#I think anything between 10 and 20 thousand is a lot but 50 AND 60 THOUSAND??? A SINGLE HAIR??? Hell to the nahhhhh nah nahhhh

[bobbystompy]

91 Quotes I Enjoyed From 2020

Below are my favorite quotes from 2020. Though most occurred throughout the year, some took place before but were encountered during.

1) “You don’t have to be new to make new.” - Rick Rubin

2) “He put the beat on and go to sleep then wake up with a verse.” - The Lox

3) “Every opinion is bad.” - Blink-155

4)

(via Twitter)

5) “At the start of every disaster movie, there’s a scientist being ignored.”

6) “Be brave enough to suck at something new.”

7) “Comedy is the only job you can have where you can use everything you know” - Robin Williams via Dave Chappelle

8) “What’s the worst swear word where you live?” - Josiah Hughes

9) “Cookies are a really great way to get everybody to like you for a short period of time” - YSAC

10) “The worst dancer at a wedding is the one who’s not dancing.” - John Mulaney

11) “I never saw the end of the tunnel. I only saw myself running out of one." - Kobe Bryant

12) "A good movie begins as you're walking out of the theater" - Ethan Hawke

13) “When I was young and starting in cinema, there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart which is, 'The most personal is the most creative.’ That quote was from our great Martin Scorsese.” - Bong Joon-ho

14) “Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow” - River Phoenix via Joaquin Phoenix

15) “Thank you -- I will drink until next morning.” - Bong Joon-ho

16) “Men will bury their emotions for decades and then take it all out on children tubing while they drive the boat.” - @krauter_

17) “They help you with the dumb face stuff, but they don’t tell you how to fix it” - Adam (Nate’s friend), on having older sisters

18) “We all had our connections, but it’s not the details themselves that matter, it’s the feeling behind them. There are a million coming-of-age tales. Lady Bird’s secret sauce is how deeply its creator gave a shit. The older I get, the less I care about anything but the sense of a filmmaker’s personal connection to the material. It doesn’t matter what it’s about, what genre it is, or whether it’s genre at all. I only really care that it feels like something the filmmaker had to tell me, and that it was that filmmaker in particular who had to tell it. It has to answer the ‘why are you telling me this’ question, and not just why are you telling me, but why are you telling me.

Lady Bird is a movie that feels like only Greta Gerwig could’ve made. And it’s only because it’s so specific to her that it can be so meaningful to so many people.” - Vince Mancini

19) "I have cast some lonely votes, fought some lonely fights, mounted some lonely campaigns. But I do not feel lonely now.” - Bernie Sanders

20) “Ever hear a Beatles song you haven’t heard before?”

21) “Drinking is an emotional thing. It joggles you out of the standardism of everyday life, out of everything being the same. It yanks you out of your body and your mind and throws you against the wall. I have the feeling that drinking is a form of suicide where you're allowed to return to life and begin all over the next day. It's like killing yourself, and then you're reborn. I guess I've lived about ten or fifteen thousand lives now.” - Charles Bukowski

22) “You shouldn’t have to hear a band to know if they’re good or not” - Josiah Hughes

23) “I was raised by OGs.  Some of you were raised by IG.  I understand.” - Ice-T

* * *

[Here is where I note the line of demarcation that was the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the US, pushed forward by Tom Hanks’ announcement, the NBA and NCAA shutting down, and, then, the nation itself.]

* * *

24) “There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.” - Vladimir Lenin

25) "Taken together, this is a massive failure in leadership that stems from a massive defect in character. Trump is such a habitual liar that he is incapable of being honest, even when being honest would serve his interests. He is so impulsive, shortsighted, and undisciplined that he is unable to plan or even think beyond the moment. He is such a divisive and polarizing figure that he long ago lost the ability to unite the nation under any circumstances and for any cause. And he is so narcissistic and unreflective that he is completely incapable of learning from his mistakes. The president’s disordered personality makes him as ill-equipped to deal with a crisis as any president has ever been. With few exceptions, what Trump has said is not just useless; it is downright injurious." - Peter Wehner

26) "Epidemics have a way of revealing underlying truths about the societies they impact." - Anne Applebaum

27) “A funny thing about quarantining is hearing your partner in full work mode for the first time. Like, I’m married to a ‘let’s circle back’ guy — who knew?” - Laura Norkin

28) 

(Jojo Rabbit)

29) “The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. - Deadwood: The Movie

30) “All bleeding stops eventually.” - Deadwood: The Movie

31) “Our Father, which art in heaven… / Let him fucking stay there” - Deadwood: The Movie

32) “It’s like a power outage, but we still have power” - Ryen Russillo, on the pandemic

33) “Whenever Sox baseball returns, it’ll be weird to not have Farmer on the call any more. The relationship between a fan and longtime announcer is always built in the little moments. One afternoon, he’s the soundtrack as you clean the garage. On another night, he’s your bookmark for the game as you stand in line for churros or walk down the ramps at Sox Park to try for better seats in the 100 level. A voice like Farmer’s becomes so familiar that you only really notice when it’s no longer there.” - Kevin Kaduk, on the passing of Ed Farmer

34) 

(via Twitter)

35) “In my songs, I try to look through someone else’s eyes, and I want to give the audience a feeling more than a message” - John Prine

36) “Observe everything. Admire nothing.” - Generation Kill

37) “Trump, by that definition, has always been a wartime president -- always willing to sacrifice people he doesn’t know to things he only sort of cares about” - David Roth

38) "Whenever they speak Michael Jordan, they should speak Scottie Pippen." - Michael Jordan

39) "Fiction is a bridge to the truth that journalism can't reach." - Hunter S. Thompson

40) “Airlines sending me “we’re in this together” emails. When my suitcase was 52 pounds I was on my own.” - Mike Dentale

41) “Sometimes you can be the worst source of your own story” - Ryen Russillo

42) “Family is not necessarily blood, but instead who you would bleed for.”

43)

(via Twitter)

44) "This is the deal that Jordan made, knowingly or unknowingly — that he would trade everything he had for everything he wanted. And then, when he won all those things, he found that he had nothing but that.” - David Roth

45) “I’m brand loyal, but the brand doesn’t matter” - Caitie Miller, on why she doesn’t like generic peanut butter

46) “NOBODY shitposts Gene Hackman!!” - Mark Dehlinger

47) “When a man concludes that any stick is good enough to beat his foe with—that is when he picks up a boomerang.” - G.K. Chesterton

48) “You can be appalled forever, but shocked only once.” - Jeff Weiss, on early Eminem

49) “Whether I’m pessimistic or optimistic, the fight’s the same” - David Simon

50) “Freedom can never be completely won, but it can be lost.” - Bernard Simon

51) “Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it’s everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands.” -Kareem Abdul Jabbar

52) “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist -- we must be anti-racist.” - Angela Davis

53) “Start as close to the end as possible” - Kurt Vonnegut, on creative writing

54) “You can’t stay woke all the time — that’s insomnia.” - Dr. Cornel West

55) “No, I get it. I’ve dated a lot of Geminis.”

56) “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” - John Krakauer, Into The Wild (via Tyler Keller)

57) "I couldn't show them my For You because it's pretty much just lesbian stuff and depression memes" - Maggie Loesch, on showing TikTok to her coworkers

58) "It's 1 a.m. in Slovakia and I've already had one bottle of wine and I don't know how long this press conference will go, so good luck to me." - Marian Hossa, following his NHL Hall of Fame announcement

59) “All I want in life is to go on an Anguilla group trip” - Mandy Gilkes

60) “You miss old friends when you don’t see them, but you miss them more when you do.” - Chuck Klosterman

61) “The only way to appreciate the present is to pretend it’s already the past.” - Chuck Klosterman

62) Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth, oh, never mind You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth Until they've faded, but trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back At photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now How much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked

(”Everybody's Free [To Wear Sunscreen]”)

Second time that essay’s been quoted on this list.

64) "I mean, it's just human nature to suck up to the people above you, crap on those beneath you, and undercut your equals” - Brian, Family Guy

65) “You never quit a job. You quit a manager.” - Brian Bedford

66) “All the pictures in my house are of people I’m not friends with” - Tracy Cunningham

67) “In order to leave something behind, you have to leave.” - Dr. Herman, Grey’s Anatomy

68) 

(via Twitter)

69) “You can obsess about death if you don’t have to obsess about dying.” - Brendan Kelly via “White Noise”

70) “If it’s right to do, it’s wrong to wait.” - Andy, doorman 

71)

72) “When I'm sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court] and I say, 'When there are nine,' people are shocked. But there'd been nine men, and nobody's ever raised a question about that.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

73) "America is mostly people who’ve never left their state saying we have the best country in the world." - Billy Wayne Davis

74) “A writer is someone who knows at least 80% of their writing sucks.” - Gabe Hudson

75) 

(via Twitter)

76) “You’re dead twice” - Brendan Kelly

77) “Perfect is the enemy of good” - Voltaire (via Zach Lowe)

78) “I don’t want to be a savior, I want to be a mirror.” - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

79) “I get bad Twitter FOMO but not real life FOMO. That just goes to show I need to get off the Internet.” - Josh Thomas

80) “Is there anything you love in life that you engage with seriously that you don't also engage with humor?" - Sam Sutherland, on his relationship with Blink-182

81) “My favorite genre of music is my friends' bands" - Josiah Hughes

82) “Let’s fall in love like both our parents aren’t divorced.”

83) “Seabiscuit may be the only earthling that was on both sides of the stamp.” - Brendan Kelly

84) “There’s no shame in coming in second, except in, like, wars.” - Family Guy

85) “I feel like I experience writer’s block 100% of the time, and when I do write, I have impostor syndrome.” - Phoebe Bridgers

86) “We teach based on what we most need to learn.” - psychologist on Grey’s Anatomy

87) “Having too many choices is the leading cause of stress” - Grey’s Anatomy

88) “I think we've all gravely underestimated the extent to which this year has changed all of us, permanently” - Kelli Maria Korducki

89) 

(via Twitter)

90) “I wonder if people understand why they don’t have polio” - Sandra E. Garcia

91) “Ending songs is terrible, so let’s keep singing” - Dave Hernandez

#covid19 #2020 #star wars #dave chappelle #volatire #ysac #kobe #kobe bryant #ladybird #bukowski #jojo rabbit #aoc #john prine #deadwood #bernie #rbg #notorious rbg #phoebe bridgers

[thomothysdoodles]

1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 20, 23, 26, 17, 28, 31, 32, 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67,, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 75, 85, 86, 87, 88, 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98

I am so sorry, I literally have no idea what came over me

Wow Lulu you really said ‘let’s ask this bitch EVERYTHING’. I love it tho lmao. Since it’s long imma put it under the cut tho

4. How did your elementary school teachers describe you?

“A pleasure to have in class, a bit lost in their mind, if they committed and focused more they’d excell but they settle for good grades”

From elementary to high school lol

5. Do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups?

I like soda cans

6. Pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

Somewhere between tomboy and grunge I think

8. Movies or tv shows?

Tv shows

9. Favorite smell in the summer?

Sunscreen and freshly baked bread

11. What do you have for breakfast on an average day?

A cup of milk with some cereal or biscuits. For the past month I’ve been following the keto diet tho, and I usually are some ricotta with peanut butter for breakfast

12. Name of your favorite playlist?

“Sad but vibing” lol

14. Favorite non chocolate candy?

Strawberry lollipops

17. Most frequently worn pair of shoes?

A black vans pair, I bought em in August but the left one already got a hole on the front 😤

18. Ideal weather?

Cloudy but not too windy or cold. I just don’t like the sunlight in my face

20. Preferred place to write?

On my phone’s notes app lol, I’ve got almost two thousand notes in here

23. Strange habits?

I hide stuff in my room with no apparent reason. I’ve got money stashed around my room in four different points lol

26. Favorite activity to do in warm weather?

Given the chance, I like to race with my bike to get some refreshing wind

27. Favorite activity to do in cold weather?

Cozy up in a blanket and watch some tv

28. Five songs to describe you.

Karma— AJR

Ultimately— Khai Dreams

Putting a spin on Slow Dancing in the Dark— egg

Mars— YungBlud

Gotta be a Reason— Alec Benjamin

31. What outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

Black jeans, black sturdy boots, and a silly little hoodie lmao

32. Top five favorite vines?

‘DONT FUCK WITH ME, IVE GOT THE POWER OF GOD AND ANIME ON MY SIDE— AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA’

‘Let me see what you have!’ ‘A KNIFE!’ ‘NO!!!’

‘Hey bro, what do you wanna eat?’ (‘The souuuls of my enemies’) ‘A bagel’ (‘NOOO’) ‘..two bagels.’

FR E SH A VOCA DO

‘Two shots of vodka..’ *pours half a bottle of vodka*

35. Average time you fall asleep?

I am terrible at this. I love sleeping but I also love feeling ✨ unbothered ✨ doing whatever I want in the middle of the night. So, never before 3am usually

37. Suitcase or duffel bag?

Suitcase

38. Lemonade or tea?

Tea

40. Weirdest thing to happen at your school?

I dunno how weird it is, but I always found peculiar that there were cigarette butts on the ceiling of the bathrooms. Like, seven feet tall ceilings. How did those cigs get there??

41. Last person you texted?

My best friend to tell her that my sister found a way to let me watch supernatural on American Netflix >:3c

42. Jacket pockets or pant pockets?

Jacket pockets

43. Hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket?

Hoodie and/or jean jacket

44. Favorite scent for soap?

I dunno. Talcum powder I think

45. Which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?

Superhero

46. Most comfortable outfit to sleep in?

Tee and boxers. Sometimes socks too

48. If you were a fruit, what kind would you be?

Umh. Clementines maybe. Easy to peel, sweet but also not, sometimes with seeds.. and some people loathe the little white stripes they have and they spend hours peeling those away

49. What saying or quote do you live by?

“Like any / unloved thing, I don’t know if I’m real /when I’m not being touched.” —Natalie Wee

50. What made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

My best friends always make me wheeze, it can be the stupidest dumbest thing ever, I’m really fucking easy to amuse lol

51. current stresses?

My driver license my driver license my driver license my driver license my driver license my d

52. Favorite font?

I have no idea. This one? Lol

53. What is the current state of your hands?

Good. I just cut my nails, I really wanna put some nail polish but my dad comes back home tomorrow and he always looks me weird when I put it

55. Favorite fairy tail?

The little mermaid

56. Favorite tradition?

A tradition I have with my friends is that when we celebrate someone’s birthday, we go to the thrift shop and buy them stupid stuff to wear or put on. On my birthday a couple days ago I had to wear playboy bunny ears and a black glittery bow tie lol. Once I bought my best friend a tiny pirate hat, and for another my friend took a boa with pink feathers lol

57. The 3 biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

Mmmh

I’m having a hard time with my parents since I dropped out of uni but I think I’m starting to overcome it finally

When my parents were about to divorce and in was dreading the idea of moving from this city

That time in middle school I spent a couple weeks at the hospital to run a bunch of neurological tests

58. Four talents you’re proud having?

I’m pretty good at multitasking

It’s very difficult to enrage me (yes I consider it a talent)

I can juggle lol

I can read in moving cars/trains etc without getting sick :D

59. If you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

“What the f—“

61. Favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/ etc?

“Happiness isn't in the having. It's just in the being. It's in just saying it.” Aka Castiel’s love confession (OF COURSE I WAS GONNA SAY SOMETHING DESTIEL RELATED)

62. Seven characters you relate to?

No specific order:

Dean Winchester

Eric Derekson

Jake Peralta

Doug Eiffel (👀)

Tony Stark

Klaus Hargreeves

Diego Hargreeves

63. Five songs that would play in your club?

Anything from P!ATD

Bang!— AJR

Natural— Imagine Dragons

Anything from Set It Off

Maniac— Conan Gray

64. Favorite website from your childhood?

I didn’t use computers in my childhood lol

66. Favorite flower(s)?

Fresias 💕

67. Good luck charms?

I used to keep in my pocket a little hazelnut my dad gave me once telling me that it was a good luck charm. I took it away tho. I dunno, maybe my rings

68. Worst flavor of any food of drink you’ve ever tried?

I have to admit I never tasted it, but the smell of truffle literally makes me gag, so that

69. A fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?

Apparently your love language is both the one you give AND want love, and also the one you most lacked growing up. So. Mull that over.

70. Left or right handed?

Rightie

71. Least favorite pattern?

Holey ones. Make my sight go double

74. At what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an Advil of ibuprofen?

A seven I guess. I usually try to sleep off anything I have, I hate to take medicines, and loathe to call the doctor lol

75. When did you lose your first tooth?

Around.. six I think?

85. Fairy tails or mythology?

Mythology forever

86. Cookies or cupcakes?

Cookies 🍪

87. Your greatest fear?

That the other shoe will drop and I’ll be alone and lonely

88. Your greatest wish?

To have enough stubbornness to do what I wish to do without getting demoralized so easily

90. Luckiest mistake?

Me and one of my best friends got to know each other through other common friends, and once they both couldn’t come and we ended up spending the day together. We had lots of fun, but we also got drunk and I lost my mcfreaking watch lmao

92. Lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?

Lamps

94. Favorite season?

Winter ❄️

95. Favorite app on your phone?

Tumblr! (And the music one. And the podcasts one. And— jk lol)

#ask thomothy personal stuff! #lulu chaos incarnation #not a doodle #I had to think long and hard for some of these questions

[bobasheebaby]

200 Brooklyn 99 Prompts

Rosa

1 “Talk to him, that's what friends do.” “Nope. I'm gonna wait 'til I'm on my deathbed, get in the last word and then die immediately.” “That's your plan for dealing with this?” “That's my plan for dealing with everything. I have seventy-seven arguments I'm going to win that way.”

2 “I'm already seeing somebody, NAME.” “Oh, and just like that, things got interesting.” “And just like that, I left.”

3 “NAME is even wearing his/her formal leather jacket.” “It's the one without any blood on it.”

4 “Right, that's the guy/girl you said the lame stuff about. Like he’s/she's a good listener.” “Sorry, what do you look for in a guy/girl?” “Real stuff, like the shape of his/her ass.”

5 “Sorry I'm late. I had to go back to the deli and return my Everything Bagel. In what world does everything not include beef jerky?” “All of them.”

6 “He/She also likes to look up recipes online and go, "Who's got the time?"

7 “Thank you, NAME. Your entire life is garbage.”

8 “NAME , tell us about your family.” “I have one.”

9 “Anyone over the age of six celebrating a birthday should go to hell.”

10 “I am dating his/her nephew/niece. Now we are hanging out on weekends. What is next? Oh! Small talk.”

11 “Wait, is that a smile I see?” “Possibly. My immune system is too weak to fight off my smile muscles.”

12 “Whoa, what happened? You know what, forget it. I'll just read NAME’s notes.”

13 “NAME? Are you stuck in there?” “No, I'm in here by choice.” “Oh, 'cause I hear some banging noises as if someone was struggling to open the door.” “No. That was the pipes.” “Or, is it the sound of you learning how to ask for help? You know, you can't spell ‘independent’ without ‘dependent.’” “And you can't spell ‘Go [bleep] yourself’ without ‘[bleep] you.’”

14 “I've said "excuse me" more times this morning than I have in my entire life. Twice!”

15 “Oh, nothing better after a long shift than coming to BAR NAME. It's like Cheers, where everybody knows your name.” “A place where everybody knows your name is hell. You're describing hell.”

16 “So, what is this? Casual, serious? I need to know how to make fun of you.”

17 “NAME and I broke up. He/She ate soup too much.” “What, like every day?” “It happened twice.”

18 “So, what are you drinking?” “I'll have a margarita. But, like, a skinny margarita. So, like, tequila, lime, and a tiny splash of agave.” “Mm. I refuse to order that.”

19 “What are you looking all wistful about?” “Just thinking, about relationships and love, and how I'm way better at them than I thought I'd be. Should I do a TED Talk on it?” “Doesn't seem any dumber than all the other TED Talks.”

20 “Why didn't you tell me? I had no idea things were getting that serious.” “Yeah, it's very embarrassing having feelings.”

21 “So are you bringing someone to the wedding?” “No, I'm taking a break from dating for a while.” “What?” “I'm sick of asking people how many siblings they have. Oh, is it somewhere between zero and two? How fascinating.”

