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julymusings · 5 months ago

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Jason Todd x Single Mom!Reader

I've been plagued for many months now by the idea of jason todd x young single mom!reader. I literally made this blog this morning just to post this

this is so LONG try as i might to shorten it i've been itching to get all this out of me so enjoy this word vomit i might just make a full fic if i'm feeling extra frisky

You got pregnant in college, and now you’re fresh out of grad school moving to a new city with your 3 year old daughter

You got a job at Wayne Enterprises, leading an important new project. You and your colleagues are invited to the latest Wayne Gala, hosted at the billionaire’s own manor. All these years as a young mother and a student, you hadn’t any experience with such extravagance-- how could you say no?

the party lowkey sucks because it's all old rich people so you sneak out to a balcony where you find a young man drinking whiskey and texting on his phone.

he introduces himself as jason, and his hand is rough and calloused when you shake it, but it's warm and sends a tingle up your arm. (😏)

You chat about your work, he complains about the stuffiness of a life at Wayne Enterprises and you laugh when he warns you to get out while you can (he's joking, of course. not because he thinks it's worth staying but because if you leave he'd never be able to hear that adorable laugh again)

when you go off on a tangent about how excited you are for your project, he's not even listening anymore. the sheer passion that lights up your face has his mind going fuzzy and a full orchestra playing in the background

you're pulled back in before he can get your number :( he's so mopey all weekend he doesn't even have it in him to retaliate when damian makes fun of him for having pink pony club as his top song for this month :(

when you get home your email is flooded with warnings from other parents at your daughter's daycare about a lice scare?? okay, you think, she's definitely not going on monday, you can just bring her to work with you, right? what's the worst that could happen?

the following monday he just happens to show up at the office (He can't just stop by to say hi to his brother who he loves?) (tim calls security almost immediately)

you're not at your cubicle (in a meeting, your desk neighbor informs him) so he mills about the floor like a lost puppy just waiting for you to show up so he can "accidentally" run into you

the woman at the front desk has a chair pulled up next to hers where this little girl with pigtails is sitting, trying to console her as tears stream down her face

jason springs into action, kneeling in front of her chair to ask what's wrong

she just sniffles and holds up her stuffed animal, an elephant whose button eye has popped out, the woman watching her trying to get her to hand it over so she can sew it back on but she wont let go

he goes full grey's anatomy, fussing over the toy like it's in mortal peril and complimenting her for being so brave before gently asking if he can try to fix it

she lets him take it and he uses the woman's travel sewing kit to stitch it back on

she's ecstatic, leaping forward into his arms to give him a big hug

but now she won't let him leave because no he has to have a conversation with the elephant first and introduce himself and give it post-surgery care instructions and listen to it talk about how much she it wants a puppy and he feels like such an idiot talking to that thing but anything to make this little girl smile

she pulls a little picture book from the backpack hung on the back of her chair and asks him to read with her and he can't just say no!

so he plops down on the tile floor and starts reading out loud and even though she's standing next to him craning her neck to see the pictures he's a head taller than her

when you finish your meeting and head back to the front desk to thank gretchen for watching your kid the sight you see makes your heart absolutely melt

jason and your daughter are sitting criss-cross applesauce on the floor of Wayne Enterprises as he reads to her, and he's pulling out all the stops, he's doing voices, sound effects, and she's giggling so hard she can't sit up straight

but then they both finally notice you

"mommy!" she yells, running to you and wrapping herself around your leg

you're surprised to see him, but definitely not disappointed, and if what you just walked in on indicated anything, it was that you wanted, nay, needed this man

so now you're flushed and hopeful, mind running with possibilities of why he's here; could it be? he couldn't stop thinking about you either? he came all the way to ask you out?

but jason is also surprised, astounded even, by the miniature carbon copy clinging to your leg saying something about scooby snacks

he's freaking out on the inside

through a tight-lipped greeting he excuses himself with what he hopes is a neutral demeanor (spoiler alert: it's not) and goes home to think

and you obviously know exactly what that was about, one doesn't go through pregnancy at 19 without becoming well-acquainted with the whole catalogue of surprised/judgy reactions

of course you're a mess because the early/mid 20s dating scene is hard enough as it is but with a toddler? forget it, might as well just give up now

you go home to call your best friend and get drunk over face time while she assures you that men aint shit and offers to put a curse on him (you consider it, but how are you supposed to get a lock of his hair?)

he's up all night hating himself for being such an asshole and trying to come up with a scenario in which this works, in which he can have you in his life and also a child and be the red hood because he can't stop thinking about you

so then he just says fuck it and the next morning he shows up at your office with flowers and a puppy stuffed animal and finally asks you out

#nightwing #batman #red hood #jason todd #dick grayson #jason todd x reader #jason todd x you #jason todd x y/n #batfamily #dc universe #dc comics #dcu #damian wayne #dc robin #robin #bruce wayne

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mx-jinxous · 2 years ago

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I’ve been throwing around this idea in my head and so far this is what I have written. I’m hoping to add to it down the road. This is a modern day supernatural au.

---

Eddie came back to dried blood covering his hands, Johnny Cash playing softly in the background. Turning his head to the side he noted the world was filled with trees as it sped past him, unfamiliar territory. His breath hitched as a hand wrapped around his, squeezing it firmly. Whipping his head to the side, ready to attack whoever was beside him, but still seeing his uncle. His eyes were on the road as he drove, one hand on the wheel as they drove through the terrain.

When his mind finally settled his breath picked up in a panic. The memories flooded back, the desperation of his uncle rushing them away as he called someone, both men stained in blood of Eddie’s latest victim. The grip on his hand tightened while Eddie covered his mouth. He remembered walking with Gareth after band practice, the sun beginning to set as they cut through the forest. Usually they practiced at the younger's house but his parents had forbidden practice that day as the local church pastor was visiting. So practice had taken place at another band member's home, which Jeff lived across town from the both of them.

They were just talking about their D&D campaign for tomorrow night, Gareth trying to wrangle information out of him. It was like he blinked and he was standing over Gareth’s body, covered in blood and stomach oddly full when he was just starving moments before. He panicked, ran home to Wayne. The next thing he registered was the truck ride, his stomach sinking as clarity came over him. He was covered in his best friend's blood, inside and out, and he'd left him there.

Without warning, he threw open the truck door, ripping away from Wayne, and meeting the earth below. His uncle had hit the brakes just in time to avoid too much damage, throwing the truck into park as he rushed to his nephew's side. He gathered Eddie’s curly locks as the young man gagged and tainted the ground with red liquid. He whispered comforting words to the young man as the ground became more and more red. It wasn’t until the gagging turned to whimpering did he pull Eddie back into a hug, letting him hide in his shoulder.

“I know kiddo… I know.” He hushed, rocking Eddie like he had when he was a child. “We have to keep going, though. We’re almost to the safe haven.” He received a nod, helping his nephew up on shaky legs and back into the truck. They sped back off into the forest, silence filling when Eddie’s shaky breaths lessened.

Five minutes passed before the silence broke, the metal head keeping his eyes on the trees outside. “Is he… did I-.”

“He was breathing when I got him to the hospital.” That’s all Wayne could say, that’s all he knew since they fled after taking Gareth to the hospital. Resting his head against the window, ducking into his jacket. The truck went silent once more, Johnny Cash the only voice filtering the space.

Graduating high school had seemed to be the largest obstacle in his life, up until puberty hit and sent him into a nosedive of issues. The moment he realized he couldn’t pretend anymore was a usual night of his senior year. He’d gone out to make a nice chunk of money for this new amp he’d seen at a local mom and pop shop. By the time he’d called it a night he’d been hungry. He knew his uncle had work that night and knew that he was running low on his stash.

He’d meant to stop by the nearest butchers before they closed, but a busy weekend night had kept him out later than intended. Wayne hadn’t bothered him to keep up since his ailment started to bloom after he hit puberty. He wasn’t freaked out the day Eddie came out of his bedroom, panicked over red eyes and extruding fangs with hunger pains that brought tears to his eyes. Instead he embraced his nephew, making deals with friends to obtain animal blood.

Since then he hadn’t skipped the butchers, so this loss of control was something new and terrifying. He’d felt the unusual hunger cramps at practice, but he’d decided to ignore it until he got home. His friend had paid the price for his ignorance.

The truck came to a stop not long after, pulling Eddie out of his head to see a three story log cabin that was easily five times bigger than their trailer. A scream echoed through the forest and to Eddie’s ear, making the young man look around. The surrounding forest was filled with children running around, playing some form of tag without a care in the world. Certainly the pure opposite of what the metal head needed.

“Come on kid.” His uncle ushered him out of the truck. With reservations, Eddie tucked his hand beneath his armpits, concealing the destroyed clothes beneath. He hadn’t had the chance to change as his uncle threw his life in a duffle and rushed him into the old vehicle to wheel them off to bum-fuck nowhere.

“You’re sure about this old man? There are a lot of kids around here, not really the most ideal place for an unhinged monster.” He mumbled as he tucked into himself, the scent of stale blood that had surely stained his shirt by now filtered his nose.

“I swear kid, these aren’t normal children. Some of them may be your age if not older. Hopper and Joyce are understanding and will keep you safe. Once I do some damage control I’ll be back for you, okay.”

“You trust me?” Eddie huffed as the kids seemed to note their visitors, one disappearing inside while the others watched.

“I do, son. I swear to you I’ll be back, I ain’t your dad. A month or two and you will see me back here with the rest of your stuff. Until then try and get along with them.” The metal head only huffed in response, looking anywhere but his uncle's eyes. He felt guilty for putting so much on his uncle's shoulders. “Come on.” Wayne said, giving Eddie’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze before throwing open his door. Eddie huffed, following his uncle out of the car.

“Wayne!” A voice boomed across the forest, the scurry of animals being heard in the distance as a smile plagued his uncle. He turned to face the man, who swiftly crossed the yard with open arms.

“Hop! God you don’t age do you.” Wayne pulled him into a hug, a woman following with two boys on her heels, one looking around Eddie’s age and one just a teenager. The man - Hop - backed away only for the woman to pull the older man into a squeezing hug.

“Oh Wayne, you’re a sight for sore eyes! We were so pleased to hear from you after so long, what’s it been, a decade?”

“Sixteen years, Joyce. I didn’t mean to go radio silent, I just… I had to step up and take care of my own.” Stepping back from the two, Wayne wrapped his arm around Eddie’s shoulders. “This is Eddie.”

“Oh dear. When you said you had someone coming to stay for a while, I never assumed your son, or the fact that you had a kid.”

“Afraid not darlin’. This is my idiot brother's boy, but he’s more like my boy. Kenney was a deadbeat if you remember him from his brief stay here.”

“Oh yes, the asshat decided to pick a fight with Steve.” The eldest boy grumbled, crossing his arms.

“Hasn’t changed much. The only thing he ever did right is right here and he couldn’t even bother after a decade. We’ve hit a snag though. I appreciate you letting my boy stay.” Joyce stepped forward, grabbing Eddie by the arm, pulling him into a hug.

“Nonsense! Eddie, you are Wayne’s family, so you are welcome here. Come, let me show you to your room, it was your uncle’s when he was your age.”

“That’s kind of you.” He mumbled, pulling away and huddling behind his uncle. He twirled his hair in his fingers, watching the blood stained strand curl.

“Your uncle’s been in our family since we all were young, came from the same home. You are welcomed with open arms, but we will need to understand you and your gift more. Let’s go inside and get an understanding of your gift.” Hopper led the way, through the kids looking on in interest.

“Before we start, can we get you boys anything? A drink? A snack? It must have been a long trip.” Wayne looked over at his nephew, noting the way Eddie was withdrawn, taking it upon himself to answer.

“No, that’s alright Joyce. I’d like to explain and I’m sure Eddie would like to change his clothes. We didn’t have much time in our rush.”

“Of course. Have a seat and explain what happened.” They all sat in the small office, Eddie tucked against his uncle’s side like he had as a kid.

“Well Eddie’s ability is closely related to vampires. He’s lived by drinking blood since he was sixteen, and we try to keep his diet balanced between the blood and regular food, but last night something happened. He must have had a change in his metabolism that I didn’t account for or something. I don’t know the whole story, but -.”

“I was just so hungry. One minute we’re walking home from practice, the next I’m looking down at… he looked so scared and drained.” Eddie curled in on himself, shoulders tensing as Wayne wrapped an arm around his nephew.

#steddie #stranger things #steve harrington #eddie munson

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sarasapen · 5 years ago

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White Roses and Scarlet Letters

Been awhile since I’ve posted or updated due to exams so I’m reposting the first four chapters because why not!

@jason-todd-squad @lucy-roo @rockyrocket15 @toleble @n1ghtsh4d3-67 @belovedbratwonder @aprilchagoyaaa @vespertxne @thatwaspossesion @attackonnat @roseangel013bf

Red Roses and Scarlet Letters

----- Like most people, your life had a routine. You’d wake up early and go for a jog or do some yoga, depending on the weather. Then you’d spend a half hour on your phone, before you glanced at the clock and scrambled to get ready on time. You normally met Dick for breakfast before making your way to work.

Generally, your nights and weekends were more entertaining. You spent your nights donning a domino mask and Kevlar, punching assholes and stopping crime. Saturdays were sleepover nights with Damian, and Sundays were girls’ days.

So, considering you were standing on a rooftop with dead bodies littered around you when you were supposed to be watching a movie, you were not happy.

“Robin, come to my coordinates.”

“Tt.”

You smile slightly, rolling your eyes before you turned your head, catching sight of a man with a red hood and a symbol on his chest. You eyed the symbol skeptically. “I didn’t know the Bats had a new associate.”

The man remained silent, staring you down. His fingers twitched, and you noticed the gun holsters on his thighs. Two guns. Five dead bodies. He had seven bullets left. Okay, so maybe Bruce didn’t have a new associate.

“You gonna threaten me, or shoot me?” You say nonchalantly, gripping your escrima sticks. He moves quickly, and you’re darting to the side before you fully internalise he’s pulling the trigger.

“Alright then,” you huff dryly. “Guess you’re shooting me.” He raises the gun again, and you backflip away from the next bullets, lunging in his direction. Five. Four. Three. The next bullet snags your cape- two- and you swing your leg and attempt to knock him back. He dodges the kick and intercepts your path, moving to flip you. You kick back off the wall, using that as leverage to swing your body around his. You slam your escrima stick into the back of his head the same time his fist comes into contact with your jaw. You slip from his body, and he used the opportunity to kick at your ribs, sending you stumbling. He lunges at you, causing you to slam against the wall. One of his hands is around your throat, cutting off your air supply, and the other is holding his loaded gun, pressed against your temple. You know you can easily break his arm from the position, but for some reason, you can’t seem to move. Even through his voice modulator, the man’s anger is clear when he speaks, the words he growls out making your blood run cold.

“You let Jason Todd die.”

Your eyes widen and you’re going to swing out but instead of shooting you, he drops the gun and slams you back into the wall, your head hitting the wall with a loud CRACK-

-and then all you see is black.

-----

The first thing you register is the pounding in your head.

You groggily try to sit up and wince at the bright lights. A hand on your shoulder pushes you back down- what? No, you need to get up, you need to-

“Lie down.” A voice commands and your body goes limp. The figure looks funny. He looks like a bat. And a man. Hey! Batman!

