#bon jovi reference intended

[unfortunatetheorist]

What is the meaning behind the Volunteers Fighting Disease song? (BCT)

Tra-la-laaa, Fiddle-dee-deee, Hope you get well soo-

Oh, sorry. Just singing along to a... surprisingly jaunty theme song for hospital use.

We first hear this obscure melody in The Hostile Hospital: Part One, but the tune still haunts.

I've done an analysis of the structure of the song (under the cut, feel free to skip ahead), and found this interesting trinket:

We are Volunteers Fighting Disease

And we're cheerful all day long

If someone said that we were sad

That person would be wrong

= 30 syllables

We visit people who are sick

And try to make them smile

Even if their noses bleed

Or if they cough up bile

= 27 syllables

Tra la la, Fiddle dee dee Hope you get well soon

Ho ho ho, hee hee hee Have a heart-shaped balloon

= 24 syllables

We visit people who are ill

And try to make them laugh

Even when the doctor says

He must saw them in half

= 32 syllables

We sing and sing all night and day

And then we sing some more

We sing to boys with broken bones

And girls whose throats are sore

= 28 syllables

Tra la la, Fiddle dee dee Hope you get well soon

Ho ho ho, hee hee hee Have a heart-shaped balloon

= 24 syllables

We sing to men with measles

And to women with the flu

And if you breathe in deadly germs

We'll probably sing to you

= 28 syllables

Tra la la, Fiddle dee dee Hope you get well soon

Ho ho ho, hee hee hee Have a heart-shaped balloon

= 24 syllables

But what does this all mean? Well:

24+28+24+28+32+24+27+30 = 217 / 7 = 31

The red section is particularly important, when one remembers there are 7 days in a week and 31 days (mostly) in a month.

Also, there are only 7 months which have 31 days in them: January, March, May, July, August, October and December.

And from the Snicket Wiki:

In other words, this is Handler's way, even if it is accidental, of saying that

The Baudelaires' danger is like [the nature of] time - it cannot be stopped.

The Baudelaires are, in a very literal way, BORN with bad luck.

However, it could be a clue to the time frame; ASOUE doesn't take place in a leap year, or the red [calculation] text would not be true...

N.B. Not a Netflix theory, as Netflix have additional lyrics, not counted for here.

¬ Th3r3534rch1ngr4ph, Unfortunate Theorist/Snicketologist

#asoue #lemony snicket #vfd #a series of unfortunate events #snicketverse #theory #volunteers fighting disease #hidden message #very snickety #numerical #also a bit astrological #still working on the complete works of contradictory logic in asoue #haven't finished tbbp2 yet #abt halfway there #bon jovi reference intended

[manuscriptsdontburn6]

Here are some thoughts on Lestat’s band! Playlist/song recs at the end.

TL/DR: Lestat could’ve been an early ‘70s glam rock star, and most of the music associated with him has connections to that era.

Descriptions of the band from the books:

“I could hear their whining electric guitars, their frantic singing. It was as good as the radio and stereo songs I heard, and it was more melodic than most. There was a romance to it in spite of its pounding drums. The electric piano sounded like a harpsichord.”

The Vampire Lestat, page 5

“Then came the piercing, twanging fury of the electrical guitar. The drums boomed into a marching cadence, and the grinding locomotive sound of the synthesizer crested, then broke into a bubbling caldron of noise in time with the march. It was time to begin the chant in the minor key, its puerile lyrics leaping over the accompaniment…”

The Vampire Lestat, page 537

I remember reading that Anne saw an Iron Maiden concert as research for writing The Vampire Lestat. She also cited Bon Jovi and the Doors as inspiration. I think in one of the @thecoveninarticulate podcasts, someone even talked about how TVL has a keyboardist but no bass player, which was a reference to the Doors. Also, the description of the keyboard sounding like a harpsichord is reminiscent of the Doors’s sound, which includes a lot of electric organ. So we’re not working with less commercial ‘80s goth music (which I like to think Armand and Daniel were into). TVL probably wouldn’t reach the insane level of commercial success that they do as an ‘80s goth band, as goth was very much confined to subcultural status at this time. The same goes for heavier/more underground metal subgenres. Over-the-top ‘80s rock and classic ‘60s rock are what we’re working with, based on the books.

The Doors are an interesting reference for TVL, since they’re out of the ‘80s time period. They experimented with lyrical and sonic darkness, and Jim Morrison is noted for the boundaries he pushed as a performer. They’re aesthetically associated with the underbelly of ‘60s L. A. Think Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood. Thus, Lestat’s music is meant to cut deeper than his ‘80s hair metal contemporaries, whose music was mostly just good fun.

I personally think it might have been appropriate for Lestat to emerge in the early-mid ‘70s as a sort of dark glam rock star, instead of in the ‘80s during the hair metal/goth era. Lestat’s experimentation with persona is VERY similar to what David Bowie did with Ziggy Stardust. Additionally, the band and singer sharing a name seems like a call back to o. g. Alice Cooper (no clue if Anne intended that or not, but it’s what I immediately thought of). This connects back to the Doors as well; Jim Morrison’s performance style formed the rock star archetype of the tragic figure battling internal demons, which glam rock dramatizes. The sound that woke Lestat up from his vampire nap (abrasive yet melodic and of course hard-rocking) had been developing for a long time before 1984. Plus, ‘70s glam rock was all about pushing the envelope on male gender presentation and sexuality. Marc Bolan (of T. Rex) and David Bowie both came out as bisexual during this time period, and male rock stars dressed more and more androgynously. It’s all very Lestat-core. I really have trouble believing he would have slept through Bowie, Bolan, Iggy, and Alice.

Whatever else we might have to say about AMC’s adaptation, I did enjoy that they played T. Rex during the scene where young Daniel and Louis (plus Armand) meet in the bar. It was perfect for a queer scene set in the ‘70s.

The Queen of the Damned movie from 2002 makes The Vampire Lestat into a nu-metal band. I’ve only seen clips of that movie on Youtube, and I felt like I got a good enough idea of what it’s like…but I have looked at the soundtrack. Its songs were written by Jonathan Davis of Korn and sung by the who’s-who of nu-metal, and ‘90s-2000s alt rock generally. Davis’s dark, sludgy sound seems a bit far from what the books describe and what Lestat’s own tastes probably would have been. Also, it’s important to note that some artists on the soundtrack have turned out to be egregiously horrible people, even by the standards of the very fucked up rock music world. We don’t need to give them attention by incorporating them into our worldbuilding.

That being said, there are a few elements of the overall Lestat nu metal vibe that I think work. Nu metal was a more commercialized version of goth and metal that was recognized more widely, which corresponds with TVL’s level of success in the books. I can also get behind the mall-goth aesthetic for band and their fans. Vampire kitsch, combined with real vampirism. It’s textbook camp. Also, songs about Lestat’s life are going to inevitably have disturbing lyrical content. Nu-metal explores this kind of subject matter more explicitly than many other subgenres.

A lot of the nu metal bands on the soundtrack took inspiration from the early ‘70s, evident in their androgyny, blurring of the line between persona and reality, and campiness. So, even in that intensely 2000s movie, the ‘70s influence remains.

Speaking of 2000s alt rock, I was of course excited to see Gerard Way dressed as Bela Lugosi on MCR’s most recent tour. Lestat also dressed as a stereotypical vampire, cape and all, for his (singular) show. Glam rock is an influence for MCR as well—Gerard Way talks about Bowie in interviews, etc. It’s awesome. That got me thinking—Lestat would have totally written intense and dramatic MCR-esque love songs for Louis.

I think it’s also worth mentioning the final scene of the 1994 adaptation. Lestat jumps into Daniel’s convertible with a leather jacket over his ruffled shirt, which is a look a LOT of androgynous rock stars wore. It’s giving Jimmy Page in a major way. Lestat switches the radio station to play “Sympathy for the Devil,” covered by Guns and Roses. The Stones were precursors to glam rock in their way. Guns and Roses came later but took a lot from early ‘70s glam as well. It’s safe to infer that Lestat’s already going into his rock star era at this point in the movie. This gives us an idea of his music taste and general attitude at this point in the narrative. He’s interested in the dark and glamorous aesthetic of rock music, as well as how its contemplations of evil intertwine with his.

We don’t know what AMC is going to do with Lestat’s rock star era yet. I’m interested to see what route they take.

Here are a few songs that fit with how I imagine TVL, based on all these considerations. It’s a bit of a strange combination because Lestat has been associated with different styles of music, but they all connect with glam rock one way or another. I’d love y’all’s thoughts as well, ofc!

Songs:

More—Sisters of Mercy

Andrew Eldritch, goth icon who denies his own gothness, decided to try being a straight-up rock star with the album Vision Thing, leaving behind the melancholic sound of the Sisters’ earlier work. This song has violin on it—perfect for Lestat. The lyrics are also in character for him: “I don’t know why you gotta be so undemanding/one thing I know/I want MORE,” “I need all the love that I can’t get to.”

Riders on the Storm—the Doors

Imagine it done by an ‘80s band. It works.

Ziggy Stardust—David Bowie

This is Bowie telling the story of his character Ziggy, like how Lestat talks about himself in his songs. Plus it’s very Lestat to describe yourself as having a “god-given ass.” Am I wrong? I’m not wrong.

Ballrooms of Mars—T. Rex

This is one of the best songs Marc Bolan ever wrote, in my opinion. Unlike most of his work, which is whimsical and nonsensical in the best way, the lyrics and descending chord progression create a more ominous and mournful atmosphere. The lyrics can easily be read as vampiric.

Runnin’ With the Devil—Van Halen

Tough Cookie would probably have an Eddie Van Halen-esque guitar tone, as TVL would want to sound very modern for their time period. Themes of, well, runnin’ with the devil. Confessing your own evilness to a rock audience.

Change in the House of Flies—Deftones

The one QOTD movie song I’m including. I think TVL’s songs would have a bit more dynamic variation than the Deftones, but the love/horror combo this song is about plays a big part in VC and in Lestat’s life. Plus, I can imagine it would be a good song to perform live, and, being glam-adjacent, that would be important for TVL.

Sympathy for the Devil—Guns and Roses

Good job, 1994 adaptation.

#manuscriptsdontburnoriginal #well that was. a lot more work #than i anticipated #the vampire lestat #anne rice #the vampire chronicles #glam rock #david bowie #lestat #gothgothgoth #is it ever too much for tumblr #i will need my own 50 year nap now #i hope this is coherent #manuscriptsdontburnanalyzesthings

[jasonblaze72]

#TheVoice #tvshow

[officialleotolstoy]

Oh Dolokhov/Hélène Brainrot We’re Really In It Now, aka Dolokhov/Hélène playlist annotations!

I stole several songs from a playlist my friends have and I’m not gonna put those on this list, I won’t pretend I came up with those

The ship playlists (since they aren’t for canon couples) are very much based on my headcanons. We don’t get to see them interact literally ever so I’ve just extrapolated what I can. Several of these songs are at least alluding to sex, I don’t really think they actually slept together for various reasons I can enumerate if someone asks, but it’s more about the vibes of the song.

Casual Affair - Panic! At The Disco

It’s literally in the title. Bestie how much more explanation do you need? I don’t even like this song but it’s got the right energy

Those Nights - Bastille

“Aren’t we all just looking for a little bit of hope these days? Looking for somebody you can wake up with?”

Being drawn to each other because of mutual loneliness is a Thing in my interpretation of their relationship, and this hits the nail on the head.

But It’s Better If You Do - Panic! At The Disco

“Praying for love and paying in naïveté”

Again, mutual loneliness and desperation for anything resembling love. Also the “isn’t this exactly where you like me” bit fits because they won’t admit to liking each other outside of their weird intimate moments.

Hurricane - Panic! At The Disco

“Drop our anchors in a storm”

The circumstances of their lives arent super fun at the moment so they find refuge in each other but in a very weird kind of unhealthy way! “We are a hurricane” sort of alludes to knowing that you’re causing problems/your relationship isn’t great.

Almost (Sweet Music) - Hozier

“I’m almost me again, she’s almost you”

It’s about not really being In Love but kind of convincing yourself you are because it makes you feel better in the circumstances. I don’t think either of them were fully into their relationship for various reasons. Not as in they didn’t want the other, more that they were both too aware it would never work for long.

Hall & Oates - Satchmode

“I want to be in love again, with you”

This one’s about wanting the idea of love and companionship more than you actually like the other person, which I feel like kind of fits. This song is framed as one person in love with the other and one hesitating, but i think this works for both of them to hesitate.

Feel Something - Jaymes Young

“Touch me, someone, I’m too young to feel so numb”

The I have tried like six times and I can’t word why I think this song works. I don’t even like it, I skip it every time, but I think it’s got something to do with loneliness and desperation for love driving them to look for it in places they wouldn’t normally? Who knows. Send me an ask if u do.

Another Place - Bastille

“Don’t make promises to me that you’re gonna break”

They could never actually be together for SO many reasons and I think they’re both pretty aware of that. They have no desire to pretend that their relationship is anything other than what it is (“we only ever wanted one thing from this”).

When You Were Young - The Killers

“You sit there in your heartache, waiting on some beautiful boy to save you”

I do not think Hélène expected Dolokhkov to save her from anything except maybe monotony and loneliness, but this song slaps and if I can stretch the lyrics to work, I will

broken - lovelytheband

“I could be lonely with you”

Almost every song on here (including this one) is just. We’re messed up and I know we won’t really find love in each other but we might find solace for a while and be less lonely so uhhhhh wanna kiss me or what

Bleed Magic - I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

“You stand up, stand up, before I drag you down”

They are NOT good for each other! Toxic relationships uwu

Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood

I believe in bi4bi Hélène/Dolokhov

Enemy Fire - Bea Miller

“Sweet words from a serpent’s tongue”

This song is kinda complicated and parts of it don’t fit but the energy of “everything sucks including you but at least we can hide from the suckiness together” is sorta there. Originally I just added it for the soldier vibes because I was testing out songs but I realized i can fit some of the lyrics so on the playlist it goes

Angel of the Small Death and the Codeine Scene - Hozier

“Her sweetened breath and her tongue so mean”

They are horrible and cold to each other as a love language. This song is essentially just “Wow my evil scary gf is so hot” and you’re right Fyodor. She is.

Shut Up and Dance - WALK THE MOON

I won’t lie this one’s mostly a joke, I just think the vibes of telling someone to shut up as (maybe because) you’re falling in love with them is Dolokhov/Hélène energy. Ignore all the parts about wanting to be with her forever and her being his destiny that is not why I added it.

