#paul mccartney going to pride

[i-was-bored-so-this-happened]

Emotionally scarring my parents by loudly announcing “Oh that’s the song from Shrek” every time we hear a song they’ve loved for decades but is also unfortunately featured in the Shrek franchise

#my parents pride themselves on the music taste they’ve imparted on their children #me hearing the monkees or Paul McCartney and going OH THE SHREK SONG #they’re so disappointed it’s so funny

[girlinthebrightbluejeans]

Is anyone else going insane over the McCartney: A Life in Lyrics podcast highlight Paul posted today? "It's not like boy and girl. It's like, it's a guy and guy. It's a boy and boy."

#Is anyone listening to this podcast? #This episode is going on my list right now #Literally this and Paul waving a pride flag around is driving me insane #I'm like showing my mom this today like what does this mean what does this mean??? And she's so confused like what does it mean?? #Paul McCartney

[torchlitinthedesert]

1964: eyes of the storm

At the weekend I went to the Paul McCartney exhibition at London's National Portrait Gallery.

I'd seen some of the pictures, but I still wasn't prepared for just how fond it is. Tumblr is enchanted by Soft John, and yes, absolutely - but the whole exhibition has this warmth and freshness to it. I'm sure some of it's smart curation and hindsight, but the observation and attention and choice of subjects is so full of affection.

Some of the earliest shots are at a London gig. There are portraits of George's mum and dad, visiting their boy, looking alert and intelligent and bursting with pride. Because of course they are, and of course Paul took pictures of them.

It's late 1963, but the Finsbury Park Astoria looks stuck in the 1950s, all post-war austerity and support acts with towering teddy boy hair. Backstage looks cramped and freezing and dark: no wonder they went to the pub to try to do a photoshot. Then they go to Paris and the world opens up around them.

And Paul is so thrilled by it all. He's trying arty camera angles (some don't work). He's putting little crosses on his contact sheets, using a special pencil like he's seen the proper photographers do, because he's a complete nerd. And of course they were all arty nerds, trying out techniques and watching other artists (in whatever medium), getting excited and doing their art projects and trying to be cool.

Some are technically not-very-good photographs: Brian laughing right into the camera, George trying to waterski, both out of focus and both radiant with joy. Some are genuinely good portraits (Ringo particularly).

By the time they get to America, he's more confident and some of the on-the-hoof pics are striking: photographing the photographers, alarmed by armed police (with like. real guns. and ammunition. right there, on the other side of the car window, right there).

And so much people-watching. He watches them, and they watch back, looking up as the Beatle circus goes past. Airport workers with their hands over their ears because the screaming's so loud, or catching Paul's eye to mime playing the guitar. A lovely one of a railroad worker smiling back at him, another of a girl in a headscarf, absorbed in her own thoughts. One of their security falling asleep on the job (it's on a boat, they're probably fine). Mal, and Neil, and George Martin with Judy, and Cynthia. He's interested in people. He's amazed by sunlight. He's happy.

#paul mccartney #1964: eyes of the storm #eyes of the storm #beatles #tag for mine or my addition

[softboynick]

a dive into august moon's (tiny) discography 🌙🩷

From what we know about August Moon, the fictional boy band from The Idea of You, they are meant to be a conglomerate of a bunch of different boy bands and artists – an ode, a homage, to this era of music, if you will. Obviously, by looking at the members themselves, you can draw similarities between certain members of - ahem - another well-known boy band, but this post isn’t about them. This is about the music because I’m insane and I have Thoughts I’d like to share. 

Taste: After my very first listen of Taste, I immediately noticed the inspiration drawn from modern K-Pop, specifically BTS (and from interviews, Nick has mentioned they looked to BTS to help build August Moon’s dynamic). Sonically, Taste has a similar beat, tone, and structure to BTS’ Butter. All we’re missing really is a bar or two from their Rap line, which is unfortunate that they don’t have one. Taste is the most upbeat out of the five August Moon songs we get and relies heavily on electronic dance and disco elements that is reminiscent of K-pop music production. But also, after sending this song to a friend, it reminded her of Jonas Brothers and DNCE, which is not entirely far off, too. 

Dance Before We Walk: This is the first song that introduced us to August Moon, and I think this was a good choice for a debut single. It brings elements of electronic dance and rock that is very One Direction-esque. However, it still brings something fresh, new, and unique, which is what they needed to really sell August Moon as a boy band, even if they’re not technically a real one. But they’re still real in my heart. Hayes has bewitched me. 

Closer: The one thing that stands out to me about this song - besides that first line of the chorus (you know the one) - is the driving bass line that carries the heart of the song. If you know me, you’d know how much I appreciate a good bass. No other August Moon song has the bass turned up so loudly that it holds a melody of its own, and because of this, Closer, I think, is a modern take on 1960s boy bands like the Beatles or the Beach Boys. Paul McCartney of the Beatles prided himself on a melodic bass line, and Closer, to me, pays homage to that. 

I Got You: When Nick said this was his favorite because it’s so cliche, I didn’t believe him, but after I listened to it, it is very much the most cliche song I’ve ever heard. This is what I imagine to be August Moon's One Less Lonely Girl, where they bring a girl from the audience and serenade them, or their Little Things because boy bands sure do love pointing out a girl’s insecurities and saying how much they love her despite them. It’s so cliche that it also reminds me of Big Time Rush more than anything (Cover Girl, anyone?), and I feel like this is the most accurate comparison I could come up with. 

Guard Down: Sorry, but this is the most One Direction song that ever One Directioned. This song could have been from Take Me Home, and I wouldn’t have known the difference. I feel like what sets this one apart from the other songs is that it relies heavily on the rock/pop elements that are obviously a nod to One Direction, especially in their Take Me Home era. This is probably why I love this song so much because it reminds me of a time when life was so simple. I was just a girl in high school listening to Rock Me and just giggling about these five boys from the UK. 

[BONUS] Go Rogue: There is no doubt that Hayes’ performance of Go Rogue on the Graham Norton Show is a direct comparison to Harry who was just beginning his solo career. Go Rogue is very reminiscent of Harry’s debut self-titled album (From the Dining Table, Sweet Creature, etc.). The song itself is very pared down compared to August Moon’s songs. Very minimal production - just a voice, guitar, and piano - which isn’t dissimilar to what Harry’s self-titled album is like. There is a layer of yearning that is also borrowed from Harry’s lyrics and sound, and I think it is a beautiful homage to the passage of time and to Harry himself.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk <3

#the idea of you #august moon #ALSO please feel free to share your own thoughts with me #music is so interesting to me #not me actually using tumblr as it was intended by posting a blog

[modernmanblues]

chances

CH 5: CHEAP THRILLS

plot: American photographer Leah Walker is ecstatic when she's presented with the opportunity to spend the summer of 1975 in Stockport, UK to take photographs of local English groups. Given her history of taking photos of big acts such as The Rolling Stones and The Doors, she is taken by surprise when told that her first clients will be the up and coming Manchester-based group, 10cc, who have kept a low-profile until recently, after gaining worldwide stardom from their hit I'm Not In Love. Leah knows little about the group and gets acquainted fairly quickly, but what she doesn't know is how much trouble she's about to get herself into with the group's beloved lead guitarist, Eric Stewart. She has all summer, come to think of it. The possibilities are endless.

themes: Eric Stewart, distressed about a girl (oh boy), fluff fest!, girl talk, rockstar children, cheeky, playful, cross dressing, consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and cocaine, pain and agony associated with a close encounter with…death

a/n: In life, our actions can sometimes have consequences. Most times, these consequences do not cause any long-term damage but other times they can, unfortunately, be dire and cause serious ramifications.

“Oh, Kevin..this is too much for me..he doesn’t deserve this..he is too young..too young..”

“Could you give a background on your photography experience..er..Miss?”

“Leah?” Eric gazes at me with his wondrous brown doe eyes, smiling at me meekly.

I am still in a trance given that I am seated next to, dare I say, one of the most enigmatic people known to mankind.

“Are you alright, Leah?” Eric reels me into him gently as he hooks me with his arm, squeezing my shoulder ever so prudently.

“What?” I manage to bring myself back to the present and meeting Eric’s eyes, I peer into them. Something about his eyes, and the way he looks at me somehow exonerate me from all my worries and fears. I would even go as far as saying that they provide me what one would describe as, divine solace. 

“Paul’s asked you a question.” Eric smiles at me timidly.

“Oh. Right. Um..well first off, I am greatly honored to meet you, Sir Paul..or do you just go by Paul these days?” I feel a lump going down my throat. I do my best to act natural. But gosh, it’s not everyday you get to sit and have a friendly chat with Paul McCartney of The Beatles.

“Paul is fine, love.” he declares casually.

  “Alright, Paul.” I smile sheepishly as my eyes travel from Eric then back to Paul. I carry on providing a brief statement about my repertoire.   

“I graduated photography school in New York City. It was a four-year program. My parents weren’t too happy about it as they had wanted me to go into law school but, they were supportive of my decision and now here I am today doing..” I take a quick pause. I notice how Eric hasn’t peeled his gaze since I’ve begun talking. I smile at him briefly then turn my attention back to Paul, “..the one thing I am so passionate about.” 

The two sit quietly, seemingly eager to listen to my saga. I carry on.

“Anyway, I’ve been doing professional photography for about five years now. Mainly taking photos of local musicians and groups. However, I have worked with a handful of big names in my experience.” I spit out that last sentence with gentle pride as I briefly reminisce on that moment of my life. I smile at the thought.  

“Wow…” Eric murmurs, raising an eyebrow subtly.

“That’s wonderful, Leah. You know Linda, my wife, she does photography professionally as well. She’s taken a long hiatus from it, though. You know..ever since she started touring with me..our group, Wings.” He takes a puff from his cigarette, then blows a cloud of smoke away from our faces, “..then came the babies, of course.” He chuckles, leaning into Eric playfully.

“Geez Paul, it seems poor Linda’s been popping them out like nobody’s business!” Eric shakes his head jokingly, then resumes peering into my eyes. I find myself mimicking his rather dainty smile.

I let out a faint gasp as he brings his hand next to my face and sweeps a lock of my hair behind my ear. He leans into me and mutters, “we have unfinished business.”

He speaks cryptically. Understandably so, given our recent short stint with…a strawberry, the forbidden fruit. 

I notice the subtle, devious smirk on his face as he peels away from me, and it takes me a brief moment to mentally process his subliminal remark. I raise an eyebrow at him to silently acknowledge him. The mind games with him are becoming second nature to me. Muscle memory, so it seems.

“Well you know we’ve been thinking about having two more, Eric.” Paul asserts.

“Are you really? That sounds lovely.” Eric returns his attention to Paul, smiling at him boyishly.

“What about you, Eric? Do you plan on giving Dieta a brother or sister?”

Eric immediately darts his head towards me. “I don’t know. What do you think, Leah?”

My eyes widen in a deer-in-headlights sort of way. A lump forms in my throat. I tensely clear my windpipe. My face feels slightly flushed. Why the hell would he ask me this? I glance at him from the corner of my eye.

