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willow-salix · 4 years ago

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Fluffember Prompt: Time

Day 22 of Isolation on Tracy Island 2.0.

There is weirdness going on in this villa, weirdness I tell you. They all seem to be getting on really well and I knew they were planning something, I just didn't know if that was a good or a bad thing.

"OK, what's going on?" I asked Alan, picking on the smallest of the bunch. He was often the weak link in the group, he couldn't stand to be accused of things he hadn't done.

"Nothing!" he squawked but he had that shifty look in his eyes that I recognised far too well.

"Nope, not buying it," I coughed, folding my arms. I was starting to feel better but I was still feeling delicate and needing to rest a lot or I was getting light headed and grumpy (although Gordon said I was always grumpy).

"OK," he sighed, knowing he was beaten.

I waved a hand in a 'continue' gesture.

"It's thanksgiving tomorrow."

I gave him a blank look, because I'm English and even though I'd heard of thanksgiving it wasn't something that I knew anything about and I definitely didn't celebrate it.

"We've never celebrated before," I said.

"We'll we've never had the time before," he shrugged, not taking his eyes off his game.

Scott came in to sit down beside me with a cup of Gordon's tea which he handed me. I swear if I drink much more of this tea I'd start to slosh and look like a lemon.

"What he means is that International Rescue has taken up so much of our time for so long that we've never wanted to do a big celebration because it would always get interrupted. We tried the first few years but every time a rescue call would come in and we'd end up leaving, it stopped being worth the effort."

"We still try to do Christmas," John added, nudging me until I sipped my tea. Honestly, I hate tea, I only drink it when I'm not well because coffee tastes weird when I have a cold, but it was making me feel a bit better so I was sucking it up.

"But thanksgiving ended up being forgotten," Alan finished. "So Dad said we should make the most of this year and the fact that it's unlikely we'll get a call."

"We know the world is in a bad place right now but people need to be grateful for the fact that, while they can't see their family and friends as much as they would like to, they are doing their bit to keep their loved ones safe. And that's what thanksgiving is about, spending time with family and being thankful for everything you have," Scott said.

"I can understand that part," I nodded. "I just don't get the whole thanksgiving thing, it's not something we do where I'm from, so I know nothing about it. What's the story?"

All three of them looked at each other, exchanging one of those silent looks that family does where they are communicating nonverbally.

" I too would like to understand more about this human custom," EOS said, her holographic symbol floating peacefully above the table. "It sounds most interesting."

"We could tell you, but Grandma would be better, she used to tell us the story when we were kids," Scott said.

"Does this mean you guys have forgotten most of the story?" I guessed.

"No, of course not!" Alan protested.

I can't say I believed them.

Grandma was duly summoned to the lounge and we all settled in various chairs and couches like kids in anticipation of storytime.

"It all began around five hundred years ago," Grandma began, holding court like the Queen she is. "And a great many people in England were unhappy because their King wouldn't allow them to worship as they liked."

"Always the way," I muttered under my breath. "Always some king or other telling people how to pray. Couldn't even be a witch without being killed for it, but I know the Protestants had the same kind of trouble."

"The king told them they must worship his way or risk imprisonment or even death," Grandma said. "They were of course unhappy with this and a great many took it upon themselves to flee the country to settle elsewhere."

"So basically they yeet skeeted out of there?" I said.

"That's one way of putting it," Scott laughed.

"First they tried Holland, and called themselves Pilgrims, a word meaning someone who is always travelling to find something they love or a land where they could be happier. They said 'from place to place, toward heaven, their dearest country'."

I sipped my tea and listened, it was easy enough to follow so far, I knew about religious persecution, although I'd never left my home for it.

"The pilgrims were happy there for a while, they were quiet, peaceful people, but they were very poor. And, when their children began to grow up, they didn't have the same upbringing as their parents had, they weren't like English children, they spoke Dutch, like the children of Holland and some grew very disobedient and refused to go to church anymore."

"Sounds legit."

"The parents weren't impressed with this and, after much deliberation they decided to move again, wishing to go somewhere they could live their own way and make their own rules. They hired two ships, the Mayflower-"

"Oh, I've heard of that one! That's one thing I do know," I said, quite proud of my rather limited knowledge but you know, you gotta take what you can get.

"They hired the Mayflower and the Speedwell to take them across the sea to another land where they could make their home."

"So the pilgrim Mamas and Papas were like forget this, we're gonna ship off somewhere we get to make the rules?" I asked.

"Essentially, yes," John admitted.

"Honestly, I'm not too sure what to think of this right now, but I'm reserving judgment."

Grandma gave me a squinty eyed look of warning and I mimed zipping my lips.

"Unfortunately," she who must be obeyed continued, "the Speedwell was not a strong ship, and the captain had to take her home again before she had gone very far. The mayflower returned too to take some of the Speedwell's passengers. They travelled for more than two months-"

"Two months!" Alan yelped, "we can go from here to England in less than an hour in Thunderbird One."

"Yeah, that's crazy," Virgil agreed, shaking his head like he couldn’t quite believe it.

"They landed and started building the first homes on Christmas day, but the journey hadn't been kind to them, many were sick and still suffered months later so were little help in the house raisings. They had barely any food, they had landed in winter when the land was barren and frozen, with great snow falls the likes of which they had never seen before."

"That sucks," Gordon said. "They should have been better prepared."

"By the time spring arrived their number had reduced by half from illness, starvation and cold," Grandma said, continuing with her far from pleasant tale. "The indigenous tribes of the area came to help, being friendly people and offered grain, seeds and tools with which to farm as well as the knowledge of when and how to plant to make the most of the land."

"That was nice of them," EOS said. "I have observed that it is uncommon for humans to help each other without payment or gain, but it seems that it was not always the case."

"No, it wasn't," John agreed. "No matter what you read of humans, EOS, remember that where there is bad there is also good. Unfortunately it's often the bad we hear about while the good remain unnoticed, but that doesn't lessen their value or importance."

I squeezed his knee affectionately, just because I could and it's funny to watch him jump sometimes. His hand landed on top of mine to prevent me doing it again but I knew he didn't mind really.

"The pilgrims farmed well all summer and when the autumn cape and they had harvested their crops they decided that a feast was in order to celebrate their first year, their first harvest and their new life. They invited all their native friends to attend and they happily agreed, bringing with them deer and other foods to share. They must have enjoyed themselves because the party lasted for three days. And now we celebrate being thankful for what we have every year at thanksgiving," Grandma finished, looking pleased with herself. She obviously loved the story and had told it with a kind of familiar comfort which told me that it was once she'd heard many times before, probably from her own grandparents.

I loved those kinds of stories, the ones that bring back memories or a time past, one's that make you smile when you think of them.

"Wow, they really knew how to throw down and have a good time," Alan grinned. " Do we get a three day party?"

"I wish we did, but no, " Scott chuckled, "nice try though, squirt."

"Right, now that you've all kept me busy telling you stories, I'm going to go and see if you're father is ready to go, he's taking me to the mainland for supplies for tomorrows meal." Grandma jumped up from couch with a lot more energy than I had (she was obviously invigorated by the thought of shopping) and toddled off to hunt down Jeff.

"John?" EOS asked quietly.

"Yes, EOS?"

"I don't understand Grandma's story."

"What didn't you understand, baby girl?" I asked her, butting in because I was bored quite honestly.

"I have checked the facts of the story and found that it is not historically accurate."

"What isn't?" Alan asked.

"It appears that, while the meal did indeed happen, it was not called the first thanksgiving until later and that it was actually an American president, Abraham Lincoln, who heard about the meal from a diary of the time and used it as a moral booster during the Civil War."

"Oh, well that's not as nice," Gordon admitted.

"My research also tells me that the pilgrims and the native Americans did not stay friends for long, indeed there were many nasty things done to them culminating in the decimation of their culture. Therefore I do not understand why such a thing is celebrated."

"Unfortunately, that's the English for you," I sighed. "For a small country we've done a lot of harm, we've invaded a lot of countries and taken over thinking that our ways were better, when really the best way was that of the native people. It's one of the things about being English I'm not proud of."

"It's not always that simple," John started, adopting that patiently explaining tone of his. It wasn't that 'I'm talking to an idiot' one that some men end up doing, but one that showed he was willing to listen and engage in an actual conversation. And people wonder why I love him so much.

"Why not? History cannot be ignored," EOS insisted.

"In this instance, it's not about history being ignored, but the spirit of the holiday changing over time. In the case of Thanksgiving its more about taking time out of your lives to stop and think about why you are thankful, to think about what you have and what your are grateful to have. You spend time with your family and friends and share stories and time. As with many things in life its a nasty part of history that something positive has come out of."

"Like how a lot of people don't celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus, because they aren't religious in that way, but treat it more as a time of family and a time to enjoy company, food and thoughtful gifts. So many traditions have developed over the years that can't be explained by history but are important just the same," Virgil told her. If John was the closest thing to a father to her, Virgil was definitely her ever patient uncle, he was always happy to talk to her.

"So it is not a celebration of the harvest, the meal or the actions after?"

"No, its about the spirit of the meal, the sharing of food with those for might not have any, of reflecting on the things you are thankful for and enjoying time with your loved ones," John explained.

"I do not understand the spirit, I do not recall any ghosts in the story, but I find humans to be confusing, so I shall simply observe the remainder of your rituals and see for myself," she decided, her hologram blinking out.

"Well," I sighed. "I have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be interesting."

#thanksgiving #Isolation Island #Thunderbirds in isolation #thunderbirds are go #thunderbirdsarego #thunderbirds #thunderbirds 2015 #thunderbirds fanfiction

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vtscasefiles · 4 years ago

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Case File # 321-5

Trigger warning: blood, gore, violence, death, firearms, injury, rape mention

Case begun: 5/09/20**

Case Concluded: 5/11/20**

Case Locale: [REDACTED], Florida

Marked as Closed

I arrived in Florida, the humidity already fucking with my sinuses. How anyone can live in this swampy shithole I will never understand. But I was offered a job, and my bank account was practically beating me over the head with it’s need to be filled. The pay was too good to turn down, so I loaded up my gear and headed out.

What I wasn’t expecting was a fucking ghost pirate. I mean, of all things, how fucking cliché can you get? The client, Rosie [REDACTED], welcomed me with that famed “southern hospitality” that I’ve heard so much of.

“You the girl with the gun? I expected you to be bigger.”

Fuckin’ peachy. “Yes. I’m the girl with the gun. You got a haunting problem?” I replied, trying not to let my irritation get the better of me. I’m fucking 5′9″. I’m not that small. For fuck’s sake, I can bench two hundo with no problem. Why the --

[Editor’s note: this continues for fifteen minutes. For your convenience I have removed VT’s rant.]

After getting a brief rundown of the case, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Everything pointed to a simple haunting, it wasn’t something I was considering a challenge, or even something that’d take longer than a few hours.

After doing this job, you think you’ve seen just about all the SC* has to offer. My two best friends are a lich and a witch. Yes, they rhyme, shut up. Point being is that I have never seen a haunting manifest on such a massive scale. Usually it’s restrained to a building, or a patch of land, but this...the whole fucking coast line was haunted. It wasn’t even a Cluster**, it was one. Singular. Spirit.

My first day, as the usual, was spent at the library. The spirit in question, one Captain Fresni, was an infamous pirate in the seventeen hundreds. Played a role in the American Revolution, albeit a small one. According to the books I’d found (mostly useless, but I did manage to glean some insight), his ship The Crooked Jess, was riddled with canon fire by the British. Captain Fresni, a violent fighter if ever there was one, realized there was no way out...lit every barrel of gunpowder he had on board and rammed his ship into the oncoming fleet. The following explosion wiped out three ships, packed with soldiers and set fire to another six.

I was impressed. If the spirit was Captain Fresni, as Rose claimed, then it could simply be a case of the body dying so suddenly and violently that the spirit didn’t realize he was dead. There was one passage that stood out, I won’t repeat it due to it being hella long, but in summation it stated that near the southern tip of Florida there was a hidden cove that served as the pirate captain’s base. Might as well start there.

It was around 9pm on the tenth before I even stepped foot in the cove. Immediately, the air changed. Despite it being disgustingly humid, the air turned frigid and dry. I walked up and down the coast to find a spot that wasn’t freezing, but to no avail. The whole place was a spook zone. We’re talking a good three hundred acres of land completely under the spirit’s influence. Even by a Cluster’s standards, that’s a massive area.

This area was mostly undisturbed, being a historical site. Being in the profession I am, meant that didn’t mean a roasty pile of dogshit. If I got caught disturbing anything here, it only meant one thing: prosecution, if not a bullet through my head. I’m aware of what my ethnic background means; prejudice, racism, outright hate. Hell, it’s dangerous to drive, let alone stand somewhere that I shouldn’t. So I try to be subtle. Try not to pack too much ordinance. Today I only had my duffel bag full of Elinor’s*** special ammo. I’d say it “kills” ghosts, but you can’t kill a spirit. You can however, force it to reconcile with it’s past.

The worst part about this job was I was going to wind up in the water. I hate swimming. Forget what chlorine does to the dye in my hair (red. Blood red. Always.), but just the thought of driving across the country with my clothes soaked in salty water was already putting my teeth on edge. Looks like I’d be hitting a thrift shop on the way home.

I dropped my duffel bag on the beach and sat in the sand next to it, pulling off my dad’s old combat jacket and stowing it inside. I did a quick inventory. I hadn’t brought anything major. Salt. Blessed water (courtesy of Ramona****). A black beeswax candle and, my trusty companion, Peace.

Peace is the name I’ve given to my custom-made revolver. All together, the setup weighs about three pounds. Each part bears a custom engraving that’ll combat just about any supernatural force...even so, there are some things that Peace can’t solve...even with the right ammo. But I had one solution sitting in the backseat of my car: a can of kerosene. If bullets don’t solve the problem, a liberal application of fire will.

The time was midnight, the opening of the “Witching Hour”. I had until 3am to get something. Anything. The spirit wasn’t answering to any of the usual callouts (their name, questions, requests for an audience), so I settled in on the beach to doze. Wasn’t much else to do.

Mother fucker, I wish I hadn’t.

When I woke up, it was to the freezing cold iron around my wrists. The bob and weave that told me I was on the sea. The air smelled of something...something that every fucking time I smell it, I almost lose my lunch.

Corpses.

The deck outside my cell was slick with blood and viscera. I’ve seen my share of gore, don’t get me wrong, but this was a massacre. What was worse...it looked (and smelled) fresh. The good captain had been busy, it’d seemed. What began as a simple haunting was quickly turning into something more sinister. Rosie hadn’t mentioned that the spirit was violent...though I should have assumed, given the amount posted on the job. Even still, this was...a little more than I’d prepared for.

But first there was the matter of the shackles on my wrists.

Lockpicking is an artform that every PE invests time in learning. But that’s usually deadbolts or doors made post 1970. The manacles on my wrists (though they looked brand new) were easily something seen in the eighteenth century. There was even a maker’s mark next to one of the keyholes. I’ll spare you the details on how I got out, but my thumbs ache to all hell.

The second I laid hands on the bars to my cell, they swung open...I’d never been locked in. This worried me. The spirit wanted me free...the manacles were just a precaution. Each step I made was met with the squishy splort of combat boot on viscera. I took my time, as I didn’t relish the thought of slipping and falling into the mess beneath my boots. Proud to say that I didn’t fall. Not once.

[Editor’s note: judging by the stains on VT’s clothes, she fell.]

As far as I could tell, I was on the lowest deck. The stairway didn’t lead up into the fresh air of day, but rather into what I assumed was a galley. Tables and benches had been scattered, and cooking implements rusted on their hooks. Dangling from one of those hooks was my firearms...just waiting for me.

I expected a trap, I anticipated the trap. By that I mean I picked up a piece of busted bench and hurled it at my gun. It fell off the hook with a loud clatter which had me willing myself to fade into the shadows. Nothing. Nothing but the creak and groan of the ship.

Well, I say nothing, but I distinctly heard laughter from the top deck. Feminine, bright laughter. I picked my gun up off the floor, holstered it and climbed the stairs.

