#30 day star wars photo challenge

[heartfucksmouth]

guys I did it

I survived a full day of being a parent WITHOUT A NAP. Aidan slept through the night in bed with me and myles, he woke up at 5am and it's 845pm and I survived the day, I didn't even lose my temper or have a meltdown or sensory overload (it is like 30 degrees out and I'm still sweaty all the time why) and Myles didn't get out of work til 11 (he's working 1am-11a ugh peak season for holidays).

sure, I got a little stressed and my brain was going in a hundred directions at once, but I GOT STUFF DONE. I DIDNT NEED A NAP (I mean, I did, I always ~need a nap, but I managed without one!) holy shit never thought it would happen. I told myles I feel insane bc I was so so sad last night but today I've been such goofy weirdo and laughing at everything. maybe the sleepy-delirium is good for me lmao

~let me list my accomplishments for the day please

•I got all our laundry out of the dryer (myles folded it later)

•I put in a load of Aidan's laundry

•made coffee and a peanut butter + jelly sandwich for breakfast lmao and a pitcher of formula for the day

•I chopped up apple and banana to put in the little mesh fruit feeder things and froze them for his teething pains. he's doing okay on the chamomile tea right now but I can't wait to use the camilia again cuz it's concentrated and I won't feel like I'm filling his belly up on tea water

• did dishes and washed Ade's bottles

• I packed up a lingerie set that I sold on depop, added some cute little surprise gifts, wrote a quick thank you card and dropped it at the post office while Myles hung with Aidan.

• While Myles had Aidan, I also sorted through my stuff that's in boxes from when I moved here, repacked some things, and got almost all my boxes onto the shelving unit in the basement. it makes me sad that I have so much cool stuff and can't display it or be my full self and feel at home.

•I took care of the dogs too, made puzzles for Zaiyah and made sure Bear wasn't licking his surgical incision - he is SO STRONG, he even tried to chase a rabbit today. crazy fucker, it's been like 3 days since you had half your shoulder muscle removed. gave lots of pets and sweet words bc they are the best dogs.

•I got little dude to nap while Myles worked out and we finished Squid Game The Challenge (minus the finale in December) and he slept for 3 frickin hours. I also deleted a million photos that were taking up all my phone storage.

•and finally I had Ade hang in his crib to wind down, while I took some photos for depop and packed a box to donate to savers tomorrow

Editing to add that I still managed to tell Myles I love him and get some good kisses and quick cuddles and man, I just really appreciate our relationship. we're insane for having a child after a year of being together - but... are we that insane? our relationship just keeps growing and getting better and feeling more solid. it's incredible. seeing him be a Dad makes me love him even more and I find him even more attractive. I used to think I was lucky in my last relationship (and people told us they were jealous) but no. no no. I was settling for less than i deserved back then (lessons lessons) this, is it. this is the relationship to thank the universe for blessing me with it.

and that's all in between bottles, diaper changes, soothing crying, playing, tummy time, crawling practice, lots of spit ups, dancing and making him laugh.

I ALSO TOOK THE CUTEST PHOTOS OF HIM WEARING A STAR WARS GROGU SWEATER AAAHHH

hope you get the idea even though I'm keeping half his face anonymous lol I just don't want photos of my kid floating around the internet - unless where I can control it. his grandparents are ridiculous with posting his photos and I can only hope they have private profiles (I keep meaning to ask)

also if we are mutuals and talk, you probably have seen photos of him. but if you haven't, you can surely ask :) he's the kind of cute where you wanna scream and it lights up your day lol not to brag, I'm still in awe I created such a beautiful human.

anyways I'm really fucking proud of myself right now. I won't always feel this way or have days like this, so I'm gonna yell about it while I feel good.

ps I STILL need to shower. the one thing I didn't manage to do. tomorrow is the day bc my mom is coming to watch Aidan for a few hours and im gonna shower and faceplant in my bed for a nap before doing my errand. I cannot wait to shower lol being a new mom is truly wild

also the way I'm writing this must sound truly manic/adhd brain and y'all just have to deal, this is who I am now.

#personal #post partum #almost 6 months! #momblr

[a-ramblinrose]

JOMP Book Photo Challenge || November 30 || Read In November:

107. Moira’s Pen by Megan Whalen Turner ★★★★ 108. Dracula by Bram Stoker ★★★★ [K] [RR] 109. A Rainy Day Story by Ruth Calderon ★★ 110. Onions & Garlic by Rebecca Sheir ★★★ 111. How Far the Light Reaches by Sabrina Imbler ★★★ 112. Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki ★★★★★ 113. The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System Vol.4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù ★★★ 114. Heaven Official’s Blessing Vol.4 by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù ★★★★ 115. Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson ★★★ 116. Joha Makes A Wish by Eric A. Kimmel ★★★ 117. The Alienist by Caleb Carr ★★★ 118. There’s Treasure Everywhere by  Bill Watterson ★★★★★ 119. Star Wars: Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn ★★★ 120. Born to Kvetch by Michael Wex ★★★ 121. Yiddish with Dick and Jane by Ellis Weiner & Barbara Davilman ★

#book stacks #justonemorepage #jompbpc #book photo challenge #book photography #books #2022 Reading #Not Out of Void But Out of Chaos

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #40: March 26th - April 1st

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from March 26 - April 1, 2023! Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

No current challenges or prompts that we know of this week! Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from March 26 - April 1. 

Allison Janney posted a throwback photo from a previous photo shoot. 

Amy Landecker posted a photo of Josh Lyman’s office name plaque from the TWW set. 

Bradley Whitford posted a video promoting a contest to win a zoom with him as a way to promote Janet Protasiecwiz for Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice in a state election coming up on April 4th. 

Dule Hill posted a throwback photo of himself as a kid with dancer Harold Nicholas, who he co-starred with on Broadway in The Tap Dance Kid. 

Dule Hill posted photos of himself and his wife at the Basquiat King Pleasure exhibit in LA. 

Josh Malina posted photos of Ian Weinberger directing Hamilton in a West Wing Weekly t-shirt. 

Josh Malina posted a video of himself in the audience up on the screen at a NY Knicks game.

Josh Malina posted a photo of the curtain call of Leopoldstadt. 

Kim Webster posted a video of herself “protecting her peace.”

Mary McCormack posted a TikTok video of her daughter Rose singing.  

Rob Lowe made multiple posts promoting his and his son Johnny’s new Netflix series Unstable: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 

Donna Moss Daily: March 26 | March 27 | March 28 | March 29 | March 30 | March 31 | April 1

Daily Josh Lyman: March 26 | March 27 | March 28 | March 29 | March 30 | March 31 | April 1

No Context BWhit:  March 26 | March 27 | March 28 | March 29 | March 30 | March 31 | April 1

@janelmilfoney: March 31

This Week in Canon:

Welcome to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 3, Episode 16: The U.S. Poet Laureate aired on March 27, 2002.

Season 4, Episode 18: Privateers aired on March 26, 2003.

Season 5, Episode 18: Access aired on March 31, 2004.

Season 6, Episode 21: Things Fall Apart aired on March 30, 2005.

Season 7, Episode 15: Welcome to Wherever You Are aired on March 26, 2006.

 Edits/Artwork

#ABBEYBARTLET: i can’t get you off my mind by livsbenson [VIDEO EDIT]

you belong with me | josh & donna by zoeonfilm [VIDEO EDIT]

Editors’ Choice: 

With the anniversary of the airing of Privateers, we have rounded up a few of our favorite stories featuring or centered around our favorite thoracic surgeon-slash-First Lady, Abbey Bartlet!

out, damned spot by jazzjo | Rated G | Abbey Bartlet & Leo McGarry, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet, Jed Bartlet & Leo McGarry | Complete | She had sworn to do no harm, and had meant it.

or,

Abbey tries to cope with the witchhunt and her own mistakes.

 of waffles and fidelity by tessaservopoulous | Rated T | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | Complete | "You know I'd never cheat on you, right?"

 Cute-ish, fluffy tag to 'Life on Mars'.

 summer, or: our days were never numbered by rearviewmirror | Rated T | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry, Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet, Abbey Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete | jed, leo, and abbey go on vacation shortly after leo comes home from the war

 the moon in the arms of the sky by andsocanshe | Rated T | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | Complete | “There weren’t words that she could form or explanations that she could attach to the distraught way her chest tightened, left aching to protect her own until the very moment that the remaining seconds between shift rotation dwindled to zero.”

Abbey comes home after a rough shift at the hospital. Pre-series.

never forget her name by Melacka for LadyRiesling | Rated G | Abbey Bartlet & C.J. Cregg (No pairings listed) | Complete | When CJ is working a little too hard early on in President Bartlet's first time, Abbey has some words of wisdom for her.

Doctor’s Orders by Etraytin | Rated T | Josh Lyman, Abbey Bartlet (No pairings listed) | Complete | A week after Opposition Research, Abbey Bartlet shows up at Santos for President HQ, looking for a certain troublemaker.

 Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. If you are so inclined, please be sure to leave the authors some love in the form of kudos or comments. Be mindful of posted warnings/tags for each story.

Josh/Donna

wherever you go, that’s where i am by flowersinapril | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

The Degree by pipisafoat |  Rated G |  Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Press Conference by Shinyrosa | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Domestic Days by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Eye of the Storm by spooky_spacegirl | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

this year’s love by hanyolo | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

 C.J./Danny

Ten Weeks by Jxjxjx | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | In Progress

None of Us are More than Caretakers by onekisstotakewithme for daylight_angel, miabicicletta, Luppiters, hondagirll | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C. J. Cregg | In Progress

 Other Pairings/Gen Fic

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

A Banner Speech by Darsynia (Marvel Cinematic Universe crossover) | Rated T | Toby Ziegler/Bruce Banner | Complete

Ghost Town by starbuckmeggie | Rated T | No pairings listed | In Progress

Where The Hell…? by dumbchemist | Rated T | No Pairings Listed | In Progress

The Language of Healing by silasfinch for justdreaming88 | Rated M | Ellie Bartlet/Original Female Character(s) | Complete

sunset on the plain by rearviewmirror | Rated G | Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete

In Conversation with Winnifred Hooper by Hackney123 | Rated G | Winifred Hooper (No pairings listed) | Complete

A Different Life by PreppyPrincess5103 (JAG crossover) | Rated M | Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie/Sam Seaborn | In progress 

Multiple Pairings

Don’t You (Forget About Me) by mlea7675 | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet, C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler, Mandy Hampton/Josh Lyman, Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler, Danny Concannon/C.J. Cregg | Complete 

Not Quite the Parent Trap by eowyn_of_rohan | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: [email protected]

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx, What’s next?

