#roderick terry

[mitjalovse]

The 60's yet again? Of course, I have to mention The Beatles then. They are the epitome of the period, because they hold their sway over the latter. I mean, they can still release another single – one member's demo repurposed into their own piece – and sell like crazy. Still, one has to notice something about them, which keeps getting forgotten – they allowed themselves to be weird. Don't laugh here, many don't do something in the vein as they achieve such levels of fame. For instance, one of their most famous songs – check the link – might be a warning about nostalgia, yet the piece sounds like they keep pulling your leg to be more observant of what they try to achieve. Are they mocking the theme or making the latter more prominent? Why not both?

#Youtube #the beatles #magical mystery tour #strawberry fields forever #paul mccartney #john lennon #george harrison #ringo starr #mal evans #neil aspinall #terry doran #tony fisher #greg bowen #detek watkins #stanley roderick #john hall #derek simpson #norman jones #george martin #60's music #rock

[otoso]

I Am a Man, 1995. Derek Charles Livingston during the Million Man March. Photograph by Roderick Terry.

#black men #black gay pride #juneteenth

[allthecanadianpolitics]

A First Nation chief and the mayor of a Prince Edward Island community are calling for a councillor to resign over a sign posted on his property denying the existence of residential school graves.

Abegweit First Nation Chief Roderick Gould Jr. and Terry White, mayor of Murray Harbour, say John Roberston should immediately step down from council because of the hateful message he displayed.

White said he was informed Friday of a large sign on Robertson’s property that displayed the message, “Truth: mass grave hoax” and “Reconciliation: Redeem Sir John A.’s integrity.”

Gould called for Robertson to resign from the Murray Harbour council in a letter Wednesday, saying the sign is “hurtful and triggering to all Indigenous people, as we are all descendants of survivors of residential schools, to see such hateful opinions posted about their ancestors.”

The chief said in his letter that he is a direct descendant of a residential school survivor. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

#cdnpoli #Indigenous politics #Indigenous persecution #racism #white supremacy #Abegweit Nation #Murray Harbour #residential schools #genocide #genocide denial #Prince Edward Island

[e-b-reads]

36, 38 for the book ask game~

Thanks!

36. Your absolute most favorite character(s) from any book you've ever read.

I actually answered this once already, but it is so hard to narrow down favorite characters that I'll give a few more:

Roderick Alleyn (and Troy, and Inspector Fox) from Ngaio Marsh's Inspector Alleyn mysteries

Many of Terry Pratchett's Discworld characters. I am particularly fond of Vimes and Vetinari (and if I keep naming more I'll never stop!)

38. How many books have you read this year?

Storygraph says 185.

(Send me a number from the ask game here!)

#an ask #an answer #ngaio marsh #gnu terry pratchett

[thenightling]

Alex and Paul (the first gay couple of The Sandman)

Some Sandman fans may have missed that Alexander Burgess and Paul McGuire were couple in the original Sandman comics.  

  Don't feel stupid if you missed it. It was deliberately subtle at first.   

Remember, the first issue of The Sandman was published by DC comics in 1988.  Neil Gaiman had to be discrete. He had a lot more freedom later on and that's why in The Sandman: The Wake you got to see Paul out right call Alex the "love of his life." I didn’t even notice it at first when I read it in 2017 but then I heard a fan reading that made it much more obvious.

 Now here are the subtle hints at Alex and Paul's relationship from the first issue of The Sandman. (Note: It's also more obvious in the first chapter of The Sandman audio drama and the first episode of The Sandman Netflix series).

1.  First, we don’t even see Paul until Roderick Burgess is deceased. This is because Alex would not have dared to have an open gay relationship when his father was alive. Also keep in mind this was the late 1940s when their relationship would have started. Homosexuality was still very much illegal in the UK. A common trope was to pass off your lover as a live-in employee.  For women it was sometimes a housekeeper or maid. For a man it was a groundskeeper or handyman.  This was Jerry Dandridge's explanation for Billy Cole in the 1985 film Fright Night. Paul’s official title is the gardener but that seems to just be an excuse as to why he’s allowed to live in the property. 2.   The use of language.  Here you can see Paul calling Alex “Darling.”  It’s not just an “English thing.”  Most English men in the 1940s and 1950s would NOT have called another man darling.  A woman to another woman, yes.  A woman to a man, yes.  A man to a woman, yes.  But a man calling another man “darling” is like shouting “Hello, we’re gay!”

3.  The next clue is in that same scene.  

This is a visual clue.  You have a blond man in a turtleneck smoking a cigarette (a visual stereotype idea of a gay man) and the painting of Roderick Burgess glaring down disapprovingly.     4.  Notice Alex’s wording.  “We’re safer just leaving him down there.”  Why “we”?  That indicates that they are in on it together.   Alex had no real reason to tell a mere gardener about his supernatural captive.  The implication is clear, they are “partners” and Paul is living there with him.  And again, Alex’s father is glaring down disapprovingly. 5.  Paul asks Alex if he fancies a game of tennis. You don’t usually get asked by your gardener if you want to play a game. This is no mere employee and employer relationship.  