“Well that’s not up to me, Eric.” I mutter to him.

We are suddenly approached by a woman with strawberry blonde hair accompanied by a very young girl with jet black hair. Her eyes, with hues of dark blue and green, perfectly complement her gorgeous youthful face.

“Oh good you found him, you know we’ve been looking all over for you, silly!” the woman gives Paul a quick peck on the cheek, “Mary and I got you fried plantains, as a treat.”

“Here you go, daddy!” the young girl presents Paul with a brown paper bag.

“Oh sweetheart, bless you.” Paul plants a gentle kiss on the girl’s forehead and brushes her hair with ease.

“Eric..” the blonde woman walks over to Eric and embraces him, gently patting him on his back. 

“Lind..oh, I’ve missed you both dearly. How have you been?” Eric smiles meekly through his sentence, enclosing his arms around her.

“Well I should ask you that question! What have you been up to lately, champ?” the woman exclaims matter-of-factly.

They strip away from each other, exchanging delighted expressions.

“Oh you know, busy as usual.” Eric states nonchalantly. It is evident that he and this woman are close acquaintances.

I have to admire his modesty despite all, what I imagine, he has accomplished as a professional.

“I see that. All that hard work has finally paid off, hasn’t it Mr. Gold?” she nudges him playfully.” 

“Well, I couldn’t have done it without Graham, Lol and Kev.” Eric says humbly.

He shifts his head towards me, his charming doe eyes glinting against the interior lighting.

“Anyway Linda, I’d like you to meet Leah. A fellow photographer. She’s American as well.” He turns to me, his aura bright and exuberant. “Leah, meet my dear friend and Paul’s sweetheart, the great Linda McCartney.”

THE Linda McCartney?!  I’ll be damned, who else am I going to meet today, Diane Keaton?!

She scurries over towards me briskly and scoops me in her arms, taking me aback slightly.

“Oh thank heavens you exist! I thought I was never going meet a fellow Yank in these parts!” she exclaims with sheer enthusiasm, her mild southern drawl sneaking through.

 “Well, I’m here.” I shrug, smiling at her timidly. “Such a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. McCartney. I am a huge fan of your work.”

I give her a gentle pat on the back.  We peel away from each other and carry on with introductions.

“Pleasure is mine. I love inspiring young, bright-eyed and bushy tailed photographers. Trust me, I’ve been where you are.”

“It’s not always easy, let me tell you.” I confess matter-of-factly.

“Well that’s with any job, sweetheart. But of course if you love what you do, the whole experience won’t even feel like a job to you.” The most comforting words that I wish my own mother would say to me.

“Alright. We’ll let you girls get acquainted. Eric, would you like to go for a stroll with Mary and I?” Paul hoists himself up from his seat. He seems adamant about giving Linda and I some girl time.

Eric glances at me then cranes his head back to Paul. He tenses his jaw.

“Sounds lovely, Paul. Let’s give these girls some time to themselves, hm?”

I take note of how Mary leans her head against Paul’s hip, biting her nails anxiously as she gazes at me. I smile at her timidly, and she immediately scurries behind her father. She pokes her head out a smidge and maintains her gaze on me. I wave at her daintily, which makes her grin bashfully. She nestles her face against Paul’s shirt and I am reminded of little Dieta. Speaking of which, I wonder how she and the guys are doing?

Eric gets up from his seat and standing in front of me, he closes the gap between us. He clasps my hand delicately, then brings it up to his face and plants a gentle kiss on my knuckle, a sweet gesture of his that I have grown accustomed to. He returns my hand.

“Don’t get lost please.” he utters playfully.

“And if I do, what are you going to do about it, hm?” I mirror his humor. I protrude my chin at him teasingly.

Our eyes stay fixed on each other. His faint smile complements his juvenile profile. “Well I wouldn’t have earned the nickname, Sherlock Holmes if I wasn’t so brilliant at finding things that have been lost. I’d wear that hat for the day, if that ever happened. You know, because it would concern, you.”  

“Aren’t you being a bit dramatic, Eric?”  chuckle, rolling my eyes at him jokingly.

“Why do you always roll your eyes at me?”

“Because you are always so dramatic!” I scoff.   

“Eric?” Paul calls out, raising an eyebrow.

“Right. Er...Lind? Look after her, please? She’s not from around here.” Eric sounds seemingly concerned.

“Eric, relax. She is in good hands with me.” Linda’s tone is reassuring.

Paul gently tugs Eric by the arm, breaking our hold.

“We’ll see you back at the studio!” Paul yells out, raking Eric into his arm while gently grasping Mary’s hand on his opposite side. “Come, Mary darling.”

“Where are we going, daddy?” the child gazes up at her father with wonder.

“You, me and your Uncle Eric are going to go for a walk now. Is that alright?”

Mary looks to her mother then back to Paul.

“Mummy’s not coming with us then, is she?” she furrows her brows.

“Mummy’s going to spend time with her friend now. We’ll see her a bit later, alright?” Paul’s tone is reassuring enough for the girl.

“Mmm, okay..” Mary smiles at him cheekily.

Eric shifts his head over to face Linda and I. He gazes at me with deep concern, then carries on facing forward. We watch as the lot of them disappear amidst the hordes of people in the market.

“That’s my husband for ya, always so bossy...” Linda states jokingly. “Anyway, shall we ladies go for a little stroll ourselves?”

 “Okay, sure.”

I hoist myself up from my seat and wave goodbye to Pietro. My eyes widen at the empty plate before me. I hadn’t been paying much attention at how well Eric devoured that plate of spaghetti. Goodness gracious, the guy must’ve been starving!

“Pietro, graze on behalf of Eric and I. Your food was mighty delicious!”

I only half-heartedly participated in feasting on that plate, but I was lucky enough to have a taste. Authentically Italian.

 “Of course. You and Ferrari, come anytime. Ciao, bella.” he states adoringly.

“Ciao.” I wave goodbye and just before I walk away, I notice the bag of strawberries on the counter. I clutch it quickly, then proceed to march off with Linda.

 We slowly make our way through the bustling aisles, heading towards the exit.

“What’s in the bag, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Oh this!” I snicker, “um..just strawberries Eric bought from one of the stands earlier. He wanted me to try one. Made such as big fuss about it.”  

We stroll along in silence for a brief moment, then she decides to initiate small talk.

“So whereabouts in the States do you live, Leah?” 

“New York City. Brooklyn. Born and raised.  

She darts her head towards me, her ocean blue eyes expanding.

“Well isn’t this world just getting smaller?! I was born and raised in New York myself! Boy, do I have some fond memories running around the streets of Brooklyn,” she reminisces, “what’s Brooklyn like these days?”

“Crazy. I mean, you’ve been there. Streets are always jammed, people have no manners. Everyone seems to go about their day mindlessly. Honestly, it was getting a bit too much for me, so I’m glad I took this job for the summer. I like Stockport. It’s so…quiet here. It’s refreshing, really.” I smile at her sheepishly.

“New York hasn’t changed one bit from the sound of it, has it? You know, Stockport’s become one of mine and Paul’s favorite little towns. We come up here occasionally on the weekends when Paul has himself booked to work at Strawberry. A little more peace and quiet for him, you know?

“Yeah, I’ll say.” I concur.

She smiles at me gleefully. We walk in silence for a brief moment, then she decides to break the ice.

“Alright, let’s just cut to the chase.” she declares.

My eyes shoot towards her, my brows furrowing in bewilderment.

“What do you mean, Mrs. McCartney?”

“Oh please. Call me Linda.”

“Okay…Linda.” A tiny smile spreads across my face.

“What do you think about Eric? I saw the way you looked at each other…there was definitely something there.” she smiles at me adoringly. Her bright aura provides solace.

“Um…” I let out a nervous laugh. I feel my face growing warm.

“Come on, we’re both girls here. We can tell each other anything. This would just be between you and I, Leah. Promise.” She has such a way with words.

“Do you mean from a photographer’s point of vi—”

“No Leah, what do you think of him?” Her tone is different this time. She is searching for a confession.

My face feels flushed. I cup my hand against my cheek and evidently, I feel the temperature on my face rising. I clear my throat and fix myself.

“Eric is quite the charmer, isn’t he?” I gaze at the blonde eagerly.

We approach the exit and reach the main quarter of town. We ignore the bustling crowd as we continue our banter, walking aimlessly.

“Yes. He certainly is. You know, Paul and I have been trying to get him to come out more and meet new people. This past year especially, he’s been a hermit working at that gosh darn studio. He almost never takes a day off. We think he needs a woman’s attention for a change.” She is straight to the point, and does not beat around the bush. I appreciate this woman’s audacity.

“And is that supposed to magically fix his problems?” I chortle with amusement.

“No, absolutely not, “ she darts her eyes towards me, “you know..I don’t think I’m supposed to tell you this but, he’s talked awfully lot about you. He’s very fond of you, I can tell.” 

I shoot my gaze towards her, gaping at her with eager eyes.

“What has he said about me?...if you wouldn’t mind sharing, of course.” This has piqued my interest.

“Well he and Paul talk almost everyday. Those two are inseparable, like two peas in a pod. They tell each other everything.” She scoffs, rolling her eyes playfully.

“Is that right?” I prod her to disclose further.

“This past week especially, we’ve noticed that Eric has been…beside himself. It’s one of the reasons Paul and I decided to come up here this weekend. But now, I see why he’s been acting a bit strange.” She beams at me, pursing her lips.

“I beg your pardon Linda but, I would still like to know what he has said about me.”

She comes to a halt, prompting me to do the same. She shifts her gaze from one side of the street to another, then peers into my eyes.

“Come with me.”

She clasps my hand gently and drags me towards a quiet street corner. I am eager to know what she has to say.

“Leah..I think Eric has very strong feelings for you.” She smiles at me brightly.

I widen my gaze at her. I feel another lump traveling down my throat. My jaw tenses.

“How do you mean, Linda?”

“I mean the guy hasn’t stopped talking about you! Lately, all he’s ever spoken to us about is how he hasn’t stopped thinking about a certain girl. He says this girl is simply wonderful and organic and was adamant about us meeting her. And today we are fortunate to finally be acquainted with this lovely young lady.”

She shovels me into her with one arm, gently patting me on the shoulder. I am at a loss for words. My mind has gone a bit fuzzy.

“..we are just so happy he’s found you,” she resumes, “we haven’t seen him this happy since, you know…before the divorce.”

There’s that word again. Divorce.

“Leah? Are you alright?” She furrows her brows, gazing at me with concern.

 “I’m sorry, Linda. I just…I’m trying to take this all in.” I blink at her nervously.

“Hmph, well at least that’s off my chest. What do you say we head back to the studio? Hopefully we’ll catch Mary and the boys in the nick of time.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

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

“It’s called a gizmotron. Gizmo for short. ” Lol plays a simple note to demonstrate the function of the device.

I struggle to conceal my laughter. He, Graham and Kevin are all back at the studio and are now dressed in women’s clothes. I study the clever application of blue eyeshadow and light foundation on Lol’s face. His hoop earrings shine against the interior lighting as he allows them to dangle with every head moment.