22 “I grew a goatee and it looks amazing, and I know you can see it.” “Of course we can see it, NAME. It's horrible.”

23 “It feels like you're being a little harsh.” “Thanks, good note. I was going for extremely harsh. I'll turn it up.”

24 “Are your senses heightened?” “I think I might be pregnant, not bitten by a radioactive spider.”

25 “You're what sneezes are!”

26 “Seriously, you guys should stand up once in a while. You know, for your hearts.”

27 “NAME, this is dumb. I'm just gonna go.” “No, no, no. You promised me more time. I still have seven minutes.” “I really don't want to miss my flight, and I cannot physically stand the way that room smells anymore.” “Just breathe through your mouth.”

28 “You know, some people say, ‘Mo money, mo problems,’ but those people are idiots. Money's amazing.”

29 “Dude, just admit you ruined everything and turned our lives into a living hell. No biggie.”

30 “We don't want anyone getting alcohol poisoning, so if you throw up, you're disqualified.” “I never throw up. I just tell my stomach to deal with it. My body is terrified of me.”

Jake

31 “I also have a hairline fracture in my thumb. Mankind's least important finger, am I right?”

32 “I wasn't hurt that badly. The doctor said all my bleeding was internal. That's where the blood's supposed to be.”

33 “How much could I possibly owe you? Fifty, sixty bucks?” “Two thousand, four hundred and thirty seven dollars.” “Dollars?! Wait, of course dollars. Why was that the part I was surprised by?”

34 “So, I'm going to grab a healthy breakfast.” “Are those gummy bears wrapped in a fruit roll-up?” “Breakfast burrito, but yeah.” “I pity your dentist.” “Joke's on you. I don't have a dentist.”

35 “I'm talking to my credit card company. I tried to get an online subscription to the New Yorker and they declined me. Apparently, based on my previous purchases, they assumed it was fraud. That's crazy. I'm fancy. One time I had coffee-flavored ice cream.”

36 “Rules are made to be broken.” “They were made to be followed. Nothing is made to be broken.” “Uh, piñatas.” “Glow sticks.” “Karate boards.” “Spaghetti when you have a small pot.” “Rules.”

37 “Hey, can I ask you something?” “Mm-hmm.” “If the toilets drain into the ocean, does that mean a tiny shark could swim up and bite me in the butt?” “No, not at all.” “Psh, lame.”

38 “NAME, super important question. Which one of these shirts should I wear to dinner with your dad/mom tonight?” “Those are exactly the same.” “I have a signature look, NAME.”

39 “Hello, good sir, I'd like your finest bottle of wine, please.” “That will be $1,600.” “Great, I'd like your $8-est bottle of wine, please.”

40 “I am straight-up depressed. NAME’s been doing her best to cheer me up. He/She gave me this sticker this morning just for waking up.” “Ew, it's like you're dating your teacher.” “I know, it's so hot.”

41 “Wait. Before you say anything, I want to guess what happened based on your face. Someone died. No! You won a prize. I'm not getting better at this.”

42 “What is the bandwidth on the wifi here? We have much content to stream.”

43 “Oh, you sweaty, chair-spinning morons. You're gonna get us out of here.”

44 “Sir, I think I speak for all of us when —“ “He/She doesn't.” “He/She doesn't.”

45 “So, your brother/sister's a bit of a nightmare.” “I wouldn't say that. I mean, at most, he’s/she's a daymare.” “Those are so much scarier.” “Yeah.”

46 “Look, NAME, I burnt two hundred calories.” “That's your heart rate.” “Yeah, that checks out.”

47 “I don't slump, people. I opposite of slump. I pmuls. That's slump backwards and it's what I do. I pmuls all over this bitch.”

48 “Excuse me. We were just looking for a place to —“ “Boink.” “Yes, boink. That's my preferred term for it, too.”

49 “Thank you for doing this. I love you.” “Noice. Smort. I love you too.”

50 “Adult parties? I believe they're called orgies.”

51 “I have a sexy voice!

Champagne.

Mountain range.

Hugs.”

52 “Has anyone ever told you you look just like a statue?” “Yes.”

53 “NAME, you're smiling. It's very weird. Like seeing a turtle out of its shell.”

54 “You look happy. Let me guess. Your egg sandwich fell on the floor, and they gave it to you for free.” “No. Can you do that? Why doesn't everyone just drop their sandwiches on the floor?” “I was trying to insult you.” “And instead you gave me an amazing life hack!”

55 “So, we gonna talk about what happened back there? I haven't seen someone cry that much since NAME heard they were remaking ‘First Wives Club.’”

56 “Hey, there, NAME. Everything okay?” “No, I'm having a meltdown.” “Props. That was amazing.” “Thanks. It was a lot of work.”

57 “Almost makes me wanna take things seriously all the time. But then I'm like ‘boobs, farts, boobs, whatever’.”

58 “Ahh, babe, this is so nice. There are hot stones on our butts for no reason.” “Not on mine. My butt stones keep falling off, because I'm so tense about NAME being here and ruining everything.”

59 “Okay, don't shoot! That's how people get shot.”

60 “Rule number 3: Let's not have sex right away.” “Cool. Cool cool cool cool cool. No doubt, no doubt, no doubt. Good rule. No sex. Good rule.”

Charles

61 “Okay, but I thought since you were in charge, maybe I could be your right hand man? Your Tinker Bell?” “Tinker Bell?” “Let me tell you something about Tinker Bell. Tinker Bell is a loyal lieutenant and a real thorn in the side of Captain Hook.”

62 “NAME, why don't you show Danger what a fax machine is.” “Okay. Imagine a letter had unprotected sex with a phone.”

63 “Hey, NAME, are you ready to go streaking?” “What?” “That's what my dad/mom and I called getting blonde streaks in your hair. We used to do it to our ponytails on road trips. You just take a little lemon up top, and let the sun do the rest. We called it giving each other road head.” “You just said you called it going streaking.” “It had a couple names.”

64 “So we have good news, and we have bad news.” “My Nana always said, ‘Bad news first because the good news is probably a lie.’ Fun fact: she made me cry a lot.”

65 “What about me? What if something happens to NAME, and he never gets to meet my baby? I don't want to hang out with some stupid baby who's never met NAME.”

66 “Oh, you're right. I'm gonna tell him/her. It might not be today. It might not be tomorrow. It definitely won't be later than tomorrow. So pretty much today or tomorrow then.”

67 “No! I was eavesdropping. I'm always eavesdropping.” “I don't like it.” “Look, I didn't spend the last seven years watching your love ripen, only to have it sullied by a city hall wedding. You're getting married right here, right now.”

68 “I know you think my judgement's clouded because I like him/her a little bit.” “You doodled your wedding invitation.” “No, that's our joint tombstone.” “My mistake.”

69 “How many times have I smacked you in your face?” “Lost count.” “And you still have no fear of me.” “I'm trying to read your womb vibe.” “Exactly. Knock it off.”

70 “Okay, first of all, NAME, you look amazing. Secondly, I made an appointment at the salon with Nikki, for you, under the name Gabriella Fuentes de San Miguel Estrada. I had fun with the name.” “Clearly.”

71 “He’s/She's got a type, which is really any one but you.” “Yeah, that was my ex-husband/ex-wife's type, too.”

72 “Sexy train is leaving the station. Check out this caboose. Later, sluts.”

73 “I can't wait to see you, my luscious little breakfast quiche. I just want to draw you a bubble bath and spoon-feed you caviar. I think we should open up a joint checking account. I love you. [pause] What am I doing?” “It's okay. I hung up right after ‘Chucklebunny’.” “Help me. I've gone Full NAME.”

74 “Do you desire a crispen potato?” “Oh, don't mind if I do-ble. Wait a minute. Crispen potato. Why are you fancy talking.” “How dare you, sir/madam. I speak the common tongue.” “There it is again. You only do that when you're lying or hiding something.” “Hiding? Ha. Pish-posh.”

75 “Hey, donut holes. Don't mind if I do. Eurgh! Fish? Fish donuts, NAME? What is wrong with you?” “It's takoyaki. I'm drowning my sorrows in octopus balls.”

76 “Put on a T-shirt for all I care. It doesn't matter what you wear.” “Of course it matters. He has to wear the smaller checks. Big checks wash him out. Where are you, NAME?”

77 “Ooh, if they have your phone, we can track where they're going. I have ‘Find My Phone’ set up to track you. What? I do that for all my friends, not just you.” “Show me.” “There's no time!”

78 “You okay?” “Yeah, no burns. The doctor said I was lucky my body was so damp.”

79 “You guys have been down here for two hours. What, did you have sex forty times?”

80 “What? You don't need closet space. You have, like, one outfit.”

81 “You just graduated pie school, bitches. [pause] Sorry I said bitches, I'm just really worked up.”

82 “So, I know you're NAME’s best friend, and —“ “Did he/she say that? Did you get that on tape?” “No.” “No, he/she didn't say that or no, you didn't get it on tape? Doesn't matter. Either way, you screwed up big time.”

83 “What you did is the culinary equivalent of unprotected sex.”

84 “That's right. Boom. Just kicked Santa in the testicles.”

85 “No, there's no one in my life. [wink] Sort of a sad thing to wink about, I realize now.”

86 “NAME! Were you dreaming about NAME again?” “Why did you wake me up?! I told you never to wake me up!”

87 “You used all the touching time, NAME. I get 100% of the goodbye touching time. 100%.”

88 “Do you wanna know why he/she went out with him/her and not you?” “Yeah.” “Because he/she actually asked him/her out.”

89 “NAME, will you taste this batter?” “Mm-hmm. Hmm. I think it's a little off.” “You know what's off? Your mouth! Why NAME lets your stupid tongue anywhere near him/her I'll never know. Nope, I forgot the sugar. That's on me.”

90 “There's no need for NAME to see me unleash the beast.”

Captain Holt

91 “Look at you. Always working. What happened to my fun big/little brother/sister?” “Fun? I was never fun. You take that back.”

92 “It's the most fun day of the year. Something you wouldn't understand because you're not programmed to feel joy.” “Yes, but my software is due for an exuberance upgrade.”

93 “Sticks and stones, NAME.” “Describing your breakfast?”

94 “NAME, how are you feeling?” “Better today. I even managed to eat some plain toast this morning.” “Smart. Something bland.” “That's my favorite breakfast.”

95 “Joining us for lunch, Sir?” “Oh, no, I've already consumed the required calories for this day period.” “Yummy.”

96 “You all right, NAME? Tough weekend?” “I went to Barbados with my husband/wife. We wove hats out of palm fronds and swam with the stingrays. I've never been happier.”

97 “Maybe I should wing it. Love, it sustains you. It's like oatmeal.” “Okay. Okay. Not bad for winging it.” “I lied. Took me two hours to write that.”

98 “I do not have a problem. If I want to play Kwazy Cupcakes, I will play Kwazy Cupcakes. Kwazy is a difficult word to say in anger, but I think I've made my feelings clear.”

99 “This place is so romantic.” “Yeah, and so intimate.” “Don't worry. I'm not listening to you. I'm just thinking about how this sea bass is cold but not as cold and cruel as the hands of fate that have thrust my entire life into darkness.” “Ah, damn it. I just ordered the sea bass.”

100 “Yeah, and your new shirt is very aggressive and confusing. Is the pineapple the slut, or is it calling someone else a slut?” “Clearly the pineapple is the slut.” “Huh.”

101 “Oh, I've caused a problem. I think I am getting a text message. Bloop. Ah, there it is.”

102 “So nice of you to greet us, NAME. I thought surely you'd still be crushed under that house in Munchkinland.”

103 “So, do you NAME --“ “Yes.” “And do you --“ “Yes. Yes. We do. We're married.”

104 “I mean, don't people call you NAME?” “How dare you.”

105 “So you lied to me? Out of pity. You pity me.” “I wouldn't put it that way.” “I would. I am offended. I am angry. I am very tired. So I'm gonna take a nap, but when I wake up, oh, you are in for it.”

106 “Look at that. You've helped me find my smile.”

107 “Huh. Meat from the street. Sounds like a fun treat. Hah. I'm a poet and ... I didn't even know I was rhyming those words. But it happened anyway.”

108 “Oh, look at that. An alert. I'm probably trending already. What? My account has been deactivated?” “Twitter thinks you're a bot.” “Why? I am a human. I am a human male/female.”

109 “Care to sit? I'm sure you'd like to take some weight off your cloven hooves.” “Call me the devil, NAME? How original.” “Actually, I was calling you a goat. You goat.”

110 “NAME! I'm coming with you.” ���Thank you, NAME.” “I'm also coming.” “Not necessary.”

111 “Spot checks are done. Needless to say I'm thoroughly underwhelmed.” “Huh. From your expression, I would have guessed constipated. Or chilly.”

112 “NAME, you have a pretty low bar for what you consider drama. Once, I used an exclamation point in a email. You called me Diana Ross.” “I assure you, in this case, I do not exaggerate.”

113 “I know they say it's not good to have a TV in the bedroom. Which is why I don't.”

114 “NAME, did you just laugh?” “Uproariously.”

115 “You know when you play along with the robot jokes, it kinda ruins my enjoyment of them?” “Yes, I know.”

116 “And what do you hope to get out of this, NAME? Let me guess revenge on Dorothy for killing your sister?”

117 “It was a good game though for a dumbass.” Okay, you're kinda overusing that one. Maybe switch it up a little bit.” “Oh, good note. You dick.” “That landed good.”

118 “Dancing over. Situation defused.” “No!”

119 “All right, NAME, I'm sick of you wasting time. So, yes, I spilled some minestrone on my pants and I'm sitting in my underwear. Happy?”

120 “You found me. Drinking seltzer in the shadows.”

Gina

121 “It's a sloppy Jessica. Mac n cheese, chili, pizza on a bun. Its everything I've wanted to eat for the last 48 hours.” “What happened? I thought you were gonna 'last forever bitches.'” “Turns out I gave up easy. You hear that bitches? I gave up so easy.”

122 “If NAME had a twin, he/she would have eaten him/her in the womb.”

123 “Wait a minute, I think I just figured something out. I got to go.” “Aren't you forgetting something?” [person a gives Person b a kiss on the forehead] “Uh no, pay your bill! Damn, who raised you?”

124 “The English language can not fully capture the depth and complexity of my thoughts. So I'm incorporating Emoji into my speech to better express myself. Winky face.”

125 “All right, gang. Diet day 4. How's everyone holding up?” “Honestly, I'm going to last forever. You hear that bitches? I'm gonna last forever.”

126 “If I die, turn my tweets into a book!”

127 “The only reason I didn't tell you is I don't value you as people, so why be honest?”

128 “Breakups are a cartoony thumbs down. They make people feel face-with-Xs-for-the-eyes.”

129 “I'm sorry. I just don't think this is something you're good at.” “What? The only thing I'm not good at is modesty, because I'm great at it.”

130 “Click. I just captured the exact moment you realized you had failed. I guess we all got something out of this.”

131 “It's so addictive, right? I play so much that when I close my eyes at night, I just see cupcakes instead of my normal dizzying array of flashing lights.”

132 “Forget your ex with meaningless sex. It rhymes because it's true.”

133 “NAME. NAME. NAME, I screwed up, big time.” “NAME, given your daily life experiences, you're gonna have to be more specific.”

134 “So, talk to me, goose. How are we looking?” “Sexy, but not like we're trying too hard. Like, sure, we're trying, but it's almost effortless.”

135 “Give me the ring.” “You sound like Gollum.” “That means nothing to me. I don't see those movies, I'm too pretty.”

136 “Oh no, six drink NAME isn't fun. He’s/She's just sad. Damn it!”

137 “I never have second thoughts. That's the luxury of having great first thoughts.”

138 “Ugh, constantly getting NAME’s approval is the worst.” “Yes. I can only imagine.”

139 “You think you can just bully people, but you can't. It's not okay. I'm the bully around here. Ask anyone.”

140 “This just might work out after all.” “You're damn right it will, 'cause we're a ragtag, scrappity, fart-dumb, moron parade, smart-ass team!”

141 “Okay, NAME, stop freaking out. I have the day off. I can step in and help.” “Yeah, me too. I'm not off, but I come and go as I please. It's part of my charm. I'm like an outdoor cat.”

142 “Gina, please keep an eye on NAME today. He's/She’s gonna say something to the wrong person and get himself/herself punched.” “Sure, I'd love to see NAME get punched.” “Try again.” “I will stop NAME from getting punched.” “Correct.”

143 “Oh, I want him/her out. But I'm too scared to tell him/her. “ “All right, listen. I know that your spirit animal is a caterpillar that's been stepped on —“ “Mm-hmm.”

144 “What are you creeps doing? You made me look away from my phone. You better pray I didn't miss a text.” “In the two seconds you looked away?” “Seventeen texts. All of them important.”

145 “What is my favorite soup?” “Chicken noodle.” “Potato leek.” “Corn frickin' noodle. I mean, chowder, damn it.” “You're all wrong. I've never had soup.” “Don't bother. They all suck.”

146 “Okay, so that plumber was useless. But we are two smart and capable people who can definitely figure out how to fix a toilet.” “Of course we can. The internet will tell us what to do. She always does.”

147 “It's crazy how much he/she flirts with me.”

148 “Good morning.” “For whom?” “For you-m.”

149 “So he/she didn't say what happened, which can only mean one thing.” “He's/She’s in a fight club.”

150 “What's up? How can I help?” “Well, when I was a kid, I invented a magnetic flashlight clip so I could read under the covers. This clip and I went all around the world together the Shire, Sweet Valley High, Terabithia.” “But never to a friend's house, huh?” “Uncalled for.”

Amy

151 “That stuff with us is in the past. We talked about that.” “I know, but that was before you saw me in this dope ass tux. I mean you must be freaking out.” “Oh, I really am. I'm really into rented clothes. I love how many butts have been in them.”

152 “You know, we're birds of a feather, you and I.” “I hate cliches.” “Cliches are the worst.”

153 “And now I don't know what to do.” “I think you do know what to do.” “Thanks, NAME.” [leaves the room] “I have no idea what he’s/she's gonna do but that's the safest way to give NAME advice.” “Yep.”

154 “Insult me all you want, for I have only this to say —“ “Victory shall be mine!” “I heard you practicing in the shower. You can't surprise me. Letting me into your life was the worst mistake you ever made.” “Cool, fun take on our relationship.”

155 “NAME, where you at?” “Four drinks.” “What's four-drink NAME again?” “Why don't you come over here and find out?” “Right, Horny NAME”

156 “I'm sorry. We only excluded you because you're kind of an over-texter.” “Over-texter? That's not even a thing.” “Oh really? So you don't remember the time you sent 97 unanswered texts in a five-minute span?” “My phone vibrated itself off the desk. I think it was committing suicide.”

157 “What the hell? I used NAME's exact recipe. I know I'm not a great cook, but I love following instructions.”

158 “What's going on? Is this a dream? No, I'm not holding a label maker.”

159 “My power went out last night and my alarm didn't go off.” “Your alarm is power dependent? You brought this on yourself, son.”

160 “I'd also like to apologize for my friend. His /Her parents didn't give him/her enough attention.”

161 “I'm in! A bet which improves someone's manners? Double score.”

162 “He’s/She's scared.” “He’s/She's not scared. With all due respect, NAME, NAME has no feelings.”

163 “I'm so cold even my fiery dance moves aren't keeping me warm.”

164 “I'm sorry. I tried to be myself and they hated it.”

165 “All right, someone's gotta go out there and kill that feathery bastard. NAME, you're always looking for an excuse to behead something.”

Sergeant Jeffords

166 “It was like taking candy from a baby.” “Why are you giving candy to a baby in the first place? Don't give candy to a baby! They can't brush their teeth!”

167 “I was raised on disco. Little NAME loved to hustle.”

168 “Or is your favorite artist really Taylor Swift?” [Scoffs] “No.” “Lie.” “All right, fine, she is. She makes me feel things.” “She makes all of us feel things!”

169 “Urgh, what's in these?” “Potatoes, butter, a little milk. Oh, and I ran out of salt, so I used baking soda.” “Why wouldn't you? They're both white powders. Of course they're interchangeable.” “Yeah.”

170 “I warned you against using donuts. They're my trigger food.”

171 “Hey, NAME, you know how you're really good at doodling?” “I know you think you're complimenting me, but calling them doodles is an insult. You a big fan of Picasso's doodles?”

