#I MISS YOU DR. DOG TOURING BAND!!!!

[fairweathermyth]

The sea is within me, and that's 'cause I said so. That's 'cause I said so. In love with the word, am I sound? Am I right?

DR. DOG “Heavy Light” Four Nights Live in San Francisco: Night 3

#I MISS YOU DR. DOG TOURING BAND!!!! #dr. dog #dr. dog music #be the void #heavy light #live in san francisco #these live albums are such a delight and night 3 is SPECTACULAR #idk if they were just extra ON that night or if it's just that the setlist is so good #but this particular live album is gonna get heavy rotation #also heavy light live is SO fun i still can't believe they're not doing live shows anymore #and i was at their last one!

[lovesosweeet]

better left unsaid // cth

chapter thirty two

in which orion has leukemia, and calum doesn’t know.

calum hood x fem!oc

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october 7, 2018 los angeles, california orion

After several hours on the phone with Dr. Harris and her team, we successfully have transferred my leukemia chemo plan to a hospital in San Diego — the Barnhart Cancer Center. I am moving back in with my moms officially, but I don’t think anyone is happy about it. They’re happy to have me home, but they’re unhappy about the circumstances.

Nobody is happy with me right now, and I don’t blame them. I’m not happy with myself. I haven’t been able to eat or sleep since I made Calum leave. I’ve managed maybe three hours of sleep in the past five days. I have eaten a single slice of cold and stale cheese pizza, but that’s it. I’m just not hungry.

Today, my moms and Macy are helping me pack up what few things are truly mine from the apartment in LA. Most of the things there are Calum’s, even if I picked them out, he paid for most of them. A few things we split costs on, but it doesn’t feel right for me to take them. I plan on just getting my clothes, makeup, and a handful of mugs that heave sentimental value to me.

We pull into the parking garage at the apartment for what might be the last time I ever do and park right by the doors in the Uhaul van that we rented. Even though we aren’t getting that much stuff, it won’t fit in any of our small sedans or my Mama’s hatchback. Macy is waiting for us in the lobby, chatting with Ron, when we walk in.

“Hi,” I breathe when I see her. It’s the first time I’ve seen her since the shitshow that was in San Diego a few days ago. I had to fill her in over text to ask her to help me move out, and she was just as shocked as everyone else by the news.

Macy doesn’t say anything, she just pulls me into a hug. “How are you doing?” She asks.

I hold back tears while I step back from her. I don’t say anything, knowing I’ll just cry if I start talking about it. “Macy, you remember my moms?” I motion to them, and Macy nods.

“Nice to see you again,” Mom says.

Macy smiles a sad smile. I know we all wish this reunion was under different circumstances.

“Shall we get started?” Mama asks, looking between everyone’s faces.

I nod and walk to the elevator, not bothering to make sure people are following me. I’m sure they are.

The apartment feels eerily empty when we walk in. Duke isn’t here anymore, which makes me sad. I didn’t get to say goodbye to him. The band took him to the hotel that night in San Diego so he could hang out with Michael and Crystal’s dogs, and then I broke up with Calum the next morning. I think he’s joining the band for the rest of the tour.

I head straight for the bedroom, knowing that most of my things that I’m taking with me are in the closet. Without a rhyme or reason, I just start throwing clothes into garbage bags. I also put all of Calum’s things back on his side of the closet. I’ll miss wearing his cozy clothes, but they’re his, so he deserves to have them.

“Will you take these down for me?” I ask whoever followed me into the closet. I motion to the garbage bags I’ve already filled and tied off. Hands reach out and take them away, leaving me alone in the closet to keep throwing my clothes into plastic bags. I’ll have to refold everything when I get back to my moms’.

Within just a few minutes, my side of the closet is bare. Really, it’s two thirds of the closet, since Calum has far less than I do in terms of clothes. I ignore the ache in my chest before I grab the remaining two bags to take with me to the kitchen, where Macy is boxing up my mugs.

“I have the Madrid mug, the vegetable soup one, the one you thrifted with the gold flowers, and all the little crystal espresso cups. Am I missing any?” She asks without looking up from her work. She’s wrapping each of the mugs individually in newspaper, putting far more care into it than I think is necessary. These mugs will only be mine for a few more months, maybe a year, and then they’ll be trash or thrift store donations unless someone in my life decides they want them.

“If you are, it’s fine.”

She nods and gives me a half smile.

“Thanks for helping out, Mace. I appreciate it.”

Macy halts her actions then, and before I know it, she’s hugging me. “You’d be here for me if I needed. I’m just giving you the same love you give to the world.”

I want to make a sarcastic comment about the negativity I put into the world breaking up with Calum, but I bite my tongue.

“Still, thank you.”

She lets me go and then reaches up to push my hair out of my eyes. “Anytime.”

Packing up doesn’t really take much time. I also clean out the fridge of anything that will expire before Calum comes home, and most of it Macy takes down to her parents’ place, but a few things go in the trash. Everyone helps me clean the apartment so that Cal can come home to an apartment free of my messes. I’m sure it will be hard for him to come back to the home we built together, so I just want to make myself as scarce as possible.

I leave most of the framed photos of us, because only one of us will need to look back on memories, and it’s not me. I do take a framed polaroid that we took backstage in Amsterdam two years ago and one of the two of us last Christmas. Backstage in Amsterdam, we were both goofing off. He’s holding me upside down while we both laugh uncontrollably, and Ashton is in the background giving a thumbs up. The one from last Christmas is at his grandparents’ house in Australia. We’re both wearing plain white button ups, which was unintentional but we decided it was cute and both wore them, mine with a mini skirt underneath and his with a pair of black jeans. We’re sitting on the floor in front of the Christmas tree with the lights behind us, huge smiles on our faces and our cheeks red from a few too many beers. Mali took it.

I put the frames in my purse and hope that none of the other people here with me saw me tearing up at them.

“Macy, would you like to join us for a quick lunch? We were thinking of going to the bagel place nearby.” My moms are helping tie up the rest of the garbage and recycling, placing it outside of the door for the trash valet service when they come by later today.

“Oh, sure, that would be nice.”

We load the rest of my things into the van and then move it to a visitor’s space before we walk down to Rosie’s. As always, there’s a line. I don’t plan on eating anything, but I don’t mind waiting with my moms and Macy. I think I’ll get a coffee while we’re here since I’m so tired, even though I’m sure it will make me nauseous to drink caffeine on an empty stomach. I deserve it — both the caffeine and the sickness.

While we’re waiting in line, Macy and my moms get to know each other a little better. They even offer to host Macy for family dinners whenever she’d like once she’s back at UCSD next year so she can eat a home-cooked meal instead of shitty dining hall food. I try not to think about how they’ll essentially be replacing me with her.

“Orion?” An unfamiliar voice says, and I perk up from being zoned out to find whoever spoke to me in this line.

My eyes meet blue ones, still unfamiliar.

“Uh, hi? Do I know you?”

“No, sorry to bother you,” the girl says. “But, did you and Cal break up?”

I’m stunned by the question, so stunned I can’t even speak.

“What the hell?” Macy says, stepping halfway in front of me to be between me and the girl. “You’d never ask that shit to someone you actually know, so why do you feel like you can ask someone that just because one of the involved parties is famous? She’s a fucking person, not a character in some fantasy storyline.”

“Macy, it’s fine,” I tell her, placing my hand on her shoulder. She’s fuming. I look at the girl, who’s practically shaking with embarrassment, as several other people in line are now watching us. “Yeah, we did.”

I knew people would be speculating instantly. Between the canceled shows, photos of both of us crying at beaches, and me unfollowing Calum on Instagram, as well as removing him as a follower on my own page, the breakup would be evident to anyone who was looking for signs of it. I didn’t imagine getting approached on the street about it, but I’d seen the Tweets and videos talking about it, rehashing all the painfully public facts.

The girl nods. “Okay, thank you. Have a good day.”

What the fuck? Thank you?

“God, I hate people sometimes,” Macy fumes. She’s staring daggers at the girl’s back as she walks away. “That shit’s about to be all over Twitter.”

I agree with her, but I just quietly reply. “It already is.”

—

@5SOSLuver: A fan confirmed with Orion in LA today. #Orilum is over!

@Fan1: Replying to @5SOSLuver: omg fuck yes @Fan2: Replying to @5SOSLuver: STOP WHO THE HELL JUST WALKS UP TO SOMEONE AND ASKS IF THEY BROKE UP WITH THEIR BF. I feel bad for Orion. That’s such an invasion of privacy and so disrespectful. @Fan3: Replying to @5SOSLuver: nooo 💔 i actually loved them together. hope they’re both doing okay. @Fan4: Replying to @Fan3: me too. someone said they’d seen orion on an oncology ward at ucla hospital. wonder what that means???

@5SOSUpdates: #Orilum is over y’all! Praise the LORD our boy is free!

@MacyLacy123: Replying to @5SOSUpdates: orion and calum loved each other very much. he is not “free.” they are both hurting and you’re being very disrespectful toward two very wonderful humans. @5SOSUpdates: Replying to @MacyLacy123: omg get off her dick. she’s a bitch and an attention seeker. go find someone else to bitch at with your dumb opinions. @MacyLacy123: Replying to @5SOSUpdates: find someone worthy of your hate. orion isn’t that person. i hope karma bites you in the ass. also, cal’s not gonna fuck you just bc you hate his ex. just FYI. @Calum5SOS: Replying to @MacyLacy123: @5SOSUpdates she’s right, about all of it. orion is a wonderful person. please respect our privacy and while you’re at it, respect strangers on the internet, too.

@Calum5SOS: Hating doesn’t get you anywhere. Kindly respect our privacy. Thanks.

- Cal

@Fan4: Replying to @Calum5SOS: we love you Cal!! anyone hating is just jealous. take all the time you need to heal @Fan5: Replying to @Calum5SOS: glad you finally got away from that leech. we love you! @Fan4: Replying to @Fan5: did you even read his tweet? hating doesn’t get you anywhere! @Fan6: Replying to @Calum5SOS: so sorry about your breakup calum. anyone could see how much you two loved each other. sending you love!!! @Fan7: Replying to @Calum5SOS: we love you!!! @Ashton5SOS: Replying to @Calum5SOS: Love you, brother. I’m here for you. @Fan4: Replying to @Ashton5SOS: omg my cashton heart. sobbing. @MacyLacy123: Replying to @Ashton5SOS: cal’s lucky to have a friend like you. here for all of you. ❤️ @Ashton5SOS: Replying to @MacyLacy123: ❤️ The support system is out of this world. Here for you guys too if you need us, got it? @EmeliaBoDeliaSmelia: Replying to @Ashton5SOS: @MacyLacy123 omg y’all got me crying on twitter. love you all sm. we’re in this together. @5SOSUpdates: Replying to @EmeliaBoDeliaSmelia: @Ashton5SOS @MacyLacy123 who tf are y’all @Fan3: Replying to @5SOSUpdates: bruh clearly they know orion and calum. y’all fr don’t know anything about them and their breakup. further proof to stOP HATING oml

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a/n: i'm sorry the tweet part formatting got v messed up i hope it still reads somewhat okay....

#5 seconds of summer #luke hemmings #calum hood #5sos #ashton irwin #michael clifford #imagine #fanfiction #fanfic #5sosfam #calum 5sos #calum imagine #calum 5 seconds of summer #calum x ofc #calum x fem!oc #calum fanfic

[agentangeles]

Let’s talk about TYAC.

Usually, this blog updates infrequently, and it’s whatever project I’ve got in-progress. The prompt challenge is on temporary hiatus right now, but each individual prompt has been its own contained fic.

I want to take this time to... I dunno, explain this fic? I owe this to nobody, but I still feel that it’s important, because throughout the past year and change, TYAC has been something of a constant for me. 

TL;DR for under the read more: no, TYAC isn’t taking over priority for Hallmark Cliches, nor will it be taking priority any time soon.

If you follow my main blog, @implodingcacti​, then you might be familiar with this acronym. I’ve tagged posts on my main blog with #still dont have a tyac tag for a while now- yes, I know the tag is goofy, but I never bothered to change it, and it became a running gag. There’s a bit of assorted chatter from last year when progress was really kicking off, and then life hit me during NaNoWriMo and I put it on hiatus.

This fic is, quite literally, the culmination of me deciding that Klavier deserves better than how he’s treated. Capcom has shoved him into the role of a petty cameo, and that’s a damn shame.  This fic is me giving him the care and consideration that he honestly deserves. Klavier has so much potential in-canon, and yet he’s let down by a lack of bonds. We know he has a brother, we know that Daryan is his friend, and that’s... it. We know nothing about extended family, or what his time was like at Themis, or the other 3 Gavinners and their individual dynamics. Hell, we don’t even know what happened to Vongole, Kristoph’s dog. Where is she, Capcom? Where did you put our baby?

I’m not gonna pretend that this isn’t an ambitious project. I’m not going to pretend that this fic is going to shatter people’s worlds, too- don’t get me wrong, I’d love to, but I don’t want to disappoint myself. Honestly, I’m not expecting much of anything beyond making him feel as fleshed out as he deserved. I latched onto him after Serenade, getting to see all of those miniature glimpses into his band and recognizing similarities between my own performing experiences, and damn it if I’m not soft on the man. That case really was what sold me on loving him, after all.

That being said- TYAC is still completely unfinished. At the time of writing, my in-doc wordcount is sitting a bit over 100k (103,047 to be exact, in case anyone is curious). This includes scene notes for things I haven’t written, script for in-game cases (because fuck it, I decided I wanted to have the cases in the damn fic), and the fic itself. TYAC is not finished, nor is it close to being done. 

If ever I am running a fic that isn’t TYAC, that fic is taking priority. Eventually, I’d love to have TYAC be finished, and I’d love to share it with people. I’m also very aware of my own abilities, and even if I dedicated all of my time to working on it, I’d get quickly burnt out.

I’ve had a lot of estimates about where the fic’ll end up wordcount-wise. Each one has been wrong. I’m setting a rough estimate around 200k, and hoping maybe I land under that. I have no idea if I will. 

Another thing I wanted to mention is that I’ve talked about the fic being in sections. Section 1 is its own chapter, and is the shortest so far out of everything. I’m gonna go over the sections upcoming, their names in the doc, and kind of give y’all a rough estimate of what to expect.

Section 2: SEVEN YEAR OVERVIEW; NOW WITH TOURING DRAMA

Takes place where 1 left off, here’s our Gramarye trial and the 7 year gap. Did you like the other Gavinners? There’s a lot of them here. It’s the “developing the Gavinners” section. 

Section 3: IN PRESENT TIMES. DISBANDING.

Spans the in-between space of Turnabout Trump and Turnabout Corner to right before the events of DD. We have 3 cases here- Corner, Serenade, and Succession. If you haven’t played AJ, you can essentially read a good chunk of it. The characterization leaks out a bit as well. I know I’m developing Klavier, but there’s someone else who I think would be fun to include...

Section 4: RECONNECTIONS. GOODBYES. A SOLO CAREER THAT KEEPS PAUSING. REPEAT AS NEEDED.

Two games in one- we’re spanning DD through SOJ with this one! One case in detail, though- it’s Turnabout Academy, but this time with less bleh. There’s mentions of other cases, and a bit of overlap, so it isn’t like you’re completely missing out, but there’s a bit more going on with Klavier. Lots of emotional shit. Boy’s gotta react to shit, after all. Capcom, you cannot hide your grieving and comforting from me. Miss me with that shit.

Section 5: TWO YEAR OVERVIEW, NOW WITH TOURING DRAMA, ROUND TWO; ELECTRIC BOOGALOO. (30% more pining edition)

Post-SOJ, baby! Two years of a free and open playground where I am free from the confines of canon and will handle the boy how I see fit. There’s emotional healing in this chapter. Funky friendships. My official promise to the “Do They Know Yet” blog being once-again upheld. I’m tying up loose ends in as many neat bows as I can.

That’s as much as I can touch on without it being spoilers. At any point, please feel free to ask questions about this fic. I am constantly vibrating about this project.  Thanks for sticking with me through it all. Hopefully I’ll have new stuff out on it soon!

-Angeles (they/he)

#fic stuff #writing update #TYAC

[the--blackdahlia]

Too Young to Fall in Love Chapter 31 (Dirt!Nikki x Reader)

Title: Too Young to Fall in Love 31

Summary: Nikki Sixx was a hard partying musician on the strip. He never expected to fall in love with anyone, until a girl knocked on his dressing room door looking for a ride home and took his breath away. Just like everything else Nikki did; the drugs, the money, the music; Nikki went hard with love. (Y/n) Bass never expected the bassist of Motley Crue to be the one to shake her calm and calculated life up. She had a plan. Graduate school, become an epic producer, and watch from behind the scenes as her brother’s band rose to fame. Nikki and (Y/n) were perfect for each other, too bad her brother, Tommy, didn’t think so.

Series warnings:  Smut (18+ Please), drug use, language, referenced miscarriage, drug overdose, mentioned attempted suicide, out of character moments for everyone in the band, the timeline might be a little screwy but it’s fanfiction! I know nothing of music production and my medical knowledge is really screwy, so it won’t be accurate.