6.    Now it’s been over twenty years and Paul is still with him.  Paul’s status has changed from gardener to personal assistant.   Alex hands his occult organization over to Paul even though Paul (weirdly) doesn’t believe in magick. They have an immortal being that doesn’t eat or drink locked in the cellar, with solid black eyes, and cannot escape a crystal cage inside a binding circle but he doesn’t believe in magick...  

7.  You don’t usually live with your gardener turned personal assistant who is also your driver.  Also I’ve been told that this is a come hither look Paul is giving him right here.

8.   In 1988 Paul is still with him, pushing Alex’s wheelchair.  And Paul calls Alex “love.”  Darling and love are not terms men usually use toward other men except if they are not straight.

9.   He trusted Paul with the key to Morpheus’s cage.  I doubt he would do that with just anyone.  

10.   Later the relationship is made much more blatant in The Sandman: The Kindly Ones when Paul refers to Alex as the love of his life.

11.  Paul is now a lawyer. The implication is clear.  Alex shared everything with him.  His fortune, his estate, everything.   He financially supported Paul and paid for his law education. Alex was Paul’s Sugar Daddy.  He’s older than Paul by roughly twenty years.    

12.   It’s hard to see but on the nightstand next to Alex’s bed is a copy of Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, which Neil Gaiman admits is a love story between two male presenting entities.  

13.  There’s a cruel moment in The Sandman: The Wake where it looks like Paul might have died but he hadn’t.   He and Alex finally get a happy ending.  

#The Sandman #Sandman #Alexander Burgess #Paul McGuire #Neil Gaiman

[budget2245learn]

P.G. Wodehouse - The Inimitable Jeeves (1923) Audiobook. Complete & Unabridged.

P.G. Wodehouse - Carry On Jeeves (1925) Audiobook. Complete & Unabrigded.

Very Good Jeeves (1930)* - MISSING

Thank You, Jeeves (1934)

Right Ho, Jeeves (1934; US title Brinkley Manor) - MISSING The Code of the Woosters (1938) - MISSING

Joy in the Morning (1946)

The Mating Season (1949) - missing

Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit (1955; US title Bertie Wooster Sees it Through)

Jeeves in the Offing (1960; US title How Right You Are, Jeeves) - Ian Carmichael.

Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (1963) - missing Much Obliged, Jeeves (1971; US title Jeeves and the Ties that Bind) Aunts Aren’t Gentlemen (1974; US title The Cat-Nappers)

P G Wodehouse: Sir Roderick comes to lunch (1923)

JEEVES TAKES CHARGE. Starring Terry Thomas & Roger Livesey.

#Youtube

[ao3feed-ineffablehusbandz]

Friends of the Devil

Friends of the Devil

by Sonata_IX

When Dream misses their appointment in 1989, Hob goes looking. He gets a nudge in the right direction from Crowley (Good Omens), enlists the help of Johanna Constantine (who exists at whatever point in time is necessary for the purpose of any story), and rescues his friend from the fishbowl. Then, left to his own devices with no way to contact Dream, he accidentally builds a temple (aka the New Inn), meets Calliope, and writes a book about his *ahem* endless life experiences. Dream finally notices.

Or, every time I saw a trope that I liked, I grabbed it and smashed it together and called it a story.

Words: 1552, Chapters: 1/5, Language: English

Fandoms: The Sandman (TV 2022), The Sandman (Comics), Good Omens - Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens (TV)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Hob Gadling, Dream of the Endless, Dream of the Endless | Morpheus, Modern Johanna Constantine (The Sandman TV), Aziraphale (Good Omens), Crowley (Good Omens), Alexander Burgess, Paul McGuire (The Sandman), Calliope (The Sandman)

Relationships: Dream of the Endless/Hob Gadling, Dream of the Endless | Morpheus/Hob Gadling, Aziraphale/Crowley (Good Omens)

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hob Gadling Saves Dream of the Endless | Morpheus from Roderick Burgess, Fishbowl Rescue, Good omens cameos, The New Inn is a temple, NaNoWriMo, Hob Gadling Writes a Book, Pining, Dreamling if you squint, Actual Dreamling in Part 2, Ineffable Husbands (Good Omens), Hob Gadling Loves Dream of the Endless | Morpheus, Tropes

From https://ift.tt/45Nrg6Z https://archiveofourown.org/works/45303172

#ao3feed ineffablehusbandz #ineffable husbands #good omens #aziraphale #crowley #anthonyjcrowl

[magictavern]

hey hey!! i saw ur post and got devil house, and now im done and i was wondering if u had come across anything similar?? stories in stories and stories about stories type of stuff

hi anon you have unlocked a little door into a part of my brain that loves stuff like this. some of these recs are of varying quality, and i'll probably note that in my description of them, but these are things that have all personally delighted me over the years!!