Lone Ranger - Rachel Platten

“I’m just gonna leave, ‘cause baby I’m a lone ranger”

I do not think Dolokhov was intending to stay with her forever at all. Very rude of him. However, she probably also knew it wouldn’t last forever, she’s not stupid.

House of Memories - Panic! At The Disco

“Promise me a place in your house of memories”

This is very much post-duel, their relationship has fizzled out but it was pretty important (do I mean emotionally or to the plot? I’ll never tell) and deserves to be remembered.

American Beauty/American Psycho - Fall Out Boy

“I’m the best worst thing that hasn’t happened to you yet”

SO MANY of these lyrics are so good for them like. Hélène’s beautiful Dolokhov’s a psycho... “you take the full truth and you pour some out” can you imagine them being open and honest with each other? Yeah, me neither. “We were pity sex” They were just sad and lonely! That was what allowed anything to happen at all in my head (not sex but bear with me it’s not my fault those are the lyrics). “All those dirty thoughts of me, they were never yours to keep” because Hélène is married to someone else, they really have no right to think of each other that way.

Sk8er Boi - Avril Lavigne

“He wasn’t good enough for her”

UNIRONICALLY THIS SONG. Hélène’s complaints about Dolokhov staying with them are just the quoted lyric. “They had a problem with his baggy clothes” yeah Dolokhov’s not as rich and bougie and the rest of them and he’s certainly rough around the edges. And then the skater boy ending with a successful music career vs Dolokhov ending with a successful military career and a great reputation and both the women in the songs having sad endings...I’m not wrong.

Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet - Fall Out Boy

“Does your husband know the way that the sunshine gleams from your wedding band?”

The affair vibes. The AFFAIR VIBES. And the concept of “I will never end up like him [the husband]/ behind my back I already am” in reference to using Hélène and deciding he hates her right after deciding she’s hot...okay! I see you kinning Pierre, Dolokhov. You ARE being just like her husband :/

You Give Love A Bad Name - Bon Jovi

“Shot through the heart and you’re to blame”

This is just Dolokhov’s massive I Hate Women monologue condensed. Stop blaming beautiful women for YOUR attraction to them maybe 🔫

Death Valley - Fall Out Boy

“Don’t take love off the table yet”

This is not a table sex joke this is not a table sex joke this is not a table sex joke this is n-

I didnt add it for that reason it was about a vibe but then. I realized. Now the original reason doesn’t even matter.

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner - Fall Out Boy

“I’ll be your best kept secret and your biggest mistake”

Tell me the quoted lyric does not SCREAM Hélène/Dolokhov. You can’t. Also “I’ll weigh you down I’ll watch you choke/You look so good in blue” really captures hatred as a love language.

This is Love - Air Traffic Controller

Ok I stole this from my friends’ playlist but I did want to explain it because it’s not JUST Dolokhov and Hélène in my mind. The whole jealous fool second verse gives me Pierre around the duel energy as well

Bad Boy - Cascada

“Be my weekend lover but don’t be my friend”

Bernie Sanders voice I am once again asking you to hear me out about the unironic meme songs on my War and Peace character playlists. It’s got the refusal to admit that she actually likes hanging out with him down. The line “after some time you just pushed me aside” referring to Dolokhov teasing Pierre about their affair because he got bored. “I dont need you in my life again”...YEAH I’m fairly sure they dont interact in canon again after that.

Hayloft - Mother Mother

“My daddy’s got a gun”

This song started playing on accident once when I was listening to this playlist and I was like huh. It fits though. The gun thing is twofold: 1) Though he is not her father, Pierre does have a gun in the duel and 2) I think Vassily would happily shoot Dolokhov for his relationships with Vassily’s kids. It’s also just the general forbidden love vibes mixed with the violence vibes.

affection - BETWEEN FRIENDS

“I’m looking for affection in all the wrong places and we’ll keep falling on each other to fill the empty spaces”

Have I been clear enough about my thesis that their relationship is based in mutual loneliness? Also, I like the acknowledgment that this is in fact the wrong place. I think they’re both very aware of that.

Walk Away - Franz Ferdinand

“Yes I’m cold but not as cold as you are”

This song is for them post-duel. Especially the “I cannot stand to see those eyes as apologies may rise/I must be strong, stay an unbeliever” because 1) I hear the word eyes, I think of Dolokhov and 2) I think she’s too smart to believe any apology he would give her, she knows he doesn’t really mean it. The song kinda reads as someone trying to convince themselves they’re happy that the relationship is over, which I think is definitely what happens for both of them.

Van Horn - Saint Motel

“Tell me do you hate me? Or do you wanna date me?”

Obsessed with the dynamic of “I like you but that’s embarrassing for both of us I’m gonna act like I hate you instead”

#war and peace #helene kuragina #fedya dolokhov #my post #w&p playlists #helenkhov #is that their ship name??? idk #someone tell me what it is ill owe u my life

[rose-of-pollux]

1, 3, 11, 17, 20, 21 and 22? :o)

1. Tell us about your current project(s)  – what’s it about, how’s progress, what do you love most about it? My current project is my in-progress BTTF fic "'Cause I Might Not Make it Back" (which I just posted the next chapter of!). Basically, in the summer of 1986, Marty gets caught up in a case of time-traveling spy intrigue and ends up in 1932 with amnesia and a Bon Jovi tape--and young!Doc finds him. Fun fact: before I went with Bon Jovi, the original outline had him go back to 1932 with a tape that Marty had made to record Queen's Live Aid performance; the chapters were all originally Queen-themed (and it was originally titled "Though You're Many Years Away"). I switched to Bon Jovi after I remembered that Live Aid was summer of '85, not '86, which was when Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet album was released.

The other project I'm planning is a 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo fic called "Sands of Time and Space" (so yeah, bit of BTTF influence in this one); since I don't count the Curse movie as canon to the series timeline (they retconned waaaaaay too many things for it to make any coherent sense), this will be my way of showing how Fred and Velma found out about the shenanigans they missed out on after the rest of the gang visits Velma in Florida to watch the launch of a new Mars probe developed by her supervisor at NASA.

3. What is that one scene that you’ve always wanted to write but can’t be bothered to write all of the set-up and context it would need? (consider this permission to write it and/or share it anyway) A. MYSTERY. SCENE. ON. A. TRAIN. Like something intriguing a la Orient Express, but I am thwarted either by either by there already being such a scene in canon (MFU, Scooby-Doo), or there isn't enough of a premise for it (Hogan's Heroes, Pokémon). ...At this point, BTTF might be my only chance to pull this off; maybe Doc and Marty end up on the actual Orient Express via time-travel... (and Marty breaks out his "inconspicuous" Secret Agent Man disguise from Part II again while Doc just facepalms in the background).

11. What do you envy in other writers? HOW DO YOU ALL UPDATE YOUR FICS SO QUICKLY???

17. Do you think readers perceive your work - or you - differently to you? What do you think would surprise your readers about your writing or your motivations? I honestly don't know if they perceive my work differently than I do--they'd have to tell me themselves. At this point, I don't think I have any surprises--most people know I write about character relationships, with some drama and angst, but always with a happy ending.

20. Tell us the meta about your writing that you really want to ramble to people about (symbolism you’ve included, character or relationship development that you love, hidden references, callbacks or clues for future scenes?) Most of the fics I write are all meant to be in the same timeline. And I have a lot of references that tie events from other fandoms together; if I listed them all, we'd be here all day, but here's one example-- In my MFU Halloween fic, "The Jack o' the Lantern Affair," I had Victor Marton mention to Napoleon and Illya that he had a "very distant cousin in Tibet" to whom he bore some amount of resemblance to. This was meant to be a throwaway reference to Vincent Van Ghoul, an in-joke since Vincent Price played both roles--at the time, I never imagined I'd be writing 13 Ghosts fic. Now that I am writing 13 Ghosts fic, I have to make it come full circle--Napoleon and Illya will have a cameo in the party scene in "Sands of Time and Space," as Velma's supervisor is also Napoleon's childhood friend, Takeshi (who, in one of my many MFU short affair pieces, I revealed as working for NASA--which I only did at the time because I wanted him to have a space-themed bachelor party so that Napoleon would come home drunk after having one too many drinks that had been dubbed "Supernovas"), and Napoleon and Illya will pull the mother of all double-takes when they see Vincent Van Ghoul at the same party and momentarily mistake him for Victor Marton.

21. What other medium do you think your story would work well as? (film, webcomic, animated series?) Well, I intend for my stories to fit right into canon, so I generally see them in the same medium that they're originally in. Exceptions are whenever there are crossovers/cameos--I wrote a Scooby fic last year that had the 13 Ghosts fam being chased through ruined Hyrule by Calamity Ganon and basically imagined the fam drawn in Breath of the Wild/Age of Calamity-style for this fic, which was a very intriguing image, indeed.

22. Do you reread your old works? How do you feel about them? Yes, I do! For the most part, I like to see it as how far I've progressed since I started posting fic. Obviously, I'm going to think my newer stuff is better (though I also consider some of my older pieces "classics"), but that's only natural.

#my writing style #ask reply

[thoughtfullyyoungduck]

a little jealous

A/N: this was requested by anon, I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think!

request: Could you write a fic post it chapter 2 where Richie and Eddie start dating, but then Richie starts to feel jealous of Eddie with an attractive coworker?

warnings: a few curse words, a very brief mention of homophobia, a bit of self doubt

They’ve been officially dating for two months when Eddie invites Richie to join him on a work related business party. It’s not the first one Eddie has had to go to, but up until now he had always made up an excuse so that he only had to stay for about an hour, not nearly long enough for Richie to tag along to.

The difference between this one and the others he has already been too, is that this time he needs to stay to the end. Eddie might be up for a promotion if his boss takes a liken too him, which is why he is determined to make a good impression. If Eddie gets turned down, he’ll probably leave his job and search for another one, Richie thinks, since Eddie had been going on none stop about quitting.  

Richie has been to his office before, on more than one occasion, when Eddie was so stressed he forgot his lunch, so it’s not his first Rodeo. He knows a few people that will attend, like Anisa who is the secretary on the bottom floor, Emmet who is Eddie’s coworker and works in the office adjacent to his, and Karen who is about as much a pain in the ass as Eddie’s mom, but Richie loves to fuck with her.

Anisa is his best friend in the office, well of course besides Eds, but whenever he stops by, he always leaves some form of candy on her disk, a references to the first time the two met, when Richie accidentally dropped all the candy he was planning to surprise Eddie with. It had been Halloween, and even though Eddie didn’t celebrate it, none of the losers actually, Richie still felt the need to do something. They hit it off straight after, especially when Anisa confided in him that she had never seen Eddie smile as much as when he got together with him.

Emmet is a bit of a hardass, work till he drops, party till he drops kind off guy. Full-on in everything he does, which sometime is a little of putting, but it can also cause hilarious comedy gold moments, which Richie has used multiple times in his sketches.

He’s pretty sure his winning Karen over aswell, since he has even managed to get a small smile out of her, which is a hell of a lot more than he ever got from Sonia.

The others he knows only vaguely by the nicknames he gave them, ranging from boss man to toilet man, the latter spending all his time on the toilet if Eddie is anything to go by.

Still, Richie is very excited when he gets permission from Eddie to go with him, so much so that he’s practically bouncing on his foot whilst he gets ready. Eddie is less keen on going tonight, but that has nothing to do with the fact that Richie is going.

Ever since returning from Derry, the two of them don’t go out much. They meet up with the losers, but apart from that they usually spend their time inside of the confinements of their home, either fighting over he gets the remote, cooking, working or annoying the shit out of each other.

Neither of them want to either, they enjoy each other’s company, and those of the other members of the losers club. When they do go out, they always seem to run into someone they know giving them shit about being gay. ‘Oh Eddie, I thought you were still married to your wife?’ or ‘If it isn’t the trashmount with a boy. What happened couldn’t get enough girl anymore?’

Most of them don’t mean bad, and Eddie nor Richie are ashamed of their love, they’re just tired of having to explain over and over again, so they stay in.

Work parties are the worst for Eddie, who doesn’t even like most of his coworkers to begin with, but sometimes they are mandatory, and he has no choice but to drag his ass over there.

So Eddie grumbles his way through getting ready, shaving and brushing his teeth with a stern look on his face, picking out his and Richie’s cloths. ‘There’s no way I’m letting you dress yourself, you’ll look like a walking Christmas tree.’

They lose some time while they get ready because Richie tries to cheer Eddie up a bit, by threatening to dose him in cold water, welcoming the snappy warning Eddie sends his way.

By the time they make it to Eddie’s workplace, where the party is going to be held, it’s a quarter past nine, while they were supposed to be there at nine.

This does not do any wonders for Eddie’s mood, who’s scowl turns impossibly bigger. He almost trips over his own two feet in his haste to make it inside, but before they do, he tugs Richie aside by the hem of his sleeve.

‘Please act normal, I need this job alright?’

‘My Eds, you wound me. You think I would throw away your honor just for a few laughs from a couple of lads, I could never.’ Richie’s British voice thick his words with an accent, having the intended effect. A smile tugs up the sides of Eddie’s mouth, even when he desperately tries to hide it, rolling his eyes extravagantly.

‘See that’s what I mean dickhead, don’t do the fucking British guy or I’m dumping you.’

He’s clearly joking, so Richie doesn’t dignify it with a response, though he does snort a little in amusement. ‘Sir, yes sir.’ He calls out long after Eddie has turned his back, cackling when Eddie flips him the bird behind his back. Fondly, Richie follows him through the long corridors, first turning right, then left, left again to eventually enter a massive open space, not to far from the bathroom Richie always uses when he comes to visit.

‘Hey, if you want to get out of here, just use the word salmon for whatever, than we’ll skoot on right out of here, Eddie Spaghetti’, Richie whispers inconspicuously to Eddie, trying to avoid being heard by somebody else. He hopes he succeeded, but by the looks of it, he did.

Eddie shakes his head fondly, his hand interlocking with Richie’s with a warning squeeze.

‘Shut up you idiot’, he mumbles fondly, the look in his eyes radiating nothing but love for the man in next to him.  

They spot Anisa first, the sour look on her face melting away when she sees the two of them entering. She grabs two more drinks, balancing a total of three drinks in two hands, and offers it gracefully to them.

‘What took you guys so long?’ The voice of Bon Jovi booms through the room, originating from a djs-table in the left corner, making it hard to understand what she’s saying.