Dr. Feelgood Tour

New York City

“I love New York!” Vince called out. “Nothing is like ever closed! I can get burgers at any hour!”

“Do they have In-and-Out Burger? No. So it sucks.” Mick grumbled.

Nikki sighed as he placed his hands in his pockets breathing in the air, “Yeah, lets just grab some food and head to the hotel or something.”

“Everything seems dull here.” Tommy grumbled as they made their way into a diner, getting a table in the back. They were making small talk when they heard a voice up at the counter.

“Pick up order for (Y/n) Bass.” She said softly. Nikki’s head shot up. He looked to the voice and his heat stopped. She still looked as beautiful as the first day he met her back at their gig. Nikki was going to get up and walk to her when a group of girls flooded the table. (Y/n) heard the commotion. She made eye contact with Tommy, but saw a girl sitting at Nikki’s side and sighed. She made her way out with her food in hand.

“Let me out.” Tommy said, but the girls just wouldn’t budge.

“Look girls, you guys are great but we gotta…” Nikki was trying to get up and felt himself get pulled down.

“I could show you why New York is the city that never sleeps.” A girl whispered in his ear. Nikki looked out the window. He could see (Y/n) walking down the sidewalk.

NIkki sighed and frowned, he missed his chance and shook his head. “That sounds fun, but I’m good.” Tommy got out of the group and raced outside, seeing (Y/n).

“(Y/n)!” he called and ran towards her. “(Y/n) wait!”

“Hey Tommy.” She said, but the usual charm in her voice was gone. So was the light in her eyes. “I forgot it’s tour time, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, we’re staying at the Waldorf, you should come by,” he smiled at her and hugged her. “I missed you, herard from Vanessa you moved out here. Don’t have your number.”

“Oh, sorry.” She pulled a small notebook out of her purse and wrote her number down. “I don’t think it’d be good for me to go to the Waldorf. Don’t want to make Nikki’s friends in there mad.” She gave him her number. “It was good seeing you T-bone.”

“But (Y/n) he’s…” before he could say anything another group of groupies swarmed him and (Y/n) had disappeared. “(Y/n)!” Tommy called out, but she couldn’t hear him over the noise of the girls.

****

Months Later

“Fuck! You!” Vince yelled at Nikki. “Get off your fucking pedestal You’re no better than the rest of us!”

“What the fuck is your problem! You’re showing up late you’re being sloppy! What the hell?”

“Maybe I’d come in on time if I liked what we were doing!” Vince yelled. “Maybe I wouldn’t be looking at the clock ready to get the fuck out of here!”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Nikki looked at him.

“I’m so tired of the same thing over and over again! And every song you write anymore seems to be about her! Face it Nikki! She’s gone and she’s not coming back!” Vince screamed. “You know what, I quit!”

“You’re fired!” Nikki told him, growling.

“I already quit you dick!” Vince walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Nikki looked to Mick and Tommy "what the hell is he talking about? My songs aren't about…" he trailed off. "It's fine, we can find someone else."

“Who?” Tommy asked. “We’ve had Vince since ‘81. Who would want to…” He paused. “I need to make a call. I know someone who could help us out.” Tommy left the studio, leaving Mick and Nikki standing there.

"MCA (Y/n) Bass's office this is Angie dreaming how can I help you?" The girl said on the phone with Tommy.

"Yeah hi, this is Tommy Lee," he hoped that the woman on the other end wouldn’t think that it was a prank or something. "I was wondering if I could speak to (Y/n) please?"

“Just one moment.” She put him on hold, the hold music being the current hit coming out of MCA.

“Tommy, what’s up?” (Y/n) asked.

“We need help finding a singer, Vince and Nikki got into it and Vince quit. Think you can help your brother out with a singer? For old times sake?” Tommy smiled at the sound of her voice.

“I don’t work for Elektra Tommy. I could get in trouble for this.” (Y/n)  told him.

“(Y/n) please! I would owe you big time for this! please , please, please, please, please…” he continued.

“Okay, okay. Quit your begging.” (Y/n) sighed. “There’s this guy. His name is John Corabi. He is apart of this band called The Scream. He’s wanting to leave and he might be the best you can get right now. Just check him out and see what he sounds like.” She took a second. “Why’d Vince leave?”

“I think his wife left him and he’s just hasn’t been feeling the no booze or drugs, all clean Motley Crue vibe going on.” Tommy sighed.

“I’m sorry Tommy.” (Y/n) sighed. “You guys could still be hit makers though. Look at Sammy Hagar and Van Halen.”

“Yeah… hey, when are you going to visit?” Tommy asked as he ran his hand across his face.  

“Probably not for awhile.” (Y/n) said. “I have a lot to do with Petty and I’ve got two new bands I’m trying to help out. Don’t really have time.”

Tommy sighed, “Ok, thanks for the info (Y/n). I owe you big time.” the wheels in his head began turning as he hung up.

“Tommy?” Mick asked. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I got a recommendation for a singer we should check out, John Corabi.” Tommy said as he looked at Mick.

“Shitty name. Probably a shitty singer.” Mick grumbled.

“Yeah,” Tommy chuckled, “You’re probably right. But we can just check him out I guess.”

“Well, let’s go talk to our royal highness and see what he wants to do.” Mick sighed.

“Hey, Mick?” Tommy looked at him.

“What drummer?” Mick asked.

“I want to fix what I messed up,” Tommy sighed. “And I want to get (Y/n) to come back and… you know it and I know it… “Without You” is about (Y/n) and him.” Mick sighed.

“Yeah, it is.” Mick admitted. “But you didn’t hear it from me.”

“Ok, I need to call Athena and Vanessa, maybe we can meet up without Nikki knowing and discuss how to get them together?” Tommy sighed. “Mick, I just wanted to protect my sister. I didn't think I would put the wedge that caused their split.”

“It wasn’t just you drummer. But you didn’t help any.” Mick told him. “Get the girls. Let me know time and place.”

**********

“Thanks for being here girls,” Tommy sighed. “I’m just waiting on Mick.” Tommy looked at Vanessa. “How’s Vince?”

“He’s a mess.” She told him. “I want to help him so bad.”

“I know, but maybe once we get Nikki out of his funk we can get Vince out of his?” Tommy hoped.

“Ok, drummer I’m here, what are we going to do?” Mick sighed as he walked in. “Girls,” he nodded to them.

“We need to get (Y/n) back somehow.” Athena sighed. “I don’t know what to do though.”

“Tell her mom’s sick?” Tommy shrugged. Athena sighed, but nodded. She knew that was the best they were going to get.

“You’re not as dumb as you look drummer.” Mick laughed.

“Tha...HEY!” he smacked Mick’s chest.  “Ok but what do we do about Nik?”  

“We’ll figure it out when she gets here.” Vanessa said. “It’ll be perfect though.”

“Yeah, but she is going to be so pissed at us Tommy?” Athena sighed. “But it’s worth it right? I mean she says she's happy but I know she isn’t.”

“I saw her in New York ‘Thena. She couldn’t even smile at me.” Tommy told her. “I have to fix this somehow. She hasn’t been happy since she was with him. He hasn’t been happy since he was with her.”

“The drugs, and your words didn’t help,” Vanessa sighed. “She was so scared at what you would think and you proved her right Tom,” Vanessa sighed. “You should have been happy for her… but then again… you were also going through your own shit.” Vanessa ran her hand across her face. “Fuck i just want to stick them in a room and tell them to figure it out!”

“Just make sure to throw some condoms in there too. Don’t need anymore bassists in the world.” Mick grumbled.

************

Sipping his coffee, Nikki stared out into his backyard. It wasn’t the same house they had lived in, but the backyard setup wasn’t much different. A dog was barking off to the side, over the fence. Nikki closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, he could see her there, playing with the dog Athena had asked them to watch for her while she was travelling to Texas on business.

“Come on Angus!“ (Y/n)’s laughed echoed in his head.

“Sweet girl, what are you doing?” he could remember some of his haze. But she looked beautiful running with a dog. “And who’s dog is that?”

“Silly boy! It’s Athena’s dog,” (Y/n) came up to him as the dog sat by them as she kissed Nikki. “We said we could dog sit since you guys weren’t going to be on tour.”

“Oh, right,” he pretended to remember but he saw her smile and just went with it. “He is a cute dog.”

“He might just never go home, right Angus.” (Y/n) asked him with a bit of baby talk. “Who’s my good boy?” He wagged his tail like crazy. “I wish we weren’t so busy. I’d love to have a dog of our own.”

“I know but… I’m in the studio and touring all the time…” Nikki sighed and caressed her face. “Maybe in the future when things calm down?”

“Sounds like a plan.” She kissed him gently before going back to play with Angus.

NIkki ran his hand across his face at the memory. He traced at his arm and shook his head. Turning to the fruit bowl, he grabbed an apple and took a bite. As long as she was happy with her new life, he would be okay.

****

“This is (Y/n).” (Y/n) sighed as she answer her phone and walked out of the recording studio where her new current train wreck was playing.

“(Y/n)’s it’s Athena.. I’m sorry to bother you at work but.. It’s mom,” her voice cracked.

“What’s wrong?” (Y/n) asked.

“We don’t know,” Athena pretended to take a shaky breath. “Dad said she was feeling fine and then she just collapsed.”

“Is...is she…” (Y/n) couldn’t get the right words to form.

“The doctor is seeing her but she’s stable right now.”

“I...I’m gonna try to get over there okay.” (Y/n) said. “Just try to keep me updated okay?” She was shaking.

“Ok, please hurry,” Athena hung up the phone and looked at Tommy smiling. “Tada!”

“Damn. You’re a good actress. Maybe you should be in the movies or something.” Tommy shrugged.

“It wouldn’t be the type of movies that you watch asshole.” Athena laughed.

“Hey, I go to the movies…” Tommy shifted his eyes.

“Yeah, the movies at the porn store,” Vanessa muttered. “OK so any Idea as to what to tell Nikki?”

“I’m honestly not sure. We can wait until she gets here and say she was in an accident on her way to see mom or something? He comes running because you know he will, and surprise! She’s alive and well! Might as well talk?” Tommy shrugged. “I’ve had dumber ideas.”

Forever Tags:  @anathewierdo @dekahg @marvel-af-imagines @feelmyroarrrr @nanie5 @imboredsueme @gemini0410 @aiaranradnay @babypink224221 @mogarukes @xxwarhawk @sandlee44 @shatteredabby @caswinchester2000 @supernaturalwincestsblog @lauravic @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @teller258316 @horrorpxnk @tommyleeownsme

Motley Crue Tags:  @primal-screamer @waywardprincess666 @twistnet @saint-of-los-angeles @vader-kai @motleyfuckingcruee @sharon6713 @kawennote09 @2dead2function @nikkisixxwiththebass @iamtiber-andtiberismusic @jayprettymuchomw @charlyallise @you-know-im-a-dreamer @sweet-dreams-on-butterfly-wings @estxxmotley @arianareirg @the-normal-potato @nikki-sixxtynine @jjjjjjjoshdun @just-a-normal-fangirl18 @stella20131991 @tarahell @wowilovenikkisixx @i-want-to-shoot-myself @motleycrueee @sams-serialkiller-fetish @getbackhonkycatt @are-you-reddie54321 @flamencodiva

Nikki Sixx Tags:  @daisystuffsstuff @unknownoblivion @deacyduck

Too Young to Fall in Love Tags:  @kingbouji3 @leximus98 @thekidbakerinthetardis @crystalbaby12 @shawnsstxtches @knockemdeadgirl

#too young to fall in love #Motley Crue #nikki sixx #nikki sixx x reader #nikki x reader #the dirt #dirt!nikki sixx #dirt!nikki sixx x reader #dirt!nikki x reader #dirt!nikki #fanfiction

[parf-fan]

2019 shows have been posted!

Queen's Court

The town gathers to officially welcome Her Majesty as she makes her first visit to the Shire of Mt. Hope. Her glorious court will be introduced, and the Queen herself shall pass judgement on petitions submitted by the townsfolk. 'Twill be a merry gathering that sets the tone for the rest of the festival day!

The Irish Revels

The O'Sullivan Quintuplets, a touring sibling band from the Emerald Isle, who have just lost their lead musician to a new position in her Majesty's court, are now down to four. Join this misfit family as they pull themselves up by their bootstraps with their impressive music chops and delightful chaotic energy. [I’m so bloody pleased this group is still a thing.]

Boarshead Brawl

Mistress Quickly is hoping for a smooth grand opening to her new establishment: the Boarshead Inn. But as two feuding local families encounter each other, the tension threatens to boil over into a violent fray. Watch as Mistress Quickly defends her tavern against brawlers, swordmasters, and worst of all…playwrights. [THE BOARSHEAD BRAWL IS BACK YOU GUYS YASSSSSS! Don’t get me wrong, I adored the Melee, but the Brawl was the first in-house show I ever saw at the Faire, and it holds a very special place in my heart. Also, the stage was (and presumably now will be once more) cool as heck.]

The Sirens

Four pirate captains, members of The Order of The Relentless Contessa (Heave Ho!), have land-sailed far inland to hammer out the details for a new accord. Join these fearsome females for many sea shanties and a healthy dose of filthy pirate humor. [OH MY GODS THAT’S WHAT ORC STANDS FOR HOLY FUCKING SHIT look, you don’t understand, okay, when I saw that I squeed at such a high frequency that I’m surprised the windows didn’t break, and I couldn’t stop hand-flapping for like a solid ten minutes. I’ve never been happier.]

Trunk Shows

The citizens of our shire have been tasked with providing family-friendly entertainment for our guests! Witness the Story of the Boy Who Cried Wolf like you've never seen it before, learn the tale of Doctor Faustus, and witness one of England's oldest tales: The Legend of Black Shuck! Join us at the Discovery Stage for some entertainment that everyone, young and old, can enjoy!

The Boy who Cried Wolf Sheriff Perry has apprehended one of the shire's most devious ne'er-do-wells and as his community service, the good Sheriff is making him do the hardest task possible: entertain nipperkins with a morality fable!

Faustus Christopher Marlowe has entrusted some of our shire's citizenry with producing his most famous play: Dr. Faustus. Unfortunately it is REALLY long. It's up to young William Shakespeare and his friends to condense the tale on the spot. Is the young glover a good enough writer to pull off such a feat?

The Legend of Black Shuck England's most haunting creature has never felt sillier. Learn of the demon dog that prowls England's countryside, and decide for yourself if he is really a bad dog, or just a misunderstood puppy.

The Rakish Rogues

Sterling Armstrong leads this band of terrifying and dangerous highwaymen...or at least that is how they think they appear in their heads. Join this merry band of misfits in celebrating a successful sting with song, filthy humor and a touch of bumbling charm. [I’m still shocked that it took us this long to think of highwaymen for the Rogues, because it’s friggin’ perfect.]

Trial and Dunke

One thing Sheriff Jacob Perry loves about festival days: they make a great excuse to execute mob justice. He's acquired a brand new dunke tank and has assembled some of the shire's most devious criminals so that he may deliver their punishment. So what if they insist that they are innocent? That's what they all say! Come and see cold wet justice served. [There, all ye patrons who do nothing but gripe about changes, here’s one of the old shows back.]

Midday Revels

The Queen and her court are offered the best music and talents the Shire has to offer! Join her Majesty in the entertaining merriment! [From what I understand, it’s like Music With Her/Their Majesty(s), except it’s just the invasions by other groups. A bit variety-show ish.]

Human Chess

A dispute between two Mt. Hope families shall be resolved in traditional fashion: with a game of Human Chess! Witness the clash of steel and the thrill of melee combat as the citizen of Mt. Hope fight for their respective sides before the watching eyes of Her Majesty and all her court.

The Rogues and Sirens

These two groupings of highwaymen and pirates have joined their thieving forces to perform filthy pub songs for the good people of The Shire. Buy an ale and spend some time singing along with these delightful criminals. [Y’all, this is gonna be hecking rad.]

Disasterpiece Theater

Young master William Shakespeare has a day away from the glove shop, and he's been dying to try his hand at playwrighting. He has assembled the best performers the shire has to offer (and that he can afford with his meager budget of beer and the mysterious currency "exposure"). Presenting a different modern story with a 16th century twist every weekend of the Faire, only one thing is for certain: it is sure to be a Disasterpiece! [One: YESSSS IT’S BACK IT’S BACK IT’S BAAAAAAACK!!!! Two: having young William host this is a stroke of genius. Three: exposure tho, I’m gonna shit myself.]

Ultimate Joust

Knights both good and evil gather to joust for honor, glory, and the entertainment of all the people of Mt. Hope. Elizabeth hopes for naught but a bit of rousing sport, but some of the villainous knights may have other ideas…An epic conclusion to a thrilling festival day that is not to be missed!

Finale in Song

The time hath come for Her Majesty's royal coronation before her court and all the good people of Mt. Hope. But though 'tis a sacred ceremony, Elizabeth sees no reason why it cannot be accompanied by song, dance, and celebration! Become a part of the village of Mt. Hope, and end your festival day with merry music, and joyous laughter.