a great good thing by roderick townley; this is probably an odd place to start, considering that it is firmly a middle grade novel, but it's a book about what happens to characters in the story once the pages have closed, what happens when they no longer have a reader, what happens when they are tired of playing out the roles given to them in a story. i read it when i was a kid and it's ALWAYS stuck with me

fire and hemlock by diana wynne jones; dwj tends to delight in stories with complicated narrative structures, and i'm probably going to rec some other other things from her later down this list, but this is a book about the stories that we tell ourselves and how they end up warping reality. it's a utter delight, especially if you're familliar with the folk songs of tamlin and thomas the rhymer

princess tutu; my first non-book rec, but if you like stories about stories PLEASE watch princess tutu, it's a really fun and poignant story about the way that fairytale narratives have a chokehold over people, and how lives will bend in the service of narrative

the house of leaves by mark z. danielewski; if you want stories in stories in stories, all marked by firmly unreliable narrators, this is probably your go-to book. fair warning that it's dense as HELL and also very 00s at times, but i do think it's a good companion to devil house in terms of thinking about who gets to tell stories and what we end up hiding in the act of storytelling, either accidentally or intentionally. also it's a puzzlebox of a book, which is fun imo

spellcoats by diana wynne jones; i said i would rec more of her and here i am. honestly all you need to know about this book is that it's framed as a transcription of a story that was woven into a coat - a coat that one of the protagonists is weaving throughout the course of the book, and which, by the choices that she makes in that weaving, impacts the course that the story takes

revolutionary girl utena (the anime!!); huge content warnings on utena because it deals a lot with assault and gendered violence, and i would recommend looking up a list of cws since the list of topics that it deals with is quite broad, but utena is an anime about the way that fairytales and stories impart a sort of gendered violence. it does a lot of fun things with fairytales in fairytales, and a kind of maze-like narrative structure? huge fave of mine, always

witches abroad by terry pratchett; has this, one of my all time favorite quotes about stories

Stories don't care who takes part in them. All that matters if that the story gets told, that the story repeats. Or, if you prefer to think of it like this: stories are a parasitical life form, warping lives in the service only of the story itself.

honestly, a lot of pratchett books are a good place to turn if you want to think about the idea of stories as a consumptive thing that dictates how a person lives their life, and i'd be happy to point you towards more of his books in that vein if you want them

deathless by catherynne valente; very much a book in the vein of that above pratchett quote -- all about how stories will warp people in service of fulfilling certain tragedies or narrative tropes, and what the consequences are if those wheels are broken

also, honestly, i'd say read john darnielle's other books if you enjoyed this one! both of them deal with fractured narratives and what it means to share stories (wolf in white van moreso), and while they're less focused on the act of storytelling and the impact of that, i found them compelling reads for looking at those structures

i feel like i should have other things to rec here but this list is already getting super long, and i'm fully drawing a blank now, but i hope these are a fun starting place for you

#also yes i know i tend towards the fantasy #but i think fantasy tends to be preoccupied with storytelling and what it means #especially when folk stories have such set structures that are then elaborated on or told in a million different ways #it's a breeding ground for thinking about echoes and ripples #long post #tysm for this ask btw!!

[imaginyimagines]

Your OCs Call Signs Would Be...

I thought it would be cool to see what my original character’s call signs would be if they had to select one, since I love Top Gun: Maverick far too much. (Since I have SO many characters, I will break it up a bit. This is strictly wrestling edition) 

Sabrina ‘Rina’ McMahon: Pixie or Mama Bear - She is a fiery sprite and famously an extremely protective motherly character  Here’s what she looks like! (art by SidTheKid on DeviantART)  Aesthetic board by @nightmareantagonist

Arwen Juliet ‘AJ’ McMahon-Harter: Lens or Paparazzi -Loves cameras and taking photos

Thomas ‘Thom’ McMahon-Harter: River - Since he’s easy going like a lazy river 

Presley Andrews: Moxie - Play off her attitude and her husband’s ring name is Jon Moxley  Here’s what she looks like! (art by @xjordynary) Aesthetic board by @nightmareantagonist

Priscilla Good: Johnny - As in Johnny B. Good 

Odette LeFay: Mirage - Play off of a character name of hers Here’s what she looks like! (art by @ss-trashboat) Aesthetic board by @nightmareantagonist

Anika Tanner: Jasmine - Her ring name, inspired by the Disney Princess  Here’s what she looks like! (art by @ss-trashboat)

Willow Lewis: Mjolnir - Thor’s hammer, she is an extremely powerful person and has a background in bodybuilding  Here’s what she looks like! (art by @ss-trashboat)

Mya Hughes: Diamond - Part of her ring name Here’s what she looks like! (art by @ss-trashboat)

Tessa Schuyler: Nightmare - Part of her ring name  Here’s what she looks like! (art by @ss-trashboat)

Shirin McLane: Siren - Her ring name Here’s what she looks like! (art by @ss-trashboat)

Antonia Herrera-Bautista: Ember - She is a fiery Mexican woman, but something not traditional sounding  Here’s what she looks like! (art by @ss-trashboat)

Rebekah Funk: Hardcore -  Granddaughter of the hardcore legend, Terry Funk

Allison Adkisson: Sin - Part of her ring name, she spells her name Allysin 

Caroline Rhodes: Dot - Her father is Dusty Rhodes, who infamously wore polka dots in the WWE. 