‘Mister clean over here had to be completely dosed up for this occasion, I think he changed cloths like three times, isn’t that right Eds?’ to be fair though, Eddie looks horrendously handsome, it’s almost criminal. His suit accentuates all the good features of his body, which is everything, his dress shoes make a squeaking noise every time they walk over the floor, and his hair is neatly combed back, making him look even more attractive than he already is daily.

A huff is forced out of him when he feels Eddie’s elbow dig slightly into his side. Eddie glare is turned up to a hundred.

‘Do you know how unsanitary it is to not wash every day? Do you know how many germs are transferred onto your hand by just touching a doorknob? If I didn’t wash up you know statistically speaking I have a 40% change of catching a disease? You know this asshole, why would you need to-‘

He’s intercepted by Anisa; ‘you two are so cute together’, and Richie couldn’t agree more. He takes a sip of his drink; which is champagne apparently, and is seconds away from asking Eddie who his boss is supposed to be, when a man Richie has never seen around the office makes an appearance, sliding in front Eddie’s left to give him a tight hug. By doing so, he breaks the link that Richie and Eddie hands still had, rudely shoving Richie slightly back.

He frowns, but does nothing as he waits for Eddie to introduce them. Anisa, who is still standing with them, looks to be as flabbergasted as he is.

‘Eddie, look at you. Handsome as always’, the man compliments while pulling back, his eyes shamelessly raking over Eddie’s form.

Eddie laughs politely, thanking him while reaching for Richie’s hand again. ‘Yeah, good to see you to Seth, this is my boyfriend Richie Tozier’, Eddie explains when the guy, Seth, makes no move to introduce himself.

Seth forces a curt nod towards Richie, not so much as a hello. It irks Richie to no end, but this might the one Eddie’s trying to impress, and Richie is not enough of an asshole to ruin Eddie’s chances because he’s annoyed.

‘I’m going to find Emmet, I’ll see you guys later’, Anisa tells them, as she turns around and walks off, something Richie would love to be doing now too.

He stays rooted to his spot though, trying to make himself as big as possible. It must look a bit ridiculous, but he can’t help it, there’s something about this guy.

‘So, have you managed to talk to the boss man yet? The guy really likes fresh workers.’ He tries to joke, but it falls flat, and Richie can’t help but feel smug and a little sympathetic towards the guy, so he laughs a bit awkwardly. It’s better than not responding at all, he argues, but then Seth levels him with such an annoyed look that Richie can’t help but feel a little intimidated by.

He hasn’t seen that sort of look since Sonya, and for all his joking about her, he really was terrified that she would manage to convince Eddie to stay away from for good. Uneasiness sweeps it’s way through Richie’s body, the only thing keeping him slightly calm and stable, is the hand he’s holding.

Richie tries to change the subject, to distract himself from how weird he finds the guy, by asking how he and Eddie know each other.

‘We collaborate on projects from time to time, Seth works for one of our client companies.’

‘Yeah, and we wouldn’t be coming back to the same firm if it wasn’t for Eddie over here,’ he gestures to Eddie as if Richie didn’t know who the fuck that was, ‘I’ve never had a more dedicated, ambitious, articulated, clever –‘

While he continues to dish out compliments, Richie reaches his arm over Eddie’s shoulders, pulling him flush to his side. Obviously it’s wonderful to hear compliments, and god knows Eddie deserves nothing but that, but it’s quite off putting that the same guy keeps praising him at every turn, and not even acknowledges his boyfriends presence instead being rude.

Eddie response by pressing a kiss to Richie’s cheek, which is a lot of PDA for him, maybe to sooth Richie, maybe because it was an automatic reflex, either way, Richie takes a deep breath and manages to hold his tongue till the guy is finished talking.

‘Yep, that’s my Eds, nothing but the best. I’m lucky to have him.’

He looks up from Eddie’s face to smile brightly in Seth’s vicinity, not even trying to compete with him, just being brutally honest.

‘He’s just as ambitious at home by the way, you should see the poses he can bend into when we’re-‘

‘Beep beep, Richie’, Eddie’s voice, sharp as the edge of a knife cuts in. ‘Don’t you dare finish that sentence you prick. And don’t call me that.’

Richie cackles, gripping his stomach with the one hand that isn’t occupied to stop himself from doubling over, Eddie’s angry face only making it worse.

‘Why do you call him Eds? He told you he doesn’t like that.’

Richie’s head snaps back up again, and this time, he feels actual anger. It’s one thing to flirt with Eddie in front of him, or be rude to him, Richie can deal with that, at least on the outside. But insulting their nicknames? He knows for a fact Eddie only tells him to stop calling him that out of habit, Eddie having admit to that himself, but this guy had no right commenting on it.

Eddie himself seems agitated now, in a truly fashion, one that he has never used to talk to Richie, but before he can say anything, another man steps their way, extending his hand and waiting for Eddie to shake it.

‘Mister Duke, how are you sir?’ Eddie asks a little nervously, and Richie lets his arm drop down. He refuses to let Eddie be denied this opportunity by homophobia, even if he isn’t sure that the man is homophobic, he’s not ready to take any changes.

With a gesture over his shoulder, Eddie follows who Richie presumes is his boss over to a table with man who looked like they stepped right out of the TV show suits, but Richie declines to walk with him.

Eddie needs a chance to prove himself, and Richie was just going to support him from where he was standing.

For a minute, he forgets Seth is still standing with him, until he opens his mouth again.

‘You know you’re only dragging him down right?’ He asks cruelly.

Richie frowns at him, his hands closed in fists, trying to lure himself away from his breaking point.

‘He would do much better with me. What do you have to offer? Money? I’ve got plenty of that, and at least I have status. Some small town comedian who flunked at his show that one time, and still hasn’t made a comeback yet. You look about as disheveled as a homeless men, and I can’t say I see much love between the two of you. You annoy him, and you might find it funny, respectable people don’t. Leave him before you ruin him like you ruined yourself. I could take better care of him than you ever could.’

After his monologue, he stares Richie down with a cocky expression, seemingly daring Richie to respond. When he doesn’t get one in ten seconds, he trudges on, probably to on to the next person to bother.

Richie feels like all the bones in his body have turned to liquid as he struggles to stay upright. For a moment he gazes around the room in shame, because it seems like a scene from a movie where everyone looks on to the bully annihilating some nerd, as that is the exact same emotion Richie comprehends, before he realizes that everyone is caught up in their own conversation, and he too walks off, going to the bathroom.

He knows Eddie will search for him when he’s done with his conversation, but for a moment that thought is put on the back-burner as he starts to get a little faint. It takes longer than it usually does to reach the toilet door, in the meanwhile he’s had to shrug Emmet of and ignore Anisa’s callout, but none of that matters when he finally gets there.

As soon as the door closes behind him, a loud sob leaves his throat. Only one sob is allowed to leave his lips, he argues with himself, so he resumes to silent tears only after that.

Overreactor, his traitorous mind hisses at him, and he knows it’s right, but he can’t help how he feels. He survived a fucking clown alien attacking him, and even that didn’t make him cry until he thought Eddie might have died.

However, he knows that Seth had a point, Richie is really not good enough for Eddie. And maybe Seth could be, at the very least, he did have a stable job, and he thinks highly of Eddie, maybe he was right, and he should leave Eddie so he can grow to his full potential.

Some times goes by while he’s thinking it over, and in the meanwhile he has moved to wash his face by the washing bins, scrubbing the area around his eyes to make it appear like he wasn’t crying. As he’s doing this, he hears Eddie call out to him. ‘Hey dickhead, you in here?’

The door whips open, clashing against the wall with a loud bang so hard that Richie flinches for a moment. A worried looking Eddie is standing in the door opening, his tie undone atop his blazer, and his frantic eyes searching the door, calming down slightly when he sees Richie.

‘Hey, why are you taking so long, you fall in the toilet or something?’ Eddie tries, a futile attempt at ignorance, Richie can clearly see how perturbed he is, but he’s kind enough to let Richie come to him.

Instead of telling Eddie the things that are on his mind, Richie tries to force a way around the topic, by using humor and creating a joke. ‘Well Eds, I was just about to call your mom, to declare my love for her.’

‘Richie’, Eddie sighs, running a hand over his face like he’s trying to mentally prepare himself? By the tone of his voice, Richie understands that Eddie is asking him to tell the truth, to speak what’s on his mind, but that can be so hard sometimes, so in lieu of having a conversation with Eddie, Richie starts to cry.

A hand pushes it’s way up to his mouth, trying to desperately to muffle the cries of despair, shame was again white hot present in his mind. Eddie looks shocked for about a second flat, before rushing over to Richie, grabbing his neck and pushing his head against the crook of his shoulder, rubbing his own hand up and down Richie’s back, and the other one through his hair.  

‘Rich, it’s okay. You can talk to me dumbass, that’s what boyfriends are supposed to do.’

There’s nothing but silence for a few minutes, which Eddie grants Richie, just trying to get him to calm down.

‘do you ever doubt our relationship?’ Richie finally asks, feeling the way Eddie’s entire body freezes up as if he was told Pennywise was back.

Richie hurries to continue. ‘I mean, if I’d had to choose between me and Seth, I’d pick Seth too. He has a good job and I might be out of one after waiting so long to go on stage again, and I look ridicules, and I push your buttons,’ Richie takes a break to gulp in a large gush of air. ’I’m just saying, I’d get if you would want to break up with me.’

Yet, when Eddie pulls back slightly, Richie panics before letting him get too far. Eddie laughs again, still close enough that their noses are pressed together with Richie bend down the way he is.

‘Hey Rich, you’re really fucking stupid you know that?’ Eddie says with a voice so incredibly soft and fond, Richie nearly melts to a puddle. He’s still stroking curl after curl on Richie’s head, comforting him best he can when they’re in a public bathroom.

‘You’ll have a job. You’re so good at being funny Richie. Even if I don’t say that enough. Besides, let’s say you don’t, you will but just hypothetically, I don’t care about that. I only want to spend time with you. You dress like a toddler, but I like that, it makes you look goofy, just like your personality.’

With a smile that’s showing his teeth, Eddie presses a quick kiss on Richie’s mouth, pulling back fast and firing two more in rapid succession.

‘I love you Rich. Not fucking Seth, Fuck that guy. I could never want to be with him, ever. I mean it when I say I love you dickwad, despite my questionable decision, I choose you.’

Richie giggles, hearty when Eddie stands on his tippy toes to kiss his forehead, and for a moment he feels like he’s five years old. He’s glad to have Eddie, and he’s even more satisfied that Eddie wants him back. Not amnesia could stand in their way, he’s so idiotic to believe a guy from Eddie’s fucking job could.

‘Now, come on. First I have to kick Seth’s ass for making my boyfriend cry. I have to set an example here. Then we’ll go home and cuddle okay? We'll clean the salmon or whatever the fuck sentence I'm supposed to make with that and skoot on home’

Richie shakes his head negatively, ‘what about your job promotion?’

As if suddenly remembering so, Eddie grins like a cat that go the cream.

‘Don’t worry about that, I got the job.’

When they cuddle at night in their bad, after a heavy make out session, and a small skype party with the losers in honor of Eddie’s promotion, Richie falls asleep, safely knowing that Eddie was with him, and he no matter what, he wasn’t leaving.  

#reddie #reddie fluff #some jealousy #eddie kaspbrack #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak imagine #richie tozier imagine #My writing #it chapter two imagine #I wrote this way too late

[james-effing-potter]

for the ask game: 1, 3, 15, and 24 <3

Thanks for the ask! <3

1: Name a movie that makes you feel like a kid again

The first Pirates of the Caribbean.  There are no words to describe how much I love that movie and how many great memories I have watching it with my family when I was little.  We would literally decorate the house and have “pirate parties” and watch this movie.  Sometimes my mom would play the sheet music on the piano and my brothers and I would grab toy swords and have sword fights all over the furniture and the fire place because Mom was giving us a sound track and we intended to make use of it

3: Name a song that you’d sing at the top of your lungs during a night drive

Honestly, I scream sing along with almost all of the music I listen to when I’m in the car, but if I had to pick just one, I’d say Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi.  I’ve done this with my mom before and we just had so much fun

15: Name a musician that soothes you

Okay, this is gonna be a weird answer, but Jensen Ackles.  Yes, I am referring to the guy who plays Dean Winchester on Supernatural.  He also does covers of some songs, he’s come out with one album of original work, and another one is on the way.  I don’t know, something about his voice just really helps me feel better.  I think it all stems from this one time when I was feeling really stressed and I thought listening to some music would help, so I put my playlist on shuffle and his cover of Simple Man came up, and it’s honestly just so soothing.  It’s my go-to song for whenever I need to calm down now.

24: Name a superpower you wish you had now

Honestly, this is gonna sound so basic, but I would love to be able to fly.  It’s like swimming but in air and without that annoying “can’t breathe” thing.

[thesinglesjukebox]

DUA LIPA - PHYSICAL

[7.50]

It's okay! Move that boogie body!