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

Also, Friday Knight Improv is here still, and though it’s not listed, I presume that Tournament Joust is still a thing.

It appears that Bloody Best is no more, though, which does sadden me, for I enjoyed the heck out of that show, but believe it or not, the Faire’s still gonna be great.

I’m so excited. This is gonna be fantastic.

#y'know what else i'm excited about? #this was actually copyedited! #i only had to correct like two things #parf news #parf in-house-shows #parf 2019 #parf #pa ren faire #pa renn faire #pa renaissance faire #pennsylvania renaissance faire #renaissance faire #renn faire #ren faire #faire #renfest #ren fest #renaissance festival

[jvonirsik-blog]

Running With The Devil

There was a time in my life where I thought being a heathen was fun. I enjoyed the attention I received when I would shock my little Kansas town, mostly made up of farmers and ranchers and some brightly colored Oil Field trash. I grew up on a farm a few miles from this little 4 horse town. I would see the lights and could see from one side to the other, with binoculars I was able to see ppl walking around. I grew up somewhat sheltered, as my only interaction with friends was the occasional birthday party, but mainly through schooling. At the age of 8 I was put in charge of feeding the animals. I would start with the chickens, dogs, cats, horses, then jump in the truck and drop hay across the pasture. This wasn't that bad. As I grew older I began to get frustrated with the fact that I had so many responsibilities that it almost became impossible to even go to the pool in the middle of a work week. I began to slack off on the farm and the married in family, whos family owned the farm since the beginning of the town, started to really show their true colors. I had always known that my step dad was a POS. He liked to drink when he wasn't hauling cows across the country, talking uppers and being gone most the time. When he was home it was like boot camp. When my step dad decided it was time to work for the family farm he became a full time fixture in my life. We had known each other from the age of 5 and my brother 3. in the beginning it was ok, my mother just raised us out there, but as time had progressed and with me already a victim of sexual exploitation, my step dads furry in having to raise kids that were not his own heated up. I seemed to alway getting into trouble, most the time I didn't know what I had done to trigger such violence. I was supposed to be going to my dads but with him working in the oil patch that was few and far between. When I was just a young boy I had pretty much listened to what my mother listened to. It is still to this day music that I enjoy. Because I had been driving the farm truck for a little while my uncle form my fathers marriage decided that it was time to do some back roads drinking. I'm not asking for ppl to trash this guy, it was in fact the time period that allowed for it. But to me I was down, got to drive this guy who I looked up to around while we rocked out to some of his favorite music. That day I was introduced to Metallica both And Justice for All and Kill Em All. Both albums that I will always fully enjoy. And Justice for All top tier. That night I would sneak out to my uncles ride and snatch those two albums and hide them in my boots as I figured they would look in my bag. I can remember him getting kinda grumpy, it took a day to notice but I heard about it. I remained innocent for a really long time. That year I would start to transform into the being that I will later look back too as a hard lesson in life. This steeling of cassette tapes would lead me down a road in a high speed chase with guns drawn. A city looking me straight in the eyes and telling me to get out of their stores. I was beginning to become black listed. By the time I was 16 I had become the thug everyone wanted me to be, the kid who was a drop out. All his friends still in school and that made for a boring holiday. I asked to return that following semester. My parents trying desperately to convince the principal to let me back in. You see I had been kicked out of a tiny farm school for being a redneck and shooting a gun on school property. Not at anyone not during school hours but in the gym because it was unlocked. Anyways his option once he told my parents he would allow it, was that I had to do a book report of the book The Black Bible. It was a genuine copy that he pulls out of his desk like he has a few. Me being a full blown metal head, accepts the challenge. Until then the pentagram had just been something metal to throw around. No religion involved. I'm moved to tell my story as the movie The Dirt, hopefully a realistic rendition of the members of Motley Crue. So far it seems to be the caliber of what I remember going up crying to their extremely popular ballads. I remember getting Dr Feelgood from a friend and I couldn't put it down, the guitars were crunchy and the bass was in front, which by the way I had wanted to become a bassist. Nikki Sixx was an inspiration to me. I can remember looking at these cats like superhero's. Unfortunately bands like KISS kinda ruined it when that played cartoon characters. But whatever I remember just looking forward to when Nikki would do interviews or be in the headlines. I was a kid in the 80's like I said it was the time period. We would roll out with our Walkmans and oversized kicks, I ended up going from running shoes to the lovely Cortez kicks and now for about 15 or plus years been with chucks. I like the way they allow me to do it all, the are sports shoes business casual, heck even work hoes if you got some nice ones. But this isn't a shoe commercial. This is about Opiates, this is about an epidemic and I heard Nikki Sixx say exactly what went wrong. What happened is they launched an addictive substance designed to help our bodies recover then we became reliant on them. They made our pain receptors like little wusses. I am 40, I had a major football accident, and throughout the years I have sought after these high dollar pills on the streets because the Dr new I liked drugs. I had always thought that if administered correctly we could have had a decent relationship but that wasn't the case. I have spent many years trying to fight myself in this battle and finally won a few years ago. Now I face the task of fixing my life. Because I had become so dependent on these blue and yellow purple pills. I had sold things that I needed. I spent more money on pills that life and now I can't find the front door. I don't know what way is up. I hope that somewhere down the line we can find a solution to get ppl like me who never intended to have a shitty life, we were handed everything to accomplish these things. I, being a sound mind individual could use a reset. Growing up the false accusations that turned a town against me, never to receive an apology or even a, Hey we know you didn't do it, know that we are allowing you back into society. Nope it was all boots to the ass. So I hit the road and made something of myself, I never made it famous but I did successfully operate my own metal showcase podcast, a radio spot at a local station and have toured the country from cost to cost. I now reside with my wife and child. I missed out on two children because of my social anxiety issues. I would sink into drugs and alcohol. I never entered a relationship where these two things were not present in both of us, the issue became when I would do my own thing and they would begin to hate me. Hate is a strong word when kids are involved. It almost always inssures you will have a harder time. I regret ever giving into the demands of my x's who would say that I am a low life POS but I have many others, we just didn't have kids who would argue against them. It's clear in cases with kids its either all or nothing. I was only just 13 years old when i was rocking out to Motley Crue's Decade of Decadance album on the way to Colorado Springs to drop my mother off at the airport. This would be the year I would knock my step dad out and the last time he would ever lay down leather on my arse again. I took that trip with them and now I will take that trip with them once again. I was just a kid but I had to grow up fast. Here is to Nikki Sixx and I hope this book on opiates gets bought. We need to get away from these designer drugs. #NikkiSixx #MotleyCrue #80sMetal #WhiteKnuckleRadio

#Motley Crue #Nikki Sixx #80's Metal #The Dirt #Opiate Epidemic #Decade of Decadence

[kuciradio]

As 2018 is coming to an end it’s time to reflect on this amazing year for new music and artistry. KUCI is a diverse group of DJs and we are proud to represent all genres of music. I have finally put together our Top 10 albums of 2018 along with some honorable mentions towards the end accompanied by some lovely words written by our fellow DJs. We can’t wait for what 2019 brings for us and continue tuning in on kuci.org or 88.9 FM if you’re in the Orange County area. Have a safe and happy new year!

1. Mitski - Be The Cowboy

“Mitski Miyawaki’s powerhouse voice resonates with a haunting clarity on her stunning masterpiece Be the Cowboy. She creates entire worlds and characters out of pieces of herself, from paranoid, awkward women who yearn for traditionalism and some idealist version of what life or love should be (hello “Lonesome Love”), to cowgirls who can do it all on their own. From sorrowful to triumphant, Mitski colors the spaces in between from soul-bearing ballad “Geyser” to unforgettable dancing-alone-in-your-bedroom anthem “Nobody.” (Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp)

“This album was so personal and raw and I also liked how the songs flowed well on this album.” (Heidi Barragan)

2. The Internet - Hive Mind

“I can't talk about this album without mentioning how mad I am at myself for missing the tour. Syd, Pat, Steve, Matt, and Chris, The Internet, are prominent figures of musical evolution; this speaks volumes and not just because they got their start with Odd Future, a hub of avid freeform artists. If you’re inclined to believe what I believe, Ego Death is a heartbreak album and Hive Mind is loaded with recovery anthems and passionate songs to share with your new partner who is not a rebound. Across the timeline, the sounds change from R&B and Hip-Hop to Funk and Soul; but what captures my attention the most, from Ego Death to Hive Mind, is the way a facade is casted aside. Hive Mind is just so sincere and therefore, perfectly fitting for being a part of my top three.” (Thorson Munoz)

“[This album] is a very funky album with heavy tones of R&B. The Internet does not disappoint with their funky sounds, which can be heard on “La Di Da”. Overall the album has powerful baselines, thanks to the amazing Steve Lacy, and groovy beats backed by Syd’s smooth vocals. It is hard to listen to this album and not dance along to it.” (Melissa Palma)

3. Kali Uchis - Isolation

“Colombian singer Kali Uchis’ long-awaited debut album is a high-production value journey into her uniquely sultry, dreamy world of R&B. The songstress’s silky voice pushes boundaries of various genres, from bossa-inspired intro “Body Language” to the Amy Winehouse-esque “Killer,” each track better and more of a banger than the last. Isolation features artists like The Internet guitarist Steve Lacy, British soul success Jorja Smith, and reggaeton icon Reykon. Uchis also recruited her friends Tyler, the Creator and legendary bassist Bootsy Collins for the hit single “After the Storm,” a follow-up to her and Tyler’s song “See You Again” from his 2017 album Flower Boy (supported by a stunningly whimsical music video by director Nadia Lee Cohen). The producer credits are just as stacked, including the likes of Thundercat, BROCKHAMPTON’s Romil Hemnani, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn. Uchis proves herself as the new sound of pop, never veering from her originality that made her a Soundcloud sweetheart.” (Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp)

4. Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer

“She’s such an intelligent creative weirdo and I LOVE HER. Not to mention her oozing femme POWER.” (Naseem Eskandari)

“About the moxie I mentioned earlier, this emotional rollercoaster has an abudnace of it and I cannot get enough! Cover to cover this album packs a punch, and as the visual companion--which brought me to tears--would suggest, this entire album is a celebration of deviant bodies and identities. This album contains the perfect ratio of soft and tender tracks and upbeat exciting ones so its no wonder why NPR named Dirty Computer their number one of 2018.” (Thorson Munoz)

5. Anderson .paak - Oxnard

“Sometimes artists, after huge successes, feel that they need to make music that sounds just like their previous work to gain the same traction, but really the true artists are the ones that stay honest and true to their creative ability - their sound moves through life with them.” (Naseem Eskandari)

“Anderson .Paak, to me, is responsible for every playlist I've ever built that revolves around driving in Los Angeles with the windows down, no matter the time of day. However, I don't drive a convertible, so instead I honored Venice and Malibu using my radio program, Detours. Not only am I excited to honor Oxnard as well, but Oxnard was built for driving; this is evident after listening to "Tints", the first release, and "Headlow". This album, just like Malibu, is masterful; the only difference is that Dr. Dre stepped out of the shadows and was a feature. Oxnard is beyond incredible and worthy of it's legendary features, Snoop Dog, Q-Tip, and Kadhja Bonet, to name a few. I'm really excited for what will likely be Anderson .Paak's next Grammy nomination.” (Thorson Munoz)

6. Blood Orange - Negro Swan

“AMAZING production, amazing narrative!!!!!!!” (Angel Cortez)

“Dev Hynes never fails to make master pieces of albums that narrate the experience of marginalized people in an oppressive and toxic environment. Hynes brings together artists as big as ASAP Rocky to smaller artists of equal talent such as Steve Lacey creating a beautiful medley of indie hip hop to soul and funk.  Coupled with interviews, Hynes is able to make this album a personal experience for the listener. For me it always feels as though he is singing to me personally, something that not many artists are able to do.” (Kelsey Villacorte)

7. Kevin Krauter - Toss Up

“Toss Up has to be my personal #1 favorite album of 2018 by Kevin Krauter who began making music apart from lo-fi dream pop band Hoops in 2015. Toss Up was released this past summer and was the perfect album to listen to during warm summer nights and has carried through to the end of the year as a comforting reminder of those warm times during these cold nights. It has that dreamy, nostalgic feeling, something that you would listen to as you’re reflecting on the tender moments of your life. Krauter mixes vaporwave-esque sounds with sweet ballads with no one song sounding like the other.” (Kelsey Villacorte)

8. MGMT - Little Dark Age

“MGMT's come-back album is focused, synthy, and fresh. Without abandoning the dark undertones present in their older albums, this album reflects the band's personal growth and resonates with fans, old and new. Tracks like TSLAMP and Little dark Age are some of my favorites!” (Angelica Sheen)

“MGMT has maintained their status as an alternative staple and has since transformed their sound into something more experimental since their debut album Oracular Spectacular. MGMT did not disappoint and gave us an album that went from the weird wii-fit/dystopian vibes of She Works Out To Much to 80s dance of Me and Michael to another sweet ballad titled Hand It Over which is super reminiscent of the ending/title song of their second album Congratulations. MGMT never fails to write well thought out lyrics that all almost feel like their own story. All in all, they did not disappoint and this is exactly the kind of MGMT album I was hoping for after a 5 year hiatus.” (Kelsey Villacorte)

9. Ian Sweet - Crush Crusher

“Jilian Medford refines IAN SWEET’s sound and practices self-care on sophomore album Crush Crusher, her most intimate release yet. Medford rediscovers her identity as she considers how much of herself she has forgotten while preoccupying herself with being a guardian to others (she warbles “The sun built me to shade everybody” on “Holographic Jesus”). Ever poetic while satisfyingly straightforward, she notes that “It’s been too long since I let myself cry about something that wasn’t even sad” on the pummeling single “Spit.” She coos, squeaks, and screams in perfect, dissonant harmony over her guitar’s cathartically melancholic reverb. IAN SWEET remains a perfect contradiction that only grows sweeter.” (Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp)

10. Parquet Courts - Wide Awake!

“This band's genius shows through with every new release. Wide Awake throws all of their influences together and expels energetic funk beats with poignant, dark, and brutal lyrics that are especially political. The juxtaposition of these themes with upbeat and optimistic instrumentals speaks to their compositional talent, making it a fan favorite. AND THEY USE COWBELLS.” (Angelica Sheen)

Honorable Mentions:

Glenn Crytzer Orchestra, "Ain't it Grand?"

This album couldn't have been better aimed at me if the band had come and asked me what I wanted to hear.  A modern swing-style orchestra performing both classic tunes from the 1930s and modern pieces written in the big band style.  The ensemble playing is tight, the solos just exactly right, and the production quality a lot sharper than any of the original Duke Ellington recordings.  Top notch stuff. (Michael Payne)

The Vaccines - Combat Sports

"The Vaccines brought back the spirit and energy of their debut album but with a new twist when they released their 4th album early in 2018. Get pumped up with the "I Can't Quit" and "Nightclub" or settle down with  "Maybe (The Luck of the Draw)" or "Young American". The Vaccines perfectly embody the sound and snark of the '70s and '80s artists of which their influenced while still creating a modern feel of the 2010's. My personal favorite off the album "Out on the Street" definitely a treat live! Over all Combat Sports is an excellent album and what we needed in 2018." (Stacey Brizuela)

Cobra Man - Toxic Planet

“Los Angeles local duo Cobra Man blows it out of the water with their sophomore album that carries the heart and groove of something you'd hear out of '84. It is indeed one of the best albums of the year because it utilizes one of the most underrated instruments in the game, the saxophone.” (Spartacus Avina)

Nu Guinea "Nu Guinea"

Heaven & Earth by Kamasi Washington is an album that’s loud and bold in both sound and vocals. A lot of the album often creates an ethereal effect with the heavy instrumentals ascending into a grand peak, most notably heard on “Street Fighter Mas”. The vocals on the album accompany the instrumentals in their same form, loud and climaxing. Listening to this album is like a rollercoaster with its thrilling jazz sounds. (Melissa Palma)

Drug Church - Cheer

Mac Miller - Swimming

“The tragic beauty of this album speaks for itself. Mac was such a raw and very real individual and it reflects in his music the way that many others cannot replicate. May he rest in peace - I hope the next life will be better for him.” (Naseem Eskandari)

Thank you to all the amazing DJs who submitted their Top 10 list of 2018! I am super glad to have been part of an amazing and diverse radio station for this past year and this is only a small piece of what our DJs music tastes are like here. I hope everyone has an incredible and safe New Years Eve and a happy 2019 :)

-Kelsey Villacorte (Music Director)

#kuciFM #top 10 lists #top 10 albums #college radio #mitski #kevin krauter #parquet courts #the internet #Anderson .Paak #kali uchis #janelle monae #mgmt #ian sweet #blood orange

[newagesispage]

                                                          FEBRUARY           2019

 PAGE  RIB

***** I am over the moon at the suggestion of a biopic of Dave Letterman starring Michael Shannon. Will somebody think about really putting this into production??? Please??

***** Criminal Minds will wrap it up after this next and 15th season. The season 14 finale on Feb.6 will have Rossi’s wedding. They will spend the last season chasing after ‘a worthy adversary’ rumored to be played by Harold Perrineau as they jump ahead in time.