“I’m sorry, Lol but I have to say..you look absolutely fabulous in your attire.” I peer at him with a toothy grin.

“Mm..Thank. You.” He chirps in his impressive falsetto, batting his eyelashes at me.

“Get a hold of yourself..” Graham sneers disdainfully, nudging Lol with his elbow.

I hear the sound of the front door opening.

“The troop has landed!” Paul’s voice echoes across the room.

“Honey, we’re hoomee..” Eric’s sing-songy, mancunian brogue channels through the studio.

“Daddy?” Dieta gasps, her eyes widening.

“Dieta?” Mary’s wanders deeper into the studio. Her hazel eyes look on to Dieta wondrously.

“Mary!” Dieta gasps as her gaze meets Mary’s.

The girls run towards each other ecstatically, colliding into a massive embrace.

“Alright, slow down girls.” Paul warns.

He and Eric step into the studio carrying bouquets of flowers.

“You will come downstairs to the studio with me, won’t you Mary?” Dieta gazes at Mary eagerly.

“Why yes of course!” Mary sounds elated.

“Come! Come! I want to show you something.” Dieta begins to walk towards the staircase leading down to the basement and Mary follows behind her.

“And just where do you two think you are going?” Eric follows the girls, raising an eyebrow at them.

“I wanted Mary to have a listen to my song daddy, is that alright?” Dieta gazes up at Eric.

“Yes, but please remember to be careful of the controls.” He gently reminds the girls.

Dieta’s jaw drops to the floor as she ogles at the lovely bouquet of peonies her father is holding.

“Are those for me, daddy?” the girl gazes up at Eric with a bright affect.

Eric doesn’t say a word and instead, he winks at his daughter.

“Oohhh…” Dieta giggles. “..right, we’ll be downstairs then.”

“Be. Careful.” Eric warns Dieta once more.

The girl sticks her little tongue out at Eric playfully. Her mischievous giggle becomes more faint as she travels further down the steps with Mary.

Eric laughs coolly, shaking his head. He turns his head to face me, and our eyes meet. He takes the short leisure stride towards me, maintaining his gaze on mine. 

“Hello again.” His tender voice tickles my eardrums.

“Again? Have we met before?” I smile at him cheekily.

“No. This would be the first time.” He plays along. His smile is infectious. “Anyway, these are for you.”

He hands me the bouquet of peonies and I accept them despite the slight pang of hesitation in me.

“Eric, you shouldn’t have…”

My eyes shift from the flowers then back to him. I reach over and plant a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“Thank you. These are beautiful.”

“You mean, like you?” he gives me a smug look.

“I can tell they gave you a nice rehearsal befo—”

“Hmph..” Graham walks up to Eric and I with a scornful expression.

Eric’s takes one good look at Graham’s attire and the impressive cosmetic work on his face, then immediately bursts into laughter.

“Eh, what happened to you?! Why are you dressed in drag?” Eric exclaims, gathering himself.

“We lost a bet to a nine year old.” Graham maintains his glare on Eric. “And you happen to be that nine year old’s father so I am holding you responsible.”

Kevin waltzes his way towards us and loiters next to Graham.

“Personally, I think this look suits us. Graham doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” He shakes his thick, luscious curls before us pompously, then takes a quick hit from his cigarette, and blows a steady stream of smoke.

“Did Dee put you on to this then?” Eric chuckles, barely hiding his amusement.

“It was our fault, really. We shouldn’t have made a bet with a nine year old. That was our first mistake.”

“Mind if I join this little communion?” Paul enters the circle. “What happened to the lot of you?” He cranes his head from Graham then towards Kevin.

“I was just asking them that.” Eric cackle.

“Would you wipe that silly grin off your face, Stewart?” Graham blurts out scornfully.

“Aw sweetheart…if it makes you feel any better, you look beautiful in my eyes.” Eric peers into Graham’s eyes with pure adoration.

“You little menace...” 

Graham tackles Eric then the two proceed to wrestle playfully.

“Graham. No. Please. Stop. I don’t hit women.” Eric teases, struggling to break free from Graham’s chokehold.

“Alright, go on. What other smart comments have you got in you, Stewart?! Why don’t you just fight me like a man?”

“Boys…boys…listen,” Paul announces, “Next train to Manchester leaves in about 30.”

Eric and Graham peel away from each other, both exchanging baffled looks.

“What’s he on about?” Eric mutters to Graham.

“Not a clue.”

“Eric? Remember what we talked about earlier?” Paul raises at eyebrow at Eric.

“Oh. Right. Er…everyone, Paul and I were wondering if any of you would be interested in going out clubbing in Manchester tonight.”

“Oh yeah, I’m in.” Lol creeps in, resting his hands on his hips.

“Well hello, m’lady.” Eric chirps, ogling Lol from head to toe.

Paul wolf whistles with unrestrained exuberance, delighted by the sight of the beautiful piece of art standing before him named Lol Creme.

“Do you boys fancy my hoop earrings?” Lol exclaims in his trademark falsetto, moving his head side to side to dangle his jewelry.

Eric and Paul clap jovially in unison. They take turns whistling and shouting praises at Lol. The guy is such a sport for playing along. I stand quietly as I observe the way this whole circus act plays out.

It’s not long before the group disperses and Eric and I are once again left to our own devices. I marvel at this stunning bouquet of peonies I have been cradling since Eric bestowed it upon me.

“Thank you again for these flowers, Eric. They look wonderful.” I beam at him graciously.

“My pleasure, love.” His feeble smile instills warm energy in my core.

“Anyway, would you like to come out with us? I would love it if you came along.” He begs with his eyes.

“Well..it is getting a bit late, and I’ve got a session booked for tomorrow morning.”

“Come onn…please? One night won’t hurt, will it? Can’t you reschedule the session? You will have a good time. I promise.” He carries on pleading, trying his hand at everything to convince me.

I ponder the feasibility of joining tonight’s festivities, and the consequences of canceling tomorrow’s session. Come to think of it, I can always ask my apprentice to cover for me. I could use a little fun on a Friday night, I suppose.

“I’ll think about it..but if I am going out, I had better find something more suitable to wear.”

Eric examines my attire from head to toe then meets my eyes again, smirking.

“I think whatever you’ve got on is fine.”

“Please, I insist. Would you swing by my place in an hour? I’ll have a decision by then.” I am straight to the point.  

“Right, okay. Your place. In an hour. Sounds like a plan.” He sounds elated.

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

We find ourselves at this versatile nightclub called Fagin’s right in the heart of Manchester. An hour into our rendezvous and already, our adrenaline is picking up. We are joined by the wives of Kevin, Lol and Graham. Our guests of honor are of course, The McCartneys. There is perpetual chatter all around me, and the music is blaring in the background. To say that I am a bit overwhelmed is an understatement.

Eric is on his third line, but his behavior has become quickly erratic. My gut tells me that he might have done a few more lines prior to us coming here. He wipes the white powder residue from his nose with the back of his thumb. He looks at me with a smug expression. The sunamagun looks so proud of himself, I ought to slap him.

“Leah. Leah. Leah. Leah..it’s your turn, my darling. Your turn. Make me proud. Just do it. Do it please.” He slurs his speech, and it’s only getting worse. I begin to worry about him. 

“Eric...I don’t think this is a good idea—”

“Just one line. That’s all I’m asking, my love.” He leans into my ear and murmurs, “it’s going to change your life…”

He nuzzles his nose against my face. He smells of bourbon, cigarettes and aftershave.

“Mmm..would do you it for me please, beautiful? And we can go dancing after if you want.” I can feel him smiling against my face. He feels warm to touch.

I examine the line of white powder sitting before me. I decide to go for it, but just before I do, I take a swig of whiskey from my shot glass. I take a deep breath in, then out. Here goes nothing..I lean closer to the glass table then proceed to inhale the white power swiftly, closing one nostril with my finger, then I sit back up. I am immediately hit with a rush of adrenaline, my heart feels like it’s about to jump out of my chest. I feel every pulsation against my head and neck. I can feel my blood rushing through my veins. My mood is uplifted, and my body is craving movement. The effects of cocaine are hitting me harder than I thought.                

“How do you feel?” Eric searches for my eyes, grinning like a chesire cat.

“I thought you said we were going dancing?” I raise my brow at him, tilting my head to the side playfully.

“Well why didn’t you say something sooner, madame? Come along then.”         

He stands erect, then snatches my hand and we march towards a staircase leading down to the basement. The music grows increasingly louder as we traverse deeper down this dark structure. I notice every pulsation thumping against my temples with each beat that collides my eardrums. My heart is knocking against my chest. I walk to match Eric’s stride to distract myself from thinking about every sensation.

Eric leans his elbow against the bar counter with undeniable suave. He fixes his gaze on me, his smirk is criminal.

“Can I get you a drink?” His smirk darkens.

“Whiskey. On the rocks. Please and thank you.” I mirror his sultry expression without peeling my gaze off him.

Eric makes eye contact with the bartender and responds to cue. He marches towards us.

“Two whiskeys on the rocks please.” Eric declares to the man.

“Coming right up, sir.” The bartender nods and scuttles towards the liquor display.

Eric narrows the gap between us, and I watch as the bartender effortlessly prepares our drinks. He returns with our beverages and places the glasses gently on the counter.

“Two whiskeys on the rocks. Enjoy.” He smiles at us cunningly.

We each take a glass and, as if muscle memory, we clink our glasses gently.

“Cheers, Walker.” His dark smirk broadens.

“Cheers to you, Stewart. Here’s to…your award.” I complement his smirk.

“Why thank you. I appreciate that.” He twists his lips into a smile.   

On the train ride to Manchester tonight, Eric finally shared with me how he and the group won a gold disc for their most recent album titled “The Original Soundtrack.” He had given me a copy of the vinyl earlier and I am looking forward to listening to it. If it won gold, it must be really good.

Suddenly, a familiar tune comes on. One would immediately recognize it from the first few seconds. It takes me a brief moment to remember the song title. Like a clairvoyant, Eric provides an answer.

“Lady Marmalade. La Belle. Shall we dance, m’lady?” He inquires politely, carefully snaking his long, skinny fingers through mine.

“It would be an honor.” I smile caressingly at him.

We take a massive gulp of our beverage, then head on to our mission. He leads me onto the dance floor where everyone and their mother is gathered. I watch as three women with beautiful, healthy afros wearing silver sequin dresses move to the groove. Their harmonies are absolutely stunning. I allow my body to move to the rhythm of the song, and Eric attempts to match my movements.

“I didn’t know you were quite the dancer, Walker. I’m impressed.” He chuckles, swaying from side to the side, seemingly invigorated.

“I can say the same about you.” I smile at him gingerly.

He closes the gap between us. This man is like a furnace but in human form, the way he emits an incredible amount of heat. We step into each other, one foot opposite the other’s. Then suddenly, Eric begins to lose his balance.

“Why I feel so fun..my chest..hurting..” His speech is barely comprehensible. He clutches onto his chest, wincing.

He falls into me and I catch him in my arms in the nick of time. His entire body feels limp. I lower him carefully onto the floor.