Leah Isobel: It is a dark and stormy night. In a sinister science lab located somewhere in Carmen Sandiego's plush pomo lair, a pop singer plugs in a neon light, shrugs into a next-season Gaultier lab coat and gets to work. In the reflection of her gold-tinted goggles we see her add one (1) part Extract of "Into You," one (1) part Juice of Newton-John, and four (4) drops of Synthesizer Spice into a contoured beaker. She turns on the flame of a Bunsen burner; stream gushes from her concoction like a geyser, emitting a high, keening refrain. She whispers a few luscious words into the steam -- "diamond," "sssimulation," "adrenaline" -- but her experiment still lacks a certain something. Then -- BOOM! -- in a thundercrash of lightning, it hits her. Eureka! She turns and sees her reflection illuminated in the glass of an emergency axe container, kept onsite in case of fire. "Well," she chuckles to herself as she breaks the glass with a four-inch stiletto heel, "I am creating something... hot." Axe in hand, she chops the neon light into pieces and stuffs the shards, now glittering like a million sequined dancefloors, into the beaker. With the addition of this Decoction of Disco, her potion bubbles... it burbles... then KABOOM: it explodes the entire building and half of the surrounding city! She stands in the wreckage as thunder splits the sky above and sirens wail in the distance. We see Dua's eyes glow green before she throws her head back to the sky and screams: "GAY RIIIIIGHTS!" [9]

William John: Probably the best example of what parts of the Internet's stan culture would facetiously refer to as "gay rights" from a mainstream musical artist since... the last Dua Lipa single, or, failing that, "Into You." Like those precedents, "Physical" is camp but magisterial; playful but extremely melodramatic; sweeping, dance floor ready, and dripping with an exultant swagger. Her reminder to "hold on, just a little tighter" at the bridge is, truthfully, a hollow gesture; at that stage, the listener is so deeply embroiled in her glorious disco caprice as to not really be capable of gripping anything at all. [10]

Jackie Powell: It couldn't be clearer that Dua Lipa had something to prove not only to herself, but to the pop music intelligentsia on her sophomore offering. What has struck me most about the Future Nostalgia cycle is how Dua is executing every facet of it with confidence. On this track, she's not afraid of hitting notes that eclipse the breadth of her previous singles, especially on the bridge. "Physical" is a representative offering of exactly what she's aiming to prove. Each track we've heard so far reflects a different decade accompanied with a modern polish. I don't think I'm the only one who believes Olivia Newton-John's '80s exercise sexual metaphor smash "Physical" deserves the tribute it's getting here. There's a clear homage paid to her and to Patti LaBelle on Lipa's own "Physical." I'm going to interpret her lyric "We created something phenomenal" as a bit of a double-entendre. Not only is it about sex in the narrative of the track, but it's a comment on Lipa's approach to this era and her confidence on every single part of it. The sexual symbolism isn't just in the lyrics, but also in the track's composition and the narrative communicated in the visual treatment. The vocal highs that she hits on the bridge represent a climax musically and sexually. She has so much confidence in the visual treatment, she spends most of it braless. That takes guts. [9]

Tobi Tella: Dua Lipa's perceived lack of personality has turned out to actually be lack of a schtick preventing her from artistically evolving, something many of her peers are plagued with. Also, I've died and gone to gay heaven. [9]

Alfred Soto: The way Dua Lipa's unexpected bon mots and smoky sultriness ride the beat and compete with the strings compensate for a production too dressed up in leg warmers and headbands for my taste -- I mean, her exhortations are more fearsome than erotic. [7]

Julian Axelrod: Pop's '80s revival arms race has escalated to its natural endpoint: the accidental exhumation of Olivia Newton-John. I wish Dua Lipa had used "let's get physical" in a more literal iteration; singing it over hyperdrive synths guarantees it'll be never played in its intended setting, especially when she has half the energy of ONJ. But she hit the mark where it counts: This is going to rule spin classes for the rest of the year. [6]

Brad Shoup: A throwback training-montage track that suggests sex but is really about dancing and Olivia Newton-John erasure. This is Stranger Things pop. [5]

Thomas Inskeep: Sex is natural, sex is fun, sex is best when soundtracked by throbbing '80s synths. [6]

Ashley Bardhan: Okay, fine, I enjoy horny music. Sue me! This song is what would happen if ABBA was brought back to life as a bunch of hot 20-year-olds in little shirts from Fashion Nova. The "let's get physical" chorus feels a little lazy since it's a direct lift from Olivia Newton-John's 1981 hit, but this is a great song to listen to while thinking about that video of Charli XCX holding poppers. No complaints here. [7]

Alex Clifton: I've underestimated Dua Lipa. Her first album had some hits and misses, but Future Nostalgia is shaping up to be one of the best pop releases of 2020 based on the strength of its singles. "Physical" is a cascade of rainbow lights in a roller rink and makes me long to go out to a club, one where I can get down in a huge crowd of people and dance my white-girl ass off poorly. I'm an extreme introvert, so anything that makes me want to leave the house and be around strangers is powerful stuff indeed. It's a little cheesy, but who cares? It's a love letter to the '80s with all the campiness a song citing Olivia Newton-John should have. I'm desperately in love with Dua Lipa after hearing this, and I have a feeling "Physical" will be one of my favourite songs of the year. [9]

Stephen Eisermann: Dua Lipa has quietly become the pop superstar that so many of us wanted Carly Rae to be. Both women make incredible music, but it is Dua who has found commercial success; after hearing "Physical," it seems pretty obvious why. It's a retro-laden, power-pop track that is extraordinary only in the way Dua delivers it. What should be pedestrian instead is hypnotic, infectious, and oh so delicious. [8]

Lauren Gilbert: I promised a friend I'd blurb this song, and now that I've sat down to write it, I have nothing to say. It is a perfect pop song -- Dua knocks it out of the park on this record. I keep getting distracted from writing jamming to the track. I'm dancing while lying down on my couch. She created something phenomenal; we are left with no choice but to stan. [10]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: I've justified Dua Lipa's dearth of personality in years past, but this is where things don't add up: her dead-eyed singing makes no sense during the chorus, whose synths lack the fervor to make up for clinical vocal melodies. Around this time last year, we had Lizzo's "Juice"; now we have "Physical" as an example of '80s pastiche that only feels like it exudes energy and passion and charm. [2]

Will Adams: It's neat to have a single that's its own Initial Talk remix, but the synthpop revivalism is a bit too literal, to the point of putting all its chips on an Olivia Newton-John quote. It's not until the bridge -- "keep on DANCING!" -- where the drama locks in and starts, but only starts, to feel real. [6]

Kylo Nocom: Dua Lipa, determined more than ever to win the Popjustice £20 Music Prize, accidentally transforms into Alice Chater in the process. [5]

Katherine St Asaph: If "Physical" being by Dua Lipa wasn't hypertargeted enough to the Popjustice set, is that the synth progression from Saint Etienne's "No Cure for the Common Christmas" in the intro and beneath the chorus? It's certainly the same height of drama. The track attached isn't quite so charged: a little too Lady Gaga circa "Applause" and a little too Peloton instructor quoting Olivia Newton-John for absolutely no reason besides the culture deciding at some point to make the phrase a permanent, meaningless meme. (The song doesn't even sound particularly '80s; the disco strings are the decade prior, and the vocal squiggles on the verse are so specifically 2016 a time traveler's on their way to erase them.) Dua Lipa only betrays a personality on the spoken-word bridge; ironic how that and the vaporous intro, the least physical things on this track, are the most thrilling. [7]

Vikram Joseph: The intro feels like a prickling at the back of your neck, the one-line pre-chorus feels like plummeting six floors in a broken elevator, and the chorus is such a headrush you can practically smell the poppers: "Physical"'s thrills might be straightforward, but they're visceral as fuck. There are vintage Lady Gaga vibes, the "come on!"s are surely a nod to "We Are Your Friends," and the whole thing reminds me, inexplicably, of Bon Jovi's "It's My Life." But Dua Lipa is starting to make this all seem effortless, and the panache with which she delivers "Physical" easily pulls it clear of the gravitational field of its forebears. [9]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: "Physical" dares us to be the boldest versions of ourselves. It finds itself at the perfect intersection of confidence and lust. Dua Lipa is flirting with you with a playfulness she can only possess because she already knows you're going home together -- and she won't let you leave until the dancing is done. Dancing here is instinct, it's synths that sound as sweet as they do sinister, it's salty like the sweat that rolls down your forehead after you've been, well, physical. Dua Lipa is crushing the Confessions on a Dance Floor album that I've long been waiting for Lady Gaga to make. Dance floor music has long been my site of refuge and catharsis, so it's refreshing to be reminded that it can still sound so immediately, eminently thrilling. [9]

Kayla Beardslee: This doesn't quite reach the heights of "Don't Start Now," but damn it comes close. "Physical" should, in theory, be a cookie-cutter pop girl release, but Dua proves once again that she is the most important element in her music. The producers are doing everything right too, but who else could pull off her endearing smirk in "common love isn't for us" or that wonderful growl in "follow the noise"? And Dua takes us through a transcendental bridge that highlights the best qualities of her voice: singing simple lyrics that say everything they need to, she's breathless yet confident, desperate for touch yet satisfied with the musical world she's helped to create. Something phenomenal, indeed: this rollout has been a joy to follow. [9]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: "Physical" takes the opposite approach to "Don't Start Now" -- while that song's studio version swallows up its singer in a beautifully constructed, sterile disco pastiche (the live versions and remixes are much better), turning her into just one more retro cog, "Physical" makes her the center of attention. The production around her is good enough (the synth preset change right before the chorus starts is especially nice), but not particularly coherent or hooky on its own. In the vacuum left, Dua gets to have more fun, charismatically switching between vocal styles and walking around like she owns the place. [8]

Jibril Yassin: A powerhouse vocal colliding headfirst with production that's neither plodding nor limp. It's a song that's meant to feel like a blockbuster and after a few failed tries, it's thrilling to hear Dua Lipa finally nail the landing and sound like the superstar she wants to be. [7]

Michael Hong: "Physical" is magnetic. Its pulse is unrelenting, its atmosphere is shadowy and captivating, and Dua Lipa gives possibly her best vocal performance. There's no sense of the up-and-coming performer who delivered everything with stolid execution, instead, "Physical" is a sly wink of a pre-chorus leading to a forceful command: "baby, keep on dancing like you ain't got a choice." Dua Lipa is at the helm, all thoughts and any other desires are out the window, and the night is neverending. [7]

Joshua Lu: Several of Dua Lipa's past hit songs have relied on a marketable veneer of cool: "New Rules" works because she's the straight-talker friend giving advice, "Don't Start Now" necessitates a stoic character who can't be bothered to fret about her ex, and even on collaborations like "One Kiss" does Dua employ a rather unemotional voice, like she's a blank canvas for Calvin Harris' more playful and engaging production. "Physical" feels like such a departure for Dua not just because of its obvious throwback sound, but because this veneer of cool is completely torn down when the song reaches its rushing chorus. She sounds more and more desperate as her voice climbs and the synths soar above her, and her cries of "come on" ring as desperate instead of dominant. The song is indebted to pop titans of yesteryears (Olivia Newton-John obviously inspired the title, but the theatrics of the song feel more indebted to Bonnie Tyler or Patti Labelle) to the point of it not really feeling like a Dua song, but she sells it all so convincingly that it feels like a natural fit. It's part pop song, part epic showdown, and I look forward to Dua continuing to push herself to the forefront of mainstream pop music greatness. [9]

Scott Mildenhall: Little wonder that Lipa's so keen to get physical, given that she's "dreaming in a simulation" -- her focus seems to be on the former, since the latter exemplifies the aimlessness of the verses in comparison to the locked-and-loaded chorus. That has its thrills, yet never feels as loose as seems intended. "Physical" comes across too in love with the idea of being a kind of Perfect Pop to actually be it; an anthem for kinetics developed via science textbook. [7]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

#Dua Lipa #pop #music #music review

[curlermusic2]

Homeless Veterans and Their particular Housing

The Philadelphia Old soldiers Administration is supplying a number of programs to support the homeless old soldiers of the PEOPLE. In fact, they have an amount of enclosure options, which is often possessed by them. The homeless veterans happen to be provided with a new permanent and safe shelter to live in. This is in add-on to helping all of them to find long lasting employment. These plans are being backed by the Old soldiers Administration (VA). A single way of aiding the homeless veterans inside the city is by providing all of them with temporary support housing. The Philadelphia Veterans Administration presents so many supportive housing opportunities intended for the homeless old soldiers. In addition to this, the corporation also offers transitional dwelling facility for those veterans who desire to shift from one program to an additional. This gives them along with opportunities to take pleasure in living in the permanent housing services while they happen to be transitioning with their innovative one. The Philadelphia VA has built some sort of number of assignments and centers to be able to help the homeless veterans. They also offer solutions to those experts who are still in the process of locating permanent supportive housing. The Philadelphia Veterans Association has many facilities and programs. A single such center is named Veterans Administration Hostels. The Philadelphia VETERANS ADMINISTRATION has several hostels in the place for the destitute veteran. There are usually many other homeless veteran housing options available for those veterans who are not able to find a spot on the pavements. One such system is known as hud-vash. This is the residential, permanent supportive housing facility to the desolate veterans. The hud-vash homes are in fact extremely spacious and comfy. Some of these houses have luxurious amenities for instance swimming trust, gyms and other identical amenities. Another option is to be able to give the experts a chance in order to get an substitute type of enclosure. This is often in the particular form of coupons that will be given to them when they turn into homeless. The Experts Administration even offers numerous supportive services of which they provide with regard to the homeless expert. These services may include medical, psychological, spiritual along with other assistance systems. A lot of the providers center around supplying the veteran with a sense regarding self-worth. Other providers include helping these to become self-sufficient to enable them to benefit from work. One of the centers for the homeless, known as VA Sturdy, is a 24-hour facility that provides several different services for the desolate veterans. These services range from the provision involving meals and various other social services. The number of boxes lunches are offered to the homeless every day. These box lunches are provided by many community organizations of which are dedicated to be able to serving the destitute.

One of these service centres is referred to as Bon Jovi's House. It is a huge residence that has several different rooms. Just about all of these bedrooms have showers nevertheless there's also a small health club. A fantastic attraction to this house will be that there happen to be not a lot of people inside the building. This kind of is because many homeless veterans donation not really want in which to stay a new place where generally there are many people close to. Homeless veterans locate it very hard to take care of their cleanliness. A lot of them depend about borrowed money plus do not have got a fortune to expend on hygiene products. In order in order to provide these cleanliness items, Bon Jovi provides hygiene kits that are offered on the homeless shield. solution house philadelphia pa are full of toothe brushes, razors, washes, shampoos, deodorant and more. Exactly why this is usually so necessary for typically the homeless veterans is because they perform not must expend money on purchasing these products individually. Because of this, typically the hygiene kit these people receive is substantially more effective compared to what they would likely comes from any other organization

#homeless veterans assistance philadelphia:sober living philadelphia:homeless veterans assistance philadelphia:sober living:sober living hous

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

Superheroes with Secrets: Rock me like a Hurricane (Fic part 16) (Set in 2001)

Around 2000 Words. 18+ in places.

Tags: @piratewithvigor please inform me if you wish to be tagged/untagged from posts

‘Giantess’ Kirby Roussimoff x Shane ‘Hurricane’ Helms (Circa 2001)

Reference Posts: Shane ‘Hurricane’ Helms

Kirby ‘The Blacklight Bandit’ Roussimoff

Notes: The story is set in 2001, which would make Helms 27 and Kirby 31. This story also blends Kayfabe and Reality. Certain people speak in different colours, Mainly: Helms is Green. Kirby is Orange. Kane is Red. Undertaker is Purple. Big Show is Blue.

Other members of the BSK are also in purple.

Other women are in Pink.

"Want to invite her?"

"I would, but she's going through a divorce at the moment and if she leaves then her ex might get the kids."

"Yeah, maybe leave her off the list."

"And I still don't have a good idea for my maid of honour."

"We'll find you someone."