#west wing #the west wing #tww #west wing fandom #the west wing fandom #tww fandom #josh lyman #jed bartlet #toby ziegler #danny concannon #cj cregg #donna moss #josh x donna #joshdonna #cj x danny #west wing fanfic #tww fic #tww fic rec #tww rare pairs #weekly press briefing

[monako-jinn-stories]

30 Day Star Wars Photo Challenge

Day Seven: Favorite Clone(s)

SO GLAD I GET TO DO THIS ONE AFTER WE GOT HOWZER

Okay we have to start off with the clone I was in love with when I was younger and Clone Wars first came out. Cody, my beloved, I have betrayed you by falling in love with others

Crosshair, my angry toothpick man. Bby come back to us, please. I will not survive if you don’t live and rejoin your brothers. Sir I love you

Echo, my precious little bean you deserved to be treated so much better. You’ve never done anything wrong ever and I love you so much

Wolffe…I- there’s just no words. You’re so hot. I need you to growl in my ear sir please and thank you

Howzer, you stole my heart in less than two seconds. You have been dubbed the hottest clone by everyone. Thank you for your service and please join the Batch

#star wars #clone wars #star wars the clone wars #the clone wars #star wars: the clone wars #clone troopers #clone trooper #star wars the bad batch #bad batch crosshair #echo the bad batch #arc trooper echo #commander cody #howzer the bad batch #commander wolffe #jinn the story teller 🤍🤍 #30 day star wars photo challenge #captain howzer

[nasa]

NASA Spotlight: Astronaut Soichi Noguchi

Soichi Noguchi was selected as an astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 1996. A native of Yokohama, Kanagawa, he is currently a mission specialist for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 launch taking flight to the International Space Station on Nov. 14. Soichi will be the first international crewmember on Crew Dragon and the first international partner astronaut to fly aboard three types of orbital spacecraft – the U.S. space shuttle, the Russian Soyuz, and now the SpaceX Crew Dragon! Talk about impressive. He received a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering in 1989, master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1991, Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies in 2020, all from the University of Tokyo.

Soichi took time from preparing for his historic mission to answer questions about his life and career: 

You recently earned a doctorate in philosophy. What made you do it?

After my second flight, I started this research about your sensory system in zero gravity. I used a my own personal video, which I took during my last two flights at the International Space Station. I had a lot of interesting discussions amongst young professionals and students at the University of Tokyo about the research. It was a fun experience – but I would not do it again!

Space is a risky business. Why do it?

Space IS definitely a risky business. But the reward is higher than the risk so that’s why we take it.

Do you have a message for boys and girls in Japan who are interested in science and engineering?

Three words: Space. Is. Waiting.

Aside from mission objectives and tasks, what’s a personal goal for this mission?

We have a lot of interesting missions to do, but my personal goal is to return home with lots of fun stories.

What was it like to get the phone call to become an astronaut?

 It was 25 years ago, but I still remember the voice vividly. I got a call from Dr. Mamoru Mohri, the very first JAXA astronaut, and he said “Welcome to the Astronaut Corps.” When I got the call to be part of the Crew-1 mission, I was a lot less nervous than when I was assigned to my first mission, but the excitement remains the same.

Can you describe your crew mate Mike Hopkins in one sentence?

He is a natural leader that takes care of the team really well, and he’s fun to play around with.

Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Wars… just because!

Can you share your favorite photo or video that you took in space?

My favorite photo is Mount Fuji because I see the mountain almost every day when I was a child. It’s definitely breathtaking to see Mount Fuji from space.

What personal items did you decide to pack for launch and why?

I have lots of family photos, and I would put it inside my sleep station. Definitely one of the most challenging things about spaceflight is not experiencing zero gravity, not the rocket, but time away from family.

How would you describe spacewalking outside the space station?

It’s an excursion. The view of the Earth is just breathtaking because you are just one glass away from the vacuum of space. There’s nothing between you and Earth.

What are you most excited about for the future of human space exploration?

I would say I’m most excited for interplanetary travel to become more common so that the school kids can go to Mars on their field trip.

What would you say to someone looking to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t worry, be happy!

How has spaceflight evolved since your first launch and stay aboard the International Space Station in 2005?

This is definitely an exciting moment. We’re starting to see more players in the game. SpaceX is the frontrunner, but soon we’ll see Boeing, Sierra Nevada and Axiom. So the International Space Station will soon have more players involved, and it will be a lot more fun!

Thank you for your time, Soichi, and good luck on your historic mission! Get to know a bit more about Soichi and his NASA astronaut crew mates Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins, and Shannon Walker in the video above.

Watch LIVE launch coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 14 HERE.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com

#launchamerica #nasa #spacex #crew1 #space #astronaut #science #STEM #rocket launch #rockets #astronauts #Japan #JAXA

[argumentl]

☆🎶📻A list of the TFOE radio version summaries can be found here 📻🎶

☆ List of TFOE Niconama fan translations 📽️📺☆

☆TFOE Youtube 2020~ English unofficial fan translations ↓↓↓↓

Ep 1 Haruna Fuuka online slander

Ep 2 Ghosn's escape from Japan

Ep 3 Michelin star suicide

Ep 4 Covid's effect on entertainment industry.

Ep 5 Qurantining in Olympic village.

Ep 6 Antrum, world's most cursed movie

Ep 7 Comme de garcon scandal

Ep 8 Sawajiri Erika (drugs)

Ep 9 Housewives insulting Kawasaki Nozomi

Ep 10 Don Nomura uploads photo of father's corpse

Ep 11 From Miyamoto to you, censorship in the arts

Ep 12 Chinese restaraunts

Ep 13 No Olympic re-selection

Ep 14 Election candidates with same name

Ep 15 Prosecutor's retirement controversy

Ep 16 Space operations squadron

Ep 17 Sharp selling masks.

Ep 18 Baseball/Mercedes Benz

Ep 19 Japanese Chess

Ep 20 Corona Cafe.

Ep 21 BLM/Gone with the wind.

Ep 22 On location at Hosojimaya

Ep 23 Worst album in the world

Ep 24 Botched art repair

Ep 25 Comfort women statue

Ep 26 German virus experiment

Ep 27 Covid dogs

Ep 28 German virus experiment

Ep 29 Fashion brand that doesn't sell clothes.

Ep 30 Adult diapers

Ep 31 Whole band caught covid.

Ep 32 Public bath etiquette, amusement parks.

Ep 33 Baseball, mystery safe, mystery locations

Ep 34 Straight face challenge

Ep 35 If a giraffe wore a bow-tie...

Ep 36 The banning of snacks and sweet drinks displays from next to cash registers.

Ep 37 Dir en grey's vocalist Kyo imposter scam.

Ep 38 Discovery of new geoglyph in the Nazca lines.

Ep 39 Finland's female PM wearing a suit with no bra. Indecent? Sexist?

Ep 40 Appeal for buzzword of the year.

Ep 41 'Antique' displayed in showcase. Its real identity is...

Ep 42 Filling up at old style sweet shop Kamikawaguchiya - Part 1 Part 2

Ep 43 Man who was living in attic above supermarket arrested

Ep 44 'Guitar Center' preparing to file for bankruptcy & Urgent announcement

Ep 45 Walking from Kishibojin, Haunted staircase.

Ep 46 The filming for the Dir en grey 3D Real Avatar music video.

Ep 47 Rapid increase in pigeons at apartment complex, overflowing toilets.

Ep 48 Nike CM inundated with criticism

Ep 49 Ioka Kazuto's New Years Eve tattoo problem

Ep 50 Propheciser with psychic powers, Baba Vanga's predictions

Ep 51 - Amazing technology - Human with modified skull.

Ep 52 - Kami's avatar plan & Momotaro Dentetsu?! The aim behind the huge spread in conspiracy theories and related Youtube videos.

Ep 53 - Trying the pot shaped Baumkuchen.

Ep 54 - Potato UFO!?

Ep 55 - Rage Room

Ep 56 - Dir en grey live with audience scheduled! and, Thinking about the aftermath of inappropriate remarks.

Ep 57 - Self-staged kidnapping

Ep 58 - The truth behind the Dir en gery misprint, and mysterious voice.

Ep 59 - Ten days paid leave for your favourite idol's graduation

Ep 60 - Complaints about TV eating challenge.

Ep 61 - Going to Hardcore Chocolate Part 1 Part 2

Ep 62 - About the mystery voice in episode 58

Ep 63 - Executing the food combo plan Part 1 Part 2

Ep 64 - Kami produced avatar video reveal

Ep 65 - Reptile Cafe

Ep 66 - Tasai's challenge: Ultimate lazy man food: Curry Rice Part 1 Part 2

Ep 67 - Putting ads up in the train without permission, and talking about past flyers.

Ep 68 - Japanese made Star Wars

Ep 69 - Long-awaited visit to Chinese restaurant

Ep 70 - The first live with an audience for Dir en grey in 1 year and 4 months

Ep 71 - The Freedom of Expression flier, made by Kaoru

Ep 72 - 2021 Hanshin Talk

Ep 73 - Ronaldo removes Coca Cola bottles from view

Ep 110 - New Expressions in the style of the erotic novel

Ep 121 - Paul Stanley's past trouble with Gene Simmons (Summary)

Ep 122 - Winning bid for Kurt Cobain's guitar (Summary)

Updates ongoing....

Japanese originals on the official channel can be found at the link below

#dir en grey #the freedom of expression

[adventuresindolls]

May Photo Challenge!!

Our next photo challenge, #Daisies and Daffodolls, will begin on May 1st! It’s a creative, for fun, non-competitive daily challenge for you to share pictures of your doll(s). There will be a new prompt each day, listed below to give you a month to prepare, and you can participate in as many or as few days as you’re interested in. There is no judgement whatsoever, so please share regardless of how complex your props are, and don’t worry about posting a prompt late.

First of all, thank you so much to @desertdollranch​ for helping with the prompts, especially those surrounding AG birthdays and holidays, and for getting this whole photo challenge thing started back in September! And a huge thank you to @lesbianelizabethcole​ for designing all 5 banners!

The ground rules are the same as in October and December, but I’ll reiterate them for anyone that might be new. Tag all of your prompt posts with #daisies and daffodolls - all three words, complete with spaces. This will allow us to better find and share each other’s posts. You can organize your own posts however you want, but I recommend including the day’s prompt somewhere for context. Also feel free to post on other social medias if you want.

This is not a competition, and there are no prizes, but it should be a lot of fun. Feel free to use any size and brand of doll that you have! American Girl is very popular on doll tumblr, but all other types are welcome as well, including both established (historical or modern) characters and OCs. This could range from 18-inch dolls to Barbies to handmade dolls or porcelain dolls or even paper dolls.

I’ll reblog this post weekly until the beginning of May, and then begin each week of May with the prompt list for that week. Please find a list of all prompts below the cut.

5/1: The first day of each photo challenge is traditionally for seasonal fashion. Does your doll have a favorite spring outfit? Is it cool and light, or are they still bundled in a sweater for the chilly mornings?

5/2: Spring is all about new beginnings. Is your doll learning a new skill or trying a new activity this spring? Or maybe they just met a new person who became important in their life?

5/3: Today is National Textiles Day. Kirsten’s friends gave her a quilt they made after she missed school to help her family. Does your doll have any clothes or other items that are handmade? If not, do they make any textile items themselves? This could be something sewn, knitted, crocheted, or quilted.