Brianna Elaine ‘Laney’ Lunde: Enforcer - Her father is the legendary wrestler Arn Anderson 

Bianca Morrison:  27 - This character is partially named after Jim Morrison of The Doors, a member of the infamous 27 Club 

Adelia ‘Dee’ DeRossett: Dee - It’s already her nickname, derived from Adelia  Aesthetic board by @nightmareantagonist

Theadora ‘Thea’ Thibodaux: TNT - She has a very fiery temperament, can explode

 Roderick Weston:  Reese - Variant of his ring name which is Rhys 

Clara Ross: Pin-up - Play on her personal style 

Ruby-Sarah Oswin: Sisi - Nickname derived from Sarah; also inspired by Empress Elizabeth ‘Sisi’ of Austria. 

Talia Chapman: Moon - Her middle name is Mahina, meaning moon or our moon in Hawaiian 

Ceridwen Lysander: Mimi - Nickname derived from her middle name of Mirah. 

#wwe imagine #wwe ocs #wrestling imagine #wrestling ocs #original character #original characters #top gun maverick #top gun maverick imagine #top gun imagine

[andcrsonn]

1-10 ( glee meme )

1) Favorite original club member?

Out of the original six, probably Kurt or Finn! I love both of their voices and they're both super entertaining.

2) Favorite character introduced in s2/3?

is this even a question my SON blaine of course

3) Favorite s4 newbie?

If I'm being honest I don't really have strong feelings about any of them, but honestly I like Jake. I know he's a stereotypical fuckboy but something about him is really charming, I love his voice and I love his character development!

4) Favorite s6 newbie?

I'm a bad fan who hasn't watched season 6 yet OOPS but based on the snippets I've seen I think I'm going to like Roderick a lot!

5) Favorite adult character?

Coach Beiste is a rockstar ♥♥

6) Favorite guest star?

TIE between Adam Lambert (not sure if he counts b/c he's more recurring) and Neil Patrick Harris!

7) Least favorite character(s)?

Honestly most of the adult women lol. April, Shelby, Terri. I can't even really explain why. I know I'm gonna get shit for this but Santana is not a favorite of mine... sorry

8) Character you’re indifferent about?

Artie, honestly. He's always been kind of bland, at least comparatively

9) Character you used to like but now dislike?

Schue. Lol I was in love with him for a while but now I just cringe and realize that HOLY SHIT he is...... not a great person. Like he tries but... oof

10) Character you used to dislike but now like?

Sue, I say cautiously. I like her for the most part, way more than I used to, but the whole Sue being invested in Klaine plot line makes me really uncomfortable if I'm being honest. Also Burt. I started watching the show with the pre-conception that he was a homophobe that didn't support Kurt but I was quickly proven wrong. 10/10 a heckin good dad

#:D

[slightlybiasedbookreviews]

Books read in 2023

(*pictured are the ones I own)

*Horizon by Andrew Wildman (January)

Pyramids by Terry Pratchett (January)

*The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (March)

Iron Man (movie novelization) (March)

A Big Important Art Book by Danielle Krysa (March)

*The Annual Migration of Clouds by Premee Mohamed (April)

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat (May)

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (May)

*Gemma Bovery by Posy Simmonds (May)

*Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett (June)

*Tehanu by Ursula K le Guin (June)

I am Legend by Richard Matheson (July)

*Tales from Earthsea by Ursula K le Guin (July)

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan (September)

*Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan (October)

*The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (October)

Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett (October)

Extra Bold: a feminist inclusive anti-racist non-binary field guide for graphic designers (October)

What We Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon (December)

Improv Quilting: Dancing with the Wall by Irene Roderick (December)

The Making of a Museum by Judith Nasby (December)

Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie (December)

#read in 2023 #book list #discworld #earthsea #the priory of the orange tree #heart of the sun warrior #the seven deaths of evelyn hardcastle #the annual migration of clouds #tehanu #andrew wildman #gemma bovery #tales from earthsea #comic #dragons #book stack

[regardstosoulandromance]

for the books ask: 8, 30, 63 ?

8. a book you finished in one sitting

something to talk about by meryl wilsner! I KNEW I was going to love it when I ordered it and just waited by the window until it arrive and then devoured it.

30. your favourite middle grade book

the great good thing by roderick townley, it was one of the books that got me into reading and is about a storybook princess who lives out her story every time a reader opens the book- until she has to escape the book.

63. a book that actually made you laugh out loud

anything by terry pratchett but especially going postal!

#answer #determined-overthinker

[atlanticcanada]

#nova scotia #news #politics #canada #atlantic canada #GlobalMaritimesNS

[wewerecore]

The Great Pro-Wrestling Adventure Hour - 015 08/24/23 Defy TV 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST Filmed at the Good Time Theatre at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania

SEGMENT ONE (EIGHT MINUTES):

- The show opened with a video tribute to Terry Funk set to "Rollin' With The Flow" by Charlie Rich.

