Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Middle Grade Fiction: July-December 2022

Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Middle Grade Fiction: July-December 2022

The Language of Seabirds by Will Taylor (July 19th) Jeremy is not excited about the prospect of spending the summer with his dad and his uncle in a seaside cabin in Oregon. It’s the first summer after his parents’ divorce, and he hasn’t exactly been seeking alone time with his dad. He doesn’t have a choice, though, so he goes… and on his first day takes a walk on the beach and finds himself…

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A list of season 2 cast and crew members, confirmed and speculated

I will try and keep this updated

Not counting the obvious ones

Please note that this is a list of both cast and crew members, so PAs and such are also included and not just actors

sorry in advance that 90% of my sources come from instagram

A

Aaron Morton (Camera) - he’s listed on the very last picture as the camera-man

Adam Stein (Writer)

Alan F. (English solider)

Alexandria S.

Alistair Gregory - from this tweet so uncertain, but followed me back on my bts instagram account so seems to have some interest in ofmd

Amy Tunnicliffe

Amanda M. (Wedding guest)

Andrew DeYoung (Director) - I don't remember if there was any other reason than the fact that he was in Aotearoa during filming

Andy Rydzewksi (Cinematographer)

B

Brian Badie (Hairstylist)

Bronson Pinchot ("Torturer")

Bryn Seager - I don't remember why but I follow him

Bryony Matthew (Food stylist)

C

Cora Montalban (Makeup and/or hairstylist) - I believe she was tagged in an instagram story once, and she's followed by a ton of cast and crew members

D

Daniel Fernandez (Spanish priest)

David G. (Stand in)

Dennis Bailey (Hairstylist) - Leslie revealed that he's there.

Don A. (Swampy Town folk)

E

Eliza Cossio (Writer)

Erroll Shand (Prince Ricky)

F

Fernando Frias (Director)

G

Grant Lobban

Gypsy Taylor (Costume designer)

H

Haroun Barazanchi - I'm gonna be honest, I have no memory of why I suspect this guy will be working on season 2, but I follow him hgjfdks

I-J

Jaden McLeod

Jason Samoa, possibly spotted on location

Jemaine Clement, pretty sure this is only based on his friendship with Rhys and Taika tbh

Jes Tom (Writer)

Jessica Lee Hunt (Makeup artist) - followed by a ton of crew and cast members and I believe she's been tagged in instagram stories and such

John Mahone (Writer)

Jono Capel-Baker (Groom)

Jonno Roberts didn't get the role from his audition, but could still have gotten a different role - hung out with Ruibo

K

Karl L. (Action extra)

Kate Fu

Kathleen Zyka Smith ("Red Flag")

Kosuke Iijima (Fabricator/Sculptor?) - due to interaction on this post

Kris Gillan (Fabricator/Sculptor)

Kura Forrester - followed by quite a few cast and crew members, but I don't remember if there was anything else to it

L

Laura Stables (SFX makeup artist)

Leanne - followed by cast and crew

Lee Tuson

Leslie Jones (Spanish Jackie) - she's spoiled this so many times, but gjfhdks

Leyla - followed by a lot of cast and crew members, don't remember if there was more to it than that

Luke V. (Stand in)

M

Ma Christina C. ("Red Flag")

Madeleine Sami (Archie)

Maddie Roche (PA) - read the tags idk lmao

Maddy Powell - this double rainbow photo is for sure from the first day of filming and nathan commented on her post

Maggie Philips (Music supervisor)

Mark Black (Henchman)

Mark Mitchinson (Hornigold)

Martin D. (Wedding guest)

Megan Vertelle (Set decorator)

Mike Berlucchi (Cinematographer)

N

Nareemun S. (Stand in)

Nat Van Halle - Has been hanging out on set with crew and cast

Natalie Torres (Writer)

Nathan Foad (Lucius)

Nathaniel Goodman - listed as camera-man

Nicola Dove (Photographer) - I'm guessing she'll be the season 2 version of Aaron Epstein

O-P

Paul Murphy (Director)

Q-R

Ra Vincent (Production designer) - He's the one in a white t-shirt and sunglasses or smth on his head