A whine emerges from your throat as your face scrunches up.

“I don’t wanna,” you protest weakly, trying to get up again. Your voice comes out scratchy, and your throat hurts when you talk. Suddenly there are two hands on both of your shoulders, keeping you on the bed.

“Do you want Alfred to scold?” The voice softens slightly. You shake your head, wincing when it hurts. Fingers dance along your hairline, soothing you.

“Rest. Once you’re better, the family’s going to have a chat.”

“Mkay,” you wrap your fingers around the wrist above your head, and you let sleep overtake you.

-----

When you wake up, you’re alone. Well, for approximately 0.3 seconds before Alfred enters through the door. He’s carrying some meds and soup. He stands over you, making sure you finish every last drop even though your throat hurts like a bitch.

You manage to convince him you’re fine, with Barbara's help, before you spend a good hour or so on trying to conceal the bruises on your neck.

Barbara drives you and the girls to Metropolis to pick up Kara before heading to Central City. Despite all the fun the others seem to be having, you can’t take your mind off the previous night, or off Jason. You had no idea who that man was, or how he knew you were connected to Jason.

The weight of Jason’s death had weighed down on you somewhat heavier than the rest of your family. Bruce became reckless, and almost killed multiple times. Dick went off the grid for 6 whole months, and when he returned, he acted like nothing had happened. No one knows what he did or where he went. Barbara stopped coming to the cave. She still went out on patrol, but didn’t talk to you. Alfred assumed you needed some space, so he gave you that.

As your family pulled away, you started falling into the dark abyss of depression. You resorted to self harm as a way of coping. After Alfred inquiring on your long-sleeves, you moved the cuts to your thighs. You fell so deep into the hole that one day, you grabbed some sleeping pills and swallowed about 20. Alfred noticed the bottle was empty, and he rushed to your bedroom in time.

That was around the time Tim popped up as Robin.

Despite trying to help you, your family never quite understood you. Perhaps Bruce did, better than the two of thought, but Bruce was rarely one to talk about his emotions. When Jason died, you felt like you were to blame. You were quite literally the Batgirl to his Robin. You always patrolled together, always hung around, plotting the next prank to pull on Dick. Considering the two of you were practically inseparable, you felt so damn guilty that Jason went to the warehouse himself. You should’ve gone with him. Maybe if you had gone with him, he would have still been alive.

The guilt had been gnawing at you for five years. There wasn’t a single damn day that you didn’t miss Jason. The day he died, you had furiously scribbled a letter that was about 5 pages long, listing all the reasons you hated him. You were angry, and you wanted to make sure he knew you were angry. The next day, you wrote a tear stained letter saying you loved him, and you were sorry for everything.

You then wrote him letters, one for every day that passed. This time, Day 1564, you reccounted the Red Hood guy occurrence, before telling him about this cute waiter that Dick said had been flirting with you at the cafe. You asked him, rhetorically, if you should go for it. You signed off as usual, saying you loved and missed him.

You slipped the letter into a red envelope, making your way to the garden of Wayne Manor. You couldn’t shake the feeling you were being watched, but then you remembered Bruce had tinkered with the security, so that was probably it.

You moved towards the rose bushes, and eased your way into the tiny opening in between the white rose bushes. You grabbed a long wooden box you had been stashing there, slipping the latest letter inside. You shut it, placing it back in the bush, before you straightened.

Shoving your hands into your jacket pockets, you made your way to the living room, where Bruce was trying to get everyone’s attention.

“I have some information pertaining to the Red Hood. We all need to talk.”

-----

And So the Sky Shall Weep

-----

“We all need to talk.” Bruce moves to the grandfather clock, adjusting the time on it. The door swings open, and he goes in, beckoning for you to follow. Bruce stops in front of the Batcomputer, his face hard.

“You may want to sit down,” Bruce gestures to you, Barbara and Dick. Barbara complies, and Dick leans against the table. You do the same, crossing your arms. What could possibly be so shocking that Bruce wants you to sit down?

Bruce turns on the computer screen, and you hear Dick swear beside you. Barbara buries her head in her hand, letting out a choked ‘Oh my god’. Tim and Damian stop poking each other and pause. You seem to be the only one that’s got their shit together, but by the way Bruce is looking at you, you feel yourself unravelling and quick.

Because on the screen, bold and bright as day, the dna samples of Jason Todd and the Red Hood were a 100% match. That could only mean one thing.

“He’s alive?” Dick croaks, eyes shining with unshed tears. Bruce gave Dick a brisk nod as he placed a hand on Barbara’s shoulder.

“This concerns me how?” Damian drawls, earning a well deserved shove from Tim. Damian of course, retaliates, but Bruce ignores them. His eyes are trained on you, obviously concerned at how you’ve just frozen up.

“He’s dead.” You say, voice too loud and too far away.

“He’s alive-“ Bruce starts gently, but you cut him off.

“No!” You don’t realise you’re shouting until your throat burns painfully. That doesn’t seem to deter you though.“He’s dead! I saw his body! He can’t- he’s dead.”

You don’t want to believe Bruce, don’t want to believe the test. “It’s faulty,” you say.

“I sent it to seven different labs, all of them came back with the same report,” Bruce soothes. You’re trembling, and Bruce reaches out to touch you. You push him away, walking backwards.

“I- I need to think.”

You sprint out of the Batcave, pushing past Alfred and out the door, getting on your bike and driving past the gate faster than you thought was possible. There was a strange sort of numbness that overwhelmed you, and you knew it was only a matter of time before the dam that held your feelings back broke. And you’re pretty sure you didn’t want to be around others when that happened.

You were unlocking the door of your apartment without properly registering it, your body moving on its own to put on your suit and grab your escrima sticks. Next thing you know, you’re on the roof of your building. Your eyes scan the skyline of Gotham, and you inhale deeply, letting the cool night air surround you. In. Out. In. Out. In-The rumble of clouds overhead breaks your focus, and you suddenly find yourself running.

You don’t know what you’re running from - or towards - but you just kept running. You leaped over the gaps in the buildings, hopping over ledges and power lines. Tears begin to blur your vision, but you don’t stop running. You regret that decision as soon as you trip over a plank of wood, flying forward. Luckily, or unluckily, the building had a ledge, which meant that instead of falling down 20 stories, your stomach collided with the ledge.

Hot tears fell from your eyes, and you didn’t bother trying to hold them back. You gripped the edge of the ledge tightly, your chest heaving as you choked on a sob. Lightning cracked nearby, and rain followed a millisecond later.

Five years. Five goddamn years. You mourned him for five years, you felt all that pain, all that guilt, and he was alive? You knew you were screaming when you felt your throat burn.

Screaming didn’t alleviate the weight on your chest, so you lifted your fist and brought it down on the concrete. The pain was shooting up your arm, but that didn’t stop you from hitting the ledge again. You felt like a five-year-old throwing a tantrum, frustrated and angry and sad, and having no clue on how to handle the situation. You screamed again, shoving the ledge and hitting it as if it could solve the problem.

Black gloves hands encircled you, gripping your wrists tightly and preventing you from hitting out. You thrashed in the hold, kicking out uselessly.

“You’ll hurt yourself!” Bruce’s voice came through. He hadn’t switched on his voice modulator.

“I don’t care!” You punctuated each word with a shove, but you slumped into his chest, closing your eyes. You’re sobs died down as Bruce held you, and you let the rain lull you to sleep.

-----

Love is Slowly Losing Your Mind

-----

Tick.

You can’t see.

Tock.

You can’t move.

Tick.

You can’t breathe.

Tock.

You hear footsteps.

Tick.

“She’s finally awake!”

Tock

You know that voice.

Tick

“Decided to join the party eh?”

Tock

Its always that voice.

Tick.

A cloth is ripped away from your face.

Tock.

Red lips smile right in front of you.

Tick.

Fuck.

Tock.

“Let’s play.”

Tick.

Your eyes snap open. You can’t breathe, you can’t move.

It was just a dream. You force yourself to close your eyes, focusing on the whirring of the fan above you as you calm your breathing. Just a dream, you tell yourself.

You sit up, pulling your hair into a ponytail and heading over to the bathroom. You brush your teeth, wash your face, and look in the mirror.

He can’t hurt you anymore.

You dress and go to the cafe, arriving half an hour early. A waitress places some coffee in front of you and you thank her with a smile. You don’t drink the coffee though.

The sound of the chair scraping on the floor causes you to look up, and Dick smiles down at you. Except this time, his smile isn’t genuine, it doesn’t reach his eyes. He looks tired, and worn down, something that shocks you a little. Dick isn’t normally one to be anything less that happy.

He sits across you, swallowing, eyes darting anywhere but your face. When the waitress placed your usuals down, neither of you make a move to eat.

“So,” he starts, voice rough. He clears his throat, sighing heavily and running a hand across his face.

“So,” you agree, picking up your cup and lifting it to your mouth. You wrinkle your nose at the now cold beverage. You make eye contact with Dick and the unspoken question hangs in the air.

Now what?

He’s a mob boss, Dick’s raised eyebrow says.

He’s dangerous, your frown responds.

He almost killed you, Dick slumps further into his seat, eyes never leaving yours.

“He’s family,” you say, voice quiet. Dick closes his eyes for a moment. “Yeah. He is.”

You don’t say much else, and you part to go to your respective jobs. You reach your office, and there are no new cases or any overdue paperwork to deal with, which is a first. Your boss tells you to take the rest of the day off, so you do.

You walk around Gotham for hours, only going back home when the sun begins to set. You contemplate skipping patrol, but you know you need the exercise.

Suddenly you were 10 years old again, clinging onto Dick’s hand before your first patrol.

There’s nothing to be scared about, you rationalise. Absolutely nothing.

You were wrong.

You don’t make it very far, just two blocks away from your apartment, when you see the Red Hood.

-----

When Can I See You Again?

-----

You stumble onto the roof, fisting your cape on your side. He’s leaning against the edge of the building, his arms crossed. He seems to be watching you, or waiting for you, whichever it is, you’re not entirely sure.

He watches you for a moment, and you watch him, a voice in your head telling you that there’s no way in hell that’s Jason Todd.

Red Hood pushed himself off the wall, striding towards you and easily towering over you. Your heart is drumming in your ears, with him being so close to you that you can smell him, and the doubt begins to fade.

The scent is a deep, musky sort of aroma, whiffs of cigarette smoke and alcohol mixing in nicely. It’s strange, reminding you of dark and dingy corners of bars late at night, but at the same time it’s so incredibly him, so incredibly Jason, that you don’t have the heart to deny yourself a little hope anymore.

Especially not with that stupid leather jacket of his, making his arms look so good.

You swallow nervously, tilting your head up to look at him. If either of you move any closer, your chests would be brushing.

And then he moves. He takes a small step closer, one of his hands now on the small of your back and guiding you backwards, into the shadows, until your back touches a wall. You don’t know why your body lets him, why you’re not reacting to him dragging guiding you around.

He’s practically pressed against you, one of his legs between yours, the hand not on your back is resting on the wall on the side of his head. He’s so much taller than you, your head practically looking straight up to look at him.

You hear an intake of breath which could be him about to say something, but then your hands touch his mask gently. He flinches away, body tensing. His hand leaves your back and is suddenly gripping your neck, pressing you against the wall.

“You got some fuckin’ nerve,” he starts, voice gravelly. You don’t care, or seem to have heard him, really, your hands going straight back to his hood. “Take it off.”

“Given’ me orders, huh? Never would’ve thought you-”

“Take the fucking thing off or get your hands off me!” You retort, tugging at his hand around your neck. Surprisingly, you don’t seem to mind it at all. Hood’s eyes narrow and he pulls back very slightly, his hands leaving you. You’re almost disappointed until he pulls his helmet off, dropping it onto the floor. Not a second passes before he’s closed in on you again, this time applying pressure on your neck.

You’re nearly gasping for air, but you don’t struggle or make any attempts to get out of his grasp. Instead, you look at him, memorising his features. His eyes have hardened, a new steel in them that wasn't there before, but somehow they’ve stayed exactly the same. You see his features soften just a little as you breathe out his name, and you watch as his pupils dilate. Jason - it’s so clearly Jason - smirks, his head dipping down to yours. You can feel his breath on your face, your eyes locked onto his.

“So fuckin’ pretty,” he murmurs, his thumb stroking your jaw.

“I could destroy you,” he continued, voice soft and eerily soothing. “I could wreck you and ya wouldn’t stand a chance. Could snap this pretty little neck o’ yours.”

A normal person would be trembling, scared shitless in this situation. You… were not normal.

“What’s stopping you then?” You say, voice low and equally calm. You inhaled and god he smelled good.

“Nothin’ if you keep runnin’ that mouth.”

“I’m calling bullshit,” you say, smug under him, despite the fact that he has you pinned and his hand is tight around your throat. He cocks and eyebrow, waiting for you to continue. “If you wanted to kill me you would’ve done it that other night.”

“Maybe I’m regretting’ leaving you alive,” he shoots back. You shrug, leaning your head back as if you were extremely comfortable. (Which, for the record, you totally were.) Jason - Red Hood?- lets his forehead rest against your for a moment, your lips almost brushing. You could just… tilt your head up…

With a heavy sigh, he releases you, taking a few steps away from you. He picks up his helmet, back turning towards you, and you let out a shaky breath.

“Next time I’m gonna kill you,” he says, voice not in the least bit threatening.

A sudden urge to touch him again courses through you, and you lunge towards him. His reflexes are still sharp, and he spins around, anticipating an attack. Your body slams into his, and he barely shifts. He only seems to stiffen when you wrap your arms around him. You press your cheek to his chest, breath shaky as you listen to his steady heartbeat. You don’t realise you’re crying until his gloved hand strokes your cheek. His other arm wraps around your shoulders awkwardly, unsure of how to react. You sniffle, arms tightening around him. He seems to get the hint and tightens his grip on you, his touch full of warmth and comfort.

You pull away first, and he avoids your gaze.

“You still gonna try to kill me?” You say, trying to lighten the moment. Your voice comes out a lot weaker than you would’ve liked.

Red Hood straightens up to his full height, staring at you head on.

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

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melodious-madrigals · 5 years ago

Text

of communication and cats

Written as part of @wondertrevnet‘s Lock Out Bingo.

Fandom: Wonder Woman Pairing: Diana/Steve Prompt: texting Word Count: 2552 Rating: T Summary: Steve and Diana adopt a cat. Steve is exceptionally bad at texting. The two converge more often than you'd think. (Aka miscommunication, but like. Low stakes.) Mostly fluff. In-universe for lost love (sweeter when it’s finally found) which you can read here.

Find it below the cut or on AO3.

***

Notes: not really a texting fic, just a very loose definition of "fulfilling" the prompt because it includes some texts, lol.

***

Don't be mad, but says the preview on her push notification from Steve's latest message. Not exactly an auspicious start, given his propensity for doing reckless things.

Diana massages the spot between her eyebrows where tension headaches start, and decides she needs to just bite the bullet and look at the text. (It can't be too bad if he's still able to text about it, right?)

Swiping down, she taps on the message.

Don't be mad, it says, but I found this little one abandoned, and I was *going* to ask if we could keep it but then I fell in love. Sorry, no takebacksies, but I will let you help me name it.