"We also have to discuss things like the officiant and the date."

"DiBiase officiates."

"I was going to say, DiBiase is good, or Slick. Slick's a minister. Then, the date."

"When's the next big break of like 2-3 weeks when there's no shows, no anything?"

"Well, it's August now, so," Kirby pauses for a moment, "not until Christmas I don't think."

"Aw, a winter wedding in Ellerbe."

"You know we would freeze to death. Right?"

"But how pretty would it be?"

"I don't want to freeze my tits off."

"Yeah, that's fair enough."

"Now, another thing that's been on my mind for a while, the song."

"Which one?"

"Well, there's before the ceremony starts, when I walk down the aisle, our first dance, uhh..."

"Plenty of songs. We'll have to do some listening and picking."

"Any bands that you'd prefer?"

"I want something romantic by a band who's usually loud. Power ballads are good."

"Bon Jovi, Counting Crows, Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses?"

"Yeah, guys like that."

"So if I suggested, Born to be my baby, by Bon Jovi, what would you say?"

"I'd agree to it very happily."

"How about, we listen to songs by those bands, in the hotel room? Hmm?"

"I approve. It'll be a great way to spend the evening."

By the time they reach Helms' hotel room, he's shirtless and Kirby is kissing his neck and toying with his dress pants. Her lipstick is smeared around his mouth and both of them are giggling like teenagers. Helms fumbles with the door, before opening it and pushing Kirby forward until she's at the edge of the bed. She takes her dress off, showing off the lacy underwear beneath.

"Goddamn, been wearing this the whole time?" He murmurs.

"Since I showered earlier, yes." Kirby admits.

"Been holding out on me."

Kirby slides off her fishnet tights, "Helms, mon ange, I need you to do one thing for me."

"Anything, sweetheart."

"Take my lace panties off, with your teeth."

"Yes, I will definitely live out my dream in such a way, thank you."

Kirby pulls Helms into a kiss, feeling up his crotch before pulling away. Helms kisses along her body until he gets to her hips, where he pinches the thin fabric between his teeth before pulling them down.

Kirby smirks, "oh, mon ange, you are so perfect."

"So are you. Every inch of you is beyond perfect."

"Helms, I don't think I've ever known someone as amazing as you."

"You sure? One gets to know a lot of people in this business."

"Yes, I have never known someone like you before, you're handsome, and sweet and gentle and kind, and yet you're also a badass and you make me laugh, and... you're the only person in the entire world, who I would love to call my everything, my friend, my lover, my husband, eventually, maybe even the father of my kids one day."

It's Helms' turn to blush from the praise. "I'd love nothing more than to earn all those titles."

"You already have earned them," Kirby pulls Helms up and into a hug, whispering in his ear, "I'm never going to leave you, no matter what, I'll be here."

"Nor am I. I'm all yours forever."

"I was gonna fuck you against the wall, but I'm stuck in a sentimental mood at the moment."

"We can be sentimental while you fuck me five ways from Thursday."

Kirby hoists Helms up, kissing him and shifting their position to drop him on the bed, looming over him before climbing on top of him.

"God you're beautiful." He whispers.

"You don't even know how many times I have thought about you since I met you." Kirby whispers back, turning on the clock radio, her breasts held back by her bra over Helms' head. The radio springs into life, the song playing is 'Bed of Roses' by Bon Jovi.

"Thought of me how?" He smirks.

"In every way possible, I thought about kissing every part of you, I mean every part, from your forehead to your groin and down. I thought about fucking you in every place possible, bedrooms, bathrooms, hell, I even thought of fucking you in the ring or in elevators. I think I pleasured myself to thoughts of you in the shower at least ten times."

"You touched yourself to the thought of lil' ol' me?"

"I didn't know a better way to get you out of mind, it was either drink or touch myself."

"I'm glad you picked the right option."

"Well, are you going to fuck me until I can't walk or do you want me to suck you off?" Kirby teases.

"First option, please. Wanna make you feel good too."

Kirby shifts their position so Helms is on top, Kirby slides her hand under his pants.

"Goddamn, I'm already hard as rock, tryin' to get me to cream myself?" He chuckles.

"Maybe, unless you're gonna stop me, Superhero." Kirby teases.

He raises an eyebrow playfully. "Mm, think I may wanna do that. I know it's almost laughable, but how do you feel about me pinning your wrists down while I fuck you?"

"I'd only laugh if you were joking, you wanna pin me to the bed, do it, Hurricane."

He's gentle in his movements, but uncharacteristically firm as he clutches her wrists and pins her down, kicking off his pants quickly. Kirby squeaks in surprise, she's not hurt, just surprised. Helms smirks at her surprise. He's not intending to hurt her, just startle her a little. Contrary to popular belief, he's not as weak as he looks, nor is he quite as submissive.

"You can be rougher if you want to, mon ange."

"You sure? Don't want to hurt you."

"I'm tougher than I look, Helms."

"So'm I." His arms flex a little as he slides inside her all at once.

"I just thought of the best sex joke." Kirby whispers between moans.

"God, I'm nervous. Tell me." He groans, grinning.

"Rock me like a Hurricane." Kirby whispers.

"Think I'm gonna fuck you extra hard over that joke." He shakes his head in amusement.

"I deserve punishment, Hero?" Kirby teases.

"Punishment or gratitude, you decide." He chuckles, beginning to thrust harder and faster.

"Fuck yes.." Kirby moans, throwing her head back and arching her back slightly at the change of pace.

He's moving so fast, his abs are flexing in ways Kirby hasn't seen before. His pace is a little rough around the edges, just like him.

"God ... fuck ... you're ... so ... handsome," Kirby whispers through moans, "fuck me ... fill me..."

"Gonna fill you up, sweetheart." He grunts softly.

"Helms ... I ... I ... need you." Kirby murmurs.

"So close, Kirby..." he whispers, his hips stuttering a little.

"No, Helms, I need you in my life" Kirby whispers, before throwing her head back and screaming his name as she cums.

Seeing his girl in such ecstasy is more than plenty to drive Helms over the edge with her, groaning softly, his mind cloudy with lust.

"Fuck, Helms, I love you." Kirby murmurs.

"I love you too. So damn much."

"Helms, you used a condom, right?" Kirby questions, barely above a whisper.

"I... we got so into it... oh fuck..." he hisses, pissed at himself.

"No no no, Helms, Helms baby, it's okay, it's okay, I'm not mad at you." Kirby reassures him.

"God... Are you sure? There's probably still a pharmacy or something open if we need it."

"Helms, listen to me. I'm a giant, we have notoriously bad reproductive systems. Everything is probably gonna be okay."

"You say that, but I personally know... at least 5 giants." He says after a moment's counting. "And one of them's got kids for sure. I think Kane might too."

"Helms," Kirby lifts herself slightly to whisper in his ear, "I don't fucking care if you get me pregnant."

"Even if it's before the wedding?"

"Even if it's before the wedding. Helms if you get me pregnant, then I'd be pregnant with your baby." Kirby reassures.

"That's true." He grins. "Hell, we could have a kid."

"See, if we have a kid then we have a kid, and fuck it, if we don't then we can always try again."

"We can try as many times as we want."

"Exactly, now, get off of me so I can get cleaned up."

"Aw, do I have to?"

"Two options, we fall asleep with your dick in me, or two, I get cleaned up and then sleep."

"Well, I don't want you to get a UTI, may have to slide out."

"Or, third option, I get cleaned up and then, if you still want to sleep with your dick in me, you can."

"I take that option please."

"Then let me go get cleaned up." Kirby states.

He slides out slowly then climbs off the bed. Kirby gets up and spends about two minutes freshening up before coming back, makeup removed, bladder empty and the bandage on her arm gone. Helms is bundled up into the comforter, but holds it open for Kirby to join him. Kirby joins Helms and kisses him gently.

"Missed you." He mumbles sleepily.

"Missed you two, mon ange." Kirby whispers, feeling Helms' chest beneath her hands as she snakes her fingers over his skin.

His breath hitches as she touches him gently. "Can't believe I get to sleep in your arms tonight."

"Are you gonna slide in?" Kirby teases, before kissing him slightly more passionately than before.

"Of course. Just gotta finagle a second."

"Helms baby, please can I ask you not to ride the Hurri-Cycle into our wedding."

"How about I agree to not ride it down the aisle?"

"I'll agree to that." Kirby whispers, her breathing hitches slightly as Helms slides himself into her.

"Thank you." He grins.

"God, you feel so fucking good."

"So do you."

"Helms?" Kirby whispers, "who would you like to be the ring bearer?"

"Is it cheesy to say I'd love to have William Moody do it?"

Kirby buries her head in his neck, giggling at the idea, "huh, uh-huh, Bearer as the ring bearer would be hilarious."

"Everyone there would get it and probably laugh their ass off. Especially if we bring up the rings on a little casket-shaped pillow"

"Oh my God, a tiny casket shaped pillow for the rings, awww."

"And it suits your desired Gothic style."

Kirby and Helms eventually fall asleep together, when Helms wakes up first the following day (Saturday 1st September 2001) with Kirby still asleep with his dick still in her. He doesn't dare move. Just lies and watches his girl sleep happily. Kirby stirs slightly, her body moving further against his, making Helms' cock go a little bit deeper. He groans softly as he dips deeper into her. Kirby wipes the sleep from her eyes, feeling Helms inside her, she moans softly.

"Good morning, hot stuff."

"I forgot we fell asleep with you in me." Kirby whispers.

"So did I for a second."

"You feel so good inside me, Hero."

"You feel damn good too, anti-hero."

"I don't want to leave the bed at the moment, but seeing as I'm closer to villainy than you," Kirby whispers, shifting their position so Kirby's on top of Helms, with him still in her.

"Oh no, I've been trapped." He laughs.

Kirby smirks, rolling her hips against his.

"Goddamn, how'd you get so good at that?"

"Intimidation tactics, sometimes they make use of more sexual behaviour."

"That's fair."

Kirby rolls her hips again, pinning Helms' wrists together against his head.

"Almost like you're tryin' to make me cum again."

"Just trying to get you on the edge and leave you there for a while." Kirby teases.

#Kirby Roussimoff #Shane Hurricane Helms #Blacklight Bandit #Orange and green - the perfect team

[jasonblaze72]

The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 Release Date: Race To The Top 10

The release date for The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 has been announced, and the fans of this singing reality television show are on their toes to know more. Before we get into The Voice season 22 episode 18's release date and streaming information, here's what happened in the most recent episode. We saw veteran musician Omar Jose Cardona open the show with Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer." With his upbeat performance, he established the mood for the evening, and Camila was astounded by how well he interacted with the audience. John, meanwhile, praised Omar's range, intensity, and soul while describing his voice as "out of this world." John continued, "I'm just fortunate to be your coach." Kim Cruse performed Aretha Franklin's "I Never Loved a Man" next for Team Legend. Her passionate rendition had John and even Blake on their toes as she displayed her tremendous voice. Blake claimed that, in a positive sense, her aggressive technique felt like an assault on him. John continued by saying that Kim had chosen "clever" songs. Sasha Hurtado left Team Gwen to join Team Camila, and John stole her. Also read: How To Watch The Crown Season 5 Episodes Online? Streaming Guide What Happened In The Voice Season 22's Recent Episode? The newest member of Team Legend performed "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John, finishing with an incredible run. Gwen acknowledged that she was pleased with her old colleague Sasha and was envious of her. John claimed to have observed Sasha's assurance. The youngest member of Team Legend and record-breaking The Voice performer Parijita Bastola then gave a rendition of Lady's "I'll Never Love Again." The slow ballad demonstrated the control and passion of the 17-year-old. Camila could only yell in praise of her "wonderful" performance. John claimed that everyone was enchanted by her performance at the same time. Harry Styles' "As It Was" was sung by Gwen's Kique, an 18-year-old vocalist, but he slowed down the song to give it an entirely different sound. While Gwen praised Kique's talent and star power, John said Kique exuded confidence and added his spin to the song. The next contestant was Kevin Hawkins, whom Gwen had taken from her husband's squad during the knockout rounds. He sang the Silk Symphony song "Skate," a '70s feel. Blake referred to Kevin as "the one that got away" and expressed his enjoyment of his comedic side. Then, Kevin "blossomed" on stage, according to Gwen. Alyssa Witrado then attempted a coach's song once more after having success with "Don't Speak" in the blinds. Camila felt she could have shown more passion during her performance of Miley Cyrus' "Angels Like You" from her time as a coach. On the other hand, Gwen acknowledged the song's complexity and praised Alyssa for her impeccable pitch. Former Team Blake member Kate Kalvach intended to "rock it" with Shania Twain's "You're Still the One." Despite some technical issues with her internal earpiece, Kate kept her attention on the task. The coaches praised her professionalism and said they couldn't tell she was having any difficulties. Kate's voice, according to Camila, is "beautiful and angelic." The "17-year-old powerhouse" for Team Blake is Rowan Grace, who was taken from Team Gwen. She demonstrated her wide range with "Hopelessly Devoted to You" from Grease. Blake and Gwen both praised Rowan for her "strong" performance with her new squad, while Blake stated Rowan "threw herself to the front-running." The next performer was Brayden Lape, who used Jordan Davis' "Buy Dirt." Due to his "effortless" talent, Camila claimed it was her favorite concert by Brayden. Blake said that the adolescent sounded "amazing" and forecasted that one day, with or without The Voice, he would be on the radio. Bodie, an alternative pop singer, served as Team Blake's "one-in-a-million artist" for The Voice season 22, episode 16. He performed the slow ballad "Glimpse of Us" by Joji, displaying his emotional side. Gwen broke down in tears after hearing Bodie's performance since she didn't anticipate hearing anything similar from him. Blake, meanwhile, claimed Bodie astounded everyone. When Is The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 Release Date? The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 Release Date is Monday, November 21, 2022. The Voice S22 Episode 18 will air on NBC at 8 pm in the US; international fans can stream The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 at 1 am BST (November 22), 6:30 am IST (November 22), and noon AEDT (November 22). Where To Watch The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 Online? The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 will stream on Fubo TV and Peacock premium at the time listed above. Fans have to cross-check the times listed above to watch The Voice Season 22 Episode 18 when it comes out in their nations. Also read: The Oval Season 4 Episode 4: Release Date, Preview & Where To Watch Read the full article

[gabigoesplaces]

Shanghai (’19) and different ways of living

It was indeed one of the best trips of my life, I learned so much, met amazing people and got to (kinda) darle la vuelta al mundo (Calle 13 reference)

I had waited so long for this and when the time came, I was ready but definitely nervous for what to expect. I had spent a few days in Marbella before, so I expected Shanghai to be poles apart from my experiences in Puerto Banus. We arrived at the airport, and after going through a face and Touch ID migration system, which was surreal, kind of scary but fun nonetheless; we were picked up by a bus, and on our way to the hotel the tour company that was taking care of us, gave us a booklet with some basic information about the city, and gave us cryptic instructions like: “Don’t get inside of a red taxi”

We took the advice, but we were ready to explore the city and Fusion was our first destination, right after getting huevos rotos at a Spanish restaurant at the French Concession, we tried ordering a taxi to the hotel lobby but failed to communicate through Google translate that we had to get there by 11pm. So there we were, a bunch of kids running behind yellow taxis to get to the club. 