Rachel Forman - followed by a lot of cast and crew (including taika, nathan, madeleine, alex etc.) and Fernando made a post saying goodbye to Aoteroa, and she commented and he said he would miss her

Rachel House - Suspected due to her hanging out with cast and crew, but could be nothing

Richard B. ("Republic of Pirates")

Ringo R. ("Republic of Pirates")

Rory Davis - followed by cast and crew

Ruibo Qian

S

Sha M. ("Republic of Pirates")

Simone Nathan (Writer)

T

Tammy Davis - pretty sure it's just based off of this post which could be nothing

Tara Lauren (Makeup artist)

Tenesse Murfitt (Hairstylist) - followed by a ton of cast and crew members, and I believe she's been tagged in instagram stories

Tino L. (Stand in)

Toa Paranihi - I honestly don't remember why this was speculated or possibly confirmed, but I follow him on instagram and so do a couple of the cast and crew members

Ty Evander

U-V

Vanessa Vandy (Cinematopgrapher) - don't remember why i suspect her, but i follow her

W

Will Giles (Set designer)

X-Z

Zach Douglas

Zackery Alexander Stephans (Writer)

Zak Enayat - he has just been very openly working on the show, and is followed by cast and crew members

Zayre Ferrer (Writer)

Sci-Fi Saturday: Island of Lost Souls

Week 9:

Film(s): Island of Lost Souls (Dir. Erle C. Kenton, 1932, USA)

Viewing Format: Blu-Ray: Criterion Edition

Date Watched: July 9, 2021

Rationale for Inclusion:

Since antiquity humans have been telling stories about humans becoming animals, animals becoming humans, and human-animal hybrids. As humans moved from superstition and religion into scientific methodology for understanding the world around them, it follows that this obsession would inspire science fiction narratives.

In 1896, author H.G. Wells combined contemporary discourses around Darwinian evolution, Galtonian eugenics, and the anti-vivisection movement with a shipwreck narrative and published The Island of Dr. Moreau. All subsequent science fiction narratives that have involved the creation of animal-human hybrids through surgery or other technological means derive at least some of their inspiration from this book.

The novel was adapted into a silent film twice (once in France, once in Germany) before a sound adaptation was produced in Hollywood by Paramount Studios, Island of Lost Souls (Dir. Erle C. Kenton, 1932, USA). As with Frankenstein (Dir. James Whale, 1931, USA) and Doctor X (Dir. Michael Curtiz, 1932, USA), this film is part of the cycle of Pre-Code horror films produced in the wake of the popularity of Dracula (Dir. Todd Browning, 1931, USA). It also marks the first time a work of H.G. Wells is featured on the survey, which at 9 weeks into this series seems late given that he's one of the authors competing for the title of "Father of Science Fiction."

Aside from its place in the overall scientific genre, Island of Lost Souls would have been worth including for no other reason than its dialogue inspiring Devo's 1978 album Q: Are We Not Men? We are Devo!. The Criterion collection disc release even includes an interview with band members Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh talking about how the film inspired them.

Reactions:

Whilst Doctor X was a horror film with science fiction aesthetics, Island of Lost Souls is more science fiction film with horror aesthetics. The beast-men makeup makes Moreau's creations indeed disquieting and monstrous. The uncredited work of Charles Gemora and Wally Westmore lacks the artistry of Jack Pierce, but is nevertheless quality for the era. Dr. Moreau's laboratory in the House of Pain is minimalist compared to the apparatuses seen in the laboratories of Doctors Xavier and Frankenstein, but he is operating further from concentrated civilizations on a South Seas island, and apparently doesn't require as showy equipment.

As an adaptation of The Island of Dr. Moreau it's fairly accurate in terms of core plot and themes. The accuracy diverges due to including a love interest for the protagonist, Edward Parker (Richard Arlen), in his worried, yet resilient fiancee Ruth Thomas (Leila Hyams) and the retooling of the novel's Half-Finished Puma-Woman into Lota, The Panther Woman (Kathleen Burke). As with adaptations of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Hollywood filmmakers felt compelled to include a sexy, dark woman and a pure, wholesome fiancee counterpoint in what had previously been a homosocial narrative of male psychology and interpersonal dynamics. Apparently, the male filmmakers found it necessary to insert a Madonna-whore complex where there was none, or more likely wanted a "whore" and felt obligated to include a "Madonna" for the sake of propriety, and/or to not alienate the female audience as they perceived it and the censors.