5/4: May the 4th be with you! Does your doll like Star Wars? Who is their favorite character? What about other stories? Pick a hero from any movie, show, or book that your doll loves and have them act out a scene as that character.

5/5: Friends are forever. Who are your doll’s closest friends and what do they do together? Maybe they like to play board games or go to the mall or play pretend. Or maybe your doll is planning something special for their friend.

5/6: As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to head outside. Does your doll play sports, or do they prefer casual games with their friends? Maybe they like picnics or quiet hikes through the woods.

5/7: Happy birthday, Maryellen! Maryellen often feels overlooked in her large family, and she works hard to stand out and show her unique personality. What makes your doll special and unique?

5/8: It’s career day! What does your doll want to do when they grow up? Show them dressed up for and/or acting out their dream job.

5/9: Happy Mother’s Day! Addy and her mother escaped to freedom together, Caroline’s mother ran a shipyard, and Kirsten’s mother encouraged her not to lose heart. Does your doll have a special bond with their mother? How do they celebrate Mother’s Day? If they don’t have a mother or don’t have a good relationship with her, consider today a free space to show us something you really want to but that isn’t included in these prompts.

5/10:  Bugs are everywhere! We might avoid some of them, but others are welcomed. Lightning bugs, ladybugs, bumble bees, and dragonflies are a few happy spring bugs. Show your doll doing something bug-themed. They might take a net out to catch bugs or draw a picture of a bug or hold a ladybug they found. Be creative!

5/11: Parties are always fun! Is your doll going to any birthday parties or sleepovers this spring? Maybe they’re attending a wedding or some other celebration? What are their favorite party activities?

5/12:  Spring weather can be a relief after the cold and darkness of winter. What is the weather like where your doll is? Foggy? Rainy? Bright and sunny? Show your doll interacting with their local spring weather.

5/13: Everyone needs mentors and heroes. Who does your doll look up to? What have they learned from them or how do they honor them?

5/14: It’s the last day of the school year. What’s your doll’s favorite extracurricular activity or aspect of school that they’ll miss until next fall?

5/15: Happy birthday, Luciana! Luciana loves learning about space and wants to be an astronaut and go to Mars one day. Getting to space involves studying many different things, particularly various fields of science. Show your doll doing something related to space or science.

5/16: Today is National Do Something Nice for your Neighbor Day. What does your doll do that helps others or makes the world a better place?

5/17: Let’s try something different today! If your (OC or non-AG) doll had their own American Girl-style book series, what would be the central theme? What sort of things would happen to them? Show us at least one scene from this hypothetical series.

5/18: Beaches and swimming are iconic activities as the weather gets warmer and people have more free time. Rebecca and her family went to Coney Island for a picnic. Does your doll enjoy picnics, sunbathing, or sandcastles on the beach? Maybe they like to swim for exercise or hang out at the pool with friends? (I do not recommend putting your doll in a public chlorine pool)

5/19: Happy Birthday, Kit! Growing up seeing the effects of the Great Depression on people around her, Kit is determined to report on important things happening to real people. How does your doll relate to current events? Are they involved in activism or spreading awareness? Is there an important social issue that affects them personally or that they feel is very important? Or is there something good happening in the world that they like to think about?

5/20: Spring is a great time for tea parties. What’s in your doll’s teacup? Maybe they’re drinking a fancy tea, or maybe they prefer a refreshing glass of juice.

5/21: Spring is full of baby animals. Show your doll interacting with some sort of baby animal. (Safely! Please don’t grab a real squirrel or bunny!)

5/22: In December we celebrated Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day. I’d like to reprise that, but with a twist: this time, we’re headed into the future! The amount of time and what your doll finds in the future is completely up to you. What do they do while there?

5/23: Cakes and pies and ice cream, oh my! What is your doll’s favorite dessert?

5/24: There may be fewer holidays in spring than in December, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to celebrate! Does your doll celebrate Passover or Easter? Or maybe they prefer a more obscure spring holiday to liven things up? Show them participating in whatever celebration you like.

5/25: Yellow is the color of flowers and sunny days and ducklings. Show your doll wearing or using something yellow.

5/26: Happy birthday, Samantha! After her birthday party, Samantha hears Aunt Cornelia speak at a suffragette meeting in New York City. What is a cause that is important to your doll? Show them with a sign supporting or protesting something close to their heart. As an added challenge, use a cause unrelated to the current events prompt.

5/27: It’s summer vacation! What are some of your doll’s favorite activities now that they’re free from school? Alternatively, what are some of their favorite hobbies to do anytime?

5/28: Happy birthday, Cecile! For her birthday, Cecile’s brother Armand gave her a beautiful porcelain doll that looked like her. Does your doll have a favorite doll or toy?

5/29: Late spring and early summer is a great time to go on a road trip or vacation. Where is your doll traveling to, and what are they doing there? Or maybe their family chose a staycation this year - what new fun new things are they discovering close to home?

5/30: Today is National Water a Flower Day. Show your doll interacting with flowers or other plants.

5/31: What is your doll planning for this fall? What are they looking forward to when school starts again? Is a big change approaching as the seasons and leaves turn? What does the future hold for them?

#Daisies and Daffodolls #American Girl Dolls #Our Generation #dollblr

[romo-aro-culture-is]

ohhohohoho???? an ask game?????? I Am Tumblr's Most Beloved/Hated Asker!! i request you do all the odd numbers for w/e ask game u rb'd :D

[draping over a couch dramatically] oh noooo this is such a tragedy; whatever am I to do /s

challenge accepted >:]

(Under the cut since there's a lot! This'll also be the end of this specific ask game; I may reblog some more as I'm cataloguing the results of the survey!)

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk? More milk than cereal, definitely; I don't like having milk left over jdllkjds

3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books? Receipts and wrappers mostly, sometimes post-it notes!

5: are you self-conscious of your smile? Only in prompted photos, really. I always force a smile in those and it looks weird dslkjdsl

7: do you name your plants? Of course!! There's Eros [my rose plant], Fabian [my orchid], Pinky [a,,pink plant; not sure what type it is], and one I have dubbed My Esteemed Hostage [my brother's plant; it's the same type as Pinky but purple]. There's also Baby Plant [tiny fake succulent plant] and Estrella [long and red fake plant]! I want to get more, but I need to take better care of my other ones first ahha

9: do you like singing/humming to yourself? Not often, actually. I used to when I was in choir, but stopped fdskdslk

11: what's an inner joke you have with your friends? We're all 85 at heart and have osteoperosis hshfdjdslk

13: what's something that made you smile today? Tumblr's Most Beloved/Hated Asker <3

15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is! If two pieces of the same type of metal touch in space, they will bond and be permanently stuck together. oh because of how dense space is!! that's so cool omg

17: what color do you really want to dye your hair? I've always wanted to go back to green! I had that color for a few years before I dyed it black--I like this hairstyle, but man do I miss it lkdslkds

19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it? I just started one to write for a poetry competition! I also have a journal in process for screenwriting, and one for drawing [though I only use it to draw stupid lil things jkdslkjdf]!

21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that's been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces. Bold of you to assume I just don't shove things into my layers and layers of jacket pockets /lh uh seriously I did get a bag from Knott's Berry Farm recently that I love! It's not really worn like that, but I think it's neat dsljlkjds I kinda refuse to use bags soooo

23: what's your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations? Listen to a podcast while doing busywork! Mostly making decorations for my office or rearranging things jdslklkds

25: what's the weirdest place you've ever broken into? Your heart <3 /j

27: what's your favorite bubblegum flavor? Isn't bubblegum a flavor? /gen uhhhh I haven't really had gum dslkjds

29: what's something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing? One of my friends dresses kinda old-fashioned! Think like middle-aged soccer mom, but she's also a minor. I always associate it with like mom-energy, but my friend does not have that ahhahhaa I just appreciate her sm!!

31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks. I have so many socks. like at least 50 pairs of star wars, harry potter, and marvel socks alone. add that to the 30 or so pairs of 'normal' socks and you get two and a half drawers, plus a bag of unmatched ones. I do wear socks to bed--I do understand why people don't though, it's nice! I wish I could get more fun socks, like some that aren't any fandoms [I barely like starwars and harry potter anyways] dslkdslk

33: what's your fave pastry? Snickerdoodle cookies! also lemon-filled donuts >:]

35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often? I love them so much, but they're so stressful! I do something wrong, and I have to redo my notes aughhhh but they're pretty to look at!! I have a lot of colored pens that I Do Not Look At jdsklds

37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean? Clean, totally! I actually just like cleaning my room with a good podcast; I also get stressed when it's messy dslkjlkjds

39: what color do you wear the most? Pink or red nowadays!

41: what's the last book you remember really, really loving? The Marvelous by Claire Kann--I read it very recently and it wrecked me dskjdslkjds If you like mystery, a fast-paced story, multiple povs, self-discovering, plot twists, or puzzles, you'll love this!! It also has poc and lgbtq+ rep!

43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with? My three best friends! We stayed out to watch the sunset, but couldn't see it past the trees dslkjdslkj but the night was pretty!!

45: do you trust your instincts a lot? Yes, 100%. I think of myself as more observant than most [especially subconsciously], so I trust my instincts! Not sure if it's worked out for me, but you know dskljds

47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe? Cashews dsjkllkjds

49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought? Oh, I want to--never have though!

51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them? I associate Y.M.C.A with one of my friends because we used to go there all the time for a group!! She also just has those vibes for me dskljds

53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them? I haven't watched any of those, at least fully; I've listened to some songs from Heathers and Beetlejuice--pop off!!

55: what's the most dramatic thing you've ever done to prove a point? I hurdled in heels recently; wrecked my ankles but it was worth it!! I used to do hurdles in track & field; had to prove I could still do it, but I was wearing heels dskjlkjds

57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics? Honestly, this song makes me so happy!! stimmy song!! I love dancing and dramatically moving syncing to the music omg it's so good!! it's just man it's just great

59: what's your favorite myth? I can't really name any off the top of my head, but I like the one where Thor has to disguise as a guy's to-be bride to get his hammer back dslkjdsljk it was one of the first ones I read!!

61: what's the stupidest gift you've ever given? the stupidest one you've ever received? I gave a get-well card to one of my friends for her birthday [yes, the one who wears mom clothes lkjdslkjds]--she then gave me a retirement card for my birthday hehehe /pos

63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be? Books, no. Music, hell yeah. I have spotify, and I save and make certain vibe playlists!!

65: is there anyone you haven't seen in a long time who you'd love to hang out with? Actually, not really! I don't really remember old friends--I've had my friend group for years now dslkkds

67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel? I'm removing the word 'gloomy' from that question--that is half of the weather where I live, and it is amazing. I drive to school in the morning, and I am honored to do so!! It's just such a vibe omg

69: what are your favorite board games? Arkham's Horror, Betrayal [At The House On The Hill], Monopoly, Clue [The Office Edition, of course], Catan, and D&D: Lords of Waterdeep!

