#where work is just work even for nick and the joyful success of the ending is in the relationships and children)

[lovesodeepandwideandwell]

Dare I say it, the way Parks and Rec failed in its conclusion was by succumbing to the capitalist construction of the self as an infinite growth optimization machine (where the optimized self is the work self)

[frederator-studios]

Today is my last day at Frederator. 

It’s a good day. If there’s a cheesier sentiment than “today is the first day of the rest of your life” I’m not sure what it would be. But, I’m a cheesy guy, and it’s how I feel. 

Starting today, I’ve decided to leave Frederator and go back to my roots as an active, excited, indie cartoon producer who’s constantly searching –and finding!– unique talents with original voices. It’s what makes my days joyful and fulfilling. Yes, I know, that’s cheesy.

It’s an amazing, and unique, time for animation of all kinds. The Covid19 era has put a lot of live action on hold, and streaming has made more styles and genres of animation mainstreamed than ever in history. I’ve called “animation’s new golden age” at least twice before during my time, so I guess we’re entering a platinum age! I’m even more thrilled to be in animation now than I have ever been. 

I’m happy to have brought Frederator into the WOW! family where I know it will continue to grow and thrive. I’m thrilled that I’ll be continuing to collaborate with the Frederator/Wow team on Castlevania and Bee and PuppyCat: Lazy in Space and a few new ones; we share the same passion that goes into this great field of animation entertainment. There’s an “official” press release at the bottom of this post that lays everything out.

Something personal to note. Building a venture like Frederator has it’s ups and downs. My great colleagues have ridden through it with great cheer and smarts. But, the most important supporters through it all are my wife and two sons. I’ve pushed them to the limits a number of times, but when I look around, they’re always there, supportive, encouraging, and always with smiles.

And, what’s heartened me everyday are the hundreds –maybe thousands?– of collaborators I’ve been honored to work with at the various Frederator endeavors over the years. I think I expressed it best a couple of years ago with this introduction of our 2018 retrospective book “Frederator Loves You.”

.....

Let me rant for a minute. I think the last twenty years has proved that there’s no other company like Frederator. Really, we’re special. Arrogant? Sure.

Of course, being remarkable is all about you.

"Frederator loves you" has been more than just a slogan around here. It's been a battle cry that expresses exactly why I started the company.

"You." First and foremost it's our audiences, whether they're the kids that watched our stuff on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, or the still-kids who grew up and watch us on Cartoon Hangover, Get in the Robot or Netflix.

"You." All the folks that work in and around Frederator across the globe, making cartoons and videos and channels, figuring out the best way to show them off to people.

And "you." The world class creators –mostly first timers– we've been lucky enough to have in our corner.

I think it's fair to say that without "you" there wouldn't be an "us." From my perspective we're all one big bunch, loving the same things, everyone playing their own roles. I don't think anyone at Frederator would have it any other way.

Twenty years [sic] seems like both a long time and yet, just the beginning. I can't imagine it ending, it’s just too much fun making the world smile.

Frederator loves you all, Fred Seibert

.....

Press Release

WOW! UNLIMITED MEDIA ANNOUNCES CORPORATE LEADERSHIP REORGANIZATION

CEO Michael Hirsh To Take on Leadership of Frederator

Fred Seibert, Frederator Founder and CEO, Returns to Independent Production

TORONTO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WOW! Unlimited Media, Inc. (“WOW!” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: WOW / OTCQX: WOWMF), a leading animation-focused entertainment company that includes Frederator Networks Inc. (“Frederator”) and Mainframe Studios, today announces a corporate leadership reorganization. 

Fred Seibert has resigned from his position as a Director and the Chief Creative officer of WOW!, as well as CEO of Frederator, effective November 27, 2020. Seibert will continue to work with the Company on current and future projects as an independent producer.

Michael Hirsh, Chief Executive Officer of WOW! will take on the leadership of Frederator, serving as its CEO, and Neil Chakravarti, COO of WOW!, will become COO of Frederator. These changes will take effect immediately.

Fred Seibert, current CEO and Chief Creative Officer, has decided to leave WOW! and the studio he founded to return to independent production. To ensure a successful transition, Seibert will stay involved as an executive producer on current major Frederator projects Castlevania and Bee & PuppyCat and he also intends to partner with the company on other upcoming projects.

Seibert said, “I’m happy to have brought Frederator into the WOW! family where I know it will continue to grow and thrive. I am looking forward to returning to my roots as an independent cartoon producer who’s constantly searching – and finding! – unique talents with original voices. I’ll continue to collaborate with the Frederator/WOW! Team on projects going forward as we both share the same passion that goes into this great field of animation entertainment.”

“As we look to the future, we will continue to provide fans with beloved Frederator franchises, alongside new and exciting content from the over 3,000-strong Channel Frederator Network,” said Hirsh. “We wish Fred the best in his next, independent venture, and look forward to continuing to work with him on projects we know our fans will love as we drive dynamic growth in the business.” 

About WOW!  

WOW! is creating a leading animation-focused entertainment company by producing top-end content and building brands and audiences on engaging media platforms. The Company produces animation in its two established studios: Mainframe Studios in Vancouver and Frederator Studios in Los Angeles. The Company’s media offerings include Channel Frederator Network on YouTube, as well as WOW! branded programming on Crave, Canada’s premier streaming entertainment platform, owned by Bell Media. The common voting shares of the Company and variable voting shares of the Company are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and the OTCQX Best Market.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Further information available at: Website: www.wowunlimited.co

About Frederator

Frederator, a WOW! company, is a pioneer in streaming video and is a leading independent producer of animation content. Over the past 20 years, Frederator Studios has produced 19 series and more than 250 short films for and with partners including Netflix, Amazon, Google, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Sony Pictures Animation, and Cartoon Network. Frederator Digital has built and manages one of the largest animation networks on YouTube.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about the leadership reorganization at Frederator, Fred Seibert’s future involvement in Frederator projects, future content at Frederator, growth at Frederator and future projects.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the risks described under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s MD&A for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2020. As a result, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Contact: For Media: Maryellen Mooney Goodman Media International, Inc. Tel: (212) 576-2700 ext. 7255 Email: mmooney@goodmanmedia.com For Investor Relations: Bill Mitoulas Tel: (416) 479-9547 Email: billm@wowunlimited.co

For Fred Seibert:

Brittany Smith

Email: Brittany_Smith@dkcnews.com

[sea-side-scribbles]

Fanfiction: Sympathy For A Downer

Pairing: Arthur Hastings/Nick Lightbearer

Rating: M

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22737214/chapters/54331126

Nick Lightbearer is fighting his inner demons with the help of a mysterious friend who promises him to redeem his reputation. When he finds himself fascinated by a downer who could end his career for good he denies that he has to make a choice, with all the consequences.

Arthur Hastings is living the ruthless life of a downer in Wellington Wells, hiding from everyone in order to survive. But when he meets Nick Lightbearer he starts to think about the good sides in a Wellie.

Chapter one:

Arthur Hastings sneaked through the house of the famous Nick Lightbearer, already disgusted by all the dirt and the smell he was afraid to remember forever. The happy days of the golden god of rock were obviously over, no matter what the joyful magazines kept claiming. Arthur should’ve known by now that nothing was like they said. Nothing was intact, nothing was normal. The closer he came to the truth of Wellington Wells the more crazier everything and everyone looked to him. Nick had left notes everywhere in his house and they seemed to be desperate tries to write lyrics that made sense or retain memories he didn’t want to forget. They didn’t make Arthur quite certain that the onetime most famous star was still of sound mind. Well, considering all the downer detectors in his house he would at least be on Joy and not mistake Arthur for some nightmare, right? 

The sunshine pill melted under Arthur’s tongue. A rather unpleasant feeling, but he took Joy only in case of emergency. He never wanted to forget again. It was much more pleasant to ram his electro shocker into the bloody alarm system. He could do that anytime. And finally he was able to move about freely. While he picked a lock he thought about how terrified he would’ve been only weeks ago about someone like him, who just naturally broke into other people’s houses and in addition took everything he could find in there. Arthur was used to it now, for the only wanted to find out what happened to Percy and leave the town behind him. No matter if he deserved a better life or not, it was only that or insanity.

When he yanked the door open, he found the bedroom where a girl was peacefully sleeping, completely unaffected by the disgusting surroundings. Arthur contemplated for a while until his mistrust won him over. He grabbed one of the many fluffy pillows on the bed to press it on her face until her muffled screams silenced and she fell unconscious. Something else he never would’ve done in the old days. But he had no choice. This or insanity. He was quite good at it by now, he thought, quickly checking the girl’s condition before he sneaked away. Who knew how many other „guest“ this Nick Lightbearer had. 

Descending the stairs he was glad that they didn’t creak. The fluffy carpeting that was the height of fashion right now also helped a lot. Downstairs his eyes fell on a man sitting on a chair in the room right before him. He looked rather sunken down. Arthur guessed by the fancy clothing that it was Nick himself and carefully approached the man. One step at a time, Arthur told himself. The Wellies were pretty easy to scare, especially when they suffered from a withdrawal and Nick didn’t look very jolly.

When he bobbed up all of a sudden he scared Arthur instead.

„Duck!“, he shouted into the room, pointing his finger at something only he could see.

„S..sorry?“, Arthur asked, not sure if the other man even saw him.

„They are very large birds!“, Nick explained as if Arthur just forgot. Then he scratched the back of his head in bewilderment. „…no?“

„Listen, they are waiting for you down at the church…“, Arthur tried to explain but the former star didn’t seem to be interested in this matter. He instead asked him if he had brought any presents or something, Arthur didn’t quiet get it.

„Aw c’mon man, you didn’t bring an offering?“, he asked him sounding very disappointed. „I’m your Lord, thy god….“ He held his arms wide open as if he waited for applause, then he cramped his hands around his forehead and muttered: „Dizzy…“, causing Arthur to back a few steps away from him. 

„Why don’t we…trink some tea,“ he offered. „Or…how about a nice cold bath?“ A hot one would’ve served him well, too, Arthur thought.