- Sudu Upadhyay was shown alone in front of the commentary booth. Over still images from CORE's event at the Pittston Tomato Festival, Sudu explained that his broadcast colleague Larry Zbyszko suffered significant damage to his surgically repaired MCL, but also a tear to his ACL and meniscus after an attack by Kylie Paige. Sudu said that Larry is currently home in Florida awaiting surgery and that they hope to have an update on Zbyszko's future in CORE as soon as one is available.

Something/Nothing (Jake Something and Vincent Nothing) with UltraMantis Black vs. Stock Vetrano and Mook Vetrano (with Raychell Rose) Something/Nothing defeated Stock Vetrano and Mook Vetrano with a Black Hole Slam from Something on Mook. (2:58)

- We joined Daphne Oz at the news desk for the Coal Region Roundup. - Daphne opened with a recap of CORE's event at the Pittston Tomato Festival. Daphne revealed that the condition of Marcus Mathers' ankle and foot is currently unknown leading into Trios Kingdom, while no official inquiries have been made by Kerry Morton's camp to CORE leadership about a replacement rumors abound. What we do know is he will not be replaced by Brogan Finlay who is being evaluated by specialists for a possible calcaneal fracture from being placed in a heel hook. - Moving on, Daphne sent us to comments from Kevin Blackwood and Alan Angels who pled their case to Titus Alexander after he disappeared, much as he had done after losing to Roderick Strong, following his loss to Eddie Kingston. Blackwood said he understood Alexander's frustrations after the dissolution of The Last Wave and two tough losses, but that Trios Kingdom 2023 will be the perfect time for a reset; and that they'll win Trios and they'll be off running - together. Alan Angels said that they booked a tune up match for themselves against the up and coming tag team Fly-Def next week and they took the liberty of booking one for Titus Alexander too. - Daphne closed things out with comments from The Production team of Derek Dillinger, Magnum CK, and Ziggy Haim who will be having a "tune up" match of their own next week against three "bit players" left on the cutting room floor by The Production; Dom Kubrick, Al Deniro, and Katie Arquette.

SEGMENT TWO (EIGHT MINUTES):

Queen Aminata vs. Hyan Queen Aminata defeated Hyan via submission with a Koji Clutch. (6:05)

- New CORE backstage interviewer Erick Stevens was able to catch up with Giulia at the ECW Arena over the weekend. Erick asked Giulia as we head toward Trios Kingdom, what motivates her to max out her potential and strive to PR every day. Giulia seemed to have no idea what Erick was saying and responded with a "grazie mille" before walking off.

SEGMENT THREE (SEVEN MINUTES):

Trench Trial Series - Match 7 Trench vs. Giant Baba Yaga Giant Baba Yaga defeated Trench with the running neckbreaker. (2:27)

- Trench ended his Trial Series with a 2-5 record and we are told representatives from the TrustBusters will be in the building next week to evaluate his performance.

- The Tribal Elder Afa Jr., Sean Maluta, Journey Fatu, and Smart Guy Tod Gordon of The Family Tree made their way to the ring for The Trial. Afa Jr. called his first witness, Zilla Fatu. After being sworn in by appreciating his Tribal Elder, Zilla was pressed on whether or not he had been contacted by Sean Maluta or Journey Fatu to join The Family Tree. Despite hard questioning by Afa Jr, Zilla was adamant he had not been offered a spot in The Family Tree by Maluta or Journey. Afa then called Maluta and Journey to the witness stand and demanded to know why they didn't offer Zilla a spot; did they think he was too good for The Family Tree? Did they see him as superior to their Tribal Elder? Maluta and Journey both testified that was not the case. Afa then called Tod Gordon to the stand and demanded answers as to why The Tribal Elder was not mentioned once in Tod Gordon's new book, especially not in the Acknowledgments section. Smart Guy stammered, stuttered, sweated, and bugged out his eyes. Tod tried to explain that his book was about ECW and Afa Jr. was never in ECW but Afa Jr. said that was no excuse. Under oath Tod Gordon broke down and confessed that he had actually written two entire chapters about Afa Jr. and his greatness but the publisher demanded they be removed. Smart Guy crawled on his hands and knees and begged for forgiveness. Afa Jr. sentenced Tod Gordon to death by being thrown off the roof of the former Travelodge now the Holiday Inn on Penrose Avenue in Philadelphia. Afa Jr. asked Tod Gordon if he had any last words and Tod praised Afa's wisdom and fairness and that he accepts his punishment for his misdeeds. Afa Jr. stated that this was a test and he finds Smart Guy not guilty.