71: what's your favorite kind of tea? I get a certain kind of green tea from a boba tea place nearby--it’s green tea with strawberry syrup and lychee! 

73: what are some of your worst habits? I like to take control of things sometimes, and raise my voice louder than I need to be. I also accidently analyze and judge people, I think dsljlkjds

75: tell us about your pets! Don’t have any :[ I want a hedgehog though!

77: pink or yellow lemonade? Pink!

79: what's one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you? Drop cake off at my door for my birthday! 

81: describe one of your friend's eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of. Her eyes are slits into the unknown dirt below; a graveyard of thoughts and unspoken words. 

83: what's some of your favorite album art? I don’t think I have a favorite? I don’t pay attention enough to album art dsjklkds

85: do you read comics? what are your faves? I want to read the Marvel comics so bad, but no, I don’t read any.

87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives? Back to the Future, Kill Bill, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and E.T. come to mind! 

89: are you close to your parents? ehhhhh I mean sure; they don’t know a lot about me though dskjdskjl

91: where do you plan on traveling this year? I’m probably heading to California this summer!

93: what's the hairstyle you wear the most? I usually keep it down, but my go-to hairstyle is having the top part up. 

95: what are your plans for this weekend? Probably working on the survey! Haven’t gotten to it recently because of school, but I have a three-day weekend this week >:]

97: [Already Answered]

99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them. Looking directly at Bohemian Rhapsody, but also Call Me by Blondie, and pretty much any ABBA song. I don’t really analyze music sdlkjlkjds

Thank you so much for the asks!! I had fun answering them all >:]

#other asks #mod questions #ask game #mc speaks #long post #tw food #food #food mentions #tw kidnapping #kidnapping #implied kidnapping #tw illness #illness #illness mention

[fashournalist]

Conquering the Crown: Who Will Be The Next Miss Universe Philippines 2021?

Are you ready, Universe?

Tomorrow, the next Miss Universe Philippines will be crowned in Bohol, and I'd like to share my bets with you (as well as my thoughts on more candidates other than my Top 6. :)

But first, I have to admit I do have a bias for Cavite, Aklan, and Laguna because

1) Cavite is my birthplace and where I spent the first 16 years of my life;

2) Aklan is where my five dear brothers are from;

3) Laguna is where I spent seven eventful years as a UPLB student.

However, these biases aren't the sole reason I'm rooting for these representatives. I believe Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Leren Bautista, and Christelle Abello are really among the best candidates of this year's batch! VVV is actually my top one, followed by Katrina Dimaranan, Maureen Wroblewitz, and Ayn Bernos.

One of the smartest and most eloquent candidates of this batch, Victoria Velasquez Vincent from Cavite has emerged as the Interview Challenge winner, and rightly so. But she caught my attention even before that phase; her Runway Challenge was really impressive as well. As a heritage conservationist and architect, she's committed to solving environmental problems across the globe.

I really wish the winner would be a pure Filipino, but it so happened that VVV impressed me the most. She's half-Irish and half-Filipino, raised in New Zealand.

Now this one's a powerhouse. A pageant veteran, model, actress, and television host, I think (and thousands of others think, too) Katrina Dimaranan from Taguig is the most prepared of them all. She was appointed as USA's Miss Supranational 2018 and finished as 1st Runner Up at the world stage. She was also one of the title holders way back in Binibining Pilipinas 2012.

Kat's charming, authentic personality captivates anyone watching her or listening to her voice. You can see this through the way she nailed the challenges. And though she grew up in the US, she is a pure Filipina.

This woman needs no introduction--Maureen Wroblewitz, the winner of Asia's Next Top Model Season 5. Born in Saudi Arabia, she's a half-Filipina, half-German model and actress who is now representing Pangasinan as she fights for the crown. She has emerged as the Casting Challenge winner, but aside from that, all the results of the other challenges prove how excellent and enthralling she is as a model. Her intelligence can also be seen with every answer she delivers during Q&As.

The most inspiring candidate of all, Ayn Bernos of San Juan, proves that barriers can be broken and stereotypes can be shattered. Proudly standing at 5'3 with morena skin, Ayn represents the majority of Filipino people who are not influenced by foreign blood. I've closely followed her journey from the day she submitted her pageant application, and I'm so happy for her every step of the way. Her millions of followers on TikTok surely feel the same. We feel seen, we feel represented, we feel inspired to also reach for our dreams--no matter how impossible they may seem.

Ayn is a natural Filipina beauty, and she glowed further as she embarked on the road to the crown. Her wit, intelligence, and cheerful personality radiate in every appearance she makes, whether it's an interview or a commercial special by some of MUPH's sponsors.

With enchanting eyes, a driven attitude, and several beauty pageant titles under her belt, Leren Mae Bautista of Laguna is one of the most prepared candidates to represent the nation at the Miss Universe pageant this December.

I started knowing her through the tarpaulins in LB eight years ago. I was still in college, and Leren just won the crown of Miss Los Banos. She conquered the Binibining Laguna title as well. Since then, I knew this classic Filipina beauty and brain would one day captivate the world. Years later, she has placed as a 2nd Runner Up in Miss Globe 2019 and won in other pageants, too. Today, she's aiming for the universe and we all know she's ready.

Armed with an unstoppable grit, this dreamer put her life in the US on pause to once again fight for the crown of Miss Universe. Christelle Abello of Aklan has placed in the top 16 of last year's MUPH, and she has come back stronger this time around. Though she wasn't part of the Top 7 in the Interview Challenge, I think she's one of the most fluent and confident candidates.

Although she was born in America, she embodies the beauty of a real Filipina. I have to mention that I'm not a fan of her evening gown's design, but she still carried it well.

So there, now you know my Top 6! :) They've been my Top 6 for several weeks now, but this doesn't mean I'm not impressed by other candidates.

Michele Angela Okol of Siargao Island nailed the Preliminary Interviews! I haven't watched all the interviews since the KTX pass is just too expensive for me, but I was able to see a few on YouTube. And of them all, Michele's answers were the best. She was certain with her answers. Ingrid "Sam" Santamaria of Paranaque and Chela Grace Falconer of Misamis Oriental are some of the smartest and most fluent candidates as well. Sam placed second in the Interview Challenge.

The Filipina beauty of Janela Cuaton of Albay, Maria Corazon Abalos of Mandaluyong, Mirjan Hipolito of Angeles City, Simone Nadine Bornilla of Marinduque, and Princess Krista Singh of Pasig are some of the most outstanding in their batch. But I think the most outstanding beauty of all, is Jasmine Umali of Manila. She's like a living Mulan, or Barbie. And all these phenomenal women are smart and graceful, too!

Anyhow, if Gianne Asuncion of Cagayan Province wasn't diagnosed with COVID-19, for sure she would make it here and she'd be one of my bets. I hope she comes back next year, same with Maica Cabling Martinez of Nueva Ecija, who didn't make it in this year's Top 30.

You might be wondering why I haven't mentioned Steffi Rose Aberasturi of Cebu Province yet.

Honestly, I can't deny she's gorgeous from head to toe, well-prepared, talented, and confident, but I just cannot stomach supporting someone who supports Rodrigo Duterte. If she wins tomorrow, I will not bash her--I can see why she's one of the frontrunners--but I just cannot see myself rooting for her because of her political stance :( If she was not a DDS though, she would easily be one of my top bets, maybe my top 4 or top 5.

Steffi carries every outfit effortlessly, and her beauty can go from sweet and endearing to regal and fierce. I wish, before the national elections, her eyes would be opened to the atrocities of Duterte's war on drugs. (I also find Bea Luigi Gomez beautiful, but she said during the preliminary interview that the government is doing well. So, I'm afraid she might be a DDS, too. I hope not)

I know, people tell us to separate the pageant from political views, but the thing is, when a DDS gains more influence, they can influence voters to support Duterte, too. That's a real danger our country can no longer afford.

As for Kisses Delavin of Masbate, I'm inspired by her drive to pursue her dreams, not letting bashers stop her. But I just cannot see her wearing the crown, sorry :( I'm not a basher, I acknowledge she is beautiful, sweet, talented, kind, and smart. But I just don't see the fierce, palaban aura that we all need in a Miss Universe candidate. Never thought being baby-faced could be a disadvantage.

But anyway, if Ayn is slaying while breaking barriers and stereotypes, why can't Kisses, right? Kisses did well in every interview she handled. Although, I really didn't like her runway challenge where her hands were stuck on her waist. Good thing her walk improved in the swimsuit competition. Despite getting bashed and doubted, she fights with courage and passion, and that's something we can all learn from--whether we're part of Kissables or not.

Who will win tomorrow? I just can't wait to find out :)

I really wish I have the budget for a KTX pass so I could watch the coronation night in real-time. Sigh. That's 600 pesos! I'd rather spend it on samgyup. HAHA my love for food beats my love for pageants, even when I once dreamt to be Miss Universe myself lol.

How about you, guys? Who are your favorites? Who are your bets? Comment down below :) (wow youtube lang? haha)

Regardless of who wins, let's support her way to the crown. :) Go, proudly raise the Philippine flag, Miss Universe PH 2021!

PS. Photos came from Miss Universe Philippines' page, Philippine Star, and PeoPlaid. And I thank MS Paint because that's where I combined some of the photos haha.

#Miss Universe #Miss Universe Philippines #MUPH #bets #beauty queen #beauty pageant #pageant news #opinion #Victoria Velasquez Vincent #Leren Bautista #Maureen Wroblewitz #Ayn Bernos #Katrina Dimaranan #Christelle Abello #Kisses #Kisses Delavin #Janela Cuaton #Mirjan Hipolito #Sam Santamaria #Maria Corazon Abalos #Chela Grace Falconer #Jasmine Umali #Manila #Cavite #Laguna #Steffi Rose Aberasturi #Taguig

[uomo-accattivante]

I recently came across a bunch of press articles and photos about Oscar Isaac that are so old, they appear to be out-of-print and pre-date social media. Considering they were probably never digitally transcribed for internet access, I’m guessing that the majority of current fans have never seen this stuff.

Even though a lot of these digital scans are challenging to read because they are the original fuzzy news print, I think there some gems worth sharing with you guys. Over the next several weeks, I will transcribe and share those gems on this page. Hope you enjoy them!

Let’s start with this fantastic 2001 profile piece done before Oscar was accepted into Juilliard:

South Florida’s rising star isn’t just acting the part

By Christine Dolen - [email protected]

February 4, 2001

As fifth-graders at Westminster Christian School in Miami, Oscar Isaac and his classmates were asked to write a story as if they were animals on Noah’s Ark. Oscar turned in a seven-page play – with original music – from the perspective of a platypus. Then he starred in the production his teacher directed.

He hasn’t stopped expressing himself creatively since. Today, Isaac is one of South Florida’s busiest young theater actors, and certainly its hottest. And not just because he’s a slender five-feet nine-inches tall with an expressively handsome face and glistening brown eyes.