„A bath…“, Nick repeated, being surprisingly excited. „Yeah…I was going to want a bath…“

With these words he walked right into the bathroom, leaving Arthur to wonder about this unexpected success. Well, something had to work out at least, right? Still, he followed Nick because he wasn’t sure if he could even bathe without accidentally drowning himself.

In the bathroom Nick was again complaining.

„ The fans forget, man…they forget…“

„And this is why we mustn’t disappoint them…“, Arthur tried to get back onto the subject.

„I used to be bottled power, man.“ Nick went on, presenting the power cell in a dramatic gesture, the exact one he had held in his hands the entire time. Arthur just noticed it now, when Nick stepped into the water.

„Oh god…the power cell,“ he warned Nick, still being too afraid to talk loudly.

„I’m not gonna drink it….“, the former star mocked his horror, „I learned that lesson.“ And of course, while he was boldly playing with it it slipped out of his fingers. Arthur, who already imagined the horrible end of this, rushed ahead and reached out for the power cell. His chances weren’t that bad, he had way better reflexes by now. There were a couple of utterly ridiculous seconds in wich they juggled with death, that kept slipping and jumping out of their hands. Finally, they both grabbed onto it and Nick apparently didn’t want to get rid of it anymore.

„Give it to me, for christ’s sake, you’re killing yourself,“ Arthur shouted hysterically.

Then he suddenly heard a loud crash, something fiercely beating against wood, and a scream that sounded like a thousand tortured souls. 

„Oh no, my fans!“ Nick jumped out of the tub with surprising agility, leaving Arthur to the cell. 

„Someone must’ve shut off the alarm!“

Arthur didn’t take this for a good moment to make confessions. Instead, he grabbed Nick by the arm and began to drag him up the stairs. He had to bring him to the church somehow. 

„Where are you going with me?“, Nick asked in bewilderment.

„To a secret exit.“

„But I don’t have one,“ Nick protested. 

„Just wait and see,“ Arthur answered, inwardly cursing every additional floor they had to go up. Why did celebrities’ houses have to be so big?

„Dizzy…“ the former star said again and Arthur hoped he would’t puke on his proper suit.

„Look, we go somewhere safe…“, he explained and hoped Nick would be just as excited about this as he was about having a cold bath. „And there we’ll have a nice cup of tee, okay?“ At least Arthur could use one now.

„Okay…“, he heard the quietly muttered answer and then the protest stopped for a while. 

It started again when they stood at the window in the third floor and Arthur tried to steer him outside.

„Are you insane? I’m not going out there!“, Nick shrieked, clinging onto the window frame.

„You rather get mauled by your fans? They sounded very upset, don’t you think? If not disappointed…,“ Arthur countered, knowing he could only play off one fear against the other. He could see in the eyes of the onetime celebrity that he had hit a nerve.

„Okay, okay, okay…“, he stuttered, climbing on the scaffold under his window with shaking legs.

Just now they heard another crash, it sounded like the door finally gave in and all the horrible voices flooded into the house and up the floors. Nick made a jump, losing his grip and Arthur had to grab him, so he won’t fall head first into the abyss. For a vertiginous second he floated in the air, with his weight almost ripping Arthur’s arm out. Arthur pulled him up with all his strength until he finally stood upright again.

„Holy fuck!“, he screamed into Arthur’s face, almost reproachfully.

This definitely didn’t go as planned. 

They both walked along the scaffold, holding hands because Nick refused to let go, and then they had to even jump.

„What now?“, the former star shouted whiningly, standing at the edge of the wide gap between two wooden planks.

„We…uh…have to jump,“ Arthur explained cautiously. It wasn’t a very far jump for himself anymore, but the other man probably didn’t have such a good condition. He wanted to save him, not murder him.

„Jump?“, Nick shrieked. „C..can’t we just wait here? No one will find me here.“ He crossed his arms, ready to make not a single step further.

„Come on, Nick…there’s only one open window in your house and it leads this way. It’s obvious where you are!“

Nick pondered over this and made a distressed face.

„Alright…okay…but…but I can’t fly!“

Arthur racked his brain about how he could bring him save and sound to the other side. Lacking any better ideas, he only said: „It’s not that hard….you just take a run and…you know what? I’ll show you.“

„Don’t leave me here!“ Nick grabbed his arm.

„I don’t leave you, okay? I’ll stay on the other side and wait for you, okay?“

He looked into the other man’s eyes wich were wide open in fear.

„Alright…“ Nick whispered and let go.

Arthur made a few steps backwards to take a run. That was all he needed. Flying over the edge of the scaffold and landing safely on the other side he was quite proud of his good condition. When he turned around and gave Nick a thumbs up the former star only stared at him as if he saw a ghost. 

„Now you!“, Arthur shouted, holding out a hand for him. With the other he hold on to a metal rod, ready to pull Nick up if he didn’t jump that far.

The other man stepped backwards too and kept staring at Arthur like he was seeking for help, giving him the uneasy feeling that he put all his trust into him. Still, he gave Nick a nod and made an inviting gesture. Then he immediately tensed when he saw the other man run and jump at him with an ear-splitting cry of fear. Arthur himself dashed forward to grab Nick’s hand. The jump had been so short that he now hung on the edge of the board with this feet hanging in the air. „Pull me up, pull me up!“, he shrieked while Arthur slowly dragged him onto the board. He got there eventually, landing on his knees and panting heavily. Arthur couldn’t grant him much time to recover though, so he pulled Nick back on his feet and shoved him forward.

When they reached the next edge, Nick started to whimper and clutched a metal rod.

„No…no…not again…“

Arthur felt pity for him and shyly touched his shoulder.

„We don’t have to jump here…“ he assured Nick and waited until he had his attention again.

„Look, there’s another platform below us“, he explained, pointing downward.

Nick relaxed a little, his eyes following the direction Arthur was pointing.

„Dizzy…“, he said again.

„We’re almost there,“ Arthur said helplessly before he made the first move once more and landed on the other platform. Nick carefully sat down on the edge and let himself fall, coming down at his feet after all and grabbing the edges of the plank. Arthur noticed just now that the former star was already turning blue. He led him along the last scaffold and mulled over the fact that they still had to hide somewhere.

When they both stood on firm ground again Nick broke out in cheers, forcing Arthur to press a hand on his mouth. 

„They can still hear you!“, he reminded him of the angry fans.

Now Arthur wished he could just go right for the church but he was afraid that Nick would collapse on the way, so he instead led him to the underground tunnels. He wanted to keep them secret but where could he go with someone everyone easily recognized on the streets? 

„Down there?“, the former star protested. „Is that really necessary? People say there’s the plague…“

„Not where we’re going,“ Arthur assured him while he opened the hatch. „After you.“

Nick obeyed and slowly climbed down the ladder, like he was in trance.

„Please hurry up,“ Arthur urged him desperately, looking around for any bobbies and Wellies.

After a while that had felt like an eternity he finally climbed down himself and closed the hatch above him. He was much faster than Nick, but when he reached the end of the ladder no one was there.

„Oh no…“ he muttered at the sight of the various tunnels the confused celebrity could’ve lost himself in. „Nick! Do you hear me?“, he shouted into the silence.

Suddenly someone jumped at him from the darkness and pressed him against a greasy wall.

„What the bloody hell was that about?“, Nick’s voice screamed, echoing in the tunnels like a mad song. „Are you trying to kill me? Who are you anyway? Some deranged critic?“ He came menacingly close, pointing a finger at him. „I remember your face, man, you’re from the press!“

Nick hauled off, entirely insensate with rage.

„Stop! I’m not a critic!“, now Arthur screamed, holding up his hands in defense. „I…I’m Arthur Hastings.“

Nick stared at him and let his fist sink. 

„Yes…now I recognize you…Arthur Hastings…“ Nick muttered, trying to remember what he had read in the newspapers. „You’re a downer!“, he then shouted out,  jumping backwards as if the other man had an epidemic disease. „What do you want from me?“

Arthur struggled back on his feet, scolding himself about how far he had gone just for this silly plan.

„The church…they are all waiting for you…“, he explained.

„Why would you give a shit about Simon Says?“, the other man snapped. „I thought a Downer hates all the jolly fun we have…wait…oh, I know…you expect me to fuck it up, don’t you? How smart of you.“ He laughed bitterly. „They better wait until kingdom come, that comes faster than me getting my shit together.“ He crossed his arms and hid in the darkness, turing into a picture of misery again.

Arthur carefully approached him.

„No..I didn’t think about that…“, he stuttered, „I just…I thought I could win the medal…“

Nick turned back to him, utterly surprised. „You?“

„Yes…you know…if you win in Simon Says, everyone more likely trusts you more than they trust a rotten downer, right?“ Arthur scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. 

Nick was processing this slowly.

„Of course…you want the medal, so that people will stop chasing you…and beating you up in the streets…Maybe you want to have some fun again and be happy…“ Nick looked at him with a mixture of surprise and pity and Arthur didn’t know if he liked that.

„I think I can do it,“ Nick decided now, straightening himself. „But you have to be real good if you wanna win in this game. You’ll play against professionals.“

Arthur felt caught red-handed and lowered his head. „I’m afraid they won’t let me in anyway. Everyone knows my face…and they have downer detectors everywhere. I thought I’ll see who wins and get the medal from the winner.“

„You wanted to steal it?“, Nick asked with a sharp tone that made Arthur jump.

He was used to his new habits so much he didn’t expect such a harsh judgement anymore.

„Not steal…but copy…maybe?“, he tried to talk his way out of this.

Nick furrowed his brows, but then his mood lightened up again.

„I think I have an idea…Yes, I can help you.“ He planted himself in front of him with a proud gesture, arms akimbo.

„You…you’ll help me?“

„Of course!“, he said winking at him. „Anything for my fans…You are a fan, right? Of course you are.“

„Sure…“, Arthur stuttered, unable to cope.

„Trust me, I’m your god, your savior,“ he declared rather self-regarding and started to pose as if Arthur was about to pull out a camera and take photos. 

„Well…“ Arthur said, not sure what he was actually about to say, but Nick interrupted him.