Attached is a picture of a fluffy black kitten curled up against Steve's chest. The angle is funny—clearly an attempt at a one-handed selfie while also holding the kitten—but it's one of the most precious things Diana has ever seen. The kitten's tail is wrapped tight enough to be gently touching its own nose. It's so adorable that Diana thinks she might cry.

The message is a little over an hour old, and Diana goes to text back when more messages come through.

Vet says: It's a girl! 🎈

Then, She has a great big personality, with a photo attachment of the kitten—vet office clear in the background—looking extremely indignant at her current circumstances.

I look forward to meeting her, Diana types back.

When Diana gets home, she finds a veritable explosion of cat toys and products across their living room and kitchen. At the epicenter, on the couch, is Steve, asleep, with a tiny little ball of black fur tucked up under his chin. If Diana had previously had any reservations about their new kitten (she hadn't, really), they would have been erased upon seeing them like this.

She snaps a quick picture, and then goes into the kitchen, pulling out vegetables to start dicing for the evening meal.

Twenty minutes later, Steve wanders in, the kitten now cradled against his chest.

"She's about six weeks," says Steve. "Which is a little early, but the vet says that other than needing to be fed, she looks healthy. She didn't appreciate her first round of shots, but she did appreciate the salmon pâté slurry I gave her afterwards."

"Poor thing. She was abandoned?"

"I think so," says Steve. "I actually saw her yesterday, hiding in the same spot, but they say not to move kittens, you know? because sometimes the mother is just off hunting. But she was alone yesterday and crying, and she was doing the same when I passed by today, and I couldn't just leave her there."

"You did the right thing, Steve. So, about her name."

Steve looks away guiltily, and Diana just knows that he's already named the cat.

"The vet needed a name to start her file," Steve mumbles. "I thought Bast would be cute."

Diana purses her lips, trying not to smile. "She already has you worshipping her like a goddess; it fits." Then she breaks, and starts laughing. "I'm not mad, Steve! About the cat or the name."

Steve looks relieved, like he didn't really think this would be a fight, but wasn't sure. They've talked about getting a pet before, but have always decided against it because of how much they travel.

"I already talked to Aisha and Marguerite," he says, referring to the couple who lives across the hall. "They said that they would watch her when we go out of town, as long as they also get to play with her while she's still a kitten."

"That reminds me, we should have them over for dinner this weekend. Or next, if they aren't free."

Steve shakes his head. "Next weekend's bad. I've got a work thing Friday night, and we're going to the concert at the Madeleine on Saturday with the Giraudets."

Diana makes a little humming noise as she pulls several spice jars from the cabinet. "Am I coming to your work function?"

"Only if you want, but I'd love to have you. You can't hit Floyd, though."

Diana wrinkles her nose at the mention of his co-worker. "We can go out for late night kebab afterward," she decides. "As a reward for putting up with him."

"Génial," says Steve, at the same time that Bast wakes up and meows loudly. "Apparently we haven't been paying her enough attention."

"Hello, Bast," Diana says, and the kitten meows again.

"Here, take her; I'll finish supper," offers Steve.

The kitten squeaks as Steve transfers her, then settles into Diana's arms, looks up at her, and slowly closes her eyes and falls asleep again.

They're cat people now, apparently.

Bast, as it turns out, is a very affectionate cat. She wants to be held, constantly, and when she isn't being held, will toddle up to one of her people and scream until they finally do pick her up. She also likes sleeping tucked up under Steve's chin, which Diana finds absolutely hilarious because Steve is not—and has never been—a back sleeper, but now, more often than not, she finds him falling asleep on his back so as not to disturb Bast.

Bast is most definitely Steve's cat, but she likes Diana well enough. Often, she perches on Diana's left shoulder when she's working on her laptop, and peers at the screen like she's reading the artifact dossiers too.

Sometimes, if Diana is very lucky, Bast will curl up in her lap instead, nose still tucked into the curl of her tail, and purr. Most of the time, Bast perks up as soon as Steve gets home, and prances over to greet him with an affectionate headbutt.

"I see how it is," Diana says, one day, when Bast lifts her head at a sound outside the door that turns out not to be Steve, and Diana swears she looks disappointed. "You like him best."

Bast simply looks at Diana with her big round eyes and blinks once, which Diana suspects is cat for 'duh'.

"Oh, all right, I cannot blame you," Diana sighs, "I like him best too."

Bast presents her chin, and Diana obliges her with a scritch.

("That was a cat-kiss," Steve says later, of the blink, laughing. "Bast was basically telling you she loves and trusts you, and you thought it was sass.")

It's a perfectly ordinary day, and perfectly ordinary days are very easily ruined.

For the day in question, it's the We need to talk that shows up from Steve, causing Diana's nerves to go haywire. She really doesn't think they're fighting about anything, but 'we need to talk' is universally a bad thing, right? They're usually pretty good about handling their problems in constructive ways, and they're excellent at talking through things, but there's a certain permanent ominous quality to 'we need to talk' that fills her with dread.

But when Diana unlocks her phone, she finds: We need to talk about how adorable Bast is right now, along with a picture of the cat in question with her paws crossed over her eyes, and the tiniest tip of her tongue visible between her teeth, like she didn't quite pull it all the way in when she closed her mouth.

Diana laughs, shows the picture to her interns, and sends back She looks so angelic. Like she didn't start caterwauling at four a.m. this morning and wake me out of a dead sleep.

She's a cat, replies Steve. They're always perfect little angels, even when they're not.

"That cat has you wrapped around its paw," Diana says that afternoon, when she comes home to find Steve making a special meal for Bast. "That had better not be the hake I bought at the market this morning."

"Of course it isn't. I filleted that and have the rest cooking down in the stock." He tilts his head toward the lidded pot on the stove. "This is just a little treat for being three months old." He says the last bit to Bast in a slightly sing-song voice.

She loves this man, she really does.

Diana is having a very long day and thinking about Bruce Wayne in a rather uncharitable way. (He is, after all, the reason she had to extend her business trip to the States and is not currently home with her husband and their cat.) She's dirty and tired, and trying desperately not to be bitter about it, because she doesn't approve of feeling bitter about things, when her phone buzzes.

The setting it's on means that the text can only be from Steve, while everyone else is filtered out by 'do not disturb'. Checking her surroundings surreptitiously, she pulls out her phone.

Diana help I'm dying reads the preview and Diana's heart drops into her stomach, body immediately prepping for a supersonic flight and going into panic mode because she's too far away, an hour or two at least from whatever Steve has gotten himself into now—

Diana help I'm dying at how fricking cute Bast is and I need you to be too, Steve has written. I can't even. Underneath is a minute long video of Bast, and Diana nearly hurls her phone across the room before the relief takes over. She almost throws up as she comes down from the adrenaline spike, too.

After a couple of deep breaths, Diana hits the dial button, and Steve picks up on the first ring, right as rain.

"Did you watch it? Isn't she just the best?" he exclaims.

"You need to work on how you start your texts, Steve," she says instead of answering. "Do you know how it popped up on my phone? 'Diana help I'm dying.'"

Steve sucks in a breath sharply enough that it's audible even across the tinny connection. "Oh, Gods. I'm so sorry, Diana."

Between his contrition and the fact that he's clearly okay, Diana feels her anger evaporate. She can't count the number of times that Barry—just for example—has used 'I'm dying' or 'DEAD' or 'deceased' to indicate various emotions that are not death-based. It's only normal that Steve would pick it up.

"No, I also overreacted," she admits. "I have not slept properly in two days and was not really thinking."

"I'll still work on it," Steve promises. "Seriously, watch the video; she's such a weirdo. It'll make your day better."

"Okay, I will."

"Hey, are you okay? Do you want to talk?"

"I am just ready to be home," Diana says. "I really shouldn't talk now, but hopefully I will be home before morning."

"Okay, Angel. Love you."

"Love you too."

The call disconnects, and then Diana hits play on the video. It's shot in their kitchen, and it's dark enough out that Steve has the overhead light on. Bast is in the middle of the floor, spinning in circles chasing her tail, or maybe the shadow of her tail, Diana can't quite tell. She suppresses a laugh as Bast starts spinning the other way. Dammit, Steve's right. She really is cute.

Day brightened, Diana taps out. Give her a kiss for me, we both know how much she loves those.

Two minutes later, a photo pops through of a very disgruntled looking Bast with the caption 'post-kiss', and Diana squashes down another laugh.

She's home by one in the morning, their time, and only has to move Bast a little bit to climb into bed next to Steve.

One of the reasons Diana was originally hesitant to get a cat was how much they both travel for work, and this month has been absolutely non-stop for her. In the past three weeks, it feels like she's only been home about three days. Fortunately, this is her last trip for another month (or at least, her last scheduled trip; JL business has a nasty way of popping up at inconvenient times), and Steve's job has been largely quiet on the travel front, lately.

She's got one more day to get through, and then it's just her normal job. She might even take a personal day or two.

She's just about to go into another meeting when her phone buzzes. Urgent! Read me NOW says the preview of Steve's message, and Diana immediately thumbs open her lockscreen, pausing before she enters the room, just in case she needs to dart back out.

We love you! ♥️💕 reads the rest of the message, and underneath is an attached photo of Steve and Bast. He's holding her up so that their faces are pressed together, and Bast has decided to be a perfect angel for Steve, looking directly into the camera. Diana swears she's even smizing next to Steve's own grin.

I know we talked about this, says another message that pops up while she's looking at the picture, but we wanted to make sure you saw that right away.

And then, We miss you.

A smile inches its way across her lips, and she sends back a quick selfie with a cat ears filter and a miss you too scrawled along the bottom before ducking back into the meeting.

It's Bast who hears her first, because when she opens the apartment door, Bast is sitting squarely in front of it. She lets out an indignant yowl, and then puts her front paws up on Diana's legs, asking to be picked up.

Diana shoves her suitcase inside the door, closes it, and obliges, and Bast settles in against her chest.

"She's clearly forsaken me," says Steve, who's just come out of the bedroom. "Hey you," he adds, leaning in over Bast to give her a kiss.

"Give it five minutes," Diana replies, because even though the cat looks comfortable now, her moods are mercurial.

"Mmm," Steve hums, clearly in agreement. "Hey, before I forget: can I see your phone?"

She shifts Bast (who looks up at her reproachfully) so that she can free a hand and pull her phone out of her pocket to give to Steve.

"I've been fiddling with mine, and I figured out how to turn the preview off of the push notification," he says.

Diana lets out a startled laugh. "That's probably a more secure setting anyways," she says. "Go ahead. I look forward to the moment when every third text from you will no longer induce panic."

"The future is now," Steve deadpans, and Diana has to set an affronted Bast down so that she can give Steve a proper hug, because she's glad to be home.

The next morning, Diana sneaks out early to their favorite boulangerie for a couple of pain aux raisins. She's in line when her phone pings.

Swiping it open, she taps on the notification and sees (in full, this time, thankfully): Mayday, mayday, mayday, the cat has taken your spot. There's Bast—stretched out so long across the bed that it almost looks like someone put her on a medieval torture rack—looking very pleased with herself because she's taken up the entire half of the bed that is Diana's.

A small smile creeps over her face as she steps forward to order. She's got a spot to reclaim, a cat to snuggle, and a husband to kiss good morning; she hasn't got any time to waste.

***

#wondertrev #wondertrevbingo2020 #wondertrev fanfic #steve x diana #diana x steve #fluff #lenci writes

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angelofberlin2000 · 6 years ago

Link

May 31, 2019, 07:00am

Actor Keanu Reeves attends the world premiere of "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" at One Hanson on Thursday, May 9, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

As somebody who watches several movies a week, Keanu Reeves has been a big presence in my life as of late. I revisited Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure for the first time in 12 years; I cried like a buffoon during the final minutes of Hardball; I popped in my Blu-ray for Point Break (which, no joke, I probably watch once a month?). And in honor of the third John Wick film, I burned through Keanu’s latest blockbuster series that has returned him to the spotlight.

Not every movie was great, but they all shared a common thread: I was completely enveloped by them. In fact, I had a blast watching them with my wife. We each found ourselves hypnotically drawn to Keanu and the weight he brings to a film.

And every time I realized how much I loved what Keanu brought to the screen, I had to reconcile with sad truth: most people believe he is a terrible actor.

...a terrible actor whose latest film, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, has earned $187 million at the box office.

For a long time I even sided with the naysayers. “Sure I love The Matrix and Speed and Point Break, but that isn’t really because of Keanu Reeves, right? He’s sort of barren, sterile, lifeless, isn’t he?”

Then, a couple years ago, I heard Bret Easton Ellis discuss Keanu on his podcast. And I realized I had been suppressing something I knew all along and was afraid to admit: Keanu isn’t an actor—he’s a movie star. And that’s why I find his films so powerful.

The quote that shook me to the core:

The idea of a movie star as brilliant thespian is just ridiculous—they aren’t. That’s why they are movie stars and not working in the theater. Keanu always seemed to me as a throwback to John Wayne, to Clark Gable, to Gary Cooper. Even up to Robert Redford. He has an unusual beauty that the camera automatically loves and a stoicism that speaks volumes. He’s been working steadily with filmmakers who want to work with him for 30 years now...He has a strange presence that is very effective, a stillness, an awkwardness even that is usually empathic. He is always hypnotic to watch, and this is not connected to technique necessarily, but to what our most effective movie stars have, which is simply a presence, this indefinable thing that are we intrinsically drawn to. You don’t need to be a great actor to be a movie star."

Movies are my life. The actors and directors I’m drawn to are very important to my make-up. I connect with the films and artists most important to me because the art they create become a reflection of my self.

So excuse me if it sounds hyperbolic, but Bret’s words truly touched me because they made me realize I was hiding something true about my being. I’m not interested in the kind of acting adored by thespians educated in the art of stage—I want actors that drawn me into a world that I’m forced to navigate and become a part of. And few actors have been able to accomplish that like Keanu.

Which brings me to that figure again: $187 million. It was Keanu’s second-highest opening weekend of all time. By the end of its run, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum will have earned more than pretty much every non-Matrix movie Keanu has made over the past 30 years.

For an actor that many people consider to be “terrible” in relation to the Daniel Day-Lewises and Meryl Streeps of the world, he has continued and continued and continued to churn out movies people can’t wait to see. In pretty much every decade since the 80s, he’s been top-billed on a gigantically successful film. Hell, you probably didn’t even know that The Day the Earth Stood Still made a whopping $233 million—that’s the power of Keanu Reeves.

And I think it all goes back to Bret Easton Ellis’s assessment of Keanu’s acting. He’s mocked for his stoic demeanor, yet cherished for his virility. We poke fun at his grisly tone, but are unable to take our eyes off of him. We chuckle at the idea that John Wick kills to avenge his dead dog...and then bask in the bloody justice Keanu carries out.

If you look at Keanu’s top-grossing movies, they feature him in genre roles that benefit from his indomitable poise: Speed, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Constantine, Point Break, The Matrix trilogy—and, of course, all three John Wicks. A traditionally trained actor could easily bring thespian-esque weight to any of those films, but I’d bet serious money they couldn’t carry the gravitas of your John Waynes, your Clark Gables, your Gary Coopers.

Keanu is designed for these roles that require his gritty tone, his haunting stare, his statuesque disposition. As opposed to your traditionally adored actor who burns through a range of heightened emotions, Keanu’s power stirs beneath the surface. Because his first instinct isn’t to emote, there’s almost a sadness lurking underneath, an unwillingness to reveal himself. Then, when he does emote, it carries this profound, magnetic energy that is matched by few movie stars.