However, the male filmmakers were not just interested in adding sex in Island of Lost Souls, but amping up the original novel's violence. Scenes of abuse, torture and surgery without anesthesia directed at the beast-men were all carryovers from the source material, but the grisly fate of Dr. Moreau (Charles Laughton) was unique to this adaptation. In The Island of Dr. Moreau the Half-Finished Puma-Woman and Moreau battle to the death. In Island of Lost Souls the beast-men rebel and get revenge on Moreau, dissecting him with his own surgical tools in the House of Pain.

To my partner and my 2020s eyes the dispatch of Moreau by his creations was shocking and horrific. We noted it was gruesome even by Pre-Code standards. Apparently to its contemporary audiences it went too far, and this scene, as well as others seen as too explicit, resulted in censored versions circulating or the film being outright banned in various countries. Other Pre-Code films, such as Frankenstein and King Kong (Dir. Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, 1933, USA), suffered similar fates, and like them Island of Lost Souls would not be in circulation in their original theatrical cuts until restorations were performed decades later.

Island of Lost Souls offers more than shock value and a Pre-Code case study, however. Karl Struss' moody cinematography and the emphasis on the characters as much as the narrative situation makes for an engaging film. Bela Lugosi's Sayer of the Law, with make-up like a budget Wolfman, may play more as camp these days, but he is absolutely committed to his character. Similarly, Laughton's impish Moreau steals every scene that he is in. For fans of monster or mad scientist movies it's a necessary watch.

Lady Ottoline Morrell, full name: Lady Ottoline Violet Anne Morrell (16 June 1873 – 21 April 1938) was an English aristocrat and society hostess. Her patronage was influential in artistic and intellectual circles, where she befriended writers including Aldous Huxley, Siegfried Sassoon, T. S. Eliot and D. H. Lawrence, and artists including Mark Gertler, Dora Carrington and Gilbert Spencer.

Dora Carrington, Ralph Partridge, Lytton and Oliver Strachey, and Frances Marshall (later Partridge); snapshot by Lady Ottoline Morrell, 1923

Portrait of Lady Ottoline Morrell by Adolf de Meyer, c. 1912

Her photography

Katherine Mansfield, 1916–17

Kathleen Mansfield Murry (née Beauchamp; 14 October 1888 – 9 January 1923) was a New Zealand writer and critic who was an important figure in the modernist movement. Her works are celebrated across the world, and have been published in 25 languages. Via Wikipedia

Jean de Menasce, Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, and Eric Siepmann, 1922

Virginia Woolf and T. S. Eliot, 1924

So this has been something that's been asked for a few times, so after a long times work, here we have it! A hypothetical voice cast for the characters of Autobot Academy. If there's a character you don't see, it's as we don't want to rush figuring out a character. We may update this list in the future, however it'll be in our own time, so we won't be taking any questions about specific missing characters. And hey, if you have your own voices that don't match up with these, then feel free to stick with that!