***** I am so touched by shows like Grace and Frankie and Schitt’s Creek that look right past the usually discussed issues for interracial and same sex couples .  Gee, just think, it’s like we are all the same.

***** If you haven’t seen Michael Bennet and his senate floor speech about Ted Cruz, government shutdowns and Trump, run to C-span and catch it. These things make me proud to be in a DEMOCRACY!

***** Can this be true?? The constitution of Texas states that one can’t hold public office unless they believe in a supreme being??

***** Julian Castro is running for President.

***** Kamala Harris is running for President.

***** Cory Booker is running for President.

***** HGTV is apparently working on a huge publicity stunt and ratings grabber. They have purchased the home whose exterior was used in the Brady Bunch. A show will reunite the cast, bring in some famous fane and remodel the inside to look like the Brady set. At the end they may give the house away.

***** Michael Shannon and Audra McDonald will team up to revive Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune on Broadway.

***** Rashida Jones and Bill Murray will star in Sofia Coppola’s’ On the Rocks.’

***** Why isn’t extreme ironing a bigger sport by now??** And can we make Petanque a bigger thing while we’re at it?

***** Craig Ferguson is selling his LA compound.

***** China has landed on the far side of the moon!!!

***** NASA’s New Horizons has went further than anyone has gone before for our first image of Ultima Thule.

***** Kentucky has introduced a bill to ban abortion in the state.

***** Told to a reporter: “It’s your job to speak truthfully and precisely, not mine.” –Kellyanne Conway** The new book, Team of Vipers, suggests that The Conways are working in concert.  It is thought that she is valuable to Trump because she has no qualms about saying anything.

***** Super bowl LIII will host Maroon 5, Travis Scott and Big Boi. They will have no pre- concert interview. It is said that many artists turned down the gig because of the controversy. Maroon 5 has gotten some shit for performing but they caution us to just watch.** Roger Waters has asked Maroon 5 to take a knee during the show.

***** Natasha Lyonne is getting raves for her new show, Russian Doll.

***** Tom Sizemore was arrested for drug possession.

***** 6 NFL coaches were fired in one week!!!

***** Pentagon chief of staff, rear admiral Kevin Sweeney is out.

***** Rod Rosenstein is on the way out.

***** Jaymo’s, a Peoria company is suing Wendy’s over the use of their S’Awesome sauce.

***** We should enact the stop the stupidity act.

***** Why does it seem every other show on the air is sort of an entire season of a Twilight Zone episode?

***** There are more people in the Kremlin than in Washington who know what Trump said to Putin. – Tom Nichols

***** Members of congress can retire at full pay after 1 term. Children of congress members don’t have to pay back student loans. Is that true?? Can this be right??

***** Dupont is laying off workers.

***** Check out love your brain.com.

***** The Golden Globes were held and were hosted by Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh.  My best dressed was Isla Fisher, Elizabeth Moss. Danai Gurira, Julia Roberts, Carol Burnett, Emily Blunt, Lupita Nyong’o, Patricia Clarkson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jameela Jamil, Rosamund Pike, Jim Carrey, Alison Brie, Gemma Chan and Bradley Cooper. Worst dressed goes to Rachel Weisz, Julianne Moore, Layra Dern, Anne Hathaway, Maya Rudolph, Rami Mlek, Molly Sims and Heidi Klum. I was so happy for winners like The Americans (highlight of the evening!!!), Regina King, Lady Gaga, Mahershala Ali, Patricia Clarkson, Darren Criss, Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek, Olivia Colman and Green Book.  The Cecil B. DeMille award went to Jeff Bridges. The new Carol Burnett award started off with Carol herself. I was saddened that Bill Hader, Henry Winkler, Kieran Culkin, Keri Russell and Sacha Baron Cohen went home empty handed. The Fiji water girl got most of the press and gave much free advertising to her product.  Some of the stars did not like her getting in their shots to push a product without their knowledge, both a clever and sad state of affairs.

***** The Kominsky Method will be back for season 2.

***** The Sag awards had their big night and gave the lifetime achievement to Alan Alda. Winners included Emily Blunt, Darren Criss, Black Panther, Rami Malek and Glenn Close. I was especially thrilled with some love goingto Jason Bateman and Patricia Arquette. Best dressed were Amy Adams, Yara Shahidi, Brian Tyree Henry, Sydelle Noel, Eddie Griffin, Holly Taylor, Sofia Hubitz, Emma Stone, Emily Blunt, Darren Criss, Laverne Cox, Timothee Chalamet, Robin Wright, Lily Tomlin, Chadwick Boseman, Matthew Rhys, Keri Russell, and Catherine Zeta Jones. The WTF award goes to Alison Brie.

***** The Oscar race is on. Best picture could go to Blank Panther, Blackkklansman, Roma, The Favourite, Green Book, Vice, Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star is born. Black Panther also got some love for music and costume design.  Fingers crossed for Isle of Dogs in the animated category. Actor nods had a few surprises. Willem Dafoe and Rami Malek , Lady Gaga and Melissa McCarthy are up for leads and supporting mentions are for Mahershala Ali, Regina King, Adam Driver and Sam Elliott. I am so hopeful for Spike Lee and I want to hear that speech.

***** If you haven’t seen Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, you gotta check it out. He and Sarah Silverman should go on a tour of teaching acceptance for their fellow man.

***** So.. Fox news said that Ruth Bader Ginsberg was dead??

***** In sexual harassment news: Harvey Weinstein is hiring new lawyers.** Les Moonves is seeking arbitration with CBS.

***** Cher has sold her Beverly Hills cottage.

***** Cindy Crawford and Randy Gerber’s daughter, Presley was arrested for DUI.

***** CBS news has named its first female President, Susan Zirinsky.

***** What is happening to the butterflies?

***** Illinois has refused a concert permit to R Kelly and Sony has dropped him. The pressure is finally starting to pay off??

***** Get ready for biopics about Harriet Tubman, Elton John and Ted Bundy.

*****  NY mayor Bill De Blasio has given healthcare to every resident of NY city.

***** 25% of Russians do not have indoor toilets. Putin and his buddies have about $1trillion tucked away from London to Miami.

***** Days alert: I wonder if Leo’s real name ‘Matthew Cooper’ is a nod to out actor Chad Allen from Dr. Quinn??!! It is also fun to see Judith Chapman take on the role of Leo’s Mama, Diana. The pair played Mother and son previously on The Young and the Restless. Is she really Diana Colville from John’s past??** So Stefan has been played by Tyler Christopher who asked for some time off and a sub was put in place who will take over in March. Since Christopher left, he has since decided that he will leave permanently so things are up in the air. Will Stefan and Gabi hook up? Days has been renewed for season 55. HOORAY!!!! Ratings are up 4%. **Loved the line when Chloe told Rex he should wear a cup. **Leo and Xander’s playful “lust” was so sassy!!

***** Happy Valentine’s Day!

***** Steve Buscemi will play God on tv’s Miracle Workers.

***** So, the new Conan format has ups and downs. I miss the band and the desk but I am Loving the fade in and fade out at commercials. I have always hated the, “We’ll be right back “ nonsense. I was sad to lose a half hour at first but Conan and Andy do seem refreshed.

***** Still waiting for the release of Apple Seed which is written, directed and starring Michael Worth. It is one of the final films of Rance Howard who stars with his son, Clint, Adrienne Barbeau and the other Father and son team of Robby and Zephyr Benson.

***** The January Bob Segar concert in Illinois at the Peoria Civic Center is the top selling concert ever at this venue. Old rock acts take note.

***** Bob Costas is out at NBC after 40 years.

***** Trial and Error has been cancelled. BOO!!!

***** Steve Carell will star in Space Force which he is co-creating with The Office showrunner Greg Daniels.

***** Despite some people I admire that are giving Alexandria Ocasio Cortez a talking to like she’s a child, I say ‘Give ‘em Hell!’  She could well be President so fight girl!!

***** Word is that Karen Pence is now teaching at the Immanuel School in Virginia. The school refuses admission to students who participate in or condone homosexual activity. The application for the school states that misconduct includes heterosexual activity outside of marriage, homosexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity and use of pornographic websites. The application goes on to state that ‘a wife must submit to her husband’ and a pledge must be signed to that effect.

***** There is controversy over the bill to give people a day off for Election Day. Many people will still have to work, the country never completely shuts down. How many fucking times do I have to say it: VOTE BY MAIL!!!!!!!!!!!

***** So, Scary clown told us Mexico would pay for ‘the wall’. During the campaign he gave actual ideas for that like Mexico giving us a one time payout or else he would not allow Mexican immigrants to western union money back to Mexico. Another idea was that there would be a great ta on that Western union money. It does not seem like they tried any of that and just decided we would pay for the stupid ‘wall.’ How about the money he makes off Trump merch which his website and hotels still sell to pay for it?? How about the $35 million that Trump sold in real estate in 2018? The ‘Wall’ go fund me did not reach its $1billion goal so the $20 million they did collect is being offered for refunds. Some of those people still want that money to go for its purpose so Trump is creating a non- profit. Can’t we use that money to help the border patrol agents and get the backlog in immigration court moving?? That we are still talking about this ridiculous wall and that it had a go fund me page is enough to boggle the normal brain.** I think Kimmel said it best when he suggested that Trump just tell the red hats that the wall has been built.  They believe everything he says so why wouldn’t they believe that??  It would save the country a lot of headaches. ** What the Hell is with his new “wheels and walls” mantra??** Russia caused Brexit too? Putin is a menace.** Another sink hole appeared the White House. WTF?

***** The congressional budget office says the shut down cost the U.S. 11 billion

***** Trump is talking to Herman Cain about a job on the Federal Reserve Board.

***** The GOP is selling fake bricks that cost about 50 cents for $20 each to send to Senate Dems. Some have said that the Dems should sign them and sell them and give the money to government workers. ** Why are Russian jets fucking around on the North American coastline??

***** Roger Stone has been indicted on 5 counts of false statements, 1 count of obstruction and 1 count of witness tampering. The FBI officers who arrested him were part of the shut down and they still did their job!!  He publically and privately claimed to have communicated with Russia. Predictions are that many more indictments are coming down the pike that involve many familiar faces.** Roger Stone has a Nixon tattoo on his back. I feel sorry for his cell mate.-Bill Maher

***** Bill Maher got some flak for comments after Stan Lee died. He wasn’t slamming Lee, but wondered about comic book fans putting away childish things. I suppose that could include weed but point taken.

***** Jared Kushner along with 30 other White House staff was denied top secret clearance but Trump advisor Carl Kline overruled that decision and gave it to them anyway. This has never been done before, this is a job for intelligent agencies.

***** Empire star Jussie Smollett was attacked in Chicago in what cops are saying was a possible hate crime. The attackers were yelling that this was MAGA country, poured bleach on him and put a rope around his neck.  The actor was previously sent a letter full of homophobic and racist slurs which he FBI had been looking into.

***** Ellen page gave us some memorable, powerful words to chew on with her appearance on Stephen Colbert. I am sure she gave courage to many who suffer because of our hate filled administration.

***** Gwyneth Paltrow is being sued from a 2016 ski incident for 3 mil.

***** I gain more and more respect for Seth Meyers. I did not really understand the choice of him as host in the beginning. His notice of local stations, choice of guests and revolving drummers makes for a great show.

***** A Dutch company may have invented a small device that converts heat into cold and Forbes is saying, ‘it could save the planet.’

***** So looking forward to Ryan Murphy’s The Politician which will star Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow and January Jones.

***** I know that is has happened little by little and we go thru times in our history when things get worse and then things get better but… When did this country get so fucking corrupt?? I mean seriously.. Why is Brendan Dassey still in prison and why is there no real justice for Teresa Halbach? ** Why is Trump still in the White House?**Why are government workers being told to work for nothing?? Why is R Kelly still living it up?? Why are some states going backward in time when it comes to women’s health?? Why do many corporations care more about their own pockets than the children of their employees or the environment around them??** Why does our justice system so often punish big for small infractions and allow the powerful to do anything they want?? **Why is a wall a better idea than infrastructure or warm beds for the homeless or food for our children and why are so many children in cages??

***** How can it be that we are still in a world where people are not allowed to reach their full potential?? Why do so many selfish humans actually fight to live in a world where they actively hold others back? Shouldn’t we all be concerned about the greater good?  We should all be allowed to see a Doctor when we are ill. We should all be able to excel in education if we choose .We should all be able to get a job to fit our skills and work ethic.  Opportunities and the pursuit of happiness should be available to all. Why is this so fucking hard for so many to grasp in this world? Imagine!

***** Sundance premiered the new flick, Big time adolescence with Griffin Gluck and Pete Davidson. Pete has since made no bones about filming in Syracuse. He hated it.

***** Jeff Flake will join CBS news as a contributor.

***** Tom Brokaw is in a bit of trouble for saying Hispanics should work harder at assimilation.

***** The Tom Hanks/ Matthew Rhys film, A beautiful day in the neighborhood has pushed back its release date to Nov. 22.

***** People are illogical and self- centered. Love them anyway. -Hedy Lemarr

*****R.I.P. Bob Einstein, Millie Wiesehan, victims of the Torrance. Ca. bowling alley shooting, Captain Darryl Dragon, Jo Andres, Lamin Sanneh, Carol Channing, Sandra Harmon, Bradley Bolke, the victims of Mediterranean shipwreck, Lorna Doom, victims of the Florida bank shooting, Kaye Ballard, Willie York , Barbara Claman , victims of the mining dam collapse in Brazil and James Frawley.

[slyke25]

2013

I was now in the fifth year of my music blog, and things were going well.  I’d try to cover as many shows as I could, only covering artists I liked, and there was no shortage of talent rolling through Boston, which made for a busy year.

In 2013, I attended numerous memorable shows.  I invite you to click on the bold print below for links to each of the 19 shows, where you’ll find photos, videos, and maybe even a few words.

These are just a handful of some of my favorite shows from 2013, and to see the full list of every show I covered in ‘13 (with links) click the ‘12-’13 archive here.

Twenty One Pilots at The Met (1.19.13) - Prior to this show, I put together a post on the new duo that were relatively unheard of outside of Ohio.  Locally, they managed to sell out the LC Pavilion, a 2,200 capacity venue in Columbus, which isn’t the best concert market.  After hearing their new album, Vessel,  I knew these guys would soon be playing much larger venues across the country.  I couldn’t attend the show at TT the Bear’s, so I went to the show at the Met (capacity 500) in Providence the night prior.  Twenty One Pilots are now playing sold out stadiums, some 20,000+.

Sigur Ros at the Agganis Arena (3.26.13) - I’ve seen this Icelandic band three times (’06, ‘13, and ‘16 in Denver), and they crush it every single time.  They have the ability to invoke emotion quite like no other band.  I managed to film “Glosoli”, which is such a powerful song and still gives me chills.

Alt-J at the Paradise Rock Club (3.3.13) - I enjoyed their debut album, An Awesome Wave, and headed to the ‘dise to check them out.  Solid show.

Green Day at the Dunkin Donuts Center (4.19.13) - Can’t believe I never saw Green Day prior to this show, and I vividly remember when Dookie came out in ‘94.  This was ultimately one of those bucket list shows for me, and I ended up driving to Providence, as there was no Boston show.  A fun concert and worth the drive.

Muse at the TD Garden (4.12.13) - I was amazed at the production for this show.  They really went all out, and a cool experience.

Boston Calling Day #1 (5.25.13) (Portugal the Man,The Shins, Fun) - This was the inaugural Boston Calling Festival.  The Government Center location was less than ideal, and the sound was equally poor in spots depending where you stood, and they’d eventually move the location of the smaller stage for the next installment of the festival.  Since Boston proper had no large music festival of this kind at the time, it was kind of a big deal, and they managed to book a solid and diverse lineup each year.  

Boston Calling Day #2 (5.26.13) (Andrew Bird, Of Monsters and Men, Young the Giant, The National) - The second day of the new Boston festival proved to be as solid as the first.

Newport Folk Festival Day #1 (7.26.13) (Milk Carton Kids, Blake Mills (w/ Dawes), Dawes, Phosphorescent, Feist, Old Crow Medicine Show) - The rainy first day of this festival had a few bright spots, but i must say, Feist was one of bigger misses at Newport.  

Newport Folk Festival Day #2 (7.27.13) (Langhorne Slim, The Lone Bellow, Shovels and Rope, Jim James, Father John Misty, Jason Isbell, Colin Meloy, Justin Townes Earle, The Avett Brothers) - Very entertaining Day 2, and the Newport crowd definitely wasn’t ready for Father John Misty.  If you haven’t seen my live videos yet, please do yourself a favor and check out “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” and “Nancy From Now On”.

Newport Folk Festival Day #3 (7.28.13) (Lord Huron, The Lumineers, Andrew Bird, Beck) - Beck was a really great score for Newport, and a nice way to end the weekend.

The Black Crowes at the BOA Pavilion (7.30.13) - This 2013 tour would sadly be their last, and they officially called it quits in 2015.