172 “Your tone's braggy but your words are real sad.”

173 “See, NAME? Tough love works.” “Damn it! NAME proved the wrong point.”

174 “Now, be respectful and grieve your asses off.” “I don't know why this is happening.” “NAME, I love it. Everyone follow his/her lead!”

175 “Everything's spoiled. My lunch is ruined. My chicken, my potatoes, pasta, my meatballs, ham, my yogurt.” “Wow, that's a lot of yogurt.” “I love yogurt.”

176 “Kind of seemed like you were gonna get up and leave after saying all that.” “I was, but I think I hear NAME.”

177 “You better look cute in this picture, or no one's gonna want you. Do something with your damn paws!”

178 “My tolerance has really changed since I had kids!”

179 “I'm hungry!” “Oh, you're in luck; the fanny pack is filled with granola.” “Mmm! Loose granola.” “I don't want fanny granola! I want steaks and whiskey!”

180 “You probably can't tell, but I'm flexing my brain like crazy right now.”

181 “What's that smell? That's lavender. NAME loves lavender.”

182 “Okay. Excuse me. Can we please eat? My body is starting to digest itself. NAME needs nutrients!”

183 “Don't look at me. NAME wastes all that time building muscles, make him do it.” “Oh, come on, you all know these are just for show.”

184 “Sorry? You bumbling son of a bitch. You just ruined my life. I hope you get hit by a truck and a dog takes a dump on your face.” “Nothing to see here. Just a little hypoglycaemic rage. Move along.”

185 “I feel like a proud mama hen whose baby chicks have learned to fly!”

Hitchcock

186 “NAME, why do you have your shirt off?” “Can't spill food on your shirt if you're not wearing one.”

187 “What bet? What are you guys talking about?” “Seriously? The bet? They've been keeping score all year. It comes up all the time. What are you doing all day?!” “Nothing. Why, you want to hang out?”

188 “So you just want us to lie on the ground and do nothing like a bunch of losers?” “Yes, precisely.” “No!” “Jackpot!”

189 “I don't like it. Something stinks.” “Well, I'm sorry, but I refuse to mask my natural musk with a bunch of chemicals.”

190 “My God. NAME, are you the only person still making sense?” “Yeah. It's bad.”

191 “All right, food is ready, decorations are set, guests should start arriving any moment, and the chairs are still perfection.” “He/She said they're perfection. I'm so proud of you, buddy.” “It was you. You made this happen.”

192 “Who do you think it's gonna be?” “I've no idea.” “I bet it's me. I just hope I'm ready.”

193 “Okay, look, this was maybe a weird way to start the night, but the good news is, we can still make our dinner reservation and no one got hurt.” “Actually, I cut myself real bad.” “Of course you did.”

Scully

194 “Oh, so your plan is to not take this seriously at all?” “Oh, I am as serious as a heart attack. No offense, NAME.” “Nah. Mine are never that serious. I call 'em ‘oopsies’.”

195 “I miss my home chair.” “You miss a chair?”

196 “Are those thumbtacks? What the hell, NAME?” “I thought they'd make good confetti.” “Why?”

197 “All right, anyone else have questions? NAME, NAME, you've been weirdly silent.” “We didn't want to say anything that would get us uninvited.”

198 “Okay, first of all, I want to say that this was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. There is so much talent in this room.” “Just tell us, bitch. Act as if you already have the role.”

199 “I'll be back. Don't move.” “Not a problem. I hate moving.”

200 “Where should we begin? Do you have any experience with puzzles?” “Yes. I've never solved one.”

#brooklyn 99 prompts #brooklyn 99 quotes #jake peralta #rosa diaz #amy santiago #gina linetti #captain holt #sergeant jeffords #terry jeffords #charles boyle #scully b99 #hitchcock b99 #bb 99 prompts #bb 99 quotes #quaratine sucks and making these keeps my mind busy #i live in covid 19 hell

[bdgthinks]

The Two Sides of “The Two Sides of Singapore, As Seen By A Food Delivery Rider”, As Seen By A Food Delivery Rider

https://medium.com/@bdgthinksShort pre-amble: Just as how the original Rice article is just the opinion of one writer, what I’m writing below is likewise, just the opinion of mine alone. Also, my opinions are based on my experience working with Deliveroo while Yusuf worked for Grab Food so there may be some differences between the pay structure, zone distances and other company-specific policies.

I was clicking past Instagram stories yesterday afternoon, about to take a nap, when I saw a friend share this recently posted Rice Media article. Part photo journal, part commentary on the gig economy, Singapore’s class divide, and how income inequality is growing more apparent as we adapt to the ever-evolving Covid-19 situation? Sign me the hell up. 

All images courtesy of Ricemedia.co, Yusuf Abdol Hamid, or myself

20 minutes, a few raised eyebrows, and many heated texts later – I reluctantly abandoned my plans to nap because I read some many things in this article (which I highly recommend you read first before reading on!) that I disagree with profoundly. 

Before I start, I want to offer my appreciation to Yusuf (the narrator), Boon Ping (the editor/author), and Rice Media for publishing this piece that will help many understand the oft-overlooked issue of social/income inequality in an engaging and accessible manner. My misgivings towards some of Yusuf’s opinions notwithstanding, the general sentiment towards this article is extremely positive and has done what I believe every great article should do, provoke thought and inspire critical thinking towards the status quo! 

A smattering of positive feedback to the original article 

What I appreciated most about the article is encapsulated by joce_zhang’s comment, that it’s an important reminder to be kinder to people – regardless. 

 However, I couldn’t help but find it slightly troubling that Yusuf and Boon Ping (the editor) seemed to have oversimplified these issues and reduced the stakeholders to caricatures: the rich as the Monopoly Man; and the tireless ‘seen by many as a dead-end job’ delivery couriers as a Dickensian orphan, counting pennies and agonizing over whether they ‘deserve’ a Zinger. 

I worry that one unintended consequence of this article is that some ways social inequality is highlighted may lead to reinforcement of the divide rather than dissolution. 

During my Summer holidays in 2018, I became attracted to the idea of working part-time as a food courier cyclist as in my mind I saw it as being paid to just cycle and listen to podcasts. Since then, I’ve been an on-off Deliveroo cyclist during the shorter holidays or whenever I needed a little bit of extra pocket money. 

In past the two years, I’ve earned exactly $4081.63 from making deliveries (inclusive of bonuses) and dividing it by a conservative $15/h rate, I’ve worked for around 272 hours or about 700 deliveries. split about 60/40 between private properties and HDB flats.

And I guess it’s also partly because of my different experience working in food couriering the past two years that made me feel so much discontent while reading Yusuf’s article. In these 400-odd deliveries to private residences (or heck, in any of my deliveries), I don’t recall having once been treated unnecessarily rudely, aggressively or dismissively by any of the stakeholders I interact with in the job – restaurant servers and managers, condo security management and customers alike. 

What I have experienced actually are customers that have tipped me for my efforts - especially ones who live in fairly inaccessible areas, and (during this circuit breaker period) offered me a snack or a cold drink to drop off their deliveries; security guards who ask me how my day was and if I’ve had my lunch or dinner; and restaurant staff who invite me to have a seat in the restaurant while I wait for my order. 

Some treats from kind customers 

Even when I had made a mess of the customer’s order from their order roiling around during a bumpy 15-minute bike ride (entirely my fault of course!), I’ve never heard anything more than an entirely deserved ‘tsk’ at the disappointment of having half of their pho soup ending up in the plastic bag instead of the bowl – and even then these tsk’s are far and few between! 

And it is (again, solely from my own personal experience) where I felt that Yusuf could have been cherry-picking the worst examples from his own experience to make a point. While service industry personnel are no doubt severely underappreciated and that should be improved as a whole, I feel that such blatant incidents are the exception rather than the rule. 

My point is: the world isn’t binary. Heck, even up to a year ago I was still echoing Yusuf’s entire argument and ranting rather colorfully about the injustice and discrimination of it all. Who are YOU to tell me which lift I can and cannot use? 

In the pursuit of delivering a commentary on some really important social issues, I feel that it fell short by over-emphasizing the ludicrousness of the elite and failing to consider the many other factors that contributes to this problem. 

For one, I thought that the annoyance projected to security guards seeing themselves as ‘a barrier between the riff-raff and their diamond-encrusted residents’ was a bit uncalled for – painting a picture of the fearsome guard – in employ of the up-in-the-air bourgeois hiding in their ivory tower, assailing an innocent courier who had the audacity to think that he had the right to take the same elevator as the residents? 

But then… when we consider that most lift lobbies are a good distance from the security guard posts where the guards are stationed, it doesn’t seem so unreasonable for a guard to have to raise his voice to get his point across, right? 

Being fortunate enough to live in a condo myself, I’ve sometimes felt unease in the duality that security guards experience every single day: faithful bastions in keeping residents safe, spending their days patrolling the lush, landscaped gardens and expansive feature infinity pools, but never once stepping foot into the houses they loyally guard.

And at the end of the day, clocking out to return home to an environment I assume is much less luxurious. 

So why then, do Yusuf and Boon Ping deign to foster an us vs them divide, arbitrarily placing one occupation on one side of the line and another on the opposite?

How about the incredulousness towards the guy who orders a stupid $11 Dal.komm latte every day, or the Grange Road resident who only orders a single scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream? 

Like I said, caricatures that highlight and reinforce the rich-poor divide.

Cherry-picking prevents the reader from seeing the single cups of coffee that I’ve delivered from Common Man Coffee Roasters to Tenteram Peak, the eight egg tarts from Whampoa Hawker Center to Toa Payoh. Or my dad, who lives a one-minute walk from the hawker center but still chooses to order through Grabfood because he paid for a subscription service that offers 50 free deliveries for just $10? 

All these customers lived in HDB units. 

As a courier, there’s nothing I appreciate more than collecting an order to find out I’m being paid $5 to cycle one block away, or reaching the restaurant to find out that a customer only ordered an easy-to-transport wrap instead of say, twelve packets of chicken rice – I’m getting paid the same amount anyway. 

So yes, they’re paying our salary, so thank you. 

Juxtaposition is also good and all for making a point, but is it truly accurate and representative? 

The word exclusive is used a lot by Yusuf - but are those who live in a smelly HDB with the pee smell in the corridor exclusively nice, and the expat who lives in the Ardmore Park condo with the super high ceiling exclusively mean? Is it wrong to live (or aspire to live) in an exclusive private property? These are questions to be stimulated, not answers to be given. 

There’s so much to pick apart, but my goal isn’t to say: I’m Right, You’re Wrong, it’s just that say that There Are Two Sides to Everything. 

A brief aside on ‘fulfillment’ 

While I love my part-time job – paying me upwards of $20 an hour to keep fit and listen to podcasts, I’m entirely cognizant that while I’m privileged that it’s a side-hustle, a side-gig, a part-time job to me; it’s also a livelihood to tens of thousands of hardworking people out there. 

Where I could turn off the app and head home when I decided I’ve earned enough in the week to eat at a new restaurant I’ve been eyeing or if it was too hot in the afternoon, most other people working my job can’t – if not, the lights may not turn on the next day. 

In a comment to an earlier draft of this piece, a friend shared that it’s a privilege to be able to separate your social identities. I think it’s also a privilege to have the choice of perspective. We exercise when we’re healthy, as a hobby, or a passion. Deliverymen don’t see it that way. There is no ‘good to do’, there is only ‘must do’. 

At the end of the day when the world starts to recover from Covid-19, you’re going to start getting photo and videography gigs and transition back to the white-collar world. 

As for the security guard and domestic helper at Ardmore Park, the server at the Grange Road Haagen-Dazs, and the tens of thousands of for-hire drivers and delivery couriers? There’s no ‘back to normal’ – this is their normal. 

In a discussion post on Yusuf’s article, a redditor referenced Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:

In the blue-collar normal, where every day is a struggle to meet the needs of financial safety and security, maybe fulfilment isn’t really an aspiration for most. In an article calling for empathy, I feel the quality slightly lacking in my reading. 

A few months back I began my education into inequality in Singapore with Teo You Yenn’s seminal This Is What Inequality Looks Like. In it, the title of one of her essays especially stood out to me: Dignity Is Like Clean Air. She describes, like Yusuf does, that many blue-collar workers in the service industry always feel invisible, that people don’t respect them, that it makes them feel small. I’d like to add on to** Dignity Is Like Clean Air** with the caveat: Segregation Is Not Necessarily Dirty. 

Going back to the ‘fucked up service lifts at the back for the smelly people, the non-residents and stuff’, how about we just call a spade a spade?

In restaurants, servers and chefs who have their meals there usually sit at tables near the kitchen (or even in the kitchen itself). 

In airplanes, consumers have the choice to pay a much higher premium for more leg room and a more gourmet selection of food. In fancy hotels, bellboys and concierge staff have to wear stiff suits – there’s usually a dress code for guests to enter certain areas. 

So, is it really that unfair, for someone who’s had the means to pay for the privilege of living in luxury, to not really want to share a lift with someone who might smell unpleasant from having spent hours cycling under the hot sun? 

The service lift provides the same functionality – no one’s saying that couriers are ‘lesser people’, we’re not being asked to walk up the stairs while the ‘masters’ take the magic moving box. It wasn’t created to separate the ‘undesirables’ from the ‘desirables’ like a pre-Rosa Parks bus, and it’ll be unhealthy to think of it as such – even worse to let it fester. 

To package my views into a neatly categorized box – When I’m Brandon the Deliveryman, it’s perfectly fine for a guard to request for me to take the service lift, but when I’m Brandon the Guest attending a dinner party at the same condo, no one is stopping me from taking the resident lift right? 

Different day, Different fit, Same me 

I still think that it’s incredibly fucked up that some employers make their helpers take a separate lift though. 

But in delivering the core message – is it more helpful to frame your reflection as ‘why do some people treat their subordinates with such contempt and how can we as society hope to change it’, or to just resent the fact that ‘rich people like that la’ – and laugh and pretend we’re friends. 

I guess what I’m most frustrated with about the article is that it had the potential to be so much more. It occasionally flirts with the possibility of going deeper into one issue or the other but ultimately ends up being a reflection of one privileged dude’s brief foray into an industry that many of us often take for granted. 

And because there are so many issues at play, people often fall into the trap of distilling extremely complicated issues into dangerous sweeping statements, which eventually does very little for the problem in question. 

Another frustration I often have towards the discourse towards social issues is that they often fail to carry a call-to-action. Okay, I’ve checked my privilege, I’ve understood that my successes in life is partly a byproduct of the wealthy family I was fortunate to being born into – now what? 

A good rule of thumb that I’ve been trying to implement into my life recently is to think about the net positive or net negative an action has onto society. And hence: 

To the fortunate: While it is important to understand your privilege and not take things for granted, you also don’t have to be ashamed of it. Every dollar you spend goes into the economy and is earned by someone else. So, what can you do to influence a net positive? 

Be kind to everyone, be kind to everyone, be kind to everyone. 

If you can, have the moral courage to call out undesirable behavior – especially if it’s someone close to you. But if you can’t – it’s okay too. Start with yourself. The world could do with less ‘you should do more’ and more ‘thank you for what you did’. 

This is not exclusive to tipping service staff or offering couriers a cold drink (although it is always really welcome!). Offer a kind word to anyone you interact with. Ask the office or school janitor if they’ve had their meal yet, wish your security guard a good morning/good evening when you pass them by, clear your tray when you’re at a fast food restaurant and smile and thank the servers if you pass them by. 

I promise you - these little acts of kindness will go a much longer way received than it takes you to give them. 

To our everyday heroes: Your intrinsic self worth is by no means defined by how an asshole treats you. You are so, so, so much more important.

You are somebody, you are somebody, you are somebody. 

In this essay, my intention is to extend the net positive that Yusuf and Rice has already generated while minimizing the net negatives it may unintentionally create by framing the issue as ‘us vs them’. 

I hope that it will be seen as an addendum to Yusuf’s original piece instead of a correction. To build up on the important issues that **each and every one of us **should acknowledge and then go one step further to see how we can resolve them. I hope that reading this has provoked more questions than it gives answers. I hope that we don’t see the world as black-and-white but how things can move to a more palatable shade of grey. 

Of course, my thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions here could be (and probably are) wildly ignorant and myopic, and I still have so much more to learn. So please confront me, dispute me and tell me where I’m wrong and what I don’t know. 

If I have to leave you with just one takeaway, I hope everyone remembers to be kinder to people – regardless.

(You can also find me at https://medium.com/@bdgthinks!)

[locthaicpa]

Marseille | France - Top-rated Tourist Attractions

Marseille, a port city in southern France, has been a crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding by the Greeks circa 600 B.C. Travelers visit the port city of Marseille, the third largest city in France, for the meeting of style and history.

Marseille is the  "oldest city in France"  and indeed one of the oldest in western Europe. The city was founded as Massalia in around 600 BC, and soon developed into an important port in the ancient Greek world. For the Greeks, and later for the Romans, it was a major point of transition and trade between the civilisations of the Mediterranean, and those of Gaul and northwest Europe.

What is Marseille in France famous for? Marseille is famous all over the world for its Bouillabaisse. Go to the bouillabaisse. The famous fish soup of Marseille jumped on the shark. Aggressive marketing has pushed up its cost to 60-100 euros.

Is Marseille France worth visiting? Marseilles is the second largest city in France, and one of the biggest port-cities in the Mediterranean. ... That said, it's a city worth visiting as it's not as famous as Paris, but there are still many beautiful and unforgettable places to see.

Is Marseille, France safe to visit? OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM. The police are doing its best to protect both the citizens, and tourists in Marseille, and it is highly-effective, But tourists still might be a target for pickpockets on the city's streets. It is a safe city with certain parts to be avoided.

 Rather in the same way as Genoa or Naples, Marseilles' importance as a port, rather hindered its development as a tourist destination; and while other Mediterranean ports like Barcelona, and Valencia began to develop their tourism in the 1970's, Marseilles  did not. Its port was too important. But more recently, Marseilles has managed maintain its status, as one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean, and develop as a tourist destination at the same time.

How expensive is Marseille? You should plan to spend around €91 , ($106), per day on your vacation in Marseille, Which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €21 ,($25), on meals for one day and €25 ,($30), on local transportation.

How dangerous is Marseille? Having said that, we can't say that Marseille is a totally safe city, where you can walk around everywhere without any risks… Indeed, it is unfortunately well known for its trafficking, of all kinds, (prostitution, drugs, weapons), and for its high crime rate.

How many days should I spend in Marseille? For a solid itinerary, we recommend at least two to three days, so you can explore the city's famous port, its diverse neighborhoods, and the delicious food scene. Tack on more time for Marseille's ancient sites, and modern museums, with possible day-trips to the Provençal countryside or Mediterranean coast.

What are the dangerous areas of Marseille? If it is possible, you should avoid certain areas in Marseille, like the northern districts. These areas, like the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th arrondissement, are dangerous. The Bellevue on Felix Pyat in the 3rd arrondissement, and the Hauts de Mazargues in the 9th arrondissement are particularly notorious.

Is it expensive to live in Marseille? Summary about cost of living in Marseille, France: Four-person family monthly costs: 3,339.95$ , (2,869.27€), without rent, (using our estimator). A single person monthly costs: 917.35$ ,(788.08€), without rent. Cost of living index in Marseille is 23.07% , lower than in New York.

How cold does it get in Marseille? In Marseille, the summers are short, warm, dry, and mostly clear, and the winters are long, cold, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 39°F to 84°F , and is rarely below 30°F or above 90°F.

Is Marseille a good place to live? Marseille, France, is among the top cities with a free business environment. Our data reflects that this city has a good ranking in housing, and healthcare.

Do the French eat croissants everyday? Do as the French do, and get a great croissant. Although there are patisseries on every street corner, and pastry is one of the things that the French do best, They tend to be more of a once, or twice a week treat rather than an everyday item. Most Parisians are too health conscious to eat pain au chocolat every day.

How long is the train ride from Barcelona to Marseille? 10 hours, and 19 minutes. The average journey time by train between Barcelona, and Marseille is 10 hours and 19 minutes, with around 7 trains per day.

Do they speak English in Marseille? In Marseille – People, who deal with tourists will speak English, – hotels, restaurants, attractions, and places like the Vieux Port, Cours Julien, and La Canebière. Elsewhere English proficiency tends to be more basic, so having some French phrases will really help here.