SEGMENT FOUR (NINE MINUTES):

Los Magnificos (Adrenalina, Explosivo, and Fantastico) and Fuego Del Sol vs. Atrapasuenos (Dulce Gardenia, Espiritu Negro, and Rey Cometa) and Mach10 Los Magnificos and Fuego Del Sol defeated Atrapasuenos and Mach10 with a tornado DDT from Fuego Del Sol to Dulce Gardenia. (8:03)

SEGMENT FIVE (NINE MINUTES):

TrustBusters Reserve (Big Dan Champion/Joshua Bishop/Invictus Khash) vs. Max The Impaler/Heidi Howitzer/Badger Briggs TrustBusters Reserve defeated Max The Impaler/Heidi Howitzer/Badger Briggs after a Bishop Bomb from Bishop to Briggs. (7:47)

SEGMENT SIX (FOUR MINUTES):

- Promotional consideration paid for by the following: Alien Tape: Double sided ultra-strong tape with nano-grip technology that bonds instantly and holds on tight to almost any surface! Direct Bullion USA: The new gold standard. Roll your retirement account into a gold and silver backed IRA. Middleswarth Potato Chips: A Pennsylvania tradition. Grab a bag of their handcooked kettle chips or kitchen fresh potato chips on the go or pick up The Weekender and plan a weekend of fun around your favorite flavor. Dorney Park Halloween Haunt kicks off Friday night September 15th and runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the end of October.

Next Week On The Great Pro-Wrestling Adventure Hour Brackets announced for Trios Kingdom 2023! Fuego Del Sol vs. Flamita The Production (Derek Dillinger/Magnum CK/Ziggy Haim) vs. Dom Kubrick/Al Deniro/Katie Arquette Kevin Blackwood and Alan Angels vs. Fly-Def (Zack Zilla and Warren J) Also in action… Journey Fatu and Sean Maluta of The Family Tree Titus Alexander

Upcoming Shows:

CORE Pro #120 Trios Kingdom 2023 - Night One 09/01/23 Penn's Peak - Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Featuring: The Calling (AKIRA/Rickey Shane Page/Delirious) with Raven The 37KAMIINA (MAO/Yuki Ueno/Toi Kojima) Jake Something/Vincent Nothing/Giant Baba Yaga with UltraMantis Black Team JTO (Ren Ayabe/Fire Katsumi/Akira Juumonji) Black Generation International (Kaito Ishida/Flamita/Yutani) The Production (Derek Dillinger/Magnum CK/Ziggy Haim) Just 5 Guys (TAKA Michinoku/Taichi/Yoshinobu Kanemaru) Big Mouth LOUD (Katsuyori Shibata/Kazunari Murakami/Manabu Hara) The Family Tree (Afa Jr./Sean Maluta/Journey Fatu) Donna del Mondo (Giulia/Maika/Thekla) Los Cancerberos del Infierno (Cancerbero/Luciferno/Virus) folkstyle (Shaw Mason/Tim Bosby/Hunter Holdcraft) Kerry Morton/Starboy Charlie/Marcus Mathers Los Magnificos (Adrenalina/Explosivo/Fantastico) Titus Alexander/Kevin Blackwood/Alan Angels TrustBusters Reserve (Big Dan Champion/Joshua Bishop/Invictus Khash)

CORE Pro #121 Trios Kingdom 2023 - Night Two 09/02/23 Charles Chrin Community Center - Easton, Pennsylvania Non-Tournament Special Attraction Trios Kingdom vs. King Of Trios: Six Winners From Previous Tournaments Face Off in Trios Action Trios Kingdom (Ethan Page/Andrew Everett/"Hot Sauce" Tracy Williams) vs. King Of Trios (Hallowicked/Lince Dorado/Trent Seven)

CORE Pro #122 Trios Kingdom 2023 - Night Three 09/03/23 Martz Hall - Pottsville, Pennsylvania

CORE returns to the Good Time Theatre at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania! 09/04/23 Television taping for The Great Pro-Wrestling Adventure Hour as seen on Defy TV.

[kaisokonnaisseur]

REVIEW OF CALYPSO FIESTA: NATIONAL CALYPSO MONARCH SEMIFINALS, SKINNER PARK, SAN FERNANDO, TRINIDAD, 11 FEBRUARY 2023

By Eugene McGuinness

Nobody will read this review if I cover all 40 of the calypsonians who performed in the semifinals, but I will try to comment on a) the 9 calypsonians I included in my who’s who, b) the 11 finalists and 1 reserve selected by the judges and their songs, and c) other things that struck me as I viewed the performances.

Of the 11 finalists chosen through the semifinal, 3 have won the title of Calypso Monarch before: Karene Asche, Helon Francis, and Roderick “Chucky” Gordon. All finalists must compete against the reigning Calypso Monarch, Terri Lyons.

There were multiple themes evident in the semifinalists’ songs, but the biggest song topics were national pride, paying tribute to living and dead Calypso legends, and the COVID pandemic’s impact on life and Carnival.

Terri Lyons - appeared in last year’s Calypso final - Terri Lyons won the Calypso Crown for the 2nd year in a row in 2022, with a song entitled simply “Calypso” - the song was a deconstruction of the contemporary issues facing the genre, with a strong emphasis for people to respect the art form. At some point in the middle of the song she gave a speech (the judges love that). While I think it was a good song, a well written song, and an important song, the number of deaths of famous calypsonians later on in 2022 really changed the style and tone of the songs relevant to the topic of Calypso. In 2022, a generic song about Calypso could win, but in 2023 it was a more challenging song to write on a more specific topic; you wouldn’t win without naming multiple famous calypsonians who had died in 2022 Explainer, Black Stalin, Singing Francine etc. Terri Lyons comes from a family of calypsonians: she is the daughter of the legendary Calypso and Soca artist Super Blue, and her sister Fay-Ann Lyons is also a well-established Soca singer.