Going full circle, this brings us back to John Wick. From the get-go, the John Wick series—which has so far earned $448 million dollars at the box office—required the Keanu formula: he had to exhibit a hardened presence to mask the pain he felt after his wife passed. There’s an inescapable void in John’s life that is continually filled by fighting back. He is weak, but must always remain strong—or at least appear to remain strong. As each successive film beats John further and further into the ground, Keanu must in turn continue to heighten the gravitas that made him a movie star and made his films so successful.

So far, I’d say it’s working: John Wick earned $88.8 million; John Wick: Chapter Two netted $171.5 million; and in just two weeks John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum made $187.7 million.

I honestly wonder if John Wick would have been as successful starring anyone else. How many movie stars are there like Keanu these days? Maybe it’s time to stop judging actors based on the traditional signifiers of “good acting” and remember why we watch movies in the first place: to be enveloped by another world.

And there are few actors that envelop us like Keanu Reeves.

#keanu reeves #box office power #forbes

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thesinglesjukebox · 5 years ago

Video

youtube

LADY GAGA - STUPID LOVE

[6.42]

Far from "Shallow" now...

Brad Shoup: Thudding sixteenths and vocal chop straight out of a Todd Edwards remix... it's always great when she visits. [8]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: It must be exhausting to be Lady Gaga. Here's a short list of her accomplishments since 2013's ARTPOP: winning a Grammy for a jazz duets album, winning a Golden Globe for her role in American Horror Story, headlining the Super Bowl, co-hosting arguably the best Met Gala in years, winning an Oscar for A Star is Born, getting a number one Billboard single from the soundtrack, launching a vegan make-up line, and starring in a Las Vegas residency. And yet, the dominant critical narrative has still essentially been: Gaga is absent from pop music. (For comparison, Katy Perry has been a judge on American Idol.) Of course, her self-mythologizing is partially to blame for this, but it's unclear what could have possibly satisfied her critics and die-hard fans outside of re-reinventing music à la 2010. So what's her move given the weight of the world's impossible expectations? To make simple, unpretentious pop music on her own terms. In a recent Billboard interview, she laughed while stating, "I would like to put out music that a big chunk of the world will hear, and it will become a part of their daily lives, and make them happy every single day." My first reaction upon reading this was: yes, we should hold Gaga to a higher standard because she's Gaga, but how can we balance that with the potentially damaging effects for her mental health and sanity? So on "Stupid Love" when she sings, "Now it's time to free me from this chain/I gotta find that peace, is it too late?" I like to hope it's meta-commentary on her rediscovering the joy in her music and being, free of expectation. Gaga tracks are often described as "huge" or "epic", but none has ever so perfectly embodied "fun." I'm definitely excited about how this track sounds -- an ebullient return to her earliest disco pop roots, at a time when radio is dominated by trap -- but "Stupid Love" stands out to me because of her embrace of radical self-love. This is the Gaga that I've always loved -- and she's always been enough. [9]

Leah Isobel: The production filters back an entire decade's worth of Stefani's influence into a three-minute Fruit Gusher burst of tang, but the lyrics are decidedly forward-looking, all declarative statements of "now is the time!" bullshit. In the middle of this past/present/future time-play, as the beat drops out beneath her, she asserts the key line: "all I ever wanted was lahv." If it's a disappointingly shallow retcon for an artist whose initial breadth and ambition was the entire point, the promise of it lingers in my brain. After all, it's not too far from a similar pop megalomaniac realizing that she "traded fame for love without a second thought" about 20 years ago. That rich vein of popstar self-examination writ large is so suited to Gaga's talents as an artist -- a provocateur, fake-deep philosopher, musical theatre nerd, and hook-writing master all at once -- that I have listened to this song five times in a row pretty much every single day since it, uh, appeared on the internet. My paws are reluctantly up, Stef. Don't fuck it up. [7]

Jessica Doyle: Fun, and otherwise unremarkable. If you've been a Gaga fan for a while -- if you're invested in the narrative of this hardworking woman, who has been through downs and ups and downs and then ups again -- I imagine the fun is enhanced by a certain comfort and relief in seeing her have fun; in imagining her feeling strong and secure enough to release a fun song that doesn't have to upend anything. But I am a heartless, acontextual consumer, for whom the marginal cost of listening to something else is zero, and I miss "Bad Romance." [5]

Tobi Tella: For an artist who at her peak overstuffed everything with too many ideas, there's really not much happening here. It's loud and upbeat, sure, but the lyrics are barely the thread of a coherent song, and the production reminds everyone who wants "pure" pop to come back to be careful what they wish for. Maybe that A Star is Born "pop music bad guitar music good" cynicism rubbed off too much? [4]

Katherine St Asaph: Just when I thought Gaga was lost to the land of Real Music™, or worse, flailing attempts to be chill by the least chill performer in pop music (yes, including Taylor Swift), she goes and releases this, 50,000 firecrackers on a Eurovision stage. The thicket of hooks is packed, with Black Midi levels of referential density. The whole thing sounds like "Born This Way," which is to say it sounds like "Express Yourself"; there's a juddering sequencer out of "Do What U Want" (reminds me more of "Weekend" by Class Actress, but which is more likely to be the actual inspiration?) and a touch of, of all things, September's "Cry For You." Gaga fills every crevice of the song with singing, throaty and belty and huge: a relief after years of songs filled only with half-assed #vibes. If it feels frivolous against much of Born This Way and The Fame Monster and some of Artpop, and far less ambitious, it at least pulls her out of the "Shallow" piano muck. [7]

Vikram Joseph: Perhaps a stupid song about making stupid choices is the Lady Gaga lead single we both need and deserve in 2020. The battering-ram synths feel like running down a hill into a gale-force wind; the best thing about "Stupid Love" is that Gaga sounds like she's having a lot of fun, and by extension so are we. [7]

Alex Clifton: "Stupid Love," much like "Born This Way" before it, is ready-made for pride parades, grown from the same mystical lab that gave Lady Gaga her incredible melodic sensibilities. Unlike its predecessor, though, it has more euphoria in it, presumably because it's not making a political point. Gaga's more focused on having fun here, and you can tell. The verses aren't my favourite, but the chorus hits as an overwhelming rush of dopamine, and now I can't stop dancing in my computer chair. Between this and Dua Lipa's album, we're in for a hell of a good time for pop music this spring, and I am extremely excited. [7]

Thomas Inskeep: She was doing this better a decade ago. A lot better. [2]

Joshua Lu: The narrative surrounding "Stupid Love" regards it a return to the Pop Gaga that's been mostly absent since 2013: A revival if you're a fan, a regression if you're not. The issue with this narrative is that "Stupid Love" lacks any key similarities to the Gaga of yesteryear; the only real sonic link is how the bassline brings to mind the since-redacted "Do What U Want" beat. Instead we have something that's somehow not a Kygo song, with vocal chirps that got old last year, serviceable but clichéd hooks (the entire pre-chorus has all the charm of a Taio Cruz album track), remarkably basic lyrics filled with platitudes, and a title that has no bearing on anything in the song -- there's nothing lyrically or aurally stupid about anything here, and Gaga has shown a deep capacity to be stupid in her past pop works. In reality, what we have here isn't a return to anything, but rather the continued flagging of Gaga's desire to develop genuinely off-beat or interesting pop music, whether intentional or not. Gaga's talents as a vocalist elevate the song beyond the usual pop pap, but it's not nearly at the level I once hoped she could remain at. [6]

Alfred Soto: Kudos to Jamieson Cox for catching an obvious forebear: the rattling sequencer recalls 2013's forgotten "Do What U Want," which was all set to do some business until radio programmers remembered R. Kelly had been a menace for years. Amiably confusing lack of affect with simplicity, "Stupid Love" flexes its pop strength with the expectation that fans will admire it. [7]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: The synths pack a punch but they never quite get me to where I should be. I wanna feel desperation, exasperation -- that love is worth looking stupid for. All I get is a familiar, quasi-stoic performance that sounds like Gaga's doing some excellent karaoke. [4]

Kayla Beardslee: Sure, it's competent, but Gaga is capable of so much more. Many other blurbs will discuss the song's aggressive datedness and bland lyrics, but what really bothers me is that the two halves of "Stupid Love" -- the dramatic vocals and the unrelenting gallop of the synths -- don't fit together. Gaga is giving her all with those signature "laahv"s, but there's just not enough empty space left for her in the production. Her performance ends up laying flat on top of the track, adding nothing except a sense of laziness from her producers and engineers. [5]

Pedro João Santos: Serviceable Max Martin bopathon scams its way into my brain again -- no matter how direly in need of an incubator this whole structure is. Gaga's weakest lead single feeds you Kygo, threatens to ascend during "All I ever wanted was love", and still can't fight the aura of afterthought. [6]

Jibril Yassin: "Stupid Love" is a giddy rush of EDM-pop fun, but it's the first time experiencing a major Gaga single entirely devoid of surprises. Bracing yourself for a twist that never arrives or a strange turn of vocals rearing its head from nowhere, "Stupid Love" makes up for its unremarkableness with a masterclass in songwriting. What Lady Gaga hasn't forgotten how to do is translate the feeling of having your initial gut feelings completely validated. "Stupid Love" makes its magic in casting the act of love as necessary and dare I say it -- radical. [7]

Jackie Powell: On "Stupid Love" Lady Gaga achieved a corollary. By trying to put her healing process into simple poetry, she also created an accompanying sound that's comparable to an analgesic. The function of the track is to heal and liberate. (Truth be told, Little Monster or not, the song has helped me get out of bed in the morning.) Gaga's latest cut is packaged into a familiar formula, and that's part of the reason why this track serves as a formidable lead single and symbol for the upcoming Chromatica. The equation is one that mirrors the "best of" Stefani Germanotta. What's brilliant about "Stupid Love" is that its visual and lyrical messaging and surrounding sonic arrangement and melody bring what Little Monsters and casual music fans with a Gaga fascination expect. And that's okay. She has told Oprah that her goal now isn't just to shock people but rather to exude authenticity. She stirs elements from all of her pop eras into the most hearty and flavourful version of Gaga soup (and that does include Joanne contrary to popular belief.) Each ingredient works and is soluble. She tossed in the elements of the The Fame that made fans want to Just Dance and sprinkled some catchy Swedish-sounding pop melodies (Max Martin, hello!) and sung onomatopoeia from The Fame Monster, à la the "hey-ah, hey-ahs." A suspenseful build, uniquely potent and soaring vocals are ounces of Born This Way. Don't worry, ARTPOP is doused on this track not only in color, but in sound. There's a reason why that sped up "Do What U Want"-esque bassline works. There's a contrast between her bright vocal performance and the electronic bass' darkness. Joanne comes across in the allegorical concept which once again can be interpreted to reflect the current American experience. Music video director Daniel Askill confirmed that Gaga wanted to portray the "warring tribes as a metaphor for the state of the world today." So, Mother Monster is on a mission to introduce the world to her new brainchild, ever-developing ideologies and honest ways to examine life. "Stupid Love" isn't the end-all but merely the beginning. Paws up and welcome to Chromatica bitches. [8]

Nortey Dowuona: NOPE! WAIT. wait. This is actually a welcome back for... the bass, who is joined by his drumming sister, his synth bros and Lady Gaga, who has come here from the Make A Wish Foundation to take him around New York. They have a wonderful day together, with the synth bros getting their percussive background vocal girlfriend an NYPD hoodie, and the experience convinces Lady Gaga to make bright, happy pop music again! (The bass, in the midst of a happy dance, got hit by her limo and had to go back to the hospital.) [8]

Scott Mildenhall: Between its hyperventilating over-excitement and ever-exciting hyper-sincerity, Gaga seems to have finally created a pop emergency. The false alarm of "Applause" was overstuffed and underpowered, but "Stupid Love" redresses that balance by going harder and clearer, like a newly thawed cut from a cryogenically frozen, course-correcting Artpop Monster edition. Time might seem to have turned in on itself, but no: the greater lyrical directness arrives in a way that feels culminatory. The plainspokenness of that indelible "all I ever wanted was love" makes it almost an epitaph, grounding it in a present in which all experience has been lived, and all realisations are realised. Undeniably, Lady Gaga is not dead, but this is what she knows. [8]

Will Adams: I defended "The Cure" and lamented the immense pressure on Gaga to make every release the Next Big Thing, however even that soured when it turned out to be part of A Star Is Born's ~superficial pop~ world. So where to next, when she's caught between turgid rock balladry and ill-fitting trop-pop? On "Stupid Love," we get the best possible outcome: whizzing past Joanne, making a brief stop at Artpop but ultimately landing on the dazzling excess of Born This Way. Like any good synthpop number, the synths display a wide range of textures: they tunnel, they drill, they poof, they gleam. Gaga is more than willing to match their energy. Noteworthy, though, is that she takes a brief pause only on the pre-chorus's "all I ever wanted was love"; even the way the title scans it almost sounds like she could be singing "I want just to be loved." This is the essence of pop: amidst the big dumb fireworks display, a human message at the core. [7]

#Lady Gaga #pop #music #music review

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sonicawareness · 5 years ago

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The Best Albums of 2019

After listening to more than 2000 new albums in 2019, I’ve narrowed my picks down to The 20 Best Records of 2019.

I’ve included 3 essential songs from each pick, as well as a choice lyrical clip and a brief description of the album.

Noting beats actually LISTENING TO MUSIC! So don’t just read my thoughts: follow and listen to the Spotify playlist containing 60 songs from the top 20 albums:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5TWlfWoo54MQ5cYTMmB0RI?si=M_23L6DDRieVuA845A90Pg

01: Yung Gravy - Sensational

Aptly titled Sensational, this debut full-length is a thirty minute party that dances between the hottest trap beats, well-placed samples, and the young Minnesota rapper’s braggadocious persona and ridiculous raps

Hey Alexa, how many bitches can we fit in the Tesla?...Pull up in that Model X with your model ex!

“Whip a Tesla” • “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot” • “The Boys Are Back in Town”

02: TWICE - &TWICE • Feel Special EP • FANCY YOU EP

Nine young South Korean women radiate endless energy, bountiful bliss, and some of the catchiest songs to come out not only in 2019 but recent memory

Even when things go wrong, feelings out of control: lessons, to be sure. Be okay, all right! Even a crying face is glittering, filter and laugh! You can return to invincibility, right? Blow off, and we havin’ fun! [Translated from original Japanese]

“Fake and True” • “Breakthrough” • “Stronger”

03: Sublime with Rome - Blessings

Frontman, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Rome Ramirez delivers his finest record to date: eleven heartfelt reggae-driven songs that are as well-written as they are masterfully recorded and produced

Watching you feel good tonight: it's your song up on the station, and we don't even know no words. I wanna hear you roll your R’s, singing Spanish in the car, “Dime algo hermosa tonight”.

“Wicked Heart” • “Light On” • “For the Night”

04: Bring Me the Horizon - amo

Cohesive yet genre-spanning (metalcore, hip-hop, electronic, and pop, to name just a few), the sixth album from the English quintet is an emotional yet insightful rollercoaster masterpiece

Before the truth will set you free, it'll piss you off. Before you find a place to be, you're gonna lose the plot. Too late to tell you now, one ear and right out the other one ‘cause all you ever do is chant the same old mantra.