There was no ghost crew, as I’d anticipated...but at the helm was a sight that still gives my heart a jolt. It’s no secret that I’m gay. I love women. But what I saw at the helm...fuck me, sideways. She was tall. 6′6″ if she was an inch. Her raven hair captured the moonlight and practically sucked it in. Her breasts were bared to the wind, heavy tattoos that seemed to glow covered just about every inch of bared flesh. I’d have thought her living if not for one thing: her eyes. Pitch black like the void.

“Ahoy, mate.” she purred, setting my teeth to clench. “Found you on my little hideaway, snoozin’ like an infant. Come to join Captain Fresni’s crew, little pet?”

“I ain’t your pet.” I snapped, glowering up at the spirit. “You’ve been killing people, Captain...and everything I’ve read says that you’re a man. Are you actually Captain Fresni, or is that just some title you picked up?”

“Funny how men’ll give the most vicious fighters a cock in death that they never had in life, hm?” the pirate snickered. I took notice then that her arms were like two thick pythons that, any other time, I’d like to see just how much weight they could hold. “I offered my services to old Georgie and he thought me funny. At least until I broke his nose.”

“Georgie? As in Washington?”

“Ye know of him? Interesting. He refusing the afterlife, too?”

Everything I’d assumed about this spirit was wrong. Captain Fresni wasn’t a man, for one. Not to mention she knew very well that she was dead. That still didn’t answer the most pertinent question on my mind. “The bodies...or what’s left of them. Was that you?”

“Aye.” she smiled, wickedly, but offered no further explanation. I was being baited.

“Can I ask why?”

“Ye just did.” a hard spin of the wheel almost sent me tumbling. “But I suppose I can oblige a pretty little thing like you.” I fucking hate being demeaned. And all attraction for this undead bitch was flying out the window faster than you could say “eat my ass”.

I can’t remember most of her explanation. Looking back, now...it’s like the whole of that night is just a drunken fever dream. What stands out to me is her reasoning. “I only murder the dregs, girlie. Rapists, mostly. Kidnappers. Violence done to women is met with brutal retaliation. It’s the simplest way to clean up this world, savvy?”

Oh, I was savvy. Quite savvy. If anything, I agreed with her and her method. Trash like that shouldn’t be allowed to breathe, let alone exist. “If that’s all you’re doing, Cap, then I see no reason we shouldn’t go our separate ways. You have your work and I have mine.”

“Aye? And just what is your work, lovely?” I didn’t detect any further demeaning playfulness...only curiosity.

“I’m a PE. A Paranormal Eliminator. Usually, I’d have to ask or make you pass on, but as it stands...I think we can say live and let live. Well...live and let un-live.” she’d laughed at that. A warm sound that had my guts twisting around my stomach like some sort of horny serpent.

“So, you came out all this way to end the dread Captain Fresni...only to find a kindred spirit, is that what I’m hearing?” she asked, grinning like the Cheshire Cat with a Glasgow grin. “And now you want to leave, just like that. Don’t a get a kiss or a nice romp? I think I’m owed something after all. I didn’t kill you for trespassing.”

That raised my hackles. Again, this pillar of muscle was underestimating me. What I’d fought, what I’d killed. For fuck’s sake, I’ve killed enough Wendigos to put half the men in my profession to shame. There was that weird case where the woman who hired me was fucking the Wendigo, but...that’s another story for another time.

[Editor’s Note: We’ve never discussed the Wendigo-coitus case. I sincerely want to hear it.]

“Fuck you. You got the drop on me, like a coward.” I regretted the words the instant they left my mouth. I was on her ship and at her mercy. She could sink this ship and I had no idea which way shore was...let alone the hazards that went with swimming in open water.

Instead she’d only laughed. “Little girl, I’m a pirate. I’ve no intent to fight head on when I can sneak up on someone. Honor is a man’s game. It’s what gets them killed, more often than not.” Again, I agreed. I’d put enough bullets in the back of a head to know that stealth is preferable than a face-to-face fight.

“Look, I lost my temper. Can we just...end this and I can go home? We both agree on your method, and I see no reason to stop what you’re doing. Sure, the “authority” of the living world won’t like it...but no one likes them, so they can eat a steaming pile of shit.” I said, frowning. “I don’t want a fight. I just want to get paid and go home.”

The look about the spirit changed, marginally. The tattoos seemed to be rippling along her flesh(?) and her smile faded into a frown. “Missy, we still have a glaring problem we’ve yet to address. I’m one woman...and I need a crew. So, unless you’ve got a solution to that particular snag, you’re it.”

All my like for this spirit (begrudging as some of it was) vanished in an instant. “So I’m being kidnapped.” I responded, feeling my heart start to hammer in my ears. “Just like those men you killed. So, what I’m hearing is, you’re no better.”

“Watch your words, girl. Your pretty face won’t save you from my blade.” she’d snarled. It took all that was in me not to balk, though my teeth desperately wanted to chatter.

“I’m using your own words against you, Captain.” I responded, hoping I sounded calmer than I felt. “Don’t blame me if they don’t line up the way you want.”

“One more word out of you -- “

“I’ll give you two: get. Fucked.” that had torn it. The rippling gave way to something that I’d come to expect. This was no run of the mill spirit: Captain Fresni was either a wraith or a revenant. The only real difference between the two was the level of violence capable. A wraith tends to hunt one person, or their family. A revenant hunts whoever they want...and now I was on the list. I couldn’t fight her here, not out in the open. She’d tear me to shreds. Already her jaw was gaping, revealing razor teeth. Her nails, cut short, were lengthening into something akin to talons...and believe me when I say those things hurt.

I feel no shame in saying I sprinted below deck and ducked into the galley proper. I wish I hadn’t. She wasn’t just killing people, she was eating them. Body parts, half chewed, dangled from the ceiling and littered the ground. My hand clapped over my mouth and nose to keep the smell out and my dinner in. I heard her footsteps and, as silently as I could manage, I checked my firearm. Peace was still locked, cocked and ready to rock. Well, not cocked. Gun safety, kids.

I pulled one of Elinor’s special bullets out of the cylinder. What made these so special is that, instead of lead, bone served as the projectile. The easiest way to deal with something dead is by using something dead against it. I don’t ask where Elinor gets her bone, and I think I’ll be perfectly happy to continue not knowing.

[Editor’s note: I know. It’s horrific.]

“Little pet, little pet, where are you?” she crooned. Well, I say crooned...more like...rattled. A revenant’s physiology is strange, but once they reveal their form it’s almost as if their bodies begin to decay. I peeked around the corner to see her back facing me. I took aim and...nothing. My gun clicked loud enough to sound like a scream in an empty hallway, but no roar of igniting gunpowder. She turned and...smiled. I think. “There you are.”

“Here I am.” I responded, standing on shaking legs. “Soup’s on, Captain.” she ran at me, talons held out at her sides like sabers. I did the only sane thing I could think of: I ducked as she swung. Luckily, the big swing didn’t hit me. Unluckily, she had another hand. Claw. Whatever.

So, there I was, a talon embedded in my shoulder and blood gushing from the wound like a waterfall. A little known fact about revenant wounds: leave the talon in. If it’s withdrawn the wound will immediately fester and become gangrenous. A lot of PEs have died that way.

I slammed the barrel of my gun against the base of her claw and it snapped off. She screamed her pain and rage and took another swipe at my torso. I barely managed to get far enough back in time. The fact I had to compensate for a long talon still imbedded in my shoulder didn’t mean much, as I was operating off a cubic fuckload of adrenaline. She did however manage to shred my tanktop. Which sucked, because I loved that thing. Said “Boss Ass Bitch” on it and everything...I guess I could see if Ramona would make me another one...

[Editor’s note: RIP tank top. Ramona is making another one at the time of writing.]

I sprinted past her, she’d over balanced and given me time to escape. I went down, back to the cells. I was soaked in a cold sweat by now and thankful that my hair tie had held, despite my panicked movement. I smoothed the strands away from my sweat soaked face and looked for a place to hide. Nothing was presenting itself...but an idea struck. It was a stupid idea. A terrible idea. I ran into a cell and pressed my back to the wall.

When Fresni reappeared, she was smiling. “Ran out of room to run, little rat?”

“Seems that way.” I panted. My head was spinning from the loss of blood. Thankfully, that brief moment I spent pressed against the wall had redoubled my courage...and helped me remember one little fact. “Look, Cap...I’m dead. We both know it. The second this talon is removed, my life is over...so...I guess I’m askin’ if that place on your crew is still available.”

That shocked her, if only for a moment. “You can’t lie your way out of this one.”

“No lie. Kill me now. I’d rather just go ahead and get it over with, thanks.” I said, praying that this would work. If it didn’t well...you wouldn’t be seeing this, would you?

She approached, brandishing those eight inch talons. She clicked them together, thoughtfully. “Stand still, then.” she snarled as I held my breath. “One through the heart, and it’s all over.”

Three more steps. Two. One. I stepped in and latched onto her arm, and...I bit down. I felt fetid blood fill my mouth and choke me. I immediately began to gag and then...voided my stomach, all over my aggressor.

A revenant’s true power isn’t from the change they make, though it definitely looks it. A revenant is best known for it’s insidious way of making the unreal real...so long as its concentration remains undisturbed.

When I finally finished tossing my cookies, I looked up. No ship in sight. Just a revenant, me and glorious land. The sand was disturbed, probably from all my running, and my blood left trails showing my passage. I’d been running in circles for the last hour...while she just watched.

“Shouldn’t play with your food.” I coughed, wiping my mouth. “It’s how you get killed.” she screeched in rage, her partially coagulated blood oozing from the bite mark I’d left. The talon was still lodged in my shoulder. I reached for my gun, ready to put an end to this only to pull out... “A fucking banana? Oh, you have got to be kidding me.”

She roared and charged. My weapon, my baby was strapped to the rotten leather of her belt. She’d touched it. No one touched my weapon except Ray***** and myself. Not even Ramona.

That pissed me off in a way that nothing else does.

Naturally, I charged straight for her. She took a swipe with her injured arm, but instead of dodging out of the way, I leapt into it. She made contact, but only with her palm. I felt one of my ribs crack and gasped in pain, pure instinct was the only thing that drove my fist into the shredded flesh on her arm, courtesy of my teeth. She balked and I snatched.

Peace was in my hand, albeit barely. She noticed and lunged again, sending us both into the sand. Her pirate nature showed in the way her head collided with my nose, sending fresh gouts of blood over the both of us. She thought me stunned. An easy kill. She thought wrong.

“Any last words, my pretty?” she cackled, her maw open wide. She wasn’t just going to kill me...I’d pissed her off enough that she was going to bite me. My death wouldn’t just be painful, but slow...and my soul would erode right along with my body.

“Yeah.” I croaked, feeling the end of my stamina quickly approaching. “Choke on it.” I rammed Peace as hard as I possibly could into that gaping maw, hearing her gargle in rage around it. My wrist jerked as I fired once, twice, three times. Bam. Bam. Bam. A faint gargle, a twitch...and about two-hundred pounds collapsed on right on my cracked rib, finishing the job her arm had started and broke the damned thing.

I wheezed beneath the re-corpse for...ten, fifteen minutes? When I finally managed the strength to push her off of me, I immediately emptied the last three rounds into the ruined mess of her skull. Say what you will about my methodology, but I like to be thorough.

It wouldn’t have done just to leave her body there, for a mundane to see. The SC likes it’s secrecy and to risk exposing it? There was no faster way to end a career than to leave a loose end behind. I made the long trek back to the car and returned with the kerosene can. I stood by the raging fire until there was nothing but ash and blackened bone...though I know a certain lich who could make use of revenant bone.

All in all, a happy ending. Had a vampire doc fix up my shoulder to avoid dying of infection. Rosie paid me what I was owed and Elinor bought the bone off of me for further profit. Sure, my shoulder still hurts so damned bad that I can barely lift it, but...thanks to Ramona, it’ll be healed up in no time. Probably.

Yo-ho-ho, mother fucker. Case closed.

Editor’s farewell: This is the first case file VT asked I upload. It’s one she’s particularly proud of and one with a satisfactory ending. There may be names or terminology that you are unfamiliar with, but I have taken the time to star each of them as to explain. They are as follows:

SC*: Supernatural Community. This is self explanatory. Includes all beings, regardless of death, undeath or birth. IE vampires, ghosts, revenants, werewolves

Cluster**: A colloquial term amongst PEs. Used in reference to a small locale with a massive collection of spirits. Usually all working as a coordinated group.

Elinor***: Elinor Lyktor. Lich. Proprietress of Ellie’s, a shop frequented by PEs for their gear. Specializes in Osteomancy.

Ramona****: Ramona Torrez. Witch. A close friend of VT’s. Offers support, healing and consultation. A good 75% of VT’s equipment is blessed by Ramona.

Ray*****: Raleigh Kane. Gunsmith. Took the name Ray from her father, proprietress of Ray’s Armory. Forced into the Supernatural Community by VT during a case. Since, she has dedicated her craft to making weapons to deal with the malignant forces that threaten the community as a whole. Extensively researches customers and will not sell her works to those she does not trust.

#tw: violence #tw: injury #tw: blood #tw: gun play #tw: gun violence #tw: gore #tw: death #tw: dark content #tw: rape mention #horror #pirates #ghosts #VTverse #writing #OC

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hala-b · 5 years ago

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This is nearly the time when bakers sell cross buns as they're related to Easter and I wanted to try them, then i thought to check if the cross thing has any Christian meaning, then found out that yes it has which led me to this fatwa below 👇which would be beneficial for those who had the same idea..

Its not okey for Muslims to buy or eat them, but you can always bake your crossless buns only to satisfy your craving, not as a celebration or an imitation of their act.

*-Fatwa-*

"Are Muslims allowed to eat cross buns? They are commonly sold during Easter holidays. They don’t have animal fat in it.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

A cross-bun is a sweet, yeast-leavened, spiced bun made with currants or raisins, often with candied citrus fruits, marked with a cross on the top. In many historically Christian countries, buns are traditionally eaten hot or toasted on Good Friday, with the cross standing as a symbol of the Crucifixion.[i]

As cross buns are usually available in the Easter period, ate usually on Good Friday and explicitly have a cross symbolising Crucifixion, it will be impermissible to buy and eat such items. It does not befit a Muslim to take part directly or indirectly in the customs of other religions and nations. Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with a unique identity to be proud of. Muslims should have a sense of honour preventing them from adopting the characteristics of others.

The prohibition of consuming the cross bun is not necessarily due to the ingredients; rather the restriction is founded upon the principles of resemblance with another nation (tashabbuh) and assisting in sin.

Technically speaking, the ingredients of the cross bun maybe of a halaal nature, but the impermissibility is due to the external factors of resemblance and assistance in sin. A principle of fiqh states “Acts are judged by the intention behind them.”[ii] The intention behind the cross buns are totally un-Islamic, hence the ruling will be issued accordingly. By purchasing a hot cross bun, you will be assisting the cause and intention it was made for. Furthermore, a look at the history of the hot cross bun reveals the ideologies it represents.

The sign of the cross marked into breads was acceptable on Good Friday to the Puritans (and other Protestant groups) because it commemorated the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.[iii]

It is believed that buns marked with a cross were eaten by Saxons in honour of the goddess Eostre (the cross is thought to have symbolised the four quarters of the moon); “Eostre” is probably the origin of the name “Easter”.

English folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. One of them says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or become mouldy during the subsequent year. Another encourages keeping such a bun for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone who is ill is said to help them recover.

Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if “Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be” is said at the time. Because of the cross on the buns, some say they should be kissed before being eaten. If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwreck. If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fires and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly. The hanging bun is replaced each year.

With all these un-Islamic concepts and beliefs tied to the cross-bun, it would be naive of a Muslim to even consider consuming it.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Quran,

“And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have other than Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped.”[iv]

We have been ordered by Allah not to even be inclined to the ways of the wrongdoers.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Whoever resembles a nation will be regarded as from amongst them.” [v]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said in another hadith,

“Whoever performs prayer like us, faces our Qibla and eats our slaughtered meat he is a Muslim.”[vi]

This hadith indicates to three actions which cause resemblance:

1) Similarity in prayer

2) Similarity in venerating a shrine

3) Similarity in food consumed

Eating food which is associated to a religion gives the consumer resemblance with the people of that religion.