„Tea first!“, he demanded, pointing a finger at him. „You promised!“

Arthur sighted. This was going to be a long day.

[fleetwooded]

talk about music!!!!!! gimme the whole top ten, then i also want 22, 44, and 88!!

THANK YOU FOR ENABLING ME STEPH!!! this ended up predictably long-winded, so here is the list, and you can click through to read how i feel about all these songs if you want to. if you’re on mobile, and have to scroll through, i’m so sorry. 

1. why, fleetwood mac2. from the dining table, harry styles3. home, one direction4. animal, troye sivan5. i’m yours, pixie geldof6. ambitions, donkeyboy7. bring it on home to me, sam cooke8. bad (live), U29. american tune, paul simon10. 1950, king princess

22. everywhere, fleetwood mac44. trouble, lindsey buckingham88. border, years & years

ask me about my favourite music of the year! 

1. why, fleetwood mac - this is ZERO PERCENT a surprise, i think i’ve fallen asleep to this song every night for the past three years. it is one of my favourite fleetwood songs even though it’s a real niche one - the final track off mystery to me, which is uhhh not one of their more popular albums. but a) i am very fond of the awkward post-peter green pre-lindsey/stevie albums, b) christine mcvie gets paid DUST by everyone, but she is an incredible songwriter with an incredible voice, and really held the band afloat during that era, and c) this song is so gentle and beautiful and i could never ever get tired of listening to it. i’m obsessed with the extended guitar opening, which keeps you waiting for the piano to kick in for ages and makes you instinctively listen more closely to the guitar throughout the whole song. also the lyric well, my heart will rise up with the morning sun / and the hurt I feel will simply melt away is such a beautiful and clearly expressed sentiment. and when those strings come out from the back of the arrangement just before the last stanza!! ugh i love this song.

2. from the dining table, harry styles - honestly this is only so high up because it is one of the other two songs on my sleep playlist and therefore gets played every day lmao. i will say that this is pretty much the only song of his where the studio version is better than the live version, and therefore the only one i regularly listen to after going to his concert bc i don’t resentfully compare it to the live experience. that harmony on the third maybe someday you’ll call me and tell me that you’re sorry too and the strings in that whole section make the entire song worth it. 

3. home, one direction - lol i always say that my favourite 1d song is walking in the wind, but it’s really this one. i was in a very small, l*arry-free corner of the fandom when this came out, so it never had those associations for me, and i just think it’s a very warm and beautiful song and i DO NOT understand why it was not on the album. i also used to listen to it every morning back when i had to walk to work at 4:30am (in the winter! when it was pitch black and i lived in a not-so-great area!), and it was very very comforting to me, so listening to it always sparks that feeling of comfort, like being wrapped up tight in a warm blanket.

4. animal, troye sivan - the last song on my sleep playlist, and one of the best songs off his new album imo. my favourite kind of song is the kind where you can put on big headphones, get on a bus or train, close your eyes, press play, and just have an experience. it’s unquantifiable! everyone’s mileage will vary! you either feel it, or you don’t! but i really really feel it with this one, especially on the second verse. it’s such a stripped back song, but has this rich sonic landscape that just pulls you in if you let it. 

5. i’m yours, pixie geldof - ugh, this album was such a huge and exciting discovery for me this year. i had no idea she made music until i heard woman go wild on one of nick grimshaw’s insta stories and looked it up, and then i listened to her album over and over and over again for months and developed a massive, useless celebrity crush on her. it’s a little bit derivative, definitely nothing groundbreaking, but so perfectly matched to my sensibilities and so endlessly listenable. i also find it very satisfying to hear something and instantly know it’s going to be your new favourite thing, and then get to prove yourself right. i usually listen to the album all the way through, so i don’t think about the specific songs too much, but if i had to pick a favourite, it would be this one!

6. ambitions, donkeyboy - i’m pretty sure i found this song because it was referenced in a fic lmao? if that is the case, a million thank yous to whoever wrote that, because i never would have come across it otherwise. it’s a collaboration between a 2000s norwegian synthpop band and a girl whose only other resume builder was finishing in seventh place on norwegian idol. but it is a BOP, and a bop with a strong emotional drive, which is the best kind. the lyric I can't tolerate / the feelings that I feel when I feel is another one i spend the whole song waiting for. 

7. bring it on home to me, sam cooke - another song i have been listening to for years and years and never tire of. when my best friend moved out of her parents’ house, she said that the only reason she wanted her own place was so she could sit in her living room and play this song on a turntable. she did play it, often, because she only owned a few records for the longest time, so listening to it always brings me back to curling up on her couch and talking and talking while she made me dinner in her tiny and dark but beautiful home. 

8. bad (live), U2 - god i love this song. i think i have talked about it on here before, so i won’t go on and on, but i LOVE this song. tbh i have never actually listened to the album version of this song, and maybe it is just as good, but i really love live albums - when they can capture the spirit and energy and RISK of a live concert, they feel so electric. anything could go wrong at any moment when music is being played live, or it could go SO right, and the artist and crowd could feed off each other’s energy until the whole venue feels alive, and the music could take on a whole new artistic life. idk what exactly it is, but i feel all that potential in this song. it’s eight glorious minutes of that electricity, and every time you think it’s peaked, it just keeps going and reaches new heights. my favourite is the bit where bono just belts out the words desperation, dislocation, separation, condemnation, isolation, desolation, isolation, let it go like a cry out into the universe. i think about it so often. sometimes i also want to just stand in front of a crowd and yell ISOLATION, DESOLATION. i feel that live music can often feel like a purging, or a cleansing, or a transformation - like singing about these feelings of profound misery or pain or anger with a crowd of people who also feel those feelings can reshape them into something joyful and exultant instead.

9. american tune, paul simon - damn, this really was a melancholic year!! this is another of my go-to comfort songs when i am feeling those lost feelings. i listened to it a lot in the winter, and again this fall, and related a little too much to the bits about being so far away from home. it’s got this sense of deep weariness in its lyrics and structure that i like listening to when i am very tired and want to commiserate. the drums leading up to the and I dreamed I was dying are my favourite musical moment, but my favourite lyric is the ending, with: tomorrow's going to be another working day / and I'm trying to get some rest / that's all I'm trying to get some rest.

10. 1950, king princess - honestly, introducing me and the world to king princess is the best thing harry did all year. first of all, it’s truly remarkable how much cultural power he has - not that this song wouldn’t have been successful without him, but literally every write-up and interview mentions him tweeting the lyrics as a mark of approval that propelled her into the public eye. it’s also just an incredibly well crafted song, and i’m endlessly impressed by her talent. to write and perform a song like this at her age is no small feat, and i’m very glad she’s ended up getting the attention she has. i got to see her live this summer with my sister and a few of our friends, and she was every bit as commanding and magnetic as i would have imagined. 

22. everywhere, fleetwood mac - another all time favourite!! at my work this summer, my boss was a very cool woman who played in a very cool all-female punk band. we got along tremendously, except for that she had NO patience for me constantly playing what she referred to as “mom rock.” this one is the only fleetwood mac song she liked, so i would just play it over and over and we would delight in that shimmery little intro. when i was closing, i would put it on just as the sun went down enough to shine right through the big windows at the front of the store, and it feels good to know that i am going to listen to it years from now and remember that summer and that sun.

44. trouble, lindsey buckingham - my fave song of his, except maybe never going back again. i really like this whole album, but this song is another one i just want to burrow inside because it feels so rich and dense. i feel like i have nothing to say about him that hasn’t already been said - he’s a massively underrated guitarist, and a great songwriter, and i just love listening to him play.

88. border, years & years - a fantastic song off a fantastic album. i’m ngl i was a little disappointed by their sophomore album, so i just kept listening to this one. also brings me back to great memories of seeing them live and the catharsis of yelling my heart, it will start to shine / and I will be alright with a whole crowd of people. live music is magic!!

if anyone made it here, thank you for reading. i love year-in-reviews. it feels good to take stock of a year and try to put all the little moments and periods of time in order and make some sense out of them. i also love music, and it feels good to sit down and listen to my most listened to songs with new ears and try to remember or figure out why i listened to them so often. it’s been a long, hard, tumultuous year, but my relationship with music has really flourished, and stuff like this feels like nurturing that love.

[aion-rsa]

How Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Bryan Adams Conquered the World

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It’s that magic hour right after dawn when Robin Hood and Maid Marian approach the water’s edge. With the sun still low enough to cast both figures in mythic silhouette, the couple is surrounded by a blanket of fog, looking as if they’ve just stepped off a storybook cover. For most of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ running time, the narrative and its music has built to this moment: A request, a kiss, and a declaration.

When Robin Hood asks the woman he loves to do him a favor—secret a message to her cousin—she doesn’t hesitate to say yes, but not for her King and not for her country. She simply says, “I’ll do it for you.”  That is when composer Michael Kamen’s “Maid Marian” suite swells to operatic heights for the first time in the movie, losing itself in a swoon of its own orchestral making. The strings soar and the harps weep. And as Robin watches Marian vanish, her boat ferrying away into the mist, the heart of the grand and nutty Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is finally revealed to have been on the movie’s sleeve this whole time.

Also, unbeknownst to either actor Kevin Costner or Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, the biggest pop hit of 1991 had just launched with Marian’s boat.

The simple musical melody of Kamen’s “Maid Marian” theme in this scene is almost head-to-toe the same musical composition of Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.”  Adams and producer R.J. Lange adapted the material into a power ballad inside of 45 minutes. Of course it was common practice at the time to turn elements of a movie’s score into aspiring top 40 hits: Disney started doing it the same year with Beauty and the Beast; and Adams would try again two years later with Sting and Rod Stewart for The Three Musketeers; and of course there was Titanic just a few years after that…

But in ’91? It’s doubtful even Adams and Lange anticipated they were making the biggest hit of the rocker’s career. “Everything I Do” was a single many pop acts initially turned down, but by the end of that year it would spend 16 consecutive weeks at the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart—which is still the longest uninterrupted run ever—and 17 consecutive weeks on the U.S. sales chart (it would also enjoy seven weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100, which combines sales and radio play).

Our own UK editor Rosie Fletcher recalled the delight millions of Brits had each Sunday when the Adams single was revealed again to be the most purchased and listened to pop hit.

“In the UK in 1991 the official top 40 was a Big Deal,” Fletcher says, “and much attention was paid to what was at number one on any given week. So much so, that many of us of a certain age would listen to the charts on the radio on a Sunday night, ideally on a tape deck with a blank C90 in hand. That way you could basically make your own mixtape of the charts that you could listen to throughout the week so you were guaranteed to know all the words to the most popular hits. There was no Spotify. Most people didn’t have MTV. This was the ‘90s equivalent of a download.”

She continues, “For this reason you will find an entire generation of Brits who know, without hesitation or looking it up, that ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ was at number one in the UK charts for 16 weeks. 16 weeks! That was a MASSIVE deal. So massive, that every week when it was STILL number one, we’d be amazed! How long will this go on? How long can it last?! And we would phone each other up on our landline telephones to discuss how amazed we were and we’d chat about it at school with our friends or on the bus, because there was no Twitter or Facebook or comments section to have an opinion about it on… That song was a legit cultural phenomenon and I still know every word.” 

It cannot be overstated just how popular “Everything I Do” was that year. With its wistful guitar strings and angelic keyboard harmonies, the piece still oozes sweeping sentimentality and unabashed romance. It was so big, in fact, that for the VHS release of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Warner Bros. Pictures placed the single’s original music video over the end credits—a fact which either the studio or Adams might’ve regretted since it is absent on subsequent DVD releases, and the only music video on YouTube is the one without clips of Costner’s well-coiffed hair.

For adults of a certain age—the ones who can remember the early ‘90s from the vantage of being a teenager or a child—Adams’ earnest bridge where he vows, “Yeah, I’d fight for you, I’d lie for you, walk the wire for you, yeah, I’d die for you!” is as entrenched in the memory as a national anthem.

All of which came back to my mind last week when Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves turned 30. Certainly a movie of its time, the film triggered a wave of retrospectives, but none as attention-grabbing or baffling as The Guardian’s latest slice of contrarianism entitled “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at 30: a joyless hit that should stay in the 90s.” As with many of the paper’s recent anniversary features, it seemed designed to gleefully tear down a pop culture relic from the early 2000s or 1990s that many readers grew up with.

But at least in the case of Prince of Thieves, the venom-laced arrow missed the target by several groves. Yes, there are many problems with Prince of Thieves. You can pick at Costner’s spotty “accent” (or lack thereof) and how filmmakers tried to turn Christian Slater’s Will Scarlet into an angsty heartthrob. Also the less said about the hackneyed revelation that the Sheriff of Nottingham is a Satanist, the better. Errol Flynn’s The Adventures of Robin Hood, this ain’t.

And yet, one of the many reasons the film was so successful in 1991 (and thereby unlike Hollywood’s two recent Robin Hood flops from the last decade) is because the movie is joyful. Filmed on location in the United Kingdom, the picture obviously has a grayer color palette than 1930s technicolor. But the newer movie is still imbued with the swashbuckling spirit of a rollicking romp.

That’s most obvious thanks to the oft-praised Alan Rickman performance, whose turn as the Sheriff of Nottingham is an inspired rendition of scenery chewing and arch-villainy. It’s a performance so deliciously evil that it steals the movie from Costner and won Rickman a BAFTA. But it’s not the only thing that works about the ‘90s touchstone. From Nick Brimble’s red-blooded introduction as Little John, which features the best cinematic rendition of that riverside brawl, to Sean Connery’s walk-on as King Richard the Lionheart, which still makes a play for the best movie cameo of all time, the picture is nothing if not mirthful in its swashbuckling gusto. It even ends with a literal wink to the camera.

But outside of Rickman’s dastardly turn, its enduring qualities are most apparent thanks to Kamen’s music. There’s a reason it conquered the world via “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You.”

Intriguingly though, Adams was not the first choice for the piece of music. The composer originally wanted the tie-in song to be written from the point-of-view of Marian, who indeed has the line, “I’ll do it for you” in the movie. Yet this concept was deemed too bland by the likes of Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Lisa Stansfield, who all turned the project down.

So Adams was approached and he instantly understood what the music needed—giving it a forlorn, unrequited grandeur. His vocals along with the earnestness of the film melded almost too perfectly, feeding off each other in a year which saw one become the song of the summer and the other the biggest box office smash of the season outside of Terminator 2.

This piece of music also stands as one of several tracks which have outlived its movie. Indeed, production company Morgan Creek quickly turned the high note of Kamen’s “Overture” into their new logo’s theme.

Kamen, who died in 2003 of multiple sclerosis at only age 55, was unapologetic in his lifetime about the sentimentality he strove for in both pieces. Primarily known for hyper masculine ‘80s actioners like Lethal Weapon or Die Hard before Robin Hood, the composer was visibly elated in 1990 while writing for Robin and Marian. You can see for yourself in the otherwise hopelessly dated behind-the-scenes special, “The Myth, The Man, The Movie.” Narrated by a misused Pierce Brosnan in his pre-007 days, the doc nevertheless includes a fairly candid interview with Kamen.

“I’ve carried an idea of who Robin Hood is in my mind since I was six,” Kamen enthused 30 years ago. “So that’s a pretty strong vision to have, musically.” For the composer it meant embracing the rousing heroism of boyhood in his overture’s opening march and to lean into the romance of a lakeside rendezvous.

“The basic theme is really simple,” Kamen said of Marian’s theme. But by the time it comes into the film, “We’ve been building it up for pages and pages and pages of music. And finally she kisses him, and that’s where the score turns black with notes and everybody goes [crazy]. This is a work of love. This comes from the heart. This is something I really, really care about. Music is a real substance. It’s a very powerful substance. It’s got to be taken seriously.”

He visibly did that day, as the camera catches him swooning as the orchestra reaches the crescendo of what became “Everything I Do.”

Said Kamen, “I guess I was in love with Maid Marian. Just looking at Kevin Costner give her a big kiss and thinking, ‘Man, that’s as close as I’ll get to that.’ I love that.”

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In the summer of ’91, so did millions of others.

The post How Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Bryan Adams Conquered the World appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[wazafam]

As the title implies, Cartoon Network (CN) has long been known for its animated works from the original 1990s programming that consisted of re-runs of Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, and the Hanna-Barbera shows such as Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, and more. In the late ‘90s, CN shifted to original series with the creations of Dexter’s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, and The Powerpuff Girls to name a few.

RELATED: Every Original Cartoon Network Show Of The 90s, Ranked (According To IMDb)

By the 2000s, the network began to dabble in feature-length films, some of which included live-action works based on animated series e.g. the Ben 10 movies. And in the late ‘00s, Cartoon Network started airing its first live-action programming from game shows to book adaptations. Now, after over a decade and a half of the network’s live-action programs, how many have fans completely forgotten?

10 Out of Jimmy's Head

Out of Jimmy’s Head (OOJH) was the first original live-action/animated television series on Cartoon Network and was based on the 2006 movie Re-Animated. OOJH was produced by the same studios that brought fans classic live-action hits Even Stevens and That’s So Raven and the writers behind the cartoons Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends and The Life and Times of Juniper Lee.

The story follows the life of 13-year-old Jimmy Roberts who after receiving a brain transplant from a famous cartoonist is suddenly able to see and communicate with the characters created by that late cartoonist. Unfortunately, the late cartoonist’s son is after Jimmy and schemes to obtain his father’s brain and take over the world.

9 Bobb'e Says

Hosted by Bobb’e J. Thompson, the famous actor known for playing Tracy Jr. on 30 Rock and Stanley on That’s So Raven, Bobb’e Says was a live-action clip series that aired for just one season in 2009. Throughout the show, Bobb’e explored California giving advice to local residents through a pop and social commentary lens.

RELATED: Adult Swim: The First 13 Shows To Air On Cartoon Network’s Late-Night Program Block

Bobb’e would not return to his show for a second season and instead opted to pursue movies. The show was part of Cartoon Network’s “CN Real” programming block and was the shortest live-action series along with BrainRush only airing for 6 episodes.

8 Destroy Build Destroy

Also, part of the CN Real block and airing in 2009, Destroy Build Destroy was a live-action reality series and game show where teams competed to destroy a random object and then build vehicles from that object. In the end, the winning team would destroy the losers’ creation or if there were a tie, then both teams’ creations would be destroyed.

The contestants were typically teenagers and organized by themes such as common interests and the show was known for its extremity and destruction for its use of explosives, rocket launchers, and more. Destroy Build Destroy was one of only two CN Real shows that would be renewed for successive seasons (the other was Dude, What Would Happen).

7 Dude, What Would Happen

Following Bobb’e Says in the original CN Real block, Dude, What Would Happen was hosted by three teenage boys who each episode asked themselves a simple question “dude, what would happen if…” and then proceeded to create the event. Oftentimes, the boys C.J. Manigo, Jackson Rogow (who played extras in The Lizzy McGuire Movie, Awkward, and 2 Broke Girls) and Ali Sepasyar would consult experts who they dubbed “The Lab Dudes”.

Episode topics had a wide range from remote-control sports, parties on planes, 3D experiments to monster adaptations, and extreme sports. The series had four seasons over two years before concluding in 2011.

6 Unnatural History

Another series in the original CN Real block, Unnatural History was the second scripted, live-action show on Cartoon Network following Out Of Jimmy’s Head. Unlike other shows on the network, Unnatural History consisted of hour-long episodes. The series’ protagonist was Henry Griffin who after globe-trotting with his anthropologist parents settles in Washington, D.C., and must use his worldly skills and knowledge to solve the challenges of high school.

The premise centered on the different abilities that Henry attained after having lived in various countries such as Liberia, Mexico, Japan, Brazil, and more and how he uses these to solve mysteries while adjusting to life as a regular high school student. Unnatural History was canceled after one season.

5 Goosebumps

Based on R.L. Stine's best-selling book series of the same title, Goosebumps was a horror anthology television series featuring stories in which teenagers found themselves in unusual situations that involved the supernatural or occult. While the live-action Goosebumps’ United States programming originally aired in 1995 on Fox Kids, Cartoon Network aired the series each October from 2007 to 2009.

RELATED: 10 Creepiest Episodes Of Cartoon Network Shows, Ranked

Goosebumps episodes included haunted amusement parks, possessed Halloween characters, and similar frightening situations. The anthology series featured adaptations of 43 of the original books. In total, Stine produced 235 Goosebumps books, which leaves far more content on the table available for fans of the series in the future.

4 Tower Prep

Tower Prep centered on a school that housed people with special abilities (not completely unlike the X-Mansion) except most of the youngsters at Tower Prep had no memories of how they ended up at the school or where they even were. The protagonists spend the series trying to uncover the secrets behind Tower Prep and return to their normal lives.

The series was created by Paul Dini who was a producer and writer on several DC animated universe series such as Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series. Tower Prep would not be renewed for a second season and ended in 2010 after airing for three months.

3 Hole in the Wall

While first airing on Fox, in 2010 Cartoon Network revived Hole in the Wall, which is an adaption of a Japanese game show called Nokabe (or Brain Wall). In the series, the players/contestants attempt to fit themselves through large cutouts in a moving Styrofoam wall.

Cartoon Network retained much of Fox’s original version of the game where two teams of three people compete however CN’s version pivoted to plot families against one another. Hole in the Wall also aired special episodes with celebrity cameos featuring contestants from casts of reality series from other networks such as VH1.

2 Level Up

Level Up was adapted from the film by the same title (which served as the pilot for the series) in 2011 and aired from 2012 to 2013. Level Up was only the second CN show to be adapted from an original live-action movie (the first was Out of Jimmy’s Head).

RELATED: Cartoon Network: 10 Classics Fans Want To See On HBO Max

The series focused on four high schoolers who accidentally opened a portal leading from a video game into the real world so that characters could now cross into reality distorting and destroying everyday life. As a result, the protagonists turned heroes would have to fight these extraordinary beings and send monsters back into the game.

1 Incredible Crew

Incredible Crew was a 2013 sketch comedy series. It was created and produced by Nick Cannon and much like Cannon's Wild 'N Out, episodes featured short-form skits from comedy to music to parodies.

In addition to Cannon, there was a six-person cast consisting of Brandon Soo Hoo (Supah Ninjas), Chanelle Peloso (Level Up), Jeremy Shada (Adventure Time), Shameik Moore (Joyful Noise), Shauna Case (American Horror Story) and Tristan Pasterick (I'm in the Band).

Incredible Crew ran for just one season and 13 episodes and was originally slated to be the last live-action show on Cartoon Network until the 2021 announcement of Family Mash-Up.

NEXT: Top 10 2010s Cartoon Network Series, Ranked (According To IMDb)

Cartoon Network: 10 Live-Action Shows You Totally Forgot About from https://ift.tt/2OTXVJq

[getoutoftheweeds-blog]

Quotes – Consuming the Wisdom of Others

2017 has been a tough year in many ways.  As I sit here and reflect on everything that has happened this year, I recognize it has been a profound test of endurance.  All aspects of my life have been affected.  Heck, every person in my life has had to face an uphill slog this year.  It would be easy to look at the circumstances and get overwhelmed.  I must admit, there have been multiple occasions throughout the year where I wanted to throw in the towel and just walk away from the whole mess. 

But, in my mind, it would be wrong to quit.  My family and friends deserve better than that. 

We all need a little change in perspective and renewed motivation from time to time.  One of the things I turn to the most for motivation is quotes.  I love to see the insight other people have.  Quotes are a microcosm of someone’s story.  They are wit and wisdom from profound insight and experience rolled into a neat little package that is easy to digest. 

When I started to compile my list of quotes, I had pages and pages.  Today, I pare those down to a (somewhat) short list which really speak to me about perseverance.  These quotes serve as both inspiration and a kick in the butt to keep me moving.  I hope they are motivating for you as well. 

It may be safely trusted as proportionate and of good issues, so it be faithfully imparted, but god will not have his work manifest by cowards. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This excerpt is from Emerson’s work Self-Reliance.  Emerson was not making a theological statement, but basically saying you need to be true to yourself.  In other words, if you are willing to change yourself to please other people, you are being a coward.

Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one. – Bruce Lee

Throughout every generation of the human race there has been a constant war, a war with fear.  Those who have the courage to conquer it are made free and those who are conquered by it are made to suffer until they have the courage to defeat it, or death takes them. – Alexander the Great

Face your fears and conquer them.

So – Join the company of good men and women keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths.  It’s the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here.  The corrupt will lose their lives; the dishonest will be gone for good. – King Solomon, reflecting on lessons his father, David, and mother, Bathsheba, taught him. Proverbs 2: 20-22

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. -  Theodore Roosevelt

Wise words from a man who was gritty enough to finish a public speech after being shot.

Do everything without complaining or arguing… - Philippians 2:14

You’ve got to stop living for the people who’ve hurt you and the things that have happened to you, and you’ve got to start living for yourself. Do the things that make you joyful inside. - Jolie O’Dell

You need to leave your past behind and build the future you want.

Never, never, never give up!  - Winston Churchill

If you are going through hell, keep going. - Winston Churchill

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some roll up their sleeves, some turn up their noses and some don’t turn up at all. – Sam Ewing

Sam was a witty baseball player who batted left and threw right.  He came from a small town and used his talents to build a successful life and a positive impact on those around him.  Something I hope to mimic. 

You cannot know who you are or what you are capable of until you face adversity. You cannot know the strength of the steel you hold until it strikes something solid. And you cannot know what kind of a man you are until you look hardship and difficulty in the eye, face it, and rise to its challenge. Without that test, you just don’t know.  – “Nick Sadler”

The man who has no refuge in himself, who lives, so to speak, in his front rooms, in the outer whirlwind of things and opinions, is not properly a personality at all. He floats with the current, who does not guide himself according to higher principles, who has no ideal, no convictions--such a man is a mere article of furniture--a thing moved, instead of a living and moving being--an echo, not a voice. The man who has no inner life is the slave of his surroundings, as the barometer is the obedient servant of the air at rest, and the weathercock the humble servant of the air in motion. – Henri-Frederic Amiel

We receive everything, both life and happiness; but the manner in which we receive, this is what is still ours. Let us then receive trustfully without shame or anxiety. Let us humbly accept from God even our own nature, and treat it charitably, firmly, intelligently. Not that we are called upon to accept the evil and disease in us, but let us accept ourselves in spite of the evil and the disease. - Henri-Frederic Amiel

Amiel was a Swiss philosopher.  He makes the gears in my head turn.

It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard...is what makes it great! -Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. – Paul, writing to his friends in Rome who were facing persecution. Romans 5:3-5

Sometimes, when everything is going wrong, when life is at its crappiest, you have just got to find a reason to smile.  This crap will build hope inside of you that no one can take away.

I hope you found these quotes inspirational.  I keep these written down in a place where I can get my hands on them quickly.  If I need some motivation or a perspective shift, I pull out my notes and read the wisdom that these folks (and others) documented.  I use them kind of like a compass.  As I look over the 10,000 foot view of my life, I use this wisdom to make sure I’m bearing in the right direction.

I’m curious, what are some quotes that inspire you?  Where do you turn if you need a little motivation to keep going?

We can’t wait to hear from you.

[alex-turners-evil-twin]

You Talk Way Too Much - Chapter 5 (an Alex Turner/Julian Casablancas Fanfiction)

A/N: Well damn, it’s been sooooooo long since I updated this I’m ashamed. There’s no excuses, I’m just a sorry piece of shit. Most likely no one cares about this fic anymore, but in any case here’s the next chapter (sorry again, hope you enjoy)

word count: 3000+

"So basically, nothing really happened" Alex concluded the previous nights' events to Matthew. He was lying on Matt's bed, feet dangling off the side and staring up at the ceiling. This meant Matt wasn't in his field of vision, and when the other boy didn't say anything for a while Alex felt it necessary to find out why. After having gone through the trouble of propping himself up on his elbows all he was rewarded with was a smug grin and Matt shaking his head at him in disbelief.

"So let me get this straight, you had the opportunity to shag Julian Casablancas, and you didn't because what, he didn't say I love you first?"

Alex repressed the brief impulse to throw something at Matt's head, mainly cause that's what he couldn't avoid thinking either. He laid back on the bed with a groan.

"I suppose I did"

"Why d'you do that?"

"Well I don't know!" Alex cried theatrically, "it felt right at the time"

"But I mean, he goddamn held your hand that entire night just cause you were getting your panties all in a bunch, I'm pretty sure he'd make you feel special regardless of how long you've been acquainted" Matt pointed out.

"First off all, the panty-bunching was done collectively by all of us," Alex announced, not being entirely able to say that without cracking up. Matt did have to admit that maybe he'd been a little nervous too. "And secondly, don't you think I know that? Can we please focus on something besides the fact that I'm a moron"

"Hey, that's not true, you're not a moron, you just acted moronic in that one instance, not necessarily character defining though" Matt said, with perfectly balanced sarcasm and comfort.

"Thanks," Alex replied whilst rolling his eyes. "I don't know, I've never been with a guy before. I don't doubt that it'd be special but I just didn't feel fully comfortable. That's just the way it is."

Matt hummed something sympathetically at that, and the conversation lulled.

Alex grunted and rolled over on the bed, pressing his face into the mattress. It wasn't so much that he regretted not sleeping with him, he still stood by his reasoning at the time, but what he hadn't anticipated was missing him so much. He had enough insight to understand that he was probably making more of it than it was. But for whatever reason he ached to be close to Julian again and feel his presence. Maybe, just maybe, had he known he'd be feeling this way, he'd have favoured leaving Julian with the memory of them entwined in bedsheets and arms draped over one another and lazy morning-after kisses. Rather than this. Stuck recalling the frustrating fact that he hadn't even said a proper goodbye, since Julian had scuttled off somewhere in the back before he'd gotten the chance.

As Alex contemplated his own misfortune amid woeful sighs growing ever louder, Matt decided to intervene.

"What about if we watch a movie? Just unwind for a bit? We don't have to talk more about this unless you want to" He suggested. Alex could only nod mercifully at his friend's suggestion.

Right as the painfully tedious process of picking a DVD from Matt's collection came to an end (they'd gone with a Western cause those always seemed to cheer Al up. More specifically Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid) Alex's phone rang. He threw an apologetic glance at Matt before taking the call.

__________

"Hi, uhm it's Julian" he began carefully. On the other end of the line came a sharpe inhale, which sounded suspiciously gasp-like.

"Hey there" Alex said in a friendly voice, coming off a lot cooler than Julian presently felt. He played around with the idea of making some smalltalk before arriving at the actual reason for the call, but ultimately decided he couldn't handle the wait (however brief) and just cut to the chase.

"Alex I'd like for you to come on tour with us." Julian said, embarrassingly nervous. Where was his confidence when he really needed it?

"Uhm, what now mate?" Alex said, still sounding very calm and collected, not having in any way processed what he'd just been told.

Quickly Julian repeated himself, making himself more clear. "We'd like for Arctic Monkeys to come on tour with us, for the UK leg. And just so there's no confusion this request is strictly professional, we think you're really talented, and would love to help you get some exposure, in case you're interested."

In most instances when Alex was presented with a statement he couldn't fully comprehend he fell silent. Picking apart the pieces and examining them, making sense of it all before commenting. He did not follow procedure in this case however, due to the sheer insanity of the offer. His reply came instantly and instinctively.

"You can't be serious! We haven't got the experience or the skill necessary, we wouldn't want to let you down like that"

"I'm not kidding" Julian insisted. "the entire purpose of this venture would be for you to get experience, and as for letting us down, you didn't do that last night! You guys were amazing, and that was your first show too, you're only going to get better. Besides," he added in a more playful tone "if you bomb it's only going to make us look better, this is a win-win, Al."

There were many things for Alex to consider with the new arguments Julian brought up. Maybe he was right and it would be good for the band, maybe they weren't ready after all, maybe they were up for the task but other factors would weigh in, and last but not least Julian had casually called him by his nickname. Something Alex hated himself for enjoying so much. Which ever of the possibilities would prove to be the truth, he couldn't determine that on his own, he had consult the rest of the band.

"I have to talk to the rest of the band about this... overwhelming proposal. I'll get back to you soon." Alex said, though feeling it lacked some gratitude. In a softer voice he added "Thank you so much though... it means a lot to us, Jules" He then hung up because if Julian said anything else that remotely resembled flirting (which there was a pretty big risk of, all things considered) Alex knew his judgement would be impaired and thus he'd be unable to make a fair ruling on this.

In rapid succession Nick and Jamie were called and summoned, and within 30 minutes they were all gathered in Matt's room, practically bursting with excitement.

"Alright Al, wanna let us in on the amazin' news?" Jamie asked, using the exact words Alex had to bait them.

"Yes, of course. Well," Alex stopped briefly for dramatic effect and to compose himself. "Julian asked us if we want to be their support band for the rest of their gigs in the UK" he said.

Euphoric outbursts and cheers erupted from Matt, Jamie and Nick as it dawned on them what a tremendous opportunity this was for them. Alex, forever the voice of reason, continued.

"Now I know this is a huge deal and it would mean a lot for us. But there are some things to take into consideration. Like for instance, you're all supposed to be off for uni soon, what do we do about that?" This line of questioning somewhat stumped the joyful atmosphere that had settled

Nick was the first one to speak up. "This band means a lot to me of course, but so does going to school, I'm not sure what to do here."

"It wouldn't be for all that long" Matt offered, "perhaps we could push back going to uni a couple of months?"

"That's not how it works though, if we miss the first term we have to start next year" said Jamie.

"You all make good points," Alex said "but this would really be good for the band, we may never get a chance like it again"

"You're right, but are we really ready for this? We don't have all that many songs if were being honest" Jamie pointed out.

"That's true, we might be in over our heads" Matt admitted. Alex nodded slightly to this, he'd been thinking along those same lines.

"I think we should take a vote" Alex said, and the others were in agreement.

"Alright, how many for?"

Matthew raised his hand.

"And against?"

Jamie and Nick raised theirs hands.

"Looks like you're the deciding vote Al," Nick said. "What will it be?"

Alex took a deep breath closed his eyes for a minute. He should've been thinking about his bandmates and their further education, or whether they had enough songs to play or if they were well rehearsed enough. But he didn't, instead he thought of Julian, and how much he missed him. It was a lot, and that was precisely why it would be stupid to go. He could already tell he was forming an attachment, that would only be nurtured and grow stronger if he were to spend anymore time with him, and since there wasn't any actual future for a relationship between them that would just be a painful and cruel thing to put himself through. He might as well spare himself the heartache, no matter how much he desired it in that moment.

"I vote against" Alex said at last. Various heads were nodded, but no one quite knew what to say to summarize the whole ordeal. Until Matt got bored that is.

"Well, d'you lads wanna watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid then?" There was no opposition on that matter. They all stared to move downstairs, planning to occupy the settee for the next couple of hours. Expect for Alex, who excused himself to phone up Julian and inform him of their decision.

__________

Julian had tried to unwind, he really had. But he quickly found that relaxation eluded him. Therefore he was just sitting in the tourbus, miserable, considering which poison would calm his nerves more efficiently, pot, booze or cigarettes. He never got a chance to self-medicate though, as his phone stared ringing. Franticly he picked up.

"Hey, so are you coming along?" he asked.

"They didn't go for it, I'm sorry. It was such a nice offer though, can't thank you enough really" Alex said.

"You're welcome" Julian replied, sounding pathetically defeated and crestfallen by the news.

Despite his best efforts, he couldn't think of anymore plausible excuses to see Alex again, and the thought of that thoroughly sucked. He didn't know why he was so persistent on this. All he could come up with was that he liked Alex very much, how that had come about so quickly he couldn't explain. As he felt the end of the conversation nearing he knew he had to do something, anything at this point.

"You could always come on as a roadie?" Julian suggested, not having any high hopes. "earn some extra cash, get used to all the equipment, and also free Strokes concert every night" he said, half joking. Alex didn't say anything, which Julian deduced probably wasn't a good thing, but he also hadn't said no so he just pressed on. "Plus we could jam, like all the time. Yeah, it'd be so cool! You could show me your songs and we could record some demos maybe? Or write some new shit? You never know when inspiration hits you when you're on the road" feeling he'd made his pitch as appealing as he could Julian shut up and eagerly awaited a response.

And then finally, Alex caved. "Okay" he said, causing them both to smile like idiots, though neither of them actually knew that over the telephone line.

__________

What the hell had gotten in to him? This is was a bad, bad idea, Alex could already tell. His reasons for voting no were still in affect, there still wasn't a future for a relationship and he would still definitely succumb under Julian Casablancas' charm. Sometimes he feared he was incapable of doing the logical, smart, thing. And this situation did nothing to disprove that. In a trance he walked down to the living room where the rest of them were sat.

"Guys" he began slowly

"What is it Al?" Matt asked, engrossed in the film.

"I have to start packing" Alex said cryptically.

"Packing for what?" Jamie asked, half intrigued half annoyed at his coyness.

"Julian asked if I wanted to come along as a roadie... and I accepted."

Matt paused the movie and stood up, approaching his friend with a shocked look on his face.

"Alex are you serious? Do you know what you're doing?" he asked with concern, disbelief, and happiness for his friend.

"Haven't got a clue" Alex said, accompanied with a grin that went from ear to ear. __________

Julian could not believe what had just happened. Alex had said yes! He was coming on tour with them! Huzzah! This meant he would be in his proximity extensively for the months to come, which also meant he would get a chance to really get to know him - exactly what he'd wanted. He realized he had to tell the others, so he set out to find them. It proved to be easy, since they were all hanging out on the bottom floor of the tourbus, something Julian discovered as he walked downstairs and overheard a heated debate about breakfast cereal.

"Oh my god! Cocoa Puffs are clearly superior! Anybody knows that" Fab argued passionately.

"No fucking way! Lucky Charms man, that's where it's at" Nick retorted.

"You both are children. Cheerios are the best, they're a far more sensible way to start the day" Nikolai said. And while he may have been right about the cereal, he really walked into all the ridicule that came his way after that. Fab, Nick, and Albert started reminiscing about all the times he'd started the day in the utmost insensible manner. Like the times where he'd wake up only to puke his guts out, or he was still buzzed from the night before so he just kept it going, or when they all woke up so late that lunch was more appropriate than breakfast, so they all just went out for burgers and greasy fries as their first meal. It was a deep well of material actually, and exposing his hypocrisy never ceased to entertain.

Julian who'd been standing in the back, following the conversation with a amusement, now stepped forward.

"Oh hey Jules" Albert welcomed him to the casual gathering.

"Hi there" he replied. "Alright so I've got some news. Arctic Monkeys weren't able to be our support band, which sucks. Although, Alex is coming along as a roadie"

"I've got to hand it to you Julian, bringing your little boy toy with you on tour whilst also keeping him on the pay roll, that one's new, and also very classy" Fab joked and wiggled his eyebrows at him, earning some laughs from the room.

"It's not like that at all, Fabrizo. First of all we haven't even done anything yet, it's all totally above board." Julian said, with anger laced in his voice. "Also don't ever call Alex my boy toy again" he added and shuddered.

"Yet?" Albert echoed teasingly.

"Oh shut up, will ya?" Julian said and play smacked him on the head. He sat down next to Albert and made himself comfortable on one of the couches that lined the aisle of the tourbus.

"Time will tell" Albert said with a soft smile in Julian's direction. Managing to be sweet and also sound like an old lady in a single sentence.

"In any case, he should be here soon."

__________

Alex didn't think he'd ever packed so quickly in his life, in fact he knew he hadn't. Thank god that he didn't live far from Matt and that his mum had just done the laundry. He was reminded to give her a call and thank her for that, as well as tell her and dad about all the madness that had gone down, and why they wouldn't see their son again until early summertime.

Once he'd gathered all his possessions he thought himself to need, based on an estimation of not so solid data, (he was still rather fuzzy on the details of how this all would work) he'd headed back to over to Matt's. Now they were all in the van, giving Alex a ride to the hotel they had been staying at and seeing him off.

"I have to say, it feels strange dropping you off into the care of the strokes, for what one can only assume will be a tour filled with sex, drugs, rock'n'roll and all other forms of debauchery" Matt said, obviously trying to be funny.

"That's not how the saying goes though, innit? Nick asked.

"Well no, but I felt debauchery in general needed to be added to cover all our bases" Matt said.

"Oh, well that's fair then" Nick agreed.

"Ah yes, so young and already corrupted" Jamie said.

They kept joking like that for a while, but there was an undertone of worry to it. Alex could be strong, certainly, but he was also gentle, and they didn't want to see him get hurt as a result of this.

They reached their destination and Matt pulled up next to the tourbus that was parked out back.

"Alright, this is it buddy, we're here. Now remember, you can always call if you want to, anytime ok?" Matt said, and everyone agreed that this was true for them as well.

"Thank you, I'm going to miss you all so much" Alex said, before they stepped outside and helped him with his luggage. He hugged them, something that just felt right to do and they wished him well. With that out of the way, Alex apprehensively started walking the short distance up to the bus. He had no idea what to do, say, or how to act. Pitifully he resolved to just keep his cool and go with the flow, finding little to no comfort in the empty words. Halfway there (which could only have taken him 30 seconds or so) Julian emerged, and stared approaching him with what could only be described as restrained skipping. Alex smiled at him warmly, and could've died a happy man right then and there as Julian enveloped him in tight hug. One Alex couldn't return because his hands were full, but he found that letting his warmth and scent and general Julianess wash over him was more than enough.

[camdenfringe]

Changes to the Printed Programme

Bump! Buckle Up Theatre Winner 'Best Comedy Show' Greater Manchester Fringe 2015 In this fast-paced, highly physical new play, Eliana and Ian appear to move in harmony. Watch their happiness and struggles at close range in an intimate setting. Become a part of their lives as their innermost thoughts are shared directly with you, even in their private moments. Are they on the same wavelength or at odds? Words overlap, intertwine and tangle throughout this quickly propelled story. Bump! is a unique new comedy packed with twists, turns and surprises. "Intricately choreographed" ***** TheatreFullStop. "Funny, endearing and surprisingly deep" ***** Mumble Theatre. "Fun, witty and thoroughly delightful" **** Edfringe Review. "Extremely taut" **** Quotidian Times. Tristan Bates Theatre Mon 31 Jul - Sat 5 Aug 2017 at 9:15pm £9 (£8 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1045

Jilberto Soto: Even God Knew I was Gay Jilberto is a comic from Seattle who has brought his talents to London. Even God Knew I was Gay will reveal the struggles of the gay dating scene for a Catholic Mexican. Overall, it’s about the journey for self-acceptance. The Bill Murray Thu 3 Aug 2017 at 6:30pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1215

Be Longing Follow Through Collective & Co. Every home is as individual as the people inhabiting it. Home is a drawing of the Self. So what is it that makes us feel at home? The FTC approaches these questions by the means of dance & film, thus making personal reflexion tangible.The two dancers indulge in a sensible interplay of dance & Film while the viewer is invited to change perspectives. Shows at Etcetera Theatre Fri 4 Aug 2017 at 2:30pm £6 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1231

Sezar Alkassab: Moronic Glaswegian comedian Sezar Alkassab brings his conversational storytelling comedy to The Camden Fringe with his Moronic show and brings his audience together through laughter, with his unique perspective, silly stories, and friendly audience engagement “Great material... strangely refreshing and funny” - Cheeky Monkey Comedy Club "Confident delivery... informed material with an endearing edge" - Jester Jesters Comedy Club ���Confident... can deliver a wide range of comedy... can adapt his set to meet the needs of his audience.” - The Comedy App The Bill Murray Sun 6 Aug 2017 at 5:00pm Sun 13 Aug 2017 at 5:00pm Sun 27 Aug 2017 at 5:00pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1220

Eden Aelfa Centauri Theatre Company In a post apocalyptic bunker, Eva, is held against her will by Snake and The Genesis Project. Humanity as we know it extinguished and Eva's DNA, without consent, is the future of a new cloned and fully compliant human race. Can Adam, a rebel footman find a way to bring her hope that nature and free will still exists in the form of a single apple. Hen and Chickens Mon 7 Aug - Tue 8 Aug 2017 at 9:00pm £10 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1219

Double Bill: Landings: There She Is & The Tropicalia Island Physicality, songs and make-believe in a double bill where words challenge accents and humour defies reality.THERE SHE IS, by Gabriela Flarys is an attempt to get ‘there’, but if there’s a whale blocking the way, the path must change. THE TROPICALIA ISLAND, by Fernanda Mandagará is about an exotic place receiving refugees after a world catastrophe. Etcetera Theatre Tue 8 Aug 2017 at 12:30pm £10.00 (£8.00 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1232

Jazz is Joy Nicola Mac and Tiffany Ford Featuring some old time favourite tunes combined with choreography to show stopping hits, this showcase embraces Jazz in some of its various forms, specifically vocals and movement. Explore and enjoy the joyful and romantic side of Jazz and feel empowered. Etcetera Theatre Tue 8 Aug 2017 at 2:30pm £6.50 (£5.00 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1233

FEET Emma and Lawrence wrote a play Lucy can’t pay the bills. For quick money, she joins a Foot Fetish website. However, when the cash starts rolling in, Lucy begins to question her choices and her identity. A black comedy, FEET asks if compromising your integrity and giving in to being objectified is worth selling yourself – or your feet – in order to survive. Etcetera Theatre Thu 10 Aug - Fri 11 Aug 2017 at 4:30pm £8 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1214

Nick Horseman: Hip Hop Happy Hour The guy who was once 50% of acclaimed musical comedy duo Horse & Louis and is now 100% of rapping comedy man Nick Horseman brings you a fresh'n'funky hour of jokes and bangin' hip hop tunes. "An excellent hour of comedy" **** British Comedy Guide "Very funny" **** ThreeWeeks Camden Comedy Club Thu 10 Aug 2017 at 9:30pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1211

Nick Elleray: Just Happy To Be Here A stand-up show from renowned happy camper Nick Elleray. Family, Kim Jong-Un, dentistry - this one's got the lot. “An engaging stand-up with an inventive mind.” The List “Quality downbeat comedy... could almost be Louis CK played at the wrong speed” Chortle Winner - Old Comedian of the Year 2017 As heard on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 Extra Camden Comedy Club Sat 12 & Sat 19 Aug at 5pm £7 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1229 The Bill Murray Wed 15 Aug at 9.30pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1230

Robert Jones - Just the Start If there is anything that could bond an entire room and that is the fact is that everyone has failed at something, whether it be at work, at love or even as simple as trying to get from place to place and if that is true Robert Jones is the key to world peace. If you are going to fail you might as well get a good story out of it and Robert has a few. Camden People's Theatre Sun 13 Aug - Wed 16 Aug 2017 at 9:00pm £7 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1223

What I Really Wanted To Say Was... Shtoom Productions What I really wanted to say was... is a LOL social-satire where we revisit and stage our most awkward, inappropriate conversations. Society's reliant on political correctness so where do you stand? How would you react? What would you have said? Thought provoking punchlines and ruthless, rough and ready rhymes- Will you wince, laugh, cringe or cry? Etcetera Theatre Mon 14 Aug 2017 at 4:30pm £6.50 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1207

Broken No Photos Please Productions Boy meeteth girl. Boy loseth girl. Boy bareth soul. Set in London and centred on the end of a relationship, Broken fuses Shakespeare with modern dialogue and is an expressionistic satire on the highs and lows of falling in, and inevitably out, of love. "Pretty much everything that's spoken in Broken is quotable" M Davis, Breaking the Fourth Wall. Shows at Etcetera Theatre Mon 14 Aug - Thu 17 Aug 2017 at 6:30pm £10 (£8 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1234

So You Say Different Theatre When ex-lovers meet after many years, what can we believe about the stories they tell? ‘So You Say’ explores two unreliable and diverging narratives. A fast-paced emotional ride through past and present - funny, shocking and bittersweet. Shortlisted for Best New Play, Brighton Fringe “Outstanding in its simplicity and honesty” Broadway Baby **** Tristan Bates Theatre Tue 15 Aug - Sat 19 Aug 2017 at 6:15pm £10 (£8 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1208

Joe Bor: A Room With A Jew An hour of stand up from award winning comedian and Jewish Comedian of the year Joe Bor. TV credits include Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You. "Joe Bor is a must see" Alan Carr Camden Comedy Club Wed 16 Aug - Thu 17 Aug 2017 at 8:00pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1206

Ophelia: Madness (in blue) Stem Collective Ophelia remembers the three men she loves; brother, father, lover. Numbed by grief she swallows herself with madness. Celebrating the other story of Shakespeare's poetic, passionate heroine, this intimate work re-imagines Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' in song, combining jazz and classical vocals, Elizabethan verse and cello and piano accompaniment. The Swiss Church Thu 17 Aug - Fri 18 Aug 2017 at 7:30pm £10 (£8 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1222

Brett Goldstein: What Is Love Baby Don't Hurt Me Brett Goldstein fell in love. He wouldn't recommend it. Award Winning Stand Up, Comedian and actor Brett Goldstein returns with a brand new show about love, primary relationships, living in a post porn world, and why Shakespeare can go xxxx himself. A work in progress. (A mess) Camden Comedy Club Fri 18 Aug - Sun 20 Aug 2017 at 8:00pm £10 (£7 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1205

Sorry I Killed Your Cat Lost Fragments Productions When a new couple move in to a north London apartment block their neighbours are quick to invite them over for dinner, though not all is as it seems. Packed full of laughs, drama and dead animals, Sorry, I Killed Your Cat, is a hilarious piece of new writing about keeping up false appearances, broken relationships, alcohol an Shows at The Cockpit Sun 20 Aug 2017 at 5:30pm Mon 21 Aug - Tue 22 Aug 2017 at 7:00pm £8 (£6 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1212

Under the Skin Tik-Sho-Ret Theatre Company ‘Under the Skin’ is a play set both during the Holocaust and the Gulf War. It tells the story of the love affair between a Nazi officer and one of her female Jewish prisoners. It is based on Kohlmann's Belsen trial protocol, and also on Holocaust survivors' testimonies. The original production has had a successful two year run in Israel. Shows at Etcetera Theatre Tue 22 Aug - Wed 23 Aug 2017 at 4:30pm £8 (£6 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1224

Paul Ricketts' West End Story Libellously funny storytelling show, set in the 1990's London, explaining how to find outrageous nightly adventures on a budget of £5. It’s a storytelling show about storytelling, creating scenarios to create a social life in the heart of London. "beguiling storytelling ” Chortle "go hear his story" Three Weeks Shows at Camden Comedy Club Fri 25 Aug - Sat 26 Aug 2017 at 6:00pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1209

CANCELLED SHOWS Scientology The Musical 7-12 August at Lion & Unicorn Blow 8-10 August at Lion &Unicorn The Monument of Portland Place 14-17 August at Etcetera Theatre We Fly By Night 18-20 August at Etcetera Theatre

[camdenfringe]

EXTRA EXTRA

The Etcetera are still adding more shows to their programme (nominative determinism?) so here is the latest on changes to the printed programme.

Bump! Buckle Up Theatre Winner 'Best Comedy Show' Greater Manchester Fringe 2015 In this fast-paced, highly physical new play, Eliana and Ian appear to move in harmony. Watch their happiness and struggles at close range in an intimate setting. Become a part of their lives as their innermost thoughts are shared directly with you, even in their private moments. Are they on the same wavelength or at odds? Words overlap, intertwine and tangle throughout this quickly propelled story. Bump! is a unique new comedy packed with twists, turns and surprises. "Intricately choreographed" ***** TheatreFullStop. "Funny, endearing and surprisingly deep" ***** Mumble Theatre. "Fun, witty and thoroughly delightful" **** Edfringe Review. "Extremely taut" **** Quotidian Times. Tristan Bates Theatre Mon 31 Jul - Sat 5 Aug 2017 at 9:15pm £9 (£8 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1045

Jilberto Soto: Even God Knew I was Gay Jilberto is a comic from Seattle who has brought his talents to London. Even God Knew I was Gay will reveal the struggles of the gay dating scene for a Catholic Mexican. Overall, it’s about the journey for self-acceptance. The Bill Murray Thu 3 Aug 2017 at 6:30pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1215

Be Longing Follow Through Collective & Co. Every home is as individual as the people inhabiting it. Home is a drawing of the Self. So what is it that makes us feel at home? The FTC approaches these questions by the means of dance & film, thus making personal reflexion tangible.The two dancers indulge in a sensible interplay of dance & Film while the viewer is invited to change perspectives. Shows at Etcetera Theatre Fri 4 Aug 2017 at 2:30pm £6 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1231

Sezar Alkassab: Moronic Glaswegian comedian Sezar Alkassab brings his conversational storytelling comedy to The Camden Fringe with his Moronic show and brings his audience together through laughter, with his unique perspective, silly stories, and friendly audience engagement “Great material... strangely refreshing and funny” - Cheeky Monkey Comedy Club "Confident delivery... informed material with an endearing edge" - Jester Jesters Comedy Club “Confident... can deliver a wide range of comedy... can adapt his set to meet the needs of his audience.” - The Comedy App The Bill Murray Sun 6 Aug 2017 at 5:00pm Sun 13 Aug 2017 at 5:00pm Sun 27 Aug 2017 at 5:00pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1220

Eden Aelfa Centauri Theatre Company In a post apocalyptic bunker, Eva, is held against her will by Snake and The Genesis Project. Humanity as we know it extinguished and Eva's DNA, without consent, is the future of a new cloned and fully compliant human race. Can Adam, a rebel footman find a way to bring her hope that nature and free will still exists in the form of a single apple. Hen and Chickens Mon 7 Aug - Tue 8 Aug 2017 at 9:00pm £10 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1219

Jazz is Joy Nicola Mac and Tiffany Ford Featuring some old time favourite tunes combined with choreography to show stopping hits, this showcase embraces Jazz in some of its various forms, specifically vocals and movement. Explore and enjoy the joyful and romantic side of Jazz and feel empowered. Etcetera Theatre Tue 8 Aug 2017 at 2:30pm £6.50 (£5.00 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1233

FEET Emma and Lawrence wrote a play Lucy can’t pay the bills. For quick money, she joins a Foot Fetish website. However, when the cash starts rolling in, Lucy begins to question her choices and her identity. A black comedy, FEET asks if compromising your integrity and giving in to being objectified is worth selling yourself – or your feet – in order to survive. Etcetera Theatre Thu 10 Aug - Fri 11 Aug 2017 at 4:30pm £8 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1214

Nick Horseman: Hip Hop Happy Hour The guy who was once 50% of acclaimed musical comedy duo Horse & Louis and is now 100% of rapping comedy man Nick Horseman brings you a fresh'n'funky hour of jokes and bangin' hip hop tunes. "An excellent hour of comedy" **** British Comedy Guide "Very funny" **** ThreeWeeks Camden Comedy Club Thu 10 Aug 2017 at 9:30pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1211

Nick Elleray: Just Happy To Be Here A stand-up show from renowned happy camper Nick Elleray. Family, Kim Jong-Un, dentistry - this one's got the lot. “An engaging stand-up with an inventive mind.” The List “Quality downbeat comedy... could almost be Louis CK played at the wrong speed” Chortle Winner - Old Comedian of the Year 2017 As heard on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 Extra Camden Comedy Club Sat 12 & Sat 19 Aug at 5pm £7 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1229 The Bill Murray Wed 15 Aug at 9.30pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1230

Robert Jones - Just the Start If there is anything that could bond an entire room and that is the fact is that everyone has failed at something, whether it be at work, at love or even as simple as trying to get from place to place and if that is true Robert Jones is the key to world peace. If you are going to fail you might as well get a good story out of it and Robert has a few. Camden People's Theatre Sun 13 Aug - Wed 16 Aug 2017 at 9:00pm £7 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1223

What I Really Wanted To Say Was... Shtoom Productions What I really wanted to say was... is a LOL social-satire where we revisit and stage our most awkward, inappropriate conversations. Society's reliant on political correctness so where do you stand? How would you react? What would you have said? Thought provoking punchlines and ruthless, rough and ready rhymes- Will you wince, laugh, cringe or cry? Etcetera Theatre Mon 14 Aug 2017 at 4:30pm £6.50 (£5 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1207

So You Say Different Theatre When ex-lovers meet after many years, what can we believe about the stories they tell? ‘So You Say’ explores two unreliable and diverging narratives. A fast-paced emotional ride through past and present - funny, shocking and bittersweet. Shortlisted for Best New Play, Brighton Fringe “Outstanding in its simplicity and honesty” Broadway Baby **** Tristan Bates Theatre Tue 15 Aug - Sat 19 Aug 2017 at 6:15pm £10 (£8 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1208

Joe Bor: A Room With A Jew An hour of stand up from award winning comedian and Jewish Comedian of the year Joe Bor. TV credits include Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You. "Joe Bor is a must see" Alan Carr Camden Comedy Club Wed 16 Aug - Thu 17 Aug 2017 at 8:00pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1206

Ophelia: Madness (in blue) Stem Collective Ophelia remembers the three men she loves; brother, father, lover. Numbed by grief she swallows herself with madness. Celebrating the other story of Shakespeare's poetic, passionate heroine, this intimate work re-imagines Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' in song, combining jazz and classical vocals, Elizabethan verse and cello and piano accompaniment. The Swiss Church Thu 17 Aug - Fri 18 Aug 2017 at 7:30pm £10 (£8 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1222

Brett Goldstein: What Is Love Baby Don't Hurt Me Brett Goldstein fell in love. He wouldn't recommend it. Award Winning Stand Up, Comedian and actor Brett Goldstein returns with a brand new show about love, primary relationships, living in a post porn world, and why Shakespeare can go xxxx himself. A work in progress. (A mess) Camden Comedy Club Fri 18 Aug - Sun 20 Aug 2017 at 8:00pm £10 (£7 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1205

Sorry I Killed Your Cat Lost Fragments Productions When a new couple move in to a north London apartment block their neighbours are quick to invite them over for dinner, though not all is as it seems. Packed full of laughs, drama and dead animals, Sorry, I Killed Your Cat, is a hilarious piece of new writing about keeping up false appearances, broken relationships, alcohol an Shows at The Cockpit Sun 20 Aug 2017 at 5:30pm Mon 21 Aug - Tue 22 Aug 2017 at 7:00pm £8 (£6 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1212

Under the Skin Tik-Sho-Ret Theatre Company ‘Under the Skin’ is a play set both during the Holocaust and the Gulf War. It tells the story of the love affair between a Nazi officer and one of her female Jewish prisoners. It is based on Kohlmann's Belsen trial protocol, and also on Holocaust survivors' testimonies. The original production has had a successful two year run in Israel. Shows at Etcetera Theatre Tue 22 Aug - Wed 23 Aug 2017 at 4:30pm £8 (£6 conc) http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1224

Paul Ricketts' West End Story Libellously funny storytelling show, set in the 1990's London, explaining how to find outrageous nightly adventures on a budget of £5. It’s a storytelling show about storytelling, creating scenarios to create a social life in the heart of London. "beguiling storytelling ” Chortle "go hear his story" Three Weeks Shows at Camden Comedy Club Fri 25 Aug - Sat 26 Aug 2017 at 6:00pm £5 http://camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=1209

CANCELLED SHOWS Scientology The Musical 7-12 August at Lion & Unicorn Blow 8-10 August at Lion &Unicorn We Fly By Night 18-20 August at Etcetera Theatre