“MANTRA” • “wonderful life” • “i apologise if you feel something”

05: Weezer - Weezer (Black Album)

Expertly produced and instantly memorable, the long-running Rivers Cuomo-driven California quartet is once again in top form, adding yet another fresh and unique — but distinctly Weezer — record to their extensive discography

Don't get mad at me, I'm just being honest. I should have lied, now you're mad at me? I'm just being honest. How 'bout from now on you'll write the script, I'll read the lines?

“Can’t Knock the Hustle” • “Zombie Bastards” • “Living in L.A.”

06: Big Data - 3.0

Like this sophomore album’s lyrical content — exploration of the impact artificial intelligence will have on humans and on the Earth — the latest project from producer, multi-instrumentalist, and mastermind Alan Wilkis is paradoxically dark yet bright; like AI, this album’s execution is equally flawless and Dangerous

I created a monster, it's out of control, it's going to take me...I didn't know what I was making...But now it's coming, coming for all of us!

“Monster” • “See Through” • “Evolution Once Again”

07: blackbear - ANONYMOUS

Vibrant yet dark, personal yet accessible, the fifth album from Mat Musto is a collection of 18 vulnerable, confessional songs told over slick electronic and hip-hop sounds

You drop the bag and ask me how my weekend was. I love that, though. You laugh when I make stupid jokes, and when I went to rehab, you didn't judge me that bad. I struggle with addiction probs, you always got my back. What am I gonna do the day that my drug dealer moves away? Whatever am I gonna say to my new plug? It just ain't the same.

“DOWN” • “HATE MY GUTS” • “DRUG DEALER”

08: Denzel Curry - ZUU

Hit-after-hit of hip-hop bangers pack this album’s half-hour runtime, with a plethora of guests joining the fray but never quite knocking it out like the young Miami native, Denzel Curry

First they mockin', now they hoppin', all on the wave, 'cause they see me poppin'. Big-big-big large pockets, they start flockin'. Here's what I say when they ass keep knockin'...

“RICKY” • “BIRDZ” • “ZUU”

09: DaBaby - KIRK / Baby on Baby

On his two 2019 albums, his first proper efforts after countless mixtapes and singles, DaBaby unleashes his signature, incessant vocals over relentless trap and modern hip-hop beats

Prolly heard I was broke from a broke nigga, prolly heard I'm a ho from a ho! I don't know what you know, I ain't runnin' from no nigga, let’s go!

“BOP” • “OFF THE RIP” • “Suge”

10: Bayside - Interrobang

On their eighth album, the Anthony Raneri-fronted New York natives sound refreshed, focused, and tighter than ever telling their trademark tales of heartbreak and healing

I love that music saved you, and Lord knows it’s saved me too, but songs never love you back, and you never know the person preaching to you...

“Interrobang” • “Prayers” • “Bury Me”

11: The Hold Steady - Thrashing Thru The Passion

Few frontmen can weave an album’s worth of compelling narratives, yet the Brooklyn band’s Craig Finn finds himself on the seventh The Hold Steady album once again delivering ten more engaging, interlocked tales over his band’s fierce guitar riffs and all-too-catchy choruses

Thanks for listening, thanks for understanding: tequila takeoff, Tecate landing.

“Entitlement Crew” • “Denver Haircut” • “You Did Good Kid”

12: Electric Guest - KIN

Sugary sweet, the third record from the California duo promptly polishes any rough few rough edges they once had to deliver a perfectly slick yet quirkily heartwarming collection of eleven easy-listening songs

I'm like, “this mothafucka might sue me, and that mothafucka might boo me”. I'ma keep on goin' to a better day, all this other bitterness can fade away.

“Dollar” • “I Got the Money” • “More”

13: Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

Part punk energy without sounding even slightly punk, part emo diary without being a dashboard confessional, the debut record from American teenager Billie Eilish craftily bounces between genres, haunting sounds, and strange stories

If you think I’m pretty, you should see me in a crown. I'm gonna run this nothing town. Watch me make 'em bow one by one by one.

“bad guy” • “my strange addiction” • “you should see me in a crown”

14: The Cat Empire - Stolen Diamonds

The eighth album from Australia’s The Cat Empire is a full-blown dance party packed with catchy, clever songwriting and a room full of drums, horns, strings, keyboards, turntables, and bass

Operator, please, I can’t get out my head. Tell me where I’m going or where I’m being led. Tell me like an order, and order I’ll obey. Maybe I just thought you said, or did I did I hear you say, “We’re going to ([kill a man]) Kilaman-jaro, jaro…”

“KIla” • “Stolen Diamonds” • “Ready Now”

15: Dirty Heads - Super Moon

Co-frontmen Dirty J and Duddy B return to the beach for the seventh Dirty Heads album, borrowing sounds from across their entire discography of acoustic guitars and witty hip-hop to craft a surprisingly delicate record

I'm a flame, I'm a beacon that won't go out. In the dark, in the rain, I'm your lighthouse. When you can't stand the pain, hope you know now, I'll keep you safe, I'm your lighthouse.

“Super Moon” • “Lift Me Up” • “Tender Boy”

16: TENDER - Fear of Falling Asleep

Dark and uninviting, the second album from this London duo is an intimidating but rewarding listen delicately spiced with just enough hooks to keep you trapped in its atmospheric dreams

I’ll be looking for the scent when it goes cold. I’ve been trying to beat the maze with a blindfold on. I’ve been foraging through mud and sticks searching for that power that don’t exist.

“Closer Still” • “Bottled Up” • “Handmade Ego”

17: Logic - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind / Supermarket Soundtrack

Logic returns once again with countless rhymes delivered over his trademark breathless bars, frequently painting an all-too-vivid picture of a famous rapper struggling to comprehend the world around him

All these comments got me lost in my mind; all these thoughts that I'm having are not mine. I always post that I'm having a good time so my life looks perfect online...

“Homicide” • “Don’t Be Afraid to Be Different” • “Lemon Drop”

18: Tyga - Legendary

More than just a collection of hits, the seventh album from the Compton rapper is well-sequenced and effortlessly laced with hook-after-hook for Tyga to deliver his signature obscene lines about things he self-admittedly has too many [sic] of: money, cash, hoes, cars, clothes, flows

Hey, shut the fuck up, bitch, you know who I are. Point blank range, and I'm shootin' for the stars. You niggas subpar and I just raised the bar. You got Rollies on your wrist, this is Chopard. Slide on your block like a fuckin' go-kart, my nigga A&R, still got an AR.

“Haute” • “Lightskin Little Wayne” • “On Me”

19: The Chainsmokers - World War Joy

The third album in three years from Alex Pall and Drew Taggart (and no shortage of guests) is an easy, light collection of ten slick relationship-focused pop songs that find the duo largely eschewing their dance-centric history

You said, "Hey, whatcha doing for the rest of your life?" and I said, "I don't even know what I'm doing tonight". Went from one conversation to your lips on mine.

“The Reaper” • “Family” • “P.S. I Hope You’re Happy”

20: Bear Hands - Fake Tunes

Brooklyn’s Bear Hands returns with another collection of bright, bouncy songs that ever-so-slightly conceal the trio’s underlying sadness and struggles

I don't see how you think you can come to me, and bitch to me, lay out your problems, like ancient history, like I ain't got no other shit to do. I love you, baby, but my lips are turnin' blue.

“Blue Lips” • “Back Seat Driver (Spirit Guide)” • “Mr. Radioactive”

THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2019

Yung Gravy - Sensational

TWICE - &TWICE • Feel Special EP • FANCY YOU EP

Sublime with Rome - Blessings

Bring Me the Horizon - amo

Weezer - Weezer (Black Album)

Big Data - 3.0

blackbear - ANONYMOUS

Denzel Curry - ZUU

DaBaby - KIRK / Baby on Baby

Bayside - Interrobang

The Hold Steady - Thrashing Thru The Passion

Electric Guest - KIN

Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

The Cat Empire - Stolen Diamonds

Dirty Heads - Super Moon

TENDER - Fear of Falling Asleep

Logic - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind / Supermarket Soundtrack

Tyga - Legendary

The Chainsmokers - World War Joy

Bear Hands - Fake Tunes

#best albums

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sinceileftyoublog · 6 years ago

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Big Ears Festival 2019: 3/21-3/24

BY JORDAN MAINZER

While it’s easy every year to spot patterns among the Big Ears Festival lineup, the fest is one equally unconcerned with trends/scenes or purism and instead fascinated with rediscovering and redefining canon. Across the worlds of experimental/ambient music, jazz, and folk, the curators aim to spotlight both those with impressive CVs and ones taking advantage of their newly acquired musical platform. As I wrote last year, you can become as much of a festival curator, too, something that wouldn’t be possible if all of the performing artists didn’t have an equal seat at the table.

But it’s not just that the festival is diverse in terms of genre, gender, and race. It’s that the sets--diverse within themselves--are born of organic collaboration. You could camp out to see various performances celebrating 50 years of ECM Records, about as established in the world of music as you can get; minutes away, you could catch someone like Lonnie Holley (who has been releasing music only for this decade) perform a one-time collaborative set with half of Fugazi. Perhaps a Big Ears Festival isn’t what it is for you without witnessing the artistic marvels of seemingly perennial participants like folk heroes Rhiannon Giddens, Abigail Washburn, Bela Fleck, and Rachel Grimes, or Knoxville music organization Nief-Norf. If that’s the case for you, they’re thankfully hard to avoid, unless for some reason you’re averse to simultaneously seeing them play with legends like Richard Thompson, Bill Frisell, and Harold Budd or contemporary genre defying masters like Mary Lattimore.

Rhiannon Giddens and friends busk in Market Square

As for this year, most sets had some elements of drone, if not deep listening, some more explicit than others. Alvin Lucier performed twice throughout the fest, joined both times by Stephen O’Malley and Oren Ambarchi and once by Joan La Barbara. Budd was featured three times--I caught his set with Nief-Norf and Lattimore, which started with minutes of ambient gong playing and eventually seeped its way into the crevices of the cathedral. Vijay Iyer and Craig Taborn, who just released an album together called The Transitory Poems, dueled on piano in the dark Tennessee Theatre, fast-paced, anxious, and monotone with some occasional typical flowery playing from Iyer. Rafiq Bhatia’s performance of his Broken English album combined his drone guitar picking with rolling drums and bass/synth and visuals, its peaks and valleys exuding the most exciting elements of post rock. This Is Not This Heat perhaps provided the most exhausting, exhilarating performance of the entire weekend. Multiple drummers, three-part chanted, breathy harmonies, woodwind shoved right into the microphone--it was the type of set that transformed you physically as much as mentally, probably the most at the festival since Swans in 2015.

Rafiq Bhatia performs Broken English

Charles Hayward of This Is Not This Heat

Experimental elements delved into even the ECM sets. Frisell and upright bassist Thomas Morgan toed the line between minimal and sterile, succeeding most when their songs felt like short sonic experiments. (The two have a great album out on ECM next month, Epistrophy, recorded at the Village Vanguard in NYC.) One of the surprise standouts of the entire weekend was the Mathias Eick Quintet. The Norwegian trumpeter created tones that were soft, somber, evocative, and weepy, a refuge from the rest of the band’s noise, and his rarely used singing voice was truly haunting, especially when harmonizing with violin. (It didn’t hurt that Eick was beaming on stage, grateful to be there and follow up Frisell, one of his idols.)

Mathias Eick Quintet

Mercury Rev

Normally, this experimental spirit pervades the entire lineup, so I was a bit surprised to see that two of the festivals headliners were full-on rock bands, even if ones pushing the boundaries of pop with their grand ambitions. You can’t deny that Mercury Rev and Spiritualized are gloriously uncool and maybe even a little corny, but their strict adherence to their artistic visions made their sets highlights of the weekend. To call Mercury Rev singer Jonathan Donahue “theatrical” is the understatement of the century; his Wayne Coyne-meets-Daniel Rossen coo is bested only by his miming of conducting an orchestra. The band provides instrumental fodder--half Wonka-esque chamber pop, half psychedelic glory--for Donahue’s sense of wonderment. Of course, the set was heavy on Deserter’s Songs, their opus that permanently shifted their aesthetic for the dreamier, and probably a good thing considering their more Big Ears-y album was their underwhelming latest, a Bobbie Gentry covers record.

Jason Pierce of Spiritualized

As for Spiritualized, they’re touring off of a great new record, And Nothing Hurt, and they presented it in full during the latter half of the set. Jason Pierce sat perched on a chair for the entire set, donning sunglasses and reading off of a lyrics sheet. The hope that pervades the new record was actually bested by the song choices for the set’s older songs: “Hold On”, the glorious “Come Together”, early 90′s gem “Shine A Light”, the yearning “Stay With Me”, “Soul on Fire”, and the happiest version of Ladies and Gentlemen weeper “Broken Heart” you’ve ever heard, saddled with doo wop harmonies from the backup singers. Sure, the band delved into some noisy interludes and a strobe freakout during “On the Sunshine”, but for the most part, this was the new Spiritualized, pleasant slumbers and all.

Sons of Kemet

But to call Big Ears a festival for the mind and for the sheer listener is reductive; mobile music reigned supreme just as much as still vibrations. Perhaps this was perplexing to a crowd that tends to be older and very, very patient. A jazz fan I spoke to was perplexed by the currently thriving South London jazz scene, two of its brightest, Shabaka Hutchings-containing stars, Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming, providing two of the most stimulating sets of the festival. The former’s combination of saxophone, tuba, and drums times two yielded a set that slows down only when the audience--not even the band--physically needed to do so, their latest album Your Queen Is A Reptile one of the most vital jazz records in recent memory. Yes, it’s also that neither Kemet nor Comet are jazz purists (more like rock-adjacent and jazz-inspired) that might have otherwise overwhelmed the ECM crowd, but by the end of both sets, even casual onlookers were hooked. The latter’s combination of King Shabaka’s saxophone, sort of hype man Dan Leavers (Danalogue) on Roland keyboards, and Max Hallett (Betamax) on drums was more primal despite their sound more electronic and space-themed, incorporating aspects of ambient techno into their funk jazz. Their latest record Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery has established them and especially Hutchings as major players in the global scene, if they weren’t already.

Junius Paul (left) plays bass for Makaya McCraven’s (right) set

The Chicago area brought a couple scene-specific acts to the festival, though one was certainly more niche: Jlin’s pseudo-footwork was an admirable retrospective of her now untouchable three-album discography (though I’d love to see Big Ears book a collection of footwork producers). And Makaya McCraven, whose Universal Beings was a relatively global album (despite what he says) offered a blissful, nimble set of slow-burning grooves from that record and Highly Rare, with a band that included bassist Junius Paul and guitarist Jeff Parker of Tortoise.

Overall, what made Big Ears Festival special this year is what makes it special every year: that any one person can come away with an experience 180 degrees from another person. But that’s increasingly happening because the festival refuses to be pigeonholed into one realm of experimental music, sometimes acknowledging that you don’t have to be experimental at all.

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thisdaynews · 5 years ago

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Davis Cup: What worked, what didn't & what needs to change

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/davis-cup-what-worked-what-didnt-what-needs-to-change/

Davis Cup: What worked, what didn't & what needs to change

Spain beat Canada in Sunday’s final to win their sixth Davis Cup title – but the first in the new format

With Rafael Nadal falling flat on his back on the baseline, his triumphant team-mates running on court to pile on top of him and a partisan home stadium rocking with pride, it was a familiar scene as Spain lifted the Davis Cup.