Since making his professional debut as a Cuban hustler in Sleepwalkers at Area Stage in July 1999, he has played an explosive Vietnam vet in Private Wars for Horizons Repertory, a pot-smoking slacker in This Is Our Youth at GableStage, another Cuban on the make in Praying With the Enemy at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, the entrancing narrator of Side Man at GableStage, a Havana-based writer in Arrivals and Departures for the new Oye Rep and, most recently, a young Fidel Castro in When It’s Cocktail Time in Cuba at New York’s Cherry Lane Theater.

Beginning Wednesday, he’ll be juggling five roles in City Theatre’s annual Winter Shorts festival, first at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach, then at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. But that is not all: During the two weeks he is doing Winter Shorts, he’ll also be playing dates with the punk-ska band The Blinking Underdogs (www.blinkingunderdogs.com), which features him as lead singer, guitarist and songwriter.

Oh, and he just got back from auditioning for New York’s prestigious Juilliard School of Drama.

All this for a guy a month shy of his 22nd birthday.

Sure, you could hate a guy who’s that talented, that charismatic, that transparently ambitious. But the people who have worked with Oscar Isaac don’t. On the contrary, they’re all sure he has it – that magical, can’t-be-taught thing that transforms an actor into a star.

Playwright Eduardo Machado, who put in a good word for Isaac at Juilliard, says “he does have that star quality that makes your eyes go to him. It’s great that someone with that talent still wants to train.”

“He has a star quality that’s rare in a young actor,” adds Joseph Adler, who directed him in Side Man and This Is Our Youth. “Without a doubt I expect to be hearing great things from him.”

‘I JUST LOVE CREATING’

Isaac, who also makes short films, can’t say exactly why he was attracted to acting. He just knows it makes him happier than anything, that it’s what he was meant to do. And he’s been doing it since he was a 4-year-old putting on plays in his family’s backyard with his sister Nicole.

“I just love creating, whether it’s music or films or a character on a stage. I love taking people for a ride,” he says. “In Side Man, every night I would love being that close to the audience. I felt like I was talking to 80 of my closest friends.

“I could feel what the audience was feeling.”

His powerful, mournful-yet-loving monologue near the end of the play, he said, “worked every night. I knew it would get them. I’d hear sniffles.

“But it had less to do with me than with the atmosphere [created by the playwright and director].”

You could understand if Isaac, surrounded as he is by praise and possibility, had an ego as burgeoning as his career. Instead, he channels the positive reinforcement into confidence about his work.

“He has such a charm and an ease onstage, but he’s very modest,” says New York-based actress Judith Delgado, who shared the stage with Isaac in Side Man. “He’s hungry. He’s got moxie. I was blown away by him.

“He saved me a couple of times. I went up [forgot a line] and that baby boy of mine came through. He’s a joy.”

FORGING HIS OWN PATH

The son of a Cuban-American father and a Guatemalan mother, Isaac was never a stellar student. But he found ways of turning routine assignments – like the Noah’s Ark story – into creative challenges.

His science reports were inevitably video documentaries underscored with punk music. He acted through middle and high school, though he had a falling out with his drama teacher at Santaluces Community High in Lantana over his misgivings about a character. When she refused to cast him in anything else, he got his English teacher to let him play the dentist in Little Shop of Horrors his senior year.

His skepticism about authority and love of playing the devil’s advocate have long made him resist doing things the usual way. His post-high school “training” consisted of one semester at Miami-Dade Community College’s South Campus (where he met his girlfriend, Maria Miranda), touring schools playing an abusive character in the Coconut Grove Playhouse’s Breaking the Cycle, and working as a transporter of bodies at Baptist Hospital, where he absorbed the drama of people in emotionally intense situations.

“It was the most magnificent dramatic institute I could’ve attended,” Isaac said. “I was able to observe the entire spectrum of human emotion, people under the most extreme duress. I was mesmerized watching the way people interacted with each other in such heightened situations.

“I learned everything about the human condition, and it was real and harsh and brutally honest.”

Yet even given his propensity for forging his own path, something nudged him another direction while he was in New York making his Off-Broadway debut in December. Walking by Juilliard one day, he impulsively went in to ask for an application. Though the application deadline had passed, Isaac persuaded Juilliard to accept his, noting in his application essay that most of the exceptional actors he admires had acquired “a brutally efficient technique” to enhance their talent by studying at places like Juilliard.

Though he won’t know whether he has been accepted until the end of this month, his audition last weekend went well, he says. He did monologues from Henry IV, Part I and Dancing at Lughnasa, adjusting his Shakespearean Hotspur to a more fiery temperature at the suggestion of Michael Kahn, head of Juilliard’s acting program – though not without arguing that Hotspur wouldn’t be speaking to the king that way.

Isaac, not surprisingly, loves a good debate.

Adler, GableStage’s artistic director and a man who is as liberal as Isaac once was conservative, savored the verbal jousting they did during rehearsals for Side Man.

“He knows exactly how to pull my chain,” Adler says with a laugh. “Intelligence is the cornerstone of all great actors, and he’s bright as hell.

“He has relentless ambition but with so much charm. He’s very hard to say no to. He has incredible raw talent and magnetism that is very rare in a young actor along with relentless energy, perseverance and ambition. I see his growth both onstage and off. He’s mature in both places.”

Part of his growth, of course, will necessarily involve dealing with the rejections that are part of any actor’s life. His career is still too new, his string of successes solid, so it’s anyone’s guess how failure will shape him. But director Michael John Garcés, who picked him for When It’s Cocktail Time in Cuba after Isaac flew to New York at his own expense to compete with a pool of seasoned Manhattan actors for the role, believes his character will see him through.

“Oscar is realistic, but he’s so willing to go the whole nine yards,” Garcés says. “He didn’t go out when he was in the show here. His focus earned the respect of the other actors, some of whom have been working in New York for 30 years.

“He hasn’t had a lot of blows yet, when the career knocks the wind out of you. But he has talent, determination and focus, and if he has perseverance – my intuition is that he does have it – he could achieve a lot.”

FAMILY TIES

His father and namesake, Baptist Hospital intensive-care physician Oscar Isaac Hernandez, couldn’t be more proud. (Isaac doesn’t use the family surname in order to avoid, in his words, being “put in that Hispanic actor box.”)

“I’m ecstatic that he’s probably going to be going to the most prestigious drama school in the United States,” he says. “School will help him focus his energies and give him discipline. He’s got the raw material and the drive.”

Isaac’s mother, Maria, divorced from his father since 1992, is a kidney-transplant recipient who acknowledges that she’ll miss her son if he moves to New York. But, she adds, she wants him “to live out his dreams. He amazes me every day. He calls me every day. I’m very proud of him.”

Even the other guys in The Blinking Underdogs are fans of Isaac’s acting, though it could take him away from South Florida just as the band appears to be, Isaac says, on the brink of signing a recording deal (it has already put out its own CD, The Last Word, with songs, lead vocals and even cover photography by Isaac.

“Oscar’s the leader of the band, a great musician who amazes me and motivates us,” says sax player Keith Cooper. “I’ve been to see every one of his plays. He’s a phenomenal actor.

“I completely buy into his role in every play. As close as I am to him, I forget it’s Oscar.”

His South Florida theater colleagues credit that to Isaac’s insatiable desire to learn and grow.

Gail Garrisan, who is directing him in Donnie and One of the Great Ones for Winter Shorts, observes, “It’s not often that you find a young actor who is willing to listen and who doesn’t think he knows everything. He loves the work.

“He really brought the young man in Side Man to life. When I saw it in New York, it seemed to be the father’s play. When I saw it here, I felt it was his [Isaac’s] play.”

Oye Rep’s John Rodaz, whom Isaac calls “the best director I’ve ever worked with,” gave the actor his first important job in Sleepwalkers at Area Stage. They met when Isaac came to see Area’s production of Oleanna and the actor, knowing Rodaz ran the theater, introduced himself.

“He has so much energy and such a sparkling personality,” Rodaz says. “He knows how to move in the world. He seems to take advantage of every situation in a good way; he’s not a cold, calculating person who’ll stab you in the back.

“[But] he wants it so badly. Everything he does, he’s the leader. When I was 21, I was taking naps.”

Rodaz coached Isaac on his Juilliard monologues and found the experience energizing.

“I got chills just watching him. That happens so rarely. I was so exhilarated when I came home that I just had to go out and run. You just know he’s got all the tools.”

Christine Dolen is The Herald’s theater critic.

###

#oscar isaac #vintage #juilliard #blinking underdogs #area stage company #john rodaz #gablestage #when it's cocktail time in cuba #side man #arrivals and departures #this is our youth #praying with the enemy #sleepwalkers #private wars #winter shorts #the miami herald

[girlactionfigure]

In "Long Walk to Freedom", Nelson Mandela said:

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

~~~~~

His tombstone has no name.

He was called "a man of a great many ethics, and very intense about his human rights beliefs, causes he could never put down."

Before his journey, however, he did and said things he would later regret.

He was born in 1943, two days after July 4th.

Growing up in a conservative environment on military bases in Georgia and South Carolina, he admitted he was a "white racist" and a homophobic.

“I spent most of my life putting others down,” he said.

He was part of the crowd shouting, "2 - 4 - 6 - 8, we don't want to integrate."

He said he "idolized the Confederate flag . . . [it was] a symbol of the past and the way things were and they should still be. Not necessarily slavery, but the white of white—the right of white oppression.”

He also subscribed to the myth that “to be gay it meant that I had to wear a woman’s dress, I had to molest little children, and I had to go in bathrooms and watch people.”

“I had a low self-image of myself. So if I could have someone who was lower than I was, the Black American… even . . . Jewish people in general . . . as long as I could put someone else down, then I wasn’t the lowest person on the totem pole. So I spent most of my life putting others down.”

“I’d use the word queer and fag*ot and put gays down,” he admitted.

~~~~~

"He followed his father’s footsteps into the Air Force in 1963 at the age of 19 and served three tours in Vietnam," according to writer David Roza in June 2021's Task and Purpose military news.

Despite the beliefs he grew up with, he became a hero.

He earned a Bronze Star for killing two Viet Cong soldiers attacking his post while he was on sentry duty, according to the Washington Post. He later earned a Purple Heart for being wounded after stepping on a Viet Cong land mine.

At that time, he still was wary of anyone different than him and still believed in the stereotypes he grew up with.

In the military, outside in the world, however, he started questioning his previous beliefs and those stereotypes.

He became friends with a Vietnamese interpreter and learned about other cultures. 

He then became friends with a Black colleague. 

After getting to know his Black friend, he told himself, “‘he’s different, he’s not like the rest.’ And then I met another Black who was different, not like the rest, and then another one who was different, not like the rest. Until I began to look around and see so many different individuals.”

He also started learning about himself.

"Over time, his bias against homosexuals began to fade, along with his bias against African-Americans, who he found himself serving alongside and taking orders from during his time in the Air Force," wrote Roza.