After showing the taxi drivers the address, we arrived to a mall and 11 stories up, we were shown to a secret door... When we got inside, everyone could clearly see who the outsiders were. We, westerners, did not wear Gucci sneakers, we weren't eating an entire buffet of xiao long bao, or had in our table bottles of Golden Goose (we did, however got our hands on that later). 

We danced, some of us got became fans of lollipops from an unknown origin, and others were thrown confetti on by some Chinese influencers; but the night came to an end early after we realized that class at 6am the next day was mandatory. Some friends and I were, dropped off in a wrong location, so we decided to finish off the night by getting Pocky from a local store, meanwhile on our way to the right hotel, we got disapproving looks from the seniors dancing at the parks we passed by. 

The next day, well, only a few hours later, we were on the metro, hungover while trying to stay awake until the next stop. The best way to describe the way we felt, while standing next to commuters was: hot and bothered, but not in a good way. Little did we know, two hour classes about Chinese foreign policy and a not so brief historical background awaited. We got our abanicos out, and like a real flamenca, we fanned non-stop. 

Later in the afternoon, after getting a good siesta, we got Mexican food; let me note, I am aware of how bad this portrays me as a travel blogger but the birthday boy wished for it so, c’est la vie! (I assure there is great Chinese culinary adventures later on). And after our celebration, accompanied by a Chinese live singer in the background (who apparently only knew Ed Sheehan songs), the after party followed in a suite, which our Mexican friend got after “talking to the manager” (I still don’t know how he managed to make that happen, he’s really not intimidating in the slightest, with his 1.60cm). The views from there were breathtaking, we could see the whole city which had grown so quickly since the 19th century. 

We made a right choice by staying in that day, because even after the long day that followed, exploring Xuhui district, we were ready for Ladies night at Bar Rouge. The girls and I got all done up, ready for our photoshoot in the Bund (we were also joined by some fans who wished to take pictures with foreigners), we climbed up four stories and after saying the magic words “Francisco Tonight”, we were in. Red lights (and a handsome ice cream man) welcomed us, as he guided the group towards the manicure station, sponsored by Dom Perignon, and indeed we wished to drink the stars.

“You are the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen”, I heard as I turned around to find an Indian guy wearing a Hawaiian shirt. I said thank you but he seemed to have understood the hidden message in my words, so he asked me I wanted him to introduce his Dutch friend to me and after sharing a laugh he did so. Time passed by as we danced the night away, while he apologized for his two left feet. All while knowing he had to leave to Shenzhen in the morning to pitch his startup drone company to new investors. 

My friends and I regrouped and went downstairs to (attempt to) find a cab with a taximeter, trying to avoid the red taxis, as we had been advised. And as we tried our luck, we found the Dutch guy again, I said goodbye and my friends and I entered the taxi, after he failed to convince them to stay, “don’t you want to see the sharks at M1NT?”. Suddenly, as if it were Singing in the Rain, it started raining. Gene Kelly (from the Netherlands) opened the door of my cab and for a second there I felt like a 50s movie star.

I daydreamed the whole way back to our hotel about what could have been if I had stayed… Luckily my friends had my best interest at heart because just a shower and three hours later, we were at a Chinese Leadership Centre, strolling along the gardens, while feeling unexplainably calm, maybe it was the feng shui after all. 

After a crazy afternoon bargaining with sellers at the black market, which was strangely located at a metro station, we got dinner at our favorite huarique (Peruvian slang for restaurant which turns out to be hidden gem), which served the best dumplings we had ever tried, until then... A full belly and a happy heart later, we hoped on a taxi again, to see with our own eyes if the Dutch guy’s theory was true indeed. And it was, as you entered the club shark tanks and the sound of house music surrounded you, for me, it was definitely unforgettable as  I looked at my phone, waiting for my classmates to finish their part of the essay. After sending the email to my professor, I went to the dance floor, but made a pit-stop at some Peruvian guy’s table, who told us he was there for business and because of our shared nationality, gave us a bottle of Goose to start off the night right. 

Surprisingly, a guy approached me as I was singing my heart out to Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On a Prayer, air guitars and all, to say: “I see there’s someone here with a good music taste”. I turned around to find a skater boy from Cali, he was tattooed up from head to toe, and when I pointed it out he proceeded to show me his favorite one, which he undoubtedly got done by an amateur tattoo artist. He also mentioned he was in the city for the X games and after dancing for a while I got swept out by a Brazilian guy on who I practiced my Portuguese, but just a few moments after telling him I liked to sambar, a French guy also came up to me and I applied the same premise, just for learning purposes, bien sûr.

But Duolingo live was short-lived, because a touristic day awaited. We went to Shanghai Museum, and a friend and I quickly moved to see everything, from the Porcelain collection to the Traditional Clothing exhibition. After, we walked along Nanjing East Road, which in reality was more like running because of our guide’s hurry to get to Yu Garden in time, hearing that it might get reconstructed because “everything is new in Shanghai”, was kind of heartbreaking for a history junkie like me. Later we went on a cruise along the Bund, as the lights of the financial center went on.  

The next day, after partying at an 80s themed club, we went up the second tallest building in the world. Shanghai tower is known for having the world's highest observation deck, and as I looked down on the city, it truly did feel like a serendipitous moment; 10 year old me would never believe 18 year old me’s words if I told her that in less than ten years we would be standing there.

That day we also got to try my favorite Chinese dish so far, Shanghai fried dumplings were truly the best part of my culinary experience. Even though dinner at an Arab? (to this day, I’m not sure where exactly the food was from) restaurant, was also one of the best parts, because of the amazing dishes and the dancers who invited us to be part of the show.

Longhua temple was indeed a calming experience, it felt like the last moments of our trip were indeed here. Seeing the statues and feeling so small beneath them, while hearing about the Buddhist acts of faith, like offers to Mitreya Buddha and the Four Heavenly Kings. It was sobering (no pun intended), after crazy nights, to take a moment to evaluate life and how in this enormous planet, human beings live it in such different ways. 

Shanghai gifted me experiences I could have never had anywhere else and taught me potential lovers could not only be found at umbrella marriage markets. Leaping into the unknown was definitely worth it, and for that I say xie xie.

#travel #travel story #shanghai #china #teenage #coming of age #love #romance #adventure

[woodworkingpastor]

What are you waiting for? Matthew 25:31-46 Sunday, April 7, 2019

Call to Worship, © 2019 Thom Shuman, www.lectionaryliturgies.com

Before there was any time,

there was God.

When we wandered the wilderness,

God built a way for us.

When we lived in exile,

our homes were built by God.

When we are overwhelmed with life,

God unknots the tightness in our shoulders.

When we seek to serve faithfully,

God provides the opportunities.

When tomorrow comes,

we find God awake and waiting for us.

When time ends,

there will still be God.

 Prayer of Invocation

God of justice, you have shown yourself in this world in the poor, the hungry, and the needy. Make us willing participants of your grace and generosity, so that when you come again, we will know your face. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

When I was a teenager, part of my Saturday morning routine was to get up and go Dad into his office.  We’d stop for breakfast at the L&S Diner in Harrisonburg; then we’d go to his office for an hour or so before heading to Kroger.  Dad worked for Holly Farms and then Tyson foods those years, and as the manager of a poultry processing plant he was curious to see what the chicken looked like in the stores. At Kroger, we would eventually go by the bakery where I’d get two chocolate covered donuts.  But while we were there, I liked to go to the magazine section.  Someone used to print a magazine that contained the song lyrics that month’s top songs.  This was the early 80’s, you couldn’t pull out your phone and check these things on Google, because Google didn’t exist and the phone was on the wall in the kitchen.

It’s not always easy to understand the lyrics in a song, and famously mis-understood song lyrics exist in abundance, depending on the era and style of music, and how church appropriate you want this illustration to be. For instance,

A friend of mine used to get concerned in church every time they sang the hymn “There is a bomb in Gilead.”

I once explained to Zach that in Bon Jovi’s song Livin’ on a prayer, it’s “Tommy” who works on the docks, not “Johnny.”

Or the episode of Friends where Phoebe mis-quotes Elton John and sings “Hold me close young Tony Danza.”

All of this is hopefully a humorous way to say that Brethren are inclined to mis-hear this text.  We get off track is thinking that this text is a call to help people in need. By any measure, being concerned for others is an important part of Christian faith and practice; we are and we ought to be involved in ministries like these—especially to the degree that they require our personal involvement. It’s just that this is not the point of this text.

To help us straighten things out, let’s back up and set the stage: Matthew’s Gospel tells us the story of Jesus.

It’s a story that is rooted in a particular history; a genealogy that goes all the way back to Abraham that includes four prominent women and a whole band of in-laws and out-laws.

It’s a story that includes Joseph fleeing a murderous king with Mary and Jesus, living as refugees in Egypt before settling in Nazareth.

It’s a story that instructs us on the character of the Kingdom of God.

It’s a story that is now wrapping up.  Jesus is telling the disciples what things will look like at his return. After this story events will unfold quickly, resulting in this Jesus being condemned as an outcast and a criminal.

What are we to hear?

We are to hear that Jesus is Lord. At the end of time, the decisions will not be made by the kings or the rulers or the presidents or the movie stars or the rich and famous or the sports idols of the day.  At the end, Jesus will define reality, because he’s been doing it all along.  If we can move past what we think the story is saying about ministry to “the least of these” and the various ways the faithful and unfaithful either did or didn’t respond to them, we might notice how many references there are to Jesus being Lord.

Jesus makes this plain. Notice how he begins: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.” This is not a random title. The Jewish people of that day were absolutely looking for the Messiah to come, because it had been promised to them in the Bible. With this sentence, Jesus references Daniel 7:13-14 and applies the words to himself:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

No one in Jesus’ day doubted that these words from Daniel would someday come to pass.  Many, however, doubted that Jesus was that one.  Very few knew how to act when confronted with the real thing.

It is the kind of statement that either had to be true, or else Jesus was a fraud.  It reminds me of a time I was talking with a man about the weather.  It had been really hot and dry for quite some time. As we talked about this, this man says, “Well, we all know that NASA controls the weather.”  It’s kind of hard to know what to say to that and be polite at the same time.  It’s so outlandish that we can’t possibly imagine it being true—most of us, anyway.

C.S. Lewis works with this idea a bit more elegantly when he says

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about [Jesus]: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic…or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to” (Mere Christianity, “The Shocking Alternative”).

Before this account begins wrestling with how the faithful act, it makes us deal with the fact that Jesus is Lord.  What will we do with that?

We are to hear that life in the Kingdom of God involves having a relationship with the king, not on what we do for the king.  Over the last several weeks we’ve seen several parables that really upset how we often look at Christian life:

The “Parable of the Vineyard” introduced us to some day-laborers who learned that payment is this vineyard is not an earned reward for our labor; it is the benefit of working for a generous, gracious landowner.

The “Parable of the Wedding Banquet” showed us that the only way to be excluded from the wedding banquet is to ignore the host and refuse to participate in the celebration.

The “Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids” illustrates the need to make provisions for the long haul, so we’re ready when the bridegroom arrives.

In every case, the issue involves being in right relationship with the one in authority; it’s the same lesson here.  The only difference between the sheep and the goats is that the sheep are known by their relationship to Jesus—even when they didn’t realize it was Jesus!  Their lives are simply defined by a basic compassion to those who are suffering or going through an impossibly difficult time.

Over and over in the Gospels, what defines faithfulness is a life that demonstrates a profound trust in Jesus.  We are called to put our trust in Jesus and then act out that trust in our daily lives.  The measure of our faithfulness is not the maintenance of a tradition or a particular way of doing things; it is not to root out unfaithful people or beliefs from our midst; it’s not known by how many people read our blog or follow us on social media.  It’s to be alive to a relationship with the one who made us and loves us and wants to redeem us.  And if we’re doing it correctly, then Jesus words here make us realize that we might not even know we’ve been doing the faithful thing all along.  What a joy it will be to stand before Jesus and learn all the times we met him in the face of someone we encountered in life and blessed in a particular moment.

My experience of the Church of the Brethren is that we often talk about the faith of our spiritual ancestors—people who undertook great challenge or experienced great sacrifice for their pursuit of Jesus.  But in this most popular of texts for the Brethren, it’s important that we hear correctly, because the song of faith that is lived out in our daily lives needs to be sung correctly.  Faithfulness means that we get to be those people in our day.  We’re not simply to maintain what was handed down to us; we are to actively reach out and engage the Kingdom of God in our midst, never knowing for certain when we’re ministering to Jesus himself.

[wopcalmetacriticthings]

Allmusic - SOMEWHERE BETWEEN SPACE AND TIME (Troye Sivan)

80/100

Highlights: "TIGER TEETH", "DANCE TO THIS" (FEAT. ARIANA GRANDE), "SUNSET", "LOS ANGELES" & "EXPLORERS"

Something unique and refreshing always lightens up the massive pop-rap and hip-hop domination over charts, specially if it's something completely unexpected and the opposite of the ruling genres - and that's exactly what Troye Sivan brought to the table. Going full force in a 80's album, Sivan placed his bets at the new wave, synthwave and electropop categories, working with one producer only, Martin Bush, in the whole SOMEWHERE BETWEEN SPACE AND TIME album. Wondering if it has features on it? Yes, it does: the Billboard Hot 100 queen, Ariana Grande, appears in one of the tracks. In a risky move, Sivan put his hopes in a relatable-content project as he clarifies his struggles, his new begginings and telling stories not only about his fight with alcoholism but also about relationships and life itself.

The album opens up with the second single, "TIGER TEETH", a great opening track that sets the mood for what's coming next. Even though the lyrical content isn't something never seen before, Sivan knows how to put magic in his words and finds a beautiful and energetic way to captivate the listener in a song that has almost 6 minutes but that feels like 3.