“Eric? Eric?!! Are you okay?! Eric Stewart!…” I shout over the music.

I kneel adjacent to his comatose body, hovering over him with a concern expression on my face.

“Eric! Wake up!” I shout once again, and I begin to get choked up as grim thoughts settle in my mind.  

I give his shoulder several hard taps, but he is not responding. I shake him around vigorously and still, no response. His chest is not moving, and my worst fear dawns on me when I check the pulse in his neck and I feel nothing. My adrenaline immediately kicks in. I quickly rip his white button down shirt open to expose his bare chest, and immediately resuscitate him.

“Help! Please! Oh dear God please, someone help me! My husband is not waking up!” I yell out to the crowd who now have their eyes on me as I struggle to resuscitate.

“Eric..come on, baby. Stay with me.” I am almost choking through my words as tears begin to trick down my cheeks.

“Ma’am, the paramedics are here!” A young man calls out.

Despite the tears streaming down my face, I maintain my gaze on Eric and continue to compress his chest purposefully. His face is growing paler, the rosy appearance of his cheeks is gradually dwindling away. His lips, what were once a vibrant pink, have now turned a touch purple. I maintain compressions as my tears fall onto his chest.

Suddenly, by the grace of heaven, the paramedics roll in in an orderly fashion. They have brought with them their emergency equipment.

A female paramedic taps me on the shoulder.

 “Ma’am, excellent job on compressions! But we’ll need you to step aside. We’ll take over from here.” She states matter-of-factly.

I follow their direction, and hoist myself up then stand back. I allow the squadron to perform their duties. I watch as one of the personnel delivers compressions and the other prepares to shock him. I observe another staff attempt to insert, what appears to be, an intravenous line in his hand.

“All clear please!” the female paramedic calls out.

The squad clears the space as the woman delivers a shock. Eric’s body jolts as she delivers the shock. I peel away from the scene as I cannot bear to watch another second of it.

“What the bloody hell is going on here?!” Kevin’s eyes widen as he watches this atrocious scene unfold.

The rest of the crew begin to trickle in and watch in horror.

“Oh, Kevin..this is too much for me..he doesn’t deserve this..he is too young..too young..” I throw myself onto him, soaking his shirt with my tears.

“There, there now...Eric will be alright, darling. He is one of the strongest people I know..” His voice fades as he stares off into the distance, brushing my hair gently with his fingers.

Lol attempts to run towards the scene, but is reeled back by Graham.

“That’s my brother! Save him..save him, please! I beg you! Eric, Wake up! Wake up! Please..please…please…” Lol yells out, his voice squeaking as he sobs hysterically. There is pain and agony in his tone, it is disheartening. He buries his face into Graham’s chest.

Graham does his best to console Lol, who has gone hysterical. I notice the tears begin to trickle down his face.

“Eric will be okay. Eric will be okay. He’s a strong lad.” Graham chokes through his words as tears stream down his handsome face, gently caressing Lol’s back.

“We’ve got a pulse and a normal rhythm!” the female paramedic calls out.

The room has gone completely silent. No music to be heard. The only sound that can be heard is the quiet the chatter amongst the medical crew.

They’ve got Eric on oxygen and hooked up to all sorts of wires. The female paramedic walks up to me briskly.

“Erm..ma’am? Are you this man’s wife?” her question takes me aback slightly, but I must cater to how grave the situation is.

“Yes. Yes I am.” I say without hesitation, raising my head from Kevin’s chest.

Graham, Lol and Kevin seem unphased that I’ve just declared myself as Eric’s wife. Understandably, they are still a bit shaken up from everything that just happened. They stand dumbfounded.

“What is your husband’s name?” the woman inquires.

“Eric. Eric Stewart.” I say monotonously. I am truly at a loss for words.

“Mrs. Stewart, I’m sorry but we’re going to have to take Mr. Stewart to intensive care for observation. We need you to accompany him.”

Intensive care? What?

Lol and Graham rush towards us.  

“Can we come as well?” Lol is almost begging.

“Sorry sir, only immediate family members are allowed for now. You may ask to see him tomorrow.”

“We are his family, you know.” Lol chokes through words.

“Is Eric going to be alright?” Graham’s voice is shaking.

“Like I’ve said. We will have to take him to intensive care and monitor him for the night. For now, his vital signs are looking alright. We will take him to the nearest hospital. He will be in good hands.” The woman reassures the group.

Next thing I know, I am getting whisked away with Eric and the rest of the medical team in the ambulance. Once inside the vehicle, the grasp Eric’s clammy hand and caress it with my thumb. As soon as everyone’s settled in, we drive off immediately. I hear the siren going off.

“Everything’s going to be alright, Eric. We’re getting you sorted out. Everything’s going to be alright, everything’s going to be alright.” I murmur this mantra to him, sobbing as I give his hand a gentle squeeze.

The most important person in Eric’s life comes to mind at this moment.

“We have a nine year old daughter. She can’t afford to lose her father..it would crush her. I declare to the crew. “Oh please save my sweet darling Eric.” I sob hopelessly.

———————————————————————————

<<previous chapter

please visit my masterlist if you would like to see some of my other work :)

#eric stewart x fem!oc #eric stewart fan fiction #fan fiction #eric stewart #leah walker #kevin godley #lol creme #graham gouldman #dieta stewart #linda mccartney #paul mccartney #mary mccartney

[i-am-the-oyster]

Fuh You

If we can get past the stupid attempt at ambiguity, this is actually a really interesting (and good!) song.

Most of Paul McCartney's music videos are abominations that have the potential to ruin the song they go with. But, again, this video is super interesting, so this post will include some details about the video, and some screen shots.

The protagonist is a young teen called Jamie (Paul's first name is James), who wanders around Liverpool singing about the girl he's just kissed. My theory is the girl represents John. It would have been amazing if the love interest had been a boy, but even in 2018 that would have been a huge deal. And, as we all know, Paul is not out (yet?).

Come on baby now, let me look at you Talking 'bout yourself, try to tell the truth

These are the opening lyrics, and they're not repeated. I interpret them as John's voice in Paul's head, talking to Paul. Or just Paul talking to himself.

On the night that I met you, I was on the town On the night that I met you

The second time these lines are sung, Jamie is standing outside the chip shop where John and Paul actually met for the first time. If you haven't heard this story, there's a great blog post about it here.

Long story short, Paul saw John at a chip shop, and some locals figured out which shop it was. The exact address Jamie is walking past here:

I adore the idea of 14 year old Paul stealing a chip from 16 year old John before they'd ever met (as Jamie does from some girls outside the shop). The authors of the blog post above paint the picture, then decide it's unlikely. But I think maybe the Paul who played his heart out in his white jacket to impress John could have been brazen enough.

I just wanna know how you feel Want a love that's so proud and real You make me wanna go out and steal I just want it fuh you, I just want it fuh you

"Proud", eh? What kind of love would you have pride in, Paul?

Who was it again that sang about Real Love? *taps chin*

I have a theory that 'steal' and 'rob' are sexual innuendoes for Paul, but that's for another post when I'm feeling braver.

Come on baby now, help me work it out I won't let you down so you don't need to shout

"Help me work it out" reminds me of We Can Work It Out.

"I won't let you down" points me to Oh! Darling, and Don't Let Me Down.

I could stay up half the night, playing with your head I could stay up half the night, but I'd rather go to bed

The official lyrics really do say "head", not "hair".

#fuh you #paul mccartney #song analysis #remember if you can think of an innuendo that's the way paul meant it #mclennon #john lennon

[thestarsarecool]

Did the sessions for ‘Free As A Bird’ and “Real Love’ go entirely without a hitch?

No, not really. The biggest hitch for me was when we came to the middle-eight of ‘Free As A Bird’, which John had blocked out. He had a little germ of an idea but hadn’t finished it, so we decided that we would have to write some lyrics of our own.

What happened was: Ringo, having done all his stuff, left me and George to it, and Ringo is a very good balance, he’s a very good pivot for us. When he’s there the atmosphere is more complete. But it was fine, you sometimes need a little tension. Anyway, I brought in some words that I thought might do the trick but when I went and sang them I was having a little trouble and didn’t think they were that good. And so, rightly enough, George and Jeff Lynne said this and then George started hacking them to pieces. I must admit, as a pride thing, that got a little difficult. I had to live with it, though, and I say now that he was absolutely right to do it and I’m glad he did it, but whilst it was going on it was a little bit hairy. It was like: here’s George savaging my lyrics, am I happy about this? And I had to keep saying, “Yeah, sure, sure, he’s right, he’s right, he’s right”, and he was.

— Paul McCartney, Club Sandwich, November 1st 1995

#my quotes #this is interesting #cause I’ve always heard that real love went worse than free as a bird #so this intrigues me #also I am so amused by how paul always portrays himself as so…demure? in confrontations #cause I actually do believe he isn’t purposefully overbearing #like he’s not bossy for the power trip #he just gets very into making something just so #but they way he’s always like #they told me I was being annoying so I backed off COMPLETELY #and I kept telling myself that I was wrong #like bitch #no you did not #you argued with george about the lyrics #own it #I do think we should give him credit though for saying #I’m glad we went against my idea and it made something better #like that’s something he’s genuinely saying and I think it’s overly cynical to ascribe it purely to false modesty #paul mccartney #george harrison #the beatles #beatles

[loonylupin2]

I Wrote a McLennon fanfic :)

Paul and John are in bed together

sleeping top and tail as usual (even though they both desperately don’t want to) but John speaks up

I Hope you all enjoy :D

❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️

❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️✨🍀❤️

I lay in my bed, at the foot of it. Sighing deeply at the cramped quarters. We were on a trip, me and John were to somewhere to who knows what. All I know is that we were on a trip, and I was with him. That’s all that mattered to me really. No point in going on a trip if the destination isn’t there to share- see the joy on others' faces as well as yours- the awe and inspiration sparkling in their eyes.

Either way- because it was a trip. John and I- as we usually did would share a bed, it was cheaper that way. We couldn’t allow ourselves to sleep on the floor- like dogs. Our pride didn’t allow such activities. So we laid underneath our squeezed sheets- top and tailed. It was fine and all. We’d talk and laugh- sometimes John’s feet would kick me in the face though, or my toes fall into his snoring mouth. But it wasn’t too bad. It was sweet enough.

Tonight though we were beat. Beaten down to our cobs. We’d ridden our bikes for what seemed like decades- our legs, limp noodles, wettened from our own sweat. We were silent. My head was facing the window, John and I liked to keep the blinds open.

The moon was out. Blue like the song. It was large and bright, its milky glow oozing over us like warm syrup. I longed for more- yet I closed my eyes.

“Paulie?” A familiar voice called. My eyes slowly opened. “Yeh John?” My eyes lingered in the corner of the room- I could tell he was facing away from me- I wanted to turn and look at his face as was preferred- but my waist ached.

“Y’know, you don’t always have to sleep at my feet y'know.” I could hear John’s smile paint his voice as they went into my ear. It blessed me but I shook my head regardless. “Yeah- I know, just…“ I could hear him shift at my words, turning to me in interest. I grew exasperated. “Oh dammit John you know why!” I shook my head again and closed my eyes.