“One stereotype after another stereotype started to crumble,” he told The New York Times.

Learning about others led him to learn more about himself.

He realized he went to Vietnam to prove he was masculine, he said, but instead he became something more.

He found the courage to be himself.

He said he always knew, but had continued to deny it.

“In September 1975, a stunning issue of TIME magazine hit the newsstands,” according to writer Kay Tobin Lahusen. “On the cover was the photo of a young man wearing his Air Force uniform."

“I am a homosexual” read the title in bold under the airman’s uniformed portrait.

"His name tag said 'Matlovich'."

Leonard Matlovich. 

The Peace Page has previously shared stories of Leonard Matlovich, but this story includes some rare insights, including words from Matlovich himself.

~~~~~

When Matlovich appeared in Time, “It marked the first time the young gay movement had made the cover of a major newsweekly,” according to author Randy Shilts in his 1993 book "Conduct Unbecoming", about discrimination against lesbians and gays in the military. “To a movement still struggling for legitimacy, the event was a major turning point.”

“Even the most hardened homophobe had to take pause when he reviewed Matlovich’s record,” Shilts wrote. “Credentials such as a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and twelve years of outstanding service meant something that civilians could barely imagine.”

Matlovich's media appearances had a big effect on America,” according to David Addlestone, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union. "He was a patriotic, conservative middle-class war hero. He destroyed the popular myth of homosexuality."

Matlovich, the LGBTQ rights pioneer, was the first gay service member to purposely out himself to the military to fight their ban on gays, and perhaps the best-known openly gay man in the United States of America in the 1970s next to Harvey Milk.

He was “inspired and guided by gay rights pioneer Frank Kameny, who had been looking for a test court case to challenge the military’s ban on homosexuals," according to Making Gay History.

“He … was the epitome of a perfect soldier, one of those people that stuck his neck out, and he was proud to be the person to challenge that law,” Jeff Dupre, a longtime friend of Matlovich, told NPR in 2015.

He “was the kind of serviceman the air force prided itself on,” according to writer Naveena Kottoor.

When he finally came out, at the age of 30, he was  warned that he would be throwing “away 13 years of military service and a pension", according to Addlestone.

When “an Air Force attorney asked him if he would sign a document pledging to ‘never practice homosexuality again’ in exchange for being allowed to remain in the Air Force,” he refused.

He replied that “he couldn't live a lie" any longer.

In October of 1975 - despite his exemplary military record, tours of duty in Vietnam, and high performance evaluations - Leonard Matlovich was ruled unfit for service and discharged, according to Back 2 Stonewall.

“In 1980 he finally won reinstatement, which he declined; the Air Force upgraded him to an honorable discharge,” according to "Gay Alternatives".

~~~~~

“Throughout American history, LGBTQ+ citizens have fought to defend our rights and freedoms -- from the Founding of our nation to the Civil War, from the trenches of two World Wars to Korea and Vietnam, and from Afghanistan to Iraq,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in the Opening Remarks at DOD Pride Month Event, June 9, 2021.

“They fought for our country even when our country wouldn’t fight for them . . . Even as some were forced to hide who they were… or to hang up their uniforms.”

~~~~~

Matlovich’s case inspired other enlisted gay and lesbian people to fight for their right to serve, including Navy officer Vernon E. “Copy” Berg, according to Making Gay History.

“Matlovich’s LGBTQ activism did not end with his court case. He lent his voice and influence to several battles against homophobia: Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade; California Proposition 6, which sought to ban gay and lesbian teachers from public schools.”

In June 1987, Matlovich was one of 64 demonstrators arrested protesting the White House’s AIDS policies,” according to the Washington Post.

“He also contributed to the founding of Affirmation, an affinity group for LGBTQ Mormons, and forced Northwest Airlines to end its discriminatory policy regarding passengers with AIDS.”

“Matlovich [is also] lovingly memorialized on the AIDS Quilt."

In June 2019, Matlovich was one of the inaugural 50 American “pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes” inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument (SNM) in New York City’s Stonewall Inn, the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights and history, and the wall’s unveiling was timed to take place during the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

~~~~~

Matlovich said that his fight was inspired by Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr. whose portrait he had in his home.

"He explicitly gave credit to the black Civil Rights Movement, and Martin Luther King Jr. specifically, for giving him more courage to understand that gays were a minority group and they had not just the right, but the obligation to fight for their own rights," said Michael Bedwell, Matlovich's best friend and estate executor.

Dr. Martin Luther King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere", which his widow Coretta Scott King reminded everyone of, when she spoke out for gay rights.

In an interview with Studs Terkel, Matlovich said, "the debt I owe to Black Americans, and probably the debt that America owes to Black Americans, probably will never be repaid. Because they have shown us that through perseverance and determination, the laws can be changed, and attitudes can be changed.”

It inspired him to be a race relations counselor, easing racial tensions in the service. 

"He was brilliant at it," said Bedwell.  "At his discharge hearing, one of his supervisors that was African-American testified he was one of best race relations instructors they had."

Some of his strongest supporters were Black.

"Out of the 20-some witnesses that came on my behalf, there were three white witnesses and about 19 Black," Matlovich said. "And it seemed—to me, it was a little shameful to me that, I remember back in my white racist days, that the very individuals who I put down came to my aid when I needed it the most. I guess people can forgive and forget, and people can change . . . You’re never too old to change and to become enlightened and to change."

~~~~~

Matlovich said the most difficult part of his journey was having to tell his parents, especially his father.

“He cried when he first heard about it. It’s, it’s hard to have a child that’s gay in America today because they are so discriminated against.”

But, in the end, he supported his son, saying, “If he can take it. I can.”

The picture attached to this story from Making Gay History is 19-year-old Leonard Matlovich, center, at his Air Force induction, May 1963. At right is his father, Air Force veteran Leonard C. Matlovich. Credit: Courtesy of the Matlovich Family.

~~~~~

“Just to love and be loved, I think is very, very beautiful,” Matlovich said. “And that parents growing up today will give our little children guns, and we are very proud of them when they play Cowboys and Indians and run around. But when they show emotions and, and love. . . people get uptight, and they’re so afraid that their child may, may love. It’s very sad.”

Growing up and realizing he was gay, he said in an interview with the New York Times in 1975:

"I cried. I wept, hoping it would change. I believed absolutely that homosexuality was terrible and degrading."

In the interview with Terkel, he said:

“Jesus said that you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. And I believe that truth is who you are and what you are. And once you know those things, you are set free. And once you can accept who you are and what you are, then you can love others. You can’t love others until you love yourself, and as long as you hate yourself you’re gonna hate others.”

In his last public speech before he died, Matlovich tearfully said, “I want you to look at the flag, our rainbow flag, and I want you to look at it with pride in your heart, because we too have a dream. And what is our dream? Ours is more than an American dream. It's a universal dream. Because in South Africa, we're black and white, and in Northern Ireland, we're Protestant and Catholic, and in Israel we're Jew and Muslim. And our mission is to reach out and teach people to love, and not to hate. "

~~~~~

Matlovich said, “I knew, for example, that when Americans went to the Vietnam Memorial to remember and honor those who gave their lives fighting that horrible war, it never occurred to them that some of those who were the strongest, bravest and most heroic were also gay.”

He was buried with full military honors at the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The inscription on his tombstone, which he wrote himself and is meant to be a memorial to all gay veterans, has no name. 

It simply reads:

"A Gay Vietnam Veteran"

and the words . . .

"When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one."

~~~~~

“It’s a crazy mixed up world we live in," he said,  "when we’re rewarded for killing and hating, and punished for loving."

~ jsr

The Jon S. Randal Peace Page

[sarcasmchandlerbing]

30 DAY STAR WARS CHALLENGE 10. Favorite Star Wars photo(s) These four. Vanity Fair covers. One with Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and the one with Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boeyga), Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) and BB-8. Then inside that magazine is photo where they all are together. And one photo with Leia (Carrie) and Luke (Mark Hamill) is one of my faves too. These photos are so beautiful, I love them. Pictures not mine, credit to the owner.

#30 day star wars challenge #30 day sw challenge #30 day challenge #day 10 #photos #photo #favorite photo #favorite star wars photo #fave #star wars #sw

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #14 - September 25th - October 1st

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from September 25 – October 1, 2022. Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

The following is a roundup of open challenges/prompts. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

Trope Soup: A Josh/Donna Tropes Fest is open for prompt submissions and claims. The deadline was extended and fics will be revealed on Saturday, October 22. Learn more here.

The October 20 prompts in 20 days are up on Tumblr.

 Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from September 25 - October 1.

Bradley Whitford posted BTS photos from The Handmaid’s Tale, including one of him doing the splits at Commander Lawrence’s desk and one of him cuddling with Max Minghella. 

Dulé Hill posted photos from his family’s Disney Cruise.

Allison Janney posted a photo of herself on set for the movie Lou. Amy Landecker posted a photo of Brad with Margo Martindale.

Marlee Matlin posted photos of her family dropping her daughter off at college as well as a photo post for National Daughters Day. 

Marlee Matlin posted a photo of herself with Daniel Durant and Troy Kotsur at Dancing With the Stars.

Josh Malina posted an edited image of himself with a shofar for Rosh Hashanah and a photo of himself and his sister for her birthday.

Donna Moss Daily: September 25 | September 26 | September 27 | September 28 | September 29 | September 30 | October 1

Daily Josh Lyman: September 25 | September 26 | September 27 | September 28 | September 29 | September 30 | October 1

No Context BWhit: September 25 | September 26 | September 26 (2) | September 27 | September 27 (2) | September 28 | September 28 (2) | September 29 | September 29 (2) | September 30 | September 30 (2) | October 1 | October 1 (2) 

@JanelMilfoney: September 26 | September 28 | September 29 | September 30

@down_brad_: September 25 | September 26 | September 26 (2) | September 26 (3) | September 27 | September 27 (2) | September 28 | September 29 | September 30 | October 1

@thefinestmuffin: September 25

Edits/Artwork:

#JOSHDONNA i don’t want you like a best friend by @joshlymoss [VIDEO EDIT]

#TWWCAST: all my heroes by @teresalisbcn [VIDEO EDIT]

#TOBYANDY: i knew you’d come back to me by @jenniferjolie [VIDEO EDIT]

Miscellaneous:

Dulé Hill and his wife Jazmyn Simon have a picture book coming in May of 2023.

The casts of Veep and The West Wing are teaming up for a live-streamed event for the Wisconsin Democrats on Sunday, October 9.

 Creator Spotlight:

Each week, we talk to a fandom creator and ask them questions about their work and their process. You can follow our twitter if you want a chance to ask questions of them, too! Want to be a featured creator? Find us via one of the methods listed at the end of the briefing!

This week’s creator is @joshatella (on twitter and on ao3). You can find the spotlight on tumblr or on twitter.

This Week in Canon:

Welcome to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2: 20 Hours in America (Part I and II) aired on September 25, 2002.