The Nines Festival - Devens, MA (8.10.13)  (Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog, Explosions In The Sky) - I really enjoyed this festival.  This new Boston area music and arts festival sadly didn’t make it a second year.  Despite the respectably lineup, it definitely wasn’t promoted enough, and attendance was quite low.  That didn’t stop me from having a great time, and I had a beautiful experience.

After it was over, I appreciated it more and more as time went on.

Boston Calling Day #1 (9.7.13) (Lucius, Okkervil River, Deer Tick, Airborne Toxic Event, Local Natives, The Gaslight Anthem, Vampire Weekend) - Surprisingly, Boston Calling added a fall version, just four months after the initial May festival, but since the interest and ticket sales were strong, they decided to capitalize.

Boston Calling Day #2 (9.8.13) (Flume, Kendrick Lamar, Passion Pit) 

Phoenix at the House of Blues) (10.1.13) - Great show, and the highlight was Thomas Mars climbing into the mezzanine after “Rome”, walking from one end to the other, thanking fans for coming to the show while the band played “Entertainment (reprise)” in the background. I ended up capturing the it on video.

Pearl Jam at the DCU Center (10.15.13) - This was another insane experience, as I was photographing a band I’d loved since their beginning right from the pit.  Eddie Vedder was in great spirits, and even sported a Red Sox jacket.

The Arcade Fire (Brooklyn) (10.18.13) - Arcade Fire seem to like to promote their new albums with special live shows at small venues, and this show took place at a Brooklyn warehouse right before their new album, Reflektor was released.  

There was a small stage in the front, but by the time I arrived, there were so many people standing around it, that I opted for a more comfortable spot in the back.  What happened next was one of the most surprising moments I’ve ever seen at a concert.  Someone next to me ended up capturing the exact moment the band revealed a fake stage in the back, basically right where I was standing.  The stage up front where everyone was gathered was fake. 

I ended up writing a review of the whole experience.

Phish at the DCU Center (10.25.13) - Phish are always a good time.  The crowd, the scene, the music...it’s always a strange trip.  I wrote a few word on this show as well.

Chris Cornell at the Calvin Theatre (11.17.13) - Oddly, this was the first time I saw Chris live.  Hearing his voice for the first time instantly gave me chills, and I was fortunate to see him before his passing in 2017.

#2013 #artists on tumblr #concert photography #photography #original photography on tumblr

[oddcoupler222]

Do you have any Faberry or Bechloe fic recs? You write amazing fanfiction, so I imagine you probably also have good taste in them :D

aw thank you so much! as luck would have it… I do have fic recs for both of those ships! And, well, of course I think of myself as having good taste in fics ;)

I have made a few faberry fic recs in the past, and unfortunately, I haven’t found many more fics with them since then? Granted, I haven’t been as much in a faberry-heavy mood for a few months, so… yeah the fic rec lists are the same. You can find them  here and here.

As for bechloe… okay, well the majority of my favorite Bechloe fics are shorter stories/oneshots (which i believe is the majority of stories i’ve really seen) but granted, I haven’t gone through this entire fandom and scoured for fics like i have for faberry. 

Okay, so without farther adieu:

Bechloe Fic Recs

By Redlance - 

Experimentation - So, about that one little regret… (aka canon divergent from the second movie and Chloe’s tent confession also known as the slowest burn to ever burn)

this is like the classic quintessential bechloe fic, let’s be real. i’m sure you’ve already read it, but… the hands down best bechloe fic i’ve ever seen.

Exception - Chloe is Beca’s exception to most of the rules she’s set herself in life. Which isn’t anywhere near as difficult for Beca to accept as it should be.

Sure Would Be Prettier - There’s an entire world out there for Beca to see, and she does. It’s filled with beauty and music and wonder, and it’s all pretty breath-taking. But there’s always something missing.

By wherehopelies -

You Still Make Sense to Me (Your Mess Is Mine) - “Chloe fills up all of the spaces inside her that she didn’t even know existed until Chloe was there."orrrrr the one where it takes a fake-engagement and being domestic as hell for these two idiots to realize they’re in love. Set two years after PP2 and mostly canon compliant. Title taken from Vance Joy’s "Mess is Mine”

By Care -

The Sexual Implications of Teleportation - The first time is a complete freak accident.

eliminate the distance between us - Senior year isn’t really going the way Beca thought it would.A Pitch Perfect 2 AU.

You Know Her Breath Will Catch And How Her Fingers Curl - If someone had asked Beca at the end of her freshman year whose idea it would be to do a Bellas reunion tour, she would have sworn up and down that it would be Aubrey’s.

By gilligankane -

reality is a sliding door - There is a theory: every person has a moment in their life where they make a choice to go left or right. From those possibilities, two parallel lines form, running alongside each other; two concurrent realities. Parallel lines never cross; they run forever next to each other without ever meeting.In one world, Beca Mitchell joins the Barden Bellas.In another world, she wasn’t supposed to.In every world, Beca Mitchell underestimates Chloe Beale.

when gravity’s pulling (you’re still holding my heart) - Beca isn’t sure how she got here.Well, she knows how she got here, in this house, with these girls. She knows all about the real estate process too. But she isn’t sure how she got here: Laying on her bed with her laptop in her lap and her legs bent at the knee, feet flat so Chloe can paint her toenails while she goes over the Bellas history with Legacy and answer every question about the Beca-and-Chloe (fake) dating thing.It’s this part of her life she isn’t so sure about.

Song Beneath the Song - Chloe has always followed the music, because music has given her the best, most important things in her life.  It’s never led her astray. Sometimes, though, she wishes it’d give her a little bit of warning about the roller coaster she’s in for.

By sexonastick -

The Party’s Crashing Us - Beca has never been big into high school activities, but sometimes desperate people do desperate things. Like show up for marching band and get stalked by the creepy redheaded cheerleader who won’t leave you alone.

Bulletproof Use of Bullet Points - Nobody values friendship more than Aubrey Posen. (Even her best friend, Chloe, can really only be said to consider friendship equally as important as Aubrey does.) The point is: it matters.But Beca Mitchell might just be the most annoying person at Barden University. (Important note: she most definitely is.) Tolerating smug shitheads for the sake of someone else is surely the True Meaning of friendship.

By eliseboobman -

One touch and I was a believer (every kiss it gets a little sweeter) - “I wonder how many there are.” Chloe says, pointing up with her finger. She starts to count, moving her finger every time she does, and Beca smiles as she watches her. It’s impossible to count every star in the sky, but obviously Chloe tries. It’s such a Chloe thing to do.

You’re ripped at every edge but you’re a masterpiece - Beca is in love with Chloe. Chloe is in love with Stacie. Stacie is in love with Aubrey. Everything is messed up. (The unrequited love AU that nobody asked for.)

By obstinate_questionings -

This World Is Gonna Burn (Baby You Should Stick Around) - Beca really should have let Chloe know how much she hated ghost stories.[Halloween fic.]

By shitqueen -

Silhouettes -  It’s quite worrisome, how happy-go-lucky, doesn’t know the meaning of boundaries, across-neighbour Chloe Beale doesn’t bother her.  She doesn’t dwell on it though, she just continues on with life and focuses on what’s in front of her. Like, giving Jesse his Chinese food and pushing his legs off her sofa.(or: beca thinks everything is perfect, then chloe moves in across from her. being domestic as hell and secretly in love with each other for two years  come after.)

oh the habits of my heart - Listen, Beca’s not gay.She’s, like, only mildly attracted to German blondes. And, like, half-ish attracted to weirdo redheads with no knowledge on boundaries and how to respect them. So, yeah. Beca’s not gay.

By novel_concept26 -

Storytellers and Legends - Dr. Mitchell has the habit of kicking off his classes with personal stories: stories about a girl so outrageous, she couldn’t possibly be real. At least, that’s what Chloe always told herself. 

(Accidentally) Taking Aim - For Kay’s prompt: “At Barden, the acapella groups are naturally drawn to understanding the world through music. It’s the language they speak, from toners to aca-children, but most of all in the harmonies they make with their mouths. So is it really any wonder that Chloe is falling so hard when Beca is wooing her with her music, even if it’s completely by accident?”

Secrecy - Chloe and Aubrey are best friends; always have been, always will be. Which is what makes this whole thing so weird. Because, see, best friends don’t keep secrets from each other. Most of the time.

Some Kind of Home - Home is where the heart is; Chloe is just better at following hers than most people. Not that Beca gets that at all.

By reliquiaen -

I Am Not Worthy (Not Worthy of This) - Prompt: “I found your tumblr but you don’t know and urg now you’re posting about your crush on this cute person oh wait is that me.”  Got waaaay out of hand.

Jesse’s Girl - “It’s an inner monologue of curses and other assorted expletives coupled with self-derogatory slurs that’s been skipping scratchily through her head for the past ten minutes.” - AU

By lismicro -

this love ain’t enough to leave you - On a one-way trip to Los Angeles, aspiring DJ Beca Mitchell doesn’t expect her world to change. Enter Chloe Beale, photographer and journalist, who doesn’t know how to make hers stand still.

By mooosicaldreamz -

mix the bourgeoisie and the rebel (we got the gift of melody) - Beca is an up and coming producer, Chloe Beale is pop’s newest princess. This is the story of how they fall in love.

By echo_wolf -

Something You Want, Something You Need - Beca Mitchell’s not really sure how, but a copper-haired Cocker Spaniel (who walked into her bathroom while she was singing in the shower) managed to change her life and give her Chloe Beale.  Or the story of how DJ-just-moved-in-down-the-hall Beca and  travelling-private-music-instructor Chloe succeed to be disgustingly domestic with a dog and 5000 miles distance.

By galpalkru -

Don’t You (Forget About Me) - If you drunkenly sleep with your best friend, you’re both just supposed to pretend that you don’t remember, right? Even if you know that she knows that you know that she knows. Yeah.Or the one where Beca and Chloe sleep together and refuse to be the first to admit that they both remember everything.

By lamachine -

embrace the weirdness -  She was working for a sex line. Chloe was a phone sex operator.  Okay. That one, Beca needed time to process.

By theamberissubtle -

Aca-awkward - Chloe gets caught sexting in class by a lecturer who also happens to be the unsuspecting father of her girlfriend.

By chloebeale -

All Apologies - Beca can’t believe it when her gorgeous redheaded neighbor shows up on her doorstep. When she starts crying, admitting that she’s run over what she thinks is Beca’s cat, she doesn’t have the heart to tell her that the feline belongs to the old man next door. And when Chloe locks her keys in her car, she can’t help but invite her in. But even Beca doesn’t expect what happens next.

OH MY GOD I COULD KEEP GOING WHY DO I READ SO MUCH FANFICI’ll stop there for now… I hope you enjoy!

#bechloe #faberry #fic recs

[bleuverry]

Tag followers you want to know better!

Rules: You have to tag followers you want to know better

Thanks @jungkookstruly for tagging me! I don’t have any followers though so idk how this is gonna work? I barely started using tumblr and I haven’t really been that much active either. All I do here is just read fics and follow co BTS stans and awesome writers and that’s it! But I’ll play along although I don’t know who I’m gonna tag???

Gender: Female

Star Sign: Scorpio

Height: 5'0, I’m short ok don’t judge~ @.@

Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual

Hogwarts House:  Gryffindor I think?

Favourite Color: Turqoise! I think I spelled that right?

Favorite Animal: Dogs and Cats and Pigs and Bunny’s any kind of animal that I would consider adorable... 

Average hours of sleep: 5-6 hours at least?... and barely 2 hours on exam days. 

Cat or dog person: Cats love me and they always try to cuddle with my leg to get attention but I have a soft spot for dogs... Sorry kitteh’s

Favourite Fictional Character: I was such a big fan of anime back then and I remember that my most favorite was Sakura and Syaoran of Cardcaptor Sakura. I’ve literally watched all episodes of it because of how much of a fan I am. And then Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles came out and I really couldn’t bring myself to love them the way I used to with CCS but it’s cool~ I miss watching animes but I’m such a Korean drama fan now that I just haven’t been able to... Ugh! As for Korean dramas my fave is Dr. Kang Mo Yeon of Descendants of the sun! She’s actually the reason why I’m pursuing with my BIO career but I plan on being a pharmacologist instead of going through pre-med/becoming a surgeon... Although I don’t really know... I’m still undecided I’m working on my associates then hopefully on my bachelors soon then Ph.D later on!!! :)

Number of blankets: One and only... Keeps me warm on cold nights as well as keep me cuddled on warm nights. IDK but it’s always been just 1 no matter the weather. 

Favourite singer/band : BTS FORSURES! not being biased but Tae kills me with his voice! I wish he would do a cover  of “Say you won’t let go” and I’d be soaking... ehem... I mean choking... ehem I mean idk I’d probably be dead...

Dream trip: Picture it Sicily 19forgotten! lol I have so much things with school right now and work that I haven’t really planned on vacation... but lately I kind of wanna go to Paris, France with my imaginary Tae as my BF and we’d go shopping and touring and kissing under the Eiffel Tower *blushes* I can’t~ OMG! *wheezes* TMI! *faints*

Dream job: Pharmacology! or something along those lines if I graduate soon enough. I’m so old already and I’m only 21! (Same age as Tae! Born in the same year 95z yazzzzz!) and yet he’s so successful already and I’m not :( but I’m proud of him! :D He makes my day brighter than sunshine Hobi~ although nothing really outshines sunshines Hobi! lol 

When was this blog made: Barely a few months I think? Idek... I just made this when I was reading one of @jungblue Future Hearts fic! And lemme tell you I fell in luv! *heart eyes*

Number of followers: 0... someone pls follow me... I feel so lonely... :(

What made you decide to create this blog: @jungblue because I want to keep reading her fics then I decided to read others as well  such as @btssmutgalore ,and @tayegi ,and @inktae and @war-of-hormoan and I just fell in love with all of the people I follow. Mostly BTS related stuff, because I just want to keep this blog BTS related. I have no other Tumblr except this one so It’s kind of personal...at the same time I wanna start writing but I don’t really have the time of the day to start one... so meh :/

I want to tag someone but I have no followers... so this ends here for me... Thank you @jungkookstruly for wanting to get to know me! I had fun answering all these questions! :)

#pls follow me #I just need one #gimme some love #im such a loner #ignore my emoness

[smtownvi-archive]

omg i was tagged by so many ppl ok @yixngpls @pcyhater @kais-daddy and @oanakenobi did a different one so i combined them lmao

i’ll tag @bbhsthighs @twentyfcur @subaek @junmyeonsthighs and @crownkingzyx (yall dont have to but if you want to its cool lmao)

name/nickname: jessica, jess, rap mother

relationship status: married 2 rap monster (im in an actual real life relationship lmao)

favorite colour: maroon/burgundy

last song i listened to: artificial love - exo

favorite tv show: bobs burgers

first fandom: big time rush then one direction

hobbies: um i like doing art and graphic design but im in a slump, i like video games.....thats it

books that im currently reading: tomie complete deluxe edition (emphasis because its a collection of short stories)

worst thing i’ve eaten: shepards pie (i got so sick) honestly FUCK ground beef lmao

favourite place(s): this lake that my aunt goes to every year I LOV IT

wake-up time: if i have to go to work usually 10:00, if i don’t then it can range from 9:30 to 12 lmao

cats or dogs: cats!!!

coke or pepsi: dr. pepper

chapstick or lipstick: chapstick for my crusty ass lips

gender: girl

height: 5′5

time right now: 11:34pm

last thing i googled: bts wings tour dates (im salty)

favorite bands: exo, bts, girls generation

favorite solo artists: taeyeon, hyuna, melanie martinez,

song stuck in your head: mansae by seventeen but the hip hop unit version

last movie watched: sing

last tv show watched: family guy

when did you create your blog: 2010

what kind of stuff do you post: a clusterfuck of kpop, memes, and pretty graphics

when did your blog reach its peak: 2012 when i was a one direction blog lmao

do you have any other blogs: i technically have a personal but i use it as a cover whenever my boy friend or friends want to see my tumblr lmao

do you get asks regularly: im perpetually ignored )-:

why did you chose your url: i used to have suchen420 saved and it inspired me 

following: at least 100

favorite characters: andy dwyer and ron swanson (parks & rec), bob & gene belcher (bobs burgers), roger (american dad), garret (superstore)

what are you wearing right now: sweatpants and a tank top

how many blankets do you sleep with: 2

dream job: makeup artist

dream trip: tokyo

RANDOM LIST TAG

Rules: Go to this website: https://www.random.org/lists/ ; pick 15 characters from any fandom or whatever you are into, put them in order

1) Probably hates me: hoseok )-:

2) Boyfriend: vernon (!!!)

3) Proposed to me: sehun /-:

4) Would fight me and win: johnny (hes like 8ft tall and i, a small)

5) Sends me nudes: hyuna (um yes bitch??? pls??)

6) Enemy: sana (nooooo my gorlfriend)

7) My first love: seolhyun (-:

8) Would fight me and lose: yixing (LMAO BYE)

9) Husband: NAMJOON IM FUCKEN CHOKING

10) Bestie: jin (also accurate)

11) My side: CHANYEOL IM CHOKING EVEN FUCKING MORE THIS IS SO TRUE

12) Big sister: luna!!!!!!!!!!!