I felt his whole body turn and felt his gaze look down. Attempting to reach my face. “Enlighten me, Mr. McCartney.” He added.

I opened my eyes. I felt a tug at my heart, to return his look, my eyes like stone stayed perched to their post- the blue crystal in the night sky

“It’s just-“ I began. “I don’t want people to be gettin’ the wrong idea of us- yknow- that we’re-,”

“A bunch a queers.” he finished. I paused and sighed my eyes darting to the corner again. I gulped dryly, biting my lip. “Yeh…”

I felt John sit up slightly. “Well who’s gonna see us like this I mean,” he said bluntly and closed my eyes and sucked in my breath. “It’s just y'know-,” I knew John was gonna interrupt me and he obliged. “I’m just saying it’s mighty uncomfortable- I can barely damn move- I don’t like ye facing me toes or whatever- it’s not pleasant- it’s just annoying! I’d rather sleep on the bloody floor if anything!” He huffed and laid back down. I could tell he was getting agitated- John was like this when tired. Especially since we left some of our belongings back home. Including his box of chocolates, he just got for me and him. I promised to buy him another- but he wasn’t having it- he wanted to be the gifter, not the giftie

“So what do you suggest we do then?” I said bluntly, trying to help him calm down. He answered me quickly and harshly. “ I don’t fucking know Paul? Maybe sleep like normal damn people- ever thought about that?” I was quiet for a good moment. I felt my blood pressure rise as my brain went as foggy as a bog. The aggression in his voice only solidified his borderline insane proposition. I had to laugh “John!” I chuckled, shaking my head. “We couldn’t! you know we-” I finally sat up, looking to his face and saw he was entirely serious. A frown lay on his thin red mouth and his eyebrows furrowed in a tired unimpressed way- I could barely even pay attention to his hair, which was a mess. My smile slowly disappeared. I saw how almost “through with it all” he seemed- his eyes didn’t even sparkle in the moonlight…

“Well-“ I said absentmindedly “I could maybe,” I never finished my sentence. John leaned forward like a starling tired goon. He wrapped his arms around my neck and put his face into my shoulder pulling me down next to where he lay. He continued to hold me. I stayed silent and still. I was shocked beyond belief. My brain went to frozen mush and my heart was just as cold. I didn’t know what to think or do or say. My tongue was like a large block in my throat. I felt trapped in my own body.

John was the first to talk. He looked into my eyes with a smile, a bushy eyebrow raised. “Are ye uncomfortable, Macca?” It took me a while to dissect his words in my skull but I replied with a shrug- it seemed that freed my tongue from its cage. “N-No-“ I stuttered. “I just…I feel I’m taking your room…” John's grin spread and a soft chuckle left his mouth. “Yer not- y’know. I don’t mind this really- more comfortable than before…” We were silent- just looking at each other faces- the wind was still and cold “Besides-“ John continued “I prefer looking at your eyes than your toes…don’t ye agree.”

I couldn't help but smile at this. I nodded “Yeah…yeah no I get you…” I still felt somewhat guilty and or bad- for intruding on John’s space- whether he wanted such activity or not. I admit now- in retrospect. I wanted to spoon with him as much as he did. But I, at the time, shoved those thoughts down into the pits of my stomach. I refused to partake in such a disease- or one resembling such- what would mother in heaven think?

I scooted to the very edge of the bed- breaking our warm embrace- an embrace I missed dearly. John looked at me disappointed and turned to the white splotched ceiling. “You don’t need to do that…” my eyes drifted down. “Y-yeh but-“ he interrupted me- with a soft pleading cry that shook my soul into dust “Paul…” he said it calmly- it shouldn’t have affected me as it did. He was just saying my name after all but the way he said it, the tremor of his tongue- it wasn’t a name anymore with him.

But a dream- a spirit- a want.

My eyes looked up shyly and wide at his, he returned my gaze and we stayed as such for a while. I awkwardly bit my lip and sighed scooting forward to him with my hips. He smiled. I wished too- but the words of my father screamed through my head- the stare of my mother…I continued nonetheless- for now the warm and comforting aura of John’s was enough to overpower both.

His fingers stroked my jaw softly, like guitar strings.. I gasped and shivered, closing my eyes tight. A scream of want- of need, lay in my throat wishing to come out. He stopped and put his arms behind his head. He smiled a mocking smile- and I opened my eyes. I hope my thoughts weren’t reflected in them- my cursed thoughts…my cursed wants…

“You’re jumpy today ain’t ya Paulie Mac-“ he teased me- in an effort to lower the tensions. I looked into his eyes- the light of the moon reflected in them- they resembled flowing sap seeping from an old oak…my insides became sparklers. “W-when am I not.” I shivered in my attempt to laugh. There was silence- but I felt him searching my face- every round corner- bump, hair and lash. I bit my lip in spite of myself, my mouth like a river…my mother in heaven must be shaking her head in woe…

But John wasn't ... .his warm glow tried to push away my shame- he looked to the window…the blue moon “It’s hanging’ high tonight ain’t it…” I turned away from him to look at the moon. I sat up… “yeh- it’s real nice…”

I heard the covers ruffle as John sat up with me…he wrapped his arms around my neck ..his hands holding his smooth arms…they shined like porcelain in the moonlight…he brought his weight down on me…as he laid down on the bed once more as did me in his arms…I was his little spoon.

He moved closer to me- I could feel his nose in my hair…I didn’t know what to do…my mouth was open as I breathed, my hands going to his arms and rubbing them slowly up and down, as I shivered I squeezed. “Paul…” he whispered into my neck… “Yes…John.” I croaked. “It’s an Elvis song ain’t it?” He said, I could hear his smile. “What is?” I asked in intrigue. “Blue moon…” he chided. I looked down and then back at the window…the moon's spotlight shining down on the two of us embraced like dolls in our own personal dollhouse. That’s when I knew it was good…why would god shine his own personal spotlight unto us if it weren’t…

“Yeh…” I smiled with a chuckle…nodding my head…I felt myself nuzzle my back into John’s stomach. “It is…it’s one of my favourites actually…” I felt his breath on my neck “You always loved the fruity ballads didn’t you?” He teased me. I laughed and shook my head- my first smirk of the night appeared on my warm face, my heart tingling like wind chimes. I said- in spite of myself “Sod off, Lennon…you’re no better than I.”

[thesinglesjukebox]

BILLY JOEL - "TURN THE LIGHTS BACK ON"

The theme narrows a little, maybe...

[4.15]

Hannah Jocelyn: The first Melodyne’d word of this song -- P L E A S E -- had me worried. This is the latest in a series of '70s and '80s rockers coming back one last time, normally with Post Malone's producer Andrew Watt at the helm. The results can either be pleasant, like the Rolling Stones' Lady Gaga collaboration "Sweet Sounds of Heaven", or abysmal, like Elton John's horribly edited "Always Love You." But Watt's not here; behind the boards instead is industry songwriter Freddy Wexler, a Billy Joel fanboy who convinced the artist to release music again. If the song sounds a lot like "Piano Man" and "Summer, Highland Falls," repeated listens reveal it's not just a cheap nostalgia grab. It sounds exactly like a new Billy Joel song should in 2024, P L E A S E aside, with a tasteful build and some grandiose but lovely lyrics: “Pride sticks out its tongue/laughs at the portrait that we’ve become/Stuck in a frame, unable to change.” Joel occupies a weird place in pop culture -- not as acclaimed as Dylan or Springsteen, but more thoughtful and introspective than the Eagles or anyone else in his imagined supergroup. With "Turn the Lights Back On," it all makes sense. He invented an archetype now filled by musicians like Adele post-21 or even Hozier: pop songwriters with enough depth to earn them a devout following even if they’re not critics' favorites. The liner notes reveal more connections. Eclectic producer Emile Haynie drops in to provide some additional production, the same way he did on "Hello" almost a decade ago, and the song is mixed by Adele's engineer Tom Elmhirst. It's an effective repositioning of Joel not as a "33-hit-wonder", not as a poet, but as one of the great pop balladeers and craftsmen. And my dad loves it, which is all that really matters. [7]

Alfred Soto: Despite the co-writers and a video whose nostalgia bid is as, ah, shameless as Paul McCartney's last year, "Turn the Lights Back On" sounds like any generic thing that might've appeared on Storm Front or The Bridge. Which is the point. [4]

Aaron Bergstrom: A direct descendant of Elton John's far superior "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore," as underlined by their similar music video treatments. While Joel was able to use cutting-edge AI technology to de-age himself in his video, Sir Elton had to make do with the tools available to him back in 2001, which is to say, Justin Timberlake. (Both AI and Timberlake are now trying to make their own music, with limited success.) [5]

Ian Mathers: Get the fuck outta here with this uncanny valley "AI" CGI shit. I'm not shocked boomers would cling to yet another way to deny they're old as fuck now -- it'll happen to all of us, I'm sure -- but it's still repugnant. Despite Joel being away for years, god knows you still hear the hits, so I'm kind of shocked that his voice seems to have lost most of its distinctive timbre. If you'd played me this blind I don't think I could have told you the singer, although the voice would have felt weirdly familiar. And look, respect to the man's undeniable achievements in his craft (which even haters should admit he takes pretty damn seriously) and especially stardom/mass popularity, but partly given the characterlessness to his performance here, my answer to "did I wait too long, to turn the lights back on?" is... yeah, you kinda did. I don't think the reason I loved the ABBA comeback singles and not this is just because I like ABBA and don't care for Billy Joel; I genuinely think they did a better job on playing off their context than he does here. [5]

TA Inskeep: I'd like to keep them off, please.  [1]

Isabel Cole: Billy Joel was one of the few artists my whole family could agree on during long trips in the car; my first concert was his dual tour with Elton John at Madison Square Garden. So on the one hand, the sheer nostalgic sentiment aroused in me by the thought of Billy going back to songwriting after all these years is real, and powerful. On the other, I know whereof I speak when I say that even assessed by the generous lens of someone who was once a 13-year-old girl glad to name Songs in the Attic as her favorite album, this is mid-level Billy at best. Lyrically, so much of his appeal has always been his willingness to indulge—in shamelessness, in sentiment, in spite, in just being kind of an asshole—but this song is too busy wrestling ponderously with its own existence to have that kind of fun; musically, it’s just “I’ve Loved These Days” but not as good. [4]

Rachel Saywitz: It's good, for a budget store "Piano Man."  [5]

Dave Moore: The best thing I can say for this lugubrious comeback ballad, loosely patterned on vintage Billy Joel and a dollop of "Hey Jude," is that it technically clocks in at under four minutes. The worst thing I can say about it is that I am not yet convinced the vocals aren't BillyJoelAI, though it does sound like him really playing the piano (derogatory). [3]

Daniel Montesinos-Donaghy: God, what a trudge — the type of pianoman mewls I thought every Joel song would be as an uneducated youth. But then I heard "Movin' Out," and what a fuckin' joint! (Fun fact: I think a quick browse of Billy Joel's biggest hits has taught me "Movin' Out" is, uh, the only BJ jam I like. Sorry.) [3]