Season 7, Episode 1: The Ticket aired on September 25, 2005.

Season 1, Episode 2: Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc aired on September 29, 1999.

Season 5, Episode 2: The Dogs of War aired on October 1, 2003.

Editor’s Choice:

It’s 20 Hours in America week, so while our guys walk this off a bit, here are some of our favorite fics and hidden gems set during or just after the episode.

“Quit whining."  from my other half was you by sam_writes_fics | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | Complete | a collection of sam/josh prompt based ficlets

A Whole World, Bit by Bit by Dipenates | Rated G | No characters tagged, but focuses on Josh Lyman | Complete | Back from his road-trip, Josh thinks about politics. And Sam. Episode tag for 4.1-2 "20 Hours in America".

stuck with nowhere to go by perfect_little_fool  | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | “In your apartment,” she recalls, craning her neck back to squint at the sky as they walk. “I think I was changing your bandage on your chest and you, uncharacteristically, became very grateful and thanked me for helping you. Then you made some comment about how if you were stranded on a desert island one of the things you’d want with you was, well, me.”

Josh is looking at her, but she’s pointedly not looking at him. For reasons. “Because you’d be the one to get us off of it,” he finishes, nodding his head like he remembers the exact conversation. It’s few and far between that Josh illuminates his feelings about her, even if they’re strictly professional and platonic, but when he does it feels nothing short of a miracle.

Her heart is pounding again. “Yeah. You’re lucky to have me.”

(or, the one that asks and answers: what if it was only Josh and Donna who'd been left behind by the motorcade? just the two of them?)

Back to Earth by ETraytin | Rated T | Donna Moss, Josh Lyman | Complete | Donna's trip to Indiana with the campaign ended up being a lot longer than she planned. The day after isn't looking to be much shorter.

20 Hours in America by PrettyPretty [archived by westwingfanfictioncentral_archivist] | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | Post-Ep to 20 Hours in America

20 Hours in America [The Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael remix] by seekingferret for elrhiarhodan | Rated T | Toby Ziegler, Josh Lyman, Donna Moss | Complete 

These Things in My Head by Ryudoowaru | Rated G | Toby Ziegler | Complete | Toby's inner thoughts

Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. If you are so inclined, please be sure to leave the authors some love in the form of kudos or comments. Be mindful of posted warnings/tags for each story.

Josh/Donna

wherever you go (i follow) by hanyolo | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Give you my wild, give you a child by StealtheRest for WitchyPrentiss | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

31 Days of Halloween by sam_writes_fics | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

plant a little happiness; let the roots run deep by flowersinapril | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

A Different Lens by eowyn_of_rohan | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Brand New Day by Shinyrosa | Rated T | Complete

always thinking you're behind me by cleansl8 | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Abbey/Jed

Wait For Me by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

Holding Hands by Thedoctorsblogger | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

Miracle by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

Other Pairings/Gen Fic

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

The Manchester First by pipisafoat | Rated G | Josh Lyman, Ron Butterfield, Original Characters | Complete

Pressing Her Luck by freshtart | Rated T | Danny Concannon/C.J. Cregg | Complete

Figures of Speech by Darsynia | Rated T | Toby Ziegler/Original Female Character | Complete

The Language of Healing by silasfinch for justdreaming88 | Rated M | Ellie Bartlet/Original Female Character(s) | Complete

Multiple Pairings

those people keep on movin' (and that's what tortures me) by jazzjo | Rated G | Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler, C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt, C. J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler | Complete

(so romantic) on the borderline tonight by jazzjo | Rated G | Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler, C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt | Complete

don't you love farce (my fault I fear) by jazzjo | Rated G | Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler, C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt, C. J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler | Complete

The Girl from Madison by Shinyrosa | Rated T | Donna Moss/Sam Seaborn, Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

Not Quite the Parent Trap by eowyn_of_rohan | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

your best-kept secret (and your biggest mistake) by rearviewmirror | Rated T | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet, Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry, Abbey Bartlet/Leo McGarry, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete

Red, White, and Boo by fleurfemme (Scream crossover) | Rated M |  C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler, Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Dewey Riley/Gale Weathers, Ellie Bartlet/Sidney Prescott | In Progress

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: [email protected]

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx,

What’s next?

#the west wing #west wing #tww #tww fandom #tww fic #tww fic rec #tww news #josh lyman #donna moss #toby ziegler #cj cregg #sam seaborn #jed bartlet #abbey bartlet #20 hours in america #fandom newsletter #weekly press briefing #joshdonna #samjosh #jed x abbey #tww rare pairs #cjtoby #cjandy #andytoby

[monako-jinn-stories]

30 Day Star Wars Photo Challenge

Day Fifteen: Favorite Quote

My favorite Jedi + my precious clone boys feeling unimportant = my heart being crushed and then pieced back together. Buir Plo really said I’m adopting you all

#star wars #the clone wars #clone wars #star wars the clone wars #star wars: the clone wars #clone trooper #clone troopers #plo koon the clone wars #clone wars plo koon #plos bros #plo koon #the wolfpack #the wolffepack #104th attack battalion #30 day star wars photo challenge #jinn the story teller 🤍🤍

[nasa]

NASA Spotlight: Astronaut Mike Hopkins

Michael S. Hopkins was selected by NASA as an astronaut in 2009. The Missouri native is currently the Crew-1 mission commander for NASA’s next SpaceX launch to the International Space Station on Nov. 14, 2020. Hopkin’s Crew-1 mission will mark the first-ever crew rotation flight of a U.S. commercial spacecraft with astronauts on board, and it secures the U.S.’s ability to launch humans into space from American soil once again.  Previously, Hopkins was member of the Expedition 37/38 crew and has logged 166 days in space. During his stay aboard the station, he conducted two spacewalks totaling 12 hours and 58 minutes to change out a degraded pump module. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. 

He took some time from being a NASA astronaut to answer questions about his life and career! Enjoy:

What do you hope people think about when you launch?

I hope people are thinking about the fact that we’re starting a new era in human spaceflight. We’re re-opening human launch capability to U.S. soil again, but it’s not just that. We’re opening low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station with commercial companies. It’s a lot different than what we’ve done in the past. I hope people realize this isn’t just another launch – this is something a lot bigger. Hopefully it’s setting the stage, one of those first steps to getting us to the Moon and on to Mars.

You served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight test engineer. What does that entail?

First off, just like being an astronaut, it involves a lot of training when you first get started. I went to the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and spent a year in training and just learning how to be a flight test engineer. It was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever had, but also one of the more rewarding years. What it means afterwards is, you are basically testing new vehicles or new systems that are going on aircraft. You are testing them before they get handed over to the operational fleet and squadrons. You want to make sure that these capabilities are safe, and that they meet requirements. As a flight test engineer, I would help design the test. I would then get the opportunity to go and fly and execute the test and collect the data, then do the analysis, then write the final reports and give those conclusions on whether this particular vehicle or system was ready to go.

What is one piece of life advice you wish somebody had told you when you were younger? 

A common theme for me is to just have patience. Enjoy the ride along the way. I think I tend to be pretty high intensity on things and looking back, I think things happen when they’re supposed to happen, and sometimes that doesn’t necessarily agree with when you think it should happen. So for me, someone saying, “Just be patient Mike, it’s all going to happen when it’s supposed to,” would be really good advice.

Is there a particular science experiment you enjoyed working on the most while aboard the space station?

There’s a lot of experiments I had the opportunity to participate in, but the ones in particular I liked were ones where I got to interact directly with the folks that designed the experiment. One thing I enjoyed was a fluid experiment called Capillary Flow Experiment, or CFE. I got to work directly with the principal investigators on the ground as I executed that experiment. What made it nice was getting to hear their excitement as you were letting them know what was happening in real time and getting to hear their voices as they got excited about the results. It’s just a lot of fun.

Space is a risky business. Why do it?

I think most of us when we think about whatever it is we do, we don’t think of it in those terms. Space is risky, yes, but there’s a lot of other risky jobs out there. Whether it’s in the military, farming, jobs that involve heavy machinery or dangerous equipment… there’s all kinds of jobs that entail risk. Why do it? You do it because it appeals to you. You do it because it’s what gets you excited. It just feels right. We all have to go through a point in our lives where we figure out what we want to do and what we want to be. Sometimes we have to make decisions based on factors that maybe wouldn’t lead you down that choice if you had everything that you wanted, but in this particular case for me, it’s exactly where I want to be. From a risk standpoint, I don’t think of it in those terms.

Can you describe your crew mate Soichi Noguchi in one sentence?

There are many facets to Soichi Noguchi. I’m thinking about the movie Shrek. He has many layers! He’s very talented. He’s very well-thought. He’s very funny. He’s very caring. He’s very sensitive to other people’s needs and desires. He’s a dedicated family man. I could go on and on and on… so maybe like an onion – full of layers!

Star Trek or Star Wars?

I love them both. But can I say Firefly? There’s a TV series out there called Firefly. It lasted one season – kind of a space cowboy-type show. They did have a movie, Serenity, that was made as well. But anyway, I love both Star Wars and Star Trek. We’ve really enjoyed The Mandalorian. I mean who doesn’t love Baby Yoda right? It’s all fun.

How many times did you apply to be an astronaut? Did you learn anything on your last attempt? 

I tried four times over the course of 13 years. My first three attempts, I didn’t even have references checked or interviews or anything. Remember what we talked about earlier, about patience? For my fourth attempt, the fact is, it happened when it was supposed to happen. I didn’t realize it at the time. I would have loved to have been picked on my first attempt like anybody would think, but at the same time, because I didn’t get picked right away, my family had some amazing experiences throughout my Air Force career. That includes living in Canada, living overseas in Italy, and having an opportunity to work at the Pentagon. All of those helped shape me and grow my experience in ways that I think helped me be a better astronaut.

Can you share your favorite photo or video that you took in space?

One of my favorite pictures was a picture inside the station at night when all of the lights were out. You can see the glow of all of the little LEDs and computers and things that stay on even when you turn off the overhead lights. You see this glow on station. It’s really one of my favorite times because the picture doesn’t capture it all. I wish you could hear it as well. I like to think of the station in some sense as being alive. It’s at that time of night when everybody else is in their crew quarters in bed and the lights are out that you feel it. You feel the rhythm, you feel the heartbeat of the station, you see it in the glow of those lights – that heartbeat is what’s keeping you alive while you’re up there. That picture goes a small way of trying to capture that, but I think it’s a special time from up there.

What personal items did you decide to pack for launch and why? 

My wedding bands. I’m also taking up pilot wings for my son. He wants to be a pilot so if he succeeds with that, I’ll be able to give him his pilot wings. Last time, I took one of the Purple Hearts of a very close friend. He was a Marine in World War II who earned it after his service in the Pacific.

Thank you for your time, Mike, and good luck on your historic mission! Get to know a bit more about Mike and his Crew-1 crew mates Victor Glover, Soichi Noguchi, and Shannon Walker in the video above.

Watch LIVE launch coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 14 HERE. 