13) My First Kiss: yeri (((((-:

14) Ex girlfriend: taeyeon (this.........is also true i miss my ex suddenly)

15) Gets drunk with me: momo (this is the best one)

#this was fun (-:

[blankasolun]

source: Metal Hammer 7th May 2020

How Dave Mustaine Took on Cancer and Won

By James Blaine (Metal Hammer) 21 hours ago

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine opens up exclusively about staring down cancer and what the future holds

The whole world is coming apart at the seams.

At least that’s the way it seems in Nashville, Tennessee this week. A T6 tornado tore the hell out of town just as the coronavirus hit the Volunteer State. Even President Trump is in Music City today, surveying the damage from Marine Helicopter One, hovering above us as we step into a dark, downtown studio to meet with local resident, Dave Mustaine.

The Apocalypse’s first and second horsemen take a back seat, at least for the moment. Right now, we’re more concerned about Dave’s dog. Oblivious to its diminutive size, the long-haired Chihuahua descends upon us like some high-pitched Hound of Hell, menacingly baring his teeth and threatening to devour our very soul if we step any closer to his master. 

“Easy, Romeo. Easy,” Dave says, reaching to save us from the snarling beast. We coil back, cautiously offering the back of our hand. Dave laughs gruffly. “Oh, no,” he says. “That doesn’t work with him.”

As the Megadeth frontman corrals his pup, it gives us a chance to check out the legend after his recent health crisis. Mass of fiery mane – intact. Black jacket, jeans, black t-shirt, white sneakers. Honestly? Well, he looks like Dave Mustaine, like the hellraiser still not sold on cheap or easy peace. He moves a bit slow, but not creakily – more like a man who’s fought the Devil bare-fisted and lived to tell the tale. 

With the hound at bay, he turns to greet us. It’s difficult to know what’s appropriate in this season of paranoia and mutant pandemic, especially for a man who’s just had his immune system nuked. Do we fist bump? Nod and touch elbows? “Nah, I ain’t worried, man,” Dave assures us, shaking hands with a vice grip. “I’m healthy now.” 

The backstory: March 2019. After being bounced from doctor to doctor, Dave gets an official diagnosis that sounds like some dystopian speed metal verse. Squamous cell carcinoma on the base of your tongue. 

  Hold up. Cancer? Mustaine? No way. 

    If anyone seemed indestructible, it was Dave Mustaine. Bad ass, bad attitude, snarling, spitting, raging, red-headed, black belt-carrying soldier in God’s Army, Godfather Of Thrash. That cancer could sink its claws into someone like Dave sent shockwaves through the metal community. Now, one year after the diagnosis, Metal Hammer comes to Music City to hear his testimony first-hand. Because Dave Mustaine kicked cancer’s ass. 

  “Yeah, I’m pretty stoked about that,” he says, grinning as he grabs a bottle of water and motions for us to have a seat in a private, black- walled dressing room. The obvious first question: So, how do you feel? “I’m a little run down, but a lot of that’s from the medication and all the stuff that goes along with treatment. They hit the cancer really hard, nine doses of chemo and 51 radiation treatments, which just beats the hell out of you. My mouth is still messed up but overall, I feel really good.”

  Dave settles in on the couch to tell us how he got the news that he was cancer-free. “I was here in Nashville, at my doctor’s office. He had to reach down the back of my throat, which was really unpleasant, but it was important for him to feel and make sure. And he said my progress was amazing, that both sides felt the same. I’ve got a metal plate in my neck that I figured might cause problems, but the doc told me, “Dave, you are in perfect health, 100%. You’re free to go.” 

  Dave pauses to slide a piece of Big Red gum into his mouth, twisting the foil between his fingers, reflecting before he continues. “It sounds bizarre, but I kind of knew. I took good care of myself. I’d done everything my doctors told me to do. I had tons of support from family and friends. And I had lots of prayer. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I expected it. I had faith that I was going to be healed.”  

At this point, Dave rewinds to early 2019, explaining how he received the grim verdict. While out shredding with Joe Satriani and Zakk Wylde on the Experience Hendrix tour, severe mouth pain struck. “I’d gone in to get some dental work,” he says. “And after, it felt like the dentist had broken a piece of scraper off in my gums. I went back and he sent me to an oral surgeon who checked me out and said, ‘You need to see an ear, nose and throat doctor. I don’t want to say anything bad, but it looks like the Big C.’ Well, fuck, dude! Why’d you say that, then?” 

Dave shakes his head, still pissed, taking a long pull of water. “Anyway, I figured I’d take care of myself once the Hendrix tour was over. While out on the road, a friend of mine knew an ENT at the local emergency room. He came over, took a look, and said it wasn’t anything to worry about. But I knew something was wrong with me. It was just too far down for anybody to see.

“We had a day off and I was home in Nashville, so I saw a local specialist who suggested a scope. I don’t do good with scopes, so they had to knock me out to get the tube in. But yeah, they confirmed that it was cancer in the side of my throat that had spread to two lymph nodes.

  “Initially, they wanted to send me to MD Anderson in Houston for 11 weeks and I said no. fucking. way. I’m not gonna be away from my family for that long. So, they set me up at Vanderbilt, with Dr. Cmelak, who’s actually one of the best radiation oncologists in the country. I had a good team.”

  Fortunately for Mustaine, Music City is also the healthcare capital of the United States. The band cancelled tour dates and put the brakes on a new record so Dave could begin a brutal treatment regime, resting at his farm in the rolling hills of nearby Franklin between blasts of radiation and IV chemo drips. The worst, he says, is over.

  “I’ll have to do another MRI soon and check in with the doctor regularly, three years, five years. But the cool thing is, my voice came back even better than before. I think the treatment shrunk whatever was on my vocal cord that was making it hard to sing. I’d seen pictures of my voice box and there was some kind of bubble on the flap that was giving me trouble. Cyst, tumour, nodule, whatever the fuck it was. But that’s gone now, and they say long as I don’t do anything stupid, I should be good for the rest of my career. I know once you get cancer you’re never really out of the woods, but if the process doesn’t scare you into changing your lifestyle, then shame on you.”

Dave is no stranger to injuries and pain. He suffered career-threatening nerve damage to his left arm during a 2002 stint in a Texas rehab, and a decade later, underwent emergency surgery for spinal stenosis – whiplash, if you will – resulting in titanium implants in his neck. Flashing his trademark maniacal smile, Dave insists he felt no fear in the face of death.

  “I already died once,” he says, referencing his 1993 overdose on Valium. “I don’t remember anything, though. No light or tunnel or any of that shit. I respect death but I’m not living my life in fear. There was a little when I first found out that I had cancer, but it wasn’t so much about dying, as not being able to use my gift anymore, to play guitar or sing. That really shook me. To be inconvenienced is one thing. It’s something else to lose your gift.”

  Dave leans in. His steely glare, coupled with the white beard and wild hair, gives him the appearance of some Old Testament prophet of doom. “When they told me that my arm was 80% and I would never play guitar again, I thought, ‘You have no idea who you’re talking to. I will absolutely play again, and it’ll be a matter of days, not weeks.’ There’s a couple things I still can’t do, but I feel like I can play almost as good as I used to. Going through that thing with my arm was helpful. It gave me the courage to face any kind of medical problem I might have down the road. I’m going to do everything they say and if there’s blood, I can handle it. I’ve seen my own blood before.” 

  We ask about the darkest days, if his reputation causes people to expect an unrealistic level of strength. Dave fidgets with his shoelace. Ruffles the pup sweetly. Reaches for another piece of gum before the reply.

  “I think people do expect me to be invincible. It is a lot of pressure,” he admits. “But when you come out on the other side victorious, they cheer even louder. I like being a man of the people. That might sound corny, but it’s true. The hardest part was having to let others take care of me. I’ve always been so independent that even if I do need help, I’m not going to let anyone know. But overall, chemo wasn’t as ugly for me as it is for a lot of people. I had a couple of days where I got really sick and threw up, but that was it. I tried to be upbeat. When I would go in for treatment, I’d talk with the other patients, try to be encouraging.”

  The thrash titan was forced to miss the band’s inaugural MegaCruise in October, with his daughter, Electra, stepping in to represent the family. Upon completion of treatment, Dave was able to return for the Killing Road tour with Five Finger Death Punch in January. While on stage at the SSE Arena in Wembley, he announced that the cancer was in complete remission. 

  “Actually, I think I mentioned it from the first show of the tour,” says Dave. “If not Helsinki, then Stockholm for sure. I wanted the fans to know that I’m OK and how great the crew has been. And for sure, I want to tell the truth and let everyone know how much I prayed through this whole ordeal. Not just like, ‘Oh, yeah, thanks, God.’ But that I really, seriously prayed.”

Christian for nearly two decades, Dave has always been vocal about his beliefs. While discussing the role faith played in his recovery, he pauses, raking fingers through his beard, measuring his words.

“After growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, there was a time that I hated the concept of anything that I had to answer to. The church disfellowshipped my sister, Debbie, and I was the only one who would sit and listen to her cry. It flipped me out and all I wanted to do was get back at the people who hurt my sister,” Dave explains. “But now, I try to keep my prayers pretty gentle. I don’t pray for anyone to get hurt or get what’s coming to them, only for God’s will and that he would help me do what I need to do. To me, prayer is just an open, honest, easy conversation like you’re talking to your dad. Essentially, that’s what God is supposed to be, our Father, right? So that makes it easy for me to engage in prayer.”

Asked to elaborate, Dave adds, “In the Bible, the Pharisees liked to pray in public so everybody could see them. They thought the louder they prayed, the more pious they would seem, like it’s an indication of their righteousness. For me, righteousness is something that’s exhibited through consistent behaviour that’s Godly in nature. You sum up the gospels with the Golden Rule. Helping others, no matter what. There’s this old song by the Circle Jerks called Wonderful.” 

  He sings the chorus of the 80s punk classic. Romeo perks up, cocking an ear in his master’s direction. “It’s a great song that talks about how it’s really not so hard to do something nice for someone else. Help a stranger. Smile. If you see a homeless person, give them something to eat. I was homeless once. It was the worst, man. Scrounging for food, living in [bassist] David Ellefson’s van…”  

  Dave apologises for losing his train of thought, blaming the lingering effects of “chemo brain”. After a break, he switches gears, discussing the positive changes that have come from his battle with the disease. “My wife and I are getting along tremendously, and things are really good with my son and daughter right now, too. I’ve got a better relationship with my band. The other day, Kiko [Loureiro, guitarist] says to me, ‘I really like this new Dave!’ What he was talking about, is when you’re dealing with pain, you drink, you smoke, you bitch, because you don’t know what’s going on. But soon as I found out what was wrong with me, I attacked it. Once I did, I could feel myself getting happier too.

Support also came from outside Dave’s immediate circle. His old band brother, James Hetfield, reached out, as did Kiss’s Paul Stanley and Ozzy, who was at war with his own medical demons in 2019.

“Everybody’s treatment is different, but Bruce Dickinson had been through throat cancer about five years ago, so he was able to give me a lot of insight into what to expect. His biggest advice was to listen to the doctors and don’t rush to get back onstage. They told him to hold off, but he went back out to perform and nothing came out. Well, OK. I get it. Bruce waited a month before his first show, so I held off a little longer. My last treatment was in September and I made plenty of time to rest, exercise and eat right before we went back out on tour. We did 22 dates overseas, and I feel great now, except for the fatigue. But I think a lot of that might be due to um, extracurricular activities. Staying up late. Not sleeping. Maybe a little, you know…” 

Thumb and forefinger to his lips, Dave inhales sharply, making the universal symbol for partaking of the herb. Could he be referring to the alleged medicinal benefits of CBD oil? “Don’t screw around with the oil, man,” he growls in the same gravel baritone as his crushing thrash classics. Our eyes go wide as the voice from sixth grade Headbangers Ball comes to life.

  Dave cackles at our reaction, pushing back a wayward strand of hair. “If you’re gonna do it, get the good stuff. I think the world is just now finding out the beauty of cannabis and everything it can do for you. I hear people talk how it’s good for cancer patients. C’mon, it’s good for any fucking patient! The radiation zapped my salivary glands so I couldn’t make spit, which made it really hard to swallow and get food down. They gave me this crazy mouthwash to use that had Benadryl and lidocaine in it, but I still couldn’t eat. So cannabis helped with that, except I got a terrible craving for kiddie cereal. I went to the store and got, like, 20 boxes.” 

  The thought of the Tornado Of Souls singer devouring countless bowls of cereal is a pretty cool picture and we can’t help but inquire about his favourite fix. “Trix with marshmallows. Froot Loops with marshmallows. Frosted Flakes. The kind with little marshmallows. You get the idea. My cancer team told me to try and watch the sugar intake, but they said, ‘Dave, if you can eat – then eat.’ The doctor threatened to put a feeding tube in my gut if I lost too much weight. Well, they scared the shit out of me with that one, but it worked.”

With Dave healthy and back onstage, the follow-up to 2016’s Grammy Award-winning Dystopia is on every Megafan’s brain. Late last year, Dave teased songs that were “heavy as hell” with titles such as Rattlehead, Part Two and The Dogs Of Chernobyl. 

  “I don’t know if any of those titles are still holding up,” he says, revealing that the band has been tracking at Nashville’s Sound Kitchen with co-producer Chris Rakestraw at the controls again. “Whenever I make a record, the names of the songs change so many times. I think we’ve got 14 songs for this album and another folder with six. The songs are constantly evolving and as they do, we change the title to be more reflective of what makes the song distinct.”

  So, will we see a new Megadeth album before 2020 ends? “I hope so, yeah,” says Dave. “We’ll start back in a couple of days and keep plowing until it’s done. Metal Tour Of The Year starts this summer, but that should be fun and easy [Editor’s note – we spoke to Dave before COVID-19 outbreak]. We’ve got a week’s vacation coming up soon and I’m going to go rest up and get ready to come back and make a brilliant record.”

  Nashville traffic is anarchy these days and Romeo looks like he needs to hike his leg. As the sun sets over the Cumberland River, Dave stands and slides an arm around our shoulder, recruiting Metal Hammer to thank the fans for all their thoughts and prayers. It strikes us, how we expect legends to be carved from granite. On one hand, we understand that our heroes are human. But on the other, we never want to see them frail, or sick, or down. And that must be a hell of a burden sometimes. But perhaps, it’s also what keeps them moving. If our heroes can keep pushing, then that gives us the courage to keep pushing too, through all the shitstorms of life, disasters both natural and manufactured, even the ones we bring upon ourselves. Decades later, they still inspire perseverance, hope, and the determination to never let the bastards grind you down. Maybe even a little 21st century metal up your ass. 

  Still, we have to ask one last thing. Dave’s been on the road almost 40 years. Dues paid; the mark has been made. Was he ever tempted to call it a day, sit back on the farm and enjoy a slow, simple life? 

  “Yeah, I guess I could do that,” he admits, shrugging like it’s no big deal. “But I love what I do, and I like helping the band and crew make money. Playing music makes people happy. A lot of times while we’re out there, they share stuff with us, some good, some bad, but we get to bring our own little brand of panacea to people and somehow, that makes them feel beautiful. Even if it’s for just one night.” 