"LYING TO YOU" comes up as the second track from the project, aiming for a synthpop meets new wave type of beat but with a modern touch; the melody takes some time to grow but when it does - at the chorus specifically -, it grows like a flower in Spring. Does it sound a bit like that guilty pleasure you'd sing at karaoke while getting drunk with your friends? Yes, but that also could mean that it has a potential to be a classic someday.

The third track is "DANCE TO THIS", featuring Ariana Grande, the only featured artist in the album (well, officially at least, you'll understand later). With a smooth and chill pop beat, the song keeps the electro vibes attached but in modern essence; it's catchy, Sivan and Grande's voices are a great combination and the song screams single material. The production is sweet and soft and the lyrics are catchy, with a hidden sensual meaning.

Sivan brings the Journey and Bon Jovi's inspirations in the fourth song, "FAINT OF HEART", with powerful vocals, a typical 80's beat and a sing-along classic type of melody. Even though the lyrics are a bit repetitive and the melody gets a bit tiring after some time, Sivan delivers a captivating tone and the song seems unstoppable and never ending - which can be seen as something good or something bad, it's up to you.

"INSTANT CRUSH" comes as a possible watershed to the album, bringing an indie and experimental pop/rock sound to the tracklist; with inspiration and influences from Daft Punk, the song isn't the best but it's not insufferable, it's just an interesting move. The chorus do make the song a bit better but the verses are hard to swallow - sonically and lyrically, although Sivan mentioned the song being about a hard topic such as fake love, the verses don't really soften up the track and you might get yourself waiting for the chorus... or for the song to end.

Making up fromt he previous move, Sivan comes back with the synthpop new wave element on the sixth song, "SUNSET", another long track that doesn't feel like it at all. Just like "FAINT OF HEART", Sivan makes the 70's and 80's band influences clear as the song sounds like the Gen Z version of "Don't Stop Believin'". With a cohesive production, an outstanding guitar solo made by Shawn Mendes (remember the unofficial featuring previously mentioned?) and lyrics filled with references and metaphores ("They say it’s darkest before the dawn / We’ve been in this twon for far too long"), the singer delivers one of the most outstanding tracks of the album.

Confirming the long tracks, "SHADOWS" comes up as the seventh song on the tracklist, with a dark (no pun intended) tone but with powerful vocals, Sivan takes us through a private journey about his struggles with addiction, in one of the most personal tracks of the album, served on another impeccable and cohesive production. As noticed in most albums on the album so far, the choruses are the highlights of the song, the looped vocals have an incredible meaning and the productions plus the whole instrumentals can take you in an out of body experience.

"TILL SUNRISE" comes up with Troye Sivan whispering words in a sexy mood over a 80's summer jam, along with hypnotizing backing vocals in harmony. Giving us a sexy John Travolta scene type of feeling, the song doesn't go much anywhere but its main niche, but it works in a very cohesive way - it's not a super long song so that helps a lot. It's sexy, it's fun and it might be a new addition to your 'love' playlist, if you know what I mean.

The first single "LOS ANGELES" is the ninth track off the album, keeping up with the new wave meets electropop and synthpop feelings in a beautiful and inspiration composition. With captivating verses, a strong chorus and a flawless production, it's clear why Sivan chose this track as the first step of the era. "Helicopters against moonlight / Our holy mother of the midnight / And we live forever, let us live forever tonight" is poetry to our ears and we appreciate that.

And when we thought things couldn't get better, Sivan closes the project with the outstanding track "EXPLORERS". The best song in the entire album, it works as a tribute to "those who are wild at heart and are restless spirits" as said by Sivan himself, in a melodic, vulnerable and marvelous composition over an incredible production. Spoken verses and an inspiring chorus, the song kicks off in a great approach and an impressive way, it keeps getting better and better. References to films, distorted vocals and emotional lyrics - it's sold. It's a simple track, but extremely and beautifully polished in every aspect.

Somewhere between space and time, we try to find ourselves after experiecing the true comeback of Troye Sivan - not that his previous release wasn't interesting, but with SOMEWHERE BETWEEN SPACE AND TIME, Sivan shows how to make yourself relevant going against the tide of the radio waves and how to keep being yourself in the most authentic and peculiar sonical way. Through a fantastic journey, Sivan not only satisfies his already established fanbase but also reaches new audiences - that might include teenage kids influenced by the 80's aesthetic fans of VHS Cam apps and also 40s parents that were born in mid-70's and that might warm up their hearts by revive their golden young years with the sound. Unexpectedly outstanding pieces of works are the best ones because you can't see what's hitting you, and that's what Troye Sivan did. From the epicness and flawless "EXPLORERS" to the radio friendly "DANCE TO THE THIS", SOMEWHERE BETWEEN SPACE AND TIME takes you to outer space and by listening to the album, we're not sure you'll want to come back.

[fictioncareercreativity]

Career Spiritual Mentors Series part 3 Creative Fiction Freestyle Story Part 3 by Stella Carrier

Career Spiritual Mentors Series part 3 Creative Fiction Freestyle Story Part 3 by Stella CarrierJune 14, 2018 Career Spiritual Mentors Series part 3 Creative Fiction Freestyle Story Part 3 by Stella CarrierI Stella Carrier Humbly Call Upon What I Imagine To Be The Influence of Benevolent Spirits From the Heavenly Realms, my higher self, and my celestial spirit ally team for creativity in both my writings and all other areas of my life both present and future. I also welcome any and all forms of spiritual assistance and divine intervention in all areas of my life both present and future.Affirmations I am creating heaven on earth. I am learning to be in the right place at the right time at all times. I am learning to live all areas of my life in alignment with my divine life purpose for both the present and future My psychic/intuitive abilities, creativity/imaginative abilities, and my ability to tap into my wisdom are expanding each and every day. I am in the process of manifesting and ensuring a bright future for myself I see through various situations with great wisdom and clarity with discernment as to what information to go by I am in the process of simultaneously sharpening both my logic decision making and the imagination helpful to think outside the box for solutions in various areas of my life It is the year 2828 and I Estelle Sims am a 66 year old career counselor who has been helped by William Duran when it comes to helping men and women from various walks of life balance their writing passions/aspirations of balancing being a writer/author with dreams of also having a full time career tailored to their writing interests. Some of my clients work in careers relating to their writing/work as authors. Other clients balance being fiction andor non-fiction authors with working in careers that are different from their work as writers yet also provide creative fuel for their writings. I Estelle Sims have also been helped by William Duran with some of the following He gave me some good advice from some of his investments of investing in a supplement that has helped men and women from various backgrounds meet their body goal dreams with a high success rate by the year 2820. The caveat is that a man or woman must be careful to stop taking the supplements when they reach their ideal weight and transition to the recommended vitamin program. This is  because the supplements have only been in the market for 2 months now, fortunately the only most extreme cases were 2 women in their 30s lost weight so fast that they had to be asked to transition to the alternative vitamin program. One woman went from 160s to 90 pounds in 3 months fast and another woman went from 150 pounds to 100 months in just a month. William Duran has  hosted career fairs at multiple theme park/college hybrids for men and women of various ages looking into their career destinies. Many of these fairs involved career consultants with intuitive abilities who help men and women with ideas for their planned self publish stories as they craft out their career andor money goals ranging in ages as high as 150 years old. I Estelle Sims have been allowed to learn how some of these career consultants utilize their practical and intuitive guidance as well as receive mentorship for my own storytelling goals. I Estelle Sims have watched as a multiple number of over 800 men and women who attended these career fairs go on to achieve some of their intended career goals from their stories regardless of the level of recognition their self published stories got. For instance, a 143 year old female from one of the career fairs recently received less than a month ago at least 17000  American dollars in 2000s money just to have one of her short 39 page stories optioned for a theater play pertaining to a universe where there is over 140 dimensions of worlds similar to what was featured in the Wizard of Oz.  A 70 year old male client  published one of his stories based on his work as a cook on a military sealift command ship that was built near a theme park, hotel, and university building hybrid. It has truthfully been over a year since he self published the story and he does wish for similar success that the 143 client received. However, less than 3 weeks ago he unexpectedly had a sleeptime dream of certain plots of his creative fiction story that gave him some lucrative meal plans that are generating him some money for a party planning business that he does on the side. Then less than 48 hours ago, a female who is a heiress to one of the founders of 2 theme parks  built in Maryland and one near Virginia Beach Virginia by the year 2100 approached our 70 year client about helping her set up a birthday party themed after the creative fiction genre book that the 70 year old client wrote inspired by his work as a cook on a military sealift command ship. When phrasing this request she admitted that she was one of the secret fans of his work who featured his book at a dinner party that recently made the news in a media conglomerate that combines news elements from the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, the Virginian Pilot and the Wall Street Journal. Potentially more on Estelle Sims less than 5 to 6 weeks from now or less Resources songs for me to keep in mind Fable (Message Version) by Robert Miles Fable (Dream Version) by Robert Miles I Am the Bullgod by the Kidrock Mysterious Ways by U2 Lovesong by the Cure Blackwater by the Doobie Brothers Best Day of My Life by American Authors Feel Good Inc. by the Gorillaz Everyone Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears Blaze of Glory by Bon Jovi Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/20th-century-english-names.php#.Wx8w1-4vycw https://slimfast.com/success-stories https://slimfast.com/success-stories https://slimfast.com/recipes/ https://slimfast.com/recipes/ https://slimfast.com/recipes/avocado-egg-salad-sandwich/ https://slimfast.com/recipes/avocado-egg-salad-sandwich/ https://slimfast.com/pickadate/ The navy sea duty pay referenced in the article seems like it would be an important incentive for various men and women who otherwise would need more time to decide whether to extend their time served on a ship. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/06/13/what-you-should-know-about-the-new-career-sea-pay-rules/ What You Should Know About the Career Sea Pay Rules https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/06/13/what-you-should-know-about-the-new-career-sea-pay-rules/ think of what i would give back in return how mike tyson became a millionaire again https://www.cnbc.com/2015/12/07/mike-tyson-i-was-totally-out-of-my-league.html Mike Tyson: I Was Totally Out of My League by Jessica Golden https://www.cnbc.com/2015/12/07/mike-tyson-i-was-totally-out-of-my-league.html https://heavy.com/sports/2015/11/mike-tyson-net-worth-2015-children-record-30-for-30-espn/ Mike Tyson 5 Fast Facts Most recently, Tyson has teamed with Adult Swim for a brand-new animated series called Mike Tyson Mysteries which premiered in October 2014 https://heavy.com/sports/2015/11/mike-tyson-net-worth-2015-children-record-30-for-30-espn/ celebrities who are well liked http://www.businessinsider.com/the-a-list-the-most-powerful-celebrities-2016-12 the 20 most powerful stars in hollywood right now by Paul Schrodt http://www.businessinsider.com/the-a-list-the-most-powerful-celebrities-2016-12 https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/the-most-influential-celebrities-on-social-media/ The Most Influential celebrities on Social Media by Karla Rodriguez https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/the-most-influential-celebrities-on-social-media/ http://www.businessinsider.com/famous-people-who-bounced-back-after-being-broke-or-bankrupt-2017-7 16 People Who Bounced Back by Lindsay Dodgson http://www.businessinsider.com/famous-people-who-bounced-back-after-being-broke-or-bankrupt-2017-7 I Stella Carrier keep my life purpose destiny in mind as I wisely and intuitively stay humble/modest and keep my pride at a down to earth level as I do and give my best in all areas of my life and transforming even the most one of a kind challenges into greater golden spiritual midas touch happy andor beneficial opportunities for expanded spiritual evolution and increased wisdom in all areas of my life for both present and future. https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2018/06/14/8-things-to-do-in-d-c-from-june-14-20/?utm_term=.8cc4fbfb3c80 8 Things To Do In D.C. From June 14-20 by Rudi Greenberg and Thomas Floyd https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2018/06/14/8-things-to-do-in-d-c-from-june-14-20/?utm_term=.8cc4fbfb3c80 This caught my attention because of the reference to various  music events around the Washington D.C. area. https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2018/06/07/5-summer-music-festivals-to-catch-in-d-c-maryland-and-virginia/?utm_term=.deba8c22fd9b 5 Summer Music Festivals to Catch in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia by Rudi Greenberg https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2018/06/07/5-summer-music-festivals-to-catch-in-d-c-maryland-and-virginia/?utm_term=.deba8c22fd9b originally saw on microsoft news http://www.businessinsider.com/ihop-ihob-promotes-burgers-review-2018-6  ihop changed its name to ihob to promote its burger menu theyre shockingly goodby Hollis Johnson and Kate Taylor http://www.businessinsider.com/ihop-ihob-promotes-burgers-review-2018-6 I preface sharing this by making it clear that I rationally/logically accept and intuitively understand that my career destiny cards/career destiny/heaven inspired career lifepurpose does not involve being a government employee in Washington D.C. However, my creative intuition and logic are influencing me to keep this article for both present and future both as a creative fiction story idea and for others who may want to see the link. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-employers-who-want-to-help-you-buy-a-house-52034#housing-benefits-for-washington-d-c-government-employees 7 Employers Who Want To Help You Buy A House by Glenda Taylor U.S. Government in Washington D.C. Government employees in Washington, D.C., can take advantage of some of the best EAH benefits around. The housing program, which is open to employees purchasing their first home, includes a deferred 0 percent interest loan of up to $20,000. This loan may be used for a down payment or closing costs, and it need not be paid back until the employee sells or refinances the home. To qualify, the employee must agree to a five-year work commitment. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-employers-who-want-to-help-you-buy-a-house-52034#housing-benefits-for-washington-d-c-government-employees http://gameadvocacy.org/50-over-50-list http://gameadvocacy.org/50-over-50-list https://variety.com/2018/gaming/features/50-over-50-list-1202846095/ https://variety.com/2018/gaming/features/50-over-50-list-1202846095/ https://pagesix.com/2018/06/14/melissa-benoist-celebrates-broadway-debut-with-supergirl-beau/ Supergirl Melissa Benoist celebrates Broadway Debut  with Supergirl beau by Ian Mohr https://pagesix.com/2018/06/14/melissa-benoist-celebrates-broadway-debut-with-supergirl-beau/ https://pagesix.com/2018/06/12/melissa-rivers-selling-posh-pacific-palisades-property-for-6-2m/ Melissa Rivers Selling Posh Pacific Palisades Property for $6.2M by Claudine Zap realtor.com https://pagesix.com/2018/06/12/melissa-rivers-selling-posh-pacific-palisades-property-for-6-2m/ https://www.wonderwall.com/news/brad-pitts-mit-crush-travels-paris-see-billionaire-beau-3014813.article brad pitts mit crush travels to paris to see billionaire beau by Mark Gray https://www.wonderwall.com/news/brad-pitts-mit-crush-travels-paris-see-billionaire-beau-3014813.article https://pagesix.com/2018/06/13/brad-pitts-mit-crush-still-going-strong-with-billionaire-boyfriend/ Brad Pitt's MIT Crush  still going strong with billionaire hedge funder Bill Ackman by Ian Mohr and Emily Smith  (this list lists Brad Pitt's crush to be Neri Oxman) https://pagesix.com/2018/06/13/brad-pitts-mit-crush-still-going-strong-with-billionaire-boyfriend/ https://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/article_d71e5b34-b0a0-5813-9289-16ec11ba0a54.html Virginia Beach Virginia Gets Its First Neighborhood Added to National Register of Historic Places by Mary Beth Gahan the Virginian-Pilot https://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/article_d71e5b34-b0a0-5813-9289-16ec11ba0a54.html https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/article_91713e22-6773-11e8-9ce6-4f4d7bd01439.html The best of Nerd, the Virginia Beach Band Headlining Shaggfest by Rashod Ollison The Virginian-Pilot https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/article_91713e22-6773-11e8-9ce6-4f4d7bd01439.html The theme of  the Wizard of Oz combined with the Strawberry festival sounds innovative. https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/festivals/article_ab69af7a-6111-11e8-9fa7-93b68cdd6359.html Pungo Strawberry Festival In Virginia Beach by Steve Earley the Virginian-Pilot https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/festivals/article_ab69af7a-6111-11e8-9fa7-93b68cdd6359.html Probably a huge number of people showing up for the event featured because of the inclusion of tacos. https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/article_4e4fc026-6a8b-11e8-99ea-0ba42a524a06.html Norfolk Hosting Beer-Fueled Late Night Munchie Market with Celebrity Tacos Brazilian Street Food by Matthew Korfhage https://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/article_4e4fc026-6a8b-11e8-99ea-0ba42a524a06.html The coverage was probably highly educational for  the students featured in the DC Central kitchen documentary https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2018/06/07/the-liberation-looks-at-who-can-take-the-heat-in-d-c-central-kitchen/?utm_term=.913427a91431 the documentary 'the liberation' looks at who can take the heat in d.c. central kitchen by kristen page kirby https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2018/06/07/the-liberation-looks-at-who-can-take-the-heat-in-d-c-central-kitchen/?utm_term=.913427a91431 https://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/this-mcdonalds-menu-quiz-is-harder-than-a-day-old-french-fry?utm_term=.cj5aQR5lQX#.haK85jEv56 Mcdonald's Quiz by Mike Spohr https://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/this-mcdonalds-menu-quiz-is-harder-than-a-day-old-french-fry?utm_term=.cj5aQR5lQX#.haK85jEv56 http://robbreport.com/shelter/vacation-homes/slideshow/5-vacation-homes-for-the-ultimate-summer-getaway/ 5 Vacation Homes for the Ultimate Summer Getaway by juliana distefano http://robbreport.com/shelter/vacation-homes/slideshow/5-vacation-homes-for-the-ultimate-summer-getaway/ http://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/luxury-boutique-hotel-linthwaite-house-reopens-lake-district-england-2799827/ Linthwaite House Brings Luxury to the Lake District by Phoebe Neuman (England's Lake District) http://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/luxury-boutique-hotel-linthwaite-house-reopens-lake-district-england-2799827/ https://therecipecritic.com/grilled-huli-huli-chicken/ grilled huli huli chicken https://therecipecritic.com/grilled-huli-huli-chicken/ https://sealiftcommand.com/about-msc military sealift command https://sealiftcommand.com/about-msc https://www.bobvila.com/get-ideas I might want to go camping within the next 2 years or less from now. https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-very-best-campgrounds-from-coast-to-coast-52085#gallo-campground-at-chaco-culture-national-historical-park-in-new-mexico The Very Best Campgrounds from Coast to Coast https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-very-best-campgrounds-from-coast-to-coast-52085#gallo-campground-at-chaco-culture-national-historical-park-in-new-mexico a related travel link I intend to travel to England one day with my husband and staying at this place featured sounds like it would be both a colorful and uplifting experience. http://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/luxury-boutique-hotel-linthwaite-house-reopens-lake-district-england-2799827/ Linthwaite House Brings Luxury to the Lake District by Phoebe Neuman (England's Lake District) http://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/luxury-boutique-hotel-linthwaite-house-reopens-lake-district-england-2799827/ https://blog.virginia.org/2018/06/historic-outdoor-destinations-pt-1/ 12 Historic Destinations by Patricia Keppel https://blog.virginia.org/2018/06/historic-outdoor-destinations-pt-1/ writing based on real life I admit that I intend to do some of my creative fiction writing relating to real-life. However, I rationally and intuitively understand that I must wisely and modestly take into account certain information I can obtain on this endeavor for both practical and karmic reasons. http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/6-tips-for-writing-fiction-based-on-true-events 6 Tips for Writing Fiction Based on True Events by Guest Column http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/6-tips-for-writing-fiction-based-on-true-events https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/blog/post/5-great-places-to-camp-in-virginia-beach/ 5 Great Places to Vacation in Virginia Beach https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/blog/post/5-great-places-to-camp-in-virginia-beach/ The chances of me doing a half marathon within the next 3 months or less is truthfully slim. However, I have been getting intuitive promptings to work my walking routine up to running especially with the freedom and free time I am blessed with in addition to an open minded and sweet husband who loves me the way that I am. I am both sharing and keeping this article on half marathons because I believe that my intuitive soul unexpectedly led me to this link for a reason (at a minimum I intend to work my way up to running at least one mile three times a week within 2to 4 weeks from now or less). However, as my passion also involves writing I must both talk to my heavenly husband and search my sweet soul on combining both my walking and running goals with some of my writing goals. https://blog.virginia.org/2018/06/amtrak-marathons/ Take the Train to Your Next Marathon or Half Marathon in Virginia by Patricia Keppel https://blog.virginia.org/2018/06/amtrak-marathons/ https://therecipecritic.com/parmesan-garlic-roasted-potatoes/ Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes https://therecipecritic.com/parmesan-garlic-roasted-potatoes/ https://therecipecritic.com/20-minute-skillet-blackened-shrimp-fajitas/ blackened shrimp fajitas https://therecipecritic.com/20-minute-skillet-blackened-shrimp-fajitas/ Old Dominion University online Norfolk Virginia https://online.odu.edu/info/get-started-2018?utm_source=Quantcast&utm_medium=Banner_ad&utm_campaign=Enrollment_FY_1718&utm_content=General_Persona&utm_term=v9_personal University of Maryland Robert H Smith School of Business link College Park Maryland https://onlinemba.umd.edu/lpppc-mba/?Access_Code=UMD-MBA-FACEBOOK&kwdmt=LAL&kwd=UMD-MBA-LAL-1-2%25-Event_Pixel_0418&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=lookalike&utm_content=mba-pixel-4