The ruling on the different types of resemblance (tashabbuh):

1) To resemble the disbelievers in belief is tantamount to disbelief. Likewise to wear an emblem of another religion results in kufr. For example, to resemble the Christians in the belief of trinity or wearing a cross around the neck will make one an apostate.

2) To resemble the disbelievers in national customs is totally prohibited. For example, to partake in St.Valentines day.

3) To make use of permissible (mubah) items and to do permissible deeds will not fall under the category of resemblance (tashabbuh). For example to use a watch, transport, weapons etc. This will be permissible.

4) To resemble the sinful believers or the innovators amongst them is also disliked. To wear or act like the sinful will fall under this category and will be disliked (makruh).[vii]

The principle to detect resemblance is: if you look at something and diverts your mind to another religion or tribe, then by doing that will bear the laws of resemblance (tashabbuh).[viii]

Purchasing and eating a cross bun will also be prohibited due to assisting in sin. One who buys and consumes it is promoting the ideology of Easter. Hence, it will be prohibited for promoting un-Islamic values and ideologies.[ix]

In conclusion, it is impermissible to buy and eat hot cross buns, as there is resemblance with the disbelievers and it promotes their false ideology and views. There are many halaal foods available in the market, some of which are tastier than the hot cross bun."

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mawlana Faraz Ibn Adam,

Student Darul Iftaa

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

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ultimaa · 5 years ago

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Analyzing and theorizing about Shingeki no Kyojin

I can not avoid comparing the happenings of Shingeki no Kyojin with historical events, from the Roman Empire to World War II. In addition, the mythological content of the work also leads to a comparison with the beliefs of Classical Antiquity. At this point, I would like to talk about Ymir Fritz; However, before that... I need to tell you about the Roman Empire, specifically about its founding myth and what really happened.

Who has not heard of Romulus and Remus. The two brothers who started it all. The myth considers them children of Mars (the Greek Ares), god of war, who engendered them in Rhea Silvia. She was the daughter of Numitor, king of Alba Longa who had been overthrown by his brother Amulius. The mother had to abandon them, but the children were saved by Luperca, a wolf who suckled them. Then they were found and raised by a couple of pastors. The brothers discovered the nobility of their lineage and went to return Alba Longa to his grandfather Numitor.

They succeeded, but both wanted a city of their own. Then they had their differences. Romulus wished to build the city on the Palatine Hill, while Remus preferred the Aventine Hill. The only solution was to count vultures: Remo saw six, while Romulus saw twelve. The winner traced the limits of his city and assured that he would kill anyone who crossed them. Guess what? Remus was emboldened, entered the territory of his brother and Romulo fulfilled his word, becoming a fratricide.

That is the founding myth of Rome. Therefore, it does not correspond to reality. However, in Shingeki it could be. I explain. Each side has an idea about Ymir Fritz; The Marleyans considered that she agreed with the Devil, Eren Krueger believed that Ymir came into contact with the genesis of the matter and Onyankopon suggested that perhaps Ymir received his power from a divinity. Well, now think about everything I've told you, in Rome too: AND IF YMIR FRITZ DID NOT DEAL WITH THE DEMON, NEITHER ENTERED INTO CONTACT WITH THE ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING? What if everyone is wrong ... except Onyankopon? Ymir may have been the daughter of a god, like Romulus and Remus, becoming the first ruler of the House Fritz and the first ever titan shifter, in the same way that Romulus became the first king of Rome and the father of all Romans.

And if we mix myth with reality? Okay, let's say that Ymir has a divine origin, being a descendant of a deity. Well, what do we do with her people, the Erdians? The true origin of Rome is not found in a fraternal discussion; although it still is not clear, everything points to this glorious civilization was the result of the union of different peoples, Latins, Sabines, Etruscans (being these the most advanced), etc, which were fighting each other. Romulus, as the first king, promulgated common laws and customs. Roman laws and customs. Maybe Ymir Fritz saw himself in the same situation: a potpourrí of people who did not understand each other, who were enemies or who had been enemies, but who were under the charge of the same person. At this point, Ymir would do the same as Romulo and create a common culture with characteristics of each nation.

The Romans contributed much to architecture, art, politics and all areas of life. They built bridges, forums, basilicas, circuses, etc. They were practical people who sought the public utility of their buildings. Does not this remind you of what Grisha Jaeger said about Ymir and her people? Grisha was convinced that Ymir built bridges, sowed the fields, etc; in general, Jaeger believed that Ymir Fritz made mankind prosper, just as the Romans did.

I think frankly that Ymir brought a lot of progress and a time of splendor ...

... but I also believe that Erdia had to fight many wars.

I mentioned the Etruscans before. These allied with other peoples to fight against Rome, but were defeated and absorbed by the Romans. The same thing happened to Marley; they had nothing to do with a power like Ancient Erdia. However, when civil wars struck the Erdian Empire, they took advantage of and took control of the continent. They had defeated the infamous Erdians, who had done them so much harm! I do not doubt that the Erdians behaved brutally with the Marleyans, but we all know that no nation has conquered another with kisses and roses. The Marleyans could only see the pain of their homeland, but NOT the great advances that Ymir had promoted. They were blind with hatred and resentment (something that is understandable, because no one wants to be conquered) and they gave their truth to the world: YMIR HAD COVENANTED WITH THE DEMON AND SUMMARED THE WORLD IN A DARK AGE.

We can not blame them. After all, the god of the enemy is our enemy, our devil.

But Marleyans are not saints either. The old wars DO NOT justify confining the Erdians in ghettos and using them as cannon fodder. Because those Erdians are innocent. If someone in the fandom is able to justify Erdian segregation, that person has a problem. Think, for example, of the Germans. Yes, the Nazis did a lot of damage and ended up with millions of people, BUT THAT DOES NOT WANT TO SAY THAT THE CURRENT GERMANS MUST PAY FOR THEIR CRIMES. That's why the Nuremberg trials were held.

There are no guilty or villains or a dark side in SNK: only revenge, resentment and ambition. The past is just an excuse, the veracity of the facts is not important. Marleyans and Erdians need a reason to hate each other and have the best. As I see it, there are only three solutions to this millennial conflict.

a. Peace. Each side should recognize their mistakes, leave their weapons and dialogue.

b. May the best win. The problems between Erdia and Marley are irreconcilable and the war will end when one country destroys the other.

c. The bilateral catastrophe. Both nations are destroyed by a third country or by an alliance.

I am inclined to the last two options. I think Erdia will beat Marley, but ... that's just the tip of the iceberg. After Eren attacked Liberio, where an international summit was held with ambassadors from all over the globe, the whole world is against Erdia. Okay, maybe Eren will finish Marley. Certainly, it seems that the Marleyans are betting everything in the invasion of the current arc of the manga. They need to put an end to the Erdians of the walls and, above all, they need the power of the TITAN FOUNDER to preserve the military hegemony. I think of the Ardennes Counteroffensive, Hitler's last attack on the allies, which failed. However, both the Nazis and the Allies suffered a large number of casualties: Germany suffered 83,000 casualties among the dead and wounded, and the Allies suffered a total of 102,576 casualties. The Allies lost much more because the German Army was superior and, despite this, they won. I think the Erdians will win thanks to the power of the Titans, thanks to the RUMBLING, because the Marleyan troops are clearly superior.

Recently it was revealed an audio that contained the end of the work. The din of a battle ... the battle against the world? This is very ironic and twisted on the part of the Master Isayama. The fall of the walls has always been a symbol of freedom and union. The fall of the Berlin Wall was a big step towards the end of the Cold War. Nevertheless, the fall of Maria, Rose and Sina would suppose the liberation of the colossal titans, that is to say, the activation of the rumble of the earth. Here we come to the man who will decide the destiny of humanity: Eren Jaeger.

We still do not know what happens in the head of our suicidal bastard (in fact, his vital state is also doubtful), but I dare say he will do the following:

-To end with the era of the titans and, therefore, with the possibility of Erdian supremacy. For this we must liquidate the colossal locked in the walls, but how the hell are you going to get rid of thousands and thousands of colossal, if only one of them killed almost the entire Legion and calcined Armin? Well, Eren can control them and maybe he can get rid of them. If this happened, Eren would fulfill what he said as a child: "I'm going to kill the titans." However, he would no longer do it for revenge or hatred, but for the common good. That would be a way to redeem the character.

How would Eren get rid of the colossal? Well, it's simple ... THE OCEAN. It is well known that the titans do not approach the water and the ocean could be a good tomb for the giants of fifty meters. In our world, the deepest part of the ocean is in the Mariana Trench, 10,000 meters deep. Imagine our Eren commanding those moles towards the unfathomable depths. The sea symbolizes life because everything started in the water, but it also refers to death in a more poetic sense (in the work of Antonio Machado it is very frequent) because all the rivers (the lives) flow into the sea (the death). In addition, the importance of the ocean in Shingeki no Kyojin is already made clear in the first chapters, when Armin dreams of reaching it.

Does this mean that Eren supports Zeke's plan? No, I do not think Eren intends to sterilize his people. I never believed it, especially when the supposed final panel of the manga was unveiled. I believe without doubt that the baby is Erdian; Son of a protagonist? I don’t know, but I do Erdian. And the dialogue, that "you are free", would mean that the coming generations are free of the legacy of Ymir, of the titans, of the terrible past ... and of the titan shifters.

Things as they are: as long as there are titan shifters, there will be war to control them. How do we get rid of them without any baby inheriting it? Well, I'll leave that to Isayama 😊

Suppose that the Titans are truly exterminated, then how will Paradis defend itself from its numerous enemies? Even if Hizuru helped them, the Erdians would lose. They would have two options: peace or destruction. This would be a good time for Armin. After all, Eren himself said that Armin would save humanity, and not him.

This is all. I apologize for possible spelling or grammatical errors: English is not my language.

#snk #snk thoughts #snk theory #snk 119 #erenjaeger #armin arlert #levi ackerman #mikasa ackerman #snk s3

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airoasis · 5 years ago

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"Hell" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/hell-father-ted-series-2-episode-1-dead-parrot-2/

"Hell" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

Young Tom that is the primary time you can be entrusted with any such colossal consignment or all three are most of the time over yet? Don’t involved about me is on an investor Tom that is the button that opens the doorways and that is the button that makes the so we shoot out this one for the doorways and this will likely shove the top and the other way round Rheya July the nineteenth. We that strike me important. Yes Tonight 19. I would not be aware of Ted you giant bother i am sorry. I mentioned i would not know ted you colossal baller have you ever been studying these roddy Doyle box once more do I? Have yet had a big ? So that is all well, however you have to keep in mind. They’re just reports traditional persons like us. Do not use that sort of language keep in mind this is the true world. Oh, you are correct there ted Anyway, any thought why july the nineteenth will have to be so main stands out as the day of the ice age ended? No, it are not able to be that targeted concerning the ice age regarded it up on the diary July 19th on at the moment at Galway liberated from Indians Marathon turns into snickers Ha stated, I say Jen Time for tea father Mrs..Doran some thing strike you is principal about july the nineteenth. It doesn’t matter. What day is his father there may be perpetually time for a best cup of tea should not i know him despatched from the cross pause for a nice cup of tea earlier than giving him for the ? No, he failed to Mrs.. Doyle some thing apparatus. They’d 40 keep her ceaselessly talking of cake. I have cake i am pleasant for cake with the toys is your father there may be cocaine in it oh you’re not cocaine what am I a debauch? No? I named which referred to as them intent right is not going to thank you do not be small.It’s just a tiny little thing you won’t even feel it going in you won’t even comprehend your nation will know i’m using it mrs.. Doyle look at you. Will not you seem at this reisman? It’s infrequently even a cake it’s an micro cake that is going. I particularly is not going to have any location. Come on now. It is obtained Raisins Cherry Cinnamon cinnamon oil, virtually I do recognize cinnamon. K, . Going what the heck? I will have one three no i’m forcing it no, no you’re not Why now not cinnamon no? No, you are just being polite if you don’t want any all you have to do is say, no simply that one little word no it can be a lovely word our lord gave to make use of right here on the earth, but we do not need any cake.Yes Justice i’d sincerely love some cake Mrs.. Doyle while you can’t have any I? Was once cake no no i’m simply going out to have these destroyed Anyway, this spacing is bothering me now, july the nineteenth. That is some thing. We normally do on july the nineteenth this is anything to do with Jack probably oh, God. It is now not is oh no? Wait, this turns ugly take into account simply before Christmas. Oh, thank God for that. Oh, God almighty You okay, I feel um So what might or not it’s? Excursion where are we going how head God I don’t know pearson Pearson’s no, Mr.. Pearson does not really like humans staying with him below vacations. It can be now not truely a guest apartment mouth no recall the gigantic arguments.We control them final 12 months when we tried to remain at 2nd studying hello, you understand we would father o’rourke has that Caravan and he mentioned we might customers and he said we need to oh no mentioned No, no longer again. It is very small that Caravan no he is acquired a new one. Thank . It’s twice It was once the one at the finish there may be seem colossal We’re here father.Thank God. Think the best Caravan in the whole world – girl where’s the trailer with the entire stuff us? Subsequent thing you’ll be able to be telling me you failed to lock the entrance door Ted come on right in minute father. I promise you this is very restricted. Good, you understand this is what it is all about go to back. I am wrinkling up your raisin in there the backing of sake below Ted Crilley Island Parochial condominium Craggy Island accident Cra Ggy island on she officer I cannot express regret adequate God for ok. It can be no longer a different one. Which one is So this is excellent. You know it is higher than a third one What we do first , I? Will take it handy for a whilst. I believe we must you already know just get settled into the historical proper that’s sufficient of that the place we go? Oh, here’s the booklet eight? Oh? Places of interest ship Kevin Stomp hMM.Sounds excellent the Magic avenue, two places of interest what is the Magic road Ted? Some of these bizarre typical wonders for everything’s long past haywire, and nothing works the best way. It can be presupposed to it’s like you Google except on the street I nonetheless do not realise. It’s a kind of a mannequin. Yes it’s what’s referred to as a unusual phenomenon if you stop to coroner’s and took off the hand rig it might roll uphill and Water would flow workplace practically as mad as that thing you instructed me about the lows in the that is when our lord acquired only one or two bits of food And was a whole pile of meals and every body has it for dinner. God. He used to be amazing wasn’t I? He is great Father jack do you’ve got any preferences vacation? Sure? We’re on excursion would you like to head anywhere what? Would you love to move somewhere? How are you ? Used to be just asking would you love to move someplace now that we’re right here would you like to move free beautiful walk? I like cake sure, yeah discontinue speakme to father Jack.The place are you? What’s that in there? Are mighty? God, let’s simply get him to sleep and we head off ourselves, father into your field Let’s go appear for the Magic the holiday starts here doogal Come on. Let’s play Did you deliver the travel Scrabble Duel I? Introduced the typical Scrabble and the journey Scrabble ted the journey Scrabble for when we had been touring and the average Scrabble for after we arrived good man. Understand wait a minute now that I feel of it. I did not carry either them proper auto the Monopoly just so uh what we do for the subsequent two weeks. We will put on the kettle yeah, go on must be one of the most ones that clicks off automatically. Sure It gave the impression there incidentally did you carry any teabags no? Rice , head yeah when I put extra water in and turn it on once more No, i’m I favored it pleasant the first time perhaps we might turn it on without hanging any water in in any respect See what occurred? Do not feel you must do that this kind of is We simply blow up and you would be opting for lumps of steel out of your face for the 12 months and a half You get gigantic purple blotches and the espresso fish lips greater than the relaxation of your face like colossal precisely like father massive lee.Possibly that is what happened to him 96 ninety seven 99 100 coming capable or not you can actually sing 5 okay, one final time These are small, but the ones out there are some distance away far away, I omit know how your eyes generally play a methods in it ? Know Father Larry Doff Larry yeah, he routinely comes round to terry when he gets a spoil. He’s massive fun supply him a name on his cell mobilephone. Acquired a month for Christmas. He is continually complaining that nobody ring the screen What time it switched off? Why is it calling Kevin discontinue? Would not say So this would all holidays are like head definitely yeah Anyway, we higher get again to Jack I to find. He said it’s a foot by the cliffs hi there will we go over to the rocking again head? Good Come on. Ted. We’re on holidays pay attention. All proper. We better get back to Jackson , right? Well here, we’re well, we go over to final time no ted. No, we could just blow off the excitement if we did that now save something for subsequent week father Eggy Island with out sea or She comprehend I left listen the whole trade of reporting lacking folks.We’ve heard of it. Yes well price any cash to file a lacking person no? Trish inform you . We look to have lost one in every of our social gathering father Jack hackers. . How would you describe them? Mid-50s to mid eighties. She would simply spend a vegetable is most of the time for some purpose very angry man hates children likes the ah drink and in the event you to find him don’t come up on them from at the back of you won’t like in any respect thing do you raise those electric Stunner items, oh Boy, oh, no purpose that is right some thing else. I will do for you while i am here want to confess eighty unsolved murders or whatever ? We’re great for you all unsolved murders Some vacation, this is starting to be come on. Please no Jack’s long gone to be extra space to Caravan oh Why? I have no idea like what a excellent name you doing right here well surely this is our caravan my father wrote that we would use us. Sure see I suppose it used to be there to everyone in these days you’ll room for 2 more lisette look youth team Morton bast it down there.I mean I no discontinue fucking with the music wanted to Noah Yeah, are you’ll you alw voice very like Celine dion? We’re dancin come on Solomon Fl them truely you recognize i’m really tired What maybe you’re right really we’re calling it exhaustively all considering? A few of us overdid it on local that is satisfactory Jerry knows who i am talking about Yeah you understand you are correct again at us.What’s been half 10? Johnny knows i’m speakme out there. Don’t you do not you sure i will see you are the just one to Kneeling Tommy lee. Can you recognize all sweetness and lightweight? We ought to like that wrap tightly O Southern for lunch you are a pleasant fella. What else would you say? I am . What are you do they go collectively? We all know that i do know you i am wager. What ? How are you? The historical town city oh, God does he have any worn out? There are mad drought? – yes, . We will have to all go to bed. We’re so nearly chopped Oh, but mostly to get some heroin . I am simply going to bathroom father all correct someone else must go hate google. Are you k? We’re grams. Thanks. Nostril. Are you definite now ted you do not want two exact good things i am going again the worst thing would be to keep it in on account that you are higher Google minkus yes, a pal of mine father sweeney.He had an extraordinarily small Gathering boat besides, however Terry’s chocolate orange. No I rather? I am fine ok you adore a bunch of camels appear on the napping bag house will it don’t be this comes no longer just a tune the extra the merrier on the grounds that Columns are a exceptional football workforce in the mid 50’s consider did they received the father fitzgibbon law enforcement officials? Father would give one more give up. He gave the impression of a cop loopy right here like handle Delirium jed did did you see recollect yeah? I bear in mind him no Hmm. Who’s omit Anna Moaning Michael tonight? God almighty. It can be nearly o’clock in morning. I think what we should all do now could be stand up you go experiences i go mad let’s get overdoing it. Let’s go residence Who’s that now? Is that is fending off to the Disco don’t handiest us. We’re simply heading out for some recent air keep in mind to carry his back from right eat some thing probabilities are long gone back to Craggy Island is amazing homing intuition Opens the prize wheeled in the front door to search out him there with a significant smiley face his palms outstretched to welcome us again what? Good might be that’s a smiley face Are the outstretched palms or the welcome again? He’s on the whole there? Oh God do get him out fast adorbs here Open please open there all proper there ted. A reasonable bit away. Sure, what you have been speeding up their mattress Sorry about that bloody pervert he is ordinarily very bloodless now that his home is going away each i will feel about that for a while simply i am sure he’s gonna start doing out to it appear at Amber failed to see him.Do not you feel it? , we better let them all get along Get out of the vehicle hello once more proper I believe he’s down somewhat. I do know No enough no come on Davis proving expertise that such nonsense the tires head i will be able to inform you impressing nobody with that kind of factor? I will tear them so tired. Maybe we must return no no no. I am now not going anywhere near an historic for long again knows what the kids have to follow now that’s enormous. Talk. Thanks. Give us a carry. Oh, God hiya, Fellas. Oh. God um we want a raise. They may be now not fatter after I’m down and opened at all Sorry that fight Your valuable father your week, thank God play on boy you’ve gotten anything drink 97 ninety eight ninety nine 100 coming now competent or no you you

