#with 45 million FANTASTIC ideas in your head

[nickbutnodick]

im actually super happy and excited for my animation class on saturday

[hcrystals24h]

Healing Crystals: A Complete Guide of 45 Essential Gemstones

People have been turning to crystals for healing since the beginning of time. These are Mother Earth's jewels, gleaming diamonds, stones, and rock crystals formed by elemental energy. They can absorb the sun, moon, salt seas, soil, and mountains in a single shimmer and return all of their healing strength to us. Healing crystals have decorated the breastplates of priests and warriors, been used in shamanic work, served as guiding lights for ancient tribes, and been hidden in the pockets of princesses, sailors, and healers for centuries.

These powerful stones have a lot of influence in today's world. They only become more potent as time passes, and they can be a hugely useful tool in assisting us in reconnecting with the natural world. They assist us in channeling our intentions, raising our vibrations, and bringing out all of the latent grace, elegance, and magic that we already possess. Remember that everything in life has a vibration, and if we can adapt our inner vibrations to the things we want in life, we can be able to manifest them. Crystals, with their cleansing properties and positive vibrations, will help to close the distance. These tiny magical stones also invite us to clear our minds, sit in meditation, and ponder how we can relax our monkey minds and enter a deeper state of healing.

The Formation of Crystals in the Earth

In the world, crystals go through a fascinating geological phase. Heat, compression, and millions of years will produce some amazing results!

How to Pick a Stone

How do you pick the right crystal for you when there are too many to choose from? One of the most valuable lessons we can take away from crystal healing is to trust our instincts and follow our gut instincts. Our bodies and minds are inextricably linked and both a part of the universe. Simply see which crystals call to you if you want to know which one works best for you. Even if you're just reading a brief description of a crystal or looking at an image, some things can stand out and resonate with you more than others. Take this as a hint from the universe that this is the crystal that will be able to provide you with something special. We typically have a good idea of our own strengths and weaknesses, and we can use gemstones' unique characteristics to help us balance ourselves and focus on the areas where we feel we need a little extra help. If you're feeling particularly confused and helpless, your Zodiac sign will point you in the direction of a crystal with luminous light and powerful healing properties.

Crystal Healing: How to Make the Stones Work for You

The beautiful force of jewelry is one of the easiest ways to incorporate crystals into your everyday life. Wearing gemstone jewelry is an easy way to ensure that you stay in constant touch with your chosen crystal and that it can perform the tasks it is designed to do. Unlike stones placed on an altar or carried in one's pocket, crystal jewelry is worn directly on the skin, allowing all of the vibrations to penetrate deeply.

Amethyst is one of the 45 essential stones to choose from.

Amethyst is one of the most divine and mystical healing stones because of its purple hues and strong defensive properties. This is a fantastic meditation platform for those who want to take their lives to the next level. Best for: Defending against fear and shame, instilling calmness, reducing anxiety, and having fun dreams

Citrine is a mineral that is found in the

Citrine is a sunny bright stone that is ready to wake you up from your slumber, radiating health, riches, and sloughing away toxic energies. This stone can't carry negative energy, which is a good reminder that when life gives you lemons... Grounding negative energies, assisting in the smoothing of family or complex community issues, fostering love and happiness, and protecting against those that will break your heart are all things this stone is good for. It's also used to protect oneself from resentment and envy.

Rose Quartz is a stone that has a pink

Rose Quartz is for those who are ready to restore faith, peace, and unconditional love to their inner world. It is perfect in pink and provides deep sweet healing to the heart chakra.

Healing emotional wounds, nurturing divine affection, and strengthening kindness and friendships are the best uses for this crystal.

Tourmaline is a mineral that is found in nature.

Tourmaline provides power, reduces anxiety, and balances the right and left sides of the mind, much like a protective cloak. Choose from a variety of colors, including pink, green, and even watermelon. Best for: Maintaining a balanced digestive system, strengthening bones and teeth, and boosting self-esteem. It's also said to bring us luck and help us develop a more caring attitude.

Crystals: Quartz (Clear)

Clear Quartz is as pure as the spring rains, and it's all about effective washing. With its positive vibrations, this quartz crystal will drench you to the bone. With one of our favorite soothing crystals, you can boost your immunity and pursue your bliss. Supporting artists, performers, media practitioners, and physicians is a good example of how it can be used. Migraine headaches, vertigo, and motion sickness can all be helped with this supplement.

Selenite is a mineral that is found in nature.

Selenite, an angelic healing stone, reflects spirituality and light. It's the ideal talisman for defending against PMT and getting your cycle into balance, as it's ethereal and packed to the brim with goddess healing energy. It's best for: Surprisingly, by laying other stones on top of a Selenite slab, other stones can be cleared. It also has a close link to the third eye and other chakras, and aids in the purification of their energies. It's like a powerful master healer!

Obsidian is a type of obsidian

Obsidian is a volcanic lava stone that is raw, rare, and always ready to provide healing protection to those who wear it. It's one of the strongest shields you can have, whether in difficult times or on a regular basis. Protecting from negative energy is what it's best for. Obsidian is said to absorb energy and also protect against psychic attacks. Use this stone to help you get through difficult times or circumstances.

Carnelian is a mineral found in the Carnelian

The warm glow of Carnelian will enliven your libido and help you overcome personal obstacles. Carnelian, a sublime root and sacral chakra strengthener, encourages you to accelerate.

Best for: Boosting metabolism, easing menopause symptoms, and improving focus. It's great for calming the sacral chakra because of its red color. Carnelian was also thought to aid in the protection of the deceased on their way to the afterlife, thereby reducing the fear of death.

Agate is a form of agate that

The earthy stone can be traced all the way back to Babylonian times. Agate is known for being a safe and prosperous healing amulet that helps to balance the negative and positive forces in the universe. Best for: balancing polar opposite forces, self-confidence, and travel security (particularly traffic accidents). Dancers, dentists, and environmentalists are all good matches. Educators and recreational employees may get emotional support from this program.

Lapis Lazuli is a type of lapis lazuli.

Lapis Lazuli has long been associated with spiritual enlightenment and deep self-expression, making it a common choice among ancient civilizations. Prepare to harness your personal power and reality by strengthening your immune system.

Wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and imagination are the best uses for this crystal.

Fluorite is a mineral that is found in nature.

Fluorite encourages you to come down off the fence if you're having trouble making decisions. This stone is known for providing earthly guidance, ensuring that both the head and the heart are in sync. Clearing a muddled mind is the best use for this herb. This is an excellent stone for deciding your life course, which is frequently ignored in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's also great for energizing the third eye.

Black Tourmaline is a form of tourmaline.

Black Tourmaline is incredibly grounding and has the super power of cleansing toxic vibes and restoring integrity to the body, mind, and soul, making it a barrier against the harmful effects of EMFs.

Best for: Defending against negative energies and EMFs, keeping grounded, making decisions, and reducing depression and anxiety.

Hematite is a mineral that is found in abundance in the

The silvery grace of Hematite bestows inner strength and courage upon you. Resembling a falling star, this strong and powerful crystal will protect you from harmful energies and help you expand your protection boundaries. Intuition and mental clarity, blood circulation, willpower, and bravery are the best uses for this herb.

Kyanite is a mineral found in Kyanite.

Kyanite is a great shifter of emotional blocks and always striving to keep positive vibes in free flow. A conductor of energy and always ready to take out negative vibes, Kyanite is a great conductor of energy and always ready to take out negative vibes. Soothing frayed nerves, finding trust in self-expression, engaging with others, and dream recall are just a few of the benefits.

Aventurine is a mineral that is found in the sea.

Aventurine is an excellent stone for attracting good luck and bringing perfect fortune into your life because it amplifies all of the luck in the universe. It also harmonizes the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of one's being because it is connected to the heart chakra.

Best for: Improving leadership skills, welcoming change, and increasing creativity inspiration. Supports heart and circulatory conditions, as well as those recovering from surgery or sickness.

Jasper is a character in the film Jasper

This stone has long been worn by shamans, high priests, and kings for its ability to make you feel deeper and see more. Furthermore, Jasper is always willing to assist you in both grounding and flying high. Best for: Relieving tension, encouraging calmness, sharpening concentration, and removing disruptive or pessimistic thoughts. It is thought to provide emotional support, improve self-control, and foster grounding energies.

Pyrite is a mineral that is used to make

Pyrite is a powerful stone that emits sparks, making it one of the strongest shields against EMFs and other forms of negative energy. This crystal is the Achilles of the crystal universe, full of masculine energy. Best for: warding off negative energy and psychic attacks, boosting morale, particularly in leadership positions, removing negative thinking patterns, and clearing the lower chakras.

Labradorite is a mineral that is found in nature.

Labradorite is a stone of incredible transformation, and it's best for calming chakras, shielding the aura, and removing depressive vibes from your life. With this gleaming starlight stone, you can sink into a state of blissful awareness.

The best way to use it is when you're going through a transformation and need to find your inner strength. This stone is also an excellent motivator, a useful tool for communication, and for those seeking a deeper meaning in life.

Moonstone is a mineral that is found in the

With the Moonstone's bright magic, light up the route. This is a wonderful stone for new beginnings and can be used as an amulet for both heart and body adventures. It's also known for reawakening inner strength. Best for: Healing the feminine spirit that we all possess. It's also appropriate for the time of month, as it emphasizes the importance of clairvoyance and intuition.

Jade is a precious stone.

Jade, the guru of good fortune, is associated with attracting success and riches, as well as being an excellent addition to the Feng Shui. The cooling touch of Jade is full of joy and peace, making it a must-have for those who want good things to come their way. Best for: Defending against sickness, letting go of negative feelings, and cultivating harmonious relationships

Celestite is a mineral that is found in the earth'

Celestite is a soothing stone with strong vibrations that is believed to be linked to higher realms. This pale crystal, one of the angel stones, is used for meditative reflection and to receive guidance from the universe. High vibrations, clearing rage and negativity, communicating with the spirit realms, cultivating inner love, tapping into limitless wisdom are the best uses for this crystal.

a bloodstain

The Bloodstone was thought to be the blood of Christ's tears during the Middle Ages. The Bloodstone is a beautiful healer known for its ability to improve circulation and send your self-esteem soaring, regardless of which spiritual side you stand on. Bloodstone is often used for blood ailments such as anemia and impaired circulation, as the name suggests. It's used as an aphrodisiac in India. It's also good for self-confidence and intuition.

Aquamarine is a blue-green gemstone.

This watery stone is known for combining tranquil vibes with a jolt of energy, with endless ocean colors, an incredible ebb and flow, and bringing instant calm to the core. Plunge straight in, as Aquamarine tempts you to swim against the tide rather than sink. Emotional equilibrium, clear-headed communication, inner contemplative space, moments of transformation, and inner resilience are the best uses for this oil.

Quartz with a smokiness

With sublime Smoky Quartz, let the gentle fog of rest and relaxation seep into every inch of your soul. Smoky Quartz is a magnificent grounding stone that is known for its ability to relieve tension while keeping you soft and solid at the same time. Grounding, amplifying positive energy, EMF defense, and balancing the root chakra are just a few of the benefits.

Chrysocolla is a kind of Chrysocolla.

The heart of soothing Chrysocolla is personal truth and profound wisdom. This stone will help those who want to find a bright burst of courage when it comes to public speaking, amplify their voice, tap into their creative side, and find a bright burst of courage. It's best for: The throat chakra is the most important chakra to stimulate because it allows us to interact more effectively. It also improves overall wellbeing vibrations and is beneficial to students.

Tiger's Eye is a type of gemstone.

Tiger's Eye is a golden stone that helps you cut through self-doubt and make choices from a position of focus, removing the shackles of fear for both the body and the mind. Courage, concentration, wealth, and defense are the best uses for this stone.

Rhodonite is a mineral that is found in the Rhodon

Rhodonite is a stone with rosy hues and gentle vibes that fills the heart with as much goodness as it can manage. This soft natured stone will help you find your way home if you're looking for peace and healing after a big event. Best for: Finding equilibrium after a big loss, overcoming sorrow, or relieving general heartache. It's a fantastic tool to use if your intention is to re-learn to love yourself.

Malachite is a form of malachite that is

Malachite is a beautiful green stone that is one of the heart chakra's favorite stones. Get assistance in breaking bad ties, increasing your EMF security, and finding good luck and success in both business and play. Strengthening the immune system, travel, and the treatment of travel sickness and vertigo are the most common uses.

Sodalite is a mineral that is used to make soda.

Sodalite, also known as the Poets Stone, has the vitality of a roaring wave brimming with inspiration. Increase your contact, speak your brightest truth, and allow logic and inner peace to pave the way for a life that shines. Courage, intelligence, and harmonious relationships with loved ones are the best qualities to have.

Garnet is a red gemstone.

The Garnet is a stone of glory, a fiery red stone with a fiery spirit. Allow your heart chakra to open up, warming your soul and restoring a sense of vitality that has faded over time. Best for: Boosting creativity, boosting metabolism, removing contaminants, providing strength in difficult conditions, and cultivating healthy resources.

Amazonite is a mineral that is found in the Amazon

The Amazonite Courage Stone encourages you to discover your inner strength so that you can live up to your full potential without exhausting your emotional soul. This is an excellent stone for releasing traumas that have become lodged in the body, allowing you to return to a stable, harmonious balance. Best for: healing trauma, combating self-destructive behaviour, and learning to feel at ease in your own skin

Azurite is a blue mineral.

Azurite, an ancient blue copper-based stone, boosts insight and brings yin-yang balance to your heart. This is a stone that invites you out to play if you're looking for a way to reclaim your childlike spontaneity. Connecting with celestial force, cutting out people pleasing conduct, seeking inner power, and clearing the throat chakra are the best uses for this crystal.

Iolite is a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth

Iolite is a lyrical stone that is associated with the third-eye chakra and is all about releasing your inner power and being the leader you were born to be. For the body, mind, and spirit, it's best for: detoxing addictive behaviour, fostering independence, and promoting new positive ways of thinking.

Calcite is a mineral that can be found in

Calcite is a crystallized limestone gem that is bursting with vitamin D. Turn to this stone to improve your artistic and sexual prowess and get a dose of good energy. Best for: increasing inspiration and attention, developing emotional intelligence, constructive thinking, and amplifying energy.

Apatite is a mineral that is found in nature.

When it comes to the emotional self, Apatite's dual action force brings beautiful social ease and calm contact. It acts as a tonic to reinforce the body physically. Strong communication, manifesting a positive truth, innovative thinking, and problem solving are the most common applications.

Howlite is a mineral that is found in the

With the airy elemental stone of Howlite, it's time to knock insomnia and get your ambition back on track. Howlite is divine inspiration, as well as a tool for creative expression and deep relaxation. Calming the mind, reducing rage, seeking meaning, and balancing calcium levels in the body are some of the benefits.

Kunzite is a mineral that is found in the earth'

Kunzite is a stone that is both pure to the eye and strong to the touch, and it will help you break down the walls you've created around your heart and soul. It's also used to heal from traumatic memories and to treat hormonal migraines. Best for: hormonal equilibrium, emotional heart recovery, and creating a prosperous life

Opal is a mineral that is found in abundance

The Opal is a dream to behold, with the sheen of a pearl on rainbow fire. This full spectrum stone of healing is known for bringing loving positive vibes to the group and for lending spiritual light to the aura. Growing cosmic consciousness, clearing negative vibes, critical thought, and motivating imaginative minds are the best uses for this crystal.

Lepidolite is a type of lepidolite.

Lepidolite, which means "size" in Greek, invites you to restore harmony in all aspects of your life. It aids in the development of body and mind consciousness, providing you with the skills you need to eliminate toxicity from your life. Reduce anxiety, clear chakras, embrace positive change, and remain calm with this blend.

Angelite is a mineral that is found in the earth

By bringing Angelite's ethereal energies into your life, you will bind to all of the higher realms. Allow your inner self to show you the way to heaven by quieting the spirit, sitting in openness and humility. Spirituality, soul soothing, rage and anxiety dispelling, and related contact are the best uses for this oil.

Apophyllite is a mineral contained in the Apophyllite

Apophyllite will help you connect to the energy of love. This crystal works to rid the mind and body of negative debris and is always ready to lend a light touch to a heavy situation. Connecting to nature, soothing nerves, clearing the body and mind of negativity, and healing emotional wounds are just a few of the benefits.

Sunstone is a mineral that is found in the

Who wouldn't want a little more light in their lives? Sunstone's soothing vibrations soothe the soul and radiate comfort to every nook and cranny of your being. This stone serves as a natural compass, similar to the ones used by Vikings to navigate the seas. Best for: taking energy to the chakras, discovering your true course, critical thought, and living a life full of good fortune and luck.

Tags: crystals, crystal, best crystal or crystals, top crystal or crystals, Know about crystal or crystals, guide of crystal or crystals, perfect crystal or crystals, crystal or crystals for sale, buy crystal or crystals, shop crystal or crystals, crystals crystals, crystals for sale, crystals for buying, crystals for a shop, shopping guide of crystals, buying guides of crystals, complete guide of crystals, best guide of crystals, crystals for more info,

Topaz is a mineral that can be found in

When it comes to the shimmering gemstone of Topaz, feelings of love and affection run high. With this higher living stone, you will calm your temper, remove all traces of poison from your life, and consume fewer. Best for: Migraine relief, inner balance and resisting overwhelm, increased focus, and clearing the throat chakra for direct communication.

Cleaning Stones and Jewelry

Whatever healing crystal you pick, treat it with compassion, purpose, and as much light as you can muster. Whatever the world throws at you, this is to be your amulet, your talisman, and your soul's companion. Keep your crystal jewelry cleansed and recharged, especially after experiencing particularly trying times. Unclogging trapped energy can be as easy as rinsing with warm soapy water. If you want to keep your stones recharged and riding high in their fullest, most fabulous capacity, leave them out in the moonlight, give them a few minutes of heat, or even put them in the rain.

One Last Thought

Adding healing crystals to your existence, whether as a single stone or in the form of gemstone bracelets, can be extremely beneficial. We all have work to do, and balancing out the mental, moral, and physical aspects of our being will help us move out of the darkness and into the light of our true selves.

Details to know Visit: 

https://crystalis.com/healing-stones/

Additional Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_healing https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Crystal-Healing

[saintstrawberry]

When the Night is Over/Just What I Needed

Second Chapter is up!

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27733207/chapters/68086045#workskin

Ships:

bokuaka, kuroken, kagehina, daisuga, daiaka, iwaoi

Description:

A surprise visit, mariokart, and Oikawa. Malibu also makes an appearance (Or multiple).

Notes: Akaashi has a bad memory. Relatable content.

Songs I recommend for this chap are Dionysus by the Buttertones, Best Interest by Tyler the Creator (for Kuroo), and Shampoo Bottles by Peach Pit for the ending. I promise Bokuto will show up in the next chap! >.<

I also make a reference to Natsume Ono because she smacks! Read her manga Not Simple; it is fantastic!

Thank you for reading!

—————

Shampoo Bottles

It’s Saturday, something Akaashi doesn’t realize until he is flying halfway out his front door and huffing a breath at his phone screen’s mocking display: 6:30 AM, Saturday, June 14th. Exactly a week before Hinata’s birthday.

He blinks and remembers the night before, when he was nursing a red wine and a deadline for his “Ono Natsume: Shouting for the Voiceless” article. He remembers, vaguely, submitting the piece at 11:50 and dropping his head right there on his cheap Ikea desk, exhausted.

Presently, he’s nodding awkwardly at his neighbor (leaving the complex to work out, no less) and trying to make it look, somehow, like he meant to open his front door only to close it seconds later.

Toeing off his work shoes and entirely caught off guard by the idea of a day off, Akaashi retreats to his bed. He passes out almost as soon as his foggy head hits the pillow, dreaming of nothing. The next time he opens his eyes, his breath and body still completely.

“Mornin’, sleeping beauty! It’s ten, I’m surprised you slept so long!”

“Kuroo-san, why are you in my apartment?”

The offender offers no answer but grins brilliantly, gold irises level with Akaashi’s blue-green.

“And just how long have you been here anyway?” Kuroo ignores him again, instead choosing to stand from his squatting position. His hands at his hips, Kuroo wears a white oversized Bouncing Ball hoodie and black skinny jeans. Much to Akaashi’s discomfort, he still has his shoes on- red and white high top sneakers with the laces tucked in. As always, the guy’s flawlessly disheveled, silver jewelry glinting from his ears and neck.

Akaashi groans and plants his face in his pillow. It’s too early for the young, beautiful, and rich.

Kuroo, unsurprisingly, doesn’t yield Akaashi’s thoughts and scoffs once. He moves to draw open the curtains in his room. Keiji can’t help but grimace as he feels his skin bathed in hot summer light.

“Man. You should really dust your windowsills. Do you even ever open these things?! You’re not some bat, ‘Kaashi. You need fresh air.”

“I think bats need air too,” Akaashi mumbles into the pillow.

Kuroo waves a dismissive hand and turns to survey him, arms folded across a broad chest. Keiji reluctantly turns his head to address his stare, squinting without the aid of his glasses or contacts. Kuroo’s bedhead is seemingly even worse today- probably from whatever plane he just hopped out of. The latter smirks devilishly.

“Well. Are you gonna welcome me back or what?”

“So you didn’t expect to land in Tokyo until Thursday?” Akaashi asks this of Kuroo about 45 minutes after his intrusion into the writer’s apartment. The pair are getting brunch in some needlessly swanky rooftop restaurant, one where Kuroo insisted he wouldn’t get recognized. Akaashi raised his eyebrows at that- his friend had stuffed his signature messy locks into one of Akaashi’s ratty baseball caps and donned aviators the moment they got outside.

No matter to him, anyway. Akaashi got fancy champagne out of the deal.

“Sure didn’t. Management canceled the show in Singapore last minute. Something about the venue. Fuck if I know,” Kuroo explains almost incoherently through colossal bites of egg.

“What matters is nobody got hurt. We refunded tickets and rescheduled the gig. S’all good. I’m just happy to be back home with my buddy!” Kuroo reaches over to slap Akaashi on the back with a friendly grin.

He’s sputtering over his mimosa when Kuroo continues, “Can’t wait to surprise Kenma tonight, either. Can you imagine his face?"

“Yeah, actually, I can,” Akaashi slouches his shoulders forward in his chair with an uninterested expression and quirks up an eyebrow ever so slightly, impersonating his best friend.

“Hey, that was pretty good! Though I guess it’s not that hard for you. You’re both pretty stoic. Like Easter Island Heads.”

Akaashi swats at him half-heartedly. Kuroo laughs.

“Anyway, you’re lucky I didn’t call him immediately this morning- or the police for that matter,” Akaashi says matter of factly. Kuroo clutches at his heart dramatically.

“Akaashi-kun. You wound me. I am the furthest from a criminal.”

Akaashi huffs a laugh.

“Tell the Osaka police force that.”

“Hey! What, a guy can’t take a piss anymore?”

“Not, apparently, from the top of the Umeda Sky Building-”

“To be fair, I didn’t know the police officer was right there,” Kuroo interjects.

“-After downing half a bottle of Malibu with Oikawa. And you were 17. You were lucky you didn’t get charged with public indecency.”

Kuroo pouts but offers no petition.

“Guilty as charged, I suppose. Hey, speaking of police officers-”

Akaashi clears his throat and interrupts, “Speaking of drinking, how was Singapore?”

Kuroo takes the hint and stretches back in his chair, raising his third bloody mary to his lips.

“Didn’t get much time there, only about four days before I got the call about the cancellation. Flew straight here after the news.”

Straight to Kenma, Akaashi supplies mentally, grinning fondly at his friends’ relationship.

“Anyway, it was pretty mild, all things considered. Bokuto seemed to like the clubbing scene more than I did. Matter of fact, he’s staying there ‘til the next concert.”

“Bokuto?” Akaashi says, cutting into his eggs and watching the yolk spill onto his fork.

Kuroo, now onto his nearly 2,500 yen crepe, takes a break from his meal to look up at him with a puzzled stare.

“My tourmate? Bokuto Koutarou? X. Ace?”

Akaashi meets his eyes blankly.

“I guess it makes sense his stage name doesn’t ring a bell, but I’m surprised you don’t know about the guy’s v-ball career.”

The blue-eyed 24 year old drops his gaze to the napkin in his lap.

“Sorry, sorry. Touchy topic.”

Pain-in-the-ass-Kuroo-san.

“Anyway, you should really check out some of his matches with the Panthers.”

“He was signed with the Panthers?” Akaashi sputters, clapping his mouth shut immediately after.

Kuroo cackles.

“Don’t give yourself a heart attack, Akaashi. It’s okay to be impressed- it’s impressive. He’s crazy. You’ll be meeting him soon.”

Akaashi only hums in response.

"You're coming to the show, right?"

Akaashi hums again.

"Big talker today, huh, Keiji?"

"Bah."

“Right. So.. you baited yourself a hook yet?”

“Beg your pardon?”

“You know. After Daichi,” Kuroo tries again.

No, he really hasn’t.

Akaashi downs the rest of his drink. He peers into his empty glass in response.

“Haven’t thought about it really. He said it himself- I don’t have the time.”

“Oh, Keiji. Nevermind him.”

“Don’t sigh like that. Did you fly all the way from China to pity me?”

The rapper shakes his head, “No, I didn’t. I just want you to-”

“Be as happy as you are with Kenma,” Keiji finishes.

Kuroo gives a gentle smile, “Can you blame me?”

“God. You two are worse than the shoujo manga I have to review.”

“But twice as fun.”

“Shut up and eat your crepe.”

Kuroo happily complies, “Don’t have to tell me twice.”

“I’m glad you’re home, Kuroo-san,” Akaashi remarks. And he is. Even with his busy lifestyle as a chart-topping artist, Kuroo somehow manages to draw Kenma and Akaashi out of the house.

Kuroo and Kenma are both relatively new to their fame- about three years out from Kuroo’s first breakthrough hit and four since Kenma first started his Bouncing Ball Youtube channel- but their fans are… dedicated. Akaashi often marvels at how even Kenma takes it in stride. He's entertaining to watch and a seasoned video game expert. And Kuroo... Akaashi looks to the man and the ketchup stain on his lip.

"What?"

Well, they both deserve their good fortune.

"Nothing, nothing."

He has interviewed them each multiple times for the journal. The good thing about his friends’ famous status is that Akaashi gets to profit from it as well. He tells Kuroo as much and the latter almost chokes on his stupidly expensive breakfast laughing. Even Akaashi cracks a small grin.

“I told that was him!” The writer hears two girlish voices behind him, talking in excited whispers.

“E-Excuse me, K-Kuroo-san?”

The rapper breaks out in a large grin and stands, bowing formally at the pair.

“Yes? Hello, ladies. Are you two fans of mine?”

“Yes!! Very much so! I loved your new song!” The girl, about 17 with dark lashes and fire red hair, praises politely.

“Would, would you mind taking a picture with us!?” The other chirps.

“Not at all! Akaashi, my pal, would you be a dear and snap some shots?” It takes everything for Akaashi not to roll his eyes.

“But of course.”

--------------------

This is how Akaashi comes to search up the 2018 Panthers roster on his phone’s Google. He gives up his sleuthing when he realizes he doesn’t remember the guy’s name or know what he looks like.

He forgets about the whole thing until later that night, at Kenma’s celebration party for 5 million followers. It’s small, of course, about ten of them drinking champagne and playing drinking games. Akaashi knows Hinata did all the planning anyway, despite the event being at Kenma’s. The trio is standing off to the side when Akaashi pulls out his phone briefly to check the time.

Kuroo should be here any minute, he thinks. Hinata peers too, instinctually curious.

“Hey! Whatcha looking up the Panthers for? That’s not the latest roster, you know! Ooh, you’re looking up X-Ace, right?! Seeeeee, I knew you’d like him!”

Akaashi looks down at the picture Hinata points to. The guy’s sturdy and smug with one thick eyebrow raised. His chest is broad and his eyes are perfectly golden. The first thing Akaashi notices, however, is his hair. Absolutely ridiculous, he thinks. Makes sense that this guy’s Hinata’s idol.

Kenma raises his eyebrows.

“What made you do that?” he asks.

“Oh, uh, just...curious.”

Kenma looks like he’s about to say more when Oikawa joins their group with a boisterous, “Pudding Head! Congratsssss!” He pinches the smaller’s cheeks, who just about hisses in response.

Akaashi, grateful for Oikawa’s interruption, takes another quick glance at… X-Ace, and pockets his phone.

Hinata grins wide when Tooru, seemingly already a bit tipsy, ruffles his hair.

“Thanks, Oikawa-san," Kenma begrudgingly replies.

“You know, Kuroo is-”

Akaashi, ever vigilant, cuts in immediately, “-is so happy for you, Ken.”

Oikawa seems to get the hint, his eyes widening in realization.

“He sure is! Want some more alcohol?” The chestnut-haired friend of Kuroo’s quickly shoves his bottle of strawberry rum in Kenma’s face.

“You know I hate your sticky Malibu. Why are you guys acting all weird?”

Hinata, completely oblivious to the unspoken diaogue between Akaashi and Oikawa, tugs Kenma’s shirt.

“Kenma, Kenma! We should stream!!”

“Hey, that’s not too bad an idea, Shoyo,” Akaashi adds, if just to distract him.

“Sure, we could play some Mario-Kart. My fans seem to like you guys. Just don’t do anything stupid, Tooru.”

“Who, me?! And when do I-” Oikawa starts dramatically. The rest of the men send him a collective stare which answers his question before he can even finish it. He crosses his arms with a huff.

“Whatever. I call Princess Peach.”

--------------

After Kenma finishes setting up the Livestream and the small group has gained over a couple thousand viewers, Akaashi is in dead last as Blooper. Well, almost dead last, expect for...

“How am I losing? No fair, Kozume!” Oikawa whines.

“Me? What did I do?” Kenma-san replies, uninterested. Unsurprisingly, the Youtuber is in first place with his signature Toad.

“I don’t know, your fancy settings or something. Iwa-chan! Back me up, here!”

“It’s ‘cause you suck, Trashy-kawa,” Iwaizumi-san, whom the quartet bribed into playing with agedashi dofu, doesn’t hesitate to retaliate. His player, Bowser, is in second, with Hinata close behind as Yoshi.

“Take that, Hajime-san! Oh, shoot, sorry, Akaashi-san!” Hinata shouts, rising from his seat as he hurls a red shell, accidentally hitting Keiji.

“Hinata, language!” Kuroo’s smooth voice floods the apartment in mock disapproval. Kenma whips his head so fast he drops his controller. The blonde doesn’t say anything but slowly rises to his feet, then breaks into a short run at the sight of his boyfriend. The former picks up Kenma effortlessly and twirls him in a tight embrace. Akaashi looks on fondly.

“Kuroo-san!” Hinata exclaims, jumping up excitedly.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever, Tetsuro’s home. I’m about to kick all of your asses!” Oikawa waves away his entrance, sticking out his tongue. Iwaizumi slaps him on the back of the head.

The stream chat has exploded at the sound of Kuroo.

bb-corp: is that Kuroo???

applephi: NO WAY djwhdnbwibdfwq

yoyotetsuro: couple goals

kurokenxx: will anyone ever love me like Kuroo loves Kenma?

keeeeenmaaa_: I think this is the first time BouncingBall’s lost at Mariokart

----------

A little tired and a lot tipsy, Akaashi insists on taking a cab home. It doesn't feel right to invade Kenma's when the Kuroo's home. Keiji could tell the pair... needed their space for the night. He splits the ride with Hinata, who talks his ear off the whole way about Kuroo's arrival and how badly he wishes he had the money to go to a concert. Akaashi smirks at that, just a little. Shoyo exits the vehicle with an enthusiastic, "Bye, 'Kaashi-san!! I'll see you soon! Maybe I'll come to the store, or, or, you can come to see me and Tobio-chan! He didn't come out tonight because he has a game tomorrow, but-" The rest of his goodbye is drowned out by him closing the door.

"I apologize for the noise," Keiji addresses the driver. She makes a noise of recognition and drops him off 15 minutes later. He thinks about his conversation with Kuroo about "baiting his hook" as he enters his living room, dropping his keys unceremoniously on the floor next to his door. What does that even mean? Akaashi doesn't exactly meet a lot of people with his work and his friends are all, well, with each other. He's happy for them and all, but sometimes being around so many couples gets a bit nauseating. Akaashi is struck with a small wave of loneliness when he waters his small bamboo plant, made worse by the two shots of Malibu Oikawa shoved down his throat. This is all I have to come home to, a fucking bamboo plant. Akaashi stares at its braided stalks with a vengeance. Not a second later, he pets the leaves in apology. I shouldn't take this out on the plant.

He's always been relatively independent, but having someone felt kind of... nice, for a change. It's been almost a year since Daichi left, and probably 6 months since he and Suga got together. It's one of those things that Akaashi didn't process for awhile, forcing him to fend for himself when the realization came to knock him on his ass months down the line. He's been confronting turned over picture frames and empty sheets ever since.

And so it goes.

He pads over to his bed with a sigh and for the second time today, falls asleep and dreams of nothing.

[thejudgingtrash]

Now hold up I would personally love to hear a full rant on this supposed adaptation I have never heard of until now. Like, legitimately, I wanna know what you have to say about this cause you seem to be one of the most valid PJO blogs

Uhhh what??? Me one of the most valid PJO blogs??? What kinda crack have you been smoking WHAT afahsgjskdh.

But still thank you 😊🥺🙈

Alright, you wanted a rant. You got a rant. Fuck the positives let’s just straight up jump into my aggression.

WARNING: Massive rant with a lot of swear words. If you can’t handle the heat, feel free to ignore this. I personally haven’t worked in Hollyweird, but I had some behind the scenes stuff here in Europe going on for a short period and also the trusty words of my college professors. So here will be a lot of prediction and speculation involved. Yes, I know that I’m a huge hypocrite for voicing my opinions based on stuff that hasn’t been pushed through in months and that I could be easily proven wrong in a few weeks/months. Still thank you should you actually take the time to read through this tomfuckery.

If things are wrong, please DO correct me!

Links to further reads will be included partially.

TL;DR: Keep your hopes to a low, stop harassing people online and mAnAgE yOuR eXpEcTaTiOnS!!111!!

Okay. First things first:

DISNEY

DOESN’T

GIVE

A

SINGLE

FUCK

ABOUT

YOU

Disney is a fucking multi-billion dollar corporation with many, many, many studios, stations, brands and franchises worldwide. The Percy Jackson franchise is a dime in a dozen. Disney doesn’t give a single fuck about the PJO fandom in general.

Disney doesn’t give a fuck about you 20-something year old with your 9 year old blog discussing which toilet paper brand Percy uses. And Disney also doesn’t give a fuck about you 16 year old, writing the worst fucking Solangelo fanfic I’ve read so far on this hellsite. Like goddamn.

Trust me, they know you are interested. They know they got you hooked. They see the numbers, they see the like/reblog ratio, they see the Twitter engagement. They see you with #disneyadaptpercyjackson. They see the petitions, they see how excited you were for the musical. You don’t get to be a gigantic conglomerate like Disney with playing stupid.

Also to you fuckfarts saying oH nO I wOn’T wAtCh It I dOn’T cArE aBoUt NeW sTuFf. Congrats dipshit. You are STILL alerting followers and people about what’s happening and creating more buzz, giving more awareness and adding to the transaction costs. You really cheated the system, you little edgelord. Again:

You are nothing but a number. You are a fucking walking dollar bill. You are a consumer waiting for a new shiny product to fill the void in your life for 45 minutes weekly or by two hours at some point.

The PJO movies 1. & 2 happened for a reason. Because Fox saw a popular book series á la Harry Potter, Twilight (and The Hunger Games) and wanted a piece of that action. They wanted your fucking money. Them entirely fucking up and ignoring Riordan’s advice is on them of course. But still. The movies happened. (And also saw people saying they were flops. Reception wise: hell yes. They are awful adaptations (not per se awful movies, there’s a difference). But money wise?? They made together over 245 million dollars in profit. Of course, that isn’t today’s Marvel level but it’s still fairly decent. Also don’t forget that the second movie still got greenlit. Interest was still there despite part one. You disliking something doesn’t turn it into a flop)).

Again, Disney doesn’t care about you. THIS is what Disney cares about:

1. MONEY

2. PROFIT

3. ENGAGEMENT

4. TOTAL GROSS

5. CONVERSION RATES

11. …. “Artistry“

So in terms of money, we gotta speak about the on-going woke culture. You know, lgbtqia+ stuff, poc representation and all the good shit we want and need in our life, right?

Well, I got bad news for ya. Disney being money hungry has its massive downsides. Because where is the money? In the east. Well and what happens if we include the woke stuff? Possible censorships (even retroactively! You know Gravity Falls went through that), bans, etc.

So all of you talking about representation and artistic vision and being bold and brave and blablabla… Throw that into the fucking trash. We can probably be glad if we get Grover back as the token black kid and a few other minorities sprinkled here and there. Open gay Nico? Doubt it. Your afro-latino Percy head canon? Definitely keep that but unlikely to be realized. And also, if you think that Annabeth wouldn’t get turned into the blandest whitest “I dOn’T nEeD nO mAn“ radfem, I got some bad news for ya…

The likelihood of everything being dumbed down, toned down with the exception of a few adult jokes or being even partially censored (depending on certain regions) is very, very high.

Also what makes you think we’re even getting close to the Heroes of Olympus and Trials of Apollo saga? I doubt you will see The Seven for a long time unless Riordan really says fuck it and throws his final ace card into Disney’s filthy greedy mouth.

So if Disney doesn’t have the fandom’s interest at heart, what are they interested in? Well… MONEY. Also NEW engagement. They know your funky ass is going to tune in. They know people will pirate the shit (Me waving like a maniac), they all KNOW that. Again, they aren’t stupid.

So: MORE engagement. MORE money. How do we get even more engagement? By luring new people into the fandom. Who is most likely going to get lured into a family friendly show/movie series because let’s not forget that we’re talking about Disney+? The targeted audience of the books. Who is the targeted audience of the books? MIDDLE SCHOOLERS. 11 to 14 year olds. Disney wants those kids’ (well their parents’ hard earned) money. They want to sell products, in that case books + Disney Plus subscriptions + possible merch. There you also have the likely future rating for the fucking show. Sorry to disappoint everyone that was hoping for gritty Game of Thrones filled with 12 year olds (like seriously wtf?).

Now that that’s settled, let’s talk about the outlook on the show/movie and Riordan’s influence that you people clearly overestimate.

How much power or say does Rick Riordan actually have?

ZERO. ABSOLUTELY NONE.

He’s in the worst fucking lose-lose-situation you could imagine.

Disney owns the books and Fox owns the movie rights. Wait. Fox got bought. By whom you ask? DISNEY, what a coincidence! In Rick Riordan’s own words:

Disney has him by his fucking balls and could crush them at any minute. And if you think, that Disney is letting go of that sweet sweet intellectual property you are fucking mistaken. Riordan isn’t a J.K. Rowling who OWNS the Wizarding World. You have no idea what Disney are capable of with massive lobbying that goes so far to influence copyright laws in the States (LINK)

So you can stop harassing him about a fucking Netflix adaptation as well! Or petitions that do nothing but annoy people.

These negotiations take up YEARS to get the simplest stuff done. No need to shit your pants whenever Riordan’s tweeting stuff.

Still: would Disney be fucking mad to do this without him? Absolutely!

Should Disney involve him to prevent a PJO movie 2.0 scenario?

Yes, they definitely should!

But CAN Disney do this without him?

OF COURSE THEY CAN! THEY OWN EVERYTHING.

In Riordan’s own words:

Read carefully what he has written. He doesn’t say he’s going to halter productions, he’s saying HE WON’T BE A PART OF IT. This also makes me curious about WHO approached WHO in the first place (my guess Disney tried to make some amendments because Fox ain’t shit and trying to alienate the author again would be a goddamn stupid move). Disney has the fucking film rights. Of course they can pump out shit without involving him. They could pull a Fantastic Four (the awful 2015 version) just to keep the rights and for the fuck of it.

There are the following possibilities with Riordan’s involvement:

1. Riordan as a producer: Dude’s gotta be loaded. We know that. But backing the production costs many, many, many millions and I don’t know if he’s THAT loaded. Also film producing isn’t his forte.

2. Riordan as a screenplay writer: Now we’re getting closer to something. Yes, many productions these days have authors directly involved which is great! But also can go the other way around (J.K. Rowling and her Grindelwald fiasco. Author’s do NEED to learn when to stop intermeddling with their franchises, just saying) Book writing and screenplay writing are two very DIFFERENT disciplines. You don’t have the liberties of book writing when it comes to film. The screenplay is the guide for the entire production, the visuals, the set design, the whole atmosphere of the product, the very first thing that needs to be done so that directors, designers and lastly the casted actors know what they have to do. Everything has to come to a point in a very short time and there are many, many, many versions of a screenplay before a final raw draft gets handed out. If that isn’t in Riordan’s interest (which I can completely understand) then that’s simply not happening

3. Riordan as a guide: Directors, screenplay writers, etc. sit down with Riordan on a regular basis to show him the written screenplay, which actors they have in mind, the whole vision and he has a mini veto right.

If you ask me, a mix of scenario 2 and 3 is the most likely to be the most successful. That means, that Riordan needs to have a good faithful team, that sticks closely to the source material. That isn’t guaranteed! Again: look at the PJO movies. But of course, we don’t know the internals of these meetings.

So… now the final part. The whole fucking “Animation vs. Live action“ debate. Well, both sides have their pro’s and con’s. And both sides are filled with a bunch of fucking morons. I won’t try to get you to either side.

But to those that want are begging for a live action version with age-appropriate actors I have the following to say:

FUCK

YOU

IN

PARTICULAR!

WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU WANT CHILDREN TO GO THROUGH THE HELL THAT IS DISNEY AND THE SHADY SHIT GOING ON THERE SO THAT YOU CAN BE ENTERTAINED FOR SOME MERE MINUTES?!

Oh my god…. You people REALLY really want a fourth wave Me Too movement in 15-20 years. Not every Hollyweird kid has a helicopter parent hovering around them on set and many do get abused/robbed by their parents. And the people involved in the production! Of course, animation has still a chance of this happening but the risk is somewhat lower when it just comes to voice acting.

Tbh, I actually wouldn’t mind an aged-up cast again just to prevent this as best as possible. Unfortunately, child actors will always be needed.

I have nothing much to add to this, I’ll just drop a link to an old small post from me about that right here (LINK)

Personally I lean more towards animation but in the big picture I won’t care. (Also the whole animation is for kids and dumbs down the whole narrative for PJO is fucking stupid, boo boo the fool. You being in your late teens/twenties and grown out of the targeted audience is the cause of nature. Animation can be mature or would you show Attack on Titan or South Park to your 8 year old cousin?)

I’ll be just tuning in to see if this is as messy as I’d expect it to be or to be pleasantly surprised.

Also again: this process is a long one. It’s going to be exhausting, depressing, demanding, pushing.

From the meetings now that will take a very long time, to a screenplay, which can take YEARS in finalizing, to hiring staff, location hunting and set design (should they go the live action route), to casting, to costume design, to rehearsing/production, to filming, to dispersing, to editing, to fx, to finishing, to marketing, to publishing, NOTHING IS SET IN STONE! This is a very, very, very, wanky process despite contracts and everything on paper. Let’s not forget, Disney can afford some good lawyers.

And even if everything goes as smoothly as possible. Higher up people could see the final edit of everything with editors having scenes close to the books in an a/b/c/d cut and some producer says NO! I want an c/a/b/d version that again fucks up the dynamics of the books. Or something terrible: everything is shot and done and THEN it get’s postponed. Or even fucking worse: SHELVED to be NEVER RELEASED. Aka Henry Selick’s career after Coraline (Coraline from 2009 is STILL his latest release because of his fucked up Disney contract and them cancelling his shit). Millions of dollars wasted and we won’t get to see ANYTHING. This is all very possible and happens constantly in the film business AND at Disney. This is nothing new.

And there’s nothing we can do about it. No one cares about Riordan, no one cares about the books, no one cares about the fandom.

DISNEY holds the cards. DISNEY gets to decide. Neither Riordan, nor you nor me hold ANY power in this.

So kids… what have we learned today? In conclusion:

Keep your hopes to a low, stop harassing people online and mAnAgE yOuR eXpEcTaTiOnS!!111!!

That’s it. That’s all I wanted to say.

WHEW.

[astonishinglegends]

Ep 197: Mrs. Hingely and the Mince Pie Aliens plus Listener Stories

Christmas tree element in the main image composition courtesy of Elekes Andor

"We come from the sky."

– 3 purported aliens to Mrs. Jean Hingely on January 4th, 1979, shortly before they attacked her artificial Christmas Tree and left with her mincemeat pies

Description:

Tonight's episode starts with the coverage of a strange and funny case involving aliens and holiday pies. On January 4, 1979, Mrs. Jean Hingely of the town of Rowley Regis in the West Midlands region of England was visited by three fishbowl-helmeted and friendly aliens with wings. After some spiritually uplifting exchanges, her holiday visitors thrashed her Christmas tree and nicked three of her mincemeat pies. The second part of our episode features heartwarming personal stories of hope from some of our listeners. These stories may not be proof of an afterlife for some, but for others, they may bolster the belief that our existence doesn't end with our physical death and that somewhere there is a world where everything we cherish is waiting for us, and proof that love is eternal and boundless.

Location:

The 12th century village of Rowley Regis in the West Midlands region of England, where Jean Hingely was visited on January 4, 1979 by three winged, benevolent aliens who trashed her Christmas tree and made off with three of her mincemeat pies.

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Credits:

Episode 197: Mrs. Hingely and the Mince Pie Aliens plus Listener Stories.  Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess; Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel. Sound Design by Ryan McCullough; Tess Pfeifle, Producer, and Lead Researcher; Research Support from the astonishing League of Astonishing Researchers, a.k.a. The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2020 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

[lovelytonys]

100 great things about megamind

basically i just watched megamind and wrote down everything that made me go “hey that’s good”

1. The opening monologue slaps I literally do not care about your “cliches” it’s GOOD

2. “8 days old and still living with my parents...pathetic right?”

3. The idea that Megamind is inherently good since his origin story should have been his dad saying he’s destined for “greatness” but the greatness got cut off uwu

4. Literally just the fact that Megamind was about to go to the Rich Nice House and his destiny changed at the last second,,,everything about this movie makes it a cinematic masterpiece

5. “A baby! How thoughtful!” “yes yes I saw it and thought of you”

6. “While they were learning the itsy bitsy spider I was learning how to dehydrate objects and rehydrate them at will”

7. When you hear the Bad to the Bone guitar riff kick in,,,,,,heck yeah babey!!

8. J.K Simmons is here! yeah!

9. Will Ferrell’s voice acting is literally SO darn good like even just from the beginning,,, the funny affectation of whatever kind of accent that is,,,,,the expressiveness of literally everything he says,,,,,I’m not actively a fan of Will Ferrell or anything but he just did a good job ok

10. “His heart is an ocean inside a bigger ocean”

11. Idk why but I just love the phrase “you fantastic fish you”

12. Metro Man is such a fun character. Like. A hero who shouldn’t be a hero, but he just….is one? Someone who’s idol-worshipped and, despite his grandeur, doesn’t exactly deserve it?

13. MEGAMIND’S CHARACTER DESIGN IS LITERALLY SO GOOD like the vivid colors of his skin and eyes? His COSTUME? His hilarious proportions, between the giant head and the skinny & scrawny everything else? Superb, you funky little alien

14. All dialogue between Megamind and Minion is god tier by default

15. The twist on “damsel in distress” where yeah the girl gets kidnapped but she is so not distressed and has the intellectual power in the situation as she roasts Megamind at every turn and he can’t combat anything she says

16. “Oh potato tomato potato tomato”

17. “I’m shaking in my BABY SEAL LEATHER BOOTS”

18. THE ENTIRE EXCHANGE BETWEEN MEGAMIND AND METRO MAN ABOUT JUSTICE AND REVENGE AND THE MICROWAVE OF EVIL AND WARRANTIES

19. “Can someone stamp my frequent kidnapping card” “You of all people know that we discontinued that”

20. The way this movie manages to SO effectively establish character while diving right into the action and keeping with a fun, fast pace? The world & characters are set up incredibly well AND the start of the journey/ “break into the new world” hits at a brisk 20 minutes? Lovely work, Dreamworks

21. When Highway to Hell kicks in with the lasers and Megamind dancing at the police,,,,,this is nothing short of priceless

22. “Imagine the most horrible terrifying evil thing you could possibly think of and multiply it…..BY SIX”

23. When you’re a supervillain who takes over the city and you say “let’s just have fun with this” to the citizens

24. *whispering behind the door* “now slam the door really hard!” *snickering like a 12 year old girl* “move they can still see you”

25. “Did you think this day would come?” “No, no not in a million years, not ever...I mean yes”

26. “That’s called a window, sir. All the kids are looking through them”

27. Crazy Train is SUCH a nice touch, the fade into Alone Again Naturally is great. The use of music in this movie is absolutely A+, MEGAMIND DID IT FIRST AND GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY AIN’T SPECIAL (jk gotg you’re so special ily)

28. The images of Megamind’s destruction & deterioration of the city are so creative and funny

29. *to a desk toy bird* “What’s your vacuum like?”  

30. “GOING OFF THE RAILS ON A CRAZY TRAIN SIR”

31. Haven’t yet mentioned how lovely the animation of Megamind’s face is! Every single frame, he’s so expressive

32. Mispronunciation of words like “school”, “Metro City”, and “melancholy”

33. This voice cast in general is so good like it’s not just big names phoning it in for an animated movie, they’re fully into it

34. Real Bernard doesn’t get much screen time but he’s hilarious

35. “Typhoon Cheese”, whatever that was gonna be

36. The juxtaposition in body language & facial expression between Real Bernard and Megamind Bernard,,,,,actually just the way Megamind’s physicality is transferred to the other characters he disguises himself as. Great stuff

37. Megamind’s off-the-walls high energy is so fun and electric

38. “This is a bad idea” “yes, a good idea for the greater good of bad” “maybe it seems good from your bad perception but from a good perception it’s just plain bad” “oh you don’t know what’s good for bad”

39. Ollo? Oh, hello

40. “I’m just yelling at my…..mother’s urn”

41. Megamind and Minion just saying “code” before things that aren’t in code. This movie is so good with its running gags, they don’t feel like “oh haha they used that joke again!” they feel like inside jokes between the characters I love it

42. Megamind fighting himself as Bernard while complimenting himself, COMEDY GOLD

43. The various occurrences of random life-altering things happening on a whim to the wrong people, like Hal getting the superpowers and earlier Metro Man being molded into a hero and Megamind landing in prison as a baby

44. The forget me stick

45. Space Dad and Space Stepmom

46. Every character Megamind inhabits always retains Megamind’s eyes

47. MR BLUE SKY PLAYING OVER HAL’S DISASTROUS TRAINING SEQUENCE AND THE FALLING IN LOVE SEQUENCE THAT INCLUDES DONKEY KONG AND MEGAMIND WEIRDLY TEXTING ON A FLIP PHONE (gotgv2 who? Don’t know her)

48. Roxanne’s positive influence making Megamind genuinely want to make the city better uwu

49. ROXANNE AND METRO MAN WERE NEVER A COUPLE! Lovely trope subversion

50. Tropes in this movie in general are so fun. This isn’t some uninspired genre parody. They don’t just subvert tropes in the exact way that you’d expect. I feel like the way that this movie plays with the superhero genre often feels unique and creative

51. Bernard’s character design kind of slaps tbh. The turtleneck, the hair, the glasses, all very nice

52. When Hal calls Roxanne “a really good looking one I’ve got my eye on” like she’s meat or something as opposed to Megamind valuing her personality…..makes ya think u know

53. T h e  b l a c k  m a m b a a a a a

54. “Maybe I don’t want to be the bad guy anymore!” and Megamind & Minion’s subsequent falling out that served as a precursor to the disastrous date with Roxanne- it happens pretty much exactly halfway through the movie. Some people look down upon following structure to a T, but sometimes it’s satisfying when a movie perfectly follows structure and this movie’s structure is flawless

55. “Good luck on your date” “I will” “That doesn’t even make any sense” “I know”

56. Right after fighting w Minion when Megamind looks in a cracked mirror and frowns at his reflection but then changes into someone else, into Bernard, and then smiles? THE CINNAMON TOGROPHY, THE STORYTELLING

57. When Hal is just an incel whose feeling of entitlement is framed as disgusting and he’s not supposed to be sympathetic and Roxanne’s rejection of him is not framed as evil but rather completely justified? VERY epic of them, this movie would have SMASHED the pop culture scene if it came out today

58. The GRAVITY of the part when Roxanne accidentally reveals Megamind in the restaurant is so powerful that I can STILL barely watch it even though I’ve seen it so many times

59. The part that immediately follows where Roxanne shuts down Megamind is SO well done. Roxanne is giving out some harsh words to our dear protagonist, but she is not framed as the bad guy. The great thing about this scene is that they let Roxanne call out Megamind on how he’s been a jerk and she gets to be RIGHT. How very cash money of them! The emotion here isn’t anger at Roxanne because she’s ~being mean~ to Megamind. It’s a sting over the fact that she’s right, and the heartbreak over the dramatic irony of us knowing that Megamind is becoming a better person and Roxanne having no idea. Now Megamind is left with a decision that will show who he truly is on the inside: he could either retreat back into safe, evil ways for the rest of time because it’s easier to be bad because then no one expects anything from him and rejection is easier to handle, or he could ultimately choose to grow from this and recognize how he was wrong and how he has to change. The execution of this midpoint is exemplary.

60. “Do you really think I’d ever be with you?” “....no” the delivery of those lines is so good

61. “You were right! I was….less right!”

62. The Black Mamba is a god tier costume and the fact that it has its own theme song in the score makes it at least 6x better

63. WHEN BACK IN BLACK KICKS IN YEAAAHHHH (Iron Man who? Don’t know her) (Iron Man was already out at this point but how fun is it that this movie used TWO iconic mcu songs)

64. Megamind in the giant suit playing with cars

65. Hal SUCKS I love how much the movie wants you to hate him

66. The difference between Megamind and Hal/Titan/Tighten is so interesting to watch. How Megamind is the self-proclaimed “bad guy” but he’s not even out to do serious damage & it’s just a game to him, while Hal is out for blood but was created to be a hero

67. “Now it’s time for witty banter” “AAAAAAAAA” “I’m not really sure where to go with that”

68. “I’M CALLING A TIME OUT”

69. Twisting the Kryptonite trope by having Metro Man make up the copper weakness

70. “Does he have a hideout? A cave? A solitary fortress?” lol I understood that reference

71. “OW! MY GIANT BLUE HEAD!”

72. Metro Man’s confession scene is so good. Really, how often do you get a hero who feels that he was forced into being a hero? That’s usually a villain trope. Does the hero ever realize he doesn’t want to be a hero….and actually quit FOR GOOD? Again, the trope subversion is awesome

73. “I have eyes that can see right through leaaaaaaaad” that’s my favorite song

74. “You left the city to HIM! No offense” “no I’m with you”

75. “There’s a yin for every yang. If there’s bad, good will rise up against it.”

76. “I say we just go all GANGSTA on him” ms tina fey i would die for you

77. Megamind turns himself in to the police, the fact that he willingly submits himself to the punishment of being a villain at this point is a lovely and stirring way of showing the sense of justice he has deep down and showing his character development

78. When Roxanne gives Megamind a desperate & compassionate pep talk over live tv no matter what it means for her reputation :*))

79. When Megamind has 88 life sentences

80. “I. Am. Sorry!” *dramatically slides down door*

81. Megamind’s heartfelt and regretful admission of all his mistakes that brings his character arc to a head? Lovely

82. “Good luck” “WE’RE GONNA D I E! Hahahaha!”

83. “There is no Easter bunny, there is no tooth fairy, and there is no queen of England.”

84. MEGAMIND’S EPIC ENTRANCE BY COMING OUT OF HIS OWN MOUTH

85. “Oh you’re a villain alright. Just not a super one.” “Oh yeah? What’s the difference?”

86. P R E S E N T A T I O N

87. METRO MAN THUNDER CALVES

88. Again with the green eyes continuity! Love that!

89. “Going somewhere? Besides jail?” *flies in a fancy pose*

90. When Megamind is ready to let everyone think Metro Man is back but Roxanne wants to see the real hero :*))

91. “This is the last time you make a fool out of me!” “I made you a hero, you did the fool thing all by yourself” SICK BURN

92. “There’s a benefit to losing. You get to learn from your mistakes”

93. WHEN THE DEHYDRATION GUN COMES IN CLUTCH

94. Minion being a drama queen lol comedy peaked in 2010

95. Minion’s Little Face

96. “GET BACK YOU SAVAGES” “Sorry he’s just not used to positive feedback!”

97. “Destiny is not the path given to us but the path we choose for ourselves”

98. When Megamind gets to parallel Metro Man’s entrance from the beginning of the movie and everyone cheers for him :*)) and he adds his own fun little twist by making a villain joke

99. “Megamind, defender of Metro City” “you know? I like the sound of that!”

100. Name a better villain to hero story. YOU CANNOT. Cinematic excellence. I am never disappointed.

[theartificialdane]

Andromeda: Maybe this year

A Melati focused Andromeda about not doing as well in high school as she had expected.  Originally inspired by “Anybody have a map” from Dear Evan Hansen.

A million thanks to @veronicasanders for not only being a fantastic beta and cowriter, but also forcing me to confront my angst for angst and do what is needed to make the story work!

{Melati...} Violet wanted to reach over the table, wanted to touch her daughters hand. {Is there something on your mind?}

Violet ran, her feet hitting the pavement, her heart beating rhythmically, her breath coming in and out, in and out. It was early morning in mid autumn, the air chilly.

Violet’s watch beeped, and she slowed down, finally stopping in front of the property she and Sutan had bought when they relocated back to America. It was a lovely three story house, a brownstone on the Upper West Side, their neighborhood one of the reasons they had picked this specific property, but the real reason was next door.

Violet could see a dim orange light from the second story window. A shadow moving around inside. Raja was already up, the woman without a doubt sitting in her study and getting some work done before everyone else woke up. Violet smiled to herself. She should have known that Raja and Sutan would find a way to buy houses right next to each other, though she suspected Jinkx had had a finger in the game since two almost identical properties had shown up at the exact same time. It was all worth it though, when she had heard her husband’s sigh of pure relief as he took his jacket off for the first time in their new house, the world finally right again for him since his twin was back where she belonged; only a single set of walls away.

Violet checked her watch, the slim fit bit on her wrist telling her that her time was a little slower than the day before. Violet had never cared about how fast she ran, she had never done it for the physical fitness, but instead the quiet that overtook her mind, the nagging voice in her head only a tiny presence at the very back of her skull, but now, she was training with an actual goal in mind. A half marathon she would be running with Shane, the watch on her wrist a gift from the man that had been consumed by the idea of doing it before he turned 45. Violet hadn’t planned on joining him, Shane having never ran before, but she had volunteered when she saw the look of pure terror on Betty’s face the moment her friend realised her husband was serious about it.

Violet opened the door to their garden, the sound of tiny paws and yiffs coming around the corner hitting her before she even had a chance to reclick the lock. Asta and Nora both looking up at with big eyes, the pugs’ small tongues out their mouth. “Don’t look like that, darlings.” Violet smiled, bending down to quickly pet each of her dogs. “You’ll get your breakfast.” Violet quickly waved to their security camera. She was unsure if it was ever watched, but she felt weird not acknowledging its presence. Fame had forced everyone to get security installed when a fan of the show had followed Sutan into the bathroom at a bar, and Violet was grateful that Fame had taken that step, the woman one no one spoke against, even when she was being paranoid or unfair since she wasn’t one to ever let anything go.

Violet opened the patio door, and Asta and Nora followed her inside as Violet finished the rest of her morning routine. Shower, hair and makeup, all before 6.30.

The next step was her least favorite part of her morning, but she knew she had to do it.

The walk to the third floor was an easy one, but the task facing her was not. Violet knocked on the door, carefully opening it, the light from the hallway shining in and hitting her sleeping daughter in her bed. Melati was burrowed under the covers, the only thing visible her dark curls. She had inherited her father’s heart for sleep and late nights, Violet sometimes waking from the sounds of Melati working away in her room. Violet turned on the lights, the light dimmers they had installed in there on Juju’s recommendation a true lifesaver.

The soft jade green walls were filled with trinkets, the curtains were closed, the door to her walk in closet opened and her clothes spread everywhere, canvases lining the wall. Melati had a craft room, the space freeing up in the house when Violet had relocated what had turned into an ever growing workshop to an actual studio space, but Melati still prefered to keep much of her stuff in her room. Her computer was still open on her desk, the screen dark.

Violet took one final deep breath, stepping into the room to wake the most terrifying creature known to man. A cranky teenager.

///

{Melati, you have to wake up.}

Melati could feel her mother's presence looming by her bed. She cracked an eye open, her phone still in hand from when she had fallen asleep texting her dad last night as he had been making his way home, promising that he’d be there by evening.

He and been gone for over two weeks, helping the Indonesian producers shoot the first edition of Asia’s Next Top Model.

{It’s 6.45..}. Melati knew why she had been woken up, but she still wished her mom would get off her back a little. She didn’t know anyone else who’s mom was as overbearing as hers. Not that she had many American friends to ask, but she was certain that no one else was still woken by their parents at 14.

{You’re riding with Auntie Raja today.}

{Do I have to?} Melati turned, looking up at her mom, standing by her bed. She had only been in high school for a little over two months, and she still hated every single second of it, none of it made better by the fact that she more often than not had to ride to school with her demonic cousins. Normally she’d go with her dad, Sutan going downtown anyway because of work, but he was an entire world away. {I’d rather ride the subway with Maggie.}

Violet cringed. She’d always hated the subway, and the fact that her daughter was so independent should have made her proud, but instead it just consumed her with worry.

{Please? I’ll text you when we get to school.}

{Fine,} Violet sighed. {10 minutes, or you’re gonna be late.}

///

Melati opened the patio, Nora and Asta shaking their feet. Melati could hear her mother in the kitchen, walking the dogs one of her responsibilities in the morning. She was just about to leave the living room to change her socks, the damp grass soaking her sneakers, when their home system dinged. Someone was calling them. Melati turned around, the caller ID a familiar bright and smiling face. Melati quickly accepted, and Courtney Act showed up on the screen. Both Asta and Nora perked up, the pugs yipping happily.

“Courtney!” Melati smiled brightly, a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Hi!” Melati wasn’t proud of it, but no matter how many times she met her, she always felt a little starstruck around Courtney. She had seen her movies almost as many times as she had seen Moana, and she had performed her songs for every school talent show when they still lived in Paris.

“Hi lovebug! How are you doing?”

“I’m good.” Melati pulled a lock of hair behind her ear. “Another day of school.” Melati laughed, the English feeling like wool in her mouth.

“Awww, hang in there, babe. It won’t last forever.”

“Thanks.” Melati felt a rush of relief. She had spent some time with Courtney and the kids in LA during the summer while Bianca and Sutan had been filming last season’s Top Model, and the whole thing had felt like a dream. One day, Courtney had taken her out for sorbet, just the two of them, and actually listened to her. Courtney was her favorite adult to talk to, the blonde always understanding.

“Is your mom around, sweet pea?”

“Uh, she’s making breakfast...”

“Oh, bummer. I was hoping to ambush her with a little project,” Courtney said, eyes twinkling with glee.

“I can tell her you called,” Mel said, smiling. “So… I read that you’re leaving your talk show? Is that true?”

“It’s true. I’m stepping down at the end of the year.”

“Really? Why! I love your show,” Mel told her.

A smile pulled at the corner of Courtney’s mouth as she said, “Well...let’s just say that I’m trying to be a supportive wife.”

“A supportive wife?” Mel’s brow furrowed, confused. What did that have to do with her show?

“No no,” Courtney said with a giggle. “I’ve already revealed too much! But you’ll find out soon eno- Violet!” Melati saw Courtney wave, a grin on her face. “Good morning!”

Melati turned, her mother coming out from the kitchen.

“You’re awfully chipper.” Violet walked over, a note of mild irritation in her voice. “Is this about your email?” Melati knew her mother hated having her routine interrupted, but she was still being overly hostile.

“I’m great, thanks, and how you you?” Courtney said.

“Is it so important that you can’t wait? You have kids yourself, you know how mornings are-”

Melati bristeled. She was 14, that meant she was only two years away from getting a driver's license, and four years away from college. {I’m not a kid.}

Violet turned to Melati. {I didn’t mean-}

“I’m sorry for interrupting,” Courtney smiled, holding up her hands. “But I just couldn’t wait.”

“For what?” Violet had crossed her arms, her eyes narrow as she watched the screen. “I think my reply to your request was perfectly clear.”

“Listen. I know you don’t want to design kids’ clothes.”

“That is one way to phrase my direct decline.”

“Right, but that’s not what I’m asking for. I was just hoping that you’d do some low key consulting. It could even be anonymous. You know how much I value your input-”

“I’m not a children’s designer, Courtney.”

Melati rolled her eyes, falling back on the couch. Sometimes she felt like her mom spent so much more time telling people what she didn’t want to do compared to what she actually did. Melati knew Violet designed couture, that almost everything her mother made was sold and designed directly for her clients. She knew the waiting list for Violet Chachki's time was miles long and that the chance of getting an appointment almost non-existent, but that didn’t excuse being so rude to someone Melati cared about.

“Okay, I hear you, but please, Vi, just take a quick peek before you give me a final answer!  I mean I got to Amsterdam this morning and they showed me some of the samples and they are just so cute! Like look at this, you think it’s just a little gender neutral pea coat but then look closer and THE BUTTONS ARE DISCO BALLS!! And then there’s-”

Without even looking, Violet grabbed the remote and hung up, cutting Courtney off mid sentence.

{You just hung up on Courtney Act!} Melati knew her mouth was hanging open, her jaw slack with surprise.

{I did.}

{You can’t do that!}

{Actually, I can.} Violet looked at her watch. {You have to get going. Are you sure about the sub-}

Melati crossed her arms. {You were really rude. She’s supposed to be your friend.}

{Go brush your teeth.}

////

Violet had just finished making breakfast when Melati came down the stairs, this time dressed for the day in a soft cream sweater and jeans, her curly hair collected in a half bun. She was wearing pearl earrings, a thin gold bracelet and a ring Violet had given her.

Melati grabbed a bottle of juice from the fridge, dumping her backpack on the floor as she sat down at the table, her teenager still prickly from the mornings conversation. Violet liked Courtney, had maybe even come to love her, but the blonde was still much like the devil. Give her a finger, and she’d take your entire arm and Violet did not have time for Courtney’s project, not when Melati acted like a porcupine ready to fight whenever Violet dared say anything to her.

{Do you have to throw your things?}

{What?} Melati barely even looked up, her eyes occupied with checking the French news on the kitchen screen. Violet sighed as she sat down, Melati obviously ignoring her. Violet hated how much tech that had made its way into their house, Sutan always hopping on whatever the latest trend was with enthusiasm while Violet would happily have prefered a home with no electronics at all. At least she had managed to keep their bedroom a screen free zone, though keeping Sutan away from his work email often turned into an uphill battle. Violet placed her hand in Melati’s field of vision, the teen finally looking up before she repeated her words.

{Do you have to throw your things?}

{Does it matter?}

Violet looked at the bag. It was a designer backpack, the thing a gorgeous black with thick rims and leather that had clearly been cared for and crafted lovingly.Violet hated the look of how her daughter was mistreating it, Melatis laptop and her books distorting the shape. It had been given to Melati by Raven, a ‘welcome to american high school’ gift. When Violet protested at the extravagance of it, Raven informed her that it was very important - Heaven forbid Melati get bullied at school for having the wrong school bag. Violet relented, although she suspected that Raven’s idea of high school bullies was a little out of touch.

{It does.}

Melati rolled her eyes, but then picked up her bag, putting it on the chair next to her. Violet desperately wished Sutan was home, her husband a master at navigating Melati’s moods. Her daughter as prickly as a cactus most days when Violet only wanted to soothe and understand, though Juju had insisted that was just how teenagers were. But although Violet could begrudgingly accept a certain degree of surliness, it seemed like this week had been especially unpleasant. Her kind, loving, enthusiastic daughter was suddenly slamming doors, refusing dinner and not answering direct questions. Something was wrong.

{Melati...} Violet wanted to reach over the table, wanted to touch her daughters hand. {Is there something on your mind?}

{No.} Mel snatched her hand back.

{Okay...} Violet retreated.

Melati finished her juice, the clock nearing 7.30, which meant they had to get going. Melati picked up her bowl and took it to the sink while Violet did the same, her own breakfast almost untouched. She’d text her assistant later and ask for some breakfast, though she wasn’t sure the hunger would come, her stomach turning into a knot. Violet missed Sutan more than she wanted to say, but she was also happy her husband was traveling the world and chasing his dreams, though it kind of beat the purpose of why they had moved continents in the first place.

{Do you want me to send a car to pick you up after school? I have to stay late at work.} Violet had never planned on running a studio of her own, to have people that depended on her and wanted to have meetings and hear her opinion on things she genuinely didn’t care about, but it had become her life, and her team did give her the opportunity to do things she never would have accomplished on her own.

{I’m going to Maggie’s.}

{Again?} {What's wrong with Maggie?} {Nothing.} Violet tightened her robe. {It's just, maybe you should try making more friends in your class, someone you haven’t grown up with-} {I wish /Dad/ was here...}

Violet barely heard it, the words whispered under Melati’s breath. She reached for her daughter, attempting to give her a hug, but Mel ducked away, picking up her backpack and heading to the door, barely glancing over her shoulder as she grunted out a goodbye.

////

Melati descended into the subway, scanning the platform for Maggie’s tiny body and sparkly blue backpack.

“MelMel! Over here!” Maggie waved excitedly, a ball of energy as always. Her brown bob, orange sweater, matching miniskirt and huge glasses making her stand out amongst all the other uptown commuters. Maggie jumping up and down as if they hadn’t seen each other in years was so cute that it was /almost/ not embarassing.

“Hey Mags.” Mel leaned in to give her friend - or rather, her ‘almost cousin,’ as they called each other - a hug.

Maggie adjusted her glasses, asking, “Sooo… How was your night?”

“Okay.” Melati bit her lip. VIolet hadn’t been home because of a fitting until after dinner, so she had spent the afternoon in her room with Asta and Nora, working away. “I almost finished my collage, but then I accidentally fell into a black hole on Youtube. Did you know that the world's biggest species of bumble bees come from South Africa and is called Bombus Dahlbomii?”

“Cool. Weird, but cool,” Maggie said.

Mel smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the whoosh of air as their train approached.

“Aaaand…” Maggie said, linking arms with Mel as they entered the subway car. “... did you talk to your mom about that English test yet?”

“Ugh, no way.” Melati knew the question would come, but that didn’t make it any better. “Are you kidding?” Maggie had been bugging her about it all week, but there was no way Melati would willingly walk into the lion’s den.

“It probably won’t be as bad as you think. I know I was really freaked last year when I got a B in Spanish, but my moms were so sweet about it. Alaska ended up taking me to the spa to de-stress.”

“Yeah, well, that’s your family.” Melati crossed her legs, the sense that everyone around them could listen to their conversation extremely uncomfortable. “Your moms aren’t uptight like mine. And I didn’t get a B. I got a D. A /D/, Maggie!” Melati sighed. “She’s going to /murder/ me.”

Maggie took a deep breath and stood in front of Melati’s chair. She placed both hands on her shoulders, singing sweetly and earnestly, “/Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens… bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens-/”

“Maggie…” Mel hissed, glancing around at the subway car self-consciously. It was great that Maggie was so confident and unconcerned with what everyone else thought, but Mel didn’t mind blending in. In fact, she preferred it.

“/..Brown paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of my favorite things!/...Did that help? A little Julie Andrews magic?”

“No.” Maggie kept staring at her, her brown eyes expecting and filled with mischief. “Besides.. That movie is only.. I don’t understand why you love it so much? It’s not that good.”

Maggie gasped dramatically, and then made the sign of the cross, clasping her hands together. “She didn’t mean it, Julie!”

Melati blushed and pulled Maggie back into her seat. “Why are you making a cross? Aren’t you Jewish?”

“Jinkx says that the Church of Julie is non denominational.”

“Ugh, I wish my dad were here,” Mel sighed, hugging her backpack to her chest, her exam inside it almost burning. Melati hated keeping secrets, and this was growing bigger each day.

“Like, back in New York, or here with us on this Subway car?” Maggie joked.

“My mom is just so impossible!” Melati exclaimed. “And, she said that I’m hanging out with you too much.”

“... She said what? But I thought your mom loved me? Remember that time she almost smiled in my general direction?” Maggie did a little shimmy, making Mel chuckle.

“Okay, she’s not that bad. She just wants me to make new friends.” The train lurched forward and Mel nearly fell out of her seat, grabbing a pole nearby. “But how am I supposed to make new friends when my cousins have already told everyone I’m a weirdo?” Tanya and Isolde Amrull were seniors. Seniors in the way Melati had only seen on movies. They were ever popular, dressed every day as if school was their personal runway, a group of people always around them to get their approval or to hope they rubbed off on them. Melati had only been in the school a few months, but she had already seen hoop earrings disappear from one day to the next, since Isolde had said they were over during a lunch period.

“Well, first of all, you are a weirdo, but in the very, very best way. And second, Tanya and Isolde are the /worst/, so only total assholes would believe them. And you don’t want to be friends with assholes, right?”

“I guess not.”

“So, when’s your dad getting home anyway?” Maggie asked, leaning a head on her shoulder.

“Tonight… I really didn’t want to deal with this on his first night back, but...I think I have to.”

“Or you could just like… Never tell them?”

Melati smiled, the train stopping. “That’s good… Let’s call that Plan A.”

///

Violet sighed, looking over the printouts she had made her assistant do of the several emails Courtney had sent her. The collection was...Violet didn’t know what it was, except hideous, but Violet also didn’t know anything about children’s clothes. Melati had thankfully never requested glitter slippers or bunny shirts. Violet had no idea why Courtney had requested her advice. The only thing she really knew anything about was fabrics, and as she was running through the different suggestions from the Dutch company, her brows shot higher and higher since most of it would be terrible for toddlers. Cotton in colors that would stain horribly, nylon so close to the skin it would irritate, and shoes so narrow it could impact the shape of a baby foot. Violet was two pages into an email, detailing everything that was wrong, when her phone rang.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Violet put the phone under her chin, her private phone only for family members and the very few people Violet considered friends.

“What are you working on?”

“What?”

“I can hear the pencil.”

Violet looked down, a small laugh leaving her as she had not even realised she had been sketching away on her notepad, creating a new version of the jackets for Courtney’s line.

“I’m sorry.” Violet put it down, quickly flipping over the paper and turning her chair around so she was looking out on the street instead of her computer. She could hear Sutan chuckle, but also the bone deep tired of her husband's voice. “How far are you?”

“Made it to LA. Boarding in 30.”

Violet felt a hot surge in her stomach, her cheeks blushing instantly at how stupid she felt. They had been married for almost 15 years, and she still didn’t feel right when Sutan wasn’t with her, her excitement to have him home after two long weeks prickling in her fingertips.

“God I hate this fucking airport.”

Violet laughed, knowing exactly how much Sutan hated LAX.

“I’m in the worst mood, I’m sorry.”

“We can get pizza tonight? If you want?” Violet knew Sutan would most likely be dead to the world the moment he touched down in New York, her husband never sleeping well on planes because of his height. If she was lucky, he’d be up and about when she got home that night, and the promise of pizza even if sober Violet didn’t enjoy it much, was a certain way to get Sutan to do pretty much anything.

Sutan groaned, and Violet could almost hear how he sunk a little deeper into his seat. “I love you. You know how much I like traditional Indonesian, but nothing beats a double pepperoni”

Violet smiled, her fingers tapping against her chair. “Love you too.”  

“So.. I read your texts.”

“Ah.” Violet could hear the change in Sutan’s voice instantly, and she knew she only really had herself to blame. She had messaged him from her closet, her body almost shaking when Melati had left the house that morning, her daughters words still ringing in her ears.

“I know you’re worried.”

“I-”

“But Violet, I promise you. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“There is.” Violet said. “There has to be something wrong Sutan, you haven’t spent time with her, she’s.. She’s never been like this before. She talks back /every/ chance she gets.”

“Like every other teenager in history?”

Violet bristled, the smile in Sutan’s voice not helping her mood at all.

“This isn’t normal.” Violet knew she hadn’t exactly had the normal experience of being a teenager, the ballet academies indisputable hierarchy and the pure time it took to not only manage a fulltime job but also keep her physical fitness up had meant she had never had anyone to argue with where she could win, no skipping school or drinking in the parking lot, but there was something called basic respect, and even if Melati was a teenager, she was still her child, their child, their sweet and kind girl. “Something is bothering her, something extra, I just... I know it.”

“A mother's intuition?”

“Don’t make fun of me.” Violet sighed. She knew Sutan was only trying to make things better, but most of the time Melati was a completely different girl around him, her father never making mistakes in her eyes, even though Sutan’s job was the true reason they relocated back to America.

“Do you want me to talk to her?”

“Thank you.”

///

Melati unlocked the front door, dropping her key in the bowl by the door. The house was quiet, just as she had expected, her mom rarely showing up until after it was dark outside when she said she was working late, but Melati had still hoped someone would be home, since she had gone to Maggie's after school. Alaska had been there, the tall blonde chatting away in her slow drawl while Maggie had happily reenacted everything that had happened at drama club and Melati had sipped her tea.  

Melati was just about to take her shoes off, when she bumped into something. It was her dad's suitcases, the four bags taking up the entire hallway. A surge of happiness rushed through her, and Melati bolted for the stairs, her shoes still on.

[DAD!]

She threw open the door to her parents bedroom, fully expecting to see her father underneath the covers. The room was small, heavy curtains keeping out the sunlight, and dominated by a king sized bed, a set of double doors leading to her parents closets and their bathroom, but the bed was empty though also unmade, which meant he had to be somewhere in the house. Melati took another set of stairs, her dads office on the other end of the floor from her bedroom. Melati stopped in front of the door, the muffled sound of music coming from inside. Melati knocked three times, waiting for a reply.

[Come in puppet!]

Melati opened the door, looking inside her father’s office. [How did you know it was me?] Melati stepped inside, feels calm. A bookshelf lining one wall filled with Batman memorabilia, heavy oak dominating the room, small bar, stacks of magazines and things Sutan’s current and former models have worked on.

[Mama never knocks like that.] Sutan turned in his chair, and pushing his glasses up, and opened his arms.

Mel rushed over for a hug. Sutan laughed, kissing the top of her head and pulling her into his lap. He turned the chair back around, facing his computer.

[I’m just ordering pizza for tonight.]

[Really?]

[Mmh. Which one do you want?]

[Spinach please.] They sat together for a while, Sutan absentmindedly asking Melati how her day had been, the two just enjoying each others company when Melati realized that she was still wearing her backpack and stood up. [Actually... Dad?]

[Changed your mind?]

[No. I... I got back my grade from that test last week. You know, the English exam?]

[You did? Anything fun to share?] Sutan smiled. [Shall I call the framers?] Melati sighed. Normally her dad’s teasing and enthusiasm would make her happy, but today it just grated on her nerves.

[Just read it. Please.] Melati handed the blue book to Sutan, watching nervously as he grabbed his glasses and flipped to the back, reading the first grade she had ever gotten that was below a B+. Melati had no idea how her mom would react, but she was counting on her dad to be the calm one, and hopefully help her break the news to her mom. Maybe even offer to do it for her if she was really lucky.

[Well, that’s disappointing.] Sutan looked up. [Is this grade correct?]

[What?] Melati hadn’t even realised how small her voice sounded. [Umh... Yes. Yes it is.]

[Did you study? Or did you expect to skate by without any work? Because that’s not going to cut it at this school.]

[Yes! Yes I studied! I tried my best. I...I guess I just didn’t understand the book and-]

[Well, you’ll have to do better. When I was your age, I had two jobs, and I still managed to get straight As. There’s no reason for anyone as smart as you to get grades like this.] Sutan shook the pages of the blue book for emphasis.

Melati stared at her dad. Her laid back dad, who had always told her to just try and try again, who walked through life as if everything always worked out for him. Melati had never been asked to take a job, had never even considered it since she used so much of her time on her art. Melati had expected her mother to be the one to tell her these things, to be the one who ignored how she had tried, telling her it wasn’t good enough, but here her dad was, looking at her as if she had somehow done this on purpose.

[And if you need help, you tell us. We’re not paying for one of the best schools in the country so that you can just-]

[I didn’t know I needed help!] Melati yelled, Sutan growing quiet instantly. [It’s not my fault, I tried! I really tried!] Melati had had been to every class, taken diligent notes, read the texts multiple times, had even discussed them with Maggie - but somehow, in the classroom, with the seconds ticking down, it was like everything had slipped from her mind. Her thoughts were a confusing jumble of three languages and twisted phrases, and none of it came out right on the page. [It’s - it’s this stupid language and not enough time and I don’t understand why we’re even living here!]

[Melati-]

[I hate this country! I hate it, I HATE it!]

Sutan stood up, holding up his hands in surrender. [Calm down, and we can talk about this-] His voice was calm, even, like everything she had said didn’t matter to him at all.

[Calm down?! Do you even understand anything?!] Melati’s voice had reached a shrill, fevered pitch. She felt like an animal in a cage. Trapped against her will. [Of course not! Of course you don’t because no one cares about me!]

[Melati.]

[Why don’t you just leave again like you always do?!]

Sutan swallowed. He had never seen his daughter like this, fat tears streaming down Melati’s cheeks. Before he could attempt a response, Violet appeared in the doorway, her coat still on, her keys still in hand like she had run upstairs the moment she got home.

{What’s going on?} Violet asked, {I heard yelling, is everyone okay?}

“We’re only talking, lovely eyes, just give us-”

{No! No! It’s not fair, it’s not- it’s not!} Melati whirled around, her fists clenched in anger.

{Little darling, I-} Violet didn’t know what she had expected, but Melati flinging herself into her arms, sobbing like she had as a kid when she was consumed with worry and missing her dad, was not anywhere on the list. Violet grabbed Melati, pressing her cheek to the top of her head, rocking her back and forth, holding her closer than she had in years. {What’s going on?}

“It appears we’re fighting.”

“‘A mother's intuition’ huh? What about a father’s?” Violet shot Sutan a dirty look, her husband visibly cringing, though she couldn’t entirely blame him. She couldn’t remember the last time Melati had yelled, and least of all at Sutan. Mel said something, the sounds of it muffled in Violet’s coat.

Sutan cleared his throat. “We were just discussing her grade.”

“And that leads to my daughter crying?”

“She got a D, and I was just telling her she needs to take school seriously if she ever wants to-”

“She’s a child, a teenager, not a robot. I know you got into UCLA but-”

“She needs to work hard if she wants to-”

“Sutan, just- Melati.” Violet gently took Melati’s face, turning it up. {Why didn’t you tell me, puppet?}

{You’re… not mad?} Mel gulped, breath hitching. {I thought you’d be mad..}

{Over this?} Violet wrapped her arms more tightly around her daughter. {It’s just a test.} Her whole body felt lighter, the relief that Mel’s problem was a simple academic one flowing through her, filling her with gratitude. {I know you’ve worked so hard.}

{I did... I promise I did} Melati wiped her face, clearly both ashamed and embarrassed over the yelling Violet had heard from downstairs though she had no idea what had been said. {Everything is so different from the other school and I can’t... I don’t know...}

Melati felt a touch on her shoulder, Sutan’s hand closing around it. [I’m sorry I’m an idiot.] Melati turned, looking up at her dad. [You’re right. I’m not around a whole bunch. You didn’t chose this move and you didn’t chose an American high school, but we’re not leaving, and I just want you do to do well.]

Melati nodded. [I know...] She pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear, very aware at how both her parents were looking at her. [I think...a tutor might be a good idea...]

[I’m sorry for going all...tiger mom on you.] Sutan smiled, still looking extremely apologetic.

[It wasn’t your shining moment.] Melati told him.

[Yeah..]  Sutan hugged her tightly. [Sorry.]

///

{What are we watching?} Violet sat down, Melati and Sutan both grabbing their pizza boxes and opening them at the exact same time.

{Glimmer!}

Violet looked at her daughter, Sutan pressing play on the ever familiar movie. {You get to pick any movie you want, and you pick Courtney’s Disney debut?}

{With the English audio. It’s educational, Mama}

{Yes Violet. It’s educational.}

Sutan laughed, and Violet couldn’t help but smile. Violet grabbed her plate, picking a piece of Sutan’s pizza out of his box, her husband and daughter back to being two peas in a pod. As she settled in, Sutan’s arm behind her back, she felt a sense of peace fall over her. Nothing was perfect, but Melati was okay, and her problem was fixable. Everything would be okay, and they would get through it together, Melati getting everything she never had.

[paleorecipecookbook]

What To Do & Where To Eat in Santa Barbara

It’s been a hot minute since I traveled to California, which is really a shame since it’s a quick direct flight for me and it immediately feels like I’m in some far away vacation land. Well, that’s pretty much exactly what it is. Especially Santa Barbara. I hadn’t spent much time in Santa Barbara before this trip and now I’m wondering why it hasn’t been a normal yearly occurrence for me. This sleepy little ocean town has become a bustling area to try amazing food, sip on about a million glasses of wine, and take in the sea breeze as you dip your toes in the water. It’s just simply lovely.

And one of the best parts about being in Santa Barbara is that you can make your way into Santa Ynez Valley. I went to Santa Ynez Valley last year and absolutely fell in love with the area and this time around it was even more beautiful because of all the rain they have been getting recently. The rolling hills of the valley were so incredibly green and everywhere you turn there is another beautiful vineyard. It really is a breathtaking area. And since I didn’t check out the tiny town of Los Alamos when I was in SYV the year before, we decided to stay at the newly renovated Skyview Motel. You can see this iconic roadside motel from the highway and from downtown Los Alamos since it’s perched on a hillside overlooking wine country. And the motel itself includes a beautiful restauant, pool and the cutest rooms – many that include their own patio with personal firepit. I was welcomed by a cute cat each morning who loved our patio furniture as it’s bed. Since it wasn’t warm enough to hang out by the pool while we were there, we enjoyed some cocktails at the restaurant before making our way into town to try even more wine!

When you are in Los Alamos, you have a full block of restaurants, bakeries and tasting rooms to check out, so you can rent a bike from the Skyview Motel and bike into town for a buzzed and full afternoon. We first stopped in at Casa Dumetz for a wine tasting, a really really delicious wine tasting. I’m not huge in to wine or really even know what I like, but I know I enjoyed every single one of these wines. Casa Dumetz makes highly acclaimed reds and whites with premiere fruit grown exclusively in Santa Barbara County vineyards and the wine tasting room shows how much love goes into each one of these bottles. 

And after you try the wine tasting, you can wander next door to Valle Fresh to enjoy some tacos and tapas while you check out all the beers and ciders in Babi’s Beer Emporium. All three spots are owned by chief winemaker Sonja Magdevski to ensure that everyone in your group is happy and satisfied. We ordered a carrot appetizer to get in some extra veggies on our trip, then we loaded up with delicious tacos. It was incredibly easy to eat gluten free here since all the taco shells are made in-house with corn. Everything was so fresh and delicious! We really loved this spot.

Then for our first dinner in Santa Ynez Valley, we made our way to Solvang (where I stayed last time) to the restaurant First & Oak. This restaurant is located inside the Mirabelle Inn and is considered one of the best spots in Santa Ynez Valley since it includes some of the most fresh local ingredients. First & Oak includes many small plates so you can try a ton of different things on their menu, and they recommend creating your own tasting menu to ensure you get the full experience. We ended up both trying a four-course tasting menu and I think three would have been a better idea because we were STUFFED. So so stuffed. I tried the lobster bisque, halibut, pork risotto and white chocolate meringue. Everything was fantastic and the server was so helpful making sure everything we ordered was gluten free! And if you are wine tasting during the day, the owners of First & Oak also own Coquelicot Estate Vineyard in Los Olivos, which is just a quick drive away from Solvang. 

Another meal we had in Los Alamos while we stayed there was at Pico at the Los Alamos General Store. This restaurant is a beautiful spot that serves farm-to-table upscale comfort food. The restaurant also shares their building with local Lumen Wines where you can try all their wines in their tasting room. We tried the mushroom salad, brussels sprouts and short rib, and everything was so fresh and served up beautifully.

And before we left, we ended up eating at Plenty on Bell a couple of times for breakfast! We loved this spot and everything we tasted was cooked to perfection. I ordered the short rib hash and the short ribs and potatoes were both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Many people also recommended Bob’s Well Bread Bakery but I didn’t see too many gluten free options on the menu so we stuck with Plenty instead. But if you don’t eat gluten free, I heard Bob’s is fantastic!

Then once we had our fill of the countryside, we made our way back to Santa Barbara to see all it has to offer. We were lucky enough to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara and soak up this absolutely stunning property. This was my first time staying at a Ritz-Carlton resort and it completely lived up to its name. Not only was the staff incredibly attentive and helpful at every turn, but the property itself was perfection. There was always something to do, something to see, and some sort of drink to indulge in. The oceanfront property includes 2 miles of beach to walk on, a nature walk to take your dogs on (yes, it’s dog-friendly!), and they have beautiful pools, hot tubs, and fun games like bag toss and ladders throughout every corner. We spent almost an entire day on the property just having cocktails and playing games. There was really no point in leaving!

Two things I can’t recommend enough is eating at Angel Oak for Sunday brunch AND checking out the Club Lounge on the property. While we ate at Angel Oak for brunch, we were able to sit on the patio overlooking the ocean while professional whale watchers looked on for any signs of whales swimming by. We sadly didn’t get to see any whales ourselves but many people talked about the whales they had seen earlier. I ordered the cobb crab salad when we ate here and it was AMAZING! I hate salads but I ate every bite of this one.

But if you don’t get to see any whales, not to worry, the Club Lounge will keep you happy and entertained. The Club Lounge is very exclusive since they only let about 30-35 rooms enjoy the services that the Club has to offer. In the Club, you’ll have a personal concierge to help you with anything you need whether you need a glass of wine or champagne or a house-made latte. Then you also have a ton of amazing snacks to choose from, including gluten free snacks and treats. I spent so much time in this lounge working on my computer, enjoying breakfast, and getting some snacks to take on the go. It was such an amazing spot to relax and unwind while catching up on work. I loved it so so much!

Then for our first dinner in Santa Barbara, we headed to Les Marchands Restaurant and Wine Shop. This spot was named “Wine Bar of the Year since it is led by a world-class team of certified sommeliers and wine profressionals. You’ll also find more than 400 selections of wine at this spot. So if you’re a wine lover, this is definitely your spot! I found it a tad more challenging to find gluten free items here since many of their entrees are pasta or include wheat, but we still enjoyed a fantastic waygu steak while we were there!

Then for our last full day in Santa Barbara, we finally took a break from all the wine and got to moving. We wandered around Stearns Wharf & Harbor to see all the shops, then we walked down by the ocean, then finally made our way to state street and into Salt. In downtown you would never know that you can find the largest Himalayan salt cave in North America. I always see people with Himalayan salt lamps next to their bed and I never really knew why, but I found out in my own salt session that Himalayan salt has a ton of different benefits like supporting respiratory health, promoting sinus health, preventing muscle cramps, and promotes bone strength, along with a ton of other benefits. And while you’re in the Salt Cave, you can simply enjoy a 45-minute meditation session or you can always book a treatment such as a massage, scrub or a Nexneuro vibration treatment. It’s all very earthy and crunchy, and I love it. It was a great way to break up the day and do something a little different.

Then after we meditated, we went straight to Tyger Tyger. Curry is a dish I could eat for every single meal and I talk about it quite frequently. So when my friend found out I was heading to SB, she said I absolutely HAD to eat at Tyger Tyger and order the pork curry. And HOT DAMN I’m so glad I listened to her because it was lifechanging curry. Not just good or great or amazing. It was LIFECHANGING. We also tried the Malayasian Curried Cauliflower and I almost licked my plate. I couldn’t get enough of this spot. Everything on their menu is marked gluten free and/or vegan, which makes it extremely easy to order. And it’s so unique compared any other spots because within the location, you’ll also find Dart Coffee and Monkey Shine ice cream. And the ice cream has an Asian flair to eat because you’ll find selections like Black Sesame and Mango Sticky Rice soft serve with fruity and crunchy toppings to sprinkle all over.

And for my last meal in Santa Barbara, my friend took me to LoQuita to enjoy some traditional cooking methods of Spain. I’ve never been to Spain but now it’s at the top of my list after experiencing LoQuita. This meal was absolutely fantastic, I can’t say enough about it. Everything was so incredibly fresh and flavorful. Like OMG flavorful. We enjoyed the Jamón tasting, the oyster mushrooms, cauliflower, spanish tortilla, and FANTASTIC chorizo paella. If you are ever in Santa Barbara, this spot is a complete must!!

I hope this post gives you some inspiration to create your own Santa Barbara trip in the future! I can’t say enough about Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley. They are both amazing places to visit that aren’t overwhelmed by traffic and people. It’s just a great place to get away, relax and enjoy all that California has to offer. And now I’m already planning my next trip back so I can check out even more restaurants when I’m there! Be sure to read below because I have even more recommendations for when you are there!

Quick Summary of my SYV & SB Trip Favorites:

Hotels

Skyview Motel

Ritz-Carlton Bacara

Restaurants 

Valle Fresh in Los Alamos

First & Oak in Solvang

Pico at the Los Alamos General Store in Los Alamos

Plenty on Bell in Los Alamos

Angel Oak at the Ritz-Carlton

Les Marchands Restaurant and Wine Shop in Santa Barbara

Tyger Tyger in Santa Barbara

LoQuita in Santa Barbara

And if you’re staying for more than just a few days, here are even more restaurant recommendations –

Lilac Patisserie

ParadICE Hawaiian Shave Ice

The Lark

The Lucky Penny for gluten free pizza

The Honey B

Santa Barbara Public Market

Ty Lounge at Four Seasons Resort in Montecito – official drink of Santa Barbara

And there are also about a million things to do while you’re in Santa Barbara –

Go to Stearns Wharf & Harbor

Check out The Funk Zone – one of the cutest areas in Santa Barbara with lots of shops, restaurants and wine tasting rooms. It reminds me of RiNo in Denver because it’s filled with old warehouses and manufacturing plants with a ton of artists’ studios and galleries, breweries and other shops. It’s a total different feel from everything else you find in Santa Barbara

Go on the Urban Wine Trail – more than 2 dozen wine tasting rooms all within blocks of downtown, which means you don’t have to drive into the valley and you can ditch your car and walk to almost any of them without worrying about how you will get home once you enjoy a few too many tastings. Here are just some of the tasting rooms you can check out –

Kunin Wines

Santa Barbara Wine Collective

The Valley Project

Riverbench Santa Barbara

Wineries of the Presidio Neighborhood

Go to the Farmers Market! It’s held almost every day in a different spot so you can always get the freshest ingredients, no matter what day it is.

Check out Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Take a City Tour of Santa Barbara on the SB Trolley

Rent a bike, roller blades, coupe, or a surrey with Wheel Fun Rentals to easily get around town

Go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding with Paddle Sports Center

Go hiking nearby

Carpinteria Bluffs

Inspiration Point

Arroyo Burro Beach to Goleta

Lizard’s Mouth

Refugio to El Capitan

Bill Wallace Trail

Gaviota Peak

Gaviota Wind Caves

Go to Montecito for some fancy shopping

Wander down State Street for cool stores and shops

This trip was hosted by Visit Santa Ynez Valley and Visit Santa Barbara, but all opinions are my own!

The post What To Do & Where To Eat in Santa Barbara appeared first on PaleOMG - Paleo Recipes.

Sourse of this article: http://paleomg.com/

[huckleberrycomics]

Car Thief ch 45

I done did it folks!

Have a new chapter of Car Thief.

Fiddleford H. McGucket was having a fine day, thank you very much.

He’d dropped Tate off at daycare and went straight to his therapy appointment. He’d started out by going twice a week, then once a week, and about a month ago he only went once every other week. His medication was working. He was working through his problems.

He talked a bit about rejoining the workforce, and maybe reconnecting with a few colleagues. He had his hands full with being a parent, Delilah worked part time and he would often stay home with Tate or drive him to daycare in the morning to save her some time and energy. He loved spending time with his son.

Delilah had become his friend, again. That was… wonderful. Being her friend was better than being her husband a million times over.

He was happy.

Mostly.

He arrived at the therapist’s office with five minutes to spare, and made small talk with the secretary.

“Mornin’, Ms. Wong,” he said, tucking his hands into his pockets. “I’m here to see Dr. Braverman.”

Ms. Wong smiled at him. “It’s nice to see you, Fiddleford. You’re looking very well.”

“I certainly feel well!” he said cheerily. “Anything new with you?”

“I’ve been officially accepted as a PhD candidate,” she said, “I’m very much looking forward to pursuing therapy further.”

“You’ll be an excellent therapist,” he said. “The mental health of the American public is in good hands.”

“Thank you,” she replied. “Why don’t you have a seat? Dr. Braverman will be with you in a few minutes.”

He sat, and he read his book for five minutes before he was called into the therapy office. He still got the sharp pang of anxiety in his stomach when his name was called, even after all this time. He took a deep breath and walked into the office.

Dr. Braverman sat him down in one of the comfy chairs, and she sat across from him. “Good to see you, Fiddleford.”

“Good to see you,” he said.

She was a sweet woman. Fiddleford felt completely at ease with her. “How have you been?”

“Very well, thank you,” he said. “My mood has been much better, and so have my nightmares. I’ve been much more productive lately, and I’ve been going out more often. Mostly I’ve been spendin’ time with Tate an’ Delilah. It’s been overall real pleasant.”

He got a small twinge in his stomach at what was unsaid. He glanced away from Dr. Braverman.

She tilted her head and adjusted her glasses. “You look like something is troubling you.”

“Nothing special,” he said, twiddling his fingers. “I just… I miss my friend Stanford Pines. An’ my other friends, too. It’s been so long since I’ve heard from ‘em. I just hope they’re okay.”

She nodded, her eyes compassionate. “You’ve told me about your falling out, but nothing about the details. Is that something you’d like to talk about today?”

“Honestly? The details escape me,” he said, fibbing just a little. “It wasn’t pretty, that’s all I can say. One bad mistake ruined somethin’ real nice that we all had together. Hell, the four of us were a family. A real family.”

“It sounds like you miss them a lot,” she said.

“I do,” he said. “But… well, part of me is ready to try an’ call, try an’ figure out where it all went wrong and what we can do to fix it. Part of me ain’t sure. I feel like I’m gonna say the wrong thing an’ put my foot in my mouth.”

“Well,” said Dr. Braverman, straightening her shoulders. “How long have you been thinking of doing this?”

“Too long,” he said. “Months.”

“What’s the worst case scenario?” she said. “Would you be hurt in any way if it went badly?”

“No,” he said. “Not physically.”

She smiled gently. “Would you be putting yourself in danger?”

“No. Stanford ain’t like that.”

“What would the worst case scenario look like?” she asked.

He bounced his knee, looking at the floor between them. “I… well, maybe we’d fight. That would be bad, but I don’t think I’d be worse off than I am, now.”

“Alright,” she said. “Now how about the best case scenario. What would happen if everything went off without a hitch? How would this turn out in an ideal world?”

“We’d make up and I’d move back up to Gravity Falls,” said Fiddleford. “I miss them all so much.”

“Do you think it’s worth the risk?” she said.

“I do,” he admitted with a sigh. “But… I don’t know what I’d say! How do I apologize? How can we possibly go back to where we were?”

“You can’t,” she said simply. “You just have to take stock and move forward. You can start a new version of your relationship, build a new version of your life. Things won’t be the same, but you’ll be older and wiser. It’ll be easier now that you know which mistakes to avoid.”

“That’s… well put,” he said. “Can we talk about what I might say?”

“Of course,” she said, “Whatever you think is going to help you the most.”

“Can I borrow a pen and paper to write this down?”

She smiled and handed him a notepad. “I’m very glad you’re doing this, Fiddleford. I think this is an important step for you.”

“I think you might be right,” he said. He wrote Stanford’s name at the top of the page.

Delilah was at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee when he got home from therapy. The kitchen was small, but the windows were wide open and warm light was flooding in. “Hey, Fidds. How was your appointment?”

“Good,” he said. He gave her half a smile. “I’m gonna do somethin’ today.”

“Oh? Pray tell.”

“I’m gonna call Stanford.”

Delilah’s smile fell slightly. “Oh?”

Fiddleford felt guilty. Conflicted feelings mixed in his stomach. “I’m… sorry.”

She shook her head. “Don’t apologize. I know how important he is to you.” She sighed and set her coffee aside. “Fiddleford… I have to apologize myself.”

“What for?” he said.

“I… I feel awfully guilty,” she said. “Not just for leavin’ you, but for… insultin’ you the way I did.”

“When, specifically?” he asked, trying to tease.

Delilah grimaced. She pushed her hair behind her ear. “Specifically regardin’ your relationship with Stanford Pines and your… orientation.”

Fiddleford’s face flushed. “Delilah, that’s in the past.”

“But I never apologized,” she said. “We were already driftin’ apart when you went up to Gravity Falls. I think you knew it, too.”

“I did.”

She rested her cheek in her hand, her elbow on the table. “I was never very kind to you about who you are. I know you can’t help it. I’ve been doin’ some thinkin’ about it and… the way I talked to you about it was wrong. It’s alright to like men and women. There ain’t nothin’ wrong with it, and I know I made you feel bad about it.”

Fiddleford was touched. He sat down at the kitchen table. “Delilah… I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to forgive me,” she said, “But… dangit, Fidds, I’m glad to have you back in my life. I like having you as a friend.” She smiled at him and put her hand over his. “I feel like we work better this way.”

“I think so, too,” he said with a grin.

“I hope you can mend things with Stanford,” she said, patting his hand. “You deserve to have happiness in your life.”

“You do, too,” he said.

“I guess,” she said with an awkward smile. “We can talk about how much we like boys?”

Fiddleford laughed nervously. “Goodness, I don’t know where to start with that one.”

“Yeah, as I was saying it, it felt like a bad idea.”

Fiddleford laughed aloud. He stood up from the table. “Is there any coffee left?”

“Plenty,” she said. “Oh! I forgot to mention, I’ve got passes to go to the zoo.”

“That’s wonderful,” he said, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “Are you takin’ Tate?”

“I was thinkin’ the three of us could go,” she said. “It’ll be a nice surprise for when he gets home from school.”

“That’s a fantastic idea.” He gave himself cream and sugar, and took a sip. He took the list of things he wanted to say to Stanford out of his pocket and stared at it. He couldn’t shake the anxiety that knit itself firmly into his intestines.

“Whatcha got there?” Delilah asked.

“It’s what I’m gonna say to Stanford,” he said.

“I won’t pry,” she said, turning her attention back to her coffee.

Fiddleford’s list was simple. He planned to give that man an earful, apologize for his wrongdoings, ask for an apology back (Stanford would very often be reluctant to provide those), then ask if he could see him soon. He had it worked out as though he were giving an Oscar’s acceptance speech. He hoped that he wouldn’t bumble over his words.

Hell, let’s rip the bandaid off. He walked over to the telephone and dialled the number he knew by heart. “It’ll just take a few minutes, Delilah. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course,” she said, and she excused herself from the kitchen.

The phone rang. His heart thudded in his chest. The paper was sweaty in his fingers.

The phone rang.

And rang.

And rang.

Finally, there was a click.

“Hello,” said the voice on the end. It was Stanford. The sound of his voice knocked the wind out of Fiddleford’s chest. His eyes teared up instantly. He missed that voice so much.

“Stanford,” said Fiddleford breathlessly. “It’s me, Fiddle-”

“You have reached the house of Stanford Pines,” said Ford’s pre-recorded voice on the other end. “Please leave a message after-”

“Hey,” chimed in another familiar voice. This time, it was Stanley. “Other people live here, too!”

“If you can call it living,” said Stanford exasperated. “Stanley, get out! Please leave a message after the beep with your name, phone number, and what you were-”

“Stanley, Rick, and Fiddleford also live here,” said Stanley. Fiddleford could hear the grin in his voice.

There was a burp in the background, and Fiddleford knew one hundred percent that it was Rick. “L-l-leave a message and go fuck yourself!”

“Rick, honestly!” came Fiddleford’s own voice.

“Guys, I have potential business partners who call this number!” said Stanford’s voice. “You can’t just- Oh, hell, how do I re-record-”

There was a beep.

Fiddleford was already laughing. How had he forgotten about that day? He laughed until his sides hurt and tears were rolling down his cheeks. He laughed until the laughter turned to sobs and hiccups.

After a few minutes, he sniffled, wiped his eyes, and redialled to leave a proper message. He snorted as the recorded message greeted him again.

“Stanford,” he said. “Sorry ‘bout that. I imagine you’re… creeped out by the brand-new laugh track I just gave ya. This is… this is Fiddleford.”

He looked at his speech in his hand. His sweaty fingers had smudged the ink. Hell.

“I just wanted to get in touch with you,” he said, crunching the paper in his hand. “I hope you’re alright.”

He gave his number, and he hung up.

Fiddleford called every day for two weeks with no reply. He had to admit that he was terrified.

His stomach folded knots all the time. He lay awake at night worrying. It wasn’t like Stanford to just… vanish. He was always there, always reliable. Hell, he thought that at least Stanley might be around, even though he tended to move around more.

He was terrified. He feared for the worst.

After three weeks, he knew what he had to do.

“Delilah,” he said, walking into the living room.

“Yes?” she didn’t look up. She was sitting on the carpet, playing with Tate.

He took a deep breath. “I have somethin’ important to ask of you. I hope you aren’t angry with me, but I’d understand if you were.”

“You have to go back to Gravity Falls,” she said, glancing up at him. “Don’t you?”

His shoulders relaxed. “Yes. I do.”

She smiled. “Travel safe. I hope Stanford is okay.”

“You… you’re not upset?”

“No,” she said, “I knew this would happen. I know you love your son and you don’t plan on abandoning us. I know you’re worried about your second family.”

Fiddleford let the relief wash over him. “Thank you, Delilah.”

“Are you already packed?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t forget socks. You always forget your socks.”

Fiddleford sheepishly tiptoed back into his bedroom to put socks in his suitcase. He came back with the suitcase in one hand and his car keys in the other. “I’ll get in touch as soon as I can, and you know I’ll write every week.”

Tate sat up and looked at him with big eyes. “Papa?”

“Kiddo,” he said, scooping Tate in his arms. “I’m gonna miss you, Tater-Tot.”

“Where you go?” he asked, his little baby hands resting on his chest.

“I have to go see my friends,” he said. “I miss them a whole lot, and I’m very worried about them. We had a big fight, and I need to make it up to them. Do you understand?”

He nodded. “Mhm.”

“I love you, kiddo. Your mama is gonna take real good care o’ you.”

He nodded, then leaned up and pecked his cheek. “Love you, Papa.”

Fiddleford kissed the top of Tate’s head and lingered, his nose pressed into his soft brown curls. “I love you too, Tater-tot.” He set him back down on the carpet and ruffled his hair. “I’ll see you real soon, okay?”

He waved his pudgy hand goodbye as Fiddleford walked towards the front door.

“Hey, Fidds,” said Delilah.

Fiddleford paused with his hand on the doorknob. “Yes?”

She wagged a finger at him. “You better call when you get there, alright? And you come visit soon. I won’t have our boy forgettin’ his father’s face.”

“Delilah,” he said firmly. “I promise I’ll be back. I swear.”

She let her hand rest on her knee. “Take care, drive safe.”

He smiled, and he waved goodbye as he shut the front door behind him.

[huntersanonymous]

It’s Just A Word // Soulmate AU (Prologue)

Author: sumcp

Prologue: The Birthday “Gift”

Characters: Stiles Stilinski x Reader

Word Count: 1728

Warnings:  Panic attack( trigger warning?), a little swearing

Note: So this is a Soulmate AU, but it will follow season 5a with minor changes. This series would not be possible without @honeymoonmuke, Hannah is the kindest soul and convinced me to just write it since the idea had been sitting in my drafts since I started on tumblr.

Chapter One

nodus tollens

n. the realization that the plot of your life doesn’t make sense to you anymore—that although you thought you were following the arc of the story, you keep finding yourself immersed in passages you don’t understand, that don’t even seem to belong in the same genre—which requires you to go back and reread the chapters you had originally skimmed to get to the good parts, only to learn that all along you were supposed to choose your own adventure. 11:58 pm. 2 minutes. 160 seconds. You continued to stare at the inside of your arms, waiting for the word to appear. The word that will determine what your soulmate thinks of you for the rest of your life, well if you find him that is. You ran your fingers gently over your skin, goosebumps forming at your touch. You bit your lip nervously, a million possible words flying through your mind. You could get anything, and you didn’t get a do over. 

11:59. In 60 seconds a word is going to appear on your arm, and it sure as hell won’t be in sharpie. You will never be able to erase the word of your skin, always a reminder of exactly what you are. Everyone says you can turn the other cheek, not pay any mind to the word, but how. How do you ignore what the cosmic universe thinks of you? You continued gnawing on your bottom lip, a metallic taste soon coating your tongue, but you didn’t care. 

“Okay Y/N. No matter what this word says, you are a good person. You are too strong to be brought down by  a stupid word,” you laughed as you continued talking to yourself aloud, “No big deal.. It’s just a bunch of letters etched on your skin for eternity and if its bad and you actually luck up and meet your soulmate they could totally disown you and you will live forever alone with 5 cats. Yep. Totally not a big deal.” You took a peak at your door, wondering if your dad was waiting outside. You told him you wanted to be alone when the word appeared, but knowing him he would come in and check on you regardless.

Stiles couldn’t sit still, his leg bouncing up and down nervously. He had been counting down the minutes, staring at his clock on his nightstand watching the digital numbers continue to get closer to midnight. 45 minutes, he thought to himself. He was brought of his thoughts as his phone started ringing somewhere from under his covers. He aimlessly searched the sheets until his fingers came in contact with a cool metal surface. He brought it up to his face, the light from the screen blinding him slightly as he pressed the green button.

“HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY BRO!” Scott was yelling so loud he had to pull the phone back from his ear before he went deaf. He was fixing to thank him when his best friend since childhood went into a horrible rendition of happy birthday.

“Scotty if I wasn’t deaf before the screaming I definitely am after the singing.” Stiles heard his friend scoff from the other end, which made him chuckle.

“Ass. That’s not how you thank someone for staying up and singing Happy Birthday to you.”

“Singing is a strong word Scott.” Stiles didn’t hide the laugh that escaped his lips this time, and he heard Scott gasp in fake heartbreak.

“I am offended. I’m a fantastic singer.” Stiles was practically rolling now, tears threatening to spill from the corner of his eyes as he clenched his stomach.

“Yeah right Scotty. If your shower head could talk, it would probably kill you from all the torture of your so-called singing.” Scott laughed this time, and they both sat on the phone giggling like school girls over his comment. Stiles was pulled out of his conversation by a knock on the door. “I’ll call you back bro, my dad wants to talk to me.” He didn’t wait for a reply, clicking the end call button and putting his phone down as his dad walked in the room in his room, a sad expression on his face.

“Hey kiddo… I’m fixing to head out for my shift. I just wanted to tell you happy birthday.”

“Thanks dad.” He smiled at his father, who was still wearing the same frown on his face. “What’s wrong pops?”

“I just wish I didn’t have to work tonight.. It’s a big deal Stiles. You know, you get your word. I don’t wanna miss that.” Noah was shuffling on his feet, not wanting to look into his son’s eyes.

“Dad it’s okay. You’re doing your job, making sure the streets of Beacon Hills are safe. If you couldn’t be here, then that’s where I’d want you.” Stiles watched as the frown turned into a small smile and that made his own smile grow wider. "And besides, you gotta put in the groundwork right? The election for sheriff is coming up and you’re a shoe-in.“

“Sometime’s I wonder what I did to deserve you kid.” Stiles watched his dad cross the room, and engulf him in a tight hug. He hugged him back, not wanting him to leave. Stiles didn’t want to make a big deal about his birthday because he knew his dad couldn’t take time off, not in the middle of election season, but he didn’t want to be alone when the word appeared. “You know no matter what that word says, I will love you right?” His dad’s voice was barely above a whisper, but Stiles could hear the sincerity in it. He gave him a tight squeeze before pulling out of the hug.

“I know dad.” Noah patted him on the shoulder as he started to walk out the door. Stiles watched him get to the door frame, and he couldn’t stop the words that left his lips. “Be careful.“ 

“Always Stiles. Always.” His eyes connected with his dad’s and he just gave him a nod. They didn’t need to be any other words said, the look they gave each other conveying everything. 

You mentally counted down the seconds, no longer able to sit down. You had been pacing your floor like a caged tiger, looking for some sort of escape but there was none in sight. Your digital clock flickered to 12, and you stopped dead in your tracks. An echo rang through your head, an imaginary grandfather clock striking midnight. Your inner dialogue was screaming in your head, and the air became more soupy, making it harder to breathe. You felt the burn on your arm, and tried your best to catch a breath. As fast as the pain appeared, it was gone in a blink of an eye. You didn’t dare peak, your motor function’s incapable of working.

“Okay Y/N. On the count of 3 you are going to open your eyes. 1… 2….. 3.” Your eyes flew open, and down at the word written in a delicate font. You felt the glossy sheen coating your eyes as you stared at the 7 letters displayed on your arm, your thoughts scattering like an electrical storm in your head, too many short-circuits to make any sense. You stood in the room as the tears burst forth like water from a dam, spilling down your face. You felt the muscles of you chin tremble as you stared at the word. It felt as if your entire body shut down leaving only static in your head. You heard your own sobs, like a distressed child, raw from the inside. Seeing the word took something out of you, something you didn’t know you had left to give. 

“Bro 2 more minutes. Are you ready?” Scott asked excitedly.

“I guess. I don’t know.. I’m more nervous. What if it’s bad Scott.. What if I get something like loser, or failure, or hopeless. If I actually meet her, my soulmate, what would she think?” Stiles mind was becoming hazy with all the possible words the universe could stick him with.

“Dude calm down. She’d be your soulmate, she would love you despite what your arm would say. 

"That’s easy for you to say Scott. Your word is selfless, what girl wouldn’t want that?” Stiles let out a dramatic sigh, his gaze landing on the clock. 11:59.

“Deep breath Stiles. I know you. Your word will reflect the person I know you are, which is funny and smart and kind.” A smile made it’s way on his face, and he took in a deep breath. 

“Thanks bro.” Stiles watched the number change and he felt a burning sensation on his arm. He closed his eyes, wincing slightly. 

“Happy birthday buddy… what does it say?” The phone slipped out of his hands and Stiles didn’t hear a word his best friend said, the only thing he was focused on was the word. The word that just flipped his entire word upside down. “Stiles?" 

He faintly heard the mumbled voice of Scott calling his name but he couldn’t pick up the phone. He wished for loser. He prayed for failure. He cried for hopeless. He begged for any other word, anything other than the 8 letters staring back at him. The panic started, his nerves jumping all together, and in different directions. It quickly became a cataclysm of ice water surrounding every limb, creeping higher until it passed his mouth and nose. He felt his ribs heaving as if bound by ropes, straining to inflate his lungs, that’s when the attack became absolute, shutting his body down as fast as punching a reset button.

Alright guys, anyone have a guess at what their words are? Let me know :)

[orbemnews]

Not Your Pre-Pandemic Las Vegas A decade ago, after a rained-out Thanksgiving desert camping trip with our five kids, my wife, Kristin, and I headed to the nearest available lodging, the now-shuttered Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas. Watching our brood eat their Thanksgiving meal as cigarette smoke and slot-machine clamor wafted over their cheeseburgers, Kristin and I locked eyes with an unspoken message: We ar­­e the world’s worst parents. We have avoided Las Vegas with the kids since then, but an aborted drive to slushy Aspen this April with three of our heirs caused us to pause in Vegas. At the time, the city was just awakening from its Covid slumber, with mandatory masks and limited capacity in most indoor spaces, traffic so light that cars were drag-racing down the normally packed Strip, and a lingering, troubling question over the whole place: Will this reopening really be safe? But extraordinary things have been happening during this slumber, and while we were only going to spend one night there, we had so much fun that we ended up staying four. At first we spent most of our time in the relative safety of the outdoors, but then we started to relax along with the rest of the city, drowning our hands beneath the ubiquitous liquid sanitizer dispensers, masking up and heading indoors. I knew things had shifted in Sin City when, while maneuvering the minivan through some seemingly dicey neighborhood between Downtown and the Strip, I noted on the back alley wall of a hair salon a striking mural depicting the cult outsider artist Henry Darger’s seven Vivian Girl warriors in their trademark yellow dresses. What were the Vivian Girls doing here? Farther along, Vegas’s ghost-town adult stores, shuttered warehouses and other buildings were also sporting increasingly elaborate murals: a blood-squirting horned lizard spanning half a city block; a dog with an impressively slobbering tongue piloting an open cockpit plane; a colorful phoenix and dragon rising like fireworks from an empty parking lot — all producing collective surprised “Wows!” from inside our minivan. Las Vegas, it seems, is emerging from the Covid crisis as a place of spectacle and creativity, especially outside the air-conditioned gambling ghettos of the Strip. Over the next four days we did a lot of walking, crawling, flying and even railroading, all of it away from the casinos. We explored the Arts District, an area that has gone into hyper drive — so much so that we waited 30 minutes to get into my once “secret” Colombian breakfast joint, Makers & Finders — and wandered along Spring Mountain Road, the hub of the city’s Chinatown, rapidly expanding westward. In the midcentury mecca of East Fremont Street, a $350 million investment by the tech titan Tony Hsieh, who died last year, has produced a boulevard of fantastical art installations, restored buildings and a sculptural playground surrounded by stacked shipping containers converted to boutiques and cafes, all guarded by a giant, fire-spewing, steel praying mantis. “Vegas is going through a cultural renaissance,” a former member of the city’s Arts Commission, Brian “Paco” Alvarez, told me in a recent telephone interview. “A lot of the local culture that comes out of a city with two million unusually creative people didn’t stop during the pandemic.” A mysterious, windowless building The most striking newcomer is Area15, which opened in February in a mysterious, airport-hanger-size, windowless building two miles west of the Strip. Imagine an urban Burning Man mall (indeed, many of the sculptures and installations came from the annual arts festival held in northern Nevada), with some dozen tenants providing everything from virtual reality trips to nonvirtual ax throwing, accompanied by Day-Glo color schemes, electronic music, giant interactive art installations and guests flying overhead on seats attached to ceiling rails. Face masks are currently only mandatory in Area15 for self-identified unvaccinated people, though some of the attractions within still require face masks for everyone. Everywhere, we encountered the constant presence of cleaning attendants spraying and wiping surfaces. On the second floor of Area15’s art riot I met an old acquaintance from New York, Chris Wink, one of the co-founders of the joyously weird Blue Man Group, who was bringing his creative magic to Area15 in the form of a “Psychedelic Art House Meets Carnival Funhouse” called Wink World (adult tickets start at $18). Wink World is centered around six rooms with infinity mirror boxes reflecting Slinkys, plasma balls, fan spinners, Hoberman Spheres and ribbons dancing to an ethereal soundtrack of electronic music, rhythmic chanting and heavy breathing. “I worked on these installations for six years in my living room in New York,” Mr. Wink told me. “I was trying to evoke psychedelic experiences without medicine.” My unmedicated children were transfixed, as if these familiar toys frolicking into eternity were totems to their own personal nirvanas. I’ve never seen them stand so still in front of an art exhibit. Lava-filled caves and artificial lawns Omega Mart (adult admissions start at $45, face mask and temperature check mandatory), the biggest attraction in the complex, lines one side of the complex’s atrium and seemed — at first — to provide a banal respite from Area15’s sensory overload. Along the sale aisles I found Nut Free Salted Peanuts, Gut Monkey Ginger Ale and cans of Camels Implied Chicken Sop. My kids, good campers, immediately ducked into a small demonstration tent erected in the back of the store. They never came out again. A hidden entry brought them through the wall and into a world of artificial lawns, lava-filled caves, drab offices, a desert canyon, locker rooms, a secret bar and other divergent spaces often linked by hidden entrances. “Pull every knob and open every closet you see, Dad,” my daughter, Vivian, breathlessly advised as she whizzed by me for the fourth time in this 52,000-square-foot maze. Created by the renowned Santa Fe artist collective Meow Wolf (the name derived from pulling two random words from a hat during their first meeting), Omega Mart is an amalgamation of some 325 artists’ creations tied together by disparate overlapping story lines which one can follow — or not. For a short time, I tracked the story of the takeover of Omega Mart’s corporate headquarters by a hilariously manipulative New Agey daughter, and then got sidelined into the tale of a teen herbalist leading a rebellion to something else. I have no idea what I experienced other than that Brian Eno composed the music to one of the installations. None of my kids could explain what they experienced either, other than something mind-expanding. If it wasn’t for dinner, we might still be in there. Feasting in Chinatown Dinner! The choices are dizzying and there are now 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. We weren’t going to any of them. Leaving Area15, even the distant lights of the Strip seemed relatively calming. But we were driving the opposite direction, to Chinatown. A decade ago, Chinatown was mainly a small enclave of restaurants and shops behind an ornate red gate overlooking a strip mall called Chinatown Plaza, catering to Vegas’s growing wave of Asian immigrants. Chinatown has now expanded to the far reaches of Spring Mountain Road, a desert Hong Kong of neon signs in Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean, advertising restaurants, coffee houses, foot-massage salons and lots of stuff I couldn’t read. Our goal was an unlikely corner of a strip mall, where hides, in the Jones family’s collective opinion, the best Japanese restaurant in North America, Raku. Step behind an understated white backlit sign and you enter an aged wood interior of an intimate restaurant that you might find off a Kyoto alley. We slid into the family-style tables behind the main dining room and commenced to feast. There’s a $100 tasting menu if you are feeling adult, but my tribe ordered cream-like tofu with dried fish, foie gras skewers and a dozen other items. Chinatown became our go-to-spot for snacks and boba tea between adventures. A favorite spot became Pho 90, a low-key Vietnamese cafe with outstanding noodle dishes and exquisitely layered banh mi sandwiches for picnics in the wild. Beyond the city Las Vegas’s expanding grid abruptly surrenders to the desert, which might be the most overlooked part of Vegas family vacations. Red Rock Canyon, 17 miles west of the Strip, is like walking into a Road Runner cartoon with a Technicolor ballet of clashing tectonic formations. We grabbed our admittedly reluctant brood on a 2.4-mile, round-trip hike on the Keystone Thrust Trail through a series of gullies until we emerged above epic white limestone cliffs jutting through the ocher-colored mountains. Here we had our Vietnamese picnic overlooking the monolithic casinos in the distance. Our last night’s excursion into nature didn’t take any persuasion: Half an hour’s drive south to Boulder City, a company called Rail Explorers has set up rail bike tours on the abandoned tracks leading to the Hoover Dam construction site. We booked a sunset tour (from $85 to $150 for a tandem quad bike). After some quick instruction, we, along with three dozen other visitors, climbed into an 800-pound, four-person Korean-made bike rig and, giving the group ahead of us a three-minute head start for some space, started peddling. Our route was along four miles of desert track gently sloping into a narrowing canyon pass. As we effortlessly peddled at 10 miles per hour, we noticed that the spikes holding down the railroad ties were often crooked or missing. “I bet these were all driven in by hand,” my teenage son, Cody, a history buff, noted. In the enveloping dusk, we glimpsed shadows moving along the sagebrush: bighorn sheep, goats and other critters emerging for their nocturnal wanderings. But the most surreal sight was at the end of the ride, where a giant backlit sign for a truck stop casino appeared over a desert butte — Vegas was beckoning us back, but now we welcomed the summons. Here we were, peddling into the sunset, feeling more athletic, cool and (gasp!) enlightened than when we first rolled into Vegas four days ago. Oh what good parents we were! “The moniker of ‘Sin City’ is totally wrong,” Mr. Alvarez told me, “if you know where to look.” Source link Orbem News #Las #prepandemic #Vegas

[builder051]

88 pleeeease! Also just stopping by to say that your blog is fantastic and your writing never fails to make my day :)

Thanks so much, anon.  You’re sweet!

Hello, Criminal Minds!  I don’t write for Spencer as often as I do for my other fandom characters because I just don’t feel like I have a ton to add that hasn’t been done a million times already.  This one’ll be no different; workaholic/sick Spencer is totally a common trope, but hey, here goes…

I also don’t have a fantastic case idea at the moment, so may apologies for the blurriness.  This will be set somewhat mid-series with the “dream team” in place (Hotch, Rossi, JJ, Emily, Garcia, Morgan, Reid).  And I realize now that I’ve written this that I tend to have people barfing in trash cans in most of my CM stories…Again, sorry, but I think that is a bit of a unique thing that doesn’t get used quite so often…

___

He knows early on that it’s not going to be a good day.  Spencer rolls to the edge of his bed to silence the alarm clock that’s threatening to bore a hole in his skull with its unwelcomely loud chiming.  His body feels heavier than usual as he reaches through the cold November air and slides the switch on top of the plastic clock.

He quickly sheds his pajamas and slouches to the bathroom to splash water on his face and take a brush to his hair.  Though he’s still squinting with sleepiness, Spencer gives his reflection a good once-over.  He doesn’t care much for the countenance that stares back, so he drops his eyes to the cracked laminate countertop.  He’s pale, with dark circles under his eyes.  His hair looks especially dark in contrast to his skin, and it falls around his chin, drawing attention to collarbones that are a little too prominent, and, as the eye runs further down, ribs that probably shouldn’t be so visible.

He should probably eat a little better.  But Spencer rarely has time for sustenance besides over-sweetened coffee and occasional takeout.  This morning, for example, he should grab something like a granola bar or a piece of toast on his way out the door.  But the longer he stands there, the more it looks like there’ll only be time to grab his briefcase and sprint out the door.

Spencer’s 3 minutes early for the start of his shift, but for him that means he’s right on time.  Caffeine is the first order of business, and he pours himself a Styrofoam cup of steaming liquid before he even sits down at his desk.  The headache that’s becoming routine starts pounding as he dumps multiple packets of sweetener into his beverage.

There’s a new manila folder on top of Spencer’s neatly ordered desk.  He flops into his chair, careful not to spill his precious coffee, and immediately flips open the packet of photos to take a look.

They show three women, all artificially blonde, all middle-aged, and all dead.  Dumped in some kind of swamp grass.  Stab wounds and bloodied clothing making them look like leftover Halloween decorations of the worst possible kind.

A chill wracks Spencer’s shoulders.  He’s not normally bothered by gore; he wouldn’t be able to do his job if he was.  He holds his coffee close to his face and inhales the warm vapor coming off the top.  Spencer takes a small sip, hoping the uncomfortable flip his stomach produces in response is just a fluke he can forget about.

“Hey, pretty boy,” Morgan calls across the bullpen when he arrives a few minutes later.  “Getting a head start?”

“Hm?”  Spencer looks up from the photo absorbing his attention.  Despite all the staring, he can’t seem to take in the details.  And apparently it’s the same case with Morgan’s words.

“Haven’t drunk all the coffee, have you?” Morgan asks, swinging by Spencer’s desk on the way to his own.

“No, I’m…this is my first cup,” Spencer replies.  He clears his throat to rid his voice of the sleepy, gunked-up tone it carries.

“You ok?” Morgan poses, piercing Spencer’s gaze with his own.

“Oh, yeah.”  Spencer takes a sip of coffee while he brews up an excuse.  “Just, didn’t sleep very well last night.”  It’s a lie.  For once, he did sleep through the night.  But it seems to have hardly made a difference because he’s still exhausted.  Plus headachy, and cold, and lacking interest in consuming anything, even coffee.  His symptoms seems to be compounding under his nose.  But admitting he feels sick is about the last thing Spencer wants to do today.

“Well, get going on that coffee, then,” Morgan says with a sympathetic chuckle.  He nods at the case file on Spencer’s desk.  “I think you’re gonnaneed it.”

Half an hour later, the agents are in the briefing room.  Garcia walks them through the basics of the situation: three women dead over three days, and each kill more violent than the last.  Spencer slumps over the conference table, his elbow on the hard wood and his chin resting in his hand.  The blown up images on the projection screen seem to be vibrating before his eyes.  Spencer isn’t sure if it’s something happening with the technology or if the tremor in his fingers is working its way through his whole body.  He blinks hard, but nothing happens.  Except for the drip that decides to tickle the end of his nose.

“Wheels up in twenty,” Hotch is suddenly saying.  Spencer’s sure there was a good amount before that, but he’s completely missed it.  Everyone shuffles their papers and heads back to the bullpen to collect their things.  Spencer stays bent forward for a moment, bringing his fists to his eyes in an attempt to collect himself.  His hands are cold and his face is warm.  An ache in his low back is beginning to skulk up toward his shoulders, leaving the greater part of his body feeling tender and sore.

“Hey Spence?”  A soft hand comes down on the back of Spencer’s chair, then on his shoulder.  “What’s going on?” JJ asks.

“I’m…I’m ok,” Spencer says, his voice choked with the sour taste in his throat.  His palms are growing sweaty, and he unclenches them to press them flat to the table.

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” Spencer weakly insists.  But then the dim room tips slightly to one side, and he has to drop his clammy forehead to the hard surface in front of him.

“Hey, breathe, ok?” JJ instructs.  She strokes Spencer’s arm and leans toward him.  He can see the ends of her long blonde hair dancing on the wood grain of the table in the low light.

Even her dainty touch is oppressive, and Spencer shrugs JJ’s hand away.  “Alright, it’s ok,” she intones.  “Is it a headache?  I can tell you’re nauseous.” Though she doesn’t touch him again, Spencer can sense her fingers hovering over the exposed skin on the back of his neck.  “You’re really warm…”

“I’m fine,” Spencer chokes out.  His throat is closing up around the urge to vomit.  “Just need to…go get my bag.”

“No, no, if you’re feeling this bad, I know you don’t want to go hop on a jet…”

“I can work.”  Mucousy and acidic saliva is getting harder to swallow back down.  He gags involuntarily and sends a fine spray of coffee-tinged spit onto the conference table.

“Ok, it’s ok,” JJ soothes.  Her footsteps hurriedly pad around the table, then back with the addition of a rustling trash bag.  “Here you go.”  She holds it while Spencer shifts 45 degrees and starts dry heaving.

Nothing comes up.  The few sips of coffee he’s consumed are already too far through his system, so it’s all empty air and a few ropes of saliva that fall into the bin.

“You’re alright,” JJ whispers.  She one-handedly pulls out the chair beside Spencer’s and sits, still propping the trash can up on his knees.

A figure appears in the doorway of the dark conference room.  “Is everything ok?” Hotch’s voice asks.  He flips on the light, and Spencer immediately screws his eyes shut against the sudden brightness.

“Just…not feeling so good,” JJ relays as Spencer frantically fights a retch and tries to find words to downplay the obvious.

“I’m fine,” he forces out, sitting back upright and wiping his sleeve over his mouth.  Lightheadedness threatens to down him, but Spencer fights it with white knuckles clamped over the edge of the table before him.

“No, you’re not,” Hotch says.  “You’re sick.  You didn’t need to come in this morning.”

“I can…I just…can still…work,” Spencer pants, knowing he’s fighting a losing battle.

“I’m sure you can work,” Hotch states.  “It’s just not the smart thing to do right now.”  He takes the trash can from JJ’s grip and nods toward the door. She smoothly takes her leave, trailing her hand sweetly over the back of Spencer’s head on her way out.

“Feel better, ok?” she says.

Spencer nods dizzily and wraps his arms around his torso for warmth and to protect his sloshing stomach.

“Reid,” Hotch says.  “Your dedication is impressive.  But you need to take care of yourself first.”

Spencer sighs.

“You can work from here with Garcia.”

Spencer’s alight with the opportunity.

“But, tomorrow.  Or the next day,” Hotch clarifies.  “For now, you need to be at home.”

[ts1989fanatic]

Taylor Swift’s Video Director Joseph Kahn Has Something to Say to Her Haters

The Swifties who’ve watched Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do”video 704 million times since it came out on August 27, may or may not recognize the name Joseph Kahn. But they’ve likely been freaking out about the auteurist videos he’s made with Swift for years. 

Ever since he and Swift first teamed up in November 2014 for that epic, four-minute, insane-girlfriend saga “Blank Space” (2.2 billion views), Kahn has been the director the singer has turned to most often to help her visually express her id — such as zombie Taylor digging a grave for her own reputation in “Look,” or sitting on a throne of snakes that represent her conquering of Kim Kardashian’s diss of her. Kahn did four out of six videos from her last album, 1989 (“Blank Space,” “Bad Blood,” “Wildest Dreams,” “Out of the Woods”) and the only two videos off of Reputation so far (“Look” and “…Ready for It”). He’s also a wildly outspoken 45-year-old Korean-American with a philosophy of answering any question that’s asked of him and a penchant for stream-of-consciousness tweeting — and has somehow become Swift’s de facto spokesperson in her post-snakes-and-receipts era of never giving interviews. Every headline you read that’s like, “Taylor Swift Director Claims Beyoncé Copied ‘Bad Blood’” — that’s him.

He’s also a pretty dope filmmaker. And at this week’s AFI Festival in Los Angeles, as Swift’s Reputation is on track to being her biggest album ever, he screened Bodied, an outrageous, politically incorrect battle rap movie he directed — as only his third feature film in 26 years in the business. 

Bodied comes to AFI still without a distributor. But at the Toronto International Film Festival midnight screening I attended back in September, the reception was through the roof, and I’m not just talking about the end of the movie, I’m talking throughout. Indiewire dubbed it “the most subversive hip-hop movie ever” and it took home the Audience Award in its category, before winning the Audience Award at Fantastic Fest. 

The story is like 8 Mile turned on its head, as a skinny white Ph.D. candidate, Adam (Calum Worthy), stumbles into the underground rap-battle world and discovers he has mad skills for spitting racist one-liners and skewering his own white privilege. 

Don’t worry, Adam may be the center of the movie, as he goes up against other battlers such as black philosopher and father Behn Grymm (Jackie Long) and Korean-American Dumbfounded (Jonathan Park), but he’s far from the hero. Kahn co-wrote the script with actual Toronto battle rapper Alex Larsen (a.k.a. Kid Twist), and Eminem is a producer, for that dash of extra cred. Vulture talked to Kahn about his working relationship with Taylor Swift, and how Bodied was inspired by “Wildest Dreams.”

You’ve had a lot of trouble getting distribution for Bodied. We all thought it was going to get sold out of Toronto because it was literally the biggest hit of the festival. A lot of the major distributors didn’t understand it. I heard Netflix just didn’t like the way my protagonist wasn’t really a protagonist — which is the entire point of the movie! I’ve had offers that want me to chop up the rap, make the protagonist more likable. None of that is happening on my watch. But we’re close to cutting a deal.

What’s the disconnect? Bodied is an indie film that has no stars and is not a horror film. People talk in ebonics for three-quarters of the movie. It’s hard to market. It’s a battle rap movie, but it has elevated concepts, so you’re looking for a smart audience who may not listen to battle rap at all. How do you market that?

Well, Get Out didn’t have a natural audience either. Get Out is child’s play compared to Bodied. At the end of the day, that’s a horror movie, and when you have a horror movie, all it has to do to work is do one thing: Can it scare you? With Bodied, what are you promising? You’re promising people screaming at each other in rap.

Fighting words for Get Out. No, it’s true! People don’t know what a battle rap movie means. It’s not a genre film. It does not fit into a slot.

I feel like Bodied is a movie you really want to see in a theater. I think that distributors don’t understand why people go to movies. They think the only reason people go is to see spectacle, right? They think that the only way to trap them in a seat is to thrill them with a bunch of superheroes hitting each other and lots of special effects, and the audience feels like they get their money’s worth. It’s a really absurd thing to ask an audience, to willingly put themselves into a black box, filled with other people they don’t know, and force themselves not to be able to go to the bathroom, eat expensive food, and not look at their phone or check texts for two hours.

I don’t think special effects is the reason they’re [going]. When people go to Bodied and have this shared experience of laughing, being offended, and questioning things on an emotional roller coaster, that’s a reason for people to sit in that black box and not check their phones. Bodied supplies a catharsis. In a world where you’re not allowed to say anything offensive, this is a chance for people to share an open release for things that are not allowed in society. That’s an event.

Do you think it plays differently every time, based on what kinds of offensive things the president has said before people see it? I find that the temperature of the politics affects the movie, because people have different hot topics in their head, and Bodied runs the gamut of everything. If you’re worried about racism, it’s in there; if you’re worried about sexism, it’s in there; if you’re worried about harassment, it’s in there. Either way, the movie never gives you an answer. It’s a box you throw problems in, shake it up, and listen to how it sounds. It may sound different, but ultimately, the shaking is what you’re experiencing. I think it just depends on what people are perceiving about the movie at that point. It’s a Rorschach test.

Do you think sexual assault in the news will change the way audiences react to the misogynistic one-liners — which are really skewering misogyny? It’s not like sexual assault didn’t exist before last month. It’s not a surprise to women that sexual assault exists, and they watch the movie and love it. I think what’ll end up happening is that there will be males who probably overcompensate, because now they’re more “woke” than they were before. But one of the things I think the movie explores is that you can be “woke” but not understand what you’re “woke” about — it’s a superficial understanding. I think there may be a lot of people out there who go, “Oh, now I need to overcompensate to show how correct I am about this particular topic [harassment],” and they make an inauthentic interaction with the movie, because that line between actually thinking about something and wanting to think about something can be very bad.

Can we talk about the videos you just directed? So we’re going from harassment to Taylor Swift? [Laughs.]

Ha, sorry, that was a rough transition. How did that relationship begin? This is now six times that you guys have worked together. It just started as any other relationship, where a pop star asked the director to direct a video, and we just clicked. We had an immediate understanding of how we both perceive music videos, and our tastes are very similar. It’s just been a very fruitful collaboration, and it really has been a collaboration. None of these music videos are just me going off and doing my thing. They are very much mapped out between her and me at the beginning and through the whole process. And when we’re on set, we’re always throwing ideas at each other, trying to mine and figure out — I know it sounds pretentious because these are pop videos, but we really try to do every scene from a truthful POV, like, “what makes sense and what feels authentic for that particular scene.” She’s very good about that, and that’s what I seek out when I do these things.

Was she a longtime fan of yours? She’s what, 27 now in 2017? By the time she was 14, she would’ve been watching “Toxic” and videos like that. She is a pop-culture sponge. I can’t confirm this stuff, but I can hypothesize, knowing her and how vast her knowledge is of music and pop culture, that she was very aware of my work.

What is the give-and-take and dynamic of your collaboration? Like, how did you guys figure out the concept for “…Ready for It?” She called me up and pretty much had the idea mapped out in her head. It’s almost like she gave me a gift, because what she was thinking was right up my alley in terms of my fascination with Japanese pop culture and sci-fi. I really do suspect, on a certain level, this is a thank-you note to let me get my rocks off on my sci-fi fetishes! Wrong word, by the way! [Laughs.]

Were Blade Runner or Westworld influences? Well, obviously the whole gamut of sci-fi.

When that’s happening, are you breaking out all your references? Does she have a vast knowledge of sci-fi that we don’t know about that she brings out for you? She doesn’t talk in terms of “this looks like that,” or “I want that.” She just tells me a story of her battling robots and things like that, and then I have to frame it within the context of the sci-fi knowledge that I have and interpret it. Then I go back, pitch her images. It’s a very collaborative process.

How does it differ from making movies? With Taylor, it actually feels like we’re shooting movies. You would never get that with other artists, but she’s just so fluid in her language of cinema. She understands what a close-up does, what a medium shot is. She understands an edit, and she’ll watch me edit as I shoot. She loves filling in the gaps. We might shoot two scenes and there may be an empty blank in the edit as we’re going along, and when she sees the blank get filled up with another shot, her eyes light up. I find it very gratifying to work with someone who is so edit specific.

How has the working relationship evolved since you started working on “Blank Space?” I think we’ve gotten easier with each other’s language in terms of how we talk. Quite frankly, she has always been a very approachable person. Right off the bat, you can just text her and she’ll text you back. You give her an idea, she’ll respond immediately. What’s more amazing about the working relationship over this few years is how little has changed. As big as she’s gotten, she’s still the girl you can text and get answers back from immediately, which is very rare for an artist.

There was all that criticism for the “Wildest Dreams” video about it being racist, in that it’s supposed to be on a 1950′s movie set in Africa and there are hardly any black people … One thing I have noticed, being in Taylor’s world — god, this really is turning into a Taylor Swift interview!

People are interested! Besides we’re talking about the work you do together, not her personal life. The thing I’ve learned over the last couple years working with her, and I’ve worked with everybody — I’ve been doing music videos for nearly 30 years now — I have never seen anyone else get the amount of criticism she gets for the slightest thing. It’s really odd, especially because she’s an anomaly: She is genuinely a nice person.

I’m telling you, this is the most insane thing I have ever seen. She is genuinely a nice, cool, well-rounded, totally stable person, and society doesn’t know what to do with a woman like that! They really don’t! They need to knock her down! I feel what’s happening is, they see this incredibly stable, super-secure, super-smart, eloquent woman who can talk for herself, which is very odd because most artists, male or female, can’t talk. And she can do it! She’s a writer! That’s what she is! She’s a poet, and she has very clear thoughts. I find that people are intimidated by it, and people resent it for some reason! They need to see her bleed, and they’re trying to make her go crazy to see her come down.

It’s the old story. You’ve seen it happen a million times before — and they don’t do it to guys, it’s always women. You take a girl who gets a certain amount of power, like a Britney, a Madonna, a Mariah or whatever, they get to a certain level of success, and then the media — I’m sorry, but it’s literally the media — write these horrible stories and insinuations. They want to tear the artist down to the point where they want to go to a hospital, and then they want make money on the comeback story, too. They do the celebration and say, “Oh, Britney is back!”

Taylor refuses to let that happen. She does not want to be another one of those stories of a girl getting who gets torn down by the media and suddenly rises on her feet again on the backs of everyone writing their think pieces about how great she is again. She’s not letting that process happen, and I applaud her for that. Fight! Keep your sanity and integrity! You don’t need people to tear you down and bring you back up to sell records. Just be you. I think that’s what’s cool about it. When it comes to criticism and things like that, I’ve been through the process many times myself, and I’ve been criticized over many, many years, but I’m a 45-year-old guy, and it took me longer to figure that out. She’s 27 and she’s already figured that out.

So there was all this recent backlash when Taylor’s attorney apparently went after a blogger who’d linked her with the alt-right. Your response was to tweet a photo of Kanye and Trumpand said, “Let’s remember there’s one major recording artist who has publicly endorsed a white supremacist.” Yeah, there’s this whole hullabaloo right now about Taylor supporting Trump — which she never has— and being accused of being a white supremacist, and meanwhile, that guy [Kanye] gets a free pass. And he’s the one that has been attacking Taylor for years! We treat men and women completely different! Can you imagine if Taylor had a photo of herself smiling with Trump? Donezo! Done! [Laughs.] Meanwhile, we look at Kanye and think, “Oh no, he was just a little sick at the time,” and then he comes onstage going “I love Trump,” and it’s, “Oh, we really don’t believe him.” How many passes do you give to guys over women? It’s the same thing with Trump! How many times has Trump done completely insane things for which we keep giving him passes, and meanwhile, Hillary — and I was a Hillary supporter, I’ll make no bones about that — I don’t think she did anything. The double standard was super crazy!

You’ve become almost like a de facto spokesperson for Taylor. Yes but not by choice, and this is the reason why: My Twitter has always been there and I always speak my mind. I’ve done that since the beginning of Twitter and I’ve gotten in trouble for it. People who have followed me for years know that I just literally say what’s on the top of my head. Taylor, this album cycle, has not given one interview so the media is thirsty. They’re looking for any way in so they just go to me because I made a couple videos with her and they’re just mining my Twitter, or anything I say, for anything. If I go into an interview on Bodied which is — you said to me, “It’s the biggest hit of TIFF” — and people are asking me about Taylor Swift because they know that if they put Taylor Swift in the article the hits go up.

How interested are you in shaping the public perception of Taylor, especially through the videos? Are you throwing tiny references into the videos because you know they’ll go under a microscope? Yeah, of course. Quite a bit of that comes from Taylor. I don’t give the message. We’re just trying to figure out clever ways to express the metaphors in the songs. But we go into it being aware of what the video’s agenda is. The think pieces you write about them are earned.

You’ve dealt with a lot of high-profile artists before. Have your videos ever been as scrutinized as much as they are now? No, but I’ve been doing pop videos since before they were cool. Right now, people look back on “Toxic” and go, “That’s one of the greatest videos of all time,” and people write think pieces on it hailing it as a work of art. That would have never happened in 2004! Back in 2004, Britney was not cool. She was just a popular artist who was crazy and about to go into a hospital. I was this hack director just doing videos for her and Sisqo, right? I did not have any critical respect until, literally in the last four to five years, something happened where people suddenly started thinking that pop is art. I think social media and Twitter had a lot to do with pop getting intellectualized.

I remember putting my work onto a website in 2005 so that people could, for the first time, track how this one director did all these disparate videos. Somehow, with the collated version of the internet, there’s just been much more research being done on pop. I didn’t get my respect until things like Wikipedia, Facebook and social media became big and people could connect the dots. So there’s two things going on. One, the internet didn’t exist to the degree it does now so people couldn’t track my work, and two, in this sort of hyperbolic version of pop analysis, Taylor’s the biggest pop star in the world, so people are taking some serious microscopes into anything that we do.

What, exactly, is going on in “…Ready for It?” Here’s the one thing I won’t do: I won’t speak for Taylor. I have to give her the right to express or not express what she wants to feel about these videos. At the end of the day, as strong of an artist as I am, it’s a collaboration with Taylor, and she is the ultimate artist in these videos. They’re her songs, her stories, and I am a great paintbrush, but she is the canvas and the paint. So when it comes to interpretation, I’ve got to let her control that.

Can you give me the timeline for when you started working on Bodied? I’m curious how it was influenced by the music videos you’d done with her before you shot it, and how it influenced the videos you did with her that came after it. Believe it or not, Bodied was actually inspired by “Wildest Dreams,” the controversial video I’d done with Taylor.

Really? Well, for the longest time, I wanted to make a battle rap movie because I love the art form. I love its freedom of expression, and the cleverness of the poetry being flung at each other as insults. As someone who loves competition, that’s fun for me. But I didn’t want to make a sports movie, which is what it would normally be. I reached out to Alex, the writer, who was a battle rapper himself, and I was going to write a comedy or a horror film with him. It wasn’t going to be about battle rap. But anyway, I did “Wildest Dreams,” and having been in the fold with Taylor and knowing how quick the media is to judge her on anything, we were trying to predict what would go wrong with this thing.

There were criticisms of it being racist and you issued this response that said that it was a video about a tortured love story between Taylor and Scott Eastwood, who plays her movie-star boyfriend, but that pretty much everyone behind the scenes had been a person of color. There were two things we mapped out that we were pretty clear were points of controversy: one is that it was Africa in the ’50s, but it’s not like there haven’t been a ton of Hollywood movies about Africa in the ’50s, like The African Queen. (Note: The African Queen takes place during World War I, although it was made in the 1950s.) We knew that any time you go past the Golden Age of Hollywood, there’s segregation. It’s just a part of American life. Does that negate Citizen Kane or every other movie made before, say, 1969? No, that’s impossible. This is just part of the cinematic history of America and the world.

So I, myself, was trying to figure out how I incorporate, not African-Americans, but Africans, because this took place in Africa. One of my ideas was to make it with an African director, but we knew what was going to happen: It would be accused of whitewashing history and pretending apartheid didn’t exist. So on the flip side, I was thinking, “Maybe I should put the crew [in the video] somehow…” but then it’s like you’re running a plantation! It’s just a no-win situation all around. So what I did was, I just put a few crew members, like, as guards and things like that, who looked more authentic to what it was. So they’re in there. But anyways, what ended up happening is, you see white people in Africa in the ’50s, like Bogart or whatever. And it just hit at the right moment with #BlackLivesMatter and every particular issue going on at that particular moment in that three-month span, and it became a target of being called colonialism and racism and all these hot keywords that were being flung around at the time.

No matter what you would say, it would always seem like your argument would get negated, and people wouldn’t have it any other way. It got to a point where someone would write an essay about how “Joseph Kahn never puts black people in his videos,” or “Joseph Kahn doesn’t do any black videos,” which is absolutely absurd! Half my videos are hip-hop videos! All these accusations were going around that were just not true, and I found the social-media bullying fascinating, where facts didn’t really matter, it was just whoever could shout the loudest, right? That gave me the idea of, “Well, I know a venue where people shout really loud and the truth may not matter, and that’s battle rap.”

So you said you and Taylor tried to anticipate what controversy would come out of “Wildest Dreams.” Sounds like you went into it knowing it was a minefield. The other thing was that Cecil the lion had just been shot, so we needed to make sure nothing looked like Taylor was in Africa shooting lions! We made sure there were photographers and things like that. You can anticipate what the Zeitgeist is going to do up to a certain point, but you can never truly know what it’s going to do at any particular moment, especially when it’s negative. You just don’t know how big it’s going to blow up, ever.

And it sounds like both of you have an attitude of, “I’m going to say what I want to say, and I’m going to go forward because it’s going to get shot down no matter what, so why not?” Yeah, and the reality is, as negative as the social-media aspect of it was, in reality, it wasn’t really that big of a deal. It was just the media fanning a fire, and people who never would’ve bought her albums in the first place screaming really loud. Meanwhile, the video now has almost 600 million views and the song did extraordinarily well. It’s not like it made her poor! She did extremely well off of it. But that’s the way social media works: You can literally have 100 people retweeting each other, and some person at BuzzFeed can go in there and say, “The internet has spoken,” and they’ll collectively take ten quotes from random people and write an entire article about this. It is the laziest form of journalism there is. It’s not even journalism. I don’t know what that is! And by the way, there’s not even that many words in the article. It’s all pictures! So it’s a person going, “The internet hates Taylor Swift,” and then they show ten tweets from ten random people who might be a person with ten different accounts. You don’t even know! It’s a completely absurd situation.

I think it’s so cool that that video inspired Bodied. Has Bodied inspired your new work since you finished shooting it? Will fans of Bodied someday be able to look back and find new connections? It goes deeper. Bodied, for me, was an expression of a thematic idea, in terms of freedom of speech, the nature of language, and the nature of truth and art itself. But underneath that, there is a systematic approach I had towards raising my craft, making it look a little more organic than my previous film, [teen horror film] Detention, where the craft was so surface-level that people could see it and react against it. Bodied is a bit more restrained. It’s literally about where I place the camera in terms of an over-the-shoulder shot. It’s a bunch of nuances I was working on for the last three years. Then, since I actually learned that those certain techniques work, it has informed me on my next set of videos. If you’re looking at “…Ready for It?” there’s a certain geometry to the way close-ups and movements work. This is stuff I don’t really want to talk about, because they’re secrets of my trade. I’m not here to tell every filmmaker how to be successful, because I’m still figuring it out, and it’s a competition, quite frankly. But yes, it has completely informed my filmmaking.

The opening shot of Taylor coming in in “…Ready for It?” reminded me of going to battle in Bodied. Well, “…Ready for It?” is a confrontation video, so it’s definitely informed by the physical geometry of Bodied.

Do you have a good on-set story from the last two things you’ve shot with Taylor? Yes! Speaking of the way we interact — on this one particular sequence in “…Ready for It?,” we were trying to figure out what her reaction should be, how she should perform as the camera comes towards her, and what is the intent of her character in that particular moment. The line was, “He can be my jailer / Burton to this Taylor,” and I said, “That’s a really clever metaphor,” and she goes, “I know. That’s why I wrote it.”

There’s so much physical stuff she has to do in these videos. Has she ever gotten hurt? I’ll tell you one thing: Whenever I do videos with her, I am 100 percent all about her safety. I am not going to be the guy who gets Taylor Swift hurt. Then I will have a million Swifties try to kill me! She is completely protected when I work with her. I will literally throw myself in front of a car because I would rather get hit than her, because the Swifties will hit me with a car anyway.

ts1989fanatic This is why we love  @JosephKahn and exactly why he got one of these for his own damn self.

[paleorecipecookbook]

New Hope that Alzheimer’s Can Be Prevented—and Even Cured

Dr. Bredesen is an internationally recognized expert on neurodegenerative disease. He held faculty positions at UCSF and UCLA and directed the Program on Aging at the Burnham Institute. He joined the Buck Institute in 1998 as its founding president and CEO. Two of his recently published papers include “Reversal of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease” and “Inhalational Alzheimer’s disease: An unrecognized—and treatable—epidemic.” I interviewed Dr. Bredesen for a podcast a year ago, and I’m excited to bring you more information about his program and his new book. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s—or who is just starting to get forgetful—The End of Alzheimer's is a fantastic resource.

1. What’s wrong with the conventional approach to Alzheimer’s disease?

The conventional approach to Alzheimer’s disease does not address the actual cause—the contributors to this complex chronic illness, which may be dozens and vary from person to person—and attempts to improve symptoms with a monotherapy, a single drug. This is something like trying to patch 36 holes in your roof by putting a patch over one hole and finding that water is still coming through the other 35 holes. In addition, the conventional approach is a one-size-fits-all approach, when a personalized, precision approach is needed, based on the different critical targets for each person. Finally, the conventional approach is often backward—the surprise is that the very amyloid that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease is a protective response to insults such as microbes and toxins. Therefore, any attempt to remove the amyloid should be preceded by the removal of the insult(s) that are inducing this protective response.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s? Be sure to check out this new resource. #alzheimers

2. What led you to a functional/evolutionary perspective on AD?

This came directly from the test tube, from years of basic laboratory research—we had no idea when we started that we would end up with a functional medicine approach. We were studying the molecular biology of APP, the amyloid precursor protein that gives rise to the amyloid-beta that collects in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Surprisingly, we found that APP functions like a molecular switch—when it is cleaved at the alpha site, two peptides are produced (sAPPalpha and alphaCTF) that support neurite outgrowth, neuronal survival, and synaptic maintenance—essentially, these support memory. Conversely, when APP is cleaved at the beta, gamma, and caspase sites, it yields four peptides (sAPPbeta, amyloid-beta, Jcasp, and C31) that mediate neurite retraction, synaptic reorganization, and ultimately, neuronal death—essentially, these support forgetting. In other words, the two supportive peptides are “synaptoblastic,” whereas the four retractive peptides are “synaptoclastic.” We then wanted to know what determines this critical balance—a plasticity balance—and it turned out that dozens of parameters affect this balance, many quite directly. For example, vitamin D, estradiol, testosterone, NF-kappa B (as part of the inflammatory response), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which increases with exercise), sleep (which helps to clear the amyloid-beta, among many other effects), and dozens of others, all affect this critical balance. Therefore, we realized that we needed to measure all of these parameters for each person in order to determine what is contributing to cognitive decline or risk for cognitive decline.  Then we need to address each contributor—to reduce the synaptoclastic signaling and increase the synaptoblastic signaling. This is a functional medicine approach, so we realized that the basic research had shown us that, for a complex chronic illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, a functional medicine approach makes mechanistic sense. This has been supported now by hundreds of patients who have shown positive responses to this approach to cognitive decline.

3. Can AD be prevented and even reversed?

Yes, contrary to the current dogma, Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented, and the cognitive decline associated with AD can be reversed, although in the late stages of the illness this becomes progressively more difficult and less common. However, there is a large window of opportunity—about a decade of SCI (subjective cognitive impairment), when people note cognitive changes yet still score normally on cognitive tests; then often several years of MCI (mild cognitive impairment), when cognitive testing shows abnormalities, yet people are still capable of doing ADLs (activities of daily living); then early in the course of full-blown Alzheimer’s disease.  Therefore, it is important to seek evaluation and treatment as early as possible.

4. You’ve proposed five different types of AD. What are they, and how are they distinct?

Type 1 is inflammatory (“hot”), and the inflammation may be due to pathogens or other inflammatory factors such as trans fats. Type 2 is atrophic (“cold”) and is associated with reductions in trophic support such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, estradiol, vitamin D, and other trophic, hormonal, or nutritional support. Then there is a common combination of type 1 and type 2—type 1.5, or glycotoxic (“sweet”)—that combines the inflammation of high glucose (e.g., via AGEs, advanced glycation endproducts) with the trophic loss of insulin resistance. Type 3 is toxic (“vile”) and is associated with exposure to toxins such as mycotoxins (e.g., trichothecenes or ochratoxin A) or chemotoxins (e.g., mercury). Type 4 is vascular (“pale”) and is associated with reduced vascular support. Type 5 is traumatic (“dazed”) and is associated with previous head trauma.  The typical symptoms and signs of these types are described, and clinical cases are described, in the book. Not surprisingly, many people have combinations of these types, so we have developed a computer-based algorithm that calculates the percent contribution from each type. This then helps to develop the optimal therapeutic program for each person, and again we use an algorithm to generate an initial program.

5. Where have you seen the biggest impacts in terms of diet, lifestyle, and functional medicine treatment with AD?

The key is that the whole program works together, so there is a threshold effect, just as is seen with cardiovascular disease treatment. There seem to be major effects of reversing insulin resistance, optimizing sleep, exercising regularly, eliminating toxic exposures (especially for Type 3 AD), optimizing hormonal support (including bioidentical hormone replacement), optimizing nutrition (e.g., avoiding high homocysteine, low vitamin D, low vitamin B12, low magnesium, etc.), addressing pathogens (e.g., Borrelia), reducing inflammation (but most importantly, removing the cause(s) of the inflammation), optimizing brain training, and reducing stress.

6. What role does genetic testing play in the functional approach to AD?

Genetic testing plays an important role, and although there are hundreds of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that are associated with AD, the most important genetic test for AD risk is ApoE: for those with zero copies of ApoE4 (e.g., those who are ApoE3/3), the lifetime risk of developing AD is about 9 percent; for the 75 million Americans with one copy (e.g., ApoE3/4), the lifetime risk is about 30 percent; and for the seven million Americans with two copies (ApoE4/4), the lifetime risk is well over 50 percent. This has led to a conventional approach of avoiding the determination of ApoE genotype, with the claim that there is “nothing” one can do about it. This is no longer the case, and therefore the goal is for everyone to know their ApoE status, to get on an active prevention program, and to make Alzheimer’s disease a rare disease. In addition, for those with a strong family history of AD, especially for early onset AD (before 65 years of age), it is important to determine whether there are familial Alzheimer’s disease-associated mutations in APP, presenilin-1, or presenilin-2.

7. What are the most important steps people can take to reduce their risk of AD?

The most important thing to do is to get a “cognoscopy”—in other words, just as everyone knows that he or she should have a colonoscopy when turning 50, it is a good idea for everyone over 45 to have an analysis of biochemistry (what is your homocysteine, fasting insulin, hs-CRP, etc.?), genetics (ApoE4 positive?), and function (how are you scoring on a quick, simple test that can be done online). These tests will tell you where you stand, and from there, you can address the very items that are placing you at risk, such as inflammation, insulin resistance, poor nutrition, suboptimal hormone levels, toxin exposure, etc.

8. Where can people find practitioners that have been trained in your approach?

We have now trained more than 450 practitioners from seven different countries and all over the United States, and there will be more than 1,000 by the end of this year. We are training practitioners in our protocol (ReCODE, which is for reversal of cognitive decline) in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine. You can find these practitioners at the website mpicognition.com.

9. What are you most excited about in terms of future developments? What challenges are we facing?

It is important to emphasize that we are just at the very beginning of all of this—literally the dawn of treatable and preventable Alzheimer’s disease. This is the same thing that is occurring with the use of functional medicine for other complex chronic illnesses—unprecedented improvements are being seen in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other illnesses. There is a tremendous amount of development remaining to do—how do we optimize outcomes? For those who improve but then plateau at less than their normal cognition, how do we enhance improvement? How do we achieve better results for those who are late in the course of Alzheimer’s disease? Can we achieve similar results for the one million Americans with Lewy body dementia? How do we address other neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and Parkinson’s disease, optimally? There are exciting developments that should help to address these questions: the analysis of neural exosomes by Prof. Ed Goetzl and his colleagues has offered the ability to evaluate brain chemistry with a blood sample. Prof. Milan Fiala has described the “phagocytosis index,” which also shows evidence of Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology in a blood sample and offers real-time follow-up of metabolic improvement that associates with cognitive improvement. More sensitive tests for chronic pathogens, for biotoxins and chemotoxins, for barrier breaches (gut, blood-brain, etc.), and for optimal microbiomes (especially gut, oral, and rhinosinal) should all play important roles in the evolution of functional medicine approaches to neurodegeneration, as well as improved, precision medicine programs that include optimization of immune responses, stem cells, and neurotrophin delivery—not a silver bullet, but silver buckshot.

Source: http://chriskresser.com August 23, 2017 at 04:57AM

[aprilpillkington]

We’ve all become aware of new netflix show, and more so,...

We’ve all become aware of new netflix show, and more so, we’ve all most likely invested hours drew into the world of one TV show or another that comprises the steaming system’s extensive collection of material. With 75 million yearly customers, Netflix is a television powerhouse, house to some of the most high profile shows in presence. It is every television show maker’s dream to see their show sizzle in the houses of countless individuals throughout the world, and there is really no location preferred to make this take place than through Netflix … but getting this done is an exceptionally uphill struggle. How do you make it happen? It starts with the concept. You are going to need something pretty damn special, as the tv world has actually never been richer in imagination than it is today. But fresh ideas are out there, and if you believe you’ve got a good one then hang on to it firmly. You are going to have to flesh out your idea in detail, familiarizing yourself with all of the things your show would encompass, from characters to setting to style to plot. Getting your potential show out there does not mean you need to write a whole series worth of content, often you need only a terrific, well-thought out idea to hook the right people who can get you where you wish to go.

But, typically, you as the author will require to develop a coherent script for, at the very least, the pilot episode of your show. TV Production companies are rarely interested in an “concept”, as everybody has concepts. If you have the ability to swing into action and put your idea into a developed, thoughtful script, ideally a number of episodes, you are a lot more likely to catch the eye of a production business. These individuals wish to see that you have actually considered your concept and have adequate product to turn it into a possibly long-lasting television show. You are then going to want to contact a manufacturer or agent that finest matches the direction you see your show heading in. You should do comprehensive research to figure out which production companies and studios would be a great fit, who specifically you ought to get in touch with, how they like to be queried (email, fax, mail, and so on) and what exactly they are looking for in regards to material (comedy, drama, sci-fi, and so on) The absolute finest case situation is to pitch in person, if you can manage to find a connection to a producer or somehow handle to organize an in person conference– it is the simplest way to passionately pitch your show, and you will be there to be particular absolutely nothing is misunderstood and the agent/producer is clear on your ideas and visions. There are a variety of concerns you should definitely have the ability to respond to about your show prior to heading into a pitch. These include: How are your main characters and your characters’ world unique? How are these fantastic, intricate, conflicted, multi-layered, maybe flawed characters ones that the audience is able to end up being emotionally bought? Why do we care and why do we require to tell this story? What’s the tone of the show? Have the ability to compare to a netflix or movie if possible. Season one primary character arcs. An overview of the first season plot. How is this series sustainable over 100 episodes? (this is the golden mark to reach, because it’s where prod co’s can syndicate out the series; if you can’t show a minimum of a shred of wish to make 100 eps, it’s barely worth thinking about doing). How is this show various than shows of the same category that are on the air now? Specificity is essential. Who are your dream writers/directors/cast? (nearly every single tv show on the air has multiple writers/directors– so pick a few who are dealing with shows right now and think they ’d do well composing your show). Now, if you’ve got an agent/producer, preferably one who has ties with Netflix already, you are on track to getting your show on to Netflix’s radar. Your kind of representation will help in preparing your task to be pitched to the network. If this is successful, you will be able to sell your show to Netflix for a talked about sum of cash, along with work out a contract for an order number of episodes and payment as per the regards to the agreement. From there, it can take any amount of time to get your new netflix show up onto the TV screen, if it even makes it to that point. The TV industry is extremely unpredictable, with shows being picked up, produced and completely made only to be cancelled at the last moment.

How To Pitch A Show To Netflix?

Step 1: Think Up the Show. “Residue” began life as a concept in Harrison’s head. … Step 2: Financing the Show. The actual story covered by the very first 3 episodes of “Residue” is really various from Harrison’s preliminary strategy. … Step 3: Make the Show. … Step 4: Get the Show to Netflix. … Step 5: Make More of the Show(?). There are no set actions to creating a show and successfully getting it into the most sought-after streaming service. Numerous creators have actually taken various paths, as a great deal of it depends on connections/chance encounters, and what works for some people will not work for the other. It is very important to devote whatever you need to producing your show if this is something you really want to do, and following your gut and instinct in terms of picking a next action is exceptionally important. However, hopefully by following these steps you will give yourself the best possible possibility to make your tv-show deserving concept a truth. While the spring of 2015 has been controlled by Netflix releasing high profile series after high profile series, “House of Cards,” “Bloodline” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” aren’t the only new shows offered now for streaming. “ Residue,” created by John Harrison, premiered the other day on Netflix with 3 45 minute-long episodes. The genre series, starring “Game of Thrones” notables Natalie Tena and Iwan Rheon, tracks the aftermath of a devastating surge on the city of London and the government conspiracy that might be hiding the fact. (Netflix users might anticipate to see it as a recommended pick if they have actually enjoyed a great deal of “The X-Files” or other category programs.).

Via both phone and e-mail, Indiewire got a detailed breakdown of how “Residue’s” very first season arrived on the streaming giant, and what might take place next with the series. Step 1: Think Up the Show “ Residue” started life as an idea in Harrison’s head. He then brought it to manufacturer Charlotte Walls after a favorable experience working with her on the scary movie, “Clive Barker’s Book of Blood.” “ When [’ Book of Blood’] was ended up and launched, I went back to [Walls] and said, ‘Look, I have another concept that I truly want to do and I’m bringing it to you first because I would love to work with you people,’” he stated. And Harrison had a huge amount of product for the concept. “The thing I had actually visualized was quite a long story. The film that I was pitching them was essentially the start of the mythology, and with success we would have the opportunity to do more, so television sounded truly amazing to me, given how it has actually developed over the past numerous years– the novelization of television. Also, many of the networks are really getting creatively engaged with category product, which was not constantly real in the early 2000s and going back.” Step 2: Financing the Show The real story covered by the first three episodes of “Residue” is very different from Harrison’s preliminary plan. After optioning and establishing the product, manufacturer Charlotte Walls pertained to Harrison with the concept– and more notably, the cash– for a task that would function, in Harrison’s words, as “a proof-of-concept pilot.” “ Whenever someone states they have loan for production, you need to take it!” he said. According to Walls, “Residue” found its financing by means of International Pictures 4, Screen Yorkshire and Green Screen Studios. Due to the fact that a few of the money came from the UK, Harrison didn’t direct– they needed to make sure a certain percentage of the team was British. “We employed a really young gifted British director [Alex Garcia Lopez], who I had a great collaborative relationship with,” he said. “ [Lopez] is so key to the task, which brings his signature style. He was the hook for Iwan Rheon, who he worked with on 'Misfits,’” Walls stated. “ If we get to the next group and I’m able to compose them all and get them written before we get to production,” Harrison said, “Then it would be easier for me to drop back into the director’s chair.” Action 3: Make the Show sizzle

How do you bring on board understood players like Tena and Rheon? Harrison associated that to the script, along with its unconventional nature. “I think the combination of the product and the innovative group drew in all the talent. I believe everybody understood that we had fantastic ambitions for this also, so they wanted to get on board.” Those aspirations consisted of a non-traditional approach to the production, which caused a the project becoming both a netflix series and a film. “When we got it into post-production our supplier, Material Media, had a look at it and stated, 'Let’s … go straight to television,’” Harrison said. “So I wrote some extra scenes so we could pull, into these very first three episodes, a few of the larger conspiracy styles. We shot those and re-edited them into the 3 hours that are now airing on Netflix.”

“’ Residue’ is rather pioneering because it is genuinely multi-format,” Walls stated. “We scripted, shot and cut the project as a motion picture, which was released theatrically in the UK on March 20, 2015 on a minimal release. Whilst we were in post-production, we evaluated the product and decided to develop the three-parter as well, which was then offered to Netflix in this format particularly.” Step 4: Get the Show to Netflix How did that occur? Well, when “Residue” was completed in its newfound type as a television show, distributor Material Media brought the show to the October 2014 MIPCON, a trade show kept in Cannes that functions as a market for worldwide television. They likewise ensured that Netflix got an opportunity to see it in advance. “ That really began the sales pitch,” Harrison stated. “We had a number of entities who were interested in it, but Netflix wished to take it off the table.” The show is now offered for streaming in English-language territories; a global launch will present over the course of the year. In the meantime … Action 5: Make More of the Show(?). It’s actually just the start of the story, according to Walls. “’ Residue’ Season 1 is really an extended pilot and ought to be thought of that way,” she stated. “Netflix do not necessarily do the Amazon-style pilot season. However 'Residue’ is actually more in that design where these first three chapters are live before the existence of a full season.”.

How do I send something to Netflix?

Step 1– Improve Your Pitch For Netflix. Due to the fact that nearly every filmmaker dreams of getting a Netflix deal, there is an abundant supply of content. … Step 2– Discover An Aggregator or Distributor. … Step 3– Get An Action. Therefore the plan is to work towards a 10-episode 2nd season, and Netflix currently has the special alternative on it. Walls did clarify that since 10 episodes is a bigger dedication, there would have to be modifications. “Any full season would always be more standard in its financing as the general spending plan would be so much higher,” Walls said. “Netflix would be at the center of that financing plan from day one, for this reason the choice.”.

But independent funding has some benefits, and Harrison was happy with the experience: “It’s a great thing for someone like me, since creatively I’m solutioning to my partners as opposed needing to deal with a regular network structure. We made this without any disturbance from studios or networks. We were with the studio! That, to me, was really great.”

Four months after it was announced that Netflix would be investing CDN$ 500 million in original productions in Canada over a 5-year period, Netflix’s now previous VP of Content, Elizabeth Bradley, took the stage at Prime-time show in Ottawa to talk about how manufacturers can get their shows on the platform. It’s been 5 years because the commissioning of the very first Netflix Original series, Home of Cards, which had a spending plan of $100 million for 26 episodes. With its dependence on data that led to the show’s creation and promotion, Home of Cards marked a turning point in the way programs was made. Prior to the Canadian Netflix offer being announced, a variety of Canadian manufacturers had already had successful partnerships with Netflix. Some took the kind of extra windows for productions at first produced broadcasters while others were complete partnerships on Netflix Originals. To the latter category belong Travelers, Frontier, Alias Grace and the Anne of Green Gablesadaptation understood simply as Anne (when broadcast on CBC) or Anne with an E on Netflix. What is Netflix looking for?

When asked what Netflix is searching for in regards to category, Elizabeth Bradley replied “Whatever.”. Whether it’s sci-fi, a thriller, drama or funny or even a remake of Anne of Green Gables, she stated the key concerns writers and producers need to ask themselves are these: Why is it exciting? Why is it various? Bradley noted that once Netflix believes in the producer’s vision, the other pieces are secondary. “The package of directors and actors isn’t important to us.”. “ We can fix the cast and the director. What we can’t solve is amazing writing and storytelling.”. A story that resonates worldwide. Bradley continued: “When Moira [Walley-Beckett] and Miranda [de Pencier] concerned me with a script for Anne,” and it is very important to come with a script, she highlighted, “they had a genuine and grounded interpretation that we understood would resonate worldwide.”. And it wasn’t just the same old 1908 Anne of Green Gables. Vancouver-born Walley-Beckett came to the project with Emmy wins for her writing on the very 21st century Breaking Bad, so including some edge to the Anne character and narrative was all part of the plan. “We knew it would work worldwide,” said Bradley. That hunch turned out to be accurate. Anne with an E was among Netflix’s a lot of binge-watched shows around the world in 2017, with Prince Edward Island’s most well-known red-headed daughter winning over audiences as far away as South Korea, India and South Africa. So what does it consider a netflix original series to have an international appeal? Some believe that shooting in several locations around the globe resolves the problem, but Bradley cautioned that it’s not quite that simple. “ If you’re sitting with a good friend in Japan, and you both just get it … if you’ve got that sort of relatable story around the globe, that’s what we’re after.”. In addition to stories that work throughout cultural and geographical borders, there are logistical concerns to keep in mind when thinking about making a pitch to Netflix. For these factors, Bradley advises working with an agent, a manager or a legal representative. The value of partnering with a Canadian broadcaster or distributor.

The length of time should a TV show pitch be?

Your pitch ought to disappear than 12-15 minutes long. Concentrate on the hook of your show and why it would be a great suitable for their network. Your pitch should be as prepared as your treatment and your script, so practice it multiple times! In a January 2018 interview with the CMPA’s Indiescreen publication, Corie Wright, Netflix’s Director of Global Public law, shared a couple of more insights about working with the company that Canadian producers are most likely to discover useful. “ Many people don’t recognize that Netflix can’t make qualified CanCon without partnering with a Canadian broadcaster or independent Canadian distributor. That’s why all of our CanCon originals are co-productions with Canadian broadcasters. Other Netflix originals like the Trailer Park Boys reboot and Canadian director Tony Elliott’s movie ARQ include a lot of Canadian creativity and talent, and score high on CanCon requirements, however they aren’t accredited as CanCon since we can’t do CanCon on our own.”. Repeating the platform’s main interest in making the highest quality shows offered to a varied and dispersed audience, Wright stated this: “We attempt not to get too caught up in the labels and rather focus on making terrific movies and netflix tv show.”. TIP: Netflix and Hulu DO NOT want your “idea.” They desire your END PRODUCT. And even then, they only desire it if it makes sense for them. It resembles a book, individuals, I can not pitch them an unsolicited “idea,” since a million other people probably have the very same concept, and the last thing they want is for you to think they “took” yours, when it wasn’t even distinct to begin with. If you want to see your “idea” on Netflix and Hulu, establish a pilot, or produce a few episodes, or movie the movie. Once again, it resembles a book, the publisher wishes to see a finished manuscript, or at least some strong chapters …

We’ve all become aware of new netflix show, and more so,... published first on https://the4th3rd.tumblr.com

[fanatic-musings]

5 Tips to Control the Powerful, Dangerous, and Unruly Imagination

Hey everyone,

E.J. Wolfe here, and I’d like to talk about something that’s been sort of plaguing me as a writer/creator person/thing for a while: the line between where creativity is good and destructive.

Sounds strange, but let me be clear. Creativity is freaking awesome! Letting all of your brain power roam free at one time can be very freeing, and I know that, for a long time, writing, creating, etc. was my coping mechanism (and it will remain so if 2018 was anything to go by), but there comes a point where leaning on your creativity becomes harmful, mostly when it gets in the way of you ever getting anything done.

I can only guess that someone reading this has started reading my 1 Million For Black! Hermione challenge on A03 or any other of my stories anywhere else. If you haven’t, (spoiler alert!) I haven’t finished it, and it’s been two years!

Someone asked why that matters since it’s a million words and a lot of people can’t get through 100K in a year. I acknowledged the point and raised the fact that I can churn out a million words in a matter of months if I wanted to and have done so before. Thus, it’s a big deal that it’s been two years (personal catastrophe or not) since I started the challenge and still haven’t finished it.

In between middle school and high school, I churned out over 800k words, and I certainly wasn’t writing at the level I am now.

To give you a bit of scale, let’s do some math!

Let’s say now I type 45 words per minute at my slowest. (I usually average around 70 wpm.)

1,000,000 words / 45 words per minute = 22,222.2222222... minutes 22,222.2222222... minutes  / 60 minutes per hour =370.370370... hours 370.370370... hours / 24 hours per day = 15.4321 hours 15.4321 hours ≅ 15 hours and 26 minutes

Fifteen hours or writing at a continuous pace of 45 wpm is nothing. I’ve tracked it; I’ve done it, and I actually write continuously in the 55 to 65 wpm range, so just let your mind think about that while I continuously beat myself over the head with the fact that I can do it and just aren’t.

I was having a moment such as that a few days ago and realized that “just aren’t” isn’t a matter of willfulness but discipline.

I realized that I’ve never been able to do that sort of hardcore writing for one type of story (fanfiction, original, etc.), let alone one story all the way through.

Why?

Well, for many reasons that aren’t important, a few that are, and the most important reason of all: I lack discipline.

Yep, I lack discipline when it comes to my creative stuff, and to be honest, I never had a chance to develop any.

Gonna be #100 and say I was a lonely fucking kid. I mean, really lonely. I lived between two parents from two different social classes and backgrounds when I was younger up until the more well-off one died when I was about ten or so. Before that, quite a few traumatizing things happened that I have only retained bits and pieces of. I have two older siblings (three if you count the step sister), and they’re all significantly older than me. We have a better relationship as of 01/01/2019, but that isn’t saying much.

I was friendly, but I wasn’t really sociable. Call it lack of interest, call it whatever you want, I had the almost stereotypical four to five main friends, two of which were male, one moved away, and only one I remained in contact with when we moved to the Midwest at the end of my eighth-grade year. I spent four years in Chicago as the youngest, smartest girl in my year and in my friends’ groups.

Don’t get me wrong, I had friends. I was not that kid who got picked on ad nauseam and probably would have ended up on the news tried for mass murder. Instead, I was that annoying kid that stepped in and told bullies to shove off actually and usually didn’t understand when someone was trying to bully me.

When I started writing creatively, it was right before parent 1 got married to the typical step-witch type character. I wrote (and destroyed stuff) because I was unhappy with the world and seven-ish. It was a very young case of escapism, and oh boy, it just took off after that.

Parent 1 died, and I increased in writing output until I was filling one of those spiral notebooks (80 to 100 pages) over the course of the school day back when most people had that friend that wrote stories and you’d rush to talk to them first thing in the day to swipe their notebook to figure out how far they’d gotten overnight. (Another disclaimer: if you’re going to do this please do your school work first. Education is important kids.)

I never developed a “favorite” pen or type of notebook, but I definitely developed a need to always have some form of paper with me. It was and still is a bit of a safety blanket. Even if I have my phone, I still prefer paper and pen.

Soon after that, my brother’s uncle gave me a computer. Being the outlier of all the children he knew at the time, he somehow deemed me worthy of it. Can you guess what happened? I took a typing elective in middle school and shot through my words per minute benchmarks like bad guys in video games on easy mode.

In 2006, we moved to a murder capital in the U.S., and I lived there for four years as miserable as could be, but I had a computer and my aunts on my dad’s side, for want of what to get me, still sent me plenty of notebooks for the appropriate gift-giving holidays and life events. I buried my issues with the move, parent 1 and 2, my living situation, and everything else wrong with my preteen to teenaged world in blank pages, a lot of random awards, a lot of random afterschool activities, school, cookies, and gallons of hot, sugar-laden tea.

I wrote a lot, needless to say. Graduated, went to college and changed my major from Mechanical Engineering to English. Shocker? I didn’t think so.

Graduated that, took a year off and worked my first full-time temp office job and spent an awful lot of time writing in between the menial amount of work given to me. I still struggle to wonder if there just wasn’t enough, or if I was just stupidly efficient. Work, writing, work, writing, work, art, writing. Sprinkle in a few moves, a new permanent job, a lay off, a graduate degree, a house purchase, parent 2’s death, and accounting classes and you’ve summed up where I am today.

But someone smart cookie in the crowd noticed that I was never writing on a schedule. Yes, I wrote a lot, but it was never because I had a personal quota to meet. I just had enough inspiration to do so.

Now, as I’m trying to transition out of working for others and working for myself, I have to develop a sense of discipline, boundaries, or whatever have you around my art.

And I have no idea what I’m doing!

I find myself sitting down to write and really giving it a shot, but unable to keep the flow going, so rather than sitting down and doing some research or rethinking some elements, my brain says “Hey, here’s a new idea!”

My habit has been to follow the next idea as far as I can just so the initial idea is captured, but when you “dream content” almost every night, as Alteringviews says, you can see how that strategy just doesn’t work.

If you are struggling with this too much creativity at the end of your discipline problem, I wanted to write this to let you know you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with the other side (i.e. too much discipline at the end of your creativity), I’ll write a bit about that in a different post from what I’ve learned talking to a few artists I know that suffer from it and my experience of discipline actually getting in the way.

I also wanted to tell you that it isn’t an easy process! Corralling yourself and changing your habits are a pain in the ass, but you’ll find yourself doing it faster than you think you will if you just start somewhere.

  Tip 1: Figure Out Your Most Imaginative Times and Triggers

If you know you have cinematic dreams or that art kickstarts something in you, Instagram, your cat, whatever it is, take note and take heed.

You need to know when your muse is most active and most likely to strike.

If you know that you get inspired by new concepts, ideas, physics, or whatever, be conscious of it. It may come in handy later if you hit a rough patch and tip into the world of creative block.

Tip 2: Develop A System of Capturing Those Ideas

I have paper everywhere. I record notes on my phone with an app that comes standard on most phones (the very simple Voice Recorder for Android). I talk to my roommate about my ideas, and she has a fantastic memory. Whatever you choose to do in those moments after your muse has punched you fully in the face, or hit you like a wrecking ball, with a new idea is crucial and yours to choose.

If you’re just waking up, I’d suggest that you record it. My handwriting is atrocious when I’m fully functioning, I’ve tried the pen and paper route and spent more time trying to decipher what I wrote than it took me to write it down.

Tip 3: Develop A Schedule For Your Creativity

That doesn’t mean say you’re going to do art between 4 and 6 like clockwork and enact some horrible punishment when you don’t. If you’re a casual artist looking to improve, this looks more like making sure that you have time in your day to devote to your creative pursuits.

If you’re like me, that means treating it like a job, even if it’s only a part-time one. Around whatever else you have to do (work, school, family, all). Let’s say part-time for you is 20 hours a week and you also work 40 hours a week. That means the time after your job and responsibilities end is all open (within reason).

You need sleep, but you’ve got weekends, lunch breaks, that thirty minutes it takes you to get up and get ready to go to work, etc. to do a bit of art and writing. Wherever your carve it out, treat it as important as your money-making job.

I’m guilty of falling short of this for a myriad of reasons, but I found that the days I did force myself to work, I made a lot of progress and got quite a bit done. It works if you are consistent and focused.

Tip 4: Do Not Measure Your Art Time By How Much Art You Get Done

This may seem counter-intuitive, but art time and developing as an artist is more than just creating a portrait, a character sheet, writing a chapter or what have you. It’s also looking at art, practicing your skills, gaining new ones, editing pieces, and so much more. You have to make time for that in your art life, or you’ll be stuck with your same old ideas and find yourself not interested in exploring any versions of Plot A, Idea B, or Style C.

If you’re stuck during these times, go looking for inspiration! Random generators, random quotes, concepts, mythology, other people’s art, music, Pinterest (if you dare), etc. The world is your oyster. Explore it and let yourself be inspired.

Tip 5: Stay Consistent

Keep creating and following that muse. Really, she means the best; she just doesn’t have any boundaries. Tell her you need a break! Trekking through the forests of possibility is not for the light of heart, and it isn’t healthy to do it without a breather every once in a while. She’s immaterial, you’re the living body, feel free to sit down and take a breather. Literally, you need it because burnout is real.

  Now, all these are just tips. They aren’t cures; they aren’t fix-its. You’ll do all of these things and still find yourself chasing after every new idea. It happens! Sometimes, that’s just the nature of the beast. The important thing is to be aware of that and take steps to mitigate your unruly and incredible imagination from getting in the way of getting anything done.

It’s the difference between being prolific and having a lot of unfinished projects. I am trying to pull myself to the other side of the divide as quickly as possible, and for the little progress that I’ve had, I am very proud.

That’s all for now. Keep creating. Let your muse take you places, just be ready to call for a pause. Let me know what you think of these tips, if you have any of your own, and if any of this has helped you.

Until next time, happy creating!

E.J. Wolfe

P.S. If you’re interested, the latest chapter of At Helheim’s Gate I Know More was posted yesterday.

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By: E.J. Wolfe

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Originally posted: https://fanaticmusings.com/5-tips-to-control-the-powerful-dangerous-and-unruly-imagination/

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