[stellacarrierinheaven]

Main FICTION TITLE;Stella Carrier in Heaven Afterlife Journal Entry 21- FANTASY FICTION PARTS TRUTH PARTS FICTION Freestyle Story Started Thursday June 8, 2017 Celestial Journey to Greater Overall Wisdom Freestyle Story by Stella Carrier

Main FICTION TITLE;Stella Carrier in Heaven Afterlife Journal Entry 21- FANTASY FICTION PARTS TRUTH PARTS FICTION Freestyle Story Started Thursday June 8, 2017 Celestial Journey to Greater Overall Wisdom Freestyle Story by Stella Carrier

Entry to be Started Today October 23, 2017 and earmarked for  until at least Thursday November 16, 2017  andor Thursday November 23, 2017 or Later For Further Stella Carrier in Heaven Creative Fiction Entries

Main FICTION TITLE;Stella Carrier in Heaven Afterlife Journal Entry 21- FANTASY FICTION PARTS TRUTH PARTS FICTION Freestyle Story Started  Monday October 23, 2017 Celestial Journey to Greater Overall Wisdom Freestyle Story by Stella Carrier

 Start Time Writing Freestyle Story Started After assembling resources and outline points in story as well as main title and greeting

Start time by 105 p.m.

End time 114 pm

 Greeting;To My Heavenly Spiritual Ally Team Based in the Afterlife Journal Entry 21-Started Monday October 23, 2017

  However, I enjoy posting these various writings online in a creative fictional slant such as this blog in order to accelerate my spiritual growth and complement my current work life. This statement is from another part of a blog, but my intuition is guiding me to post for obvious reasons. I Stella Carrier am also posting this for reasons more to channel the type of creative spirit that is coming through me for both present and future reference as I study and analyze further to continue to improve my creative fiction storytelling. I Stella Carrier am more or less doing this to help me keep a spiritual heavenly focus on various areas of my life for both present and future as I carefully balance both my current life obligations and my spiritual interests that intersect with my writing passion.

UPDATE as of Monday October 23, 2017; I Stella Carrier have decided to refrain from job searching for the purposes a year round job until at least January 2018 with the exception of me applying for year round jobs related to my current food services job at the University of Maryland College Park. I Stella Carrier also change my mind about trying to work another private sector job around my current food services job that pays me well and has fair leadership because  I realize that I Stella Carrier want to do the best I can in one job while allowing me time to spend with my sweet and sexy husband Rusty Ridler, do my interests in storytelling, eventually taking online college classes, side gigs etc.

 The name of the spirit coming through for the purposes of this communication is Virginia Long. The author of this entry is familiar with me from a past lifetime of over 600 earth years in what is now modern day Iceland. I Virginia Long was her mother and I have a connection with her most recent mother from another of her lifetimes from over 400 years ago that I must keep secret for now. I Virginia Long am currently gathered with at least over 60 to 70 other spirits in a celestial replica of Iceland where a music festival is taking place with couples of various physical appearances are gathered. My role is to channel information to various souls living on earth that awareness must be implemented when even doing fiction telling as another soul/writer may unintentionally create a particular type of person in either their live or even the live of their partner/spouse etc. I Virginia Long am also channeling information that the act of other people from various walks of life and intellectual abilities unintentionally being an unofficial cupid of love for other people regardless of whether they are aware of such instances in their life, well this same cupid love energy that they are sending for others whether aware of such  happenings can also be applied to various areas of their lives such as career, money andor educational aims along with other goals and later I intend to have the author elaborate more within the next 88 hours or less in earth time

 More details to be included later

 Resources

Some songs from local radio today

The Climb by Miley Cyrus

True Blue

Genie In a Bottle by Christina Aguilera

We Are Young by Fun

Your Song by Elton John

Shut Up and Dance With Me by Walk the Moon

Youre Still The One by Shania Twain

One Call Away by Charles Puth

Secret sources

Mountain Sound by Of Monsters and Men

Bad Medicine by Bon Jovi

Sugar by Maroon 5

I Can’t Stay Away by the Veronicas

These Dreams by Heart

Drunk in Love by Beyonce feat. Jay-Z

This woman ended up in a relationship with the model whose photos were used to catfish her

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/whats-hot/this-woman-ended-up-in-a-relationship-with-the-model-whose-photos-were-used-to-catfish-her/ar-AAtRLU9?li=BBnbfcL

24 Celebrity Restaurants That Are More Famous Than The Actual Celebrit

By Zahra Zaidi

https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodculture/24-celebrity-restaurants-that-are-more-famous-than-the-actual-celebrities/ss-AAtMx8S

http://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/20th-century-english-names.php#.We4hU1tSycw

more details and entries to be added in within 48 to 72 hours or less

Disclaimer; I Stella Carrier am blessed with a great paying job with leaders who are fair. As a result, I intend to avoid job searching until at least January 2018 for a year round job. I am currently hoping for a job related to my current job to come up online yet I intuitively understand that I must give it until at least my birthday to see if it is posted online.  I must say this as I am intuitively and logically aware of the tall creative tales and rumors that may start yet are better helped with this disclaimer that I just included.

start time 950 pm

completion time; definitely by 1018 pm

I Virginia Long am gathered inside of a celestial library similar to the one featured in the music video See Right Through To You by DJ Encore. I am communicating the vital message to the author drafting this message from out last communication with the following;

Vital to focus pairing increased money with desire of top choice to reside long term, some ideas to flow energy toward that successfully,

Enroll in school of choice in that area

Subscribe to magazines andor online subscriptions pertaining to that area

Watch online videos pertaining to that area

If a person enjoys two locations the above principles can work for that as well

Plan trips to the chosen area when budget allows

Watch films andor tv shows set in the area(s)

Draw pictures andor script about the area(s)

Comment online on articles pertaining to the area(s)

Create at least an 11 song playlist of songs that feature as memories of songs that are remembered from living in the area if a person lived in the area before. Stella Carrier is fortunate to have lived in both areas that she has her sights set on and the blessing of both her American citizenship and her socio-economic status actually makes it easier for her to accomplish having the best of both worlds when it comes to residing where she wants within the United States.

For anyone residing outside the U.S. andor anyone residing in another location within the U.S. with plans to try another part of the U.S. simply purchase a book andor magazine pertaining to your place of choice. For instance, Stella Carrier’s heaven higher self and heaven spirit ally team intuitively gave her the idea to purchase the October 2017 issue of Money magazine as it features the concept of homebuying and a story of a woman and her family who succeeded in the place of her choice.

 Pandora

I Like to Move it by Reel to Reel feat the Mad Stuntman

Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money

You and Me by Lifehouse

See Right Through To You by DJ Encore

Side to Side by Arianna Grande feat. Arianna Grande

Bubbly by Colbie Caillat

iheartradio

Eye of the tiger by Survivor

Sources I prefer to keep secret

Intuition by DJ Encore

Around the World by ATC

Close Your Eyes by Novaspace

Out of the Blue by Debbie Gibson

Saturday I Like to Move it by Basshunter

Love So Soft by Kelly Clarkson

Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift

Wonderland by Natalia Kills

Deeper and Deeper by Madonna

Behind Closed Doors by Lana Del Rey-currently available on youtube

Amazon music playlist shuffle mode

You by Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne

El Trago (the drink) by 2 In A Room

Smooth by Santana feat. Rob Thomas

You Spin Me Round Like a Record by Dead or Alive

Stripped by Depeche Mode

Friday or Saturday

Virginia links, script links, story links, fitness links, work/volunteer log