Katherine St. Asaph: I dislike the term "overproduced" in criticism; it's often a way to sneer at pop without having to say something so gauche. But when you have a swelling string section -- a mercilessly effective cheat code to make a listener moved -- and yet that listener cannot be moved because she can't fucking hear it over everything else in the arrangement, your song is overproduced. When you autotune everything about your singer's voice except the notes that he actually flubbed, your song is -- well, not overproduced exactly, but produced poorly. Can't imagine how I'd feel if I were even a Billy Joel fan! One singular point because I learned something: it's not just the de-aging "AI" (scare quotes), Billy Joel really did look kinda like Harry Styles back then. (Harry Styles would probably love to remake this. It would still be a [1]). [1]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: This absolutely shouldn't work on me. I, of sound mind and body and possessing no strong relationship with the music of Billy Joel, ought not to have any reaction to this at all. It's a Billy Joel song that is once again about the romance between the performer and the audience, hitting all the marks he last hit 30 years ago. If nearly everything else he's done leaves me inert, then this should do the same. Yet something about its twilight glory, the way Joel puts himself through his own paces, moves me nonetheless.  [6]

Brad Shoup: I know I'm not the first person to interpret this as a metaphor for Joel's relationship with the public. For me, he's always been a sort of pop midpoint, and I've never been able to budge him. Everything he's ever done has been... fine: the bangers always fuck up somewhere, the groaners are never that embarrassing. So leaving things off with "The River of Dreams" (my favorite) wouldn't have been a bad way to go. This is confident schlock. The snare smacks like a worn copy of "Bridge Over Troubled Water"; he does a little "Piano Man" twirl before the orchestra goes for broke. I don't think he waited too long; I think this song was within him the whole time, for better or worse. [5]

Nortey Dowuona: I understand the hatred. For us, being smooth and easy on the ears is a crime. To refuse the challenges that push the artform of popular music and music culture, or worse, to fight them tooth and nail, is enough to make you an enemy in our eyes. But I do understand the actual reason to simply play to the middle of the road: to connect with everyone since you have learned, possibly later or earlier, we are a rare and bold breed, despite the infighting, backbiting and slimy behavior I will not detail here. Billy Joel has waited long enough -- he at the height of his popularity was despised and condemned, a figurehead for the stultifying demands of white yuppiedom. Unfortunately he was wrong; the fire was started, and will never stop. We, as a far more revered and loved writer said, made our choice as a species, and it's just a question of how long it takes to play out. Billy once wrote of New York being destroyed and its citizens fleeing like rats to Miami, reminiscing over their glory days. But now in 2024, New York refuses to go away. Our mayor, as Wiki and MIKE said, is a cop, and millions are homeless and starving, struggling to keep afloat and trying not to crumble every time a blank, greasy-faced kid with worn-out clothes playing with a iPhone 14 who could afford to give you $5 shakes his head to ignore you. I understand the hatred. But I can't feel it because the hatred feels pointless, empty, a target for those old timers who have fled the sinking ship and their ancestors who only know to despise the old place from stories and memories. He might've waited too long to turn the lights back once since the wires have rotted and the bulbs are broken, but not because the city is empty. It's full of your fanboys and their grandchildren, who now feel the sour bitterness that drove you to flee and cannot choose any other feeling. It's not too late -- it's never too late. [5]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox ]

#billy joel #music #music writing #music reviews #music criticism #the singles jukebox #Youtube

[denimbex1986]

'From Sherlock’s Moriarty to His Dark Materials’ Colonel John Parry; Hamlet to the one-man adaptation of Vanya, Andrew Scott has been a longtime beloved actor of the stage and screen. And now the Dubliner will be taking on another iconic role as he steps into the shoes of Tom Ripley for the upcoming limited series, Ripley. The series, which is based on Patricia Highsmith’s bestselling novels, is set in 1960s New York — and follows Tom Ripley, a grifter who is hired by a wealthy man to go to Italy and try to talk his vagabond son into coming home.

But as Ripley takes the job, he falls headfirst into a life of deceit, fraud and murder.

The cast includes Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, Eliot Sumner, Maurizio Lombardi, Margherita Buy, John Malkovich, Kenneth Lonergan and Ann Cusack.

All eight episodes — which were directed and written by Steven Zaillian — will land on the streaming service on April 4.

The Dubliner told Empire about taking on the role — and the importance of putting “your own stamp” on the character.

He said, “you have to be respectful, but not too reverent, because otherwise there’s no point in doing this.

“You’ve got to put your own stamp on it. Some people will like this version, and some people will like other versions, and that’s okay. What you have to do is understand why this character remains so fascinating for people.”

The Dubliner made his debut on the big screen when he was 17 years old, when he starred in 1995’s Korea opposite Donal Donnelly.

In 1998, he played Edumnd Tyrone in Karel Reisz’s production of Long Day’s Journey Into Night at the Gate Theatre — and was nominated for Best Actor In A Supporting Role at the Irish Times Theatre Award for his role in the show.

Scott had roles in Saving Private Ryan, Nora and the adaptation of Henry James’ The American — and in 2000, he made his stage debut in London with Dublin Carol.

He also appeared in Longitude opposite Michael Gambon, the miniseries Band of Brothers and Dead Bodies.

In 2005, he won his first Olivier Award for his role in the stage show A Girl in a Car with a Man — and made his debut on Broadway the next year, opposite Bill Nighy and Julianne Moore in The Vertical Hour.

Scott starred in the one-man show Sea Wall in 2008 and the next year — and on the screen, he had roles in Little While Lie, Foyle’s War and Lennon Naked, which saw him play Paul McCartney.

And in 2010, he took on the role of Moriarty in the BBC One series Sherlock, which also starred Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

Scott was nominated for a number of awards for his portrayal of the super sleuth’s nemesis, winning the Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2012 BAFTAS and Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Television at the 2013 IFTAS.

And in 2013, the actor opened up about the “extraordinary” reaction to the series.

He told The Independent, “Sherlock has changed all our careers, and I’m really pleased about that. It gives you the benefit of the doubt because executives like to see recognisable faces.

“It was overwhelming to be on a TV show that is quite so popular. That took me totally by surprise. People had an instant affection for it from the first episode. The reaction was extraordinary.”

He followed that up with a number of roles on the big and small screen over the next few years, including The Scapegoat, The Stag, The Town and Dates.

In 2014, Scott played Gethin Roberts in the film Pride, for which he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2015 IFTAS and won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2014 British Independent Film Awards.

The same year, he starred in Locke and Jimmy’s Hall. In 2015, he had a role in the 007 film Spectre — and the next year, he had roles in Alice Through The Looking Glass, Denial, This Beautiful Fantastic and Handsome Devil.

In 2017, he played Hamlet on the stage — and was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The stage show was filmed and broadcast the following year.

Scott starred opposite Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson and Florence Pugh in 2018’s King Lear — and that summer, it was announced he would be joining the cast of Fleabag.

He captured hearts around the world for his portrayal of The Priest, and was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film in 2020.

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers earlier this year, he opened up about being cast in the show — and stepping away from some of the more villainous roles.

He said, “when I was in my 20s, I had a little baby face and I felt like I had this kind of darkness inside me. And I was like ,‘why can’t I get a part as a villain?’

“And then that happened — and then there were loads of villains happening, and I was like, ‘why can’t people see the real me?’

“Phoebe and I had done a play together in London that nobody saw, and she came a knocking — and that’s where the Priest came from.”

The same year, he played Lieutenant Leslie in 1917 and had roles in Black Mirror — which he got an IFTA and Emmy nomination for — and Modern Love.

Scott also took on the role of Colonel John Parry in the BBC’S His Dark Materials, an adaptation of Philip Pullman’s trilogy of the same name. The series ran from 2019 until 2022, and Scott was nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Drama) at the 2021 IFTAS.

On the stage, the actor played Garry Essendine in the revival of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter — and won the Olivier Award for Best Actor. The following year, he played Patrick in The Three Kings.

In 2021, he played Lord Merlin in the three-part adaptation of The Pursuit of Love and Terje Rødlarsen in the film Oslo. The next year, Scott played Lord Rollo in the Lena Dunham-directed comedy Catherine Called Birdy.

Last year, he starred in an adaptation of Vanya which saw him play all of the characters in the show.

He also starred opposite Paul Mescal in All of Us Strangers, which saw him nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama at the Golden Globes.'

#Andrew Scott #Ripley #Netflix #Vanya #Paul Mescal #All of Us Strangers #Lord Rollo #Lena Dunham #Lord Merlin #The Pursuit of Love #Terje Rodlarsen #Oslo #Three Kings #Noel Coward #Present Laughter #Hot Priest #Fleabag #Phoebe Waller-Bridge #Moriarty #Sherlock #Hamlet #His Dark Materials #Colonel Jim Parry #Dakota Fanning #Johnny Flynn #Patricia Highsmith #Steven Zaillian #Eliot Sumner #Maurizio Lombardi #Margherita Buy

[h-worksrambles]

who are your favorite voice actors in the kh series? least favorites?

Ah. This is an interesting question.

For favourites, Haley Joel Osment has always given Sora a lot of really endearing energy and gusto. And it’s a big part of what’s kept him as one of my favourite characters in the series. Jesse McCartney has also been a standout. He’s done a very good job distinguishing his roles as Roxas and Ventus and tends to give some of the strongest performances out of many game in the series he’s in. I’ll also say Paul St. Peter’s deep booming, yet silky smooth delivery basically makes Xemnas for me.

There’s also some iconic ones I have to mention. The late Leonard Nimoy killed it as Master Xehanort and gave him a deliciously evil energy. Christopher goddamn Lee is fantastic as Ansem the Wise in Kingdom Hearts 2 (though Corey Burton has been a great replacement since). And you can never go wrong with Mark Hamill. He’s very good as Master Eraqus.

Least favourites? Well these just make me feel kinda mean. I guess I’ll say Jason Dohring as Terra and Willa Holland as Aqua didn’t really work for me in Birth By Sleep. They came across a little wooden, though I’m tempted to say it’s down to direction and scripting. And while Holland did much better in 0.2, Dohring hasn’t had many lines as Terra since, so he hasn’t really been able to show off what he can do. I’ll also say some of the Disney character soundalikes are…not great. A lot of the voices in Pride Lands in Kingdom Hearts 2 especially are really off. Scar’s voice actor is trying so hard to match Jeremy Irons and it’s just not working.

Thanks for the ask.

#kingdom hearts #voice acting #ask

[riotinapublicstation]

Happy Halloween! I wrote a little feature on scary Beatles stuff.

Last year, I compiled a list of my personal scariest songs, and it was a lot of fun to see the variety of genres and artists that have the potential to make truly terrifying music. But who do I think has the potential to reign supreme on the uncomfortable songs scale? That's right, the Beatles.. especially in a time where groups were actively encouraged to make radio-friendly teen pop music.