Published in Metal Hammer #334

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Dave Mustaine Talks About His Fight With Cancer source: Metal Hammer 7th May 2020 How Dave Mustaine Took on Cancer and Won By James Blaine…

#bruce dickinson #chris rakestraw #dave mustaine #david ellefson #dystopia #james hetfield #joe satriani #kiko loureiro #kiss #megadeth #ozzy osbourne #paul stanley #sound kitchen #tornado of souls #zakk wylde

[tyleroakley-obsessed]

Wake up! September’s over and we are in the midst of fall festival season, which means there’s tons of fun to be had in Memphis and the Mid-South every weekend. Here are the five things you won’t want to miss, plus a few extras. But first, be sure you caught all the good stuff on the blog: – I Drank Fancy Whiskey At Belle Tavern And You Can, Too – Your Guide To Mid-South Pride Weekend – 10 Ways To Give Back To Memphis This Month – Fall Events Guide – Oktoberfests + Fall Beer Fests Guide 1. GONERFEST 16, various venues, Thursday – Sunday, , all ages If you like your bands like you like your company—loud, a little dangerous, and probably a health risk—then GONERFEST is where you want to be. This year’s lineup includes Sweet Knives, NOTS, Giorgio Murderer, and Memphis garage rock veterans The Oblivians. Hit the link above for the full lineup and tickets. 2. Trolley Night, Main Street, Friday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., free, all ages/kid-friendly It’s time for another trolley night downtown, with open houses and free snacks ’n’ drinks at the shops and galleries in South Main. Opera Memphis will be on hand for their 30 Days of Opera performance, and Hu Hotel (farther north on Main) will have free samples of Blue Note Bourbon and live music in their Diner. 3. Mid-South Pride Weekend, Various Locations, Friday – Sunday, free ($5 donations suggested), all ages Celebrate pride with Memphis’ diverse LGBTQ+ community, with parties and shows on Friday and Sunday, and the main events – Pride Fest and Parade – on Saturday. The Fest is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Robert Church Park and includes vendors, music, entertainment, and more. The Parade is at 1 p.m. on Beale Street. Read more about the weekend’s events here. 4. Oktoberfests: a) Barktober Fest, Saddle Creek Beer Garden, noon – 4 p.m., $25 adv./$30 at the door, all ages/kid-friendly Saddle Creek hosts the 2nd annual Barktoberfest, with beer tasting, live music, adoptable dogs, food trucks, pinball, photo booth, and more. Your ticket gets you a souvenir cup for beer tasting and proceeds benefit Streetdog Foundation. b) Wiseacre Oktoberfest, 2783 Broad Avenue, Saturday, September 28, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m., free to enter, all ages Throw down at Wiseacre on Broad at the annual Oktoberfest with music, liters of beer, costume contests, and more. Huge, dog-friendly patio. 5. Memphis Japan Fest, Memphis Botanic Garden, Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,, $5 adults/$2.50 kids, all ages/kid-friendly  This family-friendly celebration of Japanese history and culture is amplified by the beauty and hospitality of the Memphis Botanic Garden. Along with a cosplay and Japanese street fashion contest, there’ll be a bevy of vendors, activities, and food. Special half-off admission to the Garden includes festival admission. Plus a few more ideas… All Weekend The Mid-South Fair continues through Sunday. Graceland hosts an “Elegant Southern Style Weekend” all weekend. Dr. Bean’s Coffee Roasters has their grand opening weekend at Puck Food Hall Bartlett Festival 2019 (Friday – Saturday) at WJ Freeman Park Audacity Fest in Downtown Memphis Julius Caesar by Tennessee Shakespeare Company On Golden Pond at Playhouse on the Square Wakey, Wakey from Quark Theatre at TheatreSouth Miracle Play at Theatreworks on the Square Friday – Opening Reception for Kristi Duckworth at Java Cabana – Food Truck Fridays at the Dixon – Marks and Objects: Alex Paulus Opening Reception at Flicker Street Studio – The Lost Wages at The Green Room – Electric Watershed at Carolina Watershed Saturday – Lightsaber Dueling at Rec Room – Vega’s Biscuit Shop Make-A-Wish Fundraiser at Sunrise – Homes For Dogs at Suggs Park in Collierville – Afro-Caribbean Fusion Party at Curry & Jerk – Sunset Skate Night at Tom Lee Park – We Are One Music Festival at Mud Island – Re-Lux-A-Tion Party at Brickwood Hall Sunday – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle “Sewer Studio Tour” at CMOM – Build Your Own Bowl at Hollywood Feed – WWE Presents NXT Live! at the Landers Center – Eric Barnes Book Signing at Alchemy Are you a home owner in Memphis, with a broken garage door? Call ASAP garage door today at 901-461-0385 or checkout https://ift.tt/1B5z3Pc

https://ilovememphisblog.com/2019/09/5-things-to-do-this-weekend-9-27-9-29/

#I Love Memphis

[thisdaynews]

Native American critics still wary of Warren despite apology tour

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/native-american-critics-still-wary-of-warren-despite-apology-tour/

Native American critics still wary of Warren despite apology tour

Critics of Elizabeth Warren, especially within the Cherokee Nation, have said the senator’s apology wasn’t enough for those who have been pushing her to have a more fulsome public dialogue for years. | Joshua Lott/Getty Images

As Sen. Elizabeth Warren has surged in the 2020 polls, she has taken more aggressive moves to quash the lingering controversy around her past claims on Native American ancestry.

But somevocal critics in the Native American community and specifically the Cherokee Nation are not yet satisfied.

Story Continued Below

In roughly a week’s time, Warren released a 9,000 word plan on tribal rights that was twice the size of any other plan from her campaign, she took down a poorly received video of her family’s ancestral history, and at the first-ever Native-centered presidential forum, she offered her most high-profile apology to date.

“Now, before I go any further in this, I want to say this: Like anyone who’s been honest with themselves, I know that I have made mistakes,” Warren said at the outset of her appearance last Monday. “I am sorry for harm I have caused. I have listened and I have learned a lot. And I am grateful for the many conversations that we’ve had together.”

She was warmly received by the audience and by Native leaders on stage before they re-directed the conversation to her policy positions.

But this wasn’t enough for some prominentNative Americans who have been pushing Warren to have a more fulsome public dialogue for years.

POLITICO reached out to a dozen of her critics, some of whom have been following the controversy since her first 2012 Senate run. A handful have said they can’t vote for the senator, in the primary or the general election. But others are hedging and say they’re waiting for a sign that Warren has heard their concerns. The recentapology, they said, was not that sign.

“It’s a good strategy for her, but it doesn’t address the central issue of Cherokee sovereignty: How will you repair the harm you have caused? She has not even admitted what that harm was,” Cherokee citizen and educator Joseph Pierce said.

Cherokee journalist Rebecca Nagle tweeted Warren should have said this instead: “My family and I are White.” It was “my privilege to never question what my parents told me.” And “those of us who falsely claim Native identity undermine this fight” for sovereignty.

Warren has privately apologized to Cherokee leaders, met with the Eastern Band of Cherokees and been advised by Native American friends and colleagues, like Rep. Deb Haaland,one of the first two Native American women to serve in Congress. She said that only tribal nations determine citizenship. At a New Hampshire town hall in July, she told an audience member she shouldn’t have identified as Native, she is not a citizen of a tribe and she is not a person of color.

But citizens like Nagle and Pierce said the senator’s public mistake needs a more public rectification, one that includes a sit-down meeting with the senator to air their grievances and have a back-and-forth.

A Warren spokeswoman wrote to POLITICO that the senator is committed to protecting tribal sovereignty and upholding the federal trust responsibility with Tribal Nations. Warren, she added, has worked closely with Indian Country on issues like housing, the opioid and substance use epidemic and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

“Her campaign put forward a comprehensive set of proposals to honor the federal government’s obligations to Tribal Nations and empower indigenous communities,” she wrote. “Elizabeth has worked to be a good partner to Indian Country and she will do the same as president.”

Some former critics have over recent months seen Warren as a stronger ally.

Julian Brave NoiseCat, member of the Canim Lake Band Tsq’escen, has applauded Warren for rebuilding relationships in the Native community. He found it encouraging the senator opened with an apology last Monday and used the term “harm.”

“Some of the things people want her to say — it’s hard for me to imagine any politician saying that verbatim,” he said. “We should stop providing fodder to that. You don’t have to vote for her.”

NoiseCat added, “I’m also not Cherokee or one of her toughest critics. I always saw opportunity for her beyond the mishandling.”

Gyasi Ross, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, told The Stranger,a Seattle-based alternative newspaper, that Warren’s robust policy platform “rights so many wrongs, if it’s executed properly, of course.”

For still-wary community members, Warren’s recent policy reveal did make some waves. She became the first candidate to call for an “Oliphant fix,” which would subject non-Nativesto tribal criminal jurisdiction if they commit crimes on tribal land. She also proposed a Cabinet-level position for Native American affairs.

Pierce called Warren’s plan a major step in the right direction. Cherokee journalist Jen Deerinwater said it would be great to see the original Oliphant case overturned. Kiowa author and political activist Cole DeLaune said her platform has some commendable promises.

However, they also said they’re not sure the senator will follow through on those promises as president. And that’s because she hasn’t given them the apology or conversation they need, critics said.

Dr. Kim TallBear of the Dakota tribe said any Democrat will be as good or relatively uninformed as another on Native policy issues. DeLaune said former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro and Sen. Bernie Sanders have intriguing platforms, too.

These concerns aren’t new and Native critics have been vocal about what they want to hear, particularly on Twitter, Nagle told POLITICO.

“What I fear most is that if she does become the nominee, then it’s going to be this ugly front-and-center issue where basically Native identity is going to be weaponized,” she said. “If Warren doesn’t take care of this issue in the primary stage, I don’t think she’s going to be able to handle it in a general election against Trump.”

While Warren’s past claims of ancestry have dogged her for years, the controversy multiplied when President Donald Trump seized on it, labeling her “Pocahontas.” The Massachusetts senator tried to defuse the situation last October by releasing the results of a DNA test that showed some evidence of ancestry. But the video and media rollout was largely seen as hamhanded. It may not be a deciding factor for her candidacy, but it still threatens to diminish her standing with primary voters.

In the Native American community, members say they are increasingly worried about tribal sovereignty. They say people still misunderstand Native identity as a race instead of a political status. And they’re irked about loose definitions that lead to scandals such as the one unearthed by a recent L.A. Times investigation that found white entrepreneurs claiming Cherokee heritage had won over $300 million in contracts meant for minority-owned businesses.

That’s why Warren’s heritage claim is an issue, said Twila Barnes, a well-known Cherokee genealogist who first looked into the senator’s ancestry seven years ago.

“She put it on the national stage. It focuses on her. She’s a public face of it,” Barnes said.

Because Native Americans aren’t a monolith, Warren has seen statements of support, opposition and indifference from people outside of her most vocal critics for how she handled the DNA test aftermath.

Heads of Native voting rights group Four Directions and the National Congress of American Indians said Warren’s DNA test was not an issue compared to other day-to-day issues Native Americans face.

Haaland, who partnered with Warren on legislation to address the underfunding of federal programs to help Native Americans, said last Monday that journalists “feed the president’s racism” when they ask about Warren’s ancestry.

But efforts to equate opinions against Warren the “radical Trumpian right,” as Pierce puts it, rubs critics the wrong way.

“Indian Country shouldn’t be censuring people, especially Cherokee people, demanding she recognize the harm she’s done,” he said. “The left really needs to grapple with the truth of why it hasn’t taken these claims seriously.”

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#apology #despite #Foreign #Politics

[edc-creations-blog]

Heat at First Sight by Barbara Keaton (Love Like It’s Hot Boxset)

Prince Ahbeh Mensah Ahmed Kwasi is going to be king of Libertad Island whether he likes it or not. To add to it, he must marry on his county’s Independence Day. An infamous playboy, the soon to be king realizes that he has no real prospects and doesn’t want the ones his mother has selected for him. He changes his mind once he sees the stunningly beautiful Trinity Nehemiah, someone he knows is his match in every way. The thing is, how to get her to marry him within 30 days.

Dr. Trinity Nehemiah is searching for a bacterium that is impacting the beautiful aquatic life of Libertad Island. Finding its source and coming up with a cure is her only charge, not the island’s handsome playboy who is set on getting under her skin and in her bed. Little does Trinity know, the soon to be king is more than interested in her bedroom skills.

        Excerpt: Heat at First Sight by Barbara Keaton

CHAPTER 1

Thirty days. Mensah ended his prayer with the last words he’d heard from his father. He had thirty days to marry. Never mind that he didn’t have one female in mind, while he knew his mother had at least two. Mensah blanched at the thought – he wasn’t into marriage, couldn’t see what his brothers did – one woman, love, and eventually children running afoot. He then thought of his oldest brother, Helem, the next in succession, or that was until he’d dropped the bombshell a week ago – he and his wife were planning on moving from Libertad Isle to London. Helem didn’t want to be king. Their father had announced a year ago that he would retire the next Independence Day and Helem would rightfully take his place. That was how it had always been, since Libertad and its surrounding islands had been founded nearly three centuries ago. Then a month ago, Helem broke the news to his parents and officially abdicated leaving him to be the next in line – next be sworn in as king of Libertad Isle, but in order for him to assume the crown, he had to have a wife.

Mensah wasn’t like his two brothers – Helem had settled down at the tender age of 21, marrying the only woman he’d ever dated – a woman from the island who had been born and raised to marry royalty. That was nearly fourteen years ago. Then there was his baby brother, Olabisi, who was about to marry his childhood sweetheart. While she hadn’t been raised for royalty, she was beloved by their parents, who were already talking about the children they would have.

“What do I do?” he looked up into the sky. He was a playboy, loved women, the very shape, color, smell and sway of their hips. He wasn’t ready to settle down and he knew that there was no one who would ever capture his heart – he’d seen too many women vie for his attention, not because they liked him, or were willing to get to know him, but because they knew that 29-year-old Prince Ahbeh Mensah Ahmed Kwasi was not only rich, but in line for a throne and a country he never thought he’d reign over.

As he turned from the balcony, he stopped. Movement captured his attention. He trained his obsidian-colored eyes across the varying hues and types of plush tropical foliage and flowers that rested several feet from the crystal blue terrain of the Caribbean Sea. Mensah spotted a lone figure as it swam toward the shore. He watched intently as the figure reached the shore line, then rose slowly from the pristine water. He blinked, turned his head slightly to the right then narrowed his dark eyes, his full lips pursed. The figure had on a black wet suit that allowed him to make out the outline of hips and ample bosom. Reaching for his cell phone, he paused. His thick eye brows rose as the female pulled the wet suit down to reveal a white one-piece that stood in amazingly stark contrast to her mahogany skin. Absently, Mensah licked his lips. He loved mahogany.

He depressed a single digit then finally placed the cell to his ear. “Imam? Who is swimming on the east side of the island?”

Mensah absently nodded, his dark eyes fixed on the well-built female, as he listened to the head of security describe the stranger who had just slid out of the azure blue ocean and began crossing the isolated beach of white sand. “I see. Thank you, Imam. No. No, there are no problems. I will see father later. Shalom.”

The loud clang of the phone hitting the top of the railing before coming to rest on the marble flooring of the terrace momentarily stole his attention from the vexing view. He returned to his fixation, watching intently as she pulled the band from her hair, loosening twisted tresses to rest on her shoulders as she walked further from the ocean. Mensah even smiled when he noticed a large dog rush to her side. He watched as she knelt down, taking something from the animal’s mouth, looked it over, shook her head and then pitched the item over her shoulder. She rose, signaled with her hands toward the dog and then headed into the lush green foliage.

He had things to do. Heads of state to meet with concerning some additional business expansion for the island, lunch with a potential client, a tour of a newly opened resort and a dinner date with a woman he had met in the states who was coming to visit.

“Mensah?” from behind he heard his name called and recognized the voice as that belonging to his older brother, Helem. No matter the recent news, he smiled at hearing his brother’s voice.

Older by five years, Helem was always considered the most level headed of the three of them as evidenced by the types of business ventures he secured that would bring greater wealth to the already rich island. Mensah’s youngest brother, Olabisi, had been a child prodigy, playing over ten various instruments by the time he was five. Olabisi was a genius and a scientist, and was truly their mother’s favorite – only because mother had never had to scold him like she had Helem and Mensah. Especially Mensah.

Mensah smiled at that thought – he and his brothers were adventurous in just about everything – from sports to business; but one thing they didn’t share with Mensah was his adventurous spirit when it came to chasing women. Hands down, Mensah was a master.

“I’m on the terrace, brother,” Mensah responded, reluctantly turning his head from the mahogany beauty as she disappeared into the brush.

“Shalom,” Helem greeted his brother, wrapping him in his arms, kissing him on both cheeks. Mensah returned the loving gesture. “Have you eaten breakfast?”

“No. Have you?”

Helem shook his head. “Let’s go across the island and grab something. There’s much we have to discuss to get you ready and then I want to show you something on one of the other islands.”

Mensah absently grabbed his sun glasses and picked his cell phone up from the terrace floor. His curiosity, momentarily interrupted, had returned with a vengeance. He immediately wanted to know who the mahogany beauty was and he wasn’t willing to wait to ask his father.

“Go ahead. I’ll catch up with you in an hour.”

Mensah watched his brother as he narrowed his eyes.

“Ummm, uh. Okay. But do not stand me up, Mensah.”

“I won’t. I just got something to look at … I’m mean, look into.”

The sound of Helem’s laughter trailed behind him as he headed out of his brother’s living suite.

“Come on, Cousteau,” Trinity called out to her dog, a Cane Corso Mastiff, which she had gotten from her father as a puppy. “You can’t eat everything on this island. What are you trying to do, get us deported?” She tugged at her dog’s large jowls and smiled when Cousteau responded with a loud whine. “Oh, no, there will be no begging today.” She motioned with her hands, using sign language, to indicate she meant “no.”

Trinity shook her head, picked up Cousteau’s leash and the remaining samples she had retrieved from the sea. For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what was killing off the jelly fish in large quantities and decided to ship several carcasses to a colleague in San Diego. As a result of the jelly fish dying, larger marine habitat was being affected as well. Just today, she had encountered what she thought was a rather lethargic bottlenose dolphin. To Trinity, the behavior of the mammal was more than odd – this species exhibited a natural curiosity of their surroundings. She had come across this female dolphin several times during her exploration, recognizing it from others she’d encountered by the deep marks on her dorsal fin. She had named the dolphin Dolly and found her to be quite curious, swimming and diving alongside and jumping up and out of the water over Trinity. On this day the playfulness and curiosity were missing – instead Dolly just swam alongside her.

She slipped her wet suit from her body down to the white one-piece bathing suit she wore underneath. Pulling her hair from its band, she paused. Cousteau stood by her side. She looked up just as the lone figure left the expansive terrace which overlooked the ocean. She had never seen anyone standing there, even though she had seen lights on when she would come out at night.

She loved the island and had jumped at the chance to work there when her friend from college, Olabisi, called her and asked her to come to investigate the odd findings among the island’s aquatic life.