Yet, while the celebrations were similar to many we have seen in previous years, the host nation’s first success since 2011 came at the end of a very different week in Madrid.

Unlike in the past, Spain’s victory over Canada was not the only Davis Cup tie to take place in November as the tournament culminated. Instead it was the end of an 18-nation finals self-styled as the ‘World Cup of Tennis’.

The football-style knockout tournament, a bold concept conceived and financially backed by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and his Kosmos investment group, faced a barrage of criticism before it had even started.

And, as with any new event, especially one of such size and stature, there were teething problems in the Spanish capital.

But there were also many memorable moments in what proved to be a high-quality tournament on the court.

Here, BBC Sport analyses what worked in the new-look finals, what perhaps didn’t and the lessons that must be learned before next year’s event.

Spain beat Canada to win Davis Cup

Jamie Murray column on Davis Cup improvements

The star names sprinkle stardust on the new finals

For years, the common consensus had been the 119-year competition needed to change.

Top players, worried about burn out on the punishing ATP Tour, were regularly not turning out to play in a 16-team world group that saw home and away ties spread over four weekends throughout the year.

Pique, a tennis fan said to have been a promising junior player, was the catalyst for change.

But his intervention, and the changing of a tradition which had existed in the previous format since 1981, was not welcomed by tennis die-hards, including the most recognisable player on the planet.

Swiss great Roger Federer resisted the change and urged that the competition should not become the “Pique Cup”.

While the 20-time Grand Slam champion was not present in Madrid after Switzerland failed to qualify three of the other ‘Big Four’ did play.

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were the star names present as 11 of the world’s top 20 singles players also appeared at the event. Russian world number four Daniil Medvedev and German world number seven Alexander Zverev were the only members of the world’s top 10 who pulled out in spite of their nations qualifying.

The presence of so many key players was seen as an encouraging sign by Pique and ITF chief David Haggerty.

“When we started a few years ago with the project of the new format, what we wanted basically was that the top players participate in the competition. I think that was a fact,” Pique said.

“You saw here the top players playing and representing their countries.”

Whether that will continue to be the case largely depends if a merger with January’s 24-nation ATP Cup – created by the men’s tour and attracting all the top-ranked players except Federer – can ever be agreed to avoid a situation where two men’s team events take place within close proximity of each other.

Star names were not only evident on the tennis court either as Pique’s long-term partner Shakira, the Colombian pop singer, provided the pre-final entertainment – presumably not for the large appearance fee she would usually command

Different format, same emotions stirred

Try telling those competing in Madrid – and their compatriots who had spent time and money travelling there – that the new format had devalued the competition as some suggested.

World number one Nadal tore around the Caja Magica as he won all eight of his singles and double rubbers to inspire the Spanish.

Novak Djokovic along with the entire Serbia team were left close to tears following a dramatic quarter-final loss to Russia. In an emotional news conference post match, Djokovic’s doubles partner Viktor Troicki – who played a woeful third-set tie-break – said he felt “the worst ever” after been given the chance to “be the hero, only for God to take it away”.

Former world number one Andy Murray was contorted with nervous emotion as he watched his older brother Jamie and Neal Skupski try to put their nation into the final by beating Nadal and Feliciano Lopez in a decisive doubles rubber.

And try telling Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who was left in tears after winning his singles rubber against Canada three days after the death of his father, that representing his country was still not of significant pride and honour.

Fears the emotion could be sucked out of the competition proved wide of the mark, although it remains to be seen what a finals weekend without the host nation competing would look like.

Great Britain, cheered on here by team-mates Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund, reached the semi-finals in Madrid

Empty seats for most matches – give them to the kids?

Patriotism was not in short supply in the stands either.

Clearly that peaked during the Spanish ties where the Caja Magica stands were a sea of red-and-yellow flags as the partisan home crowd, encouraged to make noise by a jaunty brass band and a man barking out instructions through a football terrace-style megaphone, willed their team towards a first Davis Cup triumph since 2011.

That understandably gave those matches a flavour of the ‘old’ Davis Cup – and an advantage to Spain.

While some other teams were well backed – notably Great Britain, Canada and Kazakhstan, thanks to the help of their national federation – other matches were played out in half-full arenas.

Even Saturday’s first semi-final between Canada and Russia saw huge swathes of empty red seats.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) offered 875 free tickets to British fans for the semi-final against Spain – at a cost of about £60,000 – and British captain Leon Smith thinks there should be an arrangement between organisers and the governing bodies of all 18 finalists to subside support in the future.

“The most important thing about Davis Cup is obviously trying to maintain the atmosphere,” he said.

“Why doesn’t that become the norm that there’s X amount of investment given to each federation to get a core group of fans?”

Spain’s two group games and Sunday’s final were the only ties to officially sell out the 12,500 capacity Manolo Santana court, according to the tournament’s online ticket portal.

“I do think the organisers missed an opportunity there by not giving the unsold tickets to schoolchildren and getting them in to watch the matches,” British player Jamie Murray said in his BBC Sport column.

“That would have been a good idea and would have exposed young kids – the future of the sport as potential players and fans – to tennis.”

A second venue in Madrid would prevent 4am finishes

While Spanish custom dictates the nation generally stays awake until the early hours, a major problem which arose was ridiculously late finishes in some matches with ties outlasting all but the most nocturnal of fans.

The group tie between the United States and Italy was the most startling, eye-rubbing example, finally ending at 04:04 local time to become the second latest finish in top-level tennis history behind Lleyton Hewitt’s win over Marcos Baghdatis at the 2008 Australian Open which ended at 4:33am.

“We expect that some games will be finished late, but obviously 4am was too late,” Pique said.

“That day all the games, they were very long.

“But we will have to be more creative in the future. I think this is not a big issue. It’s something we have to think how we do it.”

Britain’s Jamie Murray has suggested the finals should be split across two venues in Madrid next year, enabling one court to host one tie every day rather than two sessions.

When asked if the Spanish capital’s WiZink Center could be used next year, or where a fourth court could be built at the Caja Mágica, Pique said both options “are right now are on the table”.

Too focused on TV fans and not those there?

Between 800 and 1,000 British fans roared their team on in each of their four matches, with some staying for the whole week in the hope of seeing the 2015 champions end victorious again.

The majority of supporters appeared to savour the sense of occasion that mixing with fans from all over the world brought, although a large portion still bemoaned the loss of the previous home-and-away format.

“It is a fantastic atmosphere, we’ve talked to people from loads of different countries,” said Pam Flatman, who flew over from Norfolk with husband Wayne and their friend Mac Boreham. “It brings people together and from that perspective it’s a good thing.”

One common gripe among fans of all nationalities was they felt the tournament was more geared towards the needs of armchair fans than those actually in Madrid.

“There are no screens dotted around, so there is no information from the other matches,” said Mac. “At Wimbledon you know what’s happening but here you know nothing.”

Pam added: “Scoreboards and TVs outside in the concourses are necessary – and more outside heaters because the Madrid winter can be very chilly. It’s been freezing standing out here.”

The tournament also ended with a tinge of disappointment for fans at the venue. Spain lifted the trophy with many supporters having already left the arena, unwilling to sit through an unnecessarily elaborate and time-consuming setting up of the presentation stage.

Those trying keeping up-to-date with the action from afar reported a series of issues.

Technological glitches surfaced on the official Davis Cup finals information channels – including website, mobile app and stadium televisions – which ranged from comical errors to more serious issues of fan engagement.

While British number one Dan Evans’ profile featuring a faceless image instead of a photograph like everyone else was not the end of the world, nor was Germany’s team page describing Zverev – absent and a harsh vocal critic – as the ‘star of the their team’, the fundamental ability to update scores and competing players correctly was a failure.

Often, the scores of matches were wrong and slow to update, while Britain were apparently represented by Argentine Guido Pella in their quarter-final against Germany.

Selling television rights proved to be a problem in some major markets, with the tournament not shown on a major American broadcaster and only being available to British television audience at a late stage when Eurosport stepped in to secure the rights.

Another peculiarity was the decision to set up new Twitter and Instagram accounts under the ‘Davis Cup finals’ banner rather than use the existing Davis Cup accounts which have a combined 500,000 followers.

Although the behind-the-scenes content was excellent – fun, interactive and engaging – and retweeted by the main Davis Cup accounts in a bid to build the brand, the new accounts only had a combined 60,000 followers which leads a suspicion that reach was not as wide as it could have been.

“Our vision is to make sure this is seen in as many places by as many people and followed around the world. That’s something that, again, is something we can improve,” Pique added.

#change #needs

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youngandhungryent · 5 years ago

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Hip-Hop Halloween: 10 Last Minute Rap and R&B-Themed Costume Ideas

Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year, giving those who celebrate a chance to be someone (or something!) completely out of the ordinary. While witches, warlocks, vampires and superheroes are some of the top faves when it comes to selecting a costume, dressing up as your favorite rapper or singer will never get old. That’s why we were thrilled to see that Tyler, The Creator recently revealed a set of costumes inspired by an alter ego named IGOR from his latest album of the same name.

IGOR, COSTUME pic.twitter.com/t9t9apNKYg

— Tyler, The Creator (@tylerthecreator) October 23, 2019

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Even if you didn’t mind dropping the $230 USD it costs to cop the wig and suit combo seen above, it looks like the IGOR costume is actually sold out at the moment. Dont’t fret, though — we found a few good selections via our friends over at Toynk Toys that will get the job done quicker than you can spit a hot 16. As you’ll probably be hitting up a few Halloween shindigs throughout the week and maybe into the weekend, take a minute to find one or a few suitable suits that are less ghoulish and more on the “G’d up” side.

Keep scrolling to check out some of the best Halloween costume ideas inspired by 10 past and present all-stars in the world of Hip-Hop and R&B:

VANILLA ICE

His days of “Ice Ice Baby” fame are long gone, but you can still rock out like the pioneering white rapper with this hilarious throwback ‘fit. Adding an ironic twist to things, Vanilla Ice was actually born on Halloween!

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THE FRESH PRINCE-ERA WILL SMITH

While the top could also be a dope Biggie costume as well, the hat automatically brings to mind the classic opening sequence played at the beginning of every episode of Will Smith’s breakout sitcom series. Yo holmes, to Bel-Air!

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G-EAZY

Granted, this one falls more along the lines of Grease steez, but where do you think G-Eazy got his swag from?! Pull out your pomade and go rep for the Bay Area!

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THRILLER-ERA MICHAEL JACKSON

The King of Pop will forever remain iconic for this look, and we can’t think of a better get-up to party the night away in if you’re planning on raising the dead with some killer dance moves this Halloween.

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THA CARTER III-ERA LIL WAYNE

Prepare for more than a few laughs aimed your way if you decide on channelling this ’08 Weezy look. However, you’re also 90% certain to win any costume contest with this one. Hey, Mr. Carter!

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2011 GRAMMY AWARDS NICKI MINAJ

Channel the, in her own words, “most dominating female rapper of the last decade chile” by rocking a costume inspired by one of her wildest red carpet looks. Ass pads not included.

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janet.-ERA JANET JACKSON

If you’re looking to get a little nasty this Halloween, going as one of the pioneering queens of pop music is definitely a solid choice. You know you want this!

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“UMBRELLA”-ERA RIHANNA

It’s the song that turned a girl from the left side of an island into a certified superstar. We can’t guarantee you’ll have the same platinum-selling results as Rih, but why not have a little fun going as the ultimate good girl gone bad?

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MEGAN THEE STALLION

Planning on driving the boat during Mischief Night? Saddle up and steer the way to the party as Houston’s premiere hottie currently rocking the mic. You’ll be having a “Hot Girl Halloween” in no time!

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’04 MTV MOVIE AWARDS MARQUES HOUSTON

Come on, we had to save the best for last! The former Immature/IMx lead singer will forever be associated with that barely-there-and-see-through suit from the 2004 MTV Movie Awards, and now you can be a hot mess for Halloween as well. Don’t go fully commando, though!

SHOP NOW

Who are you dressing up as this Halloween? Let us know over on our Facebook and Twitter!

The post Hip-Hop Halloween: 10 Last Minute Rap and R&B-Themed Costume Ideas appeared first on The Source | The Magazine of Hip Hop Music,Culture and Politics.

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#fucu #fucul #young and hungry ent #boss of bosses #instrumental type beat free

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thornfield13713 · 8 years ago

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Raising Harry: Wayne!Harry, does he ever strike out as his own hero after being Robin?

Yes…but here’s the inciting incident.