There's lots I wanted to talk about, but I decided to focus specifically on the 1964-1965 period of Hard Day's Night and Rubber Soul, which is weird because when people think of scary Beatles songs they usually think of White Album tracks or Magical Mystery Tour, even though I do believe their earlier records have some frightening elements..

Run For Your Life: The Hidden Horrors of the Beatles (1964-1965)

I briefly annotated Revolution 9 by the Beatles as one of the most horrifying songs ever recorded, with its stressful, drug-fuelled instrumental incoherence. However, after realising the true extent of actually fear-inducing tracks by the Beatles, I wanted to magnify and look closer at their discography. We all have this schematic flowery picture of John, Paul, George and Ringo performing adoring love songs for thousands of screaming teenage girls in the sixties, but there were without a doubt many times where they went against their own image by parodying it - sometimes in the most eerie and dark ways possible.

Released at the peak of Beatlemania in 1964, A Hard Day’s Night seems at a glance to be non-conceptual, generic play at simple pronoun-based romance. The purest of which being ‘I’m Happy Just To Dance With You’, ‘Any Time At All’ and ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, but this album attempts to cuts deeper with implications of revenge, jealousy, hate and even death. Undying love and affection as represented in this album is almost overridden with a kind of uneasiness. The light, youthful steadiness of young love tends to disintegrate into a rougher, stricter male voice. It can at times, with the cynical listening ear, be an uncomfortable lyrical rabbit hole to go down - the darker cuts that oppose A Hard Day’s Night’s jovial appearance are mainly ‘If I Fell’, ‘You Can’t Do That’, ‘Tell Me Why’ and ‘I’ll Be Back’. The Beatles may feel like a group that you are least likely to associate with unhealthy, possessive romantic relationships but is cruelty hiding in plain sight?

Firstly, in the album’s third track, we get the sense that the speaker in the majority of the songs isn’t a completely stable lover, with repetition that begs for affection as he clashes with his own anxieties (‘If I trust in you, oh, please/Don’t run and hide/If I love you too…Don’t hurt my pride like her’). Lennon and McCartney’s portrayal of an uncertain, distrustful perspective in the face of young love continues into tracks six (‘Well I beg you on my bended knees/If you’ll only listen to my pleas/Is there anything I can do?/Cause I really can’t stand it, I’m so in love with you’) and twelve (‘I can’t help my feelings,/I go out of my mind/I’m going to let you down/And leave you flat’). I want to perhaps suggest that this album is full of its own twists and turns. The accusations as expressed in the dramatic ‘You Can’t Do That’ and adamant ‘I’ll Be Back’ could be taken with some ominous implications, even just taking the visuals of ‘leaving’ a woman ‘flat’ AKA dead is a deeply unsettling image.

I also wanted to focus partly on the album artwork. When the album was first released, there were two main versions of the album artwork for A Hard Day’s Night. The US stereo cover, which featured the signature haircuts of the Beatles with their faces cut out in a four-square format, and the universally known cover in all its monographic beauty. With 20 variations of photographs, the artwork is without a doubt very chaotic and unruly, much like its film counterpart. The aspects that stand out to me the most as quite strange are the way the photos are arranged, with no Beatle doing the exact same thing for one row and that peculiar shot dead in the middle where George Harrison has his back to the camera (just above that is John Lennon concealing most of his face except for his eyes with the facial gestures he’s making). This album endlessly conceals, hides and tricks; it is one thing, and then it suddenly turns into another. It is for the most part an album of love songs… or that’s what it wants you to think.

Rubber Soul, like many things that the Beatles became eventual pioneers of, is debated to be the first of its kind - a parodic, novelty album. Poking fun at the many tropes and typicalities of soul music, one of the most prominent genres of music that make up the roots of the band itself. By the release of Rubber Soul, they had solidified their nature to be witty, playful and creative with the music they wanted to make. Despite its reputation to be on the less serious side, the creepiness factor ups itself slightly further into the album’s second half. Initially, ‘Girl’ is noted as a somewhat humorous rendition of lost love, due to John Lennon’s sharp inhales after each ‘girl’ in the chorus - but I can’t help but think about how much it catches you off guard. The noise is very raw and human, and although vocals throughout the song are controlled throughout, hearing someones breath take in so unexpectedly gives the song a rugged, intense foreboding. Nevertheless, I believe the most terrifying spectacle of Rubber Soul is the album’s closing track, ‘Run for Your Life’. ‘Run for Your Life’ paces like a mini-horror film; its imagery is narcissistic and emotionless. Even the way that Lennon emphasises the word ‘dead’ at the third verse is chilling and final. The constant use of ‘little girl’ to address a female partner is demeaning and patronising, the speaker clarifying his power and control over her. At times, he revels in his own wretchedness (‘Well, you know that I’m a wicked guy/And I was born with a jealous mind’). It is an unashamedly devilish song, and you are left feeling haunted when the record stops spinning. A little bit about this album’s ‘distorted’, pre-psychedelic artwork; the fact that you aren’t looking at the band head on in this photograph makes it dizzying and dazed. There did exist some pressings where the sleeve featured an undistorted photo, those of which are considered very valuable rarities in this day and age, but this still doesn’t quite capture the true unpredictability of Rubber Soul. It is only right that the creative process of the album, however darkly it ends, is envisioned with this almost surreal, dream-like cover.

(Below is a picture of the undistorted version, for your general interest.)

#halloween #the beatles #1964 #1965

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

#ACLA24 #ACLA24Leaders #youtube #youtube video #climate leaders #climate solutions #climate action #climate and environment #climate #climate change #climate and health #climate blog #climate justice #climate news #weather and climate #environmental news #environment #environmental awareness #environment and health #environmental #environmental issues #environmental justice #environment protection #environmental health #Youtube

[fazcinatingblog]

Sydney?

Sydney!!!!

Omg Anon it was so cool, you should've been there, it's like a foreign city. The trains are two storey, the seats can move, the weather was alright Saturday and then a bit cold at night and then BOILING HOT on Sunday. There's like no shade at the footy so we just fried in the sun and tried to use the Sydney pride thing as protection

You can debit card use on the trains, it's so good but I don't think they've charged me the full amount yet I don't knowwww (haven't checked since lunch time)

Collingwood lost which was the only downside. Paul McCartney was great though even if he did sing his new songs and I had no idea what was going on but still, the Beatle songs are great and he can do whatever he wants, he seems like such a great dude. Good for him. He was just doing little dances and telling us stories between songs of early days of the Beatles and about John and George and it was really interesting to learn all that!!!

Also I don't photo take but this warranted a photo and was my highlight of the trip:

Congrats to Trent Bianco on his kitchen in Sydney

#sydney #anon #holiday #weekend away

[nityarawal]

7/21/2023

King Isha's Birthday xo

Morning Songs

Just A Scribe 

For Mommies

Who Don't Lie

Just A Hoover

For England

We Need A Scribe

For The Globes A Prize

And It's Demise

Is Detrimental

To You And Me

We Got Lawyered

The King Caught

With His Pants Down

But Why Should Ukraine 

#FreeBritney Or I

Tehrangeles 

My Loves

Pay For These Idiots

Downfall

Laughing Stocks

Officers

Banging On Bathroom

Doors

For A Peek

Suffering

Broken Ankles

One More

Scaredy Cat

Chubby Cops

You Got Your Weapons

On Your Ankles

But You Got No 

Pride

For Civilians

Tribes

You Broke Our Vows

With Cambridge Spies

You Broke Our Laws

With Domestic Bribes

You Broke Our Laws

With Fake Scandals

On A Britney Economy

We Say "No Wars

No More"

You Broke Our Laws

Real Estate Bribes

Probate Insurance

Federal Banking 

Fraud

You Broke Our Laws

Big Brother Lied

From PNC Bank

To BBVA

You Broke Our Laws

At Airbnbs

Dirty Waters

Bugs

Ticks

Militia Slum-lorders

Got Me

You Broke The Law

Breeders

You Labeled Us

And Attacked

Our Families

Gay Bigots

Not Just Breeders 

Not Just Birthers

Lovers; Water Mammas

Brought You Into

The World

They Might Say

I'm Pretty

Not Believe Me

Glowing Skin

When I Suffered

Gave Birth 40 Hours

To You

Thai Sages

Buddha Babies

On Full Moons

To New Shiva Moon

Slivers Of Light

They Might Not

Believe Me

Say I'm No Mamma

They Might Drug Me

And Pull EncinitasBeachHome.com

Off The Market

Terminators

Hacked Off The Internet

They Might Be Terminating

Deleting My Best Articles

Coding

Down -

An Enlightenment Editor

No Relief 

With A Mid-Atlantic 

Accent From North 

Carolina Enlightenment  To

Relief In New Hampshire And

Hawaii Maharishi Magazines

They Might Say I'm

A "Nobody" - "Nitya- Who?"

Where'd Your Brains Go?

'Metropolitan' State Hospital Drugs

Got Best Of You

Night You Were Roofied

By God Only Knows What Miscellaneous Drugs

Pouring Black From Veins

Night You Were Beat

Frontal Cortex opened

Thank The Lord

Day You Testified 

To The Dozen Rapes

Calls From Big Brother

"Listen To The Cops

Do What They Say,"

My Nanny Brother

Advised

"Don't Be Spoiled

Don't Act Up

Don't Be A Target

For Their Victim Stuff,"

Toilette Like Brushes

Scouring Up Our Noses 

Every Week

Covid 19 Disciplines

No Dr's To Speak Of

Caged In A Gym

Walking In Circles

Restless Leg Syndrome

For 18 Months

Would've Liked

To Watch You Lady Gaga

One Last Time

With Tony Bennett

But We Were All Tired

Patients

Like Zombies

Asleep by 7pm

Hard To Smile

Laugh

Dance

From Forced Court Drugs

Walking In Circles

Restless Leg Syndrome

Our Po Has Seen

Far Too Many

Covid State Showers

Maimed 6 Months

A Jail Guard

Walking With A Cane

Not Good Karma

My Loves

To Work With Brokers

Of Mammas Caged

Not Good Karma

My Little Brothers

Camp Eternal Love

Will Retrain Your

Pirates

Vows

Drunken Ships

Imaginations Heal

For Parents

With "Mommy Juice"

Jungle Gardens

You're Safe

Children Camp

In Camp Suites With Us

Moroccan Tent Villages

Persian Carpets

Camp California

One Last July

Of Last 12 Year

Rain

Before Radio Stations

Ration Our

Showers

With Communist Ads

Police 

Recruitment

And DJs Guilt Message

To Cut

Our Water Orgasms 

Down

From Their Draught

Cops Blocked

Beef Eating Cannibals

Say Thankyou

Grascious Madres

Say Thankyou

Grascious Padres

Even If It's Only

For A Name

Say Thankyou

We Stand By Our

Kings

Pahlavis

Moezzis

Qajars

Isha Kyan June

Huntley Rawal

We Stand By Our Persian

Kings

Loyal Sisters

Emancipating

For Big Brothers

New Tehrangeles

Half Persians

Royal Matriarchal

Army With

Princess Meghan

And King Harry

Until Little

Lisbhet Knows What

To Do

Little Loyal Sisters

Watching

Always Muses

Pure Hearted

Anjali

Thankyou

Gracias Sisters

Camp Bros

Aunties

Uncles

Madres

Padres

For What 

You Do.