Dr. Trinity Marie Nehemiah had arrived on the large island, established in 1785 by escaped slaves with the help of a rogue Moor pirate by the name of Enrique El LeSans who deposited some 200 captives on the island along with a share of booty – food, tools, jewels and gold – that had been seized from a slave frigate, the Brigantine Dembia, heading to America. Trinity loved listening to Olabisi proudly reveal the rich history of the island named Libertad Isle – Libertad meaning Liberty in Spanish. Olabisi went on to mention that the island closest to Libertad was named after the pirate, with inhabitants adding the word “saint” in front – thus the nearby island was known as St. LeSans.

Olabisi was third in succession for the crown. His father, who had hired Trinity, was the king of the grouping of five islands, with Libertad its largest with nearly 50,000 inhabitants. Economically sound, the island boasted a healthy, robust tourist trade, rare mineral deposits found in the multitude of caves that dotted the islands and the vast deposits of crude oil beneath the sea floor. Olabisi’s father, King Busarah, had assumed the throne when his mother, the queen, died at the ripe age of 100 some twenty years prior.

Trinity first met King Busarah when he had personally flown to San Diego to meet with Trinity and her father, Nigel. The king had assured Trinity’s father that she, Nigel’s only daughter and the baby of his clan of four boys, would be safe on Libertad Isle. He’d personally see to it.

She had frowned on the meeting – at 28 she had seen more of the world than most women, and men for that matter, her age had, but that still didn’t preclude her older brothers and father from being a little too over protective. So, when King Busarah met her father, he not only gave his word to protect her, but saw to it that Trinity would have whatever she needed, including a private villa, security, servants and transportation – a moped, a high-speed jet boat and a helicopter whenever she needed to travel the farther islands. Travel on each island was limited to small vehicles, bicycles and mopeds. A boat was needed to access the nearby surrounding islands – islands King Busarah’s ancestors helped to establish and added to the wealth of Libertad Isle.

Trinity agreed to the villa and two modes of transportation, a moped and motor boat, which is what she needed for her work, but she shunned a security detail and servants. She had Cousteau for protection, was pretty handy with a weapon and more than adept at cooking and cleaning.

Her thoughts back to the present, Trinity began singing a medley of Aretha Franklin tunes as she and Cousteau walked the trail leading to the three-story villa a short distance from the beach. At night, she loved to sit out on the roof-top veranda in one of the oversized pieces of patio furniture. The veranda boasted an unobstructed view of the ocean and provided her with one of her favorite past times – watching a full, high moon, its reflection rippling atop the ocean, surrounded by bright, winking stars overhead. Adding to the pleasing aesthetics were the sounds of the tide rolling in and out. Many a night, as she lay in her queen-sized bed covered by an ivory canopy of netting the sounds from the ocean had lulled her to sleep with Cousteau lazily lying at the foot of the bed. No matter what Trinity did, she couldn’t break Cousteau of the habit of sleeping at the foot of the bed – a habit her dog had taken up once they moved to the island.

Trinity stopped singing when Cousteau moved from her side to stand in front of her, a low growl emitting from her massive jowls.

“I have never been a pet’s meal,” Trinity heard the deep voice tinged with a noticeable island lilt. She watched as a tall, muscular man, his smooth skin a warm sepia, his eyes shaded by sunglasses, stepped out onto the path. “How vicious is that large animal?” He pointed then held up his hands in surrender. Trinity raised her right eyebrow when she noticed that Cousteau stopped growling as she sat on her hinds.

“Well, she’s not what I would call vicious,” Trinity replied, patting Cousteau on top of her large head. “But she is quite fond and protective of her master – she takes her time to warm up to strangers.”

“Good to hear,” he replied.

Trinity waited, watched the smooth-skinned brother watch her. She couldn’t see his eyes, but knew from the way he stood nearly motionless that he was studying her intently. She decided to break the spell. “Is there something I can help you with?”

“I was just wondering who was swimming in the waters.” He angled his head toward the crystal blue sea.

“Who wants to know?”

For Mensah, he wanted to keep her talking, wanted to hear the clear, warm, perfect cadence of her slightly raspy, but alluring voice. Closing his eyes briefly, he was glad his eyes were shielded behind sunglasses, for he couldn’t help but stare at the mahogany beauty standing in front of him. The sunglasses allowed him to feast unabashed, eyeing her from the tops of her crown of burnish bronze, sun-kissed mini-locs, to the cleavage of her ample breasts peeking from the top the white one-piece swim suit, down to her narrow waist, shapely hips and long, muscular legs. Legs made for wrapping around a man’s waist.

Mensah shook his head slightly and forced his eyes to train on her face, noting the shape of her lips – smooth with a slight pout. If he had no home training, he would have grabbed her and sampled the bewitching mouth, sure the feel of his lips would be just the beginning …

He thought she had asked him something, he knew he heard the sound of her of husky voice, wanted to hear her call his name, more than once. Crazy. He’d never …

“Again, who wants to know?” he heard her ask. Her question pulled him from assessing her mouth to staring into her eyes, which he noted was an arresting color – a light auburn with flecks of gold. He shook his foot, thinking one of the small island salamanders had scurried across it, but when he glanced down, he saw nothing.

He stepped closer and could see the sun playing off the varying colors of brown, bronze and gold mingling in the micro locs resting on her shoulders.

“How rude of me,” he said, removing his sunglasses. He placed his hand out toward her. He noted her pet watching the interaction, thought better, then placed his glasses in his breast pocket before placing his hands in the trouser pockets. “I am Prince Ahbeh Mensah Ahmed Kwasi, son of King Busarah Ahmed Kwasi and heir of Libertad Isle. My friends and family call me Mensah. And you can, too.” He affected a sensuous smile.

Trinity tapped down the urge to respond with a less than feminine retort – something that rhymed with truck. She didn’t release the items in her hands to return the gesture and held back the chuckle that wanted to bubble forth following his introduction – she wondered why on earth he had to tell her his whole name, who his daddy was and his stately position on the island. To say she was so unimpressed would be outright rude. Instead, she smirked when in fact she really wanted to gawk – she had seen some good-looking men in her day, her brothers and father were quite handsome, but the man standing in front of her was shockingly gorgeous. Yes, he was truly fine – his full lips were perfect, and luscious, and looked as if they were made for kissing – and his handsome broad nose, with nostrils that flared slightly, and his chiseled, clean shaven head and square jaw made her think of Tyrese. He was too good looking – just scrumptious – with eyes so dark they looked like stones of onyx. And his deep voice – OMG – could melt the panties off a woman. She caught the glint of a diamond stud. Nothing overly ostentatious, but enough to let you know it was there.

She shook her head, thinking, so, this is the playboy prince of Libertad. Trinity had heard a lot about him. But she’d be doggone if she would get caught up in the web of this infamous playboy’s antics. His reputation had truly preceded him. Just the other day she had overheard several of the women in the square talk about his sexual exploits going so far as to say he had bedded five women in one night and that he was quite healthy in the nether region. Trinity didn’t stick around to hear the rest – she had brothers and knew that their father frowned on loose ways, be it from men or women.

“Nice to meet you, my name is Trinity. And sorry I have to run, but I have some specimens I need place in the refrigerator soon.” She waited a beat and watched as his eyes took on odd emotions – one she recognized as unsurety. She didn’t wait for his response, nor did she bother introducing herself using all of her credentials. She bid him good bye before speaking to her dog. “Come, Cousteau.” She stepped around Mensah and continued to the villa. One thing she would not do is become involved with the King’s sons – especially this one.

Trinity kept her head high, refusing to look back over her shoulder to get one last glance at that sepia god standing at least six foot something, his arms straining the light Gosselin fabric of his button-down shirt, and the way the linen pants made a wicked puzzle of his massive thighs. Yeah, she had checked him out, but she didn’t want any parts of a man who made sport out of bedding women. No, she wanted nothing to do with Prince Ahbeh Mensah Ahmed Kwasi, son of King Busarah she silently mimicked.

Cousteau walked a few paces in front of Trinity as they neared the gate to the villa. Unable to resist, Trinity turned as she opened the gate and saw Mensah still standing in the same spot where she’d just left him. She wanted to laugh as he stood stone still, his hands now on his hips and his chin jutting upward. Guess he’s never been dismissed she mused and then chuckled under her breath, Well, there’s always a first time for everything.

( Continued… )

Heat at First Sight By Barbara Keaton. © Copyright 2019 Barbara D. Stubblefield, 2019, All Rights Reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

  #SeducingThePen, #UnwrappedLit, #Bookish, #BookBoost, #TwitterBookClub, #AfricanAmericanAuthors, #NewBookAlert, #BlackGirlReading, #Bookstagram, #TBR, #TwitterBookClub, #InstaBooks, #InstaReads, #Bookstagram, #BookNerd

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR A Chicago native, Barbara Keaton loves the city and says she cannot imagine living anywhere else. Educated in Catholic schools up until 12th grade, Barbara credits the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the oldest order of black nuns, and her late maternal grandfather, Thomas Hill, for her love and respect of the written word.

Barbara’s first romance novel, All I Ask, was published in 2000. Since then she’s gone on to write thirteen total romance novels which celebrate black love. In addition to her books, she’s also written several articles and editorials that have appeared in various publications: Today’s Black Woman Magazine; The Chicago Crusader; The Chicago Defender; The Chicago Reader; Bronze Thrills; True Confessions; and, Affaire de Coeur.

Barbara holds a MS in Journalism from Roosevelt University and belongs to several civic and professional organizations, namely Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In her spare time, she’s an avid reader and writer. Married to a minister, Barbara has no children of her own, but she considers her niece and nephew, Stephanie and Matthew, and her step-daughter, Candice, as her “babies”. In addition, she’s a grandma and a great-aunt. Barbara lives by a personal credo: I ANSWER TO TWO—MY GOD AND MYSELF! You can check Barbara out at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara-Keaton-582585395172168/

      Intimate Conversation with Barbara Keaton (Love Like It’s Hot Boxset)

A Chicago native, Barbara Keaton loves the city and says she cannot imagine living anywhere else. Educated in Catholic schools up until 12th grade, Barbara credits the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the oldest order of black nuns, and her late maternal grandfather, Thomas Hill, for her love and respect of the written word.

Barbara’s first romance novel, All I Ask, was published in 2000. Since then she’s gone on to write thirteen total romance novels which celebrate black love. In addition to her books, she’s also written several articles and editorials that have appeared in various publications: Today’s Black Woman Magazine; The Chicago Crusader; The Chicago Defender; The Chicago Reader; Bronze Thrills; True Confessions; and, Affaire de Coeur.

Barbara holds a MS in Journalism from Roosevelt University and belongs to several civic and professional organizations, namely Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In her spare time, she’s an avid reader and writer. Married to a minister, Barbara has no children of her own, but she considers her niece and nephew, Stephanie and Matthew, and her step-daughter, Candice, as her “babies”. In addition, she’s a grandma and a great-aunt. Barbara lives by a personal credo: I ANSWER TO TWO—MY GOD AND MYSELF! You can check Barbara out at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara-Keaton-582585395172168/

BPM: What inspired you to become a romance writer? How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since I was like 11. My first diary is dated Jan. 1975; and I really don’t recall not writing. In regards to romance, I wrote All I Ask when my first marriage began to crumble – it was all that I had wished my first husband had been. After my divorced in 1998, I sent the manuscript to Genesis Press – got a letter some months later saying welcome to Genesis Press. In 2000 All I Ask hit the shelves and with a small break in novel writing, I’ve been writing ever since. Also, I love a GOOD love story, even more so Black love!

BPM: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively? Wow, this is a good question. Once I wrote a heavy romantic story – light on drama, heavy on romance. And even I loved it. The hero and heroine were totally into each other from first glance. When I saw the reviews I realized that I had achieved what I set out to do. Then I wrote a romantic suspense, that didn’t start out that way – again, the views came back and I was like: that was what I was aiming for. So, over the years, I’ve tried to draw characters who are realistic, yet very loving, low drama, instant chemistry, going the distance to prove their love, while drawing more complex characters.

BPM: Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice? Not sure about that. I do realize that there are changes in the business and I need to be aware of and abreast of those chances and how it may impact my work.

BPM: How has writing romance novels impacted your life? It has been my outlet – my way to tell a story that hopefully plants in readers minds that we as people of color love – we love true, we love hard, we love to eternity. I truly enjoy creating the types of characters who are strong, independent, loving, protective – engaging in non-traditional professional roles. I’ve written about lawyers, archaeologists, and now a prince.

BPM: What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your body of work? I love my characters – they are sorta like me or are who I once dreamed I could be. Also, I’ve learned that if I stay true to myself that all would work out. I had a publisher that wanted me to roll over into interracial – I wanted then, and I still want to now, showcase black love.

BPM: How do you find or make time to write? Are you a plotter or a pantster? Deadline is a serious motivator and when its on I write every evening after I get home from work. I don’t write at work – its a lot going on anyway. Before I re-married in 2012, I used to write on the weekends as well. With a hubby, I must save some time for him! 🙂

I’m a pantster – I don’t find plotting out the story too appealing – I like letting the characters run away with very little restraint from me. As a matter of fact I’m a serial pantster – all of my work has been created this way. I consistently build on what I’ve started until I get this feeling inside that says: oh, yeah, Barbara – that’s it!

BPM: Have you considered writing in another genre? Actually I have, in women’s contemporary. But for now, I’m still hooked on romance!

BPM: What is your story Heat at First Sight from the Love Like It’s Hot Book Set about? A notorious playboy has to assume the throne of his island country because his father is retiring and his oldest brother is abdicating. In order for him to be king, he must be married. Well, he has no prospects and he doesn’t like the two women his mother chose for him. Then he meets the marine biologist hired to research what’s impacting the marine life. When the playboy prince sees her – its game on! Yet, he falls hard for her and sets out to marry her within 30 days – on the day of the island’s Independence Day. Will he succeed in getting her to agree?

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special? Mensah is a super smart, extremely intelligent business man who works to ensure the financial longevity of the island his family has ruled over for centuries – since the middle passage. An unapologetic playboy, he has a side of him he won’t show women. His having to assume the role of King as well as having to marry to do so has him flustered until he meets Trinity.

Trinity Nehemiah is a doctor of marine biology. She’s independent, smart and loves her work researching eco impacts on large bodies of water. The youngest of four boys, she loves adventure. When she meets Prince Mensah, she’s attracted on sight, but his show of arrogance turned her off. After a dinner with him and his family, she sees something there and allows him to insinuate himself into her life and her research – realizing no man had ever truly been interested her, in what drives her, nor her what her passion is.

BPM: Share one specific point in your book that resonated with your present situation or journey. Change is inevitable and change can be good.

BPM: Is there a specific place/space/state that you find inspiration in? I’m a chatty person who loves a good book, a good movie and hanging with people. I talk to just about everybody I come into contact with. I’m also a news junkie and I get out of sorts if I haven’t heard any in a couple of days. And I do ease drop on conversations heard in the store, at the beauty salon. LOL! As for where I write, I have a home office – so that’s where I write.

BPM: Do you want each book to stand on its own or do you prefer to write series? Both, even though I’ve written two books that were connected – All I Ask and By Design.

BPM: Does writing energize you? Yes, it does. I’ve got tons of characters running around in my head, trying to love and make it on paper!

BPM: Do you believe in writer’s block? Yes, I do – there are times when I’ve written lines that just don’t flow – that just doesn’t make me smile or engage me. I’ve learned, though, to set it aside and allow myself to become distracted by something else. If it still isn’t quite right I start over or save it and store it – it may be useful in something else.

BPM: Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? S&M/bondage- I’m way too sensitive for it, too sappy and don’t want to be spanked. Besides, to me, there is nothing loving or romantic in being beaten or chained.

BPM: Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Anger – I’m rarely angry; oh, I get miffed, a bit upset, but anger is a hard emotion for me – it means being knocked off my square, so to speak, and anger tends to cause individuals to use hurtful words. I know that once words are out there they can take on a life of their own and angry words can and does irreparable harm. I know – I still remember things said to me out of anger or things I’ve said.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present? I have a series I’ve started…its about Football. I’m hoping to interest someone one of these days. I’m also working on a story about a single father.

BPM: Tell us about your most recent work beyond this collection. Available on Nook and Kindle? I re-edited and re-released a short story: Show Me. Its an older woman, younger man romance. It’s available at Amazon.com and B&N.com

BPM: What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you? Email: [email protected], Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara-Keaton-582585395172168/, Twitter: @barbarakeaton26

Love Like It’s Hot Featured Authors * Summer Sizzle by Donna Hill * Love for Liberty by Ann Clay * Heat at First Sight by Barbara Keaton * Best Laid Plans by Deatri King-Bey * Sweet Heat Rising by Nicki Night * The Fourth by Xyla Turner

  Heat at First Sight by Barbara Keaton (Love Like It’s Hot Boxset) Heat at First Sight by Barbara Keaton (Love Like It's Hot Boxset) Prince Ahbeh Mensah Ahmed Kwasi is going to be king of Libertad Island whether he likes it or not.