How much is a taxi from Marseille, airport to Marseille? When traveling from Marseille airport, to the city centre, you have three options, bus, taxi or train. A taxi costs 50€ in the day,  and 60€ at night, and takes 30 minutes to reach the centre. A bus will cost you 8.30€ one-way, and your journey will take around 30 minutes.

How long is the train ride from Paris, to Marseille? 4 hours, and 18 minutes. The average journey time by train between Paris, and Marseille is 4 hours, and 18 minutes, with around 19 trains per day.

Should you tip in France? Think of it as a gesture, not an obligation. Once again, it's not necessary, but is appreciated for good service. There are no rules about tipping in France. In nicer restaurants, such as 3-star tables, where the service is exemplary, a tip of €20 is fine to leave.

What is special about Marseille, soap? Thanks to its “extra pure” vegetable composition, Marseille soap is highly recommended for greasy, or acne-prone skins. It can be used for deep-down cleansing, and controls sebum. What's more, it makes so much lather, that it can even be used as shaving foam. It cleanses the skin, and prevents ingrown hairs.

Does it snow in Marseille, France? Much like in Avignon to the north, winter properly arrives in Marseille in December. Although the city rarely sees snowfall, it does experience cool temperatures, ranging from an average of 4°C at night, to 12°C on average in the afternoon, which continue to become chillier into the New Year.

Where is the best place to live in France? The Best Place To Live In France: The Verdict.

   Paris: Best for nightlife...    Brittany: Best for its affordability...    Lyon: Best for food and drink...    Montpellier: Best for families...    Luberon: Best for countryside...    Dordogne: Best for retirement...    Provence: Best for beaches.

Is Marseille The oldest city in France? Founded in 600 BC by the Greeks from Phocaea, Marseille is the oldest city in France, and the second largest after Paris.

Why do French drink coffee out of abowls? Practically speaking, there are advantages, too. A bowl is (generally) bigger, which means more coffee, and easier dipping for your croissant. Not to mention, drinking your coffee from a bowl also negates the need for those mugs.

What is the most important meal of the day in France? Lunch. Essentially, it comes down to this: Lunch is the most important meal of the day for the French. Even serious corporate businesses often look the other way, if employees take more than an hour at lunch. For the French, lunch is that big meal that's supposed to get you through the day.

How do I get from Paris to Marseille? It takes an average of 3h 59m to travel from Marseille, to Paris by train, over a distance of around 410 miles, (660 km). There are normally 19 trains per day, travelling from Marseille to Paris, and tickets for this journey start from $23.30 when you book in advance.

Is there Uber in Marseille, France? Uber is available at Marseille Airport, so you can enjoy a convenient, and comfortable trip to wherever you need to go. ... Uber prices to, and from Marseille Airport may be affected by time, traffic, and other factors. Check the Uber price estimator in the Uber app for approximate trip prices.

Why do you only tip 6 percent in France? Why don't we tip the same way in France, as we do in America then? In France, waiters are paid a living wage. That means that they don't depend on tips to supplement their salary, like waiters do in the US.

Do French restaurants include tip? Unlike in America, cafes and restaurants in Paris, and the rest of France include a 15 percent service charge in the check, which is required by French law. The words service compris indicate that, the tip has already been included, so take a good look at the bill when it arrives.

Can I just move to France? Yes, as with anything administrative in France, moving here as an American involves a lot of paperwork. However, those wanting just a taste of France won't need a visa, if the trip is for fewer than 90 days, (unless you're a diplomat, or a journalist). All you need is a passport that's valid for at least three months.

Which is the richest city in Europe? Luxembourg, the capital city of the small European nation of the same name, was named as the richest metropolis in Europe. The city is the richest city in Europe in terms of GDP per capita, according to the study.

The city of Marseille was created in the 6th century BC, when Greek explorers met with the local tribes, in the north bank of today´s Vieux port, and decided to settle taking advantage of the natural conditions to stablish a port. The colonist from Phocaea named the new town Massalia. Later on, in the year 49 BC, Caesar conquered the city in the expansion of the roman empire. The name changed to Massilia, and the economic activities focused on the port continued to expand.

Nowadays the city of Marseille is the second, urban agglomeration in France, after Paris. It has a population of 850 thousand inhabitants, and almost 1,8 million in the metropolitan area. The port still plays an important role in the economy, and the labor market. The city has stablish itself as an important tourism destination, and is integrated in the PACA region, (Provence, Alpes and Cote d´Azur), which is one of the most attractive regions for tourism, and leisure activities. The physical geography is typical from this part of the Mediterranean, with an accidental topography, including mountains entering directly into the water with very few flat area.

Marseille, the oldest city of France, overflows with cultural, architectural, and artistic treasures to discover. It is a tourist destination particularly appreciated by the French, and foreigners. Between tradition and modernity, the city of Marseille is waiting for you. From the Vieux Port (Old Port), to the Calanques (rocky inlets), by way of the Panier district, and the Corniche facing the sea, you will certainly be amazed by the beauty of the cosmopolitan city. Beyond the game of Pétanque, and its football club Olympique de Marseille (OM), Marseille reveals itself behind its emblematic monuments, such as the Château d’If, Les Docks, the Palais de la Bourse, the Fort Saint Jean fortification, Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Palais Longchamp, the Marseille Cathedral of la Major to name just a few.

European Capital of Culture in 2013, Marseille aims to be a destination of choice for art, and culture enthusiasts. Still in 2013, Marseille inaugurated the MuCEM, a museum dedicated to the Mediterranean civilizations of the 21st century. It is today one of the most visited museums. In the historic center of the city, you can also go to La Vieille Charité. There, you will find many cultural structures: the Mediterranean archaeology museum, the African, Oceanic, and Native American art museum (MAAOA), but also a cinema, a bookshop…

While exploring the city, alone or with a guide, immerse yourself in the local culture, and discover the traditions of Marseille. Relax on the terrace of a restaurant, under the southern sun, to taste Marseille’s cuisine. Let yourself be tempted by the bouillabaisse, a fish specialty, or by the pieds paquets, the panisses, etc. If you were to bring back only one souvenir of Marseille, no doubt you would choose the famous soap. Particularly effective, and renowned, it can be used to clean skin, hair, clothes, floors, walls… Ideally located, the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is a starting point for various tourist destinations accessible by train, plane and boat.

Shop at La Canebière. This famous avenue is the wealthy shopping heart of Marseille. It’s sometimes compared to The Champs Elysees in Paris, where luxury brands alternate with cafes and restaurants. This wide street starts from Le Vieux Port, and stretches all the way to the Capucin neighborhood. La Canebiere is not as glamorous as it used to be, but is still one of the most important streets of Marseille, and was featured in the movie French Connection 2.

Try the most famous Bouillabaisse soup. Bouillabaisse is Marseille’s most famous dish, and the way they serve it here is surprisingly different from what you may have seen outside the Provence region. Here, the broth is served separately from the fish, and the stew is made with 3 local, bony fish that originally could not be sold at the market. Many restaurants around the old harbor serve it the traditional way, but don’t be surprised if it’s not as cheap as you may think.

End the day at La Caravelle in the old harbor. End the day at the harbor where you started it, with a traditional anise-flavored spirit from the south of France called Pastis. A great place to conclude your exploration of Marseille, is by relaxing on the terrace of La Caravelle, with a view of the Vieux Port, and the illuminated basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. The bar also hosts jazz concerts 3 times a week.

Corrupt, dangerous and brutal to its poor – but is Marseille the future of France? The truth is Marseille is the one city, that possesses the dynamism the rest of France seems to have misplaced. Mémain rhapsodises: “When my friends from Paris, and Bordeaux take the bus here, they start crying. C’est la force! Of hearing people struggling to survive, – it’s drama, it’s magnificent theatre. And it’s free. In that sharp light, you understand nothing, but you’re dazzled by everything. It’s very, very beautiful, and the political project is always to shatter this beauty. It’s appalling.”

Marseille is the place for people, that are not afraid to discover a real place, with real people. From colourful markets, (like Noailles market), that will make you feel like you are in Africa, to the Calanques, (a natural area of big cliffs falling into the sea. - Calanque means fjord), from the Panier area, (the oldest place of the town, and historically the place where newcomers installed), to the Vieux-Port, (old harbor), and the Corniche (a road along the sea), Marseille has much to offer.

Marseille-Provence International Airport is located about 30 km from Marseille. Buses, taxis, and a train connect in less than 30 minutes. Shuttle services from other European cities, have made more places available from Marseille. Airport buses go directly from the airport to the train station, (Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles), and from train station to airport, every 15 minutes, for the cost of €10, (or €16 for a return ticket).

#Marseille #France #Europe

[misslisterkeepsajournal]

1826 Thursday 9 March

6 1/4 11 1/2

Went into the stable 1/4 hour there talking to John Booth about his sleeping and eating here entirely when my aunt and I go - Went out at 8 1/4 to James Sykes working at the walk leading from the garden door - breakfast at 8 40/60 - Letter from Richard Tattersall (London) to say he should have been happy to sell my horse (Hotspur) for me at Mr. Lambton's sale 'but it is against the laws of the excise' - he never heard of such a man as Emery (who IN [Isabella Norcliffe] told me let out veturino horses for all parts of the Continent) but will make inquiries, and let me know if he can find him out - Letter also from Mrs. Milne (Langton) dated yesterday -

I can but write a few lines but my heart is in them dearest do I still live in your remembrance or can that detestable 'stout siding champion conscience' banish me altogether I am dying to hear from you to know you are well and as happy as circumstances will allow would be joy and happiness to me I have a thousand things to say to you particularly on the subject of your last letter I wrote you on that subject but my epistle is still in my writing desk I can talk a little but my stupid head and hand refuse to express half my feelings on paper if I could but see you before I lose you perhaps for ever in other climes you will only think on those whom you can coldly esteem I never think but on those I can warmly love guess if you will ever enter my thoughts your second letter full of 'murdered faith' and Armida like spells and enchantments made me more than sad but you must not escape me thus where are les regles de carte send them to me instanter I do not care six pence for them but much for the letter I trust they will be the means of conveying write to me dearest I cannot bear to think you have forgotten me say again and again 'I love you Harriet' where is the shame or the misery and when it gives such pleasure how can you refuse thine HWM

What a letter I thought of it all the way to Elland but determined to be too wary for her and to escape without committing myself further where is her principle or virtue what man could trust such a woman how little Charlotte knows her

Just stopt to read my letters then at 9 1/4, took George in the gig, and drove to Whitwell place - sat 1/2 hour with Mrs. Veitch who returned home from Preston etc. a few days ago - she has been very ill, and is still far from strong again - from Elland drove to Wellhead sat 53 minutes with Mrs. Waterhouse meaning to have staid only 20 - talked of our going abroad, and briefly ran over the misunderstanding between Mrs. Empson and myself - Mrs. W- [Waterhouse] owned, that, under such circumstances, i.e. in my place she should have done as I had done - she always wondered at the friendship we were so unlike - I said things were but as they were - yes! she replied it was an intimacy that did no good to either party and had it gone farther, would have might have done harm to both!!! I agreed, but mused what this might mean - could it be, that I should make Mrs. E- [Empson] too high and mighty? without any help of mine, I know she had once a great inclination to look down upon the trading habits of her family here - and Miss Caroline Saltmarshe has hinted this to me perhaps Mrs Empson is better now -

From Wellhead drove to Mr. William Rawson's - not at home - then to the Miss Ralphs - sat 1/4 hour with the Misses Sarah and Maria - then called on Mrs. Catherine Rawson not at home - then at the Saltmarshes' - Mrs. S- [Saltmarshe] too recently confined to come downstairs - Mrs. Rawson of Stonyroyde 'walked out' - left my card - then called at the vicarage - sat 1/4 hour with Mrs. Knight - Mr. K- [Knight] better - hoped he was recovering well - got home at 1 5/60 - talked some time to my aunt - changed my dress - from about two to four writing the rough copy of a letter to Mrs Milne -

Went out at 4 10/60 - the walk having been all traced out yesterday up to the garden door the 'com-dike' partly levelled Jackman had laid about 14 yards of flags - the levelling of this mound shewed that the walk ought to go (as I always thought before but feared its being wet) lower down, close to the com-dike - gave orders to have it made to do so - have the flags reset tomorrow - came in at 6 -

Dinner at 6 20/60 - while I was out George had been at H-x [Halifax] and brought me a letter from Mr. Kershaw (sent from Thomas Greenwood's to Northgate) to say that as I had sent a person to inquire about his building ground adjoining the new street at Northgate end, he had written to say that what I wanted would be 'about 1364 superficial yards' - he had asked 20/. a yard the commissioners having asked 30/. a yard for some ground in Waterhouse street, but that if I took the whole 1364 yards he would take 10/. a yard the walls to be taken at a separate valuation and this was absolutely the lowest price he would take or if I took only the bottom lot 52 yards, he must have 15/. a yard - talked the matter over to my aunt - she seems to think it a large purchase, but behaves very handsomely - does not wish to prevent my doing anything that might be hereafter advantageous tho' at the expense of some present discomfort, on account of having all the money to borrow - tea and coffee at 8 - very fine day - Barometer 2 1/3° above changeable Fahrenheit 52° at 9 50/60 at which hour came up to bed - E..O.. - Sat up writing the rough copy of an answer to Mr. K- [Kershaw]  

Reference: SH:7/ML/E/9/0067 - SH:7/ML/E/9/0068

#anne lister #anne lister code breaker #gentleman jack #1826 #mrs milne

[malkaviansyndromes]

i was inspired by quimton so i did the 93 question meme for lestat :)

1. What is their gender? male, but like, gay rat male

2. What is their sexuality? men

3. What is the meaning behind their name? Do they have any nicknames? it’s from iwtv, which he never read, he was an edgy goth weirdo and thought it sounded cool. erin calls him a rat but he doesn't have any actual nicknames

4. Do they have any siblings? How many? Are they older or younger?  Which sibling are they the closest with? he doesn't have any siblings but will try to adopt younger friends as "siblings" 5. What’s their relationship with their parents like? What about other relatives? when he was alive his relationship with his dad was...Not great. aside from his mom he didn't talk to his family. his sire is dead lol

6. What would they give their life for? his friends or husband probably, if it had to be anything

7. Are they in a romantic relationship? With who? How did they meet? yes! he's in a relationship with märchen and has been for a while; mär found him shortly after his embrace and made sure he was accepted into the camarilla rather than getting axed for being an illegitimate fledgling.

8. What do they believe will happen to them after they die? Does this belief scare them? he has no idea and doesn't really want to think about it

9. What is their favorite color? Favorite animal? probably some sort of hideous tie between black and pastel pink. he likes cats

10. What are some of their talents/skills? he can draw, and also has a decent head for computer science and math

11. If they could make a mark on history, what would they like it to be? he would want to either be part of some massive political change to keep people from suffering, or solve the problem of quantum gravity

12. How old are they? When is their birthday? 23! he was born on march 5th

13. What do they do for fun? video games. eat a bunch. annoy his friends. he's a simple man

14. What is their favorite food? How often do they get to eat it? cheeseburgers...his husband lets him eat food any time he wants even though it's disgusting and bad for him since he's a vampire

15. What was something their parents taught them? nothing really specific beyond to be the terrible way he is now

16. Are they religious? sort of?

17. Where were they born? illinois unfortunately

18. What languages can they speak? Where did they learn these languages? english is his native language. he took french in high school and lost most of it, and has tried to pick up a little german from his husband and online. he knows a pitiful amount of japanese but only out loud, surprisingly not from anime so much as listening to tons of japanese music with subs

19. What is their occupation? idiot. he does odd jobs for the anarchs and helps with their computer shit sometimes

20. Do they have any titles? How did they earn them? nope

Personality: 21. What is their favorite thing about their personality? that he cares about shit

22. What is their least favorite thing about their personality? he has bad self esteem so a lot of things

23. Do they get lonely easily? YES but he's also a bit of a hermit socially

24. Do you know their MBTI type? no i used to

25. What is their biggest flaw? probably having a bad temper and making snap judgements

26. Are they aware of their flaws? So Much All The Time

27. What is their biggest strength? he's pretty empathetic

28. Are they aware of their strengths? he denies they exist

29. How would they describe their own personality? "awful little animal"

30. When frightened, will they resort to “fight” or “flight”? freeze probably, but flight if that doesn't count as an answer

31. Does this character ever put somebody else’s needs before their own? Who do they do this for? How often do they do this? yes, for pretty much anyone he likes even a little, and very very frequently

32. What is their self esteem like? BAD

33. What is their biggest fear? How would they react to having to face it? losing the people he cares about. he would Give Up On Life if he was alone

34. How easily do they trust others with their secrets? With their lives? weird little guy who is extremely paranoid but simultaneously too trusting. he tries to ignore his misgivings to give people the benefit of the doubt, doesn't always end well for him

35. What is the easiest way to annoy them? don't listen to anything he says. if he's being ignored in a conversation he will be furious

36. What is their sense of humor like? Give an example of a joke they would find humorous. "penis music," basically any joke about communism, horribly deep fried memes

37. How easy is it for them to say “I love you”? Do they say it without meaning it? he says it easily and a often, but not without meaning it unless he wants to feel guilty enough to vomit

38. What do others admire most about their personality? erin says "his friendly personality and jokes and level head when it comes to important things"

39. What does their happily ever after look like? having a normal life without being afraid of poverty or being alone

40. Who do they trust most? Is that trust mutual? probably erin and märchen, so yes

Physical Profile: 41. What does their laugh sound like? Do they snort when they laugh? How often do they laugh? he cackles like an awful little witch every once in a while

42. What is their favorite thing about their physical appearance? his anime heterochromia

43. What is their least favorite thing about their physical appearance? looking like he's 12

44. Do they have any scars? If so, what are the stories behind those scars? he has a scar on his eyebrow from when he was 2 and tried to climb a bookshelf and it fell on him and he had to get stitches. also....some less funny ones

45. How would they describe their own appearance? "bad" or “sexy” no in between

46. How easily can they express emotions? How easily can they hide emotions? he can express them well but hates to do it. he is way too good at hiding them

47.  What’s their pain tolerance like? he's a little wimpy but trudges through it

48. Do they have any tattoos? What are the stories behind those tattoos? no tats!

49. Do they have any piercings? just his ears

50. How would you describe their style of clothing? How would they describe their style of clothing? we would both call it "hot topic dumpster dive"

51. What is their height? Weight? 5'0", haha that's secret

52. What is their body type? Are they muscular, chubby, skinny, etc? a little round and chubby

53. What is their hair color? Eye color? Skin tone? his hair is actually a light golden brown but he dyes it black. his eyes are grey-blue (he doesn't always like the color) but one of them is red now due to damage during his embrace. he's pale as fuck

54. What is their current hairstyle? What have been some of their past hairstyles? Which was their favorite hairstyle? current hairstyle is a very short half-buzzed kind of thing, which he likes best. he's also had it normal short. up until he was like 16 or 17 he had it very long

55. What is their alcohol tolerance like? What kind of drunk are they? How bad are their hangovers? PITIFUL, he's an extreme lightweight. cuddly drunk or sad drunk. his threshhold for hangovers is high but they're abysmal when he gets them

56. What do they smell like? Why do they smell like this? (Is it the things they’re around or a perfume they wear?) he smells like cheap soap and cigarette smoke thanks to being in the last round often. sometimes he wears body sprays

57. How do they feel about sex? Are they a virgin? a lot of complicated ways. unfortunately he has had sex and will do it again

58. What is their most noticeable physical attribute? his height, he's VERY short

59. What does their resting face look like? Do they have RBF? he has just a little bit of RBF but mostly neutral

60. Describe the way they sleep. he steals all the blankets and is a sleep cuddler. he refuses to put his nine fucking thousand stuffed animals anywhere but ON his bed

Environment: 61. Which season is their favorite season? he says summer up until it's actually summer. he likes spring and fall

62. Have they ever been betrayed? How did it affect their ability to trust others? yeah, he's had some complicated experiences with friends and family. he isn't always trusting but usually consciously decides to trust anyway because he generally thinks it's irrational not to without a reason. this often backfires on him

63. What is always guaranteed to make them smile? his friends or husband cracking jokes

64. Do they get cold easily? Do they get overheated easily? yes and yes, at least when he was alive. he had reynaud's syndrome when he was alive so he got dangerously cold in his hands and feet Very easily

65. What’s their immune system like? Do they get sick often? How do they react to getting sick? he's dead now so he doesn't get sick at all, but when he was alive he would generally try to plod through it until he couldn't anymore

66. Where do they live? Do they like it there? los angeles. sort of? big cities are exciting to him, but only to visit, so living in one 24/7 is probably driving him crazy (or crazier)

67. Is their bedroom messy? What about their bathroom? Kitchen? Living room? he tries to keep things a LITTLE tidy but generally every space he maintains on his own is some level of disastrously disorganized

68. How did their environment growing up affect their personality? his parents were broke, so in terms of environment, being anywhere much swankier than a lower middle class house makes his eyes fall out of his head

69. How did the people in their environment growing up affect their personality? he was raised to tough it out and show as little emotion as possible in regards to All Life which is the real reason he treats absolutely everything like a joke

70. How do they feel about animals? Do they have any pets? he loves animals. his husband has a ghoul cat that violently hates both of them

71. How are they with children? Do they have any? Do they want any? he's okay with them, but a little awkward. he would rather jump off a cliff than have any though

72.  Would they rather have stability or comfort? he'd rather have somewhere to turn to than live in a stable environment if the stability was along the lines of "everything is consistently uncomfortable"? i don't really get this question lol

73. Do they prefer the indoors or outdoors? indoors a little but he does still like the outdoors

74. What weather is their favorite? Do they like storms? very sunny weather (sad for a vampire). he does like snow and rain, but only if he can stay in

75. If given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen? he'd probably draw his husband lol

76. How organized are they? he has never been and will never be anything even remotely close to organized

77. What is their most prized possession? the teddy bear his mother passed down to him from when she was a kid

78. Who do they consider to be their best friend? erin :3

79. What is their economic situation? not great. he's very broke; his husband has a little more money than he does and helps support him, but the two of them have to watch their pennies for sure. lestat usually lives with his husband but stays at his own abysmal apartment/haven on occasion just for vampire paranoia safety reasons.

80. Are they a morning person or a night owl? night owl, which is lucky for him

Miscellaneous: 81. Are they bothered by the sight of blood? not blood on its own, no

82. What is their handwriting like? extremely messy

83. Can they swim? How well? Do they like to swim? he can swim okay. he really likes it

84. Which deadly sin do they represent best? wrath probably

85. Do they believe in ghosts? he would have to be stupid not to at this point

86. How do they celebrate holidays? How do they celebrate birthdays? with food, usually, which makes his being a vampire kind of difficult. he likes to celebrate birthdays with presents and cake. if he and his husband weren't vampires he'd bake mär a cake every year

87. What is something they regret? probably the way he acted when he was in the camarilla, it wasn't particularly pretty because he was very, VERY upset about his embrace. he regrets having to have killed people to escape, and also regrets the weirdness of having to let go of most of his mortal friends

88. Do they have an accent? if you consider boring midwestern nothing voice an accent. 89. What is their D&D alignment?

chaotic good 90. Are they right or left handed? right handed

91. If they were a tweet, what tweet would they be? there are so many tweets in the world. probably the one about revving your motorcycle and lying dead on the pavement

92. Describe them as a John Mulaney gif. why would you assume i have enough of these on hand to do that?

93. What’s the most iconic line of dialogue they’ve ever said? he says stupid shit all the time it's hard to know

#ask to tag? i don't think it gets too heavy

[way-down-meme-town]

Tootsie (Act I)

Under the cut you will find 124 lyrics from the 2019 musical Tootsie for your enjoyment!

Opening Number 1. “The night is falling on Manhattan and soon the daylight will be gone.”

2. “Anticipation’s all around you as one by one the lights are coming on.”

3. “Your feet wanna fly and your pulse wants to raise ‘cause you’re free and you’re young and you’re in the right place.”

4. “You’re right here. You’re right now. You’re a part of New York.”

5. “Nothing in the world is like the feeling that anything is possible here, even the impossible is possibly possible here in New York.”

6. “Any dream can be a dream come true in New York.”

7. “Underneath the city that is all pavement is a city that’s all heart.”

8. “God, this is exciting. Don’t you feel giddy?”

9. “Alright everybody, let’s all stop the rehearsal again.”

10. “Would my character say the city is all heart?”

11. “Where in the history of the printed libretto does it say any of that?”

12. “My character deserves his truth.”

13. “I am just saying what every other actor on this stage is thinking.”

14. “You want out? You’re out.”

15. “This opening number is benign and dishonest, directed by an inept, derivative hack and this musical sucks.”

16. “Is he an actor? Yes, of course he is. Is he successful? Yes, of course he’s not.”

17. “You won’t see his name on the marquee.”

18. “Sounds to me like you don’t know what the hell you’re looking for.”

19. “He’s feeling victimized and bitter, like nothing good is gonna happen soon.”

20. “The odor of humiliation begins to permeate the room.”

21. “They need someone nicer, someone less reactive. Can you really blame them?”

22. “He’s gonna make it to the top.”

  Whaddya Do 23. “Whaddya do when suddenly you realize the calendar inside your head is running out of pages?”

24. “Whaddya do if you can see the odds are good you’ll never be the person you’ve been trying for?”

25. “Whaddya do when everything you wanted more than life itself is laughing at you?”

26. “Whaddya do? You make it work.”

27. “Whaddya do when everything is happening but everything is happening to everybody but you?”

28. “Are you haunted by the fact all you want to do is sacked and it’s all you want to do until you die?”

29. “I am stuck struggling in the muck, standing here all purpled and perplexed caught in the gap between what the hell just happened and what the hell is gonna happen next.”

30. “Ya got the list of all the hopese and dreams I missed.”

31. “Sometimes I look in the mirror and I am sad at what I see.”

32. “I came to the conclusion there really must be something wrong with all of those douchebags who won’t hire me.”

  What’s Gonna Happen 33. “I know what’s gonna happen.”

34. “I’ll try to go to bed with fear of failure flopping like a fruit bat in my head.”

35. “Which incidentally isn’t half as disconcerting or upsetting as going for a part you know there is no way that you are getting.”

36. “I’m heading downtown for the audition where everything I’m dreading will be coming to fruition.”

37. “Somewhere through the fog of insecurity and hate, I’ll try to convince them that I’m charming.”

38. “They’re gonna throw the book at me ‘cause I’m guilty.”

39. “We hereby sentence you to a lifetime of waiting table and debilitation self-loathing.”

40. “She’s a fake. She’s a phony. She could never win a Tony.”

41. “I now live in a place I know quite well. I’ve left the world and I’ve entered hell.”

42. “I’m this far away from a fainting spell.”

43. “I’m trying to take it slowly.”

44. “I’m trying to be my best.”

45. “I watch a vivid sequence of humiliating instances from my past go by and think what kind of masochist keeps coming back for me.”

46. “No! I know what’s gonna happen. Don’t tell me that I don’t.”

47. “Don’t say that I’ll rise to the occasion cause I won’t.”

48. “I’m smart enough to know that I’m too stupid to admit you can’t survive a diet that consists of eating shit.”

49. “The trick is knowing when it’s time to pack your bags and say that’s it.”

50. “You know what’s gonna happen. I know what’s gonna happen.”

  I Won’t Let You Down 51. “I’ve always imagined that you are the flower and I am the dirt.”

52. “My world spins around you. Whenever you fall I’m the one who gets hurt.”

53. “I give you all I have. Give me one thing in return.”

54. “Have me help you to help me to help you to help me to help you learn that I won’t let you down.”

55. “I’ll be here to play any role you need me to play.”

56. “You give me your trust. I give you my word.”

57. “Nobody sees me and nobody listens and nobody cares, but you know what’s in here. Love and devotion that needs to be shared.”

58. “I won’t let you down because you believe in me, because you’re the one who can see I’m here and alive.”

59. “I won’t let you down cause when I felt empty inside you filled up my cup, you lifted me up.”

60. “I’ll never let you down. I’ll do what you need me to do.”

61. “I promise I’ll always come through. Just call and I’m there.”

62. “Please make the right choice. Remember my voice.”

63. “Just give it some thought. I love you a lot.”

  I’m Alive 64. “I’m alive. I’m alive. Good God almighty, I’m alive.”

65. “Don’t hold your nose. I won’t decompose.”

66. “My world was a dud. Lots of death, lots of blood.”

67. “She was almost dead, but she’s alive.”

68. “What can I say, I got carried away, but now’s a new day.”

69. “Here’s the headline. She’s gonna be mine.”

  There Was John 70. “I was the girl in the bubble at school, behind my own personal wall for protection. I’d sit there alone like a fool. I never was able to make a comeback.”

71. “This life takes everything you give it, like a puppy or a kid.”

72. “He told me he wanted some kids and a wife, and that’s when I realized this is my life.”

73. “Yes, my heart was almost broken but I’d made my choice and I’d make it again.”

74. “Here is me, another dressing room number one thousand and three. Exactly where I should be.”

  I Like What She’s Doing 75. “I like what she’s doing. This might be a thing.”

76. “She’s fun but profound.”

77. “What she’s selling, I’m buying.”

78. “I love that she’s trying. Let’s follow her lead.”

79. “We were flat on our back, but now we’re on track.”

80. “She’ll polish this turd into treasure somehow.”

81. “Well, we got work to do. God knows how we got this far.”

82. “Alright kiddos, it’s your favorite stage manager. Breaks over!”

83. “Everyone else, there is a revised schedule on the board.”

84. “He saw your motionless hair and your avocado figure, and I lost the man I loved.”

85. “To be fair, dear, you did kill the last one.”

86. “Don’t I deserve a chance at a future that celebrates me?”

87. “I love what we’re saying. I’m smiling at last.”

88. “It’s great how we’re playing. I’m having a blast.”

89. “I trust you completely, so does the whole cast. We like what you’re doing.”

90. “She’s got something special that makes you engaged.”

91. “It’s almost electric when she hits the stage.”

92. “I can’t tell you how but, honey, I hope she keeps doing what she’s doing now.”

93. “She won’t take directions. She’s changing the play. She’s like an infection that won’t go away.”

94. “She just wants to fight me. She does it to spite me. I hate what she’s doing.”

95. “She’s bringing up memories I need to forget.”

96. “She’s stealing my girl, she’s stealing my show, and I’m ready to blow all because of that cow.”

97. “Goddamnit! She’s gotta stop doing what she’s doing now!”

98. “If you take her, you better take care of her!”

99. “I will devote my life to her happiness. I love her.”

100. “I like what she’s doing. She’s got so much heart. She’s so friggin’ sexy and so frickin’ smart.”

101. “She’s made me an actor.”

102. “Something was missing and she’s what it was.”

103. “How will I live without you here?”

104. “You have turned this show into a joyous anthem for all women.”

105. “I won’t let you down, because you believed in me.”

  Who Are You? 106. “I can’t escape the feeling I met you long ago in someplace filled with sunlight.”

107. “I’ve never been a needy or romantic guy, falling like a meteor in some poetic starry sky.”

108. “This is a different story, something completely strange. What the hell am I doing?”

109. “It’s nice connecting with someone, somebody I can talk to like someone I’ve always known. Where on Earth were you hiding?”

110. “I think it’s just amazing how fast this friendship has grown.”

111. “It’s felt so long since I was young and running free. I locked myself inside a box, but suddenly there’s the key.”

  What’s Gonna Happen (Reprise) 112. “You’re gonna stand me up and I’ll be staring at the phone, sitting there all dismal and pathetic and alone.”

113. “It never doesn’t happen.”

  Unstoppable 114. “She’s got me flying like a bird.”

115. “Stand aside, cause this girl’s on a roll. She’s unstoppable.”

116. “We got the role! We got the gig!”

117. “Told you before. Show me the door, I’ll kick it down.”

118. “Look out world, cause this girl’s on a roll!”

119. “Nothing and no one, not anything anyone ever can do or say can stop her.”

120. “I’ll be taking the world over soon.”

121. “There’s no mountain these heels can’t climb.”

122. “Nothing on Earth can stop me, cause I’m unstoppable.”

123. “Another sold out house tonight and it is because of you!”

124. “This has turned out better than I ever could have imagined. I love you.”

#ask meme #rp meme #sentence meme #musical meme #musical #musicals #tootsie

[madewithonerib]

Seven Reasons We Must Pursue Supreme Satisfaction in GOD John Piper | Nov 10, 2019

If you have no time, listen to the last 20 minutes & repeat.

Seven Reasons We Must Pursue Supreme Satisfaction | J.Piper November 10, 2019 [2 Corinthians 8:1-2]

     So now we're ready to read v.1-2, & what you should      be asking as you read this is: [43:37-105:45]

      [1] What is biblical love?       [2] Where does love come form?       [3] What is joy?       [4] How would you define it?

     youtu.be/aUPSZBm1OjY?t=2618

1.] What is Biblical Love?

     We want you to know beloved about the grace      of GOD that has been given among the      Churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test      of affliction--their abundance of joy & their      extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth      of generosity on their part.

           2 Corinthians 8:1-2 | Now, fellow believers,            we want you to know about the grace GOD            has given the Churches of Macedonia. In            the terrible ordeal they suffered, their            abundant joy & deep poverty overflowed            into rich generosity.

     So I'm interpreting the wealth of generosity:      "they gave, & gave, & gave" [44:28]

           I'm saying that's what love does.            That's what love is.

     Somebody is in need, I move toward the need;      & I give, & give—I want to help you!

     That's what love is, I don't want you to hurt      anymore; I want you to go to Heaven!

     And I want you to have relief from your pain;      that's what love does [44:51]

     And that's what's happening here:      A wealth of generosity

2.] Where did it come from?

     How did that generosity come about?

     And it's so clear, that's why I'm using this verse,      this is so straightforward.

     It came from the overflow of joy!

     Right? It's just right there in the text [45:21]

           In a severe test of affliction,            their abundance of joy overflowed            in a wealth of generosity

     So if you ask where does generosity come from?

     It comes from an overflow of joy [45:42]

3.] Joy in what?

     And that's pretty clear here too.      Because they are in affliction (in a sever test of..)

           So they believed in JESUS            & life got worse! [46:10]

     Life got worse not better.

     JESUS didn't promise that your life would be      better; it gets worse!

       ●  Get a lot more criticism        ●  Lots more self-denial        ●  Lots more late-nights & early mornings

     Because you care for people now.

     Life gets harder when you're a Christian.

     So affliction didn't take away their joy, so      obviously their joy is not in comfort. [46:49]

     It's not in security, it's not in their physical      safety. Okay that's one thing it's not in.

     It's also not in money because it says they're      still poor, "their extreme poverty & their joy      overflowed in generosity."

     So these people are in affliction, they're in poverty      & they're as happy as they can possibly be [47:19]

3.1] So where's the joy coming from?

     It's not coming from money/prosperity, this is..

           don't ever say Piper came preaching            a prosperity GOSPEL.

           You know what I feel about the            prosperity GOSPEL, I hate it! [47:39]

           OK that's clear; this is not prosperity preaching.

     So where's the joy coming from?

       ●  It's not coming from wealth/prosperity        ●  It's not coming from freedom from affliction

     It's coming from v.1, "We want you to know      fellow believers, about the grace of GOD. We      want you to know about grace, we want you      to know about the GOD of grace. [48:09]

3.2] Results of GOD’s Grace

     You know what happens when the grace of GOD      comes down on people's lives?

     We want you to know about the grace of GOD      & how it's been shown (shed abroad).

     And then he describes the effects of grace [48:19]

           Oh I love grace! The grace of GOD.

Historic Context for 2 Corinthians 8

     So here you have a totally pagan people,      on their way to hell, & Paul visits Philippi.

       ●  One of them is named Lydia, & the             LORD opens her heart to give heed.

       ●  The other is a demon-possessed             fortune-telling girl, & Paul casts out             her demon & she gets saved.

       ●  Another one is a jailer, & he gets saved.

     And now Paul's got a little Church [48:55]

     He's got a rich businesswoman, a slave girl, &      a jailer—& they all tasted grace!

       ●  And their sins were forgiven; &        ●  The wrath of GOD was taken away; &        ●  Hell was closed & Heaven was open, &        ●  They were knit together in love.

     And their joy overflowed in generosity [49:30]

4.] So how would you define love now?

     Don't let the world define love for you, let the      BIBLE define love for you [49:41]

     Here's my definition of love:

           Based on those 2 verses, love for people,            & the poor in this particular instance, is the            overflow of joy in the grace of GOD—            which meets the needs of others [50:04]

           Love is the            overflow of joy in GOD that            meets the needs of others.

     That's my definition of love, which means if you      don't care about pursuing that joy in GOD—      you will not be able to love people, period!!!

     Unless you just redefine love anyway you want.

     Don't do that.

     >> Let the BIBLE define love.

           Love is the overflow of joy in GOD,            that meets the needs of others.

Reason #7: Pursue Satisfaction in GOD

7.] Last argument for why we should pursue full & lasting      pleasure in GOD. This is the most important one:

     I think the one I just gave you is 2nd most important.

     Because the 1st & the 2nd commandment      are like that.

           "Thou shalt love the LORD your GOD with             all your heart/soul/mind & strength. [51:19]

     And the 2nd is like it: You should love your neighbours      as yourself. I just gave you the argument from:

     "Love of neighbour" -- we can't do it without joy      in GOD, & now what about GOD?

     >> What about HIS glory? [51:29]

7.1] We Exist to Glorify GOD

     I just read in my devotions this morning, just read the      end of Isaiah & twice in Isaiah 60 [51:42]:

           Isaiah 60:1-8 | Arise, shine, for your light has come,            & the glory of the LORD rises upon you. For behold,            darkness covers the earth, & thick darkness is over            the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you,            & HIS glory will appear over you.

           Isaiah 60:6 | Caravans of camels will cover            your land, young camels of Midian & Ephah,            & all from Sheba will come, bearing gold &            frankincense & proclaiming the            praises of the LORD.

           Isaiah 60:21-22 | Then all your people will be            righteous; they will possess the land forever;            they are the branch of MY planting, the            work of MY hands,

           so that I may be glorified.

           The least of you will become a thousand,            & the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD;            in its time I will accomplish it quickly.

     "It looked out at Israel & said HE is wounded & now      HE'll heal & HE will make you the planting of the LORD.

           The work of HIS hands,            that HE may be glorified.

     I was just reminded again, like in every page of the      BIBLE reminds me.

           I exist for the glory of GOD!            You exist for the glory of GOD!

     >> You don't exist for you.

     You exist for the glory of GOD.

7.2] How does my Joy glorify GOD?

     So the question is: How does my telling you to pursue      your joy (accomplish that: bring GOD glory)? [52:30]

     Give GOD glory?

            Because if it doesn't, nothing             matters that I have said.

     My argument is this: You should pursue your full &      lasting satisfaction in GOD, because GOD is most      glorified in you when you are most satisfied in HIM.

           GOD is most glorified (in you),            when you’re most satisfied in HIM

     Repeat [52:59]

7.3] Where is that in the BIBLE?

     Let's go to Philippians 1, this is probably one of the      most important passages in my life.

     Philippians 1:20-23, ESV [53:28]

           Philippians 1:20-23 | I eagerly expect & hope            I will in no way be ashamed, but will have            complete boldness, so that now as always

           CHRIST will be exalted in my body,            whether by life or by death.

           For to me, to live is CHRIST, & to die is gain.

           But if I go on living in the body, this will mean            fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose?

           I do not know. I am torn between the two.

           I desire to depart & be with CHRIST,            which is far better indeed.

     It is my eager expectation & hope, just stop right there.      If you were to ask Paul:

       ●  What's your greatest passion in life?        ●  What's your greatest longing?        ●  What’s your greatest hope, for your life!

     This is what he would say [53:53-54:17] :

           Hope that I will not be ashamed, but that with            full courage, now as always CHRIST will be            magnified/glorified/honoured in my body.

     Stop, there it is. When I came to my Church, I was      a pastor for 33 years in one Church & I remember      my first sermon was from this text. [54:19-54:28]

     I told the people:

            "Look I'm here for one central reason,             I want to eat/drink/sleep/live/preach/             pastor/council to make CHRIST             look magnificent!!" [54:47]

     That’s that that text says.

     That’s what it says, right?

            I want my body/hand/mouth/eyes,             everything about me, I want it to count             to make CHRIST look magnificent.

     And I hope one of the effects of this conference      would be [55:11]:

             that’s what you want              more than anything.

             CHRIST magnified.

Objection: Isn’t this about Joy?

      And if you feel like, but that’s not what you’ve been       saying. This whole time, you’ve been telling us to       pursue joy in GOD [55:19-:55-27]

      If this 7th argument isn't valid, I've just wasted       the last 55 minutes [55:38]

      Let’s keep reading.

7.4] How is CHRIST going to be magnified in the body?        (of Paul & other believers in CHRIST)

      Whether by life or death..

      To live is CHRIST & death is gain [v.21].

      Now why would death be gain? [56:07]

      And he answers in the next few verses.       >> Death = more of JESUS (bonus)

      He has JESUS here [56:50-56:54].

            if you’re a Christian,             you have JESUS,             HE lives within you             by HIS SPIRIT. 

     But oh when you see HIM face-to-face,      without any sin anymore in your life,

       ●  you will experience HIM        ●  you will know HIM        ●  you will enjoy HIM

     at a level beyond imagination [57:09]

     And that's what Paul said, "I want to be with JESUS now."

7.5] Delight only in JESUS***

     Now let's trace the argument to see how that      relates to magnifying JESUS [57:24]

          CHRIST will be exalted in my body,           whether by life or by death.

     Let’s just focus on death.

     How will CHRIST be magnified in my body      by my death? [57:52]

     For to die is gain, how is it gain?      I get more of JESUS.

     This demonstrates to the world, how immensely glorious      & valuable GOD is whenever we’re willing to die & leave      everything this world offers..

     in order that we may have more of CHRIST [58:11].

            So CHRIST over here, & everything             that life has to offer over there

            I choose CHRIST & consider that loss

     That’s what Paul says in Philippians 3:7

           Philippians 3:7 | But whatever was gain to me            I count as loss for the sake of CHRIST.

     I consider (worldly pursuits) as loss, & CHRIST is gain.

     So Paul magnifies CHRIST in his death, by being so      satisifed in CHRIST--as he’s dying (refusing the world)      he considers having lost nothing by leaving the world      --rather to him (death) is all gain, since no more sin &      finally able to enjoy JESUS CHRIST fully uninterrupted      unadulterated pure being in CHRIST’s presence [58:53]

     The only way that argument works is if Paul is truly      satisfied in JESUS (& the world by comparison is      so void of everything we truly desire for lasting      pleasure/happiness).

            CHRIST is most magnified (in Paul)             when Paul is so satisfied in CHRIST             that losing the entire world is gain.

     Or to generalize, GOD is most glorified (in you)      when you’re most satisfied in HIM [59:43].

7.6] You don’t have to choose

     We’ll talk about that later this afternoon.

            You don’t have to choose             between glorifying GOD             & being happy.

     If you do choose, then you fail on both counts.***

7.7] Personal Experience

      Let me close with this story [59:59]

I have been married to my wife for 50 years, 5-0 fifty, last December (2018); & I've told this story in China/Russia, I've told it almost everywhere I've been because I improve upon the point it makes about argument #7 [1:00:29] So let's pretend it's my anniversary, & I'm going to surprise my wife with some flowers. When she sees them, she looks puzzled & asks: "Oh Johnny they're beautiful, why did you?" And suppose I say

"It's my duty, I read an authoratative marriage manual; & it says that to be a good husband you should give her flowers on her anniversary,...so I'm doing what I'm supposed to do [1:01:29] That's a bad answer, so let's rewind & do it again. Ding Dong! Puzzled look on her face: "Happy Anniversary Noel." Oh Johnny they're beautiful why did you? "Because nothing makes me happier than to celebrate you, there's nothing (& no one) I'd rather do than spend the evening with you. And so I have a plan tonight we're going to your favourite restaurant, because there is nobody I would rather spend the evening with than you [1:02:16]

Now that's the right answer btw. Why wouldn't she accuse me of being selfish? It's all about you isn't it, nothing would make you happier huh.

All you ever think about is you, you, you! [1:02:47]

Pursuing your joy, you preach about this all over the world! Why wouldn't she say that? [1:02:55]

If you can answer that question, you understand this entire message & you know GOD. [1:03:03]

Here's the answer, the reason she would never say that is because she knows, you know, & GOD knows (it's in HIS book). GOD knows that when you enjoy someone, you honour them [1:03:23] She feels honoured when I say: "You make me glad. You are the one person I would like to spend time with, more than anybody else. If you say that to somebody, you magnify them, you honour them [1:03:41] You glorify them! & you're seeking your own pleasure, but you just happen to be seeking it in them! [1:03:54] So when you knock on GOD's door, at the end of your life, & HE says to you: "Why do you want to come in here? If you say, well I read in the book that this is where you're supposed to want to be [1:04:12] or I don't want to go to Hell. Those are wrong answers, that's not going to cut it. The answer is going to be (when HE says why do you want to be here?) is: "I want to be with YOU!" [1:04:26] Because YOU told me in YOUR WORD, & I have tasted it with my tongue that in YOUR Presence is fullness of joy. [1:04:35] And at YOUR right hand are pleasures forevermore. If you say that to GOD & you mean it through JESUS CHRIST, big smile is gonna come across HIS face & HE's going to pick you up & whisk you in. But if you tell HIM, "Well I've done all the right things, you'll not see a smile on HIS face [1:04:58]

Closing Prayer

Let's pray. FATHER in Heaven, I pray for all of us now in this room, that the miracle would happen of our souls finding the fountain of living water, as we come to CHRIST. Make that miracle happen I pray. Give us a taste for JESUS CHRIST. Give us a taste for YOU FATHER, & YOUR Grace [1:05:26] So that we are more satisfied in YOU than anything else. Because YOU are more glorified in us, when we are more satisfied in YOU. In JESUS Name, amen.

Video: youtu.be/aUPSZBm1OjY

Christian hedonism not only teaches that GOD HIMSELF is the most desirable, soul-satisfying treasure, but that our enjoying HIM, being satisfied in HIM, is essential in glorifying HIM as HE deserves.

GOD is not as glorified by mere duty as HE is by delight.

#John Piper #joy in GOD #obedience to GOD #joy causes obedience #2 Corinthians 8 #2 Corinthians 8:1 #2 Corinthians 8:2 #Philippians 1 #Philippians 1:20 #Philippians 1:21 #Philippians 1:22 #Philippians 1:23 #Philippians 1:20-23 #fully satisfied in GOD #Psalms 23 #delight in GOD #Christian hedonism #treasure #glorify GOD

[its-a-writer-thing]

How to Build an Author Website - Budget

To continue off our last installment of “How to Build an Author Website” (peek in on the last post to see why they’re so necessary), we’re going to dive into an important detail on every thrifty writer’s mind: the budget.

Websites are everywhere, so you might assume they’re cheap to create and manage. Technically speaking, they are! You can create a free blog here on Tumblr, Wordpress, or somewhere else without spending a penny. You can have your own custom URL through these providers for basically pennies. But how about a more advanced site?

First, let’s discuss why it’s important to have your own site, rather than going for these free options.

Advantages of a Free Site:

Well – it’s free!

It’s already connected with the social media platforms that are hosting it – such as the aforementioned Wordpress and Tumblr.

Little to no building hassle.

Disadvantages:

You’re stuck with that platform’s name in your URL – for example, “blahblah.wordpress.com.” This looks unprofessional and generally establishes you as someone who isn’t that serious about promoting themselves. For a casual writer, this is perfectly fine. For a serious author, it’s a little distasteful.

You’re limited to the design templates that everyone else is using. They’re free after all, so many people will be using the same one. Even with a few color changes, you’re easily recognizable as someone who clicked the generic option rather than investing in something unique. If you’re not that invested in your writing, why should readers take you more seriously?

Your site is littered with ads. The platform has the right to advertise on your site – which includes a horde of ads (of their choosing) littering all your posts and pages. While we’re all used to ads by now, it’s unprofessional and an annoyance to visitors, which may cause them to look elsewhere. Even more concerning – since you have no control over what those ads are, you could be offending or otherwise irritating your viewers by accident!

With that said, creating your own website is really the better option – both for looks and functionality. Additionally, it gives you a solid foundation to build off of as your writing and your brand as an author grows.

The good news is, this can be accomplished for as little as $40 a year – or $3-ish dollars a month, which is a fraction of what even Netflix costs! The budget for a website depends on three main things:

Reoccurring Costs

These will come in the form of domain and hosting fees.

Your domain is your website’s URL or name – so, this could be lsanderssonauthor.com or some variant of that. You’re paying for the exclusive right to use that title/URL. The price of a domain name can be paid monthly or yearly, and yearly can cost anywhere from $10 to $60 on average.

Hosting is where you’ll effectively be ‘storing’ your site. The content on it, the pictures, the links, and everything in between need to be stored somewhere, and sadly the great wide internet isn’t willing to do this for free. A hosting company will offer packages depending on how large you intend your site to be, how many emails you’d like, and so on. Some hosting sites also offer design classes or articles on how to customize your site, which further helps in building your own, should you choose this.

The average yearly cost for hosting can vary, depending on if you sign a contract for 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, and so on – but can rest anywhere from $50 to several thousand.

Pro-Tip from Lena S Andersson: “Be sure to get an email address with your website! This will be a huge advantage if fans ever want to get in contact or if you need to sign up for events as an author.

“Also, prices can vary a lot depending on which hosting provider you choose and what is included in your package. Month-to-month rates tend to be more expensive than if you are on an annual plan.”

Building Yourself

Building the site yourself can be almost free. Wordpress offers many site templates that you can buy for anywhere from $20 to $200, and their platform makes it easy for a novice to edit. 

However, it’s recommended you stay away from the free or extremely low-cost templates, unless you have some design knowledge, as you may end up looking just like every other website that chose that design. Not only does it look unprofessional, but it could lead to some difficulties in the future if one of these sites decides to call you on that.

Pro-Tip from Lena: “Getting a site up and running can be super budget-friendly if you do most (or all of the) things yourself, or you can ask a professional web designer do the whole thing. So we are talking anything from the cost of a hosting package and a domain name (if you do all work yourself), to hundreds and perhaps thousands of dollars if you hire a professional web person. That’s why I chose to tackle the venture personally!”

Hiring a Designer

Designers will be able to create a better, more complex site that has the looks, widgets, and features you’re seeking but may not be able to create yourself. However… they’re expensive.

A template site, which is where the designer takes another site’s design and then tailors certain things to make it unique for you, can cost anywhere between $100 to $700. The less tailoring they do, the cheaper it will be. With this, they often set up your email, may offer hosting and domain packages with the design, and can factor in your wishes for the look and layout of the site – all with no effort required from you.

You may think, “If they’re just customizing a template, why bother? Why don’t I do it myself?” And that’s a fair argument. But it’s worth noting exactly how much they’ll be changing the site to make it unique and how much coding knowledge they’ll leverage to do this. A $100 site will look far different from a $700 site, even if they both originated from templates. All in all, you’re mainly paying for peace of mind (as a professional is on the job) and a lack of effort on your part (you don’t have to teach yourself how to do this, which can be a lengthy process).

A bespoke site, which is where the designer builds an entirely new site for you - from the ground up - can be valued at anywhere from $800 to several thousand dollars. Granted, it’s entirely yours and entirely unique, but it costs a pretty penny.

Do You Need Monthly Updates?

If you go the web designer route, you may find them recommending monthly updates to be included in their package. These serve to tighten your security and modify some of the features of your site as the internet naturally upgrades, progresses, and leaves your site looking a little outdated.

While this is absolutely valuable in its own right, it mainly applies to sites used by businesses or vendors, where they’re selling a large number of products or gartering a great deal of traffic. For an author site that will generally remain static, save a few updates posted by you or the occasional new book added to your ‘shop’ feature, there’s not much that will happen to leave your site in the dust next to other sites.

Pro-Tip from Lena: “It’s wise to check other author sites every few months and see what features or widgets they’ve added, and maybe incorporate some into your own design so that you stay ‘fresh.’ As your collection as an author grows, it may be worthwhile to consult a professional to see what can be ‘tuned up’ in your site.

“However, if you’re staying budget-friendly, a monthly WP update (or other platform, should you choose one) isn’t crucial. You could even consult with a designer once every year or so to see if any modifications are necessary – but you can also achieve this on your own with a little extra work.”

All in All

If you’re looking to be very budget-friendly, you can secure your own site for under $100 every three years (assuming you sign on for a package long-term).

Building your own author website, instead of relying on free options, is not only savvy for your overall appearance online as an author, but can also be cost effective in the long run. You can gain and keep more visitors on your site, better advertise your work, and even place ads of your own choosing on the site! A web designer that creates a ‘bespoke’ site will certainly give you a more customized and crisp look – but with enough research and effort, you can accomplish most of this yourself, for free!

So, if you decide to go the do-it-yourself route – where do you start? What hosting and domain services should you use? How do you find a good one? We’ll discuss this in our next article, “Finding the Right Hosting Provider” – so stay tuned!

#writing advice #building a website #author website #author site #self published #debut author #L S Andersson #Behind Closed Doors #Behind Closed Doors: Trusting The Unseen #iawt #website budget #author site budget #budget #writer budget

[races-erster]

knight in shining armor (davey x reader)

Requested: yep! by anon!

Word Count: 3185

Warnings: Violence

A/n: This is the longest fic I’ve ever written, and I’m very proud of the outcome! This is also my first time writing for Davey, and i feel like it’s pretty in character, so I hope you all think the same! also, thanks for the anon who requested this! I ad a lot of fun writing it! 

Prompt: “you make me cliche, but I love it I guess.”

Materlist

How to be tagged

Request

—

David Jacobs had read hundreds of books. Some were scientific, others had been plays, but his absolute favorite were fairy tales or anything romantically cliche.

When David started to sell newspapers, his time for reading was diminished. He longed to read anything other than the news. He longed for a cliche story to read. He longed for the stories of a knight in shining armor, saving someone, and them living happily ever after.

David wanted his life to be like those stories he wanted to be the hero for once in his life. He wanted an epic love story. Little did he know, he was about to have all of that.

—

You noticed him as soon as he walked through the circulation gate. There was a new kid, and for some reason , he was incredibly intriguing: the way he carried himself and the way he dressed was different from all the boys you had gotten used to. He seemed reserved and worried about the strange new company around him and about the small kid who trailed closely behind.

You had been talking to Jack when your attention was further drawn towards the new kids. The smaller of the two made a comment about also being new to Wiesel as if he was offended for not being noticed.

After that, you all turned to see the situation unfold. The older boy had claimed that he was missing a paper, and the Delanceys looked like they were getting ready to soak him for the accusation. Jack started to go over to the kid, but you stopped him and went over yourself.

The kid looked startled when you went over and abruptly took his papers to count them.

“Hey, the new kid’s right Weasel. You only gave him 19. I’m sure it’s an honest mistake though, on account of Oscar can’t count to 20 with his shoes on,” you teased.

Oscar looked ready to fight you, so Jack drew the attention away, “Give the new kid 50 more papes!”

“I don’t want more papers. I’m no charity case. I don’t even know you.”

The older kid grabbed the smaller one’s hand and began to pull him towards the exit of the square, but the latter pulled out of his grasp and climbed up on a stack of papers.

“His name is Jack! And that’s Y/n!”

“Yeah! This here’s the famous Jack Kelly! He once escaped jail on the back of Teddy Roosevelt’s carriage. Made all the papes. Y/n’s smuggled food and things to the kids in the refuge all their life and they get kids out of there sometimes. They’re the best newsie in the city too,” Crutchie boasted.

“Guilty,” you admitted. “How old are you, kid?”

“I’m 10...almost!”

“Well kid, if anybody asks, you’re 7. Younger sells more papes, especially if we’re gonna partner.”

That got the older kid’s attention really drawn in on you and the younger kid, “Who said we wanna partner?”

“Selling with Y/n is the chance of a lifetime. You sell with them, you sell with the best!” Crutchie boasted again.

“If they’re the best, what do they need with us?”

“Cause you got a little brother and I don’t. With that puss, we could easily sell a thousand papes a week,” you countered.

“This is my brother David! And I’m Les!”

“Nice to meet you Davey. My two bits come off the top, we split everything 70 30. Y’know what? I’ll do you even better than that. 60 40.”

“50 50. You’re trying to pull a fast one on a little kid!”

“60 40 and that’s my final offer. Deal?” You asked, spitting in your hand and sticking it out for him to shake.

“Deal,” he said, spitting in his hand and returning the handshake.

“That’s disgusting,” Davey inquired.

“That’s just business,” you protested. “We better go before the Delanceys try to kick us out. Come on.”

—

Les was a natural born seller. Davey on the other hand, wasn’t as good as he could be. You had sold out of papers long before he had. Les had even run out of them and sold one of Davey’s last two.

Davey tried so hard to sell the paper, but it was to no avail. He wasn’t able to make up headlines or make the stories sound interesting. You decided that you would just sell his paper for him and give him the money.

“Extra, extra! Terrifying flight from burning inferno! You heard the story right here!” You called, and a man came up and paid you for the paper.

“You lied,” Davey gawked.

“I did not,” you protested. “I said he heard it right here and he did.”

“Yeah well, my father told me not to lie,” Davey said bluntly.

“Theirs taught them not to starve,” Jack said coming up behind you.

“We should get going if we’re going to find them a place to stay, Jack,” you said turning to him.

“Oh, yeah. Right. Hey,” he started addressing Davey and Les, “how about we divy up the money? We’ll get you some food and find you a place to stay.”

“Oh, we gotta get home. Our folks will be waiting with dinner.”

“You have folks?” You questioned.

“Doesn’t everyone?”

Les’ question made you sharply inhale and look down at the ground. Les was too innocent for his own good. You only hoped he would never have to go through losing one of his parents while he was still young.

“Les,” Davey warned once he saw how your demeanor change. “Why don’t you come over for dinner? Our folks would be glad to have you.”

“Thanks, but I just remembered that Jack and I have a meeting with somebody soon. They’re probably waiting for us now,” you lied.

Les pointed further down the road and asked, “Is that the guy you’re meeting?”

You turned and saw Snyder coming toward you. He noticed you and Jack and called out your names. You told Davey and Les to follow you as you all ran down the streets of the city.

You were still being chased by the time you got to the Bowery. Jack ran up the fire escape followed by Les and then Davey. As you started to climb, you felt a hand grab you ankle and start to pull you back towards the ground.

Davey noticed that you were taking longer than everyone else had, so he turned to check on you. He saw Snyder pulling you down by your leg and he gave you his hand to pull you up.

Once you were finally free from Snyder and up the fire escape of the theater, Davey still had ahold of your hand and you had a strange feeling in your chest.

—

You all entered the theater though a back window and ended up on the catwalk.

“Why am I running? I have nobody chasing me,” Davey muttered.

“Believe me, if you knew who that was, you’d have a reason to run,” you replied.

“Then, who was it?”

“You were about to answer when Jack spoke up instead, “That was Snyder. He runs a jail for underage kids called the Refuge.”

“Do yourself a favor and stay clear of him and that god awful place,” you added.

He nodded as you heard Miss Medda call out from the stage “No kids allowed in the theater!”

Jack climbed down from the catwalk, and the rest of you followed in suit. You and Jack both greeted Miss Medda and you introduced Davey and Les.

When Davey greeted her, he bowed as if he was meeting royalty, and you couldn’t help but laugh to yourself a little. It was kinda cute.

Davey heard you laugh quietly, and shot straight up from his position. He could feel the heat rising to his face, but turned when he noticed that Les was staring at the Bowery Beauties.

“What’s wrong with you?” He asked Les sternly.

“Are you blind? She’s got no clothes on!” Les responded.

You, Jack, and Medda all tried to hold back your laughter while the conversation between Davey and Les was unfolding. You had lost focus on what was happening around you as you looked at Davey, until you heard Miss Medda say, “Theater’s not only entertaining, it’s educational. Got your picture kid?”

Les nodded frantically as Miss Medda had began to acknowledge the backdrop Jack had painted her. Les and Davey began to admire and compliment him on his work, but he just brushed of the comments as if painting something that intricate was child’s play.

Suddenly, Miss Medda’s stage manager ran up to her, telling her that she was supposed to be on stage. She made a joke about and laughed, which you and Jack went along with as well.

Miss Medda told you to stay as long as you all needed to before she went on stage to perform. Jack went to sit with the audience, while you, Davey, and Les stayed behind and watched from backstage.

After Medda went on and introduced the Bowery Beauties to the audience, you noticed that Les looked exhausted. You nudged Davey from his spot beside you to get his attention.

“Y/n, I think I’m going to take him home,” Davey whispered to you in order to not interrupt the show.

“That’s probably a good idea. I’ll walk out with you since I can’t find Jack.”

—

The three of you went outside of the theater after you made sure Snyder wasn’t still out there waiting for you.

“Y/n, do you want us to take you back to wherever you’re staying?” Davey asked.

“No thanks, Davey. I’ll be alright. Besides I don’t want to keep you guys from getting home. Your parents are probably worried.”

“Okay. Goodnight, Y/n.”

“Goodnight, Davey.”

—

The walk home between Davey and Les had been silent. Les was thinking through the day, and thought of a question for Davey.

“You like Y/n don’t you?”

“They’re nice. Is that what you mean?” Davey replied.

“No. I mean you love them, don’t you?”

Heat rose up to Davey’s face for the second time that night and stuttered out, “People don’t fall in love in one day, Les.”

“But that’s how all your books go. The one guy, I can’t remember what they’re called, saves somebody and then they fall in love right after.”

“They’re called knights in shining armor. And I haven’t saved Y/n from anything. Besides, people only fall in love like that in stories,” Davey defended.

“You have saved them though. When that guy was chasing us and he grabbed Y/n, you went to get them,” Les added.

Davey never responded and spent the rest of the night contemplating what Les had said. Even when he was trying to fall asleep, he couldn’t get your name out of his head. Maybe Les was right.

It would explain why he was so embarrassed when he greeted Miss Medda and it would explain why he didn’t let go of your hand after he knew you were safe when Snyder grabbed you.

Meanwhile, back at the lodge you were having similar thoughts. You kept thinking back to that feeling of Davey’s hand in yours, how your hand felt empty without his, and how he offered to take you back to the lodge. He sure was something else.

—

The next day, you woke up feeling great, until you saw the new headline. They were going to make you pay 60 cents for 100 papers instead of the usual 50. You all decide that no one was going to sell papers until they put the price back. You were one strike.

The boys all decided that you and Jack would be the presidents of the strike. Davey was the only one who was apprehensive about joining though. You explained to him why you all had to go on strike, and he finally agreed.

Later that day, you were all sitting around the tables at Jacobi’s Deli discussing who would tell the other boroughs about the strike. It was decided that you, Jack, and Davey would take care of Brooklyn.

While you were all determining who would go where, a young woman walking in asking why everyone was so afraid of Brooklyn. Jack seemed to already know her, and you sort of recognized her from the day before.

She said that she would be able to get all of you in the paper, front page even, if she had an exclusive story about the strike. That got the attention of everybody, and soon you were all wondering if you would actually be able to be on the front page.

You all left after that and decided to head to your designated boroughs the next morning. You and Davey bid each other goodnight just as you had the night before.

—

Waiting for the circulation gate to open the next morning felt the same as torture. Brooklyn wasn’t coming, and you were losing hope that anyone else would.

Race came up and asked if you had seen Brooklyn and you couldn’t help but groan.

“Sure we seen him,” Jack exhaustedly said.

“Him and about 20 of his gang,” Davey inquired.

“And those Brooklyn boys is big,” Les added.

“Yeah, everyone except for Spot,” you said, sarcastically. “At least he was impressed though. Not with us, but impressed.”

“He’s really not gonna help?” Race questioned, his tone filled with discouragement.

“That all depends on how you look at it. If you look and see Brooklyn, they’re with us,” Davey explained.

“Yeah. They wanted proof that we weren’t going to fold at the first sign of trouble,” you scoffed.

The rest of the newsies came by, and said that each borough was only going to join once Brooklyn would. Needless to say, everyone was ready to quit.

Jack had Davey launch into a big speech about how we had to strike in order for everybody to see that you all weren’t just kids. By the end of it, you were once again ready to face Pulitzer and Hearst and get the rights that you all deserved.

—

Suddenly, three scabs pushes passed everyone and bought papers. Jack spoke up to get them to join the side of everyone else, and soon after, everyone was speaking in order to get them to join your side.

The scabs decided to ditch Weasel and the Delanceys in order to fight for what was right, and the strike looked like it would end in your favor.

You were by Davey when you heard Les calling for help. You both turned, and saw the Delanceys shoving Les around. Davey ran over and pushed the Delanceys away from him, and he gave Les to you.

All the newsies in the square cornered the Delanceys and pushed then down, so Les was able to hit them together. Once they were able to get up, the Delanceys ran out of the gate.

You all threw papers around after they left, and you ran to find Davey in the crowd. Once you did, you threw your arms around him.

“Thank you, Davey. Without you none of this would have happened,” you said.

You kissed his cheek and he returned your hug. You stayed in each other’s embrace until you noticed everyone had gone silent. You lifted your head off of Davey’s shoulder and saw Weasel surrounded by strikebreakers. Davey noticed the look on your face, and followed your gaze to once again see the large amount of strikebreakers. Instinctively, his arms wrapped tighter around your waist.

“Y/n, I need you to take Les and get out of here.”

“Davey, I’m not leaving without you. Either we both go, or someone else takes Les,” you protested. “What if Katherine took him? Or at least hid with him?”

“Fine. But if anything happens, come find me, okay?” He asked, as Jack told all the newsies to fight.

“I will.”

You ran to find Katherine to two her to keep an eye on Les. She grabbed his hand and ran with him to hide in the nearest alleyway.

—

You had been fighting one of the strikebreakers when you heard Romeo thanking a cop for showing up. Next thing you knew, Romeo was on the ground, and Davey had been hit by the bull.

You rushed over to his side to make sure that he was alright, but all he said in return was, “Y/n, you have to go now. Please.”

“Davey. I’m not going. Everyone needs me here and besides, I wouldn’t leave unless you did too.”

“Okay. Just don’t get hurt.”

You ran off to help Elmer, but ended up being grabbed by Oscar. He punched you and knocked you to the ground. It ended up knocking all of the air out of you and it took you a few minutes to remember what was going on.

You were still on the ground when you saw Davey over you, getting Oscar away from you the best that he could. Eventually, Oscar got tired of his efforts, and moved on to fight someone else.

Davey picked you up, and you tried to protest, but by the time you started, you, Davey, Katherine, and Les we’re out of the square.

“What happened to them, Davey?” Les asked, worried about you.

“One of the brothers just messed with them a little bit. They’ll be okay though,” he answered.

You looked up at Davey and couldn’t help but admire him. Eventually, you felt a wave of exhaustion take over you, and fell asleep in Davey’s arms.

—

You woke up and felt something on your head. You removed the wash rag, and looked over to your right. Davey was next to you, tending to another one of your wounds.

He noticed that you had woken up, and moved so he could help you sit up in the bed.

“How’re you feeling?”

“I’m okay, Davey. Really.”

“I’m glad,” he started. “When you fell asleep, I got a little worried.”

“You don’t have you be worried. I’m okay.”

You moved so you could rest your head on his shoulder. After sometime, you finally said “You know, Davey? You make me really cliche, but I love it, I guess.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just, thank you for saving me.”

“I wouldn’t necessarily say that I saved you,” Davey said, blushing at your words.

“I would. It’s the second time you have, really. First you saved me from Snyder, then you saved me from Oscar. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re like my own personal knight in shining armor,” you joked.

Although it was a joke, there was a lot of truth behind it. Davey had saved from any tough spot you had been in since you met. In a way, he was your hero.

“Well,” Davey started, “when a knight in shining armor saves someone, they usually end up falling in love. Does that mean you’re falling in love with me?” Davey asked you, nervously.

“It just might.”

—

Tag List:

@blytheandherbrain @adderall-anon @well-the-kids-do-too @writer-of-camelot@viennaleia@sunshinecrutchie @sapphire–love @midnight-finch @crutchieee-morris@dpslover4life-blog @newsieswearingheelies @fishtankfullofpennies@musicalidiotthe3rd @ben-cook-can-cook @pandalfthesmol@carryingthedaveyjacobs @sunshine-musicals-yea @just-go-and-get-her@ilovebway @thebroadwayaesthetic @was-it-the-nargles-again @fandom-fangirl07 @newsies-plaza @i-got-personality @awwwwwwdang @c0ronas@ughwaitwhat @thecaptainsgingersnap @the-woild-is-my-what-now @you-thinks-wrong-romeo @suddenly-im-respecsable @racinghiggins @bennie-badeend @ilovejoshburrage @val-dani03 @newsie-fics @newtieparker @seasickdolphin @happy-little-musician @the-story-of-the-tucks @the-world-has-buttery-smiles @spot-conlon-king-of-brooklyn @the-real-king-racetrack-higgins @c-taylor-wanna-be-a-glader @rsis0811 @iwantsomesleep @nverkept @constantly-singing @happy-little-musician @bastille-smedry @king-of-nyc @jd-sammy @farfromjustordinary

#newsies #newsies x reader #davey jacobs #davey x reader #davey jacobs x reader #jack kelly #katherine plumber #les jacobs #racetrack higgins

[bitchpaw]

one of those question/answer  thingies i modified from deviantart

i tag my mutuals uwu if they want 

i just think these thigns are fun

1. What does your Tumblr name mean and why?

bitchpaw is a warrior cats reference/joke dsfj 

2. What fandom were you obsessed with when you joined and what are you in now? iiiii dont think i liked anything when i JOINED and im not in any now? except simblr or pokemon but thats just from association. the only fandom i really interact with is fallout and red dead redemption 

3. How many followers do you have now?

200 i think

4. Name 3 of your favorite artists: louis wain and lots more. check out my #art tag

6. Do you participate in clubs or contests here on Tumblr?

my friends run simblrcomplain so, that i guess

8. What are your favorite non-anime TV shows?

over the garden wall, she-ra (reboot) and chernobyl currently

10. Summer or winter?

spring

11. Rain or Sun?

idc

12. What's your favorite type of music?

hozier type stuff? and rock (classic, indie, hard, soft, etc), country, electropop, rap. so no definitive favourite

13. PC or Mac?

PC 14. Anime or Manga?

manga 15. Coke or Pepsi?

having teeth

16. Read or TV?

either, usually read

17. How many hours a day do you spend on Tumblr?

0-3 recently

19. Flash or traditional cartoons?

traditional 

20. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?

they all kinda suck

21. What are your top 3 favorite books? (not mangas) dont know? sdjfhdsj

22. Wii or PlayStation?

playstation 

23. Name 3 of your favorite bands/singers.

johnny cash, janelle monae, hozier

25. Do you like Denny's?

never been

26. What is your favorite smiley?

uwu or like.. :3c

27. What is your favorite type of pie?

chicken or beef

28. Have you ever stayed up for 24 hours?

nope

32. Fruits or sweets? depends on what is available 

33. Buttered, plain, or salted popcorn?

sweet

34. Have you skipped school?

yeah

35. Have you been on a plane?

yea

36. Have you swam in an ocean?

yeah, 2 of them (atlantic and mediterranean) 

37. Have you been ice skating?

ye. i used to be really good as a child but now im too scared to do anything but struggle dhsfkjhs

38. Favorite sport?

idk

39. Ever been on TV?

not to my knowledge 

40. Favorite salad and dressing?

i like it when its crunchy and without lettuce or tomato. and ranch

42. What is the last film you saw in the movie theatre?

toy story 4

43. Favorite Sandwich?

ham and cheese? or bacon salad

44. If you could go anywhere in the world…

mount st helens. or monument valley

45. Favorite time of the day?

late morning or like 10pm

46. What did you want to be when you were little?

a palaeontologist 

47. What do you want to be now?

a writer or scientist of some sort

48. If you could eat with one person, who would it be?

my friends

49. What character would you hate to be stuck in a room with?

idk

50. Favorite type of ice cream?

cookie dough or neapolitan 

52. Last book you read?

a thousand splendid suns

53. Which store would you max out a credit card at?

waterstones

54. Do you buy / sell / both on eBay?

buy

55. What is the most annoying thing people ask you? "are you a boy or a girl?”

57. What was your favorite show when you were a kid?

my parents say peppa pig

58. What are you listening to right now?

hurt by johnny cash

59. What is the last thing you ate?

ice cream, ben and jerrys 60. If you were a crayon what color would you be?

blue

61. Personality cant be summed up just Like That

62. Favorite sport to play?

rounders or skiing

63. Favorite Day of the Year?

christmas?

64. Hugs or Kisses?

hugs

65. Vanilla or Chocolate?

chocolate, but vanilla is close second

66. Favorite Board Game?

prefer card games

67. Favorite smells?

chlorine and bromine, but ive only Took A Whiff of the latter once cus its highly toxic lol. also vanilla, rain on concrete/dirt, wet forest, pond, cat, blanket, stream smells

68. What inspires you?

music, reading, talking, my family, my friends, movies sometimes

69. Do you have any piercings?

used to

70. How many siblings do you have?

nunya

71. Bacon Bits or Croutons?

bacon

72. Favorite Day of the Week?

saturday

73. Favorite phrase?

wig ok

74. Favorite Restaurant?

not sure? local pubs i guess

75. Favorite animal?

cat, but also most birds, especially local ones

76. Favorite thing to do outside?

walk, look at the stars, explore

77. Favorite thing to do when it's raining?

smel it

78. Favorite Disney character?

tigress and buzz lightyear

79. Do you like coffee? If so, what is your favorite brand? i like lattes. i dont see the difference between most brands

#b #we out here #i deleted one of them but i cba to fix the numbers lol

[thelastmemeera]

What does it mean to be a billionaire?

So there’s been a lot of discussion floating around regarding billionaires and society, and I’ve noticed that most people have no idea what a billion dollars is for practical purposes - people tend to think of it as a vague, nebulous concept of “a lot of money” rather than something concrete you can wrap your head around. This is understandable, considering 1) a billion of anything is really hard to visualize and 2) the average person has no real reference point for an amount of money that large. So I’m going to try to break it down for everyone:

Okay, so imagine you have a billion dollars. What can you actually buy with that?

This is a mega mansion that will have an Imax cinema, a bowling alley, and a spa when it’s fully complete. It costs around 4.6 million dollars.

Now let’s buy one of these in every country in Europe - that’s 50 mansions you now own. So how are you going to travel between all your many homes?

This is a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the fastest street-legal car in the world. It has a maximum speed of a face-melting 254 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. It costs around 2.5 million dollars.

Let’s buy a dozen of them - you know, in case you total a few of them racing around the highway. But maybe a sports car is still to slow for you:

This is an Embraer Lineage 1000. It’s private jet that can seat up to 19 passengers, and we’re going to buy it for 53 million dollars.

How about a boat? The Tatoosh is a 303 ft private yacht, meaning it’s longer than a football field. We’ll take it for 369 million dollars.

Do you like art? Just for fun let’s buy Monet’s most expensive painting ($90 million) Van Gogh’s most expensive painting ($151 million), and this monstrosity, which is made with 8,601 diamonds and costs 65 million dollars.

Now that we’ve gone on our ludicrous and absurdly wasteful shopping spree, how much money do we have leftover? About 12 million dollars, which is almost an order of magnitude more than the average American with a bachelors degree or higher earns in a lifetime ($1.8 million). So if you for whatever reason decided to buy the 50 houses, 12 sports cars, plane, yacht, art pieces etc. and immediately set them all on fire, you would still have enough cash leftover so you never would have to work again if you so chose. This is what it means to be a billionaire.

But we’re not done yet.

The richest person in the world is Bill Gates, with a net worth of 86 billion dollars. If he liquidated his assets, what could he buy?

Well, for starters, the Burj Khalifa - the tallest man-made structure in the world at 2,722 feet tall, costing around 1.5 billion dollars.

The Large Hadron Collider, the world’s biggest and most advanced particle accelerator for 9 billion dollars.

The Hubble Space Telescope for 10 billion dollars (including 20 years of operating costs).

The Three Gorges Dam, the largest power station in the world, more than a mile wide.

And to top it all off, a fleet of five Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, the largest military vessels ever built for around 8.9 billion dollars each. If you look at the picture very closely you can see the people standing on it for reference.

If Bill Gates bought all of this, he would still have around 2.3 billion dollars leftover. That’s enough to go on the billionaire shopping spree I described above twice over (so 100 mansions, 24 sports cars etc.) and still have hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank when it’s all said and done.

But we’re not done yet.

Currently, it’s estimated that there are 2,043 billionaires alive today, with a combined net worth of around 7.67 trillion dollars.

This is Russia, the largest country in the world, extending more than six and a half million square miles, with a population of more than 144 million people. The United Kingdom could fit inside Russia 70 times.

In 2016 Russia’s gross domestic product was about 1.28 trillion dollars. This means that if the two thousand and some odd richest people in the world - less than half of 0.1% of 0.1% of the Earth’s population - liquidated and pooled their assets together, they could buy every single product and service made in Russia for almost 6 years.

So yeah, make of that what you will.

[andrewjohnsonmpls]

The Comprehensive Plan (2040)

Every ten years, the City of Minneapolis is required under state law to update its Comprehensive Plan – a document that guides land use and hundreds of policies. For years, City staff and policymakers have been preparing for this latest update, and will spend years after an updated plan is passed working on setting specific details and implementing components of the plan; in this way, the Comprehensive Plan is part of a continuous cycle of policy work.

Given the monumental challenges before us – climate change threatening our way of life, some of the worst racial disparities in the entire United States right here in our city, and an affordable housing crisis devastating families across Minneapolis – we wanted more than a light refresh of the Comp Plan, we wanted to revisit all policy areas and seriously consider the causes of the problems we face today and how we might work to address them during this next cycle of policy work. This work was informed by a wide-variety of open houses and input sessions to gather a diverse range of feedback from across our city. What our staff produced is a well-written draft, which you can find here. I encourage you to read it.

The initial draft of the plan, released this spring, was meant to be bold and start a conversation – that it did. That first draft proposed allowing property owners up to four units of housing (through new construction or conversion of an existing home) on what are today single-family home lots. Many residents, myself included, had concerns about the impact of this for a variety of reasons, and it became the focal point of criticism of the plan; in many ways that was unfortunate, as it overshadowed so many other important policy suggestions – most of which are also bold and would have widespread support if they received more attention. Public input on the initial draft plan was gathered over months, and with more than 10,000 comments received, staff went to work updating and releasing a final draft which was unveiled this fall. This final draft reduced the maximum allowable housing density for today’s single-family house lots from four units to three, downzoned many corridors from what was initially proposed, and added more detail and supporting information throughout the plan.

Since the initial release, I have held four meetings in Ward 12 in partnership with our three neighborhood associations (LCC, SENA, and NENA) to share information, answer questions, and most importantly, hear from constituents. Beyond these meetings and the emails and phone calls I have received, I have also been intentionally asking residents what they think at block parties, neighborhood meetings, and community events for the better part of the year. While meetings, emails, and phone calls have been fairly split between those that are supportive of the draft plan or have significant concerns (along with a handful of individuals who think it does not go far enough), I have found that most residents I approach and ask about this in the community are aware of the Comp Plan and think it’s fine. Where people have been opposed, I have sought to understand what their specific concerns are to see if they are being addressed or consider how we might address them.

After carefully reading the draft Comp Plan multiple times, spending hundreds of hours listening to thousands of opinions, and doing a ton of research, I brought forward more than 40 amendments to the plan which successfully passed (more than any other Council Member). These ranged from implementing technology solutions along Highway 55 (Hiawatha Ave) which will improve signal timing and relieve traffic congestion, to analysis of property tax trends on burdening homeowners and developing plans to mitigate those impacts (particularly for those with low or fixed incomes). Other amendments of mine included improving our recycling efforts and working to ensure every resident has access to high-speed fiber optic internet, to significantly improving snow and ice clearance from sidewalks and going further in supporting our locally-owned small businesses. On the land use maps, I worked with residents who expressed concerns to build consensus among neighbors and amended the proposed zoning to better fit the neighborhood.

With such a truly comprehensive effort, there are inevitably parts of both the plan and the process around it which I have mixed-feelings on. While every home in the ward received information on their doorstep about the Comp Plan and meetings through multiple editions of our local community newspapers, and while we worked to get notice out via many other channels (such as my e-newsletter, e-Democracy, NextDoor, social media, and of course traditional news media), I am disappointed that mailed notice was not included in the City’s communication strategy – something I had pushed for internally. I also disagreed with the decision by staff to hire a PR firm to counter misinformation, which seemed not only wasteful when the City has a Communications Department that could have been leveraged, but destined to entrench critics.

As for the most controversial element of the plan – allowing up to three units of housing on a single-family lot – after extensive consideration, I do not expect our community to see much change as a result. Property owners on a typical single-family lot who wish to take advantage of this will still be restricted to the existing height and setback limitations (in other words, they can’t build anything bigger than what is already allowed). And the economics for the most part are just not there, at least for rentals, to justify duplex or triplex development. But sometimes there are other reasons to build when the economics don’t make sense. Take Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which the City Council legalized for all single-family lots back in 2014; the same can be said of ADUs - that there is not a good economics case to be made for building them. Yet we have seen nine ADUs built in Ward 12 over the past three years. In many if not all cases, there was some personal or family reason to do so. As many residents in our ward continue to age, it is undeniable that there exists a case for multi-generational households to consider building duplexes or triplexes. For individual with declining mobility, new construction is often a necessity – putting a bathroom and living quarters on the main level, along with bringing the washer, dryer, and utility access up from the basement. And having family just a floor away not only provides critical support, but obvious social value. The desire for seniors to continue living independently within our neighborhoods and the lack of housing options that help facilitate this need cannot be overlooked. When we legalized ADUs, we knew the vast majority of property owners would never build one (just 9 of more than 11,000+ homes in Ward 12 have), and I am confident that the same is true of this added flexibility for converting existing homes to multi-family or building new; our charming community with its quiet streets comprised mostly of single-family homes, a community I fell in love with just as so many of you have, will continue to be charming, quiet, and mostly single-family homes. Development of new housing units will predominantly continue to be focused along Hiawatha Avenue, where transit access, commercial amenities, and economically-sound opportunities for new construction are abundant.

Whether increased market-rate housing supply will help ease the affordability crisis is of debate and concern with the plan. In addition to the record levels of funding for affordable housing as part of Mayor Frey’s 2019 budget (more than $40 million), the City Council also passed an inclusionary zoning policy tied to the Comp Plan. This policy requires most developers to make at least 10% of their units in new projects available at 60% or less of Area Median Income (AMI) for at least 20 years, and offers incentives to make 20% or more units available at 50% or less of AMI for 30 years. Like the rest of the Comprehensive Plan, there will be regular reporting on progress towards achieving these goals, what if any unintended outcomes we may be seeing, and opportunities to adjust policies and even the plan itself along the way.

The Comprehensive Plan was passed by the City Council today 12 votes in favor to 1 opposed (CM Palmisano). For such a comprehensive rewrite of such a comprehensive plan to receive this near unanimous level of support is noteworthy and helps illustrate the level of thought and care that went into this update, the overall widely-supported policies within it, the compromises made, and the many checks and balances in place to ensure that it moves our city and our community in a positive direction – enhancing the neighborhoods we love while helping address the most pressing challenges that face us. I will continue working hard over the coming years to listen to our community and represent it well in the fine-tuning of detailed regulations as they relate to this plan. Thank you for everyone who shared your thoughts on this with me and I hope you will continue to stay engaged in our policy work together over the coming years.

(If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact me or stop by my weekly open office hours).

#comp plan #zoning and planning

[pattie-remembers]

Famous muse Pattie Boyd says she neglected herself in her rock star marriages

10 April 2018 — 10:21am

If you remember the '60s, you weren't there: so it is said of that explosive decade of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll when girls sashayed down the Kings Road in tiny skirts and Biba boots, boys wore ruffled shirts over tight velvet trousers and London was the epicentre of cool.

Oblivion came with the territory: Eric Clapton was supposed to have slept with more than 1000 women but as he told me in an interview for Fairfax Media, "I wouldn't know, I was in a blackout for quite a few of them".

George Harrison and wife Pattie Boyd.

Photo: Keystone Pictures USA / Alamy Stock Photo

Pattie Boyd was both muse and wife to Clapton, to George Harrison before him and no stranger to drug and booze-fuelled partying. But there was little danger of failing memory for her. She kept a record of the wild years – portraits and reportage style snaps taken with a Polaroid and, later, on a Hasselblad.

As fans and paparazzi clamoured at the door, Boyd had the inside track, hanging out with The Beatles and friends, at home with George, on tour with Eric. "I took endless photos," she says. "It was something to do, otherwise you could feel a bit spare."

Pattie Boyd and her then husband George Harrison in England in 1968.

Photo: Pattie Boyd

We are talking in her Kensington flat ahead of an exhibition of her photographs and a series of speaking engagements in Australia in May. I'd spent several minutes on the rather grand doorstep, repeatedly ringing the bell and wondering if I'd got the wrong address. Perhaps she'd been having a nap; she is 74 after all and it is that snoozy, post-lunch time of day when I often feel like one myself. She does seem quite dreamy, half-heartedly remonstrating with a friendly Irish terrier called Freddie who inspects me thoroughly before jumping onto a large pouffe, not quite as pristine white as the matching sofas. "He's allowed on that one," she says.

Boyd is wearing skinny jeans on her long, slim legs and a deep blue mohair jumper; a fall of blonde hair frames what is still recognisably the face that launched, not a thousand ships, but three of the greatest love songs of the 20th century.

George Harrison wrote Something in the first flush of his youthful marriage to Boyd; the soaring guitar chords of Layla expressed Clapton's yearning obsession with his friend's wife. Then, when he had won her, he wrote Wonderful Tonight – and who hasn't danced dreamily to that, wrapped in a lover's arms?

There is a photograph of a 19-year-old Boyd in the flat: blonde fringe, huge blue mascara'd eyes and a tiny Union Jack stuck on the end of her nose. It is from a weighty coffee table book, Birds of Britain, containing portraits of London's posh totty – society girls who roamed the bars and vintage clothes stalls of Chelsea. Boyd's face is on the cover.

George Harrison, 1968

Photo: Pattie Boyd

She was a model then, on the run from her dysfunctional family, broke and living on Birds Eye chicken pies in a shared flat. "You had to go round the photographers persuading them to use you for shoots," she says. "Norman Parkinson said, 'Come back when you've learned to do your hair.' It was all DIY hair and make up back then."

Did photographers hit on her? "Well some might try it on but you didn't submit and say, 'Oh must I?' You'd get out of there and warn the others." So it wasn't a #MeToo scene? "No! I don't know why these women don't just say, 'F--k off, I'm not having a meeting with you in your dressing gown with nothing on underneath.'" Is she a feminist? "Well not in the old 'hate men' way, but I don't like women being treated badly. I think the young generation – what are they called, snowflakes? – don't take responsibility for themselves."

George Harrison and Eric Clapton in England in 1976.

Photo: Pattie Boyd

She met George Harrison on the set of A Hard Day's Night – she played a schoolgirl – and they married when she was 21. They moved into Friar Park, a gothic pile in Hampshire where the Beatles came to record, friends drove from London to stay and she threw herself into decorating, cooking and entertaining. She was, she says, blissfully in love but often lonely: wives and girlfriends were not allowed on tour and Harrison was frequently absent. After the Beatles had discovered the Maharishi Yogi and they all went to India to learn meditation, Harrison returned gripped by eastern mysticism. "He chanted a lot," she recalls, "it's difficult to talk to someone who's chanting."

He had also discovered that he was attractive to women: "He was famous, good-looking, had tonnes of money and flash cars – what a combo. Girls were offering themselves everywhere and he loved it. To come home to old wifey must have been a bit dull."

I took endless photos. It was something to do, otherwise you could feel a bit spare.

Does she think all men would be like that if they could? "Yes I do," she says firmly. What constrains them? She shrugs: "Society, women, family?"

Eric Clapton had been a frequent visitor to Friar Park, laying siege to Boyd and, famously, playing a guitar "duel" with Harrison in the kitchen: she was the putative prize. "It was John Hurt [the actor] who described it as a duel," she says, "and he was so on the button. I sensed it but I hadn't formulated it."

She was attracted to Clapton, by then a rock deity – the legend "Clapton is God" was spray-painted on city walls – but determined to stay in her marriage. Her parents had split up when she was 10, her stepfather was a cruel and unusual man who tyrannised the family and left her mother for another woman: "As a child I always thought I would do anything to avoid divorce."

By the time she left Harrison – "He didn't want us to be together, it was a life of rejection" – Clapton had made good on his threat to take heroin if he couldn't have her. It would be four years before they got together.

Propped on an easel beside the window of Boyd's flat is a rather beautiful black and white photograph of John Lennon. Did she take it? "No, I bought it." Wasn't he the most interesting of the four? "He was, yes, he was. He was quite volatile, you never knew what he would say next. He was a pretty sexy guy actually." Did they have a fling? "No!" she exclaims. I explain I'd seen it suggested somewhere in a newspaper article. "How cheeky," she says comfortably. Later, reading her autobiography published in 2007, I find another reference to the rumoured liaison. True or not, I don't think she minds the idea.

Boyd and Clapton married in 1979: "I was madly passionate about him," she says. "We lived at Hurtwood Edge [Clapton's home for the past 50 years], I was in my 30s and ready to have babies; I used to wander round the house thinking, this will be the baby's room, the nanny can sleep here." But it was not to be: despite visits to a series of doctors and several rounds of IVF, the longed-for baby never arrived.

Clapton, meanwhile, had replaced heroin with alcohol and was drinking heroically. Boyd joined him on tour where he and the band would have girls to their rooms after the show. Cruellest of all, two of his extra-marital relationships produced babies: a daughter Ruth and two years later a son, Conor, who would die, aged four, in a fall from the window of his mother's New York apartment. Boyd and Clapton divorced in 1988.

Asked once who was the great love of her life, Boyd nominated Harrison: "I think he always loved me … Eric loves himself. She admits now: "In both my marriages I had neglected myself, and got lost in a big cloud of fame, I got lost in their lives."

When the music stopped Boyd found herself with a legacy – cardboard boxes full of photographs which she exhibits and sells as prints from her online gallery. They are the archive of an era: here is an angelic George lying in bed in an Indian ashram, Eric in a woodshed leaning on an axe and looking Lawrentian in corduroy trousers, Paul and Linda McCartney at Boyd's wedding to Eric, Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull at the Brixton Academy. They are candid and intimate: did anyone ever object? "No, not at all," she says, surprised, "I would never show a photo where someone's not looking good."

The collection has been a useful earner for the girl who left school with three O levels and had no need to work while married to rich men. She has continued to take photographs – portraits of actors for their books and pictures from her travels. Does the contemporary work sell? "No one's really interested," she says without rancour.

Freddie needs a walk so we put on coats and set off for Holland Park where the trees are still leafless but there are daffodils and a hint of spring. Boyd has been with her partner, property developer Rod Weston, for 20 years – "we are old friends" – and they wed in 2015. They share the Kensington flat and a cottage in Sussex bought for her by Clapton. Why did they decide to marry? "We have lots of nieces and nephews between us," she says, "we wanted to put everything in order so there wouldn't be any tears." We walk on a few paces: "It's funny," she says, "Rod has been much nicer since we married and I am happier and less selfish. I didn't anticipate that."

She remained friends with Harrison until his death from cancer in 2001 and has stayed in touch with Clapton, many years sober and married with three more children. Last year she accompanied him to the launch of a documentary about him, A Life in 12 Bars, in which she features, naturally. "He rang me and said, 'It's a bit raw Pattie, I hope you'll be OK.' I said, 'I'll be fine Eric. I'm a grown-up now."

George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Me: An Evening with Pattie Boyd will be held at Sydney's Four Seasons Hotel on May 15. Boyd's work will be shown at the Blender Gallery in Paddington from May 5 to June 2 as part of the Head On Photo Festival.

Morning & Afternoon Newsletter

Delivered Mon–Fri.

https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/famous-muse-pattie-boyd-says-she-neglected-herself-in-her-rock-star-marriage-20180409-h0yi6e.html

#pattie boyd #pattie remembers

[notionsofasimpleton]

Call Out

As I laid in bed staring up at the blank ceiling, I glanced over at my watch on the nightstand, the hands read just past 7 o’clock. My shift for work started in an hour and a half which meant I had exactly 30 minutes if I was going to call out without receiving an incident. I got up to take a piss, then laid back down. The sun was shining through the blinds and I pulled the blanket over my head. I closed my eyes tight and began thinking of a good excuse to tell my boss. “You see Mr.Itzkoff, I just think it’d be better if I took the day off today, unless you’d like to risk the chance of seeing me off myself in the lunch room. In that case I can be there in an hour.” No, that’s no good. “Mr. Itzkoff, I’ve told you of my great-grandmother haven’t I? Yes, the one turning 86 in November. Well, you see she’s not feeling too well and in situation’s such as this, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so I won’t be coming in…” No that’s no good either, best not to put that into the universe. I checked my phone and it was five minutes before 7:30, I made the call hesitantly. The phone began to ring as I tried to find the right words I was going to say. The phone rang over and over, until I finally got the voicemail. “Hello, this is Mr. Itzkoff, unfortunately I cannot get to the phone at the moment, but leave your information and I’ll be sure to give you a call back.” Ah yes, the old voicemail. My nerves settled as I finally found the right words to say, “Yes, Mr. Itzkoff it’s Ritchie, I have some bad news. I woke up this morning to find my tire completely flat. I’m working on the spare right now, but think it would be best if I take the day off to get it fixed. No need to call back, I’ll be in tomorrow.” I pulled the covers back and sat up in bed, suddenly I wasn’t tired with my newfound day off. I thought of all the things I could do. I then got up and took a shower. In 20 minutes I was washed and fully dressed, car keys in hand. I walked out of my apartment, down two levels of stairs and made my way to the car. When I got to my car I sat inside and turned the ignition before the thought came to me, I had no clue where I was going. I checked the time again and it was a little after 8 at this point. I figured I could stop for a coffee. I’m not particularly fond of the area my apartment is in, the traffic can be pretty bad and often times I struggle to find parking. With that being said there is a coffee shop just around the corner. The coffee itself is mediocre at best, but the scones are surprisingly great. After pulling into the parking lot and making my way inside I was greeted with a line to the door. Businessmen and women lined up in their suits and business skirts, meanwhile I was wearing a wrinkled t shirt and jeans. You could sense the feeling of impatience among the group of them as a few swayed back and forth, stealing glances at their watches, then at the cashier in the front. I had an odd sensation knowing I would be in their shoes had I not called in this morning. After about 15 minutes I was next in line, met by the cute brunette who always worked Mondays. She often wore her hair up and strands would fall just over her round glasses, today was no different. “The usual today Ritchie?” she asked. I had been coming here consistently the last three months that she had come to know my name. Unfortunately, with no real reason to ask other than self-interest, I had not yet learned hers. I nodded my head as she once again scribbled my name on the paper cup. Oddly enough she always misspelled my name, forgetting the T and instead scribbling it as R-I-C-H-I-E. It was nothing worth complaining about or bringing up, but I always silently read the letters off when she handed it to me. She rang up my order and I noticed the price was slightly less than normal. “The coffee is on me today,” she said. I gave a smile before finally asking, “Thanks! By the way, what’s your name?” I asked. “It’s Elizabeth,” She said. I repeated the name in my head, it was fitting. “I appreciate it Elizabeth, I hope you have a good day,” I said. I grabbed my order making my way out passed the line that now had built up to the door, thinking to myself how good of an idea it was to call off today. I walked out the door and was met by a cool breeze, I decided to sit on the patio to finish my coffee and scone while I thought what I would do next. Before long I was on the road headed to the library downtown. When I pulled into the parking lot, there were only a few cars and I found a spot right in the front. I got off the car and made my way into the large entrance way, passing a few people along the path. One man asked me for change. “You think you could spare a dollar so I could get something to eat?” he asked. I stopped for a second and was trying to remember how much cash I had in my wallet. I had just gotten paid last week so I knew there was larger bills inside and to avoid getting stiffed into giving a twenty, I avoided my wallet altogether. I reached for the couple bills crumbled in my front pocket I saved on coffee earlier. I looked at it once in my hand before handing it to the older man, $2.36. He looked to be in his mid 50s, pulling around a beat up suitcase. “Thank you so much son,” he said. I nodded with a smile and made my way into the library. Whenever I walked into the library there was always a distinctive smell, I could never quite explain it. There was the obvious aroma of old books, but there was also the smell of a place that had been settled into. The library downtown had been open for a little over 20 years from what I could remember, and throughout those years the thousands of people spending their time reading, sleeping, studying, searching, created a scent that was unique to this specific location. I imagine had you went to someplace in Chicago or Boston there would be something quite similar, but with a scent all its own. In most instances when I visit the library I like to have an idea of what I’m looking for, sometimes a list of items in case something I want is checked out, today is a bit different as it just after 10 am and I should be in the office. The thing about creating a list is it keeps you on track, plenty of times I have found myself endlessly wandering isles looking for anything that caught my eye, whether that be titles, names, colors. The mere idea of this made me want to race home to check my own collection and see if there was anything that stood out. Maybe I was subconsciously drawn towards authors with their last name starting with the letter “B”, or book covers that were shades of blue. I thought about what I had on my shelves for a second before refocusing on the shelf in front of me. I was now in the fiction section and was sharing the isle with an elderly woman who couldn’t have been older than 60. She was small framed and if I had to guess, about 4’11. She also had a bob cut, and the tiniest reading glasses. We made eye contact and exchanged a smile. We both hovered over the sections A-B, side stepping and then stepping back. In these short moves I took glances at what she already had in her hand. She was carrying two films and as her tiny hands covered the lettering, I was only able to make out the word “Blues”. I then found something on the shelf that caught my eye, a book titled “The Woman in the Dunes”. I took a look at the blurb on the back of the book and read it closely, from what I could gather it was about a man held captive in a small village. In this time, I noticed the tiny woman was now staring at me, finally she spoke. “Oh I just love that book. I really do hope you decide to check it out, Abe is a wonderful author. There’s also an old film on it as well,” she said. “The story sounds good, but getting a recommendation from someone always makes me feel better about deciding on something. I think I’m going to check it out, thank you!” I said. She gave me a smile and made her way down the next aisle. I checked a few of the different floors in the library, but ultimately only ended up deciding to get the book the tiny woman recommended. When I finally left the library it was just about 12. I had spent close to two hours wandering isles, which was another reminder why I always brought lists. Still, I was satisfied with how my day had started and decided to grab a pizza from Jimmie’s on the way home. A large supreme cooked well done. At this point traffic was starting to pick up, so I was glad to already be making my way home. When I made my way back to the apartment I sat down on the couch and turned on the sports channel. It was a women’s tennis match. I knew very little about tennis, but after settling into the couch and having a slice of pizza, what was on TV mattered very little. Then, one of the women made a dive for the ball, she saved it and was able to recover in time for the next shot. I sat up from the couch and watched the next exchange before the woman who fell sent the ball flying past her opponent. She clinched her fist for a brief moment facing the crowd, then met the other woman at the center to shake hands. There was a post-match interview soon after, but at this point my eyes were now closed and I was dosing off. When I woke up it was just past 6 pm. I was debating going to the grocery story before deciding leftover pizza was going to be the plan for dinner. The rest of the night I lounged around and read the book I had checked out, picking it up 20 minutes or so at a time in between the random chores I was doing. When it got late I took a shower and got ready for bed. I set my alarm for 7:30 again, tomorrow I would be returning to work, but at least it would be Friday I thought. In the morning I woke up and started the coffee pot and did my little routine. I brushed my teeth, watched the morning forecast on the news, and made a light breakfast of two eggs and toast with jam. At 7:55 I was fully dressed in suit and tie with my bag over my shoulder. I made my way out to the front of the apartments and noticed there was a slight overcast, just as the weatherman mentioned on the news. When I got to my car I threw my bag in the trunk and started the car. I sat in the car for a few minutes fiddling with the radio trying to find a good station. I stumbled on 103.5, “I Wish You Love” by Joe Bataan was finishing up as I pulled out the lot. Not even half a block down the neighborhood street before I noticed a strong vibration coming from the front of the car. I pulled over right away and got out, making my way to the passenger side. I couldn’t believe it; my tire was completely flat. Leaning on the hood of my car I loosened my tie, laughing quietly to myself as I thought about what I would tell my boss this time.