Autobots

Yuri Lowenthal - Hot Shot/Excellion II/DF Hot Shot/Ben Tennyson

Ashley Eckstein - Lightbright/Maxima/DF Lightbright

Tara Platt - Artillery/Maelstrom/ CG-11272017

ThunderPsyker - Bumblebee/Mjolnir

Morgan Garrett - Arcee/Diabla/Spidarcee

Nick “Lanipator” Landis - Rampage/Shockaract/Straxus

Brianna Knickerbocker - Transmutate/Transmutate X/Transmutate IX

Sam Vincent - Side Burn/Darkburn

Rick “Rice Pirate” Lauer - X-Brawn/Wrenchit

Chris Hackney - Mach Alert/Infernox/Lio Convo/Galva Convoy

Tiya Sicrar - Moonracer

Christine Marie Cabanos - Nightracer/Wipe-Out

Ashley Johnson - Glyph

Kanono - Tap-Out/AlbinoBug

Lizzie Caplin - Tremor/Shockblast

Erika Ishii - Sonar/Noisemaze

DoktorApplejuice - Armorhide/Armorbreak

Josh Keaton - Sideswipe/Firebreaker/Sunstreaker/Mismatch

Alejandro Saab - Steeljaw/Shatter-Pattern/Phantomjaw/Hellhound

Chris Miller - Thunderhoof

Sumalee Montano - Lodestar

Max Mittelan - Hosehead/Contagion

Sam Regal - Bomb-Burst

Kyle McCarley - Longshot

Ben Diskin - Misfire/Missilefire

Lucas Gilbertson - Saber/Dark Saber/Devcon/DF Devcon

Li Ming Hu - Hightail/Ravager

Mike Ginn - Gridlock/Ravager

Erica Mendez - Galaxy Flare

Michelle Ang - Riptide

Vanessa Marshal - Strongarm

Jill Harris - Nautica/DF Nautica

Courtney Ford - Muzzle

Nicolas Cantu - Wasp/DF Waspinator

Erin Fitzgerald - Convex

Archie Kao - Roadblock

Connor Kelley - Sky High

Haven Kendrick - Hot Rodimus/Raze

Michelle Yeoh - Windblade

Shannon McCormick - Rung

Elizabeth Maxwell - Chromia

Edward James Olmos - Fortress Maximus

Travis Willingham - Rollout

Andrew Francis - Scorch

John DiMaggio - Kup/Nitro Zeus/Leadfoot

Kyle Herbert - Star Convoy/Orion Pax/Toxitron

Mark Bonnar - Starscream

Paul McGann - Perceptor

Jake Johnson - Devaron

Herself Sarah Wiedenheft - Saperion/Arcrunner

Debra Wilson - Elita-1

Nicolas Cage - Overload

Nathan Fillion - Silverstreak/Killstreak

Ian MacKellen - Alpha Trion

Maximals

Tara Strong - Slash

Bryce Papenbrooke - Leobreaker

Matt Mercer - Bigfight/Death Convoy

Tom Gliblis - Break

Aleks Le - Stampy

Jack DeSana - Whoop-Kong

Roger Craig Smith - Bound Rogue

Charlie Day - Rattrap

Protectobots

Ashly Burch - Whirl

Heather Watson - Minerva

Aerialbots

Ratana - Stiletto

Cherami Leigh - Skyburst/Stormclash

Rachel Robinson - Surge

David B. Mitchell - Silverbolt

Axellerators

Jamie Chung - Flare-Up

Ron Botitta - Amp

Decepticons

Jason Marnocha - Megatron

Isaac C Singleton Jr. - Soundwave

Kathleen Delaney - Thunderblast

Vincent D'nofrio - Motormaster

Laura Bailey - Drag Strip

Shelby Rabara - Wildrider

David Kaye - Gnashteeth

Marc "Ganxingba" Soskin - Thundercracker

Ian Hanlin - Skywarp

Ryan Reynolds - Deadlock

Kaley Cuoco - Flamewar

Todd Haberkorn - Stonecrusher

Maurice LaMarche- Cryotek

Josh Powell - Onslaught

Corey Burton - Shockwave

Sylvester McCoy - “Doc”

JK Simmons - Horntrap

Resistance

Cameron Monaghan - Beta Maxx

Neo-Maximals

LaMonica Garret - Great Convoy

Peter Dinklage - King Atlas

Lydia Leonard - Black Convoy

Sam Witwer - Venator

Others

Colin Baker - Jhiaxus

Billy West/Michael Dorn - Dion/Umbra Convoy

Greg Cipes - Carjack

British Line of Succession

C. King Charles III

The Prince William, The Prince of Wales

Prince George of Wales

Princess Charlotte of Wales

Prince Louis of Wales

The Prince Henry, The Duke of Sussex

Prince Archie of Sussex

Princess Lilibet of Sussex

The Prince Andrew, The Duke of York

Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Eddo Mapple Mozzi

Miss Sienna Elizabeth Mapple Mozzi

Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank

Master August Philip Hawke Brooksbank

Master Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank

The Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh

James, The Earl of Wessex

The Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor

The Princess Anne, The Princess Royal

Mr. Peter Mark Andrew Philips

Miss Savannah Anne Kathleen Philips

Miss Isla Elizabeth Philips

Mrs. Zara Anne Elizabeth Philips Tindall

Miss Mia Grace Tindall

Miss Lena Elizabeth Tindall

Master Lucas Philip Tindall

Supreme Court, U.S FILED In The OCT 2 2022 Supreme Court ofthe United States  RALAND J BRUNSON, Petitioner,