(PS Song)

Might Be A Walrus 

Might Be A Scarab

Might Be A Pink Glow

Worm

Residual

From Paul McCartney's 

Birthday

Don't Jump On Me

Like A Cougar

Might Be A Knight

Not A Granite

Spotted Rock Tree Frog

Might Be Britney

Divine

Not A B

Or A B***

But 

A $$$ Billionaire!!!

Peace & Namaste,

Nitya Nella Davigo Azam Moezzi Huntley Rawal 

[brookston]

Holidays 11.15

Holidays

American Enterprise Day

America Recycles Day

Cartagena Independence Day (Colombia)

Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

Day of the Imprisoned Writer

Don't Try To Do Everything At Once Day

Dynasty Day (Belgium)

Fast For An Abundant World Harvest

Festival of Total Submission

George Spelvin Day

German Community Day (Belgium)

I Love To Write Day

King's Feast (Belgium)

Leopoldstag (a.k.a. Goose Day; start of Heurigen, new wine season, Austria)

Little Red Wagon Day

More Than One Role Day

National Camp T-Shirt Day

National Entrepreneurship Day

National Family Civility Day

National Philanthropy Day

National Tree Planting Day (Sri Lanka)

Pack Your Mom’s Lunch Day

Peace Day (Cote d’Ivoire)

Republic Reclamation Day (Brazil)

Rock Your Mocs Day

Sadie Hawkins Day (Original Date)

Safety Razor Day

Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three; Japan)

Sing in Your Car Day

Steve Irwin Day

TechDay (NYC)

Wendy’s Day

The World Needs More Touch Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Bundt Day

National Raisin Bran Cereal Day

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day

3rd Tuesday in November

National Entrepreneurs Day [3rd Tuesday]

Parents Day [3rd Tuesday]

Prematurity Awareness Day [3rd Tuesday]

School Pride Day [Tuesday of American Education Week]

Independence Days

Northern Cyprus (from Cyprus, 1983) [partially recognized]

Palestine (Unilaterally declared, 1988)

Feast Days

Abibus of Edessa (Christian; Saint)

Albert the Great (Christian; Saint)

Awkwardly Honest Day (Pastafarian)

Birsa Munda Jayanti (Parts of India)

Caius of Korea (Christian; Blessed)

Descending Day of Lord Buddha (Bhutan)

De Witt (Positivist; Saint)

Didier of Cahors (Christian; Saint)

Eugonius (Christian; Saint)

Francis Asbury and George Whitefield (Episcopal Church)

Gertrude (Christian; Saint)

Gilles de Raid Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Hugh Faringdon (Christian; Blessed)

Leopold III (Christian; Saint) [Lower Austria and Vienna]

Malo (a.k.a. Male or Maclou; Christian; Saint)

Mechell (Christian; Saint)

Mr. Pelican (Muppetism)

Prophet’s Birthday (Mouloud; Shi’a Muslims) [17th of Rabi’al-awwal]

Sigid (Ethiopian Jewish) [Cheshvan 29]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Perilous Day (13th Century England) [28 of 32]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Very Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [52 of 60]

Premieres

At Last!, by Etta James (Album; 1960)

CrazySexyCool, by TLC (Album; 1994)

Ford v. Ferrari (Film; 2019)

The Great Hunt, by Robert Jordan (Novel; 1990) [Wheel of Time #2]

Having a Rave Up with the Yardbirds, by the Yardbirds (Album; 1965)

Licensed to Ill, by the Beastie Boys (Album; 1985)

Love Me Tender (Film; 1956) [Elvis Presley #1]

Offering (a.k.a. Ticket to Ride), by The Carpenters (Album; 1969)

Saturday Night Fever, by the Bee Gees (Soundtrack Album; 1977)

Somebody To Love, recorded by Jefferson Airplane (Song; 1966)

Space Jam (Animated Film; 1996)

Steel Magnolias (Film; 1989)

Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest, by The Fireman (Album; 1993) [Paul McCartney]

Today’s Name Days

Albert, Leopold, Leopoldine (Austria)

Albert, Berto, Paulin, Sidonija (Croatia)

Leopold (Czech Republic)

Leopold (Denmark)

Vaige, Vaigi, Vaike, Vaiki (Estonia)

Janette, Janika, Janina, Janita (Finland)

Albert, Arthur, Léopold, Malo, Victoire (France)

Albert, Leopold, Leopoldine, Nikolaus (Germany)

Albert, Lipót (Hungary)

Alberto (Italy)

Leopolds, Lipsts, Unda, Undīne (Latvia)

Albertas, Leopoldas, Vaidilas, Žadvydė (Lithuania)

Oddfrid, Oddvar (Norway)

Albert, Alberta, Albertyna, Artur, Artus, Idalia, Leopold, Leopoldyna, Przybygniew, Roger (Poland)

Leopold (Slovakia)

Alberto, Eugenio, Leopoldo (Spain)

Leopold (Sweden)

Leopold, Leopolda, Leopoldo, Leopoltine, Talia, Thalia (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 319 of 2022; 46 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 46 of 2022

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Constraint) [Day 18 of 28]

Chinese: Month 10 (Lùyuè), Day 22 (Red-Shen)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 21 Cheshvan 5783

Islamic: 20 Rabi II 1444

J Cal: 19 Mir; Foursday [19 of 30]

Julian: 2 November 2022

Moon: 58%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 11 Frederic (12th Month) [De Witt]

Runic Half Month: Nyd (Necessity) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Autumn (Day 54 of 90)

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 24 of 31)

#calendar #Holidays

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 11.15

Holidays

American Enterprise Day

America Recycles Day

Cartagena Independence Day (Colombia)

Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day

Day of the Imprisoned Writer

Don't Try To Do Everything At Once Day

Dynasty Day (Belgium)

Fast For An Abundant World Harvest

Festival of Total Submission

George Spelvin Day

German Community Day (Belgium)

I Love To Write Day

King's Feast (Belgium)

Leopoldstag (a.k.a. Goose Day; start of Heurigen, new wine season, Austria)

Little Red Wagon Day

More Than One Role Day

National Camp T-Shirt Day

National Entrepreneurship Day

National Family Civility Day

National Philanthropy Day

National Tree Planting Day (Sri Lanka)

Pack Your Mom’s Lunch Day

Peace Day (Cote d’Ivoire)

Republic Reclamation Day (Brazil)

Rock Your Mocs Day

Sadie Hawkins Day (Original Date)

Safety Razor Day

Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three; Japan)

Sing in Your Car Day

Steve Irwin Day

TechDay (NYC)

Wendy’s Day

The World Needs More Touch Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Bundt Day

National Raisin Bran Cereal Day

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day

3rd Tuesday in November

National Entrepreneurs Day [3rd Tuesday]

Parents Day [3rd Tuesday]

Prematurity Awareness Day [3rd Tuesday]

School Pride Day [Tuesday of American Education Week]

Independence Days

Northern Cyprus (from Cyprus, 1983) [partially recognized]

Palestine (Unilaterally declared, 1988)

Feast Days

Abibus of Edessa (Christian; Saint)

Albert the Great (Christian; Saint)

Awkwardly Honest Day (Pastafarian)

Birsa Munda Jayanti (Parts of India)

Caius of Korea (Christian; Blessed)

Descending Day of Lord Buddha (Bhutan)

De Witt (Positivist; Saint)

Didier of Cahors (Christian; Saint)

Eugonius (Christian; Saint)

Francis Asbury and George Whitefield (Episcopal Church)

Gertrude (Christian; Saint)

Gilles de Raid Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Hugh Faringdon (Christian; Blessed)

Leopold III (Christian; Saint) [Lower Austria and Vienna]

Malo (a.k.a. Male or Maclou; Christian; Saint)

Mechell (Christian; Saint)

Mr. Pelican (Muppetism)

Prophet’s Birthday (Mouloud; Shi’a Muslims) [17th of Rabi’al-awwal]

Sigid (Ethiopian Jewish) [Cheshvan 29]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Perilous Day (13th Century England) [28 of 32]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Very Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [52 of 60]

Premieres

At Last!, by Etta James (Album; 1960)

CrazySexyCool, by TLC (Album; 1994)

Ford v. Ferrari (Film; 2019)

The Great Hunt, by Robert Jordan (Novel; 1990) [Wheel of Time #2]

Having a Rave Up with the Yardbirds, by the Yardbirds (Album; 1965)

Licensed to Ill, by the Beastie Boys (Album; 1985)

Love Me Tender (Film; 1956) [Elvis Presley #1]

Offering (a.k.a. Ticket to Ride), by The Carpenters (Album; 1969)

Saturday Night Fever, by the Bee Gees (Soundtrack Album; 1977)

Somebody To Love, recorded by Jefferson Airplane (Song; 1966)

Space Jam (Animated Film; 1996)

Steel Magnolias (Film; 1989)

Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest, by The Fireman (Album; 1993) [Paul McCartney]

Today’s Name Days

Albert, Leopold, Leopoldine (Austria)

Albert, Berto, Paulin, Sidonija (Croatia)

Leopold (Czech Republic)

Leopold (Denmark)

Vaige, Vaigi, Vaike, Vaiki (Estonia)

Janette, Janika, Janina, Janita (Finland)

Albert, Arthur, Léopold, Malo, Victoire (France)

Albert, Leopold, Leopoldine, Nikolaus (Germany)

Albert, Lipót (Hungary)

Alberto (Italy)

Leopolds, Lipsts, Unda, Undīne (Latvia)

Albertas, Leopoldas, Vaidilas, Žadvydė (Lithuania)

Oddfrid, Oddvar (Norway)

Albert, Alberta, Albertyna, Artur, Artus, Idalia, Leopold, Leopoldyna, Przybygniew, Roger (Poland)

Leopold (Slovakia)

Alberto, Eugenio, Leopoldo (Spain)

Leopold (Sweden)

Leopold, Leopolda, Leopoldo, Leopoltine, Talia, Thalia (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 319 of 2022; 46 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of week 46 of 2022

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Constraint) [Day 18 of 28]

Chinese: Month 10 (Lùyuè), Day 22 (Red-Shen)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 21 Cheshvan 5783

Islamic: 20 Rabi II 1444

J Cal: 19 Mir; Foursday [19 of 30]

Julian: 2 November 2022

Moon: 58%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 11 Frederic (12th Month) [De Witt]

Runic Half Month: Nyd (Necessity) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Autumn (Day 54 of 90)

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 24 of 31)

#Holidays

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

#ACLA24 #ACLA24HighSchoolStudents #youtube #youtube video #climate leaders #climate solutions #climate action #climate and environment #climate #climate change #climate and health #climate blog #climate justice #climate news #weather and climate #environmental news #environment #environmental awareness #environment and health #environmental #environmental issues #environmental education #environmental justice #environmental protection #environmental health #high school students #high school #youth #youth of america #school