Karene Asche - appeared 3rd - I was rooting for her in the beginning because I really liked her song, but then I found out she had a songwriter for it. Her song “Oasis” was catchy and well-written, a song about longing for Carnival throughout the pandemic. My enthusiasm for her kind of died off when I saw how good the other performances were. She advanced to the finals, but I feel like there were some better performances.

Tameika Darius - appeared 4th - Her song, “Jahaji Bash,” was a powerful protest of racism that started out with a soundbyte of something racially offensive that was said by a prominent Indian political figure. The song “Jahaji Bash” really conveys the spirit of indignance in the face of racist offence, and it is quite designed to make the listener feel a strong sense of outrage. This song will definitely have Trinis talking about the woman who made the offensive remark. She advanced to the finals and I think this was definitely a rightful pick by the judges.

Carlos James - appeared 8th - His song, “The New Normal” had to do with the COVID pandemic. There was a strong religious theme with some biblical phrasing, not uncommon through the competition but I am a little more biased toward Calypso with secular themes. I don't think this song was exceptional enough to be in the final, it is a little duller than the others, but he said "God is a Trini" and the judges really really liked that I guess.

Ezekiel Yorke - appeared 10th - His song, “Being Human,” was a thoughtful observation of human behavior and morality and what makes us who we are. Also starts with a religious theme reminding us that God created us in his own likeness and image. He advanced to the finals, and it’s a great song, but you know, for me, I like a funny, angry, or dirty song, and these poignant moral ones bore me a little bit. Can I say the man doesn’t deserve to sing at the final on Dimanche Gras? Maybe no. Good song, strong message that we all need to be more human, but that kind of stuff isn’t very entertaining for me. 

Maria Bhola - Appeared 11th - Her song, “People Man,” conveyed a strong message and had a lot of humour to it. Basically, the song demands that the side chicks and the mistresses show some more respect for the wives, and come help with the chores and minutia of running a household, and if they can’t do that, then maybe they should find men of their own, and find a next home to wreck. She then goes on to point out that the married women in the audience are going to be the ones who really want to cheer her on the most. It was bold, funny, and feminist. Maria Bhola represents the all-women Divas International Cabaret calypso tent. She advanced to the finals, and I would say the judges were also super-right here. I must also add, that calypsonians struggle to advance to the finals with humourous songs.

Mark Eastman - Appeared 12th - His submission “Pride,” was a another stirring national pride song. I had seen him perform this multiple times on Youtube tent videos. He really brought his A-game, and had a good dance arrangement. His stage presence was solid, his singing was excellent, and the lyrics of the song were really strong. I say he definitely deserves to go to finals and he may even win the whole damn thing, to be honest. (I would only say this about two other performances).

Kerine Williams-Figaro - Appeared 18th - Her performance, “To You With Love” was a song of appreciation for the great Calypso pioneers who have passed on and the ones who are still with us today. She sang a really solid song and multiple songs came in with this theme. Did she wow me? Not hugely, but she was very good. Was it the best of the tribute songs, I don’t know, maybe not. It’s ironic that she sang of her appreciation for fellow calypsonian Mighty Chalkdust, and she advanced to the finals with this song, whereas Chalkie didn’t make it.

Caston Cupid - Appeared 19th - His song “The Saga of Truth” was just a jab at the judges, and I don’t know what he sang to make them choose him for this. He ended up on stage with actors portraying the judges holding up big placards with ‘0’s on them as he sang “some judges can’t judge, plenty of them can’t judge!” - attacking or criticizing or otherwise expressing frustration with the judges is somehow a notable thing in Calypso, but yeah, he didn’t make it.

Aaron Duncan - Appeared 20th - His song “The Mother of All Carnivals” was another celebration of a return to Carnival after COVID, and he had one of the most vibrant and involved dance performances, including stilt walkers. Aaron Duncan is a decorated junior calypsonian who is now 19 years old. He got the reserve spot in the finals, and I think if the judges wanted to say he’s good enough for that, they should just give him a spot in finals and let one of the other eleven sit in reserve. This song was catchier, and the dances were impressive, but the lyrics didn’t stir me as much as the others.

Lester Salandy - Appeared 21st - His song “Tribute to the Icons” was a very solid submission, paying homage to the legacies of Calypso legends who had passed on. It was full of references to famous calypsonians and their songs and themes. I don’t know if it was better than Kerine, who advanced, but this is a close alternative, comparably leading the pack among the tribute songs; but he did not advance.

Kurt Allen - Appeared 22nd - “We Are One” was a song celebrating the Chinese community and Chinatown in Trinidad and Tobago, with a strong theme of racial tolerance, national unity, and apparently a tribute to someone named Chinee Patrick. Kurt Allen was Calypso Monarch in 2011, and I thought this song was a contender for the finals, the theme was a little bit unique, but he also did not advance.