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resievilchic96 · 6 years ago

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I was tagged by @theoracleofllaena to answer 11 questions here so let’s just skip the formalities and hop right to it, shall we?

1. What was your favorite era of animation? (eg. “golden age” or decades like 1980′s, etc)

I’d have to say any animation by Don Bluth b/c his style of animation very beautiful to me. I think his works range from the 80s to 90s to even 2000s with Titan A.E.

2. Is college/university a waste of money in your experience?

Yes, the costs are outrageous in several areas from classes to textbooks to dorms, hell even cafeteria food. I mean sure there’s scholarships,finanicial aid, loans, grants and such but come on. You have so many still paying off loans and are not able to secure their dream jobs yet b/c of the economy and times have massively changed. But college degrees are required on a lot of jobs out there so you got to do what you got to do.

3. What is your favorite “black sheep” video game, as in the worst-reviewed or least-popular game in a series?

I would have to say Tomb Raider Chronicles, I usually see that one end up really low on top games and ranked next to worst of all the Tomb Raider games. Most complaints were that if felt stale using the same engine and “been there done that” plots and gameplay but this was actually my first Tomb Raider game I ever played so it was all new to me then. I had fun with it and it still holds a special place in my heart b/c it got me into the series.

4. Add-on to previous question: Do you feel like long-term or “established” fans are too harmful to newcomers to a given franchise?(game/movie/book/whatever)

Some can sour the experience and be annoying as hell but not all long-term or “established” fans are bad just like not all “newer” fans are bad either. You’re gonna have your good and bad apples in any groups you come across. I say keep it small in fandoms, find your people you gel with and have fun.

5. What is the weirdest food you ate that you actually enjoyed?

Nacho cheese Doritos in a chive and onion cream cheese bagel sandwich. Brush your teeth after this fine snack so you don’t gross anyone out.

6. What is one dream you have had that you wish could come true? Alternate for people who can’t remember their dreams, how about a fantasy or day-dream?

Daydream wise I would say just that everyone is healthy,financially secure,no more diseases,killing, racism,homophobia,nazis and pedos. That would be a great thing to happen. We’d all be happy, that may seem boring to some but hey I’ll take it.

7. You are now given exactly one “save point” in real life, and you can reload your save as many times as you want, but the one save point stands. Where/when would you use it, if at all? (retroactive answers, such as placing the save point somewhere in your past, are acceptable)

I would use it in the summer of 1996 just so I could keep reloading the cool times I had with friends, plus reliving the games, movies,music,fashion,the fads, etc....

8. In fantasy/”historical” war media (comics, games, whatever), do you prefer they use real-life countries (eg. Age of Empires, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, etc) or fictional countries (eg. Calradia in the Mount & Blade series, Temeria/Nilfgaard in The Witcher, etc)?

I really don’t have a preference on that tbh. Just as long the plot/gameplay is fun.

9. If you had infinite budget and nobody would make fun of you, 100% guaranteed, what is the most ridiculous outfit you would wear for Halloween?

Taco Belle! Oh they could make fun of me all they want, my love for tacos kicks embarrassment’s ass any day!

10. What is your biggest guilty-pleasure in real life? (eg. slowing down in front of tailgaters, acting dumb to frustrate rude customers, etc)

Watching A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master b/c anyone else I know doesn’t care for that one in the Freddy series but it’s my favorite one to watch out of the whole series (despite the fact that it has the one insect I can’t deal with and that is roaches, go figure huh?)

11. Why are you still on this shitty blue hellsite?

Ah there’s the most important question of them all! Mutuals/friends do play a huge factor in my staying here b/c I have come across some really nice and awesome people on here that I enjoy conversing with. I also like some of the content, fan art, and edits ppl post on here in my favorite fandoms. Also my blog is more like a scrapbook of all the shit I like so whenever I get stressed or need a break, I like to go thru my archives to see the stuff I’ve reblogged whether it be recently or back when I first joined. It’s also neat to see how your tastes and views can change over time as well with looking back and forward.

This hellsite does have SOME good things about it in the sea of negativity, you just gotta look hard sometimes and the ppl you befriend along the way make it easier.

Alright that’s it! I’m supposed to make up 11 questions and tag 11 ppl with it? Afraid I’ll have to break that chain and not do it b/c of having less time to do so but if anyone wants to do this, just use these same questions and say I tagged you.

#tagged #11 questions #long post #i think it's a long post anyway

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dailyaudiobible · 6 years ago

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08/21/2018 DAB Transcript

Job 1:1-3:26 , 1 Corinthians 14:1-17 , Psalms 37:12-29 , Proverbs 21:25-26

Today is the 21st day of August. Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I'm Brian and it's a pleasure and an honor to be here with you today as we continue forward into this week. And we concluded the book of Esther yesterday and we talked about. Today we’re moving into some new territory.

Introduction to the book of Job:

For the next little season here were going to be exploring the deeper recesses of our hearts and we’ll be looking at it through the lens of suffering and of meaning and purpose. And, so, that brings us to the threshold of the book that we're about to step into, the book of Job, which poetically deals with the problem of evil and human suffering and just begs the question, why? Why me? And then rustling for that answer. Funny thing about Job is its origins are disputed because it's…just…there's like no historical context in the Bible. There’s no historical figures. I mean there are people in the Bible, obviously, but none of them can be cross-referenced and located in history, which leads to a lot of conjecture. In spite of this, it's widely accepted that Job may very well be one of the most ancient books in the world and perhaps the most ancient book in the Bible. But even Jewish tradition has varied opinions. Some scholars believe that because of the archaic Hebrew used in the original manuscripts and the uniqueness of words found in the book - Job uses a lot of Hebrew words not found anywhere else in the Bible - that Job was maybe contemporary with Abraham, or Jacob. Others believe that it was written by a scribe returning from exile whose native tongue wasn't Hebrew. And others follow tradition that Job was written or collected by Mosses, so there's conjecture around this. And if it was written by Moses, it's unknown whether he was writing down oral traditions that had been passed down for…for who knows how long or weather he was writing a bit of a theological treatise dealing with suffering and pain as a parable. These are only a few of the many varying explanations for Job’s existence. But regardless, it's beautiful. It's a beautifully written work and it's among the most riveting literature in all the world to help us deal with suffering. So, as we move through the book of Job we’ll deal with these questions, the questions of unwarranted suffering and the council of friends who are attempting to help Job find the answer. Often what we’re going to find is that Job's friends giving advice sound very, very similar to the kind of advice we might give and totally valid, only to find out that they didn't know at all what they were talking. And we’ll discover that as we demand answers for our suffering or our hardship or our struggles and then…and then we contrast that with the glory of God. And we become speechless because God's glory is infinite and far beyond whatever we might be going through at the moment. His power and his strength are so vast that their unknowable, right? They can’t be quantified. It's…it's beyond our comprehension. His beauty is indescribable. It is God and only God who can sustain our lives, but often when were we’re suffering were asking why, are you letting this happen. And there’s not always this immediate answer that we’re looking for, no matter how much we stamp our feet and shake our fists and make demands. And the more that we demand, the more you become aware that we’re putting ourselves, we’re elevating ourselves into a position of highest judge, even to the point of making a judgment against God, which is a scary thing indeed. So, ultimately we can spend our lives looking for an answer or we can trust God. And this may sound like it's trite but it's bedrock. All of our lives boil down to this core awareness. Our very existence itself boils down to this awareness. There are always parts of our story that are incomplete. There’s always more going on than we ever know, but our suffering, our hardship, our struggle is a continual invitation to leave behind our knowledge of good and evil and fall helplessly and hopelessly into God. I mean the struggles that we face are continually inviting us to answer one simple question, is God good or not. And we can answer, of course, yes, then even in the face of hardship we know we’re on the right path. And, so, with that, let's dive in to this new season, and this new book. Job chapter 1 verse 1 through 3 verse 26. And we’re reading from the Contemporary English Version this week.

Commentary:

Okay. So, we’ve worked our way through three chapters of Job, and…I men…this is one of the most riveting points in the Bible to me. Every year we pass this territory, it's the same thing for me…this…this image of how a man systematically lost everything that he cherished. I mean to the point that all of his joy, all of the hope that he had was crushed to the point that he wanted to be lying in the grave. And, I mean, we can we can see why. Everything, everything that he had that mattered was taken away. The thing that is most riveting about that, the posture that is portrayed here is…it is just riveting to me because it's usually not what we do, right? If we have a season like Job and, come on, let's be honest, none of us have had a season like Job. We may that we’re suffering like Job, but we just read what happened to Job. So…so as not to make a blanket statement, let me just say that it's unlikely that any of us have suffered like Job, probably none of us have had a bad day like the one Job had when servants couldn't finish what they were saying and what they were saying was destruction of one of the aspects of Job's life, they couldn’t finish even saying it before the next one came up with more bad news. Job's response should silence and humble us because so often, you know, if we were to encounter say 1%, 2% of what Job is facing, we’re shaken our fists at the sky. Job’s response is certainly to acknowledge what he’s going through, right? As was the custom, he tore his clothes to show that something is torn inside of him and he put sackcloth on and he sat in ashes and put ashes on himself. He's clearly demonstrating and acknowledging the pain and suffering. But what he did was he fell to his knees and worshiped God. It's such a vivid picture and such a contrast with the way that we deal with these kinds of things, usually. Job's posture is just different than that, right? He's not saying all kinds of affirmations and, you know, trying to find mantras that he can repeat to keep his courage up…like he's acknowledging completely what is going on. It’s just that he's responding to it differently than most people do. He fell to his knees and began to worship God. I mean there's thousands of us going through thousands of different things, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands. Like, every one of us have a story to tell and at one point or another we’re going through patches that we don't want to be going through, we’re walking through things that we'd rather not be, we’re suffering in ways that would rather not be. If we could remember this picture, though it would orient us correctly. As we’ll see, this isn’t going to take everything away just because Job fell to his knees and worshiped God. But the posture of heart is clear. No matter what happens, Job has committed himself to trusting in the sovereign God and in Him alone. And as this develops in the story it will be even more riveting.

Prayer:

Father, we come into Your presence, first confessing that…I mean…this…this is normally not our posture. I mean…we might worship and praise You…hoping that You'll make things better…quickly…as soon as possible, but…but we haven't faced with Job has faced and he fell to his knees and worshiped You. And this humbles us. And, so, we worship You, to begin with today. Lord, we worship You. You are the sovereign God. The fact that we are breathing oxygen. The fact that we have a consciousness and are even aware that we exist is a gift from You. We have nothing and we are nothing without You. And, so, we are reminded today as we look into the book of Job that are hope is in You and You alone. Everything else that we put our hope in, all of our own ingenuity and strength, this isn’t gonna work. It's going to turn out to be false hope. And, so we put our hope in You alone and we confess that You are good. And Father, we confess this in the face of what we are dealing with right now and in this community it runs the gamut of everything a person can face. So, inside this community, as a collective, we have endured with Job is enduring, just not as individuals, but we are all facing something. And, so, we fall to our knees and worship You. You are good. Blessed be the name of the Lord. And we invite Your Holy Spirit to draw near and comfort us in this. We turn to You. Rather than being estranged from You and pushing You away and being angry, we run toward You and fall before You and receive Your comfort. Come Holy Spirit, we pray. Blessed to be the name of the Lord. Amen.

Song:

Brent Bourgeois - Blessed Be the Name (from Job)

May the day perish on which I was born.

May the stars of its morning be dim.

Why is life given to the bitter of soul

Or to those who stand in anger of Him?

Oh, He pierces my heart and does not pity.

He breaks me with wound upon wound.

Remember, I pray that you have made me like clay

And you'll return me to dust again soon.

Oh-oh, Naked I came from my mother's womb,

And naked I shall return.

Oh, the Lord gave, the Lord has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

He commands the sun and it does not rise,

And treads on the waves of the sea.

Yet, how small a whisper we hear of Him

For He is not a man, is He?

