories she had of him were good. Picking her up as a child, showing her Stormwind, teaching her nifty tricks and getting into minor trouble. How her, Mathias and Edwin would sit on the half-finished towers overlooking Stormwind with a packed lunch and watch the sunset, play for hours until she’d fallen asleep. In the end, all she remembered of him was that he was family at some point. Something she could never have again.

“ Moth. ”

The word almost seems to bring him to life. It grasps his attention, and he looks to her expectantly, still bleary, but alert. How many years had it been since he heard that word?

He watches her, examines her, somehow sharper than before. “ You still remember that name. ”

“ I never forgot it. ”

Tiny Vanessa, still learning her words, had heard everyone call him Mathias, but she tripped on her own pronunciation and called him ‘Moth’. Oh how it stuck — he remembers the name only on the voice of a child, but she’s grown now, she’s older, and he missed all of those years.

“ I came here to kill you, ” Vanessa continues, looking away from him. “ I’ve spent years hating you. Resenting you for everything. You took everything from me. ”

A dawning realization slowly sets in on the feverish Spymaster as he listens. He doesn’t know if he’ll remember this exchange if he heals up and recovers, but there’s a gnawing feeling about this, about this hallucination, about her —

“ You should, ” He says quietly, closing his eyes. “ There is no reason why you shouldn’t. And there is... no one on Azeroth who deserves to end my life than you. ”

“ You’re surrendering? ”

“ Accepting my fate. My consequences. ” His breath picks up, he forces himself to open his eyes and truly see her. Carefully, he reaches out a hand to grasp her wrist, faintly squeezing with what strength he had. “ You’re no hallucination... are you? ”

She stares at the hand for a long moment, contemplating. Then, slowly, she moved to wrap her own around his. “ Don’t trust the word of a mind-addled adventurer. I never died. ”

Hope blooms in his chest, tears spilling from the corners of his eyes. How he had mourned her — but she lives, she’s so young and still the chance to live this life —

It’s all he’s needed to hear. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he’s desperately hoping this isn’t a fever dream, that this is real, that she is alive. He holds her hand, as if she’d disappear if he didn’t.

“ Then I have no qualms with dying. ”

...

The fever breaks a few days later, and Shaw makes his swift recovery. The Champions of the Uncrowned request his aid along the Broken Shore, which he obliges as much as he’s able. There’s still plenty of broken pieces to pick up. Azeroth in turmoil, Stormwind in disarray with the false Shaw planting lies, and on top of it, Anduin ordering him to rest, forcibly taking work away from him to leave him with nothing.

Vanessa had left and taken the poison with her. They never spoke directly again, and for a while, Shaw was almost convinced she wasn’t real once he was fully awake and better.

But Greymane and Ravenholdt informed him otherwise. The Defias were as much intertwined with the Uncrowned as the rest of them.

Vanessa lived.

By the time Shaw had returned safely home, he wept.

#missive: inbox #backlog: writing #declassified: legion #file: v. vancleef #( god i was initially stuck on this cause i was like who the FUCK could he have a happy reunion with )#( and though this isn't like. the Happiest or most Joyful it is about the closest you can get )#( not edited i wrote this all in one sitting cause inspiration hit me like a goddamn truck THANKS FOR SENDING )