It was three years later – nearly four – and Jason’s loss still felt like a physical wound. Long since scarred over, of course, but still present, and still inclined to ache in times of trouble. It took Harry differently than it had taken George – he and Jason had had their time to be separate people. They hadn’t been a single unit, Harry-and-Jason, since Harry started at Hogwarts, Harry knew who he was without his brother there to bolster him. That hadn’t lessened the awful pain and confusion of it, coming home to find Jason dead, Bruce very nearly coming apart at the seams with guilt and grief and Dick burying himself in the mission and hardly saying a word. Things had changed, since then – the whole war with Voldemort had happened, since then, and things had seemed to be starting to move on. Harry had met his and Jason’s successor, Tim, and gone into Auror training, he had let himself begin to feel the world might be all right again. Of course, he should have known better – if there was one thing his life ought to have prepared him for, it was that the universe waited until it looked as if you had some chance of happiness before hitting you from behind with yet another calamity.Dick had placed the call just days earlier. Harry had been asleep, exhausted, unsuspecting, having spent most of the weekend on a particularly hellish training exercise designed by some long-retired Auror to make sure his subordinates would recognise it if he were ever to be replaced by a Dark wizard using Polyjuice potion. Under Fudge, such an exercise had been derided as paranoid, but it had come back with a vengeance since the war ended, and now Harry was paying the price of Fudge’s overconfidence. The phone had rung just a few minutes after he finally came home and keeled over, and Harry had been fully intending to just ignore it until morning until the noise became too much to bear and he was forced to pick up.“’lo,” he mumbled.“Harry?”Harry blinked awake, startled. “Dick?” he asked, “What is it?”“It’s about Jason,” his brother said, through a line gone crackly with static. “He’s turned up again. Alive.”After that, there had been no choice – Harry had owled in his excuses to the Auror office, citing pressing family business, and booked the next flight to Gotham without a word to anyone. Jason was alive. After all these years, it seemed nearly impossible, but…well, why not? Superman had returned from the dead once already. Harry had always put that down to Kryptonians having a somewhat peculiar relationship with death in general, but that had only ever been a theory. Besides, nothing had never stopped Joker from popping up again like a malignant daisy in bad make-up, no matter how many ought-to-have-been-fatal situations he found himself in. Harry shook himself, immediately resolved never to use that particular analogy around Bruce.Alfred was waiting for him at Goodwin International, and Harry had never been more relieved to see him.“Is it true?” he demanded, as soon as they were away from the crowds.Alfred’s expression was stony. “I fear so, Master Harry,” he said quietly. Harry could see the shadows under his eyes, the slightest suggestion of a slump to his posture. It was nothing you could put your finger on, Alfred’s standards were far too high for that, but it was enough.“That bad?” Harry said, trying to sound nonchalant and failing.Alfred’s hands tightened on the wheel and his voice was hardly above a whisper as he explained what had happened while Harry had been away. In a way, it was almost a relief. Harry had hoped to see Jason, in the forest, when he had the Resurrection Stone in his hand, and he hadn’t. He supposed he knew why, now.Bruce wasn’t in the Cave when Harry got there, but Tim was. Harry had never had much of a chance to interact with the latest Robin – Tim had joined the family while Harry was away fighting in the war against Voldemort, and Harry hadn’t come home to Gotham in far too long as it was.“Uh…hi?” he said awkwardly, dropping his bag by the computer and leaning over to take a look. “Do you know where Bruce is?”Tim nodded, “He said he was going to Arkham,” he said, not looking away from the screen, his fingers flying over the keys, “Joker might have some idea how Todd managed to survive that explosion.”“Even if he does, it’ll take the best part of an hour of mind games before we get anything useful,” Harry muttered, feeling caged and trapped and irritable, “Did Jason say anything? Before…” he made a vague gesture, not wanting to say anything that would make it real that Jason had done all this.“Not a thing,” Tim said, and dared a look over, “You two were Robins together, right? Before you went away?”“Yeah,” Harry said distractedly, “We…uh…we were the second Robin. It didn’t feel right to do it alone.”“So, you’d know him pretty well, right?”“I thought I did,” Harry said shortly. He didn’t like the way Tim had said that, as if Jason were- were just another supervillain, not one of them. “I need to talk to him,” he muttered, staring at the screens. He didn’t know why Jason was doing this, but that almost didn’t matter now. Harry couldn’t say he liked what Jason was doing, but Harry’s hands weren’t clean either. He’d killed Voldemort, hadn’t he? Not directly, but that was what he had done, and there had been other things, things he wasn’t proud of but had done all the same. Jason was family. Whatever he’d done, it didn’t change the fact that Jason had saved his life a hundred times when they’d been just another pair of street kids in the Gotham Narrows, and a hundred more as Robin.“He doesn’t seem all that interested in talking,” Tim said cynically. “He…uh…wasn’t he the Robin who…that thing with the rapist, wasn’t that…”“It was an accident,” Harry replied, even as a little niggling grain of doubt began to remind him of its existence. He was sure it had been an accident, Jason had said it had been an accident, there was no reason why it shouldn’t have been an accident…but when they got there, the man had been dead, and Jason hadn’t looked all that cut up about it – not that many people would have been, Harry reminded himself sharply.Tim’s expression said that he didn’t find that likely, but he didn’t say anything. Harry couldn’t help but be relieved – he generally liked Tim well enough, and if he had said one word it would have come to a fight. They couldn’t afford that, not now. Jason would have plenty of time to show his character once they had him back with them where he belonged.There was a roar of engine from a lower level, and both Harry and Tim looked around as the Batmobile slid, silent once again, to a stop not far from the entrance. Harry knew, before Bruce even climbed out, that the news had been bad. Not that there was ever really any other kind of news, when dealing with the Joker, but he wouldn’t have made that much noise coming in if he hadn’t been rattled, and it took a lot to rattle Batman.Bruce stopped short at the sight of Harry. “I told Dick not to call you until we were certain,” he said gruffly.“No-one said anything about that to me.” Harry shrugged, “And you know I’d have got wind of it sooner or later anyway. If Jason’s in some sort of trouble, better all of us are here to deal with it.”“Jason isn’t ‘in trouble’,” Bruce said darkly, “Or at least, not the sort of trouble you’re thinking of.”Harry considered this. “We know he was dead,” he said flatly, “And I think we only know one way people can come back from the dead, even with magic. You know what Lazarus Pits do to a person, he’s not in his right mind.”Even to him, it sounded like a very weak excuse.Bruce’s expression said much the same thing – or rather, it said that Bruce wanted to believe it, and thus would resist doing so tooth and nail until he had absolute proof that it was true.“He was my brother before we were your sons,” Harry said, very quietly, so only Bruce could hear.Bruce nodded, his expression changing, just a little, such that hardly anyone would notice. But then, Bruce had always been good at compartmentalising – sometimes, it made Harry nervous, how good at that Bruce was. He was pretty sure it couldn’t be good for him; it had nearly killed Harry to try it, during Occlumency lessons with Snape, and Bruce had about as much to deal with as Harry did. Not that Bruce would ever admit to having any sort of problem at all. Too many years of being told, every time he made a mistake, that he was just like one or another of his villains would do that to a person, Harry supposed. That had been hard enough to deal with when he just had Voldemort to be compared to.“I want to be there when you meet him,” Harry added, more loudly now, and saw the tension snap back into Bruce’s frame. “I can do it,” he said impatiently, “You know I can.”Hell of a stupid thing to say, he would think later. Then again, it was always the way with him – he’d think something would be manageable, and then, as he was pulling himself out of the rubble, start to have second thoughts.God, how had he ever thought he was ready for this? Jason, raving, eyes gleaming like a mad dog’s, older and hardened and…maybe they all were, now, but Jason- In Harry’s mind, Jason was always fifteen, half-wild, impulsive and often angry at the injustices of the world, but the other half of himself for all that. His brother, his twin, his best friend for years before he ever met Ron Weasley. Holding their father at gunpoint and nearly laughing as he snarled and spat venom.“Is that what you think this is about? That you let me die?” Jason demanded, dragging himself slowly and painfully to his feet, “I don’t know what clouds your judgement worse, your guilt or your antiquated sense of morality.” Jason’s voice broke. “Bruce, I forgive you, for not saving me. But why on God’s earth is he still alive?”The door came down, and there was the Joker. Bound, bruised, unrepentant, laughing. Harry’s stomach lurched.“Gotta give the boy points,” Joker chortled, “He came all the way back from the dead to make this shindig happen! So! Who’s got a camera? Get one of me and the kid first, then you and me, then all three of us, and – oh! Then one of me and the crowbar-”Harry couldn’t deny it was satisfying when Jason hit the Joker across the face with the butt of the pistol, sending him sprawling to the floor, but then the gun was against Joker’s temple, and Harry couldn’t stop seeing that that was Jason’s face, Jason doing this-Killing rips the soul, he remembered Dumbledore telling him. But Harry had known long before Dumbledore ever needed to tell him that.“Ignoring what he’s done in the past. Blindly, stupidly disregarding the entire graveyards he’s filled, the thousands who have suffered, the friends he’s crippled. You know, I thought… I thought I’d be the last person you’d ever let him hurt. If it had been you that he beat to a bloody pulp, if he had taken you from this world, I would’ve done nothing but search the planet for this pathetic pile of evil, death-worshiping garbage and then send him off to hell!”Bruce was still. “You don’t understand. I don’t think you’ve ever understood.”“What? That your moral code just won’t allow for that? It’s too hard to cross that line?” Jason snorted. “Even after-”“Actually, that part was my fault.” Harry let the invisibility cloak slip, ignoring Bruce’s glare. He’d been ordered to stay as back-up, and then he hadn’t been able to get a good bead on Jason without risking Bruce, and even if it was only stunners, he didn’t fancy dragging them both back to the manor.Jason stared at him. “Your-”“My fault. Yeah. He wouldn’t tell you.” Harry forced a smile that felt more like a grimace, wishing he had something else to offer. “He wouldn’t want you to think less of him, but he came within inches of doing it, the summer after you died. I was there. I saw it all.”“Then how the hell is he still alive? I know you, you couldn’t have beaten Bruce in a fair fight – even I had trouble, with all the League’s training.”Harry shrugged, “I stunned him from behind while they were fighting. He never even saw it coming, he was so busy trying to strangle Joker. So if you want someone to blame for Joker still being around, blame me.”“One time!” Jason made a disgusted noise, “If he’d meant it, he’d have tried again.”Harry glared. “Perhaps he would’ve. Dick and I worked on him after that – I told him he couldn’t afford to give up on everything we stood for, even after what happened. I said that if he did that, he’d be letting Joker win. I told him I didn’t think you’d want to see our father become a murderer for you.” Harry shrugged again, trying to hide how deep that had cut. “I guess neither of us knew each other as well as we thought.”Jason’s face had twisted then, and he’d swung the gun around at Harry, his finger tightening on the trigger. Harry hadn’t even had time to go for his wand. It was all a bit of a blur after that.

#raising harry challenge #harry potter #batman

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davidoespailla · 6 years ago

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Top 10 Affordable Small Towns Where You’d Actually Want to Live, 2019 Edition

iStock; realtor.com

Small-town America is making a big comeback.

No, we’re not sounding the death knell for big-city living just yet. But after years of losing residents to bustling urban areas and their equally bustling suburbs, the nation’s smaller municipalities are again tempting more Americans with the seductive lures of greater affordability and a simpler way of life. In 2017 populations of these closer-knit enclaves began rising for the first time this decade, according to the latest U.S. Census data available.

And why not? There’s plenty to love about these all-American locales where home prices are way more reasonable, crime is low, public schools are decent—and you might actually know the first and last names of all of your neighbors. And their kids! Even younger, first-time home buyers are coming to grips with the fact that leaving the city behind doesn’t mean leaving behind fun, culture, beauty, connectedness, and even—dare we say it?—a bit of excitement.

They just need to know where to set their sights—and we’re here to help.

So, for the third year running, realtor.com® set out to find America’s best small towns, places that could melt even the calloused hearts of the most die-hard urban dwellers.

“Moving to a small town lets people afford a quality of life that is really appealing and lets them feel like a part of community … in a way that so many young people are looking for today,” says Winona Dimeo-Ediger, editor of Livability.com.

“Millennials, in particular, are very focused on affordability,” she says. “By moving to a small town, their basic cost of living is low enough to travel and go to restaurants.” Imagine!

To create our list, we looked at more than 500 U.S. Census–designated micropolitan areas.* Then we factored in the following criteria** to come up with our rankings:

Median home list prices on realtor.com

Low unemployment rates

Low violent crime rate (e.g., assaults, robbery, homicide)

Low property crime rate (e.g., burglary, vandalism)

Home affordability (percentage of income that goes toward mortgage payments on median-priced homes in the local market)

Two-year home price appreciation

But we didn’t stop there. We dug deeper to find the places that offer residents something extra: one-of-a-kind festivals, quirky mom and pop shops, surprising foodie destination spots. And yeah, a Spam Museum.

Sick of your big-city rent? Let’s take a tour of America’s best small towns.

Top 10 Affordable Small Towns

Tony Frenzel

1. Boone, IA

Median home price: $134,500 Population: 26,484

Boone, IA

realtor.com

The first weekend after Labor Day is when Boone, about an hour northwest of Des Moines, comes alive. It’s the start of the town’s annual Pufferbilly Days festival featuring everything from a 5K run and motorcycle show to live polka performances and—wait for it—a spelling bee! Since the 1970s, this event has paid tribute to this historic coal town’s railroad history, which includes being a major stop along the Union Pacific Railroad.

“Boone is a community that represents Iowa in everything: past, present, and future,” says Greg Piklapp, a Boone city councilman. To put the town’s future on the right footing, it has used its close proximity to Iowa State University Research Park, 15 minutes away in Ames, to attract agriculture and bioscience companies.

The strong industries have pushed the median household income here to $57,906, which is higher than the rest of the state.

Story Street, the town’s main drag, is lined with two-story storefronts with flower baskets hanging from their light poles. Down the side streets are big, two-story historic homes with front porches, priced around $100,000. Folks can also snag two-bedroom apartments with a white, subway tile backsplash in the kitchen for $600 a month.

Hometown perk: All aboard! Folks can hop on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, a sweet evening ride in a historic train cart that includes a good dinner.

2. Van Wert, OH

Median home price: $94,600 Population: 28,217

Three-bedroom ranch in Van Wert, OH

realtor.com

When Jerry Mazur, now 78, wrapped up his final project in New York City as manager of an elevator installation firm in 2000, he and his wife moved out of their $10,000-a-month Manhattan apartment and set off for small-town living in Van Wert. They relocated to slash their cost of living and be near his wife’s mom, but didn’t know what to expect from the town, 40 minutes southwest of Fort Wayne, IN.

“As an outsider I found people warm and friendly. … It is easy to integrate into Van Wert,” says Mazur. So easy, in fact, that in 2016 he took over as mayor of the town.

Van Wert was the cheapest town on our list, but it offers big-city amenities, including the Van Wert Civic Theatre and Wassenburg Art Center, as well as a quaint Main Street lined with storefronts dating to the 1950s.

Housing runs the gamut, from three-bedroom ranch homes priced around $100,000 to new construction. The Landing at Dickinson Farms, a new subdivision, will offer up to 300 suburban, single-family homes and condominiums from $160,000 to over $200,000.

Hometown perk: The Van Wert Community Dog Park, a fully fenced canine mecca paid for by community donations, now hosts the annual Dog Bone Hunt each Easter.

3. Decatur, IN

Median home price: $117,500 Population: 35,491

Three-bedroom home listed for under $140,000 in Decatur, IN

realtor.com

If you’re making the two-hour trip from Indianapolis, you’re going to pass plenty of cow pastures, corn and soybean fields, and grain silos on the way. In many ways, this is your prototypical small Midwestern town.

But Decatur, founded in 1836, has its own unique vibe, too. On the weekend places like the Riverview Tap, a bar with some great live music, are packed. People like to cut loose here.

Decatur’s biggest selling point is its price tag—cheap even for Indiana. Finding two-bedroom homes in town for under $70,000 isn’t hard, and buyers in their 20s are common. The town is working on revitalizing some of its older neighborhoods, thanks to a grant by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in 2017.

Hometown perk: Late October marks the start of the Callithumpian Festival, featuring zombie walks, haunted wagon tours, costume contests, and a huge parade. Yup, they take their Halloween seriously here.

4. McPherson, KS

Median home price: $158,800 Population: 28,708

A hundred-year-old, four-bedroom home in McPherson, KS

realtor.com

If all of the 20-somethings whizzing by on road bikes isn’t a dead giveaway, then surely places like the Craft Coffee Parlor spell it out: This is a college town. About an hour north of Wichita, it’s home to McPherson College and the Central Christian College of Kansas, boasting about 1,600 students between them.

“McPherson, KS, is one of the most progressive small communities in the Midwest,” says Anne Kirchner, with the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Like many college towns, there’s a big range in home types and prices. They range from stately, two-story, 100-year old homes with front porches around $165,000 (perfect for a professor) to five-bedroom houses going for $115,000 that seem designed to accommodate multiple college students.

McPherson boast a strong cultural arts scene, with frequent performances at the McPherson Opera House and traveling exhibits at the McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation.

Hometown perk: The town’s Hemp Victory Garden sells all sorts of cannabidiol oils that don’t require prescriptions.

5. Los Alamos, NM

Median home price: $375,800 Population: 18,738

Homes in Los Alamos, NM

benedek/iStock

The country’s best and brightest physicists headed to Los Alamos during World War II to help develop what would become the nuclear bomb. And today it still remains a hub for high-paying science and tech jobs, with the Los Alamos National Laboratory being its top employer. Not only is this the most affluent small town on our ranking, its median household income of $110,190 is among the highest in the nation.

And while homes here aren’t cheap, they’re much more affordable than in Santa Fe, about 40 minutes to the southeast. The median home price there is $594,100.