That my words were written forever

With pen and golden rod,

My redeemer shall stand at last on the earth.

In my flesh, I shall see God.

Oh-oh, Naked I came from my mother's womb,

And naked I shall return.

Oh, the Lord gave, the Lord has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

But now ask the beasts and they will tell you,

And the birds of the air and they will teach you,

Or the fish of the sea will explain it to you,

That the hand of the Lord has done this

In whose hand is the life of every living thing

And the flesh of all mankind.

Oh-oh, Naked I came from my mother's womb,

And naked I shall return.

Oh, the Lord gave, the Lord has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Oh-oh, Naked I came from my mother's womb,

And naked I shall return.

Oh, the Lord gave, the Lord has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

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cbwalive · 4 years ago

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CBWA SUPER ESTRELLA EP.8

Welcome everybody to another exciting episode of Super Estrella I’m good ol JR Jimmy Ross alongside Gordon Solie and Gordo last week was the biggest show we had and we crowned a brand new CBWA World Heavyweight Champion in Raman Reigns

That’s right Jimmy and what does this all mean going into Wrestle Rock at Sea 4 as you can hear the music that only means one thing

You are correct as we now take you to the ring and The BS Service

Crowd here definitely not appreciating the BS Service as the boss Mr. John Schneider takes the mic

Ladies and gentlemen welcome once again to Super Estrella!!!! Last week was an historic night one of most watched episodes of all time and one of the biggest main events happened for the prestigious CBWA World Heavyweight title as Goldberg took on the Tribal Chief Raman Reigns, so without further ado I like to bring out your NEW CBWA World Heavyweight Champion he is the head of the table the Tribal Chief ladies and gentlemen Raman Reigns!!!!!!!

Well there he is JR

Yes indeed the new CBWA World Heavyweight Champion and a bit of controversy last week in that huge main event that we will get into in a sec but back to the boss who has the mic

Mr. Reigns last week you took that brass ball that I always talk about and you ran over Goldberg with it and scored the biggest victory of your career and I can now say I have a champion I can be proud of, but before I let you speak champ I have a little surprise for you, you see this championship belt needs to fit your style which is class and integrity, when I look at this current belt it resembles trash and disappointment so with that said Party would you please?

Well it looks Party has a trash can

Do not tell he is about to do what I think he’s about to do

This title belt represented the bums and dirtbags like Roberto Gibson, Fake Stan Lane, Steve Ryder once wore and just like their careers, this belt has found it’s home

Oh my god he just put The CBWA World Heavyweight title in the trash

Now out with old and in with the new, Mr. Reigns I present to you the brand new CBWA World Heavyweight Championship Belt, a title that everyone would be proud of

Would look at that belt JR

Currently is a beauty I will give him that as we now here from the champ

Mr. Schneider thank you for this beautiful new world title, a world title only fitting for the Head of the Table, The Tribal Chief and now your World Heavyweight Champion and I’m putting all those bums in the back on notice, you will now bow down to your champion or pay the consequences and..........

Oh wait a minute Gordon sounds like the former champion Goldberg is heading out and there he is and it looks like he has a lot to say

Congratulations champ on your victory last week but now it only means one thing, you see I have a rematch clause so it simply means.........you’re next!!!!!!!! See you at Wrestle Rock at Sea 4...... oh and just to let you know in my rematch clause it says I get to name the stipulation, so the way I see it Tribal Chief is to lock you inside a steel cage so none of your boys tries to interfere again and let’s see if you’re truly the Head of the Table or just the little bitch boy that I know you are, see you in 2 weeks champ

Wow Goldberg has laid down the challenge to Reigns and what a huge announcement for the main event at Wrestle Rock at Sea 4, folks we will be right back don’t you dare go away

And welcome back folks to Super Estrella we started the show with the new champion Raman Reigns and was interrupted by the former champ Goldberg and the match is set for our next pay per view Wrestle Rock at Sea 4 inside the demonic steel cage for the CBWA World Heavyweight title Goldberg will go one on one with The Tribal Chief Raman Reigns in 2 weeks as we now take you to the ring and The Fink

Ladies and gentlemen the following contest set for one fall making his way to the ring weighing at 245 pounds here is Party Janetty

And his opponent weighing in at 387 pounds making his return to the CBWA here is Pitmaster PN News!!!

Definitely good to see the big man PN News back and I have been trying to get a deal with old Pitmaster to incorporate Good Ol JR’s BBQ sauce so we’ll see how that goes as the bell rings and we are underway and you know Gordon what a turn of events already going down tonight as we see a shoulder take down by News and Party seems somewhat surprised by that

Absolutely JR and we haven’t even touched on what the number one contender Steve Ryder thoughts are on this whole situation

Well hopefully we will hear from the Powerhouse later tonight as News now has Party over head and down with the Gorilla press, cover here and only a 2 count, News now takes Party into the corner and it looks like we are about to see a big splash coming and Party barely escapes but look at this Party now is doing some dance moves for the ladies in the crowd, what is this guy doing? you better turn around and boom what a closeline by News and now here it comes big slash for the cover 1,2,3 a big win for the big man as look at the slam of the night Gordon

As you can see Party was more focused on the nice ladies at ringside rather than PN News and it costed him dearly as PN News comes down on poor Party with a big splash 1,2,3 and that’s your slam of the night as we take you now to Kenny with The Pitmaster

Thank you Gordon, Pitmaster it’s been a long time since the last time we saw you, what’s been going on and what is on your mind

Well Kenny, first off it’s great to be back in the CBWA, you know with this Condom19 pandemic going on I figured this would be the perfect time to get my Pitmaster skills and put them to the test and help out to feed the community but a certain Uber driver now has come in my territory and taking my business away

You must be talking about BS member Blaster Lashley

That’s exactly who I’m talking about and Lashley if you think you can just come in and try to take my customers away then me and you have a big problem pal

Oh wait a minute look at this here’s Lashley now, Mr. Lashley please we don’t want no problems here

Shut it Kenny, taking your customers? Is that how you see or is they come for the better service? Look man I don’t think you understand what is going on around here, it’s the BS Service and we are taking over, so take your tongs there and stick them where the sun don’t shine fat boy

Oh wait just a minute Gordon, The Pitmaster and Lashley going at and poor Kenny is in the middle of this, my god somebody needs to break this up and let poor Kenny breathe

Here comes some referees and security hopefully we find the whereabouts of Kenny as I can’t seem to locate him JR

Same here well folks we are going clean this up and hopefully find Kenny, we’ll be right back after these messages

And welcome back folks to Super Estrella as we take you to the Fink

The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the CBWA Hardcore Championship

Currently in the ring weighing in at 253 LBS here is Hardcore Wak

And his opponent to be accompanied to the ring by the CBWA tag team champions City Hall, weighing in at 243LBS he is the CBWA Hardcore Champion here is Garth Lane!!!!!

There he is Gordon the son of the Mayor and Hardcore Champion Garth Lane, he is a special young kid that I believe is being manipulated by our “Mayor” and Mr. Schneider and what is the relationship between the Mayor and Mr. Schneider?

Well that is the ultimate question JR

And here we go bell rings and that is like a take off for young Garth as he is going to town in Hardcore Wak, it’s like his demeanor changes when the bell rings and turns into this animal and now look at this Bubba is handing Garth a steel chair and look out Jesus what a shot Garth just decapitated Hardcore Wak this is all but over but now look at the Z Man sliding in a table and telling Garth to put Wak through it and now Garth looks like he is about to powerboat him through but wait the Mayor is here

And look what he has in his hands JR

Is that lighter fluid?

That’s what it looks like to me

And oh no he is not doing this, Bubba with the lighter and my god the table is on fire and Garth has Wak up and oh my god a powerbomb through the flaming table, cover and mercifully it’s over let’s take you to The Fink

The winner of the match and still CBWA Hardcore Champion Garth Lane

We are going get shutdown by the fire marshal with heinous act like that as we take you to Kenny who is with The Mayor and City Hall

Thanks JR what an impressive win by your son Mr. Mayor

No Kenny you see that is where you are wrong, I don’t want young Garth here to be known as The Mayor’s son I want him to make it his own

With all due respect sir but he had help out there

Whoa whoa there Kenny, let’s make it perfectly clear, we did not help him, we simply guided him, you see if you knew anything about taking care of a “special” human being like young Garth here you would know that he needs to be guided and that’s why we are here, I want to make sure that someone is not in his ear spewing a bunch of crap to him like that pos Gibson used to do, you are looking at a savage beast when that bell rings and anybody that wants to try to take this Hardcore title off him will have to kill him for it I can guarantee you that, let’s go boys

Well there you have it from The Mayor back to you JR and Gordon

Alright thank you Kenny, well it’s already chaotic out here and we are only 20 minutes into the show, folks we are going to take a quick commercial break and be right back with the Powerhouse stay with us folks

Welcome back to Super Estrella as we take you to Kenny who is with the number one contender

Thank you JR please welcome the man who will main event the biggest show of the year Drug Wars 5 he is the winner of the battle royal and is the number one contender for the CBWA World Heavyweight title the Powerhouse Steve Ryder

The ladies sure do love this man JR

They certainly do

Powerhouse the road to Drug Wars for you took a left turn for you last week as you were slated to face Goldberg but that is not the case anymore as Reigns now is the champion so what are your thoughts on who you would like to see coming out of the rematch at Wrestle Rock at Sea 4?

You know Kenny it really doesn’t matter who comes out the champ because whoever I face at Drug Wars you are looking at the next CBWA World Heavyweight Champion and as far as Wrestle Rock at Sea I need to get me a little tune in match and I remember the last time I was out here I was interrupted by a chump stain by the name of Brian Withers, so here’s the deal kid, you wanna make a name for yourself than accept my challenge and face the Powerhouse and I’ll make your scrawny ass famous pal

Well here comes Withers and we have an answer

What do you say punk? You dare to face the Genetic Freak?

First off Ryder congratulations on becoming the number one contender but let’s not forget I never was eliminated from the battle royal, so let’s do this, I’ll accept your challenge and you put that number one contender spot on the line what do you say?

I say I’ll see your bitch ass at Wrestle Rock at Sea

Well there you have it another match added to Wrestle Rock at Sea 4 as the Powerhouse will now put his number one contendership on the line against Brian Withers back to you guys

Alright thank you Kenny and now 2 huge matches are set for Wrestle Rock at Sea 4 in 2 weeks and it’s shaping up to be a good one as we understand we are going to take you backstage as The Miz has something to say this should be interesting

At The Great Bogotá Bash I defeated and crippled the so called toughest SOG ZZ I had him stretched out he was done and then last week he shows up and tries to take me out, well ZZ this has to end and I know you are not medically cleared and probably won’t be for awhile so here what I propose, I will get with my lawyers and type up a contract on the biggest stage of them all Drug Wars 5 and it will be for the last time you vs me for this prestigious South American Title, the winner will bask in glory and becoming The South American Champion, the loser will leave The CBWA forever and this won’t be a Gibson leave, this will be forever, this country is not big enough for the both of us, I will have the contract ready by Wrestle Rock at Sea, all you have to do is somehow get out of your wheelchair and walk your crippled ass on the boat and sign the contract and I will see you in the ring at Drug Wars 5

Wow The Miz is putting it out there I can’t wait to hear ZZ’s response folks we are going to take our final break and be right back after these messages

And welcome back folks to Super Estrella and it looks like the boss is heading back out here and looks like another present wonder what this could be as go up to the boss

Another great show from Super Estrella which is the number one rated show in Bogotá and in Columbia, we are reaching new heights and this is why I’m going to announce that as Super Estrella gets only stronger we should a representative for the hottest show go today and that is why I’m going to introduce The CBWA Univision Television Championship Belt

Look at that another belt for the CBWA Now I don’t want just anybody holding this title I want class holding this title, this is the number one show of all of Columbia and soon the entire world so next week right here on Super Estrella we will a fatal four way to crown a brand new Univision Television Champion the participants will be Johnny Seenya, Foot Von Erich, The Phenomenal AJ Styles and The Colombian Dragon, one golf these men will come out on top and will be honored to becoming the very first CBWA Univision Television Champion, good luck to those men now let’s talk about last week it seems like we have an imposter on our hand and I have told this individual via social media that all CBWA talents are licensed and any likeness or copyright will be prosecuted but for some reason this individual doesn’t like rules, so I will publicly say this to this individual because I know he’s watching, since you wanna be like your hero Roberto Gibson so much I want you to show up next week sign a waiver and get in the ring and face two of the most feared men in CBWA history The Fiend and The Underfaker, see you next week reject Wow what a statement from the boss and wait a minute look who it is it’s Frank Converse what is he wanting with the boss Mr. Schneider?

Mr. Schneider I need to ask a favor for you, my son is out of control and I think it’s time I took him to the wood shed I’m tired of him denying me and I just had enough of this spoiled brat Well what do you wanna do Frank? Well I was wondering at Wrestle Rock at Sea 4 we can have a match and since that puny piece of crap wants to be a kung fu master put him in a mma cage surrounded by fire and I will finally put him out of his misery Sounds interesting, but what’s in it for me? Well if I don’t get the job done, I will set myself on fire and breathe my last breath Wow Frank, big man you got yourself a match And wait just a minute it’s Boltsy and he has a kendo stick with and he is storming the ring And the fight is on and look at the scary power of Frank Converse, my god what strength from this man now he has the Kendo stick and oh my god he just broke it across Boltsy’s neck what has he done? Look at Frank’s face JR That is a look of a madman Gordon he’s not all there and what has he done to his son as he has not moved since the Kendo shot and now oh my god leave him alone he has Boltsy up over his head, put him down my god and oh my god he just slammed him on his knee, Boltsy back has to be broken in half, we are all out of time we will keep the camera’s rolling if anything happens, next week we will crown a brand new CBWA Univision Television Champion plus will Gibson show up to face The Fiend and Underfaker all that plus more we will see you next week folks so long from Super Estrella

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orabasesolutions · 4 years ago

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Superhuman resources: How HR leaders have redefined their C-suite role

For all the ambiguity caused by the historic events of 2020, one thing is certain: The center of gravity in leadership teams has swung toward the human resources function. Yes, other members of the C-suite, such as finance, marketing, and legal, also have important functional responsibilities that keep the company in full stride. But there’s one person who is being put on the spot to answer the many unexpected questions that companies are facing this year.

These questions are fundamental to the business. Some may be existential. How do companies keep everyone safe as they shift to remote working overnight? How do leaders provide medical, emotional, and mental health support at a distance? How do they gauge performance and develop talent so that people can thrive in this era of uncertainty? What is the company’s stance on social movements such as Black Lives Matter? How is it delivering real change when it comes to inclusion?

All eyes in the room (or on video calls) have turned to the chief human resources officer (CHRO) for the answers. “The financial crisis of 2008 relied on CFOs to help their companies,” said Tanuj Kapilashrami, group head of HR at Standard Chartered bank. “But the companies that will come out stronger from [2020] will be those that have a strong HR function.”

That represents a sea change. For decades, the HR function struggled to be heard in the C-suite, primarily because it was expected to manage only personnel transactions. That wasn’t enough for some CHROs, though. A handful started to redefine the possibilities of the role, including contributing to strategic decision-making. This reinvention also meant that individual CHROs — leaders of a new “superhuman resources” function — took on additional responsibilities, including commercial real estate, customer experience, and organizational transformation. The expansion of the role has led to growing stature within many organizations for one of the more gender-diverse roles in the C-suite. (Of the 44 senior CHROs we recently interviewed, 23 were women and 21 were men.)

The importance of CHROs varies widely from company to company. “Many CEOs say they want a strategic CHRO, but they often don’t think through what it really means,” said Jorge Figueredo, the former longtime head of HR at McKesson Corporation. However, this year has in many ways ended those Hamlet-like musings about what the function should be and should not be. CHROs are in the spotlight, which adds urgency to the question “What sets the great CHROs apart?”

At Merryck & Co., we have a strong vantage point from which to observe the transformation of the role. Since 2010, we have spent considerable time with well over 500 CHROs in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, discussing their challenges and watching the development of new approaches to their work. And we have seen patterns in the way the most effective ones have developed their roles. Many of the interviews we conducted with CHROs were for our recent Strategic CHRO interview series on LinkedIn. In those conversations, we steered clear of company-specific questions and instead asked about the leaders’ frameworks for doing their job, what they’ve learned, and what CEOs have had to change in order to fully leverage HR.