9 notes · View notes

chiseler · 4 years ago

Text

THE CHISELER INTERVIEWS ANDY McCARTHY

Chiseler: Please tell our readers when you began digging into obscurantist concerns -- these strange and neglected corners of New York history. Give us a sense of how it all started, and some idea of the scope here. Andy McCarthy: I worked as a New York City tour guide on the red doubledecker buses between 2004 and 2011, and Times Square was one of the highlights of the tour. The tour began and ended in Times Square — New York begins and ends in Times Square. The history of the world's entertainment district is a big subject — lots to talk about and always more to learn. Plus everyone hates Times Square. Elmo probably even hates it. So it was even more inspired to find the appreciation for the experience of it as it is now in the present. Like going to a Starbucks in the East Village and finding yourself talking to the ghost of Joey Ramone, who loves the Tall Blonde. West 42nd Street in particular was always a synapse-inducing subject — it isn't that it's obscurantist (except maybe for understanding the real estate chronology), but that there are a million ways of approaching it — it's the brightest neighborhood in America after all — the old theaters, the showbiz history, labor action, smut lore, the "cleanup" and failed redevelopments before the final wrecking ball in the 1990s, etc. Anyhow in 2012, film programming friends were putting together a series that revolved around the history of W. 42nd Street — they called it THE DEUCE, after the nickname for the block between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. The idea was to program a movie that once played in one of the theaters on the Deuce, and I would perform an intro monologue/ slideshow about the history of the theater. We did our first screenings in the backroom of Videology on Bedford Ave in Williamsburg, and then evolved to the proper movie chambers of Nitehawk Cinema in 2013, where as of March 2020 we have done about 80 screenings. Don't call me an expert but the pop legacy and damaged psyche yielded by the Glittering Gulch has consumed my research panascope like a large bucket of stale popcorn you can't stop shoving it in with gulps of fountain Coke during a matinee of Wolfen. For the last six years I've worked as a reference librarian at NYPL at Fifth Ave and W. 42nd (not the Deuce). My division is US History, Local History, and Genealogy - we get all the NYC history questions. At NYPL the resources available in researching each month's DEUCE spiel far surpass the amount of tips bagged at the height of tourist season by the Naked Cowboy.

Chiseler: When I was 15 or 16 years old, a suburban Jersey kid, I would occasionally take the bus to Port Authority with $20 in my pocket. It was a magical place in the 70s and 80s. Can you tell us something about the porn scene in those days, maybe its larger history, and how it relates to the evolution of your Nighthawk Cinema?

McCarthy: I’m generalizing, but the porn business in Times Square seems a combination of obscenity laws and the real estate market (versus the city and state imposing change). Obscenity laws had increasingly loosened since the 1960s and by the 1980s so many cases ruled in favor of pornography that the pursuit of smut peddlers evaporated like dots of old money shots on a mattress at the Elk Hotel. Sure Edwin Meese led a commission against porn in Reagan's Morning in America as a coalition of the religious right against the entire ethos of the 1970s, but it doesn't seem to have achieved anything other than beleaguering feminist activists who opposed the rampant exploitation of women in pornography only to find a black hole of political alignment with right wing morality police. Live sex shows and bestiality periodicals were then the product of free speech. Meanwhile, big business had no interest in occupying or redeveloping the commercial spaces in Times Square. But landlords held on to the old buildings and theaters — occupied by movie theaters, sex shops, etc. - waiting for a future time when the demand for Times Square real estate upped the value and they might cash in. The neighborhood became a sex district mostly because these were the only businesses that would pay rent in the area — which most New Yorkers supposedly avoided. And it was the 1970s — the white middle-class had fled, it was a party town, the city was broke, its own redevelopment efforts continually failing on the Deuce, where the racial patron and hangout demographic was majority Black, and drugs and prostitution were viable business. But the theaters on the Deuce mostly didn't play porn. The Victory (today the "New Victory") played triple-X and the Harem was a 24 hour porn box — but you had more opportunity to see First Blood or What's Up Doc? in the 8 or 9 other theaters on W. 42nd between 7th and 8th Avenue. XXX theaters were elsewhere in Times Square than the Deuce. Whether it was magical depends on one's experience of it at the time. Times Square has always been a fantasy factory and the DEUCE movie series we do exalts going to the movies, and even when the experience back then was rough, most reminiscences of people seeing movies on 42nd Street is a memory of great impact. We do not celebrate that it was so bad it was good (the same way we do not program movies that are "so bad they are good" — that crap is for bored minds who are less able to form an independent thought than the digital diode Coca-Cola sign at 47th and Broadway) — but it is a combination of place and experience in a matrix of moviegoing: there are many stories to tell about each theater, and the movies we program may take on new life in the forgetting chambers of Nitehawk Cinema. If porn ended up characterizing the business of Times Square when obscenity laws and real estate allowed it to, then no surprise — such is history…

Chiseler: I’m with you on “so bad it’s good” — a goddamn disease. I spend years of my life hunting down non-canonical titles, not with the tacky idea of establishing an alternative canon, but with the goal of subverting the very notion of canons. In other words, I’m seeking great films that establish their own criterion for greatness, compelling viewers to recognize them on their own ground. To expand your last answer a bit, would you mind dwelling on a few titles you’ve screened and tell our readers why you selected them?

McCarthy: OK — the DEUCE is a group effort. First off we are thankful for Nitehawk Cinema to have hosted the series for so long. I only do the intro monologue / slideshow on the history of a theater, while my co-jockeys — seasoned film programmers Joe Berger, Max Cavanaugh, and Jeff Cashvan — program the screenings, which are always a 35mm print, sprocketed by boothmaster Pro-Jo Joe Muto. The 35mm signature touch seems to be one of the ongoing draws for the audience, who routinely sell out the 90 seat theater, ahem... Cashvan puts together a list and Max tracks down a print (if one exists). The selections hinge on whether the movie once played in a theater on the Deuce, and the availability of a 35mm print — the experience of history in the screening zeroes down to the technology too. The movies are chosen because they have creative merit and yield enough for the viewer to determine if they are good or bad — or anything in between, which is much more interesting. Also we gotta honor the faith of the ticket-buyers and uphold any rep of the series, and not hash up some dumb time-wasting crap. Some of the flicks might be obscure, like Night of the Juggler (a gritty 1980 NYC exegesis on the type of race and class tensions too familiar under the U.S. presidency of the hurrahed bastard) or Teen Lust (bizarre sex romp directed by that-guy character actor James Hong) or Combat Shock (Vietnam vet psychodrama shot in Staten Island, including the Nam scenes), and other flicks are not obscure, like A View to a Kill or Tommy or Luna or Runaway Train... The crowds continually seem to enjoy a genuine going-to-the-movies experience; there is never any of that ironic insecure brainless hipster douchebag laughter that you get at some of these retro screenings that sizzles my nerves like hamburgers and franks on the grill at Grand Luncheonette at 229 W. 42nd Street next to the old Selwyn Theater — both places long gone. I saw Lost Weekend at BAM one time and was surrounded by people laughing at Ray Milland suffering from delirium tremens. What kind of loser pays $15 to act like that at a movie? Anyhow - those types don't come to these screenings. Some people come no matter what is playing, others for nostalgia or a particular love for a movie, others for whatever. No one is coming to experience the reenactment of a W. 42nd Street theater in 1982, which is not the intention — if it was we would just play grade-Z spaghetti westerns or Porky's sequels and allow smoking in the theater.

Chiseler: I realize that COVID puts a fairly long-term kaibosh on movie theaters. Where, if anywhere, do your hopes lie for continuing your work? Night of the Juggler ranks among my favorite films, by the way.

McCarthy: I am working on a book that corrals all the research I've done for the last 8 years. As far as reopening movie theaters, I have no clue. That is up to Nitehawk etc. The series is a theatrical communal thing. We haven't all been in touch about carrying things through the quarantine because there is no virtual alternative. As for Juggler it's too bad the movie is super unfindable. But how and where we obtained a one-time-only print will remain as undisclosed as a Gambino wiseguy taking the fifth.

6 notes · View notes

maddiicake · 5 years ago

Text

The Struggles of a Fankid/Fanchild of a Canon Character

This is a topic that I’ve been thinking about for a while, especially with my own fankid/fanchild/fanchildren OCs/FCs. And, while I’ve noticed that it’s a great way (even more so a positive creative challenge) to help furhter develop my characters... I’ve also noticed that it’s something that not many fankid/fanchild creators take into consideration:

The struggles a fankid/fanchild goes through when it comes to their parents.

Let’s be honest... the majority of fankids/fanchildren are those whose parents (or one parent) is the protagonist, or someone who has a strong influence/political standing/well respected/etc. in their respective canon universe. My own fankid (an EdWin child) is no exception. And, like with all those protagonists (and other influential characters) ... they seem to have their own story without the author’s/creator’s input on the legacy of the parent(s) from the canon story. In other words, the creator of said fankid just focuses on that fankid’s life and doesn’t think about how others around will treat them in regards to the parent(s).

That’s how it is realistically with children of celebrities/politicians/anyone that is considered “famous”.

Those children go through much struggle and strife, especially those who are more sensitive, being looked at with extremely high expectations. The logic for them that they live by is “My parent(s) were this great person, so I have to be seen as such to be able to have other’s not think negatively of me”.

Because that’s all other people see when they see these children. They don’t see them as their own individual person. If the child messes up, the entire family (child and parent(s)) are looked at in a bad light. So, it puts a lot of stress on said child for the sake of their parent’s(s’) legacy.

And, the more fankids/fanchildren I see around that don’t take things like that into consideration, the more I think that this subject should be considered. Especially if those creators want to take their character-creation more seriously and actually develop their characters. Not make it something like “My Daddy is the Fullmetal Alchemist, but I don’t want anything to do with that and just be some Idol on stage~”. Or: “My dad was the Flame Alchemist and did a lot of terrible things, yet managed to become the Fuhrer, meanwhile I have a homosexual crush on my co-worker, and my creator doesn’t take into consideration the actual historical accuracy of homosexuality in 30s Europe.”

Meanwhile... I do take my own character creating very--VERY-- seriously. I was a writer long before I was an artist. And, I like to make my characters enjoyable in their story more than the simple “Eye Candy” of the visual works that I make. So, when I made my EdWin child, I did what I could to focus on her personality and take on the whole “judging eye” others give her for being the “Daughter of the Fullmetal Alchemist”. Of course, because of the corruption of the government within her story, Edward and Winry kept Alchemy and everything about Ed’s past a secret, so my fankid grew up not knowing about said legacy so she could live a normal life without the risk of being forced to be a State Alchemist, or worse: “Gate Fodder”. Meanwhile, my friends RoyAi fanchild is (before the beginning of the story, at least) obsessed with becoming like his father, but, after seeing the military’s downfall as well at the “judging eyes” on him, he develops serious anxiety (not to mention depression) and obsesses over how others see him--an extension of his father.

And that is why, for those who create fankids (whether they’re CanonxCanon or OCxCanon) should take things like this into consideration, because it’s something that I believe can really help with developing their fankid/fanchild characters. It’s something that not many people (from what I’ve seen) actually take into consideration. And, the concept is very realistic to the real world, especially considering the canon characters who leave an impact in their universe.

But, anyway... I just wanted to share that~! ^u^ I would LOVE to hear your thoughts as well, so feel free to reblog (or reply to this post) with them, or even send me a message either via Ask or DM ^u^ I’d be more than happy to elaborate!

Thanks for your time~

#fankid #fanchild #fma fankid #fma fanchild #fma fankids #madiis musings

2 notes · View notes

historichollywoodphotographs · 5 years ago

Text

Every Picture Tells A Story (And We Have Over 10,000 to Tell)

“Every picture tells a story.” “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

These two truisms have been a focal point of my life for decades. The time I spent researching in photo archives have been among the happiest and most productive of my career. Puzzles have been solved; life long friendships fostered as I’ve closely come to know the community of stewards who care for collections related to California history and architecture - and in particular Hollywood, my first love.

Now I’m one of them, honored to be part of the team curating the Hollywood Photograph Archive, a signature collection of Hollywood images amassed by historian, author, and photographer Bruce Torrence. The collection plays a vital role in our understanding of the built environment of Hollywood, as well as its place in the cultural history of the nation. It’s also, in several ways, a family album.

Many of the images come straight from the family of two Hollywood pioneers: visionary real estate developer Charles E. Toberman, known as “Mr. Hollywood” for his instrumental role in its growth during the early twentieth century; and actor Ernest Torrence, Scottish opera singer-turned-silent film star. Toberman built much of early Hollywood; Torrence had a front-row seat as it became the movie capital of the world. Their grandson Bruce Torrence began collecting historic Hollywood photographs in the early 1970s after Charles E. Toberman showed him thirty photos in his office one day. Subsequently, he began acquiring Hollywood images from every source available with the goal to build the largest collection of Hollywood photographs in the world. He supplemented his finds with his own photos, feeling that the photos he shot would, at some point in the future, also become historic images. Over the next several decades, he took over 3,000 photos of Hollywood. Among the most significant were the ones of the demolition of the old Hollywood Sign and the building of the new sign in 1978.

Torrence made the collection available to the public by developing a website and selling his Hollywood images to customers all over the world. In addition to amassing thousands of photographs, books, periodicals, brochures and memorabilia, he researched Hollywood and its institutions. In 1979, his first book Hollywood: The First Hundred Years was published. This was the first book to chronicle the first century of the world’s most beloved city. (Edwin O. Palmer published the first Hollywood history in 1937). Fully indexed and illustrated with photographs not previously published, Hollywood: The First Hundred Years quickly became our community’s main reference resource. His articles and Facebook posts supplemented the effort. He’s been generous with his knowledge, equipping Hollywood organizations such as the Hollywood Sign Trust, the Walk of Fame Trust, and Hollywood Heritage with instrumental information about Hollywood’s development and growth.

As Bruce neared retirement in 2019, he began searching for someone to care for his remarkable collection. As two Los Angeles natives with a passion for history, photography, and preservation, my husband Stephen and I embraced the opportunity and acquired his archive.

My work in Hollywood dates to the late 1970s as a co-founder of Hollywood Heritage and founding principal of Historic Resources Group. Stephen’s parents worked in the Ink & Paint Department at Walt Disney Studios from the 1930s to the 1970s. We’ve both worked for decades to support the preservation of historic Hollywood, Los Angeles, and beyond.

Bruce’s collection has now returned home to Hollywood, as a treasured new addition to our family’s own extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia. With the help of our daughter, artist and photographer Carly Caryn, the archive very much remains a family endeavor. We’re committed to making sure this vast collection continues to be enjoyed by the public and used for educational purposes, for generations to come.

As part of the collection’s transition, we’ve created a new website hollywoodphotographs.com to make it easier than ever to find and license thousands of images. This site has a more visual emphasis than the previous version, with brief introductory text in each gallery. The incredible volume of information Bruce researched over fifty years will be available through this blog, alongside my modest takes on the history of Hollywood. In the coming weeks, we will tell the stories of the photographs, with additional facts about the places which made Hollywood a legend, and contextualize them to provide a new way of looking at the place we call home.

It’s been a true pleasure to familiarize ourselves with the collection, and Bruce’s remarkable scholarship, in depth. His grandfather’s story continues to resonate with me, and it’s remarkable how much of his built legacy survives. Beyond Toberman’s real estate development, his community leadership has been largely forgotten. He and his cohorts built Hollywood and they deserve to be remembered. Bruce’s books and writings did just that, and we will continue to do so in new and different ways.

What does “Hollywood” mean to you? Movie stars, film premieres, the magic of the silver screen? Or the physical place itself, with the architectural icons, hidden gems, and streetscapes that comprise each neighborhood?

The Hollywood Photograph Archive bridges both worlds, with more than 12,000 images taken between 1880 and 2012 that chronicle Hollywood’s evolution from a dusty outpost to a global legend—as well as the community many call home.

You can find almost anything in the collection: from a horse and wagon caravan through the Cahuenga Pass in 1892 to Sid Grauman at his Egyptian Theatre in 1926; beloved landmarks we’ve lost, like the Ambassador Hotel’s Cocoanut Grove and Gilmore Field; to those we still enjoy today, like the Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, and the Palladium.

We hope you enjoy your journey through Hollywood history, and we welcome your questions and comments as we get this new phase of the collection underway. Happy 2020!

~ Christy McAvoy, Historic Hollywood Photographs

#historic hollywood photographs #hollywood #archives #history #vintage photographs #old photographs #preservation #hollywood photos

2 notes · View notes