Helon Francis - Appeared 23rd - “Mighty” was the song about national pride that I liked the most after Mark Eastman’s “Pride.” And, in reality, this song may have the better lyrics. The two songs are extremely similar, they even both mention Trinidadian Marxist historian C.L.R. James. Helon’s song is also really inspiring, if you are Trinidadian it makes you reflect on all the greatness that’s come out of Trinidad, and it has a strong message for young scholars, musicians, even influencers to rise and take their place in the world. This song advanced to the finals, and I would also say Helon Francis, one of the competing former Monarchs, is one of the top three contenders for the Calypso Crown this year as well.

Philip Murray “Blacksage” - Appeared 30th - Extempo veteran Blacksage’s song, “Aggie’s Story” was one of nostalgia, about a dead comedian that I had to look up (Ramdeen Ramjattan aka John Agitation), but this song was also full of great jokes. Blacksage is always good for a humourous song, but unfortunately he didn’t make it to the final, either. 

Chuck Gordon - Appeared 31st - Chucky’s song “Maths Ain’t Mathsin’” was the first song I heard out of the 40 before competition, basically a searing indictment on the cost of living: very strong message, good lyrics. This is the song I’ve started memorizing and singing myself. Chucky can also go all the way, he’s a former Monarch, he’s now a finalist, certainly deserving of it, and the song is a catchy one. 

Duane O’Connor - Appeared 32nd - His song “D Ting Fix” is another song that swipes at judges, but it also goes global, he says everything is basically fixed, rigged, and corrupted, from these Calypso semifinals, to the finals, the Panorama, and the FIFA World Cup, like he has a whole verse suspecting that was rigged “to let Messi go out on top” - so this one was a fun one, but not very practical for winning, and no, he did not advance.

Michael Osouna “Sugar Aloes” - Appeared 33rd - His song “Hands of Mercy” was contemplative, and very pious, dealing significantly with the recent crises in Trinidad and Tobago. This song was not the only incidence of religious themes in the competition, but as I've said, generally the heavily religious songs don’t do it for me. Aloes has been to the finals a record consecutive 22 times, winning Calypso Monarch twice. He didn’t make it this year, and I can’t say I blame the judges. Lots of talented up-and-coming calypsonians in the field.

Ta’zyah O’Connor - Appeared 34th - His song “Sing Hallelujah” was another song about national pride. This song was happy and uplifting, similar to the others, slight religious hinting, even if I liked two of the other national pride songs more than his I can see why he was chosen, he sang very well and had great stage presence. Good to see him advance to the final.d

Hollis Liverpool “Mighty Chalkdust” - Appeared 36th - His song “The New Trend” wasn’t very spectacular, but seeing as Chalkdust is 81, the same age as Black Stalin, who just passed away two months ago, it’s good to see him in such good health. Chalkdust, as I mentioned in the who’s who is a university professor. He’s a 9-time Calypso Monarch, so it’s a real shock likewise as with Aloes to see him not advance to the finals.

Heaven Charles - Appeared 38th - His song “What Yuh Need Again Trinbago” was the weakest of the 4 national pride songs selected for the finals, in my opinion. The judges must have really liked the part where he said the Almighty put Trinidad’s reserves deep within the ground…He pointed out the the steel pan is the only acoustic instrument invented in the last century, that was a cool tidbit. Helon Francis also mentioned the pan.

Nichole Thomas - Appeared 39th - Her song “Carnival is We” was same theme as Karene Asche’s song, and won her the Tobago Monarch crown in October last year. I liked it, even though it wasn’t my favourite in the contest. So I was sort of surprised that she didn’t make the finals. Almost like these judges wanted to send a message that what the Tobago judges think doesn’t matter. I also think performing near to dead last in a ten-hour competition is probably a disadvantage.

I gave myself at least a day before starting to write my reactions down on the performances, so I guess I’ll close this with some overarching thoughts: most of the finalists deserved to advance, and there is a lot of talent, especially from the young former junior calypsonians. I think Aaron Duncan was unfairly relegated to the reserve spot, and the judges didn’t need the fourth national pride song. I agree with the judges the most about Mark Eastman, Chuck Gordon, Helon Francis, Maria Bhola, Tameika Darius, Ta’zyah O’Connor, and Kerine Williams-Figaro. I’m iffy about Karene Asche, and not so crazy about Carlos James and Heaven Charles.

The performances on Dimanche Gras this coming Sunday are going to be truly something to behold, and as the Grand Master of Calypso, Lord Kitchener said on Dimanche Gras 1988, “the result will surprise you.”

#calypso #carnival #trinidad and tobago #dimanche gras

[earlsings]

Reposted from @lgbt_history "I AM A BLACK, GAY MAN • I AM A BLACK MAN • I AM A MAN," Derek Charles Livingston, Million Man March, Washington, D.C., October 16, 1995. Photo/copyright by Roderick Terry, c/o @nmaahc. #HavePrideInHistory https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce_l-w5lsUy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#haveprideinhistory