The CHROs we’ve interviewed and worked with represent, according to their CEOs and boards, some of the highest-impact leaders in the field. We spoke with career HR leaders such as Donna Morris, CHRO of Walmart, and with others for whom the top job was their first role within HR, such as Kathleen Hogan at Microsoft. Collectively, they represent a broad and deep range of experiences, including working through CEO successions; navigating wholesale cultural and business model transformations; translating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities into measurable outcomes; and serving on company boards themselves.

From those conversations, five priorities emerged for maximizing a CHRO’s contributions to the organization. Together, they establish new benchmarks for defining the role and measuring its performance. The complexity of the top HR job is intensifying, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply defining exactly what CHROs do remains a challenge. “This role is fascinating because it’s a job almost without a job description,” said Rhonda Morris, the CHRO of Chevron. “We live in a world where virtually everything is gray, rather than black and white.”

To be clear, company-specific attributes will always be contextual and unique. But to help provide more clarity amid the ambiguity — and to provide a useful foundation for HR executives, CEOs, and board directors to build upon — here are the key priority themes that we have identified. We included extended quotes from many CHROs to help bring the themes to life.

Priority 1: Put strategy first, function second

World-class CHROs understand their organization’s strategy, not as passive observers but as contributors. They can see the implications of any new initiatives on revenue streams and contribute to discussions about the competitive landscape. Though HR is categorized as an “enabling” function, the best CHROs are active contributors within C-suite team discussions. Rather than being seen as the office of “no” with a primary focus on risk and compliance, they work to find ways to say “yes” to new initiatives. They bring a unique perspective and expertise for building and executing human capital agendas, and they embrace the label of commercial.

“I am a businessperson who happens to know a thing or two about HR,” said Kirsten Marriner, the CHRO at Clorox, a multinational manufacturer of consumer and professional products based in Oakland, Calif. “That’s how I approach it — how you equip yourself with knowledge, your skills, how you spend your time, how you frame questions, how you think about opportunities, how you think about what you’re here to do. It’s about being clear on the purpose of your HR organization in service of the broader business objectives. So, I wear an enterprise hat first, and I wear a functional hat second.”

Marriner added: “I often say that we’re not here to do good HR for the sake of good HR. It is about driving business outcomes with all the levers and tools that we have at our disposal. The point is to not put yourself in a box. In my first CHRO role, the CEO said early on to the whole executive team — there were eight of us who reported to him — that if somebody walked into our staff meeting and listened to us for a while, they should have no idea who does which jobs, because everybody is contributing to every discussion about the business.”

CHROs have to be able to envision how the strategy will be executed, the talents and skills required to accomplish the work, and the qualities needed from leaders to maximize the organization’s potential. Increasingly, that requires a nuanced understanding of how technology and humans will interact.

“HR leaders sit at a crossroads because of the rise of artificial intelligence and can really predict whether a company is going to elevate their humans or eliminate their humans,” said Ellyn Shook, the CHRO of professional-services firm Accenture. “We’re starting to see new roles and capabilities in our own organization, and we’re seeing a whole new way of doing what we call work planning. The real value that can be unlocked lies in human beings and intelligent technologies working together.”

Priority 2: Optimize the organization, not just processes

CHROs must operate at a slightly higher altitude than their peers on the leadership team to ensure that the different parts of the business work well together. At their best, these leaders view the entire organization as a dynamic 3D model, and can see where different parts are meshing well and building on other parts, and also where there are gaps and seams. The key is to make the whole organization greater than the sum of its parts.

“In the past, HR was about optimizing a process, like incentive plans or talent development plans,” said Susan Podlogar, CHRO of New York–based insurer MetLife. “Now HR is expected to provide macro solutions rather than micro solutions. It’s moving to optimizing the organization, not just a function or process, and moving to maximizing the productivity of the organization as an integrated whole.”

Podlogar cited work she was doing with MetLife’s chief technology officer to identify where tech advances could augment the company’s workforce. They were exploring how to best leverage technology so that a supervisor in the customer service group could monitor, on the basis of length of pauses, tone of voice, and the words customers were using, whether a call was proceeding well or whether someone needed to step in to help. The goal was not to replace the person handling the call, but to support that person’s work.

“Leaders in the past could operate in silos and achieve outcomes, but now optimal solutions come from networks,” Podlogar said. “The problems that businesses are facing are becoming so complex that organizations have to come together much quicker to facilitate a solution. That’s not how many business leaders have operated in the past, but that’s a specialty HR can drive. This is the new way of working.”

And it’s not just a matter of optimizing the strategy for today. The best CHROs also see industry disruptions as opportunities, rather than threats, and look for ways to align the workforce and the business to take advantage of those opportunities.

“As industries overlap more and more, innovation is not happening anymore in silos,” said Paul Baldassari, who led HR for Flex, a U.S.–Singaporean manufacturer of components, for five years. “The strategic challenges for companies are accelerating. Companies get disrupted really fast, but they also have huge growth opportunities if they can react quickly. That’s where the strategic element of the CHRO function comes into play. Innovation is happening between the operations function, the HR function, the engineering function, and the IT function. You need to be able, as a CHRO, to bridge those gaps and have a holistic view about combining all of that and making a new strategic service available in the company. It’s about changing your company’s strategy around talent so that you connect the dots going forward between all those different industries for the ‘people supply chain.’”

Given that framework, perhaps it’s no surprise that Baldassari was asked in 2019 to take over as executive vice president in charge of strategic programs and asset management at Flex. There are also many examples of CHROs who have been given new responsibilities as chief transformation officers, including Brian McNamee of biotech company Amgen and Dermot O’Brien of ADP, which develops human resources management software.

“There are a lot of intricate moving pieces when you cut across the range of things you do in HR — from pension plans in different countries to comp to diversity to leadership,” O’Brien said. “There are all these categories, and they all have to fit together. For me it was a good training ground, because any transformation is a cultural change.”

Priority 3: Bring a viewpoint to the boardroom

Culture has shifted from a “nice to have” conversation to a “need to have” discussion in corporate boardrooms. Many widely publicized corporate scandals can be traced back to gaps between the stated culture and the ways in which people actually operated. A truly healthy culture is a major draw for talent. But a poor culture, insufficiently explored or addressed at the executive and board levels, represents a significant reputational risk for how the company is perceived by consumers as well as prospective recruits and investors.

Boston-based investment firm State Street Global Advisors, for example, said it will be taking into consideration the cultural practices of companies as part of its investing strategy. “We all know the old chestnut that culture eats strategy for breakfast,” the firm wrote in an open letter to boards in 2019. “But studies show that intangibles such as corporate culture are driving a greater share of corporate value, precisely because the challenges of change and innovation are growing more acute.”

Culture issues are leading to harder conversations in the boardroom with directors who want to know more than trending directions on annual employee engagement scores. “When I joined my first board, the topic wasn’t regularly on the board agenda,” said Beth Comstock, former vice chair of Boston-based General Electric, who is currently on the board of Nike. She said a director’s role includes pushing for more detail. “When you ask to see culture surveys, don’t just settle for the aggregate results. Show us the worst ones. Show us the toughest feedback that caused you concern. Ideally, it becomes an ongoing discussion.”

And CHROs are responding with more detailed dashboards for measuring cultural health. “Boards should expect regular reporting and discussions on pulse surveys from employees, alumni surveys that give [them] insights about why people are leaving, and retention rates for high performers,” said Amy Cappellanti-Wolf, reflecting on her work at software services firm Symantec, where she’d led HR for more than five years. “On a quarterly basis, I report out to our board on our culture and our efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A board has to be asking for more of that information — not to armchair quarterback, but to have a good sense of what’s working and what’s not. Nobody wants to be surprised. I think some boards have been surprised when these ethical concerns or questions about a talent drain come up. You need to have facts and data for the conversation with the board.”

And those conversations become easier when CHROs build relationships with directors outside the regular board meetings. That way, the CHRO establishes his or her reputation as an independent protector of the company. “The head of HR should not only report to the CEO but should also have a core relationship with the board of directors,” said Donna Morris, of Walmart. “The HR function should be pretty independent, just like audit is on the board. If you really are going to act as an ombudsman for the effective operation of your organization, you have to feel like you can push back against your peers and even the CEO.”

Priority 4: View culture as a business driver

The best CHROs excel at translating the values and cultural expectations of the company into crisp, specific, and memorable messaging, and they understand the importance of relentless communication. The strategy has to be as clear to everyone in the organization as it is to the CEO. And these CHROs strive to create processes and a work environment that will help recruit and retain talent. At its best, culture is a virtuous circle, beginning with the articulated values that are reinforced and referenced in rewards and promotions, as well as the practices for hiring, firing, and onboarding.

“I’m crystal clear that the CEO has to own purpose and culture, but heads of HR have this unique vantage point and unique ability to help in that discussion,” said Kevin Cox, who was appointed CHRO at General Electric in 2019. “It’s another reason why it’s so important for the CHRO and CEO to connect. I believe that most CEOs don’t have that complete answer, and I don’t think most CHROs do either. My definition of culture is that it is what leaders do, not what they say. I spend a lot of time trying to pull culture into leadership behaviors at the top of the organization. In a company that is super-clear about its purpose and culture, the head of HR might want to shift focus from developing culture and purpose to thinking about how culture, strategy, and talent actually intersect. The most important Venn diagram to me is the one that shows those three aspects intersecting.”

One of the strongest case studies of culture driving strategy can be found at Microsoft, where Satya Nadella orchestrated a remarkable turnaround when he took over as CEO in early 2014. To help him lead that transformation, he reached out to Kathleen Hogan, who at the time was running Microsoft’s US$5 billion services organization, with about 20,000 employees. To many, the change from managing an important P&L to running HR may have seemed like a demotion. Nadella saw the role as key to delivering his strategy. He called Hogan while she was at her sister’s 50th birthday party, and simply asked, “Will you help me in my new role?” Together, they refashioned the company’s culture messaging.

“The first step in the transformation effort was to honor your past while you define your future,” Hogan said. “It was really important to look at all the things that were incredible about our culture and our history that we didn’t want to walk away from or dismiss. Yet we were clear that we needed to change from a bunch of ‘know-it-alls’ to a bunch of ‘learn-it-alls,’ and that was tricky to navigate because many people wanted a simpler narrative of ‘This is good; that was bad.’ It was really important for us to say, ‘This is how we have to evolve to be relevant in the future,’ versus being dismissive of the past.”

Hogan added: “We also spent nine months defining our culture around the ideas of empathy and learning, which was informed in part by the work by Dr. Carol Dweck on growth mindset. That was our overarching theme with key pillars under it, including being customer-obsessed, [being] diverse and inclusive, [integrating as] One Microsoft, and making a difference. The thing I tried to do was not to say that the people agenda is the HR agenda; it’s the business agenda.”

Priority 5: Model leadership excellence

The best CHROs are easy to collaborate with personally, and they create a function that is easy to work with. They earn respect and credibility because they embody the leadership behaviors that they expect of everyone else.

That starts with viewing an excellent HR function as table stakes, rather than the endgame of their role. They don’t harbor mediocrity within their team; they show an ability to rotate talent in and out, and they groom their team members to be fluent in business discussions with divisional or geographic leaders.

“First, if others in the company still think that your function has trouble hiring people or retaining people effectively or monitoring or addressing employee concerns, then it’s going to be hard for them to think that they should be inviting you in to talk about key organizational changes they need to make,” said Donna Morris, the Walmart CHRO. “Second, you better know your business and not fixate on shiny new programs. Focus instead on what’s going to help your business be really successful. If that means getting rid of some of your shiny programs, you better ’fess up and disrupt the very things you might feel wedded to. Third, you’ve got to role-model everything you’re asking every other leader to do. The bar for you in terms of people leadership is actually higher than the bar for everybody else. What’s your strategy in terms of attracting talent, developing talent, and managing performance? If you’ve got an employee survey, [HR] better not be the lowest on the totem pole in terms of organizational health. People should be envying how you lead.”

Susan Podlogar, the MetLife CHRO, and her peers who are reinventing the role of the chief human resources officer simply are not satisfied with the status quo. “Many people continue the same practices and benchmarking against others and say, ‘OK, that’s good enough, I’ll use it,’” she said. “We’ve got to redefine HR, and, most importantly, we’ve got to redefine HR against our business strategy, the future of work, and the future of the workforce. This is one of the most complex times to be in HR, but one of the most exciting times to be in HR. HR is in a very different place than it’s ever been, because we have practices that don’t fit anymore.”

Our goal in this analysis has not been to provide a rigid playbook for human resources. After all, the frameworks and approaches for doing the job must be customized to the particular needs of an organization. The ambiguity of the role is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity. The insights the CHROs shared above, and the five priorities we have identified, serve as a solid starting point for constructive conversations among HR executives, CEOs, and board directors.

“Many HR executives grew up in a world of process, and that is the world we’re leaving behind,” said Diane Gherson, who recently announced she would be stepping down from her role as IBM’s chief human resources officer. “So it’s important for CHROs to get out in front of that and get into the world of outcomes and particularly experiences that they’re creating — and that means reinventing pretty much everything they do.”

This Article Source is From : https://www.strategy-business.com/article/Superhuman-resources-How-HR-leaders-have-redefined-their-C-suite-role?gko=8be06

#hr #HR leaders #human resources #CEOs #HR executives

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batterymonster2021 · 5 years ago

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"Hell" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/hell-father-ted-series-2-episode-1-dead-parrot-2/

"Hell" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

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leavethehxrtbehind · 7 years ago

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REALLY LONG CHARACTER SURVEY. RULES. repost, don’t reblog ! tag 10 ! good luck ! TAGGED. @ferocioushonesty TAGGING. @dechaagny, @the-swedish-angel, @sovietorphan, @withcruelpatience and anyone else who wishes to do this!

BASICS. FULL NAME : Marguerite Antoinette Giry NICKNAME : Meg AGE : 18 - 28 (whatever age you want to thread with, just specify)! BIRTHDAY : May 31st ETHNIC GROUP : Caucasian. NATIONALITY : French. LANGUAGE / S : French, English. SEXUAL ORIENTATION : Due to the era Meg was born into, Meg feels as if she must identify as a heterosexual, but has had relations with other females—she just doesn’t know what to call it since ‘bisexual’ isn’t a word in her era; for the sake of this survey, Meg is a demisexual bisexual. ROMANTIC ORIENTATION : Demiromantic. RELATIONSHIP STATUS : Single, but verse dependent. CLASS : Working class. HOME TOWN / AREA : Paris, France. CURRENT HOME : Coney Island, New York, America. PROFESSION : Dancer, prostitute, cafe server—modern verse.

PHYSICAL. HAIR : Meg’s natural hair colour is blonde. It is incredibly fair, almost as if she has bleached it and it only gets fairer in the sun. It falls in curls down her back and across her shoulders and if she tries to brush them when they’re dry then she has one hell of a frizz show to contend with. However, when she’s working, especially in her main verse, Meg wears a wig somewhat to try and conserve some of her dignity, although she’s not as convinced any more that it works as well as it used to. Either hair colour suits her as they perfectly contrast against her eye and skin colours, catching her natural beauty perfectly. EYES : Meg’s eyes are a light blue in colour; they grow a deeper blue when she’s upset, the red rings after tears making the colour of her eyes that more prominent. Nevertheless, her eyes are soft and if the saying that eyes were the window to the soul is true, then Meg is the walking definition. Despite her attempts at keeping herself as neutral as she can, her emotions are always given away by her eyes although she’ll forever deny it. NOSE : Petite. It has a natural arch and the tip of her nose curves softly downwards as you would expect. FACE : Her face is very much a heart shape. Her jawline is quite prominent, but softened like the rest of her features. Her eyebrows are fair like her hair and luckily have a natural arch to them which doesn’t take much maintenance on Meg’s part. LIPS : Full and pink in colour. Usually moisturised, Meg’s lips are particularly soft just as the rest of her skin is. COMPLEXION : Meg is incredibly fair, but she dons freckles in the summer as the sun really brings them out, although most of the time she burns in the sun. Her complexion is almost like that of a porcelain doll’s which is why her hair contrasts so strikingly with her skin colour. BLEMISHES : Apart from a few freckles here and there, Meg is relatively complexion free. SCARS : A few scars down her back and across her wrists, some her own doing, but mostly from the hands of customers who have enjoyed her too much or who have become enraged with her poor service. She also has a scar that runs down from her left thumb into the palm of her hand after she fell over during a rehearsal back in the Paris Opera House and landed on a nail. There was lots of blood. TATTOOS : None, but in her modern verse she would quite like to get a semi-colon tattoo on her wrist. HEIGHT : 5′4″ WEIGHT : 8st 10lbs / 55.33kg BUILD : Petite but muscular. FEATURES : Soft and attractive, although she doesn’t see it much that way any more. Meg’s eyes have seemingly aged the most against her other features. ALLERGIES : Mild hayfever. USUAL HAIR STYLE : Usually let down across her shoulder and back. Styled when it needs to be which is for shows and work in her modern verse. USUAL FACE LOOK : Meg’s resting face is neutral. Before America her eyes were far more inviting, it almost suggested trust, but now her face aids in protection. Meg isn’t one to give something away easily, her emotions are reserved only for her and any close friends she may have, but even then it can be incredibly difficult to gauge how she feels at any given moment. It takes a lot to break through that, especially the emotional side, but she will laugh and respond accordingly to each moment. USUAL CLOTHING : What you’d expect of a late Victorian, early Edwardian. Usually corseted, Meg’s dresses are extremely plain, although she does have one or two reserved for special occasions if they every arise. Already good with a needle, Meg has become an expert at dress maintenance since she does not have the money to simply purchase a new dress should it break. Therefore she repairs them herself and she’s rather proud of that fact.

She’s also not seen in much else than her corset, but it’s not something she particularly enjoys, but sometimes it pays well.

PSYCHOLOGY. FEAR / S : Failure, being unable to escape, being the disappointment. ASPIRATION / S : To break free from the cycle she’s currently stuck in. To achieve her independence, not just living wise, but professionally. There was a time Meg believed she couldn’t do anything without her mother’s blessing, but since events have happened Meg’s view has changed to that of bitterness. She almost wants to disappear then reappear as someone new and unrecognisable, but successful and on her terms and her terms alone. POSITIVE TRAITS : Meg is incredibly hard working to the point where sometimes she doesn’t know where to stop; it’s partly contributed to her current situation alongside her mother’s help. She is also very empathetic. NEGATIVE TRAITS : Feisty and taking after her own mother, Meg can be stubborn beyond belief; she can also be opinionated which can intimidate some people. Despite being empathetic, Meg also struggles to let that side of her show, too afraid it might give something away, so she can come across as cold or distant. MBTI : INTP-T (Logician personality, apparently). ZODIAC : Gemini. TEMPERAMENT : A mix between melancholic and sanguinic. SOUL TYPE / S : Sage ANIMALS : Rabbit / badger. VICE HABIT / S : Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs of many varieties, as long as it stops the noise in her head. FAITH : Raised as a catholic, Meg’s faith has been shaken somewhat. There was a time she didn’t dare or had no reason to question it, but now she settles for being agnostic; surely everything she’s endured has paid off somehow? GHOSTS ? : Undecided. AFTERLIFE ? : Yes. REINCARNATION ? : Yes and it terrifies her. ALIENS ? : No. POLITICAL ALIGNMENT : Doesn’t concern her, but liberal in her views. ECONOMIC PREFERENCE : It was difficult to go from comfortable to nothing in a matter of months. Meg’s main goal is to get to that place she once was, but she’s not sure how attainable that is. SOCIOPOLITICAL POSITION : Working class. EDUCATION LEVEL : Home tutored—taught what a woman at the time was expected to learn, so her intellectual knowledge is limited, but she has a desire for knowledge. In her modern verse she has graduated highschool.

FAMILY. FATHER : Jules Giry, deceased. MOTHER : Antoinette Giry. SIBLINGS : None. EXTENDED FAMILY : Not biological, but Christine Daaé is something of a sister to Meg. NAME MEANING / S : Marguerite is the French form of a female given name (English Margaret, Spanish Margarita) which derives from the Greek Μαργαρίτης meaning "pearl" HISTORICAL CONNECTION ? : No, although her middle name is that of her mother’s first name which seems to be somewhat of a family tradition.

FAVOURITES. BOOK : Pride and Prejudice, anything by Austen. MOVIE : Not applicable in her main verse, but even in her modern verse Meg doesn’t watch movies too often—they’re expensive! Nevertheless, she’s a sucker for the badly animated and poorly budgeted made films that are on those 24/7 film channels. 5 SONGS : As The World Falls down, David Bowie; Things we Lost in The Fire, Bastille; Youth, Daughter; Nothing Left to Say / Rocks, Imagine Dragons; Wasting My Young Years, London Grammar. DEITY : Undecided, but for sake of upbringing, the God of Christianity. HOLIDAY : Doesn’t celebrate. MONTH : April. SEASON : Spring. PLACE : Phantasma, Coney Island. WEATHER : Gentle sunlight—not too hot or too cold; the sea during a storm. SOUND : Birds chirping, the collection of voices in a crowd and someone breathing in your ear; the sound of pointe shoes against a rosined stage. SCENT / S : Perfume, sex, sweat. TASTE / S : Alcohol, usually in the form of strong spirits; fish, mints and coffee. FEEL / S : The feeling of bare skin under fingertips, lips against shoulders, needles between her fingers. ANIMAL / S : wolf, tiger, dog, hawk NUMBER : No comment. COLOUR : Sunset orange.

EXTRA. TALENTS : Dancing, singing to an extent, performance, empathy, independence. BAD AT : Allowing people to help her, confrontational, relaxing, trust. TURN ONS : Someone who is soft, makes sure it’s what she wants, kisses across her next, fingertips in her hair and across her back; someone who is polite, well mannered and gentle. TURN OFFS : Pompousness, brutishness, demanding, unkind and apathetic; raised voices. HOBBIES : Enjoys taking walks when she can, reading, cooking (although that’s limited),drinking. TROPES : AESTHETIC TAGS : Idk? Victorian fashion, bare skin, red lipstick, black coffee, pointe shoes/tuts and stormy weather. GPOY QUOTES : “Home is not where you were born; home is where all your attempts to escape cease.” - Naguib Mahfouz.

FC INFO. MAIN FC / S : Nicole Kidman ALT FC / S : Sharon Millerchip. OLDER FC / S : Kate Blanchett? YOUNGER FC / S : Kristen Dunst (child). VOICE CLAIM / S : No-one tbh GENDERBENT FC / S : None.

MUN QUESTIONS. Q1 : if you could write your character your way in their own movie , what would it be called , what style would it be filmed in , and what would it be about ? A1 : Probably be one of those indie, modernist films that explore the darker side of life that people so readily ignore. One of those cliché films where Meg is struggling to reach her dreams, but it ends on a positive note where she defies her odds and achieves a place in a ballet company. I don’t know what it’d be called. Probs something like Artiste in Manhattan or something. Q2 : what would their soundtrack / score sound like ? A2 : Mumford and Sons. There is something about their music that really does connect and almost explain Meg.Imagine Dragons are also very much an inspiration for writing Meg. Q3 : why did you start writing this character ? A3 : Tbh when I watched Love Never Dies for the first time. Fair enough, everyone hates it and it’s not considered canon, blah blah blah. And I’m not saying I consider it canon either, but I was so happy to see Meg actually have a story of some sort? Like, whatever your opinion of the character development, I was just attracted of the possibility to discover her character more through RP because there is so much to explore! I don’t agree for a second that Meg loved the Phantom, that’s where I find the story to be somewhat disagreeable, but Meg’s character in LND is just wonderfully complex and she’s so exciting to write! Q4 : what first attracted you to this character ? A4 : Sharon Millerchip because this woman is a beast and she acts Meg so well omg. Q5 : describe the biggest thing you dislike about your muse. A5 : She’s a sarky bitch and hates any concept of help which makes relationships of any sort difficult. Q6 : what do you have in common with your muse ? A6 : We’re both sarcastic as hell. It gets us into trouble every now and then, but there you go. Also anxiety lol. Q7 : how does your muse feel about you ? A7 : Pretty sure she hates me for making her face the problems she so naively ignores.. Q8 : what characters does your muse have interesting interactions with ? A8 : Javert, Erik, Priscilla, Raoul de Chagny, Emcee (Cabaret), Jean Valjean, WWII muses. Q9 : what gives you inspiration to write your muse ? A9 : People who bash LND Meg and my writing partners. They always draw another side out of her which we didn’t know existed. Q10 : how long did this take you to complete ? A10 : Well since having this to answer, @ferocioushonesty has moved their blog from a side blog and onto a main blog and I’m trash because wow. It took me so long to answer omg.

#ic #;bathing beauty #;character development

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liquoronion0-blog · 6 years ago

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Eating and Exploring in Porto, Portugal

Our trip to Portugal this past fall was simply unforgettable; the country is brimming with vibrant color and oozing with charm. I left wishing we had booked a longer trip.

We concentrated most of our time in Porto and Lisbon, with a day trip to Sintra (and I plan to do separate posts for each of these stops as well as our layover day in Amsterdam soon).

This trip really began with a killer airfare deal to Amsterdam (when you see flights from Nashville to Amsterdam for $450 you don’t think, you just buy and work out the details later). While the Netherlands is definitely one of my bucket list places to visit, fall tends to be quite rainy there, so we searched around for somewhere a bit sunnier that would be a cheap and easy flight from Amsterdam.

I’ve wanted to go to Portugal for some time now, hearing nothing but amazing things from friends and acquaintances who’d been there (and I’ll admit, the lure of the Portuguese egg tarts was strong). And flights from Amsterdam to Portugal were direct and under $200 — it seemed like a no brainer to me. All in all we spent under $700/each for our airfare doing it this way; booking a flight directly from Nashville would have easily cost us $1,200-$1,400. I call that a win.

(We’ll definitely go back to Amsterdam at some point in the future, ideally in springtime. But this trip we opted to just spend a night on each end. I may post about our long layover at some point, as it’s a gorgeous city and I got some amazing photos despite being there less than 36 hours.)

Anyways. After a full day of exploring in Amsterdam, we hopped a flight and landed in Porto that evening, and spent the next two days and two nights eating, imbibing and exploring.

Portugal’s second-largest city after Lisbon, Porto (also called Oporto) lies along the Duoro river, its historical center (dating back to 300BC) was named an official UNESCO world heritage site in 1996.

Porto is best known for the fortified wine that bears its name (if you didn’t know that Port wine was born in Porto, here’s your lightbulb moment for the day), but this slightly grungy, endearingly charming city is so much more than that. Indeed Porto has a character that is all its own.

Wandering through the historic streets, at first glance all you see is color: gorgeous ceramic tiles in rich blues and greens, colorful doors and bold, expressive street art. But look a bit closer and you can’t help but notice the dilapidated buildings and crumbling facades. It’s the sort of beautiful decay that makes for stunning photos, sure, but it also leaves you feeling a bit melancholy. The numerous abandoned buildings are mainly a result of historically strict laws regarding rent control and historic preservation that meant landlords chose to abandon the buildings entirely rather than invest in any repairs or renovations. Additionally, Porto has faced a struggling economy that, unfortunately, cannot be bolstered by Port wine alone. Tourism certainly helps, but it also means that any renovations that are happening to these historic buildings are being done for tourists and short-term rentals rather than locals. Increasingly more and more people are leaving the city, lured by the cheap rents of the surrounding suburbs, and to larger and more vibrant cities like Lisbon.

Still, the fact that the historic city hasn’t experienced the same surge in redevelopment as many other major European cities isn’t all bad: as it means that the history is still intact, the public faces of the buildings still colorfully tiled even if the inside of the building is little more than a ruin. Incessantly optimistic graffiti and street art surprises you around every corner, turning the abandoned buildings into colorful canvases for original art.

The iconic blue and white tiles that adorn many of Porto’s most ornate buildings are called azulejos, and have been gracing the buildings of Porto and other cities in Portugal for centuries. They were first introduced to Portugal by King Manuel I in the early 1500s after returning from a trip to Seville, Spain; they’ve been an iconic part of Portugal’s history and architecture ever since.

While many residential buildings feature more geometric patterns, Porto’s churches, train stations and other public buildings often feature ornate scenes depicting stories from the bible and other tales from Portugal’s history. They’re both ornamental and functional, helping regulate the temperature of buildings as well as aiding with the upkeep of the building, requiring just a simple cleaning every so often instead of an entirely new paint job.

One of the highlights of our time in Porto was a food tour we booked with Taste of Porto. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we’ve found food tours to be one of the most worthwhile uses of our travel budget. We’ve lucked out with some pretty awesome and memorable food tours in Venice and Barcelona, and our Porto tour was no different.

The daytime tour took us around downtown Porto, stopping for sweets and meats and wine, sharing informational bites of Porto’s history and culture along the way.

One of the critical discoveries for us on this food tour was… remarkably… canned sardines. They are everywhere in Portugal (there are entire shops filled with nothing but canned fish), and boy are they delicious. We took home a few tins of the sardines we sampled on the tour (Georgette was the brand, sadly we have yet to find a source to purchase them in the US), but nearly every shop had its own assortment of gorgeously packaged tinned fish.

So much better (and tastier!) than a postcard.

The food tour ended near the Clérigos Tower atop a hill in the center of the city. We figured, since we were there, why not climb to the top and take in the view. What started as a dreary day had transformed into blue skies and sunshine, burning away the last of the fog and saturating the city’s vibrant colors even more.

It was a precarious climb to the top, the narrow stone steps spiraling around the baroque tower with barely room for two people to pass. But once at the top we were in for a treat: a 360 degree view of the entire city that took your breath away.

One of my favorite ways to take in European cities is from the top of a tower, the sea of red roofs periodically punctuated by a turret or spire, the natural hills and valleys giving you an entirely new perspective than just walking down below.

I think this would be an especially stunning view right around sunset, if you’re so inclined.

Kitty corner to the tower is the famous Livraria Lello bookstore. When we walked by earlier in the day we noticed a line outside an ornate building, and stopped to ask what they were waiting for.

Why would people wait in line for a bookstore, you ask? Well, this isn’t just any bookstore: this is perhaps the oldest bookstore in Portugal, and one of the most beautiful in the world, with ornate woodwork, a stained glass ceiling, and a gorgeous blood red forked staircase in the center of it all. Needless to say it attracts bibliophiles from all over the world.

The store supposedly inspired JK Rowling’s depictions of Hogwarts, Rowling having been a loyal customer and frequent visitor when she lived in Porto in the 90s. (And perhaps this is the real reason for its fame… and the resulting lines).

Needless to say if you want to visit this bookstore, be prepared to wait in line. You first have to visit the gift shop a few doors down (yes, the bookstore has its own separate gift shop) and buy an entry ticket. Then wait in line to get into the bookstore itself. (Good news is you get store credit for the value of the entry ticket should you want to purchase any books). It’s definitely crowded inside, filled with book lovers and Harry Potter fans alike, all trying to get their pictures on the iconic staircase.

Still, crowds aside, it was a downright gorgeous store and, while I probably wouldn’t have waited if the line was longer, I’m still glad we were able to see it.

The following day, we made our way down to the riverfront and across the bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood, where the majority of the city’s Port wine producers have set up shop.

We figured, when in Porto… it’d be an travesty not to visit at least one port wine producer, even though we’re not big wine people. There are so many clustered on the south bank of the river you could easily spend an entire week bopping from tasting room to tasting room. So if you’re into port, well, you really need to visit Porto.

The Duoro valley, where most of the grapes for the port are grown, is an easy day trip from the city as well, so its no wonder Porto has become such a destination for wine lovers.

We opted to just visit one, and, not surprisingly, chose Taylor Fladgate (yes, we did pick up some branded souvenirs because Taylor always gets a kick out having his name on things, from guitars to golf clubs and now port wine branded tote bags and wine openers, lol.)

The self-guided audio tour was about an hour long and surprisingly informative, even for wine-novices like ourselves. I learned far more than I ever imagined I’d know about port wine.

The tour ended with a tasting, with both a white and a red port (did you know there were white ports? I had no idea!) Tawny ports are actually red ports that have been aged upwards of 30 or 40 years in oak casks until their color lightens to the signature tawny hue.

Planning your own trip to Porto? If not, you really should because it’s an incredible place to see. I’ve compiled a few of our favorite spots here for easy reference.

Where to Eat in Porto

Bolhão Market – The ultimate foodie destination, featuring fresh meat, seafood and produce as well as other local foodstuffs, flowers, handcrafts and food vendors. Note that the original market building is currently undergoing renovations, so the market has temporarily moved a few blocks away until the project’s completion in 2020.

A loja does Pasteis de Chaves – Known for their savory pastries (pasteis de chaves), with a savory meat or veggie filling in a flaky, almost phyllo-like crust.

Flor dos Congregados – Stop in this cave-like restaurant for a Terylene (a rustic sandwich featuring little more than roasted pork, prosciutto and cheese on soft bread), or make reservations for a full traditional Portuguese meal.

Cafe Guarany – One of the oldest cafes in Porto, this gorgeous, light-filled cafe is a perfect place to stop for an afternoon pick me up or a full meal.

Gelateria Portuense – This modern gelato shop in the heart of downtown porto features unique flavors like Tawny Port (duh), as well as Earl Gray and Chestnut, among others. They also serve a variety of coffee, tea and pastries.

Confeitaria do Bolhão – An historic pastry shop in the heart of Porto filled with locals and tourists alike. You can grab an authentic pastry or slam an espresso at the front counter, or have a seat in the restaurant in the back for a more leisurely meal.

7groasters – A hip coffee shop on the south bank of the Duoro, featuring specialty house-roasted coffees and light fare. We stopped by for a satisfying breakfast before heading up the hill to indulge in some port tastings.

All in Porto – Eclectic wine and tapas bar. A great place to sample some local Portuguese wines and tasty snacks to go with it.

Taste of Porto Food Tour – We did the Downtown food tour, which took us to a number of spots in central Porto, including the Bolhao market (in its temporary location). Many of the spots listed above were from this tour.

What to Do and Where to Stay

Taylor Fladgate Cellars – Just one of the many port cellars in Porto. Taylor has a very thorough and informative self-guided audio tour that takes you through the entire port production process, as well as a tasting at the end.

Clérigos Tower – One of the highest points in Porto, from the top of the bell tower you are treated to amazing 360 degree views of the city. It’s only 5euro for entry into both the church and the bell tower, although you’ve got to be prepared for a few stairs (225 to be exact).

Livraria Lello – One of Portugal’s oldest and most beautiful bookstores, supposedly the one that inspired JK Rowling’s depictions of Hogwarts. It costs 4euro for an entry ticket (purchased at the gift shop a few doors up the street), which you’ll get in credit should you purchase any books from the store.

B The Guest – Great location near the Bolhao market and a few doors down from the Confeitaria do Bolhao pastry shop, this cute guest house was a great value. Breakfast included!

*****

And now, onward to Lisboa!

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Source: https://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2019/02/eating-exploring-porto-portugal.html

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airoasis · 5 years ago

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"Hell" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

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"Hell" | Father Ted | Series 2 Episode 1 | Dead Parrot

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stunningvacationtips · 7 years ago

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Tasmania Attractions and Things do in Hobart

Visiting hobart offers Tasmanian stunning vacationer destinations, sightseeing, galleries, art galleries, parks as well as yards and enjoyable activities to do enjoy.

Hobart, the resources of the State Tasmania, is a hr's flight away from the Australian landmass. Hobart is located on the south eastern of Tasmania at the foothills of Mt Wellington with the Derwent River moving past into the Tasman Sea. Started in 1804 as a chastening swarm, Hobart is soaked in an abundant and also vibrant history as well as is a superb destination for a variety of excursions to see its finest attractions as well as activities. Discover Hobart's food, wine, and eclectic creativity at the galleries, bars and also dining establishments of MONA. Unwind, consume as well as visit the weekend break markets at the convict-built harbour and also sandstone Salamanca Plce. Browse through Hobart's oldest suburban area of Battery Factor, climb Mount Wellington, and also join parties for the Taste Tasmania celebration as well as Sydney to Hobart Private yacht Race. Hobart supplies accessibility to Richmond, Kettering, Bruny Island, Wineglass Bay and Tasmania's nationwide parks.

This attractive city has some magnificent views and is controlled with Mount Wellington as a lovely background to the city. Hobart is a preferred holiday location for numerous reasons. Here are ten Tasmanian attractions which are conveniently available and interesting to go to while you remain in Tasmania:

Salamanca Place

When in Hobart, make certain you go to Salamanca Place in Sullivans Cove, the city's busy, beachfront heart. Life here in the 1830s was about sector, but today this picturesque cobblestone square is a destination for food, art, purchasing as well as music. Stray the galleries and also kick back under the sun umbrellas. Purchase fine Tasmanian craft in the Salamanca Markets and also dance outdoors in the yard of the Salamanca Arts Centre. Here Hobart's cultural life meets its rich history.

Mona Museum of Art

The attention surrounding the opening of David Walsh's family pet task, MONA in January 2011 expanded all over the world and the distinct attributes of the location, structures and also displays has actually remained to please tens of thousands of visitors monthly making it the most visited solitary attraction in Tasmania. MONA has actually urged people to check out Hobart, that would generally never have contemplated it.

Visit the Cascade Brewery

While only a small state, Tassie sure does an excellent job of producing some wonderful draft beers, with possibly one of the most renowned of these being Waterfall Beer produced locally at the historic Cascade Brewery. It's a lot more compared to simply a simple beer-production facility nonetheless, the brewery mores than 150 years old as well as is the oldest running brewery in Hobart, with a sensational setup among charming surroundings and immaculately well-kept gardens. It's likewise an impressive example of older, colonial-style architecture in itself.

Prison Break at Port Arthur

If Jail Break was set in mid-19th century Australia, Tasmania's Port Arthur Historic Website on the Tasman Peninsula would undoubtedly be the location. Separated from Tasmania by a narrow neck of land surrounded by shark-infested waters, Port Arthur was sold as the 'inescapable jail'. Unlike today's cam security, guards as well as half-starved canines guarded the only means out.

Participate the Hobart Yachts Competition

Tasmania has a lengthy standing and also abundant Maritime History as well as there are a number of means you could appreciate it. You can do a quick tour in a seaplane or take a rapid ferry to Mona. On the other hand you can have an over night sailing encounter in a yacht which has actually covered the graphes in the Sydney to Hobart Luxury yacht Race and earned its area in Australian cruising record. 61 feet of deluxe waits for, as does remarkable organizing, terrific food and also wine and all you have to do is make the time.

Visit Fern Tree

10 mins is all it draws from the Hobart city centre to reach the low slopes of Mount Wellington to this prominent location that plays host to a series of short as well as lengthy walks prepared amongst a countless selection of Tasmanian greenery. Those that take pleasure in hiking as well as bush walking will absolutely dream of to play the Brush Tree location a check out, navigate the brief but windy roadways and you'll quickly reach a location to component and also choose any one of the available paths that head off in all instructions and also take you via this remarkable sub-alpine location for some outstanding views that are readily available at a series of various lookouts.

Tasmania's Taste Festival

Each summertime, over the new year period, hundreds of hundreds of site visitors come down on Hobart for 8 days and also 7 nights of eating, alcohol consumption and home entertainment. The city's jetties, marina and the river Derwent offer the background for even more than 70 food as well as beverage stalls, along with art events and efficiency stages.

Bonorong Wild animals Refuge as well as ZooDoo

Wildlife is always a pleasurable go-to entertainment choice when going to a brand-new destination - particularly if you're bringing youngsters along - as well as Hobart is no exception hereof as its higher area is the home of 2 quality wildlife centers that come extremely advised: Bonorong Wild animals Haven as well as ZooDoo, each of which offers something slightly different.

Walk in Cradle Mountain National Park

The two-hour amble around Dove Lake will certainly suffice, for the passer-by, to value the sturdy elegance of Cradle Mountain as well as the National forest. Endeavor a little more afield and you will certainly experience exactly what, besides earliest European negotiation history, makes Tasmania so unique as well as attractive. Yes, there are little-walked beaches on the east coast and rivers toppling to the west shore, however in its heart Tasmania has a wild, barely touched, comforting to the spirit, as well as designated as a World Heritage Area.

HorseRiding Tasmania

orse Riding Tasmania provide a variety of encounters - with every little thing from on-farm horse flights for the children up to multi-day legendary experiences - that could be customized to match both your passions and ability levels. Trip as a result of shrub, jump over dropped branches, canter up hillsides as well as absorb the incredible Tasmanian surroundings in one of the most all-natural means feasible, all under the assistance of knowledgeable, pleasant overviews. An emphasis of the company gets on keeping the whole experience as green as possible - an approach that reaches their Hidden Lake building which serves as both the home of the steeds and also other stock along with the launching point for the equine riding journeys.

#cheap tickets #destination #flights #trip #vacation

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pdpab1 · 6 years ago

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Interview script part 3

Alix: What is good about Plymouth for photography?

Trevor: Well the good thing about Plymouth is that this occurred to me a few years ago because I was one of the first people to start doing panoramics in Plymouth and I've had a lot of panoramics published, the best thing about it is probably the panoramic views. A lot of them don’t record well in rectangle forms but in panoramics they work really well. Well what can you say it’s got a fantastic harbour, there’s moors close by, beaches, interesting cityscape, not as interesting as some places but still pretty good being on the coast. If you look in Plymouth there are lots of interesting historical angles that you can look at, i mean look at the Royal William Yard, that was derelict for 30 or 40 years look at it now. There are lots of hints to the past to do with it being a military city, again if you look at the Devonport area all around there, the barracks, you know a lot of the old monuments are still there. 18:18.

Trevor: “Yeah, I think from the area its stunning but it’s quite expensive to take a helicopter up for photography which I do quite a lot. Ok so does answer that question?” 0.22

Alix: “Yes, thank you.”

Alix: “What is your most memorable photoshoot?”

Trevor: “My most memorable one? That’s a tricky one. It certainly, it wasn’t the recycle centre down at St Erth. That’s for sure. Interesting but it wasn’t memorable. Smelly. I think one of the shoots that I remember was when I had to photograph a new display cabinet, a per specs display cabinet for Wrigley Company. We used dry ice to create smoke and I used my light brush and multiple exposures and I always remember that as being quite involved because it was probably a 10 second exposure, then a flash and then dry ice and then a change in colour gel and then another exposure and then multiple exposure and all that sort of thing, and actually it was a bit of wizardry. And I do like using the light brush but I don’t use it very often. In fact you might like to go online and have a look at work done with a light brush because it’s quite interesting. The one I’ve got cost quite a lot and I should use it more and when I retire I want to just go out into the countryside and light up little things I find in the countryside. Like little interesting tree shapes or whatever. But another shoot was a wedding that I did and I’m not a wedding photographer. About 15 years ago I stopped doing weddings but I’ve done about 200 I suppose and someone asked if I wanted to shoot a wedding in Italy and that was really quite nice. I took my laptop and shot the wedding in a lemon grove and it was delightful. They paid for my flight out there and I just had a lovely time. It wasn’t really light work, I took four or five hundred shots, and it was excellent. So that was good but it’s an unusual one cause it was a wedding and I don’t do weddings. I think a third one would be on the 7/7/2008 I had an absolutely amazing aerial flight over Plymouth and the weather was perfect. The sea was still and clear, no wind, no clouds. I’m still selling images from that flight would you believe. It was just remarkable, everything about that day was perfect. You’ve got to bear in mind that sometimes with aerial photography you have to wait 6 months for the perfect day, so when that day comes you have to have the availability of a helicopter and you have to be free yourself. So that was good as well, so that’s three examples but I’m sure I could think of a hundred more.” 4.05

Alix: “What is your favourite type of photography?”

Trevor: “I always get a nice warm feeling if I have to photograph interiors. I do work for a company that’s up in London on a Wednesday who do cutting edge interiors and I really love interpreting what they intended with the design, what was in their head. So architectural/interiors. With interior designing you want to get inside their head but with an architect you want to try understand from a professional point of view what they were trying to do and what they would like to show. If there’s a huge spam that’s on supporters then you want to home in on that and make sure that comes across so that people say ‘wow look at that’ or if they’ve disguised certain things or if they’ve made it a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary space then you’ve got to show it in its different forms. Use of light and colour, use of for covering, all that sort of thing is what you could take photographs of it but it’s important for the photographer with any job, with any photographic job to be more than just someone that records what’s there. Like yesterday photographing food, it’s important that you understand things like a glaze, when a glaze has cooled down and its gone flat it's not a question of well I’m just a photographer, I didn’t realise the glaze had gone flat. As a photographer you’re there, the underlying discipline is photography cause we want a picture of the cheesecake but if there’s a nice glaze on the top I want to do it fresh and live so try and get rid of the idea that a photographer is just someone that records, you’ve got to have an intelligent interpretation of why the image is being taken. So one layer is understanding your camera and being conversant with it, the other layer is being a photographer and committing that to a file but the overarching part of the discipline of being a photographer is actually understanding why you’re doing it and are you achieving the brief and are you asking all the right questions? Are you lighting it properly? but also are you interpreting why you’re photographing that piece of food. What is it about the food that you want to make look appetising? It’s no good, like the last shot I did yesterday it was bramley apple tart with a heavy glaze on the top, beautiful, and the client said ‘well we’ve got some bramley apples here to put in the background’ and fortunately these apples were the biggest I’d ever seen so I had to say that we can’t use them because they’ll make the tart look small. People don’t realise those apples are 6 inches across so the tart will look, and it will fool the customer so we had another approach and they went with that, they understood it. So as a photographer you’re saying to a chef no because a chef doesn’t understand your discipline necessarily but when you tell him he’ll think ‘’absolutely right yeah” so that’s why sometimes with food photography, yesterday there was me and three or four others. One person tidying around and another person taking stuff away and another person getting the next one ready another person reading the brief and looking at the one we’re working on so a team effort. But that’s what very often doesn’t get understood about photography, its what are we trying to do here. Another case in point would be if you were photographing someone for a portrait. You’re there with a camera, everyone’s got a camera, you’ve got lights, everyone’s got lights, but you’ve got the ability as a photographer to not just take a likeness of them which anyone can do, you’ve got to be able to understand their body language and you’ve got to have the ability to bring them to life. Bring them out so that they look at themselves and think that’s me. Photography is one-dimensional, but the discipline of photography is multi-dimensional. So that’s what you have to try and get your head round and every shoot is like that which is why you find photographers of my ilk, photographers that have been doing it for a number of years, you find that they become mini-experts on everything, master of none, but mini experts on politics because you find they’ve been talking to the client about politics or you find that they’re mini-experts on flooring because they’ve photographed so many different types of flooring or your mini-experts on architecture or anything that you’ve, if you’ve been up at 5 o’clock in the morning and photographing a farmer which I have then you ask them about the EU or about the common market as it was called. You ask them about organic farming, you ask them about this and so that puts them at their ease and you build up a simpatico with the person you’re dealing with. So it’s very multi-dimensional and photography reflects life itself on many levels, psychologically, commercially, physically all sorts of different levels photography is there capturing the human condition in all its forms and you can put as much an interpretation on it as you feel you want to but some people do, like Annie Leibovitz I’ve just bought her book, she’s made a career out of recording portraits of important people and to think that she doesn’t say anything while she’s taking photographs. She’s got to read up on, like if I was photographing the manager of Wigglies for instance you’ve got to understand what’s happening to the Wrigley company at the moment so you can talk to them. I photographed in Greece, I photographed the head of Mars about four years ago and it came back to me that she thought they were the best photos that had ever been taken of her. That was probably because I was waiting for the right moment, I was waiting for the right expression and maybe there was a little bit of rapport there while we were doing the work. So look at a half decent photographer and normally you’re looking at a thinking person that has developed their skills on many levels not just the photographic camera, lights, levels, it’s a multi-facetious discipline that is as broad as life itself.” 12.12

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