Named persons in their capacities as United States House Representatives: ALMA S. ADAMS; PETE AGUILAR; COLIN Z. ALLRED; MARK E. AMODEI; KELLY ARMSTRONG; JAKE AUCHINCLOSS; CYNTHIA AXNE; DON BACON; TROY BALDERSON; ANDY BARR; NANETTE DIAZ BARRAGAN; KAREN BASS; JOYCE BEATTY; AMI BERA; DONALD S. BEYER JR.; GUS M. ILIRAKIS; SANFORD D. BISHOP JR.; EARL BLUMENAUER; LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER; SUZANNE BONAMICI; CAROLYN BOURDEAUX; JAMAAL BOWMAN; BRENDAN F. BOYLE; KEVIN BRADY; ANTHONY G. BROWN; JULIA BROWNLEY; VERN BUCHANAN; KEN BUCK; LARRY BUCSHON; CORI BUSH; CHERI BUSTOS; G. K. BUTTERFIELD; SALUD 0. CARBAJAL; TONY CARDENAS; ANDRE CARSON; MATT CARTWRIGHT; ED CASE; SEAN CASTEN; KATHY CASTOR; JOAQUIN CASTRO; LIZ CHENEY; JUDY CHU; DAVID N. CICILLINE; KATHERINE M. CLARK; YVETTE D. CLARKE; EMANUEL CLEAVER; JAMES E. CLYBURN; STEVE COHEN; JAMES COMER; GERALD E. CONNOLLY; JIM COOPER; J. LUIS CORREA; JIM COSTA; JOE COURTNEY; ANGIE CRAIG; DAN CRENSHAW; CHARLIE CRIST; JASON CROW; HENRY CUELLAR; JOHN R. CURTIS; SHARICE DAVIDS; DANNY K. DAVIS; RODNEY DAVIS; MADELEINE DEAN; PETER A. DEFAZIO; DIANA DEGETTE; ROSAL DELAURO; SUZAN K. DELBENE; Ill ANTONIO DELGADO; VAL BUTLER DEMINGS; MARK DESAULNIER; THEODORE E. DEUTCH; DEBBIE DINGELL; LLOYD DOGGETT; MICHAEL F. DOYLE; TOM EMMER; VERONICA ESCOBAR; ANNA G. ESHOO; ADRIANO ESPAILLAT; DWIGHT EVANS; RANDY FEENSTRA; A. DREW FERGUSON IV; BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK; LIZZIE LETCHER; JEFF FORTENBERRY; BILL FOSTER; LOIS FRANKEL; MARCIA L. FUDGE; MIKE GALLAGHER; RUBEN GALLEGO; JOHN GARAMENDI; ANDREW R. GARBARINO; SYLVIA R. GARCIA; JESUS G. GARCIA; JARED F. GOLDEN; JIMMY GOMEZ; TONY GONZALES; ANTHONY GONZALEZ; VICENTE GONZALEZ; JOSH GOTTHEIMER; KAY GRANGER; AL GREEN; RAUL M. GRIJALVA; GLENN GROTHMAN; BRETT GUTHRIE; DEBRA A. HAALAND; JOSH HARDER; ALCEE L. HASTINGS; JAHANA HAYES; JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER; BRIAN HIGGINS; J. FRENCH HILL; JAMES A. HIMES; ASHLEY HINSON; TREY HOLLINGSWORTH; STEVEN HORSFORD; CHRISSY HOULAHAN; STENY H. HOYER; JARED HUFFMAN; BILL HUIZENGA; SHEILA JACKSON LEE; SARA JACOBS; PRAMILA JAYAPAL; HAKEEM S. JEFFRIES; DUSTY JOHNSON; EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON; HENRY C. JOHNSON JR.; MONDAIRE JONES; DAVID P. JOYCE; KAIALPI KAHELE; MARCY KAPTUR; JOHN KATKO; WILLIAM R. KEATING; RO KHANNA; DANIEL T. KILDEE; DEREK KILMER; ANDY KIM; YