#we need a piece for Coleman

[zamoimagines]

Women of Abbott Elementary Having a Crush on You (Headcanons)

A/N: I hope I did these ladies some justice because I love them all very dearly. If you guys would like more Abbott content, please let me know! Headcanons are under the cut

Ava Coleman

✧･ﾟ The most obviously flirtatious out of everyone here 

✧･ﾟThe moment she sees you, she knows you’re fine and she wants a piece of you

✧･ﾟ And whatever Ava Coleman wants, she gets 

✧･ﾟShe’d come to the teacher’s lounge every morning just to say good morning and tease you

✧･ﾟGregory Eddie who? 

✧･ﾟEver since you got to the school, any time he speaks when you’re in the room she completely ignores him or tells him to be quiet 

✧･ﾟCalls you a whole bunch of nicknames like baby girl, princess, sugar boo, etc

✧･ﾟWhen you walk away, she’s always staring off after you and proceeds to tell the rest of the staff how gorgeous you are 

✧･ﾟIt gets annoying and uncomfortable for them when she’s constantly like “I hate to see her leave but i love watching her walk away. That body was blessed by Beyonce herself, damn.”

✧･ﾟYou become the first person to know any of her shenanigans 

✧･ﾟAlways calls you into her office and says it’s important, but really she just wants your opinions on her amazon orders 

✧･ﾟLittle do you know she’s just keeping tabs on what you like so she can shower you in surprise gifts here and there 

✧･ﾟYou catch little moments of her being really genuine, and while she’d usually brush them off with the others, she lets them linger when she’s with you

✧･ﾟThat’s how you know she’s got it bad for you, when she breaks that composure and shows you the vulnerability that she doesn’t let anyone else see 

✧･ﾟWhen she catches on that you’re into her just as much, she definitely doesn’t see a point in waiting anymore 

✧･ﾟNo one’s around when she asks and she definitely hovers over you when she asks you out

✧･ﾟMaybe leaning up against the door frame/wall with one arm up to make sure you don’t run off, or she circles you like a vulture- anything to make sure you stay right where she wants you 

✧･ﾟ“Look, baby, you know we got this Kate/Leo Titanic thing going on. Let me take you out. We can see where this goes.” 

✧･ﾟIn which she takes you on the date of a LIFETIME, the rest is history

Barbara Howard

✧･ﾟBarbara Howard is a lady of class. She takes her time with things, even if she wants something very badly 

✧･ﾟBut with that, she wants to make sure that she does everything *right* and with precision 

✧･ﾟWhen you started working, she didn’t seem to notice you much. She made sure to be polite and endearing when she needed to be, but nothing more than that 

✧･ﾟThen, you started making light conversation. You’d even made her laugh a few times, and when you got her on a tangent about gardening or about her favorite music, she noticed something change 

✧･ﾟShe certainly looked at you different and she was sure that she liked you much more now than most of the teachers, maybe as much as she liked Melissa

✧･ﾟSo much so that she started to invite you to sit at her lunch table, and she’d make sure to stop by your room every afternoon to check on you while her students were at recess

✧･ﾟPeople knew it was serious when she went out of her way to do so

✧･ﾟEveryone whispered and drew their theories, but Melissa would be the one to ask in which Barbara Howard would admit… Yes, she liked you more than a coworker.

✧･ﾟWhen she’d realized even more what she liked about you, her affection grew stronger and she started doing little things for you like giving advice on how to deal with difficult children, offering you a hug here and there whenever you needed one, offering to join her during her nail appointments between school hours if you were feeling particularly overwhelmed, and there were even a few times that she’d stood up to people for you that caught the others and yourself completely off guard 

✧･ﾟAnd every time that happened, she’d turn right around and that hard exterior would melt. She’d immediately go soft for you and make sure you were okay and that you weren’t hurt

✧･ﾟBarbara would really wanna tell you at the absolute perfect time, but of course, life doesn’t really work out that way

✧･ﾟShe’d probably save it for something big, like at the Christmas party she and Melissa always have together and she’s even planning it so that it really really means something 

✧･ﾟBut it definitely would just go completely wrong and there would be plenty of mishaps that would get her frustrated enough to retreat back into her room 

✧･ﾟIn which you’d seek her out and knock on her door to ask her what was wrong 

✧･ﾟShe’d close the door behind you and the lights would be dim since it was after school hours and she’d reach for your hand very delicately to say, 

✧･ﾟ“Y/N… Sweetheart, I- I like you very much. And in more than a professional coworker way. You are everything I’ve been looking for, and I’d like to take you out to dinner sometime.” There would definitely be a moment of silence between the two of you before she’d start second guessing herself once again and say, “I’m very sorry if I’ve crossed any boundaries. I should’ve never said anything at all.” 

✧･ﾟYou’d have to tell her that you liked her too almost immediately or else the whole thing would be called off. When you did admit your feelings, though, she’d smile very softly and hold you closer, maybe she’d even give you a very soft kiss to your cheek 

✧･ﾟShe wouldn’t even ask you where you wanted to go or what to do because she has had the perfect date planned out for MONTHS, but you’d love it regardless. Barbara Howard knows exactly how to make things perfect always.

Janine Teagues

✧･ﾟSweet baby angel Janine is so obvious when she has a crush

✧･ﾟSeriously, the minute she first saw you she was like *heart eyes motherfucker* 

✧･ﾟShe’d be really sweet and would be the first to welcome you to Abbott, and would probably ramble your ear off about the other teachers, advice to deal with the students, and then would have a whole bunch of questions about you 

✧･ﾟShe’s like the personification of sunshine whenever she sees you and it’s adorable 

✧･ﾟEvery morning, she’d make sure to say hello to you and would hype you up like

✧･ﾟ“We’re gonna have a great day today, Y/N!” and would try to high five you 

✧･ﾟLots of unintentional innuendos when she’s trying to be wholesome, to which she’ll listen to herself and then immediately be like “I didn’t- Ya know what, I gotta go-” 

✧･ﾟAlways sits next to you at lunch and tells you everything that’s going on with her day

✧･ﾟAnd vice versa, she’d listen to everything going on in your world and offer you support and validation because to her, you deserve every last bit of it 

✧･ﾟWhen Melissa had her over for cooking lessons, she’d bring you leftovers from the next day because she’s always thinking about things she can do for you 

✧･ﾟJacob would finally be the one to tell her she needed to go for it, and she’d be incredibly nervous to tell you (as if you don’t already know) 

✧･ﾟShe’d probably find you walking out at the end of the day and would pull you aside right out of the school and say something like 

✧･ﾟ“Okay- Okay, this is scary and weird, but I’m just gonna do it, okay?” She’d take a deep breath and very quickly admit, “I like you a lot, Y/N. And it’s okay if you don’t like me back- We can just stay friends! I don’t want to ruin everything we have, but I also can’t ignore that I really *really* like you a lot, I’m just really sorry if that’s weird or overbearing-” 

✧･ﾟTo which you would cut her off and admit that you liked her too

✧･ﾟShe’d give you the BIGGEST, prettiest and goofiest smile you’d ever seen her wear in all the time you’d known her 

✧･ﾟDefinitely would be kinda awkward because she wasn’t expecting to get this far, but she’d make sure to plan a very cute, personal date with you full of the fluffiest romance 

Melissa Schemmenti

✧･ﾟWhere to begin with Melissa Schemmenti 

✧･ﾟWhen she likes someone, she knows it and she has every intention of winning them over. Out of all the women (even Ava), Melissa has the absolute most game 

✧･ﾟThe moment you arrive she knows that she thinks you're cute. It only gets better the longer she talks to you and the more she gets to know you 

✧･ﾟDefinitely calls you little pet names like “hon”, “sweetheart”, “angel”, the works

✧･ﾟShe’d always be knocking on your door during her breaks and invade your classroom while you were teaching, just smiling ear to ear to see you in your element with the kids 

✧･ﾟShe’d also wait for you in the halls before classes, before breaks, and before it was time for the end of the day. She always insists on walking you out to your car to make sure no one tries any funny business with you 

✧･ﾟWhenever she got her fancy latte in the morning, she’d always bring you one just to cheer you up 

✧･ﾟAnd any time you were having a hard day, she’d be the first to find you to offer you comfort. Sometimes that meant telling you a weird Schemmenti family story that sounded unreal, other times it was cute joke, and when it was dire, she’d make sure to offer you sweet words of affection and try to let you know how wonderful you are to build you right back up 

✧･ﾟPeople would know it was getting real because Melissa would absolutely start getting territorial over you 

✧･ﾟIf someone so much as breathed around you and it *seemed* like they were interested, she’d start that growling and pacing back and forth like a menacing linebacker 

✧･ﾟIt would get to a point where she couldn’t take it anymore knowing that you weren’t officially hers that she’d find you after everyone was gone from school, maybe in your classroom once Mr. Johnson left for the day

✧･ﾟYou’d ask her what was wrong and she wouldn’t waste any time making her way right up to you and kissing you right on the lips, caressing over your hair sweetly just to drive it home even more 

✧･ﾟShe’d say something like “I like you. I like you a lot, actually, and I think you should come to my place for dinner this week… If you’re interested.” 

✧･ﾟAnd how could you say no to her after a kiss like that? FIND MORE GAY SHIT HERE

[yannaryartside]

Carmy and Luca teach the same way

and who may be the reason

Soooo I have this crazy theory, about what made Luca and Carmy teach the way they do in the present.

Luca and Carmy have a lot of things in common, like their passion and drive (and those tattoos omfg) but I want to bring some attention to how they treat the people who work for them, particularly when these people are making mistakes.

There is this scene in s1x02 in the new york flashback, you see a cook struggling with a sauce and asking Carmy for revision, and he just says something like "Not ready chef, again" he doesn't call her stupid or screams at her, he just gives the instruction even when they are in the heat of service, giving her the opportunity to correct her mistake, while the executive chef (a piece of shit) sends her home immediately, and then proceeds to insult Carmen. From what I have heard, the behavior of the executive chef is pretty common in the industry at this level, and Carmy comes from an abusive household, so who tf did he learn patience from?

Luca also has a "Not right chef, again," with Marcus, while practicing decorating a dessert. He gives him the opportunity to try again, he doesn't insult him or screams either.

You may think this can be their respective personalities. We know Carmy is gentle and generous at heart, he really wants to see people around him be well. But it seems tooo intentional to make both of them say pretty much the same line to somebody they are mentoring.

Both Luca and Carmy give compliments when they like something, and give direct instructions and explanations, even to people who are total newbies, like Marcus (Luca) and Tina (Carmy). Even when the norm in this industry is to make people feel bad so (hopefully) they are too afraid to make mistakes again, preserving a cult to toxicity.

SO HOW THE FUCK CARMY AND LUCA LEARNED TO BE BETTER?

I think it may be HER.

Again, it seems too intentional. The only thing in common between Carmy and Luca is working for her, and both preserve the motto: "every second counts", in their respective businesses. Like, It is a nice motto, but it may have some other feelings attached to it.

Why the fuck did they cast Olivia Coleman, one of the most wholesome and funny actresses now, that tends to be cast in "mother" roles, for this? They also gave her a sweet name: Chef Terry.

Just imagine the young and hungry Carmy and Luca working for this sweet pie. The only time we see her in "Forks" she is sharing a personal story with a person she has never seen, Richie, and is dedicating time and diligence to a task that is way below her pay grade. Carmy and Luca were both "comis" in her restaurant, also known as line cooks, and their roles were like a soldier to a general, they were not making orders, just regular-ass cooks in this great place. They probably had the opportunity to see Chef Terry give orders and pep talks. Probably both shocked at her personality and approach to her business.

All of her employees have this "service" mentality, instead of an "I am gonna look good and smoke you" mentality, that Carmy mentioned in his monologue. All of them have this motivation to make others happy, and they support one another, they support new ideas and crack jokes in their spare time. Like, all their scenes with Richie (that, sorry, had no talent or reputation for them, they just wanted to respect another fucking human being that wanted to improve) speak volumes.

Carmy and Luca could have learned from Chef Terry, that you can build people up, instead of tearing them apart. I think that would make sense.

I NEED THIS FASHBACK. A CONVERSATION THEY HAD WITH HER, OR HER JUST TALKING TO THE STAFF.

Man, and if it comes in a time when Carmy needs to remember how to be a good leader, from the most "mother" chef he has ever work under? Like man....

btw I really recommend this page if you are confused on the hierarchy of the kitchen:

Anyway, this may be a little of a stretch, but I just think it may be really wholesome, thank you for reading!

[hellfirehottie]

California Dreamin’ - Eddie Munson

Chapter Three - Freak

Content warnings: mentions of dr*gs (w**d), alcohol use (everyone is of legal age!!), Eddie being a drunken pathetic simp, lots and lots of fluff! Enjoy!

“Baby if you wanna leave, come to California, be a freak like me, too.

Screw your anonymity, loving me is all you need to feel, like I do.

We can slow dance to rock music, kiss while we do it, talk till we both turn blue.

Baby, if you wanna leave, come to California, be a freak like me too.”

Freak - Lana Del Rey

Thursday / 3:30pm / Detention

Principal Coleman: “Alright kids, you know the drill, get on with your homework, quietly please.”

Nina is sitting at a desk in the library with her History book in front of her, drawing the unamused expression on Principal Coleman’s face in the margin of the page. Eddie bursts through the door.

Principal Coleman: (pinched, annoyed) “Late to detention? Bold move, Mr Munson.”

Nina perks up from her desk, turning around to see Eddie and smiles at him.

Eddie fails to respond with his usual witty remark and finds himself sweating nervously as Nina watches him enter the room.

He takes a deep breath to calm himself and dumps his bag down beside Nina. With faux confidence, he sits beside her and pulls out his Maths book.

Eddie: (quietly) “Hi.”

Nina: (softly) “Hey, Eddie.”

Eddie’s heart flutters in his chest when Nina says his name. His cheeks and nose go pink.

I am so doomed, he thinks.

Eddie: [looking at her doodles] “You’re good at drawing.”

Nina: (shyly) “They’re just doodles.”

Eddie: (softly) “I think they’re good.”

Principal Coleman: [In Eddie and Nina’s direction] “Quiet please, this is detention, not a social.”

Jason: “Yeah, freak!” [Principal Coleman gives him a pointed look, he shifts uncomfortably and carries on with his work]

Eddie rolls his eyes and opens his book.

Ten minutes go by.

Eddie looks in confusion as Nina tries to quietly rip a piece of paper out of her workbook. He smiles softly when he sees her writing something on the paper.

Nina: How did you get caught?

Eddie tries to stifle his laugh as he replies with a smirk.

Eddie: Not my first time deflating Jason’s tires. It’s become a monthly thing.

They both look over to Jason who is glaring at Eddie. Nina looks at Eddie with eyebrows raised, Eddie grins smugly.

Nina: I’m impressed.

Eddie gets butterflies in his stomach as he reads her note. Eddie replies:

Eddie: Someone’s gotta keep him humble.

Nina laughs out loud and snorts, then realises how loud she is in the quiet room and clamps her hand over her mouth, blushing. Eddie’s eyes soften and he smiles at her cute reaction.

You are so fucking cute, Eddie thinks.

Principal Coleman: “Munson! Sloan! This is detention, not a date!” [Both Eddie and Nina go red as other students giggle] “Eddie! Go sit over there.”

Eddie grabs his things in his arms awkwardly, legs like jelly, and slumps down at another desk.

Nina and Eddie shyly look at each other, hearts racing.

Throughout detention they both exchange stolen glances, sticking their tongues out at each other and pull funny faces when they lock eyes.

An hour passes and the students gather up their things and head home.

Nina: (sincerely) “Thank you for detentioning with me, Eddie. It was fun.”

Eddie: (jokingly) “We should do it again sometime. I’ll take any opportunity to piss off Jason.” [Nina shakes her head, laughing.]

Nina: (bashful) “See you around, Eddie.” [Nina walks off to her car.]

Eddie: (softly) “Bye, Nina.”

Friday / 8pm / Hawkins Record Store

Eddie is organising the shelves as Jonathan enters.

Jonathan: [walking through the shop door, the wind chimes by the door ringing] “Hey dude.”

Eddie: (half asleep) “Hey man, what can I get you?”

Jonathan: (sheepish) “Oh, nothing like that today. I’m looking for some music actually.”

Eddie: (sarcastically) “You’re in the wrong store then.” [Jonathan looks at him confused] “Just joking, man.” (bored) “Around the corner to your left is what you’re looking for.”

Jonathan: “Cheers man.” [walking around the corner, shouting back to Eddie] “You got anything suitable for a party?”

Eddie rolls his eyes, annoyed he has to move from his stool in front of the small television. There had been three customers since the start of his 5pm shift.

He walks over to the tape selection, he points to a few pre-made music tapes. Jonathan is looking at the wrong section, eyes red with a dumb grin on his face: clearly stoned.

Eddie: (amused) “Will these do?”

Jonathan: “Sure, I’ll take them all.”

Eddie walks him over to the till. Jonathan comically dumps all five cassettes onto the counter.

Eddie: [scanning the tapes] “What’s the occasion?”

Jonathan: “Steve’s having people over at his tonight and Robin said his Mom’s collection of Cyndi Lauper and Bruce Springsteen records wouldn’t suffice.” [a lightbulb goes off over his head] “Oh yeah! He told me to tell you to come along.”

Eddie: (sarcastically) “Thanks for remembering.”

Jonathan: [embarrassed, awkward] “Sorry man, mind is a bit, y’know.”

Eddie: (laughing) “Stoned?”

Jonathan: (laughing) “That shit you got me blew my head off.”

Eddie: (smiling) “So when is the party?”

Jonathan: (confused) “Tonight? Did I not say that?”

Eddie: “I meant what time.”

Jonathan: “Oh! Come any time after 9. Or whenever you finish work.”

Eddie: (curiously) “Who is going?”

Jonathan: “Everyone.”

Eddie: [pressing the matter] “Everyone as in our group or everyone as in everyone?”

Jonathan: (dumbly, oblivious) “Everyone as in… people.”

Eddie: (sarcastic) “Super informative, thanks.”

Jonathan: (oblivious) “No problem! See you then!” [Jonathan walks out the door]

Eddie: “Wait!” [the door closes behind Jonathan, Eddie is talking to himself] “I mean, will Nina be there?”

Friday / 11:11pm / Steve’s House

When Eddie enters Steve’s house the music is playing loudly, but he is relieved to see only Nancy, Nina, Jonathan, Robin and Steve there, rather than the whole school. Eddie says ‘Hi’ to everyone and walks into the kitchen to grab a beer. When he turns around from the fridge, Nina is there to greet him.

Nina: “Hello again, stranger.”

Eddie: [breathless] “Hey Nina.”

Nina: “Glad you could make it.”

Eddie: “You too. I mean, obviously you’d be going, what with Robin going and you being with Robin and Robin being Steve’s best friend and…” [flustered, embarrassed] “I’ll be shutting up now.” [Nina giggles at Eddie, he smiles] “Nice to see you. Again.”

Nina: [smiling] “You too.”

Eddie and Jonathan are on the couch, beers in hand, talking. Nina, Nancy and Robin are chatting in the kitchen. Steve is setting up beer pong.

Jonathan: “You should go up and talk to her.”

Eddie: [eyes snapping away from Nina, dumb] “Huh?”

Jonathan: (teasing) “You’ve been staring at Nina all night.”

Eddie: “We’ve only been here an hour.” [Jonathan scoffed, Eddie peeled the label off his beer, shy] “I don’t really know her that well. We sat next to each other once in Science, and had detention together.” [twiddling part of the beer label] “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

Jonathan: “She’s really nice.” [thoughtful] “You two would have a lot in common actually.”

Eddie: [surprised] “We would?”

Jonathan: “Yeah, she’s into the whole tarot-cards-voodoo-witchy-hippie shit you are into.”

Eddie: (curiously) “I thought that was just a rumour?” (offended) “And I’m not into tarot-cards-voodoo-witchy-hippie shit!” [scoffing] “Jesus, didn’t think you, of all people, believed I was some cult leader like the rest of Hawkins.”

Jonathan: “She’s keeping it on the downlow. Trying to avoid attention from Jason and his group.” [Eddie rolls his eyes. Jonathan responds, amused] “And the way Will and his friends follow you around, you almost are a cult leader.”

Eddie: (laughing) “They’re good kids.”

Jonathan: (joking, amused) “Cult leader turned father figure, apparently.”

Eddie: (scoffing) “Fun uncle at best.” [his eyes go back to Nina who happens to catch his eyes, she blushes and continues her conversation with Nancy and Robin.]

Jonathan: “Seriously dude, go talk to her.”

Eddie: “What about? I’m no good with girls and shit.”

Jonathan: (laughing) “And you think I am? I got Nancy by a miracle alone.”

I need more than a damn miracle, Eddie thinks.

Jonathan: “Come on, you haven’t liked anyone since Chrissy.” [Jonathan freezes and winces as Eddie’s eyes cast to his lap] “Sorry man.”

Eddie: [looking at Nina who is dancing in the kitchen with Robin, smiling] “Look at how happy she is.” [looking down at his lap again, taking a gulp of his beer] “She doesn’t need my bullshit.”

Jonathan: [to himself] “Oh boy, sad drunk Eddie came early tonight.”

Eddie: (offended) “I’m not sad.” [hiccuping] “And I’m not drunk either.”

Jonathan: (laughing) “Whatever you say, lightweight.” [shouting over to the kitchen] “Nina! Come here!”

Eddie: [through gritted teeth, to Jonathan] “What are you doing?”

Jonathan: “Wingmanning you, you’re welcome.”

Nina: [walking into the lounge, bottles of beer in hand] “What’s up Jonathan?” [handing Jonathan a bottle] “Refill?” [handing Eddie a bottle]

Eddie: [quietly] “Thanks.”

Nina: (smiling, to Eddie) “Don’t mention it.”

Jonathan: “It seems like Eddie here would like his palm read.”

Eddie: (stuttering) “Huh- I- What?”

Nina: [wary, suspicious] “Sure.” [sitting cross-legged on the couch next to Eddie]

Jonathan: [standing up, clutching his bottle, smug] “Well I’m going to find Nancy.” [smirking at Eddie] “See you guys in a bit.”

An awkward silence lies between Eddie and Nina. Nina looks at Eddie expectantly, Eddie is still fiddling with his beer bottle, not looking at Nina.

Nina: [awkwardly] “So, uh, you want me to read your palm?”

Eddie: [stuttering] “Uh, sure, yeah.” [he wipes his hand nervously on his jeans, placing the palm facing up in front of Nina.]

Nina dramatically clears her throat and takes Eddie’s hand in hers, Eddie smiles nervously, watching Nina’s every move.

Nina: “So this here…” [she trails a pointed black nail across a line on his palm] “Is your life line. It trails off a little bit here which could mean a change in environment or circumstance, maybe a big reality check?” [tracing line on his hand, Eddie holds back a shudder] “And this line is the ring of Solomon, which represents the mental state in the pursuit of mysticism. It sort of reflects your intelligence outside of literary subjects.” [looking up at Eddie, who is looking at her in awe, barely able to pay attention ] “Does that make sense?”

Eddie: [stuttering] “Y-yeah. What does mine mean?”

Nina: [looking back at the lines on his hand] “Yours is a semi circle which means you are talented in performance and have great musical ability, but also show your emotions on your face.” [looking back at Eddie, laughing] “Does that sound like you?”

Eddie: (shy, blushing) “Oh, I don’t know. I’m in a band, I guess.” [eager, awkward] “Keep going.”

Nina: (smiling) “This here, is your intuition line. It’s strong, that’s good.”

Eddie: [smiling brightly] “It is?”

Nina: “Yeah.” [shying from Eddie’s gaze, looking at his palm, frowning] “This here is your health line. There seems to be a bit of a break here, and here, but after that it’s pretty stable.”

Eddie: (sad) “Yeah, that sounds about right.” [Nina looks up at him confused, Eddie shrugs it off, lying] “I was in hospital last year, a few broken bones.”

Nina: [frowning, changing the subject, can sense Eddie’s uneasiness] “This is your heart line.” [Her nail strokes the line softly. Eddie’s heart catches in his throat and he shifts uncomfortably in his seat] “It seems pretty solid, a few stray lines at the start, childhood crushes maybe? But when you’ve found the one, you’re with them till the end.”

Eddie: (breathless) “Really?” [looking at his palm]

Nina: (smiling brightly) “Really. Impressive.”

Eddie: [staring at Nina in awe] “Amazing.” [coughing himself to reality, looking down at his hand] “That’s so cool, thanks.”

Nina: “No problem.” [still holding Eddie’s palm, awkward] “Oh, sorry, here, you can have your hand back. It is yours after all.”

Eddie: (shy) “Thanks.” [gaining confidence] “Where did you learn to do that?”

Nina: [laughing] “California is full of hippies.” [tucking her hair behind her ear, keen] “I like your rings.”

Eddie finds himself fiddling with the silver rings on his fingers, then looks at Nina’s hands; fingers almost as ring-clad as his.

Eddie: (shy) “I like yours too.”

Nina: “So you said you’re in a band?”

Eddie: (shy) “Yeah, Corroded Coffin. We play at the Hideout on Tuesdays.”

Nina: (excited) “No way! I’ve seen your posters around town! That’s so cool!”

Eddie: (smiling but nervous) “Thanks. We don’t get a massive turn-out but it’s fun.” [trying to continue conversation] “So, did you like that album I recommended you?”

Nina: (sheepish) “I actually haven’t listened to it yet.”

Eddie: (hurt) “Oh.”

Nina: (smiling) “It’s been a bit chaotic with unpacking and school, but I will, I promise!”

Eddie: [glancing up at Nina, smiling] “I’ll hold you to that.”

They look at each other for a moment, smiling, happy to be in each other's company.

Nina: [taking a sip of her beer] “So how do you know Robin and everyone?”

Eddie: “We kinda all got thrown together last year. Nancy’s brother Mike is in a club I run.”

Nina: “Hellfire, right?”

Eddie: [blushing] “Right.”

Nina: “What’s the club?” [Nina knows the answer but feigns ignorance; wanting to talk to Eddie more.]

Eddie: [blushing hard] “It’s lame.”

Nina: “Tell me.”

Eddie: [peeling more of the label off his bottle] “It’s a Dungeons and Dragons club.”

Nina: “That’s not lame.”

Eddie: [scoffing] “Yeah, right.”

Nina: “It’s not. Some of my friends back home used to play.”

Eddie: (surprised) “Really?”

Nina: (smiling) “Yeah!” (Shy) “I used to play occasionally.”

Eddie: “No way!”

[cutaway - in the kitchen]

Steve: [entering the kitchen, looking at Nina and Eddie] “They both look snug.”

Nancy: “Leave them be, Steve.”

Jonathan: “He’s finally talking to her.”

Robin: “Wait, Eddie likes Nina back? Fuck yes!”

Jonathan: (laughing) “Are you kidding? He’s been drooling over her since he met her, he’s not subtle.”

Steve: [determined] “Not to cockblock, but beer pong is ready.” [walking out the kitchen]

Nancy: “Wait, Steve!” [she tries to grab Steve but he’s already walking to the couch where Eddie and Nina are, Eddie turns back to face Nancy, holding his hands up dismissively] “Nice one, Steve.”

[back in the living room, cont.]

Nina: (blushing, fiddling with her beer bottle) “I was the group’s sorcerer.”

Eddie: [with wide eyes] “Wow.” [staring at Nina, catching himself, looking at his bottle intently] “Not helping the witch rumours, are you?” [Nina giggles and Eddie smiles shyly] “You could join our group if you’d-“

Steve: [slumping down beside Nina, causing her to fall into his side, he effortlessly puts his arm over her shoulder] “Hey guys, what are you doing?”

Nina: [disappointed by the intrusion but playing it off coolly] “I’m reading Eddie’s palm, Stevie.”

Eddie’s jaw clenched with jealousy at Steve’s nickname and the arm around Nina’s shoulder.

Steve: “Ooh, do mine!”

Nina: (fake enthusiasm) “Sure!” [Nina takes Steve’s palm, faking intrigue] “Hmm, interesting.”

Steve: [dumb, oblivious] “What? What does it say?”

Nina: [with a cheeky grin] “It says you’re an asshole.”

Eddie snorts with laughter and Steve rolls his eyes. Robin and Nancy try to hide their laughter in the kitchen.

Steve: “Nice Nina, real nice.”

Nina: [cheeky] “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

Robin, Nancy and Jonathan enter the living room. Nancy sits over Jonathan on the loveseat, Robin sits on the floor.

Robin: “Are we playing beer pong or what?”

Steve: (whiny) “Nina is bullying me.”

Robin: (smirking) “I take Nina’s side on this, always.”

Jonathan: “Sounds like it was deserved, personally.”

Steve: “I did not invite you guys over to bully me.”

Nina: (smug) “But it’s so easy to do, Stevie.” [she pinched his cheeks and he rolls his eyes]

Eddie: [hiding his jealousy, changing the subject] “So, beer pong!”

1:20am

Robin: [frustrated, drunk] “This is rigged.”

Nina: (smirking) “You can’t rig beer pong, idiot.” [She bounces the ping pong ball into the cup, landing with a splash. Steve and Nina cheer as Eddie and Robin groan] “Yes! Drink up, Eddie!”

Eddie: (groaning) “Fucks sake!” [Eddie chugs his fifth drink of the night] “I think you’re going to kill me.”

Steve: (smug) “Don’t be such a sore loser.” [Eddie rolls his eyes and finishes the drink]

Robin: “I don’t know what you’re talking about King Steve, you’re shit at this!”

Steve: “Am not!”

Eddie: (smirking) “Nina is clearly pulling you through.”

Steve: (offended) “She is not!”

Robin: “She’s cheating, she’s rigged this!” [to Eddie, drunkenly, whisper-shouting, giggling to herself] “She’s a wizard, y’know!” [Nina laughs at Robin’s drunken state] “She’s using witchcraft! Hawkins is doomed!” [Eddie raises his eyebrows at Nina, questioning Robin’s statement. Nina smirks and mouths ‘Sorceress’ back at him, which makes him grin, blushing pink.]

Eddie picks up the ping pong ball and, with some accuracy, manages to get it in Nina’s drink. He bows dramatically as Robin whoops, Nina smiles coyly and picks up the drink.

Nina: [chugging her drink] “Alright Munson, you got one in, don’t let it go to your head.”

Steve takes his turn and dunks the ping pong ball into Robin’s drink, causing her to groan, while Steve runs around the kitchen chanting ‘King Steve!’, ‘King Steve!’ ‘King Steve!’.

3AM

Steve: “So what’s next guys? Spin the bottle?” [he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively]

Nancy: (giggling) “We’re not fifteen anymore, Steve.”

Jonathan: “Truth or dare?”

Robin: “Hell no! We don’t need to see Steve kiss Eddie’s hairy ass again, I will throw up.”

Steve and Eddie turn bright red with embarrassment and Nina giggles on the couch, falling softly into Eddie’s side. Eddie’s heart pounds on his chest and he finds himself smiling down at Nina who is unaware of his loving looks.

Nancy: “What about 20 questions? We can quiz Nina.”

Nina: (blushing, shifting nervously) “We can?”

Nancy: “Not in a bad way! Like a ‘this is your life’ thing, so we can get to know you better.”

Jonathan: [teasing] “Nancy wants to be a journalist, she insists on finding out everyone’s life stories.” [Nancy blushes and shoved Jonathan playfully]

Nina: (uncomfortable, smiling awkwardly) “My life isn’t very interesting, I can promise you.”

Robin: “Sure it is! You’re the coolest person I know!”

Nina: (teasing) “You know about five people Robin, that doesn’t count.” [Robin sticks out her tongue at Nina and she laughs in response] “How about ‘never have I ever’? That way I can find things out about you guys too.”

Everyone agrees and shifts in their seats, awakened by the idea of a new game.

Nancy: “How do you play?”

Nina: [shuffling off the couch to sit on the floor opposite Steve, much to Eddie’s disappointment] “I say something that I’ve never done and if you’ve done it, you drink!”

Robin: [sniggering] “Nina always gets hammered at this game.”

Nina: [scalding] “Rude.” [smirking, cheeky] “I just happen to have a lot of life experience, that’s all.” What kind of life experience? Eddie thinks. “Besides, I’ve had more than enough, I'm the designated driver, I’m not drinking anymore.” [smirking at Robin] “So drink up, bestie!”

As the secrets and laughter are shared and drinks flow, Eddie drunkenly lies down on the couch behind Nina, fiddling with the ends of her hair.

Jonathan: “So how do you and Robin know each other if you’re not actually related?”

Robin: “You know how you have a friend but they’re like family but not related? Nina’s Mom and my Mom are basically sisters.”

Nina: [moving back to the couch beside Eddie, Eddie flops beside her] “My Mom and Aunt Sheryl grew up and went to university together, thus making Robin and I best friends and practically cousins.”

The group nods with an understanding “Ohh!”

Eddie: [suddenly, unaware of how loud he is, dopey, to Nina] “You’re pretty.”

Nina: [grinning, ignoring the jeers from the others] “Thanks, Eddie.”

Eddie: [slumped, drunk, head on Nina’s shoulder, mumbled] “You smell nice too.”

Nina: [blushing] “Thank you.”

Eddie: “Good enough to eat.” [Eddie slaps his face, perhaps a bit too hard in his drunken state] “No! Bad Eddie! No pizza rolls for you tonight.” [Nina laughs hard, careful not to shake Eddie too much]

Jonathan: [shaking his head at Eddie, amused] “Smooth Eddie, so smooth.”

Eddie: “Do you like pizza rolls Nina? I like pizza rolls.”

Nina: [smiling down at Eddie] “Never had one.”

Eddie: (aghast) “What! No way! We must have pizza rolls this instant.” [Eddie grabs Nina’s hand and gets up, going to grab his car keys]

Nina: [jumping up, stealing his keys] “Woah there! No driving for you.”

Eddie: [pouting] “But pizza rolls!”

Nina: [soft, smiling] “We can get some another time.”

Eddie: [eyes hazy, smiling drunkenly] “Yeah?”

Nina: (smiling) “Sure.”

Nancy: “I don’t want to alarm you Nina but Robin has passed out.”

Nina looks over at Robin and sighs, laughing airily at her friend's inability to handle her alcohol.

Nina: “I better take her home.” [Eddie has to hide his disappointment that the night is over] “Come on Eddie, home time.”

Eddie: [blushing] “Huh?”

Nina: “I’ll give you a lift home, you’re in no state to drive.”

Eddie: [wobbly] “I’ll have you know I am perfectly fine-“ [Eddie stumbled pulling on his jacket and knocks the vase off the table, fumbling quickly to catch it, smiling sheepishly at Steve with the vase in his hands] “Oops.”

Steve: [to Nina] “For that, you should make him walk home.”

Nina laughs and grabs her keys, shaking Robin softly to wake her up.

4AM / Nina’s car

Eddie: (giggling drunkenly) “She’s a witch, did you know she’s a witch, Robin?” [Robin mumbles in her sleep, pushing Eddie away] “She’s a witch, and I’m a wizard, and we’re going to start a magical coven thing together!” [Nina smiles with amusement as she looks at Eddie and Robin in her rearview mirror] “She’s put a spell on me, she’s hexed me, she’s bewitched me!” [shaking Robin] “Robin! She’s bewitched me, you’re my beer pong partner, you’re supposed to protect me!”

Nina: (smirking) “You’ve bewitched me, body and soul.”

Eddie: (blushing, confused) “Huh?”

Nina: (smiling) “Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austin.”

Eddie: (in awe) “Wow.”

Nina: “And for the record, I’m not actually a witch. I just find that sort of stuff interesting.”

Eddie: “So you’re like a nerd, huh?”

Nina: [eyebrows raised, surprised] “Pardon?”

Eddie: [drunk] “You like D&D and can quote literature from memory, you’re a closet nerd.”

Nina: [offended but laughing] “I am so not!”

Eddie: (teasingly) “I’ve seen you in Science, you’re a massive nerd.”

Nina: “I am not!”

Eddie: [cheeky] “You so are, behind that tan bad girl exterior you’re a big nerd like the rest of us.” [Nina stares at him, mouth wide in shock] “It’s okay, we’re all nerds too, you’ll fit right in with us freaks.”

Nina: (flirty) “Wow, a giant nerd and a freak? You’re wooing the pants off me here, Eddie.”

Eddie: [to himself, not realising how loud he is] “Ha! I wish!”

Nina: [concerned, laughing an airy laugh] “You’re trying to get into my pants, Munson?”

Eddie: (drunk, drawing on the condensation on the window) “I just want to be around you. I think you’re really cool.” [Nina blushes, Eddie tracing his palm, giggling to himself] “You read my palm. It tickled.” [Nina watches him, smiling] “Felt all tingly.”

Nina: [warmly] “You okay there tiger?”

Eddie: [slumped in the seat] “I’m great! Happiest I’ve been in a long time.”

Nina looks at him concerned, picking up on Eddie’s slight sombre tone.

Eddie: [hiccuping, words slurred] “I’m not usually like this, you should know.”

Nina: (curiously) “What are you usually like?”

Eddie: “Loud, usually don’t give a fuck.” [quieter] “I feel different when I’m around you.”

Nina: (worried, hurt) “Why? You don’t have to be.”

Eddie: [shyly] “You make me nervous.”

Nina: (teasingly) “Cute.”

Eddie: [bluntly] “Do you like Steve?”

Nina: [concentrating on the road] “Well, yeah! He’s really nice.”

Eddie: “Oh.”

Nina: (confused) “I think everyone’s really nice.”

Eddie: “You shouldn’t like Steve.”

Nina: (amused) “I shouldn’t?”

Eddie: (cheeky) “Nah, he won’t get you like I get you.”

Nina: “And how’s that?”

Eddie: [looking at her lovingly, giddy] “He’s too normal. You don’t need normal. You need a freak, like me.”

Nina: (warmly) “Freaks together, right?”

Eddie: [with a sleepy drunk smile] “Exactly!”

Next Chapter : Chapter Four - Fall for Me

[oswincoleman]

Jenna Coleman’s new show, “The Jetty” is launching at the BBC studios showcase as one of the main attractions this week. Distributors from around the world will be able to acquire it as well.

BBC Studios is betting that The Jetty can be a global hit

The link also features an interview with Jenna Coleman (who plays the leading role of Ember Manning), executive producer Elizabeth Kilgariff, and writer Cat Jones. Here are some of the highlights:

Coleman: “What I enjoyed so much about Ember is that her good character traits are also her flaws – her pride and her beating down the door and not being able to give up, and her arrogance in certain ways. All of those traits that are her best bits are also her flaws. So we see her turning in on herself all the time. We really see her in so many extreme, complex, emotional segues.”

“Ember goes on a big journey across the four episodes. We don’t let her off the hook at all. But she is always quite badass. And she’s really funny,” Kilgarriff says. “She is that person who might say the wrong thing, but you just love her, because she’s just so cool.”

“We talked about Jenna playing Ember even before I think we had the green light.”

Kilgariff: “We’ve got Archie Renaux playing her sidekick, Hitch. It’s a very interesting relationship. It starts out very much like, “oh God, he needs to learn from Ember,” and Ember is a sort of older sister, teaching him the way. But as we go along, there are moments where he just will say things that make her sort of stop and perhaps second-guess herself a little bit.”

Coleman: “That is a dynamic that gives us so much of the humor in the show.”

I can’t wait for people to see Ember. I think she was a pretty cool character on the page. But what Jenna has done with her is amazing. You know that thing where you’ve got two friends, and you know when you introduce them, they’re going to love each other. That’s how I feel about audiences meeting Ember. She’s just exactly the person you’d want if you’re in trouble. She’ll sort it out. And she’ll make jokes about it as well. She’s fun to be with.

Could we see more of Ember in the future?

Kilgarriff: “The show works very well, it is very satisfying as a piece, which I think is really important for the audience. Saying that, but I don’t want to give anything away, I would love to see her back again. And I do think the audience is going to respond to her in an incredibly positive way. So, yeah, it would be wonderful. But we don’t know that.”

Jones: “It’s really funny. I hope so. You’re very funny, Jenna. And she’s a very entertaining character. There are lots of scenes of Ember and Hitch in cars, driving around places. I would love to do a spin-off show of just Ember and Hitch driving around, just talking about things. They’re so entertaining. There’s not enough space to have as many of those scenes as you want.”

Kilgariff: “It’s really fun watching it in the edit, I have to say. Ember and her mother, I think, Amelia and Jenna, they are fantastic. I can see a spin-off in those two as well. I think lots of people will identify with that relationship. It’s very moving and very funny. So it just feels very real.”

[straightbaittournament]

only the option with the LEAST votes will be eliminated. propaganda under the cut (and more always welcome!):

kit tanthalos and graydon hastur:

Classic arranged marriage trope but the she-hates-him part never goes away because she’s in love with her best friend/bodyguard Jade

alexa, liana, jeremy, and ian:

the Only barbie animated movie where the girl(s) do not end up with a guy. alexa & liana live together and enact a ton of romantic tropes together, the twin guys do flirt with them but then the girls are separated from them by... a magic rainbow. they do dance together at the end of the movie... before the girls leave to go live together again. wearing dresses that are literally the bi and lesbian pride flags. no joke. cottagecore wlw separated from potential male love interests by literal magic rainbow the gayest barbie movie

tobias funke and debrie bardeux:

Debrie starred in a series of softcore gay porn films called Straightbait where she seduces a guy but tells him he has to sleep with another man before he sleeps with her to prove how attracted to her he is, thus proving he isn’t gay. Tobias is also super gay. They date for like 40 episodes and raise a son together. Tobias gets left by his first wife for not being sexually attracted to her and then has an affair with a gay porn actress from a series called straightbait I just think it’s pretty funny.

haruhi fujioka and hikaru hitachiin:

Haruhi x Hikaru from ouran high school host club. Yes i know she technically gets together with another boy in the end, but there is something so Queer about this ship in particular. Their whole date episode is just screaming Not Straight. For both of them.

ash ketchum and misty:

They’re basically set up as a kind of enemies to friends story and they make recurring jokes about how she clearly has a big crush on him, but nothing ever happens My childhood, i shipped them when I was 10

cali and flynn:

It starts off as a one-sided crush on Flynn’s side, and later becomes mutual when Cali develops feelings for him in the Skylanders IDW spin-off comics, their romantic tension lasts for most of the franchise (five games, a chapter of a spin-off comic, and a few bits and pieces in the spin-off books and mobile games), so far they’ve never gotten together as the franchise is currently still in hiatus mode (says this while on extreme copium) I think we need to appreciate the tropes in Calynn: Opposites Attract, Tough Girl x Himbo, Smart x Dumb, “You’re stupid, I like that in a man” vibes all over this ship! Seven year old me didn’t see Cali calling Flynn her guy in the sky whilst Flynn looked at her with heart eyes to lose to some other pairing!

alec hardy and ellie miller:

They're your classic workplace enemies to lovers. Alec takes the job that Ellie was meant for, they're forced to work together on a devastating murder case, they bond. Over three series Alec becomes more human and lets his walls down around Ellie, and she begins to respect and trust him as a colleague and as a friend. Its a Big Deal when they hug. In most cases, especially when it's an m/f detective duo, they would end up together. But yet. Thee David Tennant and Olivia Coleman did not even have an aborted kiss or feelings confession. Neither of them end up with anyone else but they don't hint at anything at the end either. Queer Ally of all time David Tennant does straightbait ironically.

good luck everyone! now go vote!

[imichelle-l-rigby]

Reflections: Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition

Season 3, episode 4

✨almost 2 weeks late✨

———————————————————————

*I am a music prof (predominantly classical vocalist), and I LOVE listening to Cillian’s music choices! That being said, sometimes I won’t like a song simply because of a vocalist (it’s a professional hazard - sorry!) 👩‍🏫

** The following are my own observations/opinions. We may not agree, and that’s ok! That’s what makes music fun! 😊

*** I wouldn’t say I’m well-versed in Cillian’s music preferences, but I do enjoy them (for the most part). I always wind up adding to my own playlists after listening to Cillian’s recommendations.

———————————————————————

Hi everyone, thanks for your patience! Here are my thoughts on episode 4:

🎵Set 1 (Makondi - Theme from Failure)

Makondi: percussion makes me so happy! 😊 no specific thoughts other than there needs to be more percussion songs heard in the mainstream.

Hey Dostla!: ok but the background rhythm reminds me of the “Lip Gloss” song by Lil Mama and that’s all I hear now ��

Theme from Failure: I like the gradual building of rhythmic layers. Again, definitely inspired by minimalist/tape looping technology from the ‘60s. More importantly, this song had me rolling! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

🎤Talking Break:

Of course he prefers Autumn (or as I say, Fall, because I’m American and “leaf fall down”😂)

Of course he watches an old movie by the fire during a rain shower.

“Inane anecdote”

An exclusive!!!!

Oooohhh… playing with Ornette Coleman!

Awwww, sweet that he’s using music that his kids recommended!!

Fun - more Nina! 😊😊😊 and yes, now I wanna know why she hated this song/album.

🎵Set 2 (The Family - Time Is On My Side)

The Family: this is sooooo “trendy” for Nina! I need to listen to more of her discography rather than singles. I’m not sure how often she went more “pop” than jazz, and now I wanna know.

Please Don’t Go: Stevie!!!!! 😍😍 his voice is sooooo smooth! I could just listen to him all the time. And I like the chord qualities in this piece - it’s not an out-of-the-box chord progression, but it’s also not cookie cutter. There’s depth to what he gives without it going overboard.

Irma Talks: yes!! 😂

Time Is On My Side: I looooove this song! I think this is a very singable range (I know that sounds weird, but a lot of songs today are in difficult ranges for most of the population. This is pretty accessible).

🎤Talking Break:

I love how he takes these big long inhales before he talks, like he’s been through a taxing day or something 😂

I haven’t heard “iteration” more than usual… 🤔

🎵Set 3 (Come Down Easy - Kim’s Sunsets)

Come Down Easy: patterned off early rock, for sure! It’s even got that whiny/tinny vocal tracking. The weird drone is cool! Idk how to describe it other than the sound of the wind when you’re driving with your car windows rolled down 😅😂

Kim’s Sunsets: interesting harmonies, but I hate the vocal qualities here! 😖😖😖 I like it instrumentally, but vocally, this is an ick!

🎤Talking Break:

Nice! Instrumental music!

My Russian is no better, no worries!

I do love old film music, and it’s interesting to hear what was being used in Soviet film music, especially! I could go on, but y’all would prob find that boring 😅

🎵Set 4 (Boys and the Sea - Muscle de sable)

Boys and the Sea: I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! The piano sounds almost like French Classical music (a lot of artistic sharing between the French and Russians at one point), and the seagull call recording is so haunting! I kinda wanna watch this film just from listening to this!

Muscle de sable: also a piece featuring random recorded sound clips! Much more modern sounding.

🎤Talking Break:

You can definitely tell his mama taught him French - he’s VERY good at it!

🎵 Set 5 (One Word - Secret Teardrops)

One Word: this is pretty fun!!! 😎 no thoughts, just synth vibes!

Secret Teardrops: I find it interesting that the vocal line is less prominent than the instruments. 🤔 granted, this is not a super skillful vocal line…

🎤Talking Break:

I’m glad you liked Secret Teardrops, Cill, but it’s not my favorite. Sorry 🤷‍♀️

Recent music!

Grief and music is such a complicated relationship.

🎵Set 6 (The Greater Wings - Mole in the Ground)

The Greater Wings: wow. This is so beautiful and touching. I’m in my feelings now.

Mole in the Ground: this transitioned so well from one song to the next! Instrumentally, it’s gorgeous. Sadly, I hate the mumble lyrics. 😖

🎤Talking Break

Ok but so many albums are dropping in my birthday this year!!!

🎵Set 7 (Your Silent Face)

Your Silent Face: very synth. And I did not expect a harmonica in the mix… 😅

🎤Talking Break

Ask a reasonable question!!!

Dude. Why jalapeños on popcorn???? Like… I passionately support all things spicy, but this is a weird one for me

HE IS SHAMING HOT DOGS. I know they’re gross mystery meat, BUT. hot dogs are part of my heritage! 😂 besides, kosher hot dogs are kinda amazing and less gross.

🎵Set 8 (The Heights)

The Heights: this reminds me of something but I can’t figure out what. Either way, this is so atmospheric. I feel like I’m back in HS/early college and life was so much simpler (until you get to the end). That has no objective value; however, that’s what I’ve got!

🎤Talking Break: (sorta)

I don’t guitar, but this is such a great story!!!

Beginning musicians are such a vibe. We all suck but are so brave at the same time. 😂 I kinda miss being a beginner.

Blue Monk: I am LOVING this! Blues picking is fab. 😎

Casbah: ooohhhh. I like this as well! The pedal point is interesting (which is hard to do) and I like how the melody dances all over the place.

🎵Set 9 (Can I Call You)

Can I Call You: why is this spooky??? 😰 in other news, the way the expected chord progression is constantly diverted is cool! And even the structure of the song keeps going in unexpected places. Well-done, but somehow reminds me of Halloween spooky times. 👍

🎤Talking Break:

I love how ppl from across the pond (is that a reasonable way to say from the UK or Ireland?) “Graham” - Americans make it 1 syllable

Yorkshire Man: “the OG Kate Bush, herself”

“Jaunty baroque number”

🎵Set 10 (Bertie - Mirror in the Bathroom)

Bertie: I’m trying to decide if this deserves the term “baroque.” 🤔 Maybe? Most baroque music is polyphonic, and this is still distinctly homophonic. However, it might could qualify for “early baroque inspired” (circa 1600) with the choice of instruments and emphasis on text. I do like this! Definitely agree with the term “jaunty”

Kettle factory! ��️

Mirror in the Bathroom: this is such a weird song but I like it 😂 I’m also starting to wonder if Cillian just likes stuff with sax solos. He’s chosen a lot this season!

🎤Talking Break:

I am shocked it took this long for him to play Zappa

“Obsessed with Frank Zappa” don’t try to downplay it, dude.

🎵Set 11 (Love)

Love: YES this has a major Zappa influence, even with the George Duke component. I haven’t listened to a lot of Zappa (he’s got so much and I honestly don’t even know where to start), but from what I’ve heard, this has his fingerprints all over it.

🎤Talking Break:

I love how concerned he is with lowering our collective heart rates/bpm 😂

🎵Set 12(Heart to Know - The Veil I)

Heart to Know: reminds me of Philip Glass (minimalist composer) a little bit (specifically lulls in his opera Einstein on the Beach).

My heart rate is lowered. 💗

The Veil I: the transition from Heart to this is weird, but I like this song, too! I feel like I’m in a video game with all the electronic sounds.

🎤Talking Break

“Gentle music”

I also wanna see this movie!

🎵Set 13 (Theme de l’eau - Prayer and Procession)

Theme de l’eau: I do often associate flute music with Japanese styles (and some of the non-Western scales), but this also has a Mediterranean feel to it (guitar), and somehow French as well (accordion). Again, there’s a lot of cultural ties between France and Japan, so that’s not super surprising. Yeah. I wanna see what this film is about! I’m curious!

Prayer and Procession: has some Chopin funeral March vibes to it, as well as Protestant chorale/hymn elements.

🎤Talking Break:

Noooo don’t go!

Yay! More song recs from the boys!

“Mind yourselves”

🎵Set 14 (Sleep - Crescent of Sun)

Sleep: … this song does NOT make me wanna sleep! 😳 Cillian Murphy! It is not Halloween yet! Quit with the spooky songs!

I thought he was supposed to be “lowering my heart rate” - psh! I call BS!

20190127: my slightly number dyslexic self hated writing out that title. 🤦‍♀️ anyway, this is MUCH more relaxing of a piece! Another great example of using recorded elements in music. I like how the tones fade in and out like the tide (heard at the beginning I think).

Crescent of Sun: it’s almost like chamber music at the beginning. I’m wondering if the sun is going down or up. The instrument voicing gets higher (indicating upward motion), but the melodic motif goes down. Huh. Interesting!

———————————————————————

Phew! I finally got episode 4 done! Now let’s see if I can crank out episode 5 within the next couple of days before getting to the final episode! (😭😭😭😭😭 this isn’t his real job and it’s a limited series and it has to end soon)

Anyway, thanks for reading!

Tag list:

@iammrsrogers @deliciousnutcomputer @mariamoonie @brownskinsugarplum76 @look-at-the-soul @kj-davis @neverroad @teapothollow @thepurplearmyposts @possessedmarshmallow

[thelonesomequeen]

For sure. His look was boring, bland business casual. Not bad, just nothing we all haven’t seen. And she needs a stylist that is willing to work with her on finding clothes that flatter her petite frame because she has a good body that should be fairly easy to dress.// I totally agree, his look is boring but Chris will never be a fashion icon, he doesn't come across the type of guy that is willing to take risks and use different things, like Pedro does for ex, I think the looks from last summer press tours are the most "different" kind of looks he is willing to try. And Alba would definetely benefit in working with a stylist that knows how to use proportions. One of my ultimate girl crushes is Jenna Coleman, she is the same height as Alba and she always looks taller at events when she worked with a stylist than she does in candids. You can see that whoever choses her outfits for events definetely knows how to flatter her petite frame.

Forever missing the 3 piece suit Dolce and Gabbana era Chris had 😭🦎

[devsgames]

I've Been Playing Postal 2 and I Have Some Thoughts

Since I am both trapped in COVID isolation and also incredibly timely and relevant to all things, I've been playing Postal 2 (2003) because it's something I've owned for a long time and only played once and also because my tiny notebook can't play much else.

I have some thoughts and reflections on it, don't expect anything groundbreaking or insightful here!

(cw: racism, homophobia, violence, abuse)

Recently I saw a post (that I am now failing to locate) that talked about how the punchline of South Park's comedy was largely pointed at one group of people: people who believe in something. It doesn't matter who they are or what they believe in, but if you believe in something strongly enough to have opinions or beliefs about them then you're worthy of derision.

I feel like Postal 2 - like many pieces of post-9/11 media - occupies exactly the same space as South Park does in this regard where the butt of the joke are really any people with strong beliefs, and also some racial minorities thrown in there for good measure.

(Side-bar: as someone who grew up in rural Canada in the post-9/11 era I can't help but notice that a lot of people who enjoyed this type of humor at the time the most tended to be of two categories:

Kids and teenagers who didn't have enough experience to know what they believed yet, but being rebellious teens anything edgy or shock-humory is inherently funny.

Centrists and Right moderates who enjoyed laughing at things like racial minorities and queer people. After all, when you're a member of the dominant social class who have the most power (i.e. white men) everything is much easier to shrug off as 'just a joke' when you have nothing actively threatened by this type of humor.

Inevitably kids who started in group 1 either grew out of this type of humor or turned into group 2 and made this humor their whole personality)

The game opens with some casual spousal abuse which I guess is supposed to be funny. The first enemies the game introduces to you are violent video game protestors, then book protestors, then 'al-Quaeda terrorists' (who all look exactly like Osama bin Laden)...you get the idea. There's an Asian man named "Cock Asian", an Indian man (I think he's supposed to be Arabic, but the assets they use surrounding him are definitely Indian as is his store's name) who runs a grocery store as a front for a terrorist organization, queer people, etc. Gary Coleman is in there for a bit. You can kill cats and dogs. It's all basically exactly what you'd expect from 'edgy 2003 game made by a group of white men'. It goes without saying that these people didn't even associate with any of these minorities when they made this game, because it's certainly not the kind of thing you make if you have any friends who are minorities - but that's just 2003 for you.

One thing that interests me is how apparently the developers and fans made a big deal about how "you don't need to do bad things in this game" and "any bad acts made in the game are by player choice".

Why this is interesting is because by the basic design of the game this is obviously misleading: you're constantly presented with guns, bladed weapons, explosives, ammo, hallways full of enemies... While sure okay **technically** all the objectives are gated by arriving at a certain location, the paths there are littered with violence and people trying to kill you; there's really zero player incentive to act non-violently, so it sounds like an argument a child tries to make to get out of trouble. The player is given about 1000x more incentive to murder minorities in this game than they are to leave them alone, much less learn to love them. It's like saying you don't HAVE to drive if you're playing a racing game, except for the fact you're given a car and nothing else to do. It's sort of the primordial equivalent of Spec. Ops.: The Line's "How could you kill all these innocent people (that we forced you to kill)" angle. When all you're given is a hammer every problem looks like a nail.

The gameplay itself is.......fine I guess? Like it's honestly whatever. Sort of a really simplistic old-school GTA if all there was to do is fetch quests and kill people. The combat is by most accounts pretty substandard, and it doesn't do anything particularly well. I think there was maybe one joke that made me laugh only because it was so extreme and sterotypical that it came more from a place of "holy shit you actually thought this back then" as opposed to a place of comedy. I really wouldn't recommend it from a gameplay point of view even, there's really not much there and what is there is pretty thin.

In 2023 I don't know what I really gained from playing this. The reminder that the post-9/11 era was supremely fucked up and I'm glad that we're no longer making minorities the butt of every joke just because they exist, I guess? Yeah let's go with that.

The whole game just feels to me like something desperately fighting to prove its relevancy, and think if you made this game nowadays it would just be incredibly mediocre even by its own standards. Like it just wouldn't work by any stretch of the imagination.

Wait a minute...

Cool!

[turtlethon]

“Night of the Rogues” (part 1)

Season 7, Episode 19 First US Airdate: November 20, 1993

The Turtles are forced to take on a group of their most notorious foes that have been assembled by Shredder.

We continue our journey through the seventh season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with “Night of the Rogues”. David Wise is the credited writer for this story, which crams in so many notable TMNT characters that one Turtlethon entry isn’t big enough to cover everything! This one will be split into two parts, the second appearing on Saturday.

We kick off today with the Turtles watching April report from outside of a courtroom, where she interviews the city’s crime commissioner. The un-named official takes credit for the recent reduction in crime, a claim that rubs the Turtles the wrong way. Raphael is particularly resentful, feeling that the work the team has been doing in battling evil goes entirely unappreciated. Splinter steps in to suggest that Raph shouldn’t bear any ill feelings towards humans, and that the the team may need their help soon enough.

Following her report April alerts the Turtles to a break in at the city’s Hall of Records. The team arrive to find Shredder, Rocksteady, Bebop and Krang (in his bubble walker) rooting through files. A battle follows that quickly spills out into the street, at which point Shredder grumbles some standard guff about the Turtles pushing him too far, and one of the glaring issues with we’ll have to deal with moving forward becomes apparent: as James Avery has now departed from the series, Townsend Coleman will be our substitute Shreds for today and the remainder of the season.

As Shredder comes out on the losing end of a fight against the Turtles, getting covered in tar in the process, Krang manages to get the documents they came for. He has the villains regroup, leading to their escape via transport module. With the police approaching, the Turtles also retreat. Raphael continues to be bitter, noting that the cops will no doubt take credit for the work carried out by our heroes.

Shredder is seen wiping off the tar in the Technodrome and declares his intention to defeat the Turtles once and for all. Krang tries to have him maintain focus, pointing out that the Scheme of the Day is already in motion and will be a better use of his time, but Shreds won’t listen. Bebop and Rocksteady are keen to help their boss out, but for the second episode in a row find themselves surplus to requirements: this time they’re sidelined in a far harsher fashion than before, both being dropped through a trap door. Shreds declares that Bebop and Rocksteady have failed him for the last time, abandoning his henchmen to begin plotting his revenge against the Turtles.

As the Turtles try to piece together what the Technodrome crew were doing in the Hall of Records, Shredder is seen performing repairs on his old robot Chrome Dome before passing through a portal to Dimension X on a recruitment mission. Later, he returns to meet up with Krang, who again scolds him for not concentrating on their mission, a journey to the sewers to begin an excavation project imminent. Shredder is thrilled at the news as this road trip will grant him an opportunity to invite other villains to join his new anti-Turtle faction.

We briefly check in with The Boys, who remain trapped in the shaft beneath the trap door. Rocksteady worries that they may spend the rest of their lives in this confined area, but Bebop quips it may only be for the rest of the episode. Meanwhile April checks through computer data for the Turtles and finds that the records stolen by Shredder and Krang relate to the layout of the sewers in 1895. Unbeknownst to our heroes, their old foes are already at work underground. Krang informs Shredder that the stolen notes point out an area where the workers were unable to drill down and place a pillar, a sign that whatever lies beneath is impossibly tough. Disinterested, Shredder wanders off to work on building his new gang.

The Turtles use the details provided by April to approach the area where Krang has set up his excavation project, but encounter Shredder along the way. The masked villain announces that he’s fighting his hated foes for the last time, leading Raph to counter by asking if this means he’s leaving the show (a joke that’s a little on the nose given that Shredder’s voice actor just did). Shreds reveals to the Turtles his new all-star villain team, five of whom are established characters who have appeared in previous episodes alongside two who are new to the show. Let’s look at each of them in the order they’re revealed:

THE RAT KING (Townsend Coleman): One of the most prominent recurring bad guys outside of the Technodrome crew, the Rat King is a burly fellow who resides in the sewers and commands an army of rodents. Carried over from the Mirage TMNT comics, he first appeared in the ‘87 cartoon in “Enter the Rat King”, which established his desire to capture Splinter and have the ninja master do his bidding. Rat King’s prominence and status declined following the destruction of his hypnotic flute by Splinter in “Were-Rats from Channel 6”, only making two additional appearances in the years that followed.

SLASH (Pat Fraley): Introduced in season four’s “Slash - The Evil Turtle from Dimension X” (which is also how Shredder introduces him here), Slash is a super mutant turtle who began life as Bebop’s secret pet before becoming a deranged villain hell-bent on finding the palm tree from his old pet bowl, which he refers to as his “binky”. His debut episode ended with him being sent into Dimension X in a rocket designed to transport garbage. He would return in season six’s “Donatello Trashes Slash”, having had super intelligence bestowed upon him following an encounter with a group of aliens. After a fall that restored him to his usual dopey self, Slash was sent back into space by the Turtles.

LEATHERHEAD: A Cajun alligator transformed following the contamination of a Florida swamp, Leatherhead debuted in the season three adventure “Leatherhead: Terror of the Swamp”, an adventure in which the Turtles would travel to the Everglades to aid their old friends the Punk Frogs. After his defeat, he would resurface in New York a few episodes later that year in “Leatherhead Meets the Rat King”, which set up a rivalry between the two villains. Season four saw the two bad guys patch things up to take on the Turtles together in “Splinter Vanishes”. Normally voiced by Jim Cummings, today the role is handled by Townsend Coleman.

TEMPESTRA (Gaille Heideman): A video game boss brought to life, Tempestra was defeated at the conclusion of the only episode she appeared in – season four’s “Leonardo Versus Tempestra” - having been sucked back into the circuit board of the arcade machine she originally emerged from. Now she’s back... somehow?!

SCUMBUG (Barry Gordon): A mutant cockroach appearing here for the first time, possibly at the request of Playmates although given that his toy was released in 1990 the retail window for this figure had likely passed by this point. His file card bio explains that he was an exterminator hired to deal with a roach problem in the Technodrome that wound up being mutated. Whether this origin applies to the TV incarnation of the character is anyone’s guess. It’s implied that the Turtles have had prior interactions with Scumbug off-screen that we as viewers never witnessed.

ANTRAX (Pat Fraley): The other new character introduced here, Antrax is an axe-wielding alien ant who is said to be Krang’s executioner from Dimension X. This is consistent with the file card bio for his toy, which like Scumbug’s was a few years old by the time this episode made it to broadcast.

CHROME DOME (Peter Reneday): A giant robot warrior who was introduced at the conclusion of the prime-time special “Planet of the Turtleoids”. Chrome Dome was swiftly defeated by the Turtles, and hasn’t been seen again in the series until now; while still towering over the other villains, he’s considerably smaller here than he was in his first go-around.

Shredder’s new strategy involves paying the assembled group of villains to finish off the Turtles for him, presumably with the thinking that if each of them was able to get somewhat close to defeating our heroes individually, then together they can pull it off. He leaves the team to do their thing, and initially this strategy seems effective as the Turtles are forced to fall back. The Rogues – I suppose we can use that as their collective name – pursue the green team, each of them using their own unique skills and powers to put their enemies on the defensive.

Regrouping, the Turtles are forced to accept Raphael’s original suggestion of retreating, but find themselves backed into a tunnel where the only means of escape is via a steep drop into the sewer’s streams. The group take the plunge, with the villains keen to follow them until Rat King points out there are countless directions that the sewer system could have flushed them down.

At this point, we get the worst “ah gah-rawn-tee" in the history of the series. I wonder if Townsend Coleman was asked to dutifully fill in for James Avery and Jim Cummings at the last second, because none of the usual energy he brings to the role of Michaelangelo is present in his performances here as Leatherhead or Shredder. Anyway, Tempestra seems to be emerging as the effective leader of The Rogues, and suggests they draw the Turtles out of the sewers by creating chaos above ground.

The Rogues split into duos, with Chrome Dome and Antrax destroying civil war statues while the Rat King and Slash target a pizzeria. A ceremony is taking place outside “Ye Olde Pizza”, where a man explains to a crowd that the business was the first restaurant built in the city, “over 400 years ago”. Did Walter Raleigh found this fucking enterprise?! Rat King and Slash watch as the building is officially recognised as a historic site – I mean yeah, I guess it really would be – and therefore it’s precious enough to be worth destroying to attract the attention of the Turtles. Rat King apparently has a new flute, either that or David Wise has forgotten that he had the flute destroyed in season four. Waves of rats emerge from the sewers and begin chewing on the building’s foundations.

Tempestra causes chaos at Channel 6, creating an indoor storm that allows Burne to get a great one-liner in about having “to cancel the news on account of the weather”. Vernon tries to escape but is captured by Leatherhead.

April uses her Turtlecom to inform the Turtles of the various upheavals being caused by The Rogues. The Turtles pick up on the real intentions of the villains, figuring that if they show their faces, they’ll be doing exactly what they’re expected to. Raphael suggests that this is an indicator they should allow the humans to deal with things on their own, but is outvoted by the others who remind him that they’re “supposed to be heroes”, and reluctantly ends up tagging along.

Shredder meets up with Krang, whose excavation project is about to hit paydirt. The masked villain suggests that the reason everything seems to be going so well is that Bebop and Rocksteady aren’t around to mess up. Back in the Technodrome, The Boys have been stuck in the trap door shaft for so long that they start wondering if Shredder is okay, and begin looking for a means of escaping in order to help him.

Leonardo confronts both Chrome Dome and Antrax as they destroy the city’s stock exchange building. Initially Leo puts up a good fight, but it doesn’t take long before he’s captured. Elsewhere, Michaelangelo fittingly steps in to save Ye Old Pizza from Rat King and Leatherhead, but has the entire building dropped on him before being restrained too.

Scumbug seems to have been tagging along with Tempestra and Leatherhead this entire time, getting no screen time during the whole villainous city rampage bit until now. He winds up cornering the remaining Channel 6 crew of Burne, Irma and April on his own, until Donatello and Raphael step in. The Turtles find themselves defeated as the roach mutant uses his toxic gun to create a hole in the floor; Tempestra then emerges and uses her weather ability to knock her enemies through it. Leatherhead is close by, and together the three villains manage to restrain Donnie and Raph with an energy net.

Having captured all four of the Turtles between them, the reunited Rogues shove the green teens into a room within the roof-mounted mascot statue of a pest control company. Chrome Dome produces a time-controlled disintegrator that will vaporise anyone and anything in the vicinity when it goes off, and the group leave the Turtles to die as the second act ends.

...Continued in the next Turtlethon entry - see you on Saturday!

[kittystargen3]

Summary: Alternate Universe- What if Anakin's mother survived and Anakin never went dark side. Padme has the twins on Tatooine and survives. Anakin tries to help the surviving Jedi, while still keeping his family secret. Meanwhile Darth Sidious has been crowned emperor and is going after the remaining Jedi. Rumors have it he's looking for a new apprentice. Anakin gets to be a daddy.

Today I added a new chapter for Return of the Survivors. Below is a small selection. Please click one of my links above to read more.

Chapter 95 - Malachor’s Foil

The door opened and slammed shut.  Beru winced and shook her head.  “He didn’t agree?”

“No.” Her boy frowned and slouched at the table.  “He didn’t even listen.  Says I have to stay for another growing season.  It’s not like I’m asking to join the empire.  I’d just be going to see Uncle Anakin and the rebellion.”  

I know, but your Father and Uncle don’t exactly agree on what constitutes a responsible citizen and the like.  Call me selfish, but I’m glad he said no, for I would miss you terribly.”

“Oh Mom,”  Mace-Ti turned, and she opened her arms to him, insisting on a hug.  He gave way a few seconds later and embraced her back.  They hadn’t started using the familiar terms with him, but then when he was six, he went through a phase where he named her Mamma-Beru, and it melted her heart.  He still knows about his birth mama, She’s Mamma-Maris.  And his birth father, Papa-Tel-Mac, though no one talks about him as much.

“Mamma, I just don’t feel like I’m meant to stay here, and live the life of a moisture farmer.  Leia was my age when she went to join the rebellion.  I just want to take that time to figure out where I am meant to go.”  

Beru nodded.  “I hear you.  Why don’t you go wash up for dinner.”  At her ushering her boy disappeared down the hallway further into the home.  She grit her face with determination.  Owen would be returning home soon, and she’d have to talk with him.  A conversation she was going to hate, but a conversation that needed to happen.  

***

Obi-Wan followed Anakin to the open space outside of the facility built on Dagobah.  “Where did you learn of all these ancient Practices?”  He asked.  In his time as a Padawan, the youngling turned his nose up at history, and even this was a pretty trivial piece of the subject.  

“The old Sith empires were built on slavery.” he shrugged.  “I enjoy stories of Jedi actually doing what they should’ve been doing.  And besides, since I’ve been in charge, and we’ve got an actual Sith out there, I figured why not research similar times.  The rebellion may not have access to the Jedi archives, but their database on Jedi history is still quite large.”  

Obi-Wan nodded.  “I’m impressed.”

Anakin smiled.  “I always said I’d get that research paper done one of these days.”  

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.  While they were talking, Five other members of the Council joined them.  It was the most they could gather in such a short timeframe.  

“Alright everyone,” Anakin projected his voice.  “We come together to see the trial of Tel-Mac Linnon, who has since gone by the pseudonym: Darth Vader.”

Master Coleman raised a hand.  “I thought he was already tried by the Rebel Alliance.”

Obi-Wan stood with his hands behind his back, allowing his former Padawan to negotiate this difficult situation.  It was true, he had been tried.  But the Trial Anakin was referring to here wasn’t a legal trial in a court of law.  

“By the Jedi Code, no formal execution is to be made of anyone, foreign power or loyalist, except for two circumstances.  One, that the individual has taken up Sithly teachings, and spread them amongst the Jedi.  Or two, that he had been trained in the Sithly ways and is a practitioner of their methods.  This trial is how the Jedi of old used to determine whether either is taking place, or if there is anything left to save.”

“Save.  Ha!”  There was a low rumble of reaction to his words.  Most Jedi still remembered their colony on Melren and how he attacked it.    

Anakin didn’t stop.  He walked between the gathered Jedi and lectured with his hands behind his back.  This made Obi-Wan aware of where his own hands were, and he relaxed them forcibly by his side.  

“While it is true, in recent years this old piece of the code has been mostly forgotten.  I think even Master Windu would’ve cut the head off any Sith brought in and questioned it later.” Anakin paused here, but his audience didn’t laugh.  “We are, unfortunately, in circumstances they weren’t in.  I want the Jedi, under my leadership, to be a group that stands up for justice and not just vengeance.  Now, Tel-Mac has a couple of things to his favor.  First, he was trained with our own.  And he wasn’t turned in the usual manner.  Healer Youlao has examined his Force Presence and commented to me that he feels strange to her.   In the old times, it was not completely uncalled for a Sith, even one as bad as Vader here, to pass this Trial.  If Tel-Mac passes the trial, I will see that he is given every chance of turning back, without endangering our younglings.  If it means throwing every form of Therapy in the Systems at him while he remains imprisoned here, then so be it.”

There was a rustle amongst the Councilors gathered, and Coleman was pushed to speak for them.  “While I cannot pretend to have the same hope for him, I am glad you are considering protecting our younglings.  Very well, If he proves he deserves it, let him stay here on Dagobah.”

“Thank you, Master.”  Anakin nodded.  “Anyone else?”  Eyes almost closed in glares, but no one opened their mouth to share any dissent. Then he turned to Obi-Wan to nod.  “Good.  Go tell the healers to send out the Prisoner.”  

Obi-Wan bowed, then turned to follow the command...  

[division-d]

The Power of Mentorship

April 24, 2023

By Drue Moxley, Copywriter  

If you’ve ever been thrown into a new job with zero direction, then you’re probably familiar with the overwhelming feeling of stress that comes along with it. On top of feeling like the ‘new kid,’ you’re left to fend for yourself in an industry you might not have experience in. It’s not enjoyable, is it?

Eventually, you either figure things out on your own (kudos to you) or become so frustrated that you start looking elsewhere – without the assurance that it won’t happen again.

So, what’s the problem?  

You didn’t have a mentor to lead you in the right direction!  

Whether you’re just entering the workforce, transitioning to a new position, or completely altering your career path, having an experienced team member’s guidance is always in your best interest.  

Training is one thing, but the advice you’ll receive on navigating situations and minimizing challenges from someone who’s been in the game longer than you is essential to your professional development.

“Digital Advertising is a constantly growing industry with much to cram into your brain at one time, and that can be overwhelming, so I strive to be a mentor that helps make learning it all a little easier.”

- Taylor Coleman, Mentor

How do mentors help?  

They’ve been in your shoes, dealt with pressure as a newbie, moved through imposter syndrome, established their sense of purpose, and eventually became successful and confident enough to let you in on their tricks of the trade.  

Becoming a mentor is a process, but rest assured, if you’re assigned a mentor, you’re in good hands.

A mentor is like a professional older sibling. Think about it; they’re more developed, acclimated to office culture and day-to-day expectations, and eager to help you achieve your goals.

“Throughout the entire learning process, my mentor helped encourage me, allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them, and proved to me that I had the skills I needed to truly be successful in a sales role.”

- Lauren Faulkner, Mentee 

At Division-D, mentorship is a fundamental part of our company culture.

When you join our team, our priority is to make you feel comfortable, supported, and ready to take on any task.  

Fostering incredible dynamics is an aspect of Division-D's culture we take pride in. Our leadership team, including mentors, is here to encourage you until you find your workload balance.  

So – what does the process look like?  

The mentor-to-mentee dynamic at Division-D includes one-on-one weekly check-ins where questions are answered and concerns are addressed. Mentors also oversee mentee tasks, approve work once complete, and provide guidance where needed.

“My mentor has been such a huge help when it comes to answering questions that my clients have, guiding me through tasks I haven’t done before, checking over my work, and providing helpful and detailed feedback.”  

- Mackenzie Helms – Mentee 

Mentorship is a powerful tool in the workplace.  

Take advantage of every moment, meeting, piece of advice, correction, and then some, and watch your confidence grow and reflect in the work you’re putting out. Who knows, you might even become a mentor yourself!  

Ready to find a company that’s enthusiastic about mentorship? We’re hiring! See here to apply.

READ OUR LAST ARTICLE: How to Forecast and Calculate the ROI of SEO [With Template]

[allthenewzworld]

Studies have shown women fall asleep faster and spend more time in deep sleep, suggesting a greater need for sleep. 🤔

Insomnia, depression and hormone changes are common sleep disruptors for women. Sleep expert Tom Coleman said there are a number of reasons women require more rest. "There is some debate about this; one piece of research indicated that women use more of their brains", he said.

"We do know that women also spend more time in deep sleep than men. Deep sleep and light sleep are equally important - a lot of the physical restorations and repair are happening in deep sleep and a lot of the psychological repair is happening in light sleep."

How many hours of sleep do you need? 😴

Read more at link in our bio.

[the-firebird69]

and he wanted to start with crappy ones. There are several shops that make crappy ones and they would look correct and we could make the canopy open all the way forwards and things would look a little odd and we could make it for this particular car and he wants to do that and then change the car just like they did the GT and have like two people trying to make it or three and that's what they heard is at three we're gonna go ahead with that idea it's an outstanding idea and way to do it It's an outstanding idea and a great way to do it the thing is that the design would be simplified we'd still have to have the cooling and the intake when the sides but it would go into a channel and just into the compartment we would have fence and it would just open up and we'd have the top vent and it would just open up to it and we'd have critter control you need that little bugs you have to be careful with but we have that it little bugs you have to be careful with but we have that it would have some space in the trunk but if it's mid engine the front has very little space always the dash and and things would be similar well it would be the same it would make the new. The concept is we would have some mid level fiberglass companies making composite panels they'd be solid and good for update 100 miles an hour but nobody goes that fast but that's what we have to do the enclosures will be OK the caves will be OK the parts would be performance but not very high performance and so forth and the kit would probably cost under $20,000 Tons of people would buy it because it's cheaper and we might try and trim it down to 15,000 and have an ad of 2500 for the mid engine and people will buy the mid engine by the way the car would be about the same size yeah the same dimensions same everything but would be cheaper.

CHEVY CRUZ These vary on the year if you bought a 2015 with about 45,000 miles it's about $4500 that's kind of the average for this car when it's in decent shape as you get newer it's more money about $7000 for 2020 it has 50,000 miles it's not that big of a difference and you can buy a 2010 for about $2000 it has 50,000 70,000 miles but you want to think about it when you're racing around it's a high performance motor but it's not really very high performance no.

CENA KIT This kit would include it all it's a drop on just like the Vader and it would be probably about $15,000 it would include everything you need and it would have all the hinges and everything and the body would come in almost one piece with the windows attached and most of the items attached even the tail lights the headlights and everything and just be to plug in and we want to do it that way it would be painted very similar colors it might come in different colors instead of just two tone you paint it all black it looks outrageously cool. Comes with tires and rims and all the hardware you need all the wiring harnesses you need the dashboard the gages coming in the gear shifter seats flooring all the forms you need for the backseat and the trunk and the engine compartment everything is provided.

ADD FOR MID ENGINE A lot of people wanna do this it will be a mid engine conversion it will come with a cradle and for this model it will be $2500 and the harnesses everything will be different transactional will be included and that includes an axle by the way it's about 5 feet long and a connection to your motor now son wants to build one to see if he can do it and the motorway is about £350 and by the time he gets the money he'll be able to lift it up and he wants to do that too and he'll make some kind of harness so he can put it in a bright spot and a lot of people are gonna try and lift this motor up now and move it some of them can but some of them can but not Ronnie Coleman.

This is a wicked idea and it's really from his son and we're going to use the Bradley GT line but but this is more appropriate and this car is everywhere there's tons and tons of them they all look the same they all slow as L and you're going to be going almost 500 miles an hour if you have the six cylinder with the mid engine conversion and it's our son and daughter and his son and his daughter in law and other children of his and in-laws who want to prove the speed is from the aerodynamics and it's from the design of the new design which would be on a different chassis and would be larger and it would be more towards our design almost the same and we have to take it in steps would be a car that could go well above 900 mph. And would be very dangerous people would have to get special permits to drive it or keep the limiter on at 900 mph you can top out around 3000 and without flying so we're gonna get ready to make this. We're gonna probably try in Arizona LA has too much attention and we're gonna make the basic kit for a front wheel drive and we're going to search for an affirm to make the cradle kit really to make the cradle we can do the rest of it and the trans axle we have to seek that out. So we're going to go ahead and we are wondering what BG is up to he said he was going to make a wooden one of the new model which is perfect it's still a green light he says we're going to take the low approach but it's not really low and he's amazed and he said be cheaper and he likes the prices and the car is outrageous so we're going ahead with it now and we're going to put it out there and our son has sent in order to and our son has sent in order to get it done because he has nothing to do and he wants to see this in the future. Is a great vehicle it's gonna be awesome people gonna love it all over the world people would want one and they'll think that it's John Cena and he'll probably start selling his version on the Corvette and try and raise us

Thor Freya

Okay no way you're gonna go that fast and he says 350 horsepower and you put on some stuff and it goes like two 400 or so and so I get that but I must be able to get it faster I have to he says we're gonna lower hours keep in mind do dads are not on there the air intake will not be on there and the new one will and especially designed for the cockpit I mean for the engine department that something's on there that you won't have. And I understand that but still I think it won't be I have a monster engine with about 1000 horsepower and he says you must you must understand you have a lot to learn before you finish waxing on and waxing off everybody you have to understand how the vehicle works there's a few things will make it very fast and Laurie it is one of them. Well he says that a lot and it's true and he wants to put hydraulic in it and it's smart and I see how it is too it's pretty sharp but I don't think he can beat it and I want to see if he can and he wants to start with the original one and mine goes about 800 mph just as a heads up and yeah I eliminated the cooling problem I have a bigger radiator in it a transmission cooler and the vents are real now in the top vent works and it goes around 750 mph

john cena

Our version will go around 600 mph that's the mid engine with the cruise 6 cylinder with with the top end and exhaust you don't want to do anymore to that engine and it has extra cooling but that is very fast and yeah it's not as fast as the original then we have the one that's going to go on the Impala that starts with about 300 horsepower with the kit it goes to 380 and yeah that's half the horsepower no it's less than that and the top speed will be about two or 3000 miles an hour and zero to 60 in quarter mile we're going to beat you so he says he wants you to let him do this because it would be a period of time when he would beat it and did the water by yours like crazy you want the original and they want the Corvette it's a race car they say tons of people will bring the Corvette in but he says when he gets the next one then he's gonna have someone raise you and he's gonna have to see if Sherry will do it she says of course but it has to be refined and it's going to be the full size but you won't be able to beat it. And he says they're crazy you're absolutely crazy but I gotta see it and this is what you're gonna learn about design and a lot of people need to know tells you you don't get it mac daddy understands it and he's frustrated by it but our son and daughter seem to be naturalist natural and it his saucer speed is unbelievable and it came a little bit from Captain Kirk and his Thunderbird been designed during Vietnam so this little bit of grifting going on there but it's not fully that but it is it's got lift and it moves like crazy.

Thor Freya

That's unbelievable I can't believe it he took it used it and we're using it by the way but it's so damn fast it hurts those sauces are faster than hell then the fastest things out there in the Millennium Falcon is faster because of his rocket design and jet design really I can't believe he took it from me that's hilarious he studied it for a good 20 minutes it's very serious saying some odd things i'll tell you what he knows what he's doing. Well while that is so weird he took a toy car and he made a sports car like a whole genre the Lamborghini changed this is unbelievable I gotta get back to work

mac daddy Arizona great let me know how it turns out and he says we need suspension parts in Arizona or other and we can do that

I still don't think you're right in the head you'll never be me but that's a deal and we can use both of them it says that's great this bullet resistant and you need that stuff . Yeah that's actually true.

tommmf

Olympus

[purplebass]

QUESTIONS okay!

What is your favourite art of Thomastair, Ghostwriter, and Wessa?

Who are your top 5 TSC characters and why?

What's your all time favourite meal?

What's your favourite of your own TSC fics?

Can we have a snippet of a WIP? ❤️

Hey 💜

What is your favourite art of Thomastair, Ghostwriter, and Wessa?

I really love the Thomastair art Sasha Coleman did for CoT with them outside! (And Thomas has freckles too on that one so it's a bonus). I don't have a link because it's not on the artist's IG

I also love @agnes-draws's art of Thomastair with Zachary and little Thomastair 🥹 and a lot of @lekawi's art, esp. the medieval Thomastair piece: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbDjLshrPrN/

My most fave of Ghostwriter is surely this dancing piece by loweana.art because it's ethereal and soft I love realistic style so much! https://www.instagram.com/p/CTfmo_FAAOX/

I also love this by lasq.draws (one of my favorite artists bc of adsom too) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMplzhmJo8f/

Of Wessa I think Charlie Bowater's art for the 2022 TLH calendar it's the best (like I said, I love realistic style a lot!!) https://www.instagram.com/p/CInOWF_HV1-/

Who are your top 5 TSC characters and why?

Well, the first character is Will because he is so deep and he's the first TSC character I've ever liked for longer after I read a book series after years. I love his sense of humor and how he's silly but he is someone who would do anything for the people he loves

Then comes Alastair, who I can relate a lot to because we have a lot of things in common (especially with the past teen me) and we deal with people in a similar manner. We also have a similar familiar situation and Idk when I see Alastair and where he arrived at the end of the series, I have hope that things can get better for me too. I project a lot onto Alastair ehm lol

And on the other side there's Lucie who is like the younger part of me who used to be so excited about life and who has the same hobby I have (writing). I like that she's a bubbly character but she's also fearless and a bit unhinged and that's a part of me I want to find again (the innocent girl)

Then there is Matthew that has a killer fashion style and a great sense of humor and I also project on him. He had an uplifting arc that didn't end tragically (I'm sure another author would've chosen the easy way out) so it was a positive example to me because I am often in a similar spot mentally. So it made me think there is hope

And then let's pretend they are six and not five because I also need to mention Jesse and Thomas. I may not mention it enough but I just love them and they are positive characters to me, comfort characters. Thomas is courageous and he's a little stubborn and he would try to do anything to save the people he loves. And he loves learning languages which is something we often forget!!! I like of Jesse that he's a little arrogant and bookish and that he is reserved. Needles to say I also heavily project on him and I find him relatable as well

What's your all time favourite meal?

Gnocchi for sure <3

What's your favourite of your own TSC fics?

I think Farewell, Farewell. One Kiss and I'll Descend because it was my longest fic and it's a comfort fic

Can we have a snippet of a WIP? ❤️

I don't have any longer wips right now, but I have this piece from a James and Jesse fic where they train together and Jesse confides in James

“I am feeling way better now,” Jesse said after they gathered their things, ready to go back to their rooms to change for dinner. “Thanks for the runes.” “Don’t mention it,” James smiled, but there was still a hint of worry in his golden eyes. “But you should look for help. You could go to the Silent Brothers or if you want privacy, I could call for uncle Jem.”

Thanks for the questions <3

[wattwrites]

January 2024 in Movies and TV

A collection of mini-reviews about the movies and TV shows I've watched during the past month.

A lot of these are 2023 releases I didn't get round to when they released, So I'm playing catch up a little bit this month. Please note that I only watch things I'm personally interested in and please remember these are just my opinions. If you would like to read my reviews in full, Please go to my Letterboxd.

MOVIES:

09.01 - Hercules (1997, Ron Clements.) 3/5

Beautiful animation, some really under-rated visual sequences. Meg and Hades are the best characters, They have so much charm. Plot is a little stiff but the characters for sure make up for it.

10.01 - The Boy and the Heron (2023, Hayao Miyazaki.) 3.5/5

A powerful piece about grief and displacement, Our protagonist continues to venture through the world despite his loss. Breath taking animation and some superb voice acting, just really beautiful.

10.01 - Saltburn (2023, Emerald Fennell) 3/5

I didn't think this was as crazy or as good as it was made out to be, Casual movie watchers need to stop misunderstanding artsy films. There were a few moments that gripped me when I first watched it but seeing it all be picked apart on social media ruined this movie for me. I found Felix really likeable and I went into it knowing that Oliver was a piece of shit; Rosmund Pike and Alison Oliver gave some of my favourite performances.

12.01 - Poor Things (2023, Yorgos Lanthimos) 5/5

My favourite movie I saw in Janurary, A visual treat for anyone who likes traditional gothic horror, the visual effects and the set design was beautiful and I genuinely felt so emerged in the world. Kinky and gorey and does not hold back on a single punch, Bella is unashamedly herself and learning to find her way in the world and I've never experienced such a well rounded character arc before.

13.01 - Fantastic Mr.Fox (2009, Wes Anderson) 3.5/5

The first of several Wes Anderson movies I watched this month, I really like the flare in his movies. George Clooney plays the character so well and all the characters are so charming - I did think it got a bit overcomplicated in the middle but isn't that just Wes Anderson to a T. Beautiful animation and genuine well done slapstick comedy, a family treat.

14.01 - Wish (2023, Fawn Veerasunthorn) 2.5/5

Disappointing is the best way to describe Wish, It did have some merit but for what was supposed to be Disney's 100 Year movie it fell extremely short. Flat animation, boring characters and generic plot progression. Fine for kids who don't pay attention but there is very little of actual worth, I can't believe this came from Disney the same year as Across The Spiderverse.

15.01 - Arrietty (2010, Hirosama Yonebayashi) 3/5

Pretty music, great animation as usual but not quite to the scale of some other Ghibli productions. The voice acting really blew me away on this one, Mark Strong was a great choice for the stoic father but Olivia Coleman really went above and beyond in her performance. Neat, warm and cozy - The ending felt really simple but it was a good middle of the road Ghibli movie.

19.01 - The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014, Wes Anderson) 4/5

Fun, silly and warm. The whole movie felt like it took place in a toy box. Loved seeing all the usual Anderson offenders, I've started playing guess who when I watch one of his movies. I would give anything to hang out with M. Gustave of the Grand Budapest Hotel. Ralph Finnes was a fantastic choice, He embodied the role so well.

20.01 - Princess Mononoke (1997, Hayo Miyazaki) - 3.5/5

Easily the most brutal Ghibli I've seen, Doesn't hold back on its message at all and it was a fantastic visual metaphor for Man vs Nature. Great animation for the time, solid secondary characters and good voice work.

24.01 - Ghostbusters (1984, Ivan Reitman) - 4/5

My first time properly watching this movie and I loved it, can't believe it took me so long to watch. Oozes with charm and tone, The goofy spooky vibes are on point and every character is very unique. Fun popcorn cinema, It's extremely silly but takes itself seriously when it needs to. I found myself wanting more of the four Ghostbusters just bouncing off each other, All these big personalities play off each other so well.

26.01 - All of Us Strangers (2023, Andrew Haig) - 3/5

I completely misunderstood this movie and didn't go into it knowing it was a sixth-sense / supernatural movie so my first viewing left me very confused. Its full of very heartwarming moments, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell play the parents very well and there is genuine connection between the characters. Confusing and a little disappointing but it does pack a punch with some of the emotional moments, There was a few times it genuinely chocked me up. 

27.01 - Watership Down (1978, Martin Rosen) - 5/5

I personally don't know how to put into words how much I love this movie, It was a favourite of mine during childhood and it still holds up. The music and the tone is so strong and never once does it lose its pacing, You can tell the animators and production team really cared about the story. The commentary on nature and war was cleverly done, Not in your face but very present and the voice work was fantastic for the time.

27.01 - Raiders of The Lost Arc (Steven Spielberg, 1981) - 3/5

Goofy and fun but packed with really well executed and well directed action. The monkey broke my heart, I was rooting for her and she was a snake! Indie is kind of a scumbag but Harrison Foord plays him so well I can't help but love him, He'd make me crush on him too tbh.

28.01 - The Holdovers (Alexandar Payne, 2023) - 4.5/10

For a movie with such hurt and wounded characters at this core, This movie continually upholds the message that life can go on. Three protags all grieve something; a different life, a family, a child and all come together in this beautifully human story. Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da'Vine Joy Randolph all play off each other so much, hats off to them all.

31.01 - Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023, Sam Fell) - 2.5/5

Big tonal change from the original tbh, I liked how gritty and dark and actually hopeless things felt. The uncanny valley vibes (for chickens) are kinda on it and the animation is pretty good but the over saturated colour pallet really doesn't do anything for these characters.

Television:

17.01 - Ted (2024, Seth MacFarlane) - 3.5/5

Packed with laughs and surprisingly human moments, the characters are all very fleshed out and I genuinely get the chaotic family vibes. Actual comedy and not just Family Guy-esque jokes, The whole season felt like a nicely wrapped gift. Not sure if I want more but I enjoyed it for what it was.

21.01 - Hazbin Hotel (2024, Vivienne Medrano) - 3/5

I was really conflicted going into watching this show as I don't have the best opinion of the creator but I was surprised. Good characters, fluid animation and some musical bangers. It hasn't quite blown me away yet but as of time of writing the finale hasn't aired yet.

[tazkittiesadventures]

The beginning of the Rabbit Hole

Hello everyone.

Come follow along the rabbit 🐇 hole and the adventure begin.

This is baby girl (I have not officially named her yet); she is about to get outfitted for her Overlanding expeditions. We finally got the last piece we needed to begin the buildup. It's funny how the first piece of equipment we ordered was the last to arrive. There were some issues with the shipping on the company's side. In the end, they got it to us.

In the pictures, you see her just stock. No added extras, just straight off the showroom floor (well three years ago when we bought her). She is a beautiful ride. I just fell in love with that army green color. She is my third one. I did have a black one, swapped it in for a gray one and the dealership wanted to do a buy back again on that one, I was like no, no no....that is how we ended up with the gray one. You know, things just happen and me a Taz went to see what they had to offer....three hours later Taz and I and baby girl drove off the lot. It was that army green. It just stole my heart.

For three years I didn't know what to do with her. I kept saying that the only dirt she is going to see is off the roadway. Then in October (the day was the 21st 2023) we took Taz's and Dwights car to Mopar's on the Beach event. They went walking around and I stayed at the car when Taz came back and said there was something I needed to see.

Well, let's just say that what I needed to see was a rabbit 🐇 hole opening up. There was this jeep there that had a built-on awning, she had it opened up and it was so cool. I was like, I want that on my runner, Taz told me they do make them, and the rabbit 🐇 hole opened up and swallowed us both up.

So, to do the awning for my 4Runner you have to replace the roof rack. The search began. looking at any and all available roof racks for the awning that we both agreed to.

Oh yes that one right there, I really like that awning, it goes all the way around the vehicle. it will go good with the new tent you won at an auction for the car show you went to (on October 28, 2023). Did we need the new tent. NO, no we did not. We have a perfectly good 5th wheel camper, and we also have an (old, old) tent. We take it with us in the camper just in case. Now we have this new 6-person tent that we can put in the 4Runner to use with the awning.

Just a little FYI about Taz and me. We are campers. We can go tent camping to 5th wheel camper camping. Either way is good for us. The rv is stocked and ready (other than food and clothes) and the old tent, well that is ready also. We keep everything in totes. Grab the tent tote and the tote that goes with the tent that holds the Coleman stove and pots and pans, etc. and off we go. The only thing about tent camping that I don't really like is when it rains, water usually seeps up from the ground. I grew up camping and fishing and the outdoors. So many memories come rushing back, wait...now I am rambling and getting off topic. OOOPs 🤣🤣🤣😁

Back to the rabbi🐇t hole. Out of nowhere Taz sends me a link to a roof top tent. I was like what is that? and he was like a roof top ten, check it out. Ok little rabbits, keep digging in that hole. We set together over several days and look at all the different website, watch many different YouTube videos of the tents and came across the one we both really like. Dang nab it black Friday sales.

🐰Roof rack ordered Nov 3rd 2023 ---- check ---- level one of the rabbit hole.

🐰Awning ordered Nov 4th 2023 --- check --- Level two of the rabbit hole.

🐰Roof top tent ordered (surprise from Taz) Nov 6th --- check -- Level three of the rabbit hole.

The installation will begin over Thanksgiving. I will post more pictures and show you how she is coming along.

Stay tuned as the 🐰rabbit hole gets deeper and deeper. We have many other plans for her. BTW -- I called my daughter "Little Pooh" and told her I am spending her inheritance. 😂😂 She said ok mom....have fun. ❤️😘

Kittie & Taz

#rabbit hole#overlanding#4runner