“The lab recruits worldwide,” says Joanie Ahlers, economic development administrator for Los Alamos County. “We have a steady stream of young families moving into town.”

A classic Los Alamos home sits atop the town’s many cliffs, and has breathtaking views of the New Mexico canyons and terrain down below. And folks here have a lot of time to take in those views: Last year realtor.com ranked Los Alamos County as one of the top 10 counties where people live the longest.

Hometown perk: International swim teams from places such as Belgium and Japan train in the local Aquatic Center, a top-notch facility with Olympic-size pools.

6. Austin, MN

Median home price: $115,000 Population: 39,566

Austin, MN

realtor.com

Austin flies in the face of stereotypes about small towns in decline. Construction crews are hard at work here, putting up a $35 million, 100,000-square-foot community center that will include everything from indoor running tracks to warm therapy pools. It’s slated to open later this year.

So why is Austin, nearly two hours south of Minneapolis, doing so well? It’s home to the headquarters of Fortune 500 packaged food maker Hormel. The company spends millions improving the community and attracting talent.

“People from everywhere come here,” says Kristen Olson, a community concierge at the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce who helps newcomers transition to living in the town, including those in refugee resettlements. “We have some 50 languages spoken in our schools.”

Home buyers tend to live in cozy, century-old, two-story houses that go for around $90,000.

Hometown perk: Two words: Spam Museum.

7. Williston, ND

Median home price: $240,000 Population: 33,349

Ranch home in Williston, ND

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Williston has seen a modern-day gold rush thanks to the North Dakota oil boom that started in the mid-2000s. The population jumped 49% since 2010.

It’s now packed with great jobs, pushing the median household income up to $89,874. That’s higher than big cities like Minneapolis and Chicago.

But those bigger paychecks haven’t come without some growing pains. Some folks have struggled to find affordable apartments, and the influx of students created a teacher shortage. And when oil prices took a hit in 2015, so did the city. (But it was a momentary setback: North Dakota oil production hit a new record in December.)

When all the new folks started moving to town, builders put up ranch homes with bright and open floor plans. But Williston has managed to retain its small-town charm.

Hometown perk: Check out the classics, muscle cars, choppers, and rat rods at the annual Chokecherry Festival Car & Bike Show

8. Mexico, MO

Median home price: $94,800 Population: 25,641

Ranch home in Mexico, MO

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For one week each summer, Mexico is transformed from a quaint, quiet community into a giant beauty pageant filled with baton twirling, vocal solos, and clouds of hairspray. The town, about two hours northwest of St. Louis, has hosted the Miss Missouri pageant since 1970. The winner goes on to compete in Miss America.

Home buyers who want lots of neighbors can choose from two-story houses near the city center with wraparound porches built in the 1930s that go for around $60,000. Meanwhile, those seeking more peace and quiet can score 3,000-square-foot, custom-built ranch homes surrounded by woods for around $250,000.

There are all the hallmarks of a classic small town: a mom and pop tire repair shop, a bowling alley, and a miniature golf course. But for more elevated pursuits, there’s also the Presser Performing Arts Center, which holds art classes for locals and hosts dance performances.

Hometown perk: Quirky history—the town was established in 1836, the same time that Texans lost to the country of Mexico in the Battle of the Alamo.

9. Merrill, WI

Median home price: $145,000 Population: 27,838

Merrill, WI

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This haven for history buffs is located along the banks of the Wisconsin River. Merrill boasts six buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Lincoln County Courthouse, a Beaux Arts–style building with a grand clock tower, and Merrill City Hall.

Buyers who dig the town’s past can snag two-bedroom homes built in the 1920s and ’30s that need some serious fixing up for under $50,000. And on the outskirts of Merrill are 1970s-era ranches with two-car garages going for just under $200,000.

This cozy river town tends to attract families keen on enjoying the outdoors. On the weekends you’ll spot ’em hiking through the pine trees in Council Grounds State Park, a 500-acre park just minutes from the town’s center. Or maybe Mom and Dad will sneak out for drinks at Sawmill Brewing Co.

Hometown perk: Drink cheap beer (it’s Wisconsin!), and throw darts at All Aboard, a good, old-fashioned dive bar.

10. Andrews, TX

Median home price: $232,000 Population: 17,722

Andrews, TX

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This first oil well was drilled 90 years ago in Andrews, located in the heart of West Texas’ Permian Basin. It’s no wonder this town, about 40 minutes north of Odessa, is full of good-paying trucking, engineering, and oil field jobs. The typical household income is $70,753 here—topping incomes in cities such as Austin and Dallas.

Andrews is no stranger to boom-and-bust cycles. After some down years following the low oil prices of 2015, things are looking up again. List prices on realtor.com have soared 30% over the past two years. Passing cattle ranches, oil diggers, and that West Texas grass-coved desert landscape, home buyers can find lots of ranches priced around $230,000 on the outskirts of town.

The character of this town can be summed up by its Wild, Wild West Fest. The annual festival, held in April, includes two-steppin’ under the evening stars to country music, a barbecue cook-off, truck and tractor pulls, and, of course, goat roping.

Hometown perk: The steak fingers at Buddy’s Drive-In, founded in 1969, are a local obsession.

* This is a government definition that includes a core community plus the outlying areas with a total population of between 10,000 to 50,000 folks. We included only one place per state to achieve some geographic diversity.

** Data sources: realtor.com, Sperling’s Best Places, U.S. Census Bureau, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The post Top 10 Affordable Small Towns Where You’d Actually Want to Live, 2019 Edition appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Top 10 Affordable Small Towns Where You’d Actually Want to Live, 2019 Edition

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cynthiajayusa · 6 years ago

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What’s Hot Central Florida: November 2018

Thursday, November 1

The Flamingo Resort presents the Brotherhood of Bears Weekend from today through Sunday, November 4th. The weekend will be filled with fun, frolicking and many events. For more info: FlamingoFla.com.

Friday, November 2

Gays On The Move is kicking off their first Friday of upcoming events happening at Stonewall Bar Orlando. Animal House will bring Orlando’s most daring men as they bring their wildest, skimpiest, and kinkiest Toga looks. Speaking of which, you can dress in full fetish gear or come as you are-so long as you feel sexy and ready to TOGA! Abandon your worries and get lost in their misfit frat house where everyone is welcome to party! Hosted by ΣΩΒ House Mutha Lacie Browning with special guest entertainer Adrian Padron (Mr Ms Adrian), and special guest DJ JB Burgos, ΣΩΒ House DJ Skinner. There will also be a Toga & Wet Underwear Contest, Fraternity Games, Paddle/Hazing Station so, assemble your squad, charge up, and join Animal House!

Saturday, November 3

SunCoast Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) announces Venice’s first Pride Festival today from 1 pm to 5 pm at 3276 E. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL. Senior Co-Pastors of SunCoast MCC, Reverend Dr. Nancy Wilson and Reverend Vickie Miller, are excited to host Venice’s first Pride Celebration. For more information go to veniceflpride.com.

Amalie Arena presents Twenty One Pilots in their Bandito Tour at 7pm. Tickets start at $35.75 at Amaliearena.com.

Sunday, November 4

Straz Center for the performing Arts presents Straz Live! at Curtis Hixon park starting at 2pm. Now an annual community event to kick off their new season, Straz LIVE! in the Park is a family-friendly mash-up of an afternoon picnic, a concert in the park and a block party featuring live entertainment of popular Broadway tunes, favorite opera arias and a surprise guest or two. They will also have food trucks on site. This event is free, but they do have reserved tables of eight for just $125 located in front of the stage, and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Southern Nights Tampa presents the Miss Shave My Face House Pageant. This pageant presents the opportunity for performers to creatively showcase their talents and entertain the audience while learning new and exciting ways to have safer sex and about available METRO services. Through entertainment they will reduce the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS and educate the community. The night is hosted by Ms. Kiala Santi, and the categories are: Presentation: “This is We” HIV Prevention Self Expression: Demonstrating the fight Against HIV/AIDS, Talent (5-7 minutes), Evening Gown: Household Realness, (Gowns must be made out of household items), and Q&A Segment. Registration: $25 to be paid between noon and 3pm day of pageant. $500 grand prize, $250 1st runner up, and $125 2nd runner up. Entry is an $8 suggested donation, which benefits Metro Wellness & Community Center.

Tuesday, November 6

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett, whose career has spanned 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, Lyle fuses elements of Americana, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in his live performances. Lyle’s college buddy Robert Earl Keen has blazed a trail that’s earned him living-legend (not to mention pioneer) status in the Americana music world. “Whenever Kindness Fails,” “A Bigger Piece of Sky” and “The Road Goes on Forever” have made him a songwriter’s songwriter. Curtain goes up at 8pm with tickets starting at $57 at VanWezel.org.

Friday, November 9

The Tampa Improv presents Steve-O: The Bucket List from the infamous Jackass TV Show. Since then, Steve-O has had continued success, as a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his memoir, Professional Idiot, and he has established himself as a force in the world of stand-up comedy. He’s even landed a handful of acting roles in film and TV. Catch Steve-O today and tomorrow, November 10. Tickets are only $25 at ImprovTampa.com.

Saturday, November 10

Dr. Phillips Center Presents Vince Gill In Association With AEG Presents at 8pm. Vince is one of the most popular singers in modern country music, and is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Since his breakthrough in 1990, Gill has won 21 GRAMMY Awards, entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, eight awards from the Academy of Country Music, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. In August 2012, Gill was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tickets from: $39.50 at Drphillipscenter.org.

A lot of us already have our minds on gift giving, decking the halls, and warm gatherings with friends and family – but it’s not really the holidays in Orlando without the annual tradition of the Festival of Trees, which starts today and goes through Sunday, November 18 from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are now on sale for Council of 101’s annual event, which transforms the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 North Mills Ave.) into a winter wonderland with sparkling trees, glittering holiday vignettes and stunning décor. Now in its 32nd year, the Festival of Trees is celebrating the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Visitors can admire designer Christmas trees of all sizes, custom wreaths, a gingerbread village and more, all created by Orlando’s finest designers. Each piece is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art. Tickets can be purchased in person, over the phone by calling 407-896-4231 ext. 254, or online through Eventbrite.

Thursday, November 15

The Orlando Improv presents Piff The Magic Dragon in The Dog Who Knows 2018 Tour. The star of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, who has over 100 million online views, 200,000 tickets sold, a residency on the Las Vegas strip now extended throughout 2018 and sold out shows across North America, is coming to Orlando. The Dog Who Knows 2018 Tour features never-before-seen tricks, all new jokes, and Mr Piffles in his latest disguise as a mind reading marvel. Piff plays today through Saturday November 17, with tickets only $25 at: theimprovorlando.com.

Friday, November 16

Dr. Phillips Center Presents In Dreams: Roy Orbison in Concert: The Hologram Tour where Roy will be performing his greatest hits, accompanied on stage by a live orchestra at 8pm. Recognized universally as one of the great rock and roll legends, Orbison’s catalogue includes such chart-toppers as Oh, Pretty Woman, You Got It, Only the Lonely, Crying, I Drove All Night, It’s Over and In Dreams. This tour will allow fans the chance to experience one of the most iconic figures in the history of music in a thrilling way as Orbison and his trademark three-octave range voice comes back to the stage he commanded for decades. Tickets start at $44 at Drphillipscenter.org.

Saturday, November 17

Straz center for the Performing Arts presents Diavolo Dance Theatre: Architecture In Motion at 8pm. The daredevil dance spectacle from America’s Got Talent returns for more shocking, breathtaking dance-acrobatics. For 20 years, Diavolo has invented movement dynamite between its dancers and giant sets of skate ramps, wheels, interlocking boxes and abstract sculptures. With explosive and unexpected flips, leaps, turns, partnering and tests of trust, the company pushes the limits of the ever-present question of when to hold on and when to let go. “The result is dazzling” (Newsday). Tickets start at $22.75 at: StrazCenter.org.

The Parliament House presents, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10, Finalist Kameron Michaels. Admission is 410 inc advance and $15 at the door, with VIP $20.

Neema’s Amor, upscale Latin Night, at Stonewall Bar Orlando presents Ashley La Chica Bomba “Live,” where they invite you to join them for a one night only Performance by the legendary Merengue sensation. Doors open at 9pm with admission only $10 before 10pm, and $20 thereafter. The drag show is at 12am starring: Saphyre L’Sweet Cardoza, Lisa Marie Gonzalez, and Nouba Soleil.

Friday, November 23

The Orlando Improv presents TJ Miller, who is one of the most sought after comedians in the world. He was named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” and EW’s “Next Big Things in Comedy”. TJ has been in many movies and ahs done a tremendous amount of voice over work. Catch him today and tomorrow, November 24 with tickets only $25 at theimprovorlando.com.

The Tampa Improv presents Tim Meadows tonight and tomorrow, November 24th. One of the longest-running cast members in the 41-year history of Saturday Night Live, this versatile comedian crafted some of the series’ most memorable characters during his 10 years on the popular late night show. He has also starred in many movies and guest starred on mny TV shows. Tickets are only $20 at: ImprovTampa.com.

Saturday, November 24

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Grammy Award-winner KC and The Sunshine Band who are celebrating 40 years of making booties shake! Led by Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, a Florida native, and his band are best known for hits like “Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “Boogie Shoes” and “Rock Your Baby.” Come and “Shake Your Booty” – you’ll be dancing in the aisles! The show begins at 8pm with tickets starting at $52.

Tuesday, November 27

Elton John ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ Tour makes two stops in Central Florida. The first is at the Amway Arena and the second is on November 28 at Amalie Arena. The ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour will consist of more than 300 shows across five continents, hitting North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australasia before reaching its conclusion in 2021. These dates mark the superstar’s last-ever tour, the end of half a century on the road for one of pop culture’s most enduring performers. Elton’s new stage production will take his fans on a musical and highly visual journey spanning a 50-year career of hits like no one has ever seen before. Tickets are expensive, but well worth it to see one of the superstars of or generation in his final tour!

Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents Hello, Dolly at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from today until December 2. Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in Hello, Dolly! – the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, director Jerry Zaks’ “gorgeous” new production (Vogue) is “making people crazy happy!” (The Washington Post). Breaking box office records week after week and receiving thunderous raves on Broadway, this Hello, Dolly! pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. Tickets start at $39.25 at Drphillipscenter.org.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/11/01/whats-hot-central-florida-november-2018/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2018/11/whats-hot-central-florida-november-2018.html

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demitgibbs · 6 years ago

Text

What’s Hot Central Florida: November 2018

Thursday, November 1

The Flamingo Resort presents the Brotherhood of Bears Weekend from today through Sunday, November 4th. The weekend will be filled with fun, frolicking and many events. For more info: FlamingoFla.com.

Friday, November 2

Saturday, November 3

Amalie Arena presents Twenty One Pilots in their Bandito Tour at 7pm. Tickets start at $35.75 at Amaliearena.com.

Sunday, November 4

Tuesday, November 6

Friday, November 9

Saturday, November 10

Thursday, November 15

Friday, November 16

Saturday, November 17

The Parliament House presents, direct from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10, Finalist Kameron Michaels. Admission is 410 inc advance and $15 at the door, with VIP $20.

Friday, November 23

Saturday, November 24

Tuesday, November 27

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/11/01/whats-hot-central-florida-november-2018/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/179653903605

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