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com 

#launchamerica #nasa #spacex #crew1 #astronaut #rocket launch #space #science #STEM #Air Force #us military #hope #resilience #Spotlight

[yourwannabekpopidol]

Project 15

Apprenticeship Program Name: Radio Campbuzz Project Name: RJ for Rangdhonu and script writer for shows Program Date: Fall 2017 – Fall 2018 Program Description: I joined this program when Kashfia Ma’am was the advisor for the program. She assigned me to a RJ position for a weekly show called, “Rangdhonu”. And I had to write the script for the show as well. What I had to do was be a host for the show and the show is about pop culture and entertainment. So we had to talk about any new update on Hollywood and Bollywood. Program Justification: What the show provided was to let the students know about any pop culture and to let them enjoy some entertainment before going back to class. There were other shows but this show made me realize how fun it is to be a RJ. Due to this show, I was even awarded the best RJ in Radio Campbuzz of Spring 2018. Program Name: Rangdhonu. Program Time: Every Wednesday from 12 pm to 1 pm.

Picture 1: This is me before the show of Rangdhonu at the station.

Picture 2: This is the poster that declared that Nabeela apu and I were the host of the show, Rangdhonu, on social media.

Picture 3: This was the award and the certificate of me winning the best RJ.

Script for the 5th Rangdhonu show: Written by: Wangkhem Thonglen

Link 1

Sonam Kapoor ties the knot! Celebrity marriages are always the talk of the town, especially when it is the much-awaited wedding of one of Bollywood's most beloved stars, Sonam Kapoor. In an event of grand celebrations, Sonam Kapoor has finally tied the knot last Tuesday, May 8, with her long-time boyfriend Anand Ahuja. For those who don't know, Anand Ahuja is a businessman who has founded his own fashion brand named Bhane. His Delhi-based business has made him quite successful despite his young age, and fans know him well for always being addressed fondly in Sonam's online posts. The couple is active on social media, and has never failed to win hearts through their messages of adoration and love. Radio Cambuzz wishes the couple a happy conjugal life!

SaRa May 12 marked the grand opening of SaRa's first showroom in Mirpur. The fashion house made a huge statement with endorsements from stars like Sara Zaker, Oyshee, Shahtaj, Pritom, Xefer, Azim, Doyel and many others. They were present during the opening, along with the owner S.M Khaled.

RABINDRA FESTIVALS AROUND THE COUNTRY The celebration of 157th birth anniversary of Tagore in Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka. Artistes performed in a programme by Jayita Rabindra Sangeet Shomillon Porishod in Mymensingh. Artistes did a cultural show in Rabindra Mela, Channel i premises, Dhaka. Artistes from Bangladesh and India performed in Rabindra Festival in Shelaidah Kuthibari, Kushtia. Also Sirajganj.

30 years of BAMBA - More than just bands After a break of almost four years, Bangladesh Musical Bands Association, better known as BAMBA, recently arranged a mega concert, 'BAMBA Live Chapter 1', in Dhaka. The turnout was huge, with the spacious hall room of the International Convention Centre, Bashundhara, filled to the brim with fans eager to get a glimpse of their favorite bands and listen to their all-time hits. 11 of the 27 bands under the umbrella of BAMBA, including Warfaze, Miles, Shunno, Aurthohin, Nemesis, Vikings, Feedback, Dalchhut, Maq O' Dhaka, Pentagon and Arbovirus performed at the concert. Star Showbiz recently invited BAMBA to participate at a roundtable discussion at The Daily Star Centre. Hamin Ahmed, President of BAMBA; Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, General Secretary; Fuad Naser Babu, Vice President; Maqsoodul Haque (Mac), Executive Committee Member; Mohammad Ali Shumon, Treasurer; and Doza Alan, CEO, SkyTracker Limited, took part in the roundtable discussion. It was facilitated by Star Showbiz Editor Rafi Hossain. The discussion focused on BAMBA's current activities and the way forward in the face of the challenges confronting our music industry.

Link 2

Zoe Saldana on the Hollywood Walk of Fame After smashing success as the alien warrior Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and more recently, Avengers: Infinity War, Zoe Saldana is on a path to eternal stardom, literally. She joins the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and her co-actor Chris Pratt, by receiving her very own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Zoe Saldana took to Instagram to express her gratitude, saying she is blessed and honored to be a part of the history of Hollywood. “May this open more doors for Latinx and all other under-represented community!” she further stated. Zoe Saldana has also appeared in James Cameron's 2009 film Avatar and the recent Star Trek trilogy. Being a constant presence in blockbuster sci-fi and fantasy films, Zoe Saldana is expected to become a top name in this specific genre quite soon. 2018 71st Cannes Film Festival From Tuesday May 8th til Saturday May 19th. Australian actress Cate Blanchett has been named as the President of the Jury. Asghar Farhadi's psychological thriller Everybody Knows, starring Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz and Ricardo Darín, opened the festival and competes in the Main Competition section The Han Solo spinoff Solo: A Star Wars Story touched down Tuesday at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing its cast and a full-sized Chewbacca to the French Riviera extravaganza. Director Ron Howard, wearing a hat that read “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” introduced his cast before the film’s international premiere at Cannes. Sonam Kapoor wows at the red carpet of Cannes Film Festival 2018. Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once again stole the show as she walked the prestigious red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, this time in a stunning ultra-violet, blue and red gown that reflected the metamorphosis of a butterfly. History was made at this year's 71st  Cannes Film Festival on Saturday as 82 women, representing the limited number of women filmmakers selected over its more than seven-decade history, made a symbolic walk up the red carpet. The stars, filmmakers and other professionals ascended the steps of the Palais des Festivals at the Cannes Film Festival, protesting for the solidarity of the women in the industry who are struggling for a voice, equal pay, as well as a safer work place. The five female members of this year's Cannes jury-- Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart, Ava DuVernay, Lea Seydoux and Burundian singer Khadja Nin, along with Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek and Marion Cotillard were among the group of women.

Link 3 Mim Mantasha Superstar in the making Winning the country's biggest pageant is not an ordinary feat. Mim Mantasha has won not just a crown, but also the hearts of millions. Awaiting a new journey, the Lux Channel i Superstar 2018 winner shares her story with The Daily Star. A final year student of Fine Arts at Jahangirnagar University, Mim has always been a creative and curious soul. She was an avid follower of the contest for a long time. This year, she finally took the decision to compete. Taking part in the competition was certainly not a cakewalk. “We went through vigorous training sessions. We did yoga in the mornings,” explains Mim.  Before the task rounds, the contestants went through fifteen days of training for ramp walk, acting, dancing, and many other skills. The photo shoots, acting, and improvisation rounds were Mim's favourite tasks in the competition. “I was nervous but in a scene, I got to convince people through my acting that my child was lost. I enjoyed it,” Mim smiles, adding that the competition was an overall memorable experience. Although she is highly enthusiastic about working in the media, she wants to take more preparations before doing so. She is now Lux Bangladesh's brand ambassador and has also won the opportunity to work on television and feature film projects of Impress Telefilm. Before hitting the silver screen, Mim wants to explore the world of television. Being a painter at heart, Mim also wants to continue painting and have her own exhibition in the future. Further to this, she intends to work for children who need special care. “I am in a fortunate position and it is our duty to take care of those in need.” says Mim. With great intentions, we hope Mim Mantasha excels at every step of her future endevours.

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Avengers Infinity War Review The plot itself is pretty simple. There are six stones that possess mystic powers and he/she who possesses all the stones is by default the most powerful being in the universe. Our Marvel superheroes must forget their own conflicts and join forces against Thanos to restore the fate of the universe and its inhabitants. Of course, watch the movie to know how things pan out. Avengers: Infinity War is the movie of movies, and let me tell you why. Most, if not all, the characters of the MCU are present in this film and bring their own flavour into the mix. Thor is mourning the loss of his home and hammer, Stark feels he needs to take a break from saving the world, Captain America is still out to bring justice the right way, and Hulk has no control over himself. I don't know what formula the Russo brothers have applied in their direction but I watched in awe how all the characters blended to deliver multiple storylines within a movie. Yes, I have also compared this movie to a mega three-hour episode of your daily soap opera. Avengers: Infinity War is the comprehensive Marvel movie; it is the beginning of an end. It lifts you, it hits you, and leaves you with a cliffhanger extraordinaire. See it to believe it and it'll still be unbelievable. By next weekend, Infinity War will top $1.78 billion and could sit around $1.8 billion, ensuring Marvel's year-to-date tally exceeds $3.1 billion by next Sunday.

Deadpool 2 Marketing Right off the bat, you see how Deadpool has scratched out the 20th Century Fox logo and put “TBD,” which is a sly allusion to the ongoing Disney/Fox (and Comcast?) merger drama. The content of the letter is exactly what you might expect from the Merc with a Mouth. Pop culture references, silly puns, bad language, and Ryan Reynolds bashing. Then, at the bottom, instead of the #ThanosDemandsYourSilence, we get #WadeWilsonDemandsYourSisterSorryStupidAutoCorrectSilence. See, you guys, it’s funny! And not at all trying too hard. Kidding aside, the marketing for “Deadpool 2” has been pretty top notch, but perhaps not as great as the first film. Recently, the film premiered a music video for the soundtrack featuring Celine Dion singing an over-the-top ballad while a high-heel-wearing Deadpool does an interpretive dance around the diva. It’s ridiculous and fun. And also, the most recent trailer seems to have struck a chord with fans, who are coming down off their ‘Infinity War’ high.

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Top 10 Hollywood Box Office Weekend 1. Avengers: Infinity War - $62,078,047 (Total Grossing – $548,090,150) 2. Life of the Party - $17,886,075 (New) 3. Breaking In - $17,630,285 (New) 4. Overboard - $9,864,415 5. A Quiet Place - $6,455,396 (Total Grossing - $169,608,030) 6. I Feel Pretty - $3,805,437 7. Rampage - $3,462,442 (Total Grossing - $89,827,105) 8. Tully - $2,248,945 9. Black Panther -  $2,077,207 (Total Grossing - $696,331,818) 10. RBG - $1,188,186

Billboard’s top 10 Hits 1. This Is America – Childish Gambino (New) 2. Nice For What – Drake (Last Week: 1) 3. God’s Plan – Drake 4. Psycho – Post Malone Featuring Ty Dolla $ign (Last Week: 2) 5. Meant To Be – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line 6. The Middle – Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey 7. Look Alive – BlocBoy JB Featuring Drake 8. Never Be The Same – Camila Cabello 9. Perfect – Ed Sheeran (Last Week: 12) 10. No Tears Left To Cry – Ariana Grande Learning and reflections: This program made me realize the inner potential I had to be so extrovert and be a good host. I learned what to do or say after getting stuck during a live session. I have improved my speaking skills and the flow of a RJ host on how to talk and say because they have a different tone when it comes to a live session. I have taken all these skills from this program and I even got selected and did a short commercial video for Spice FM Radio. I also learned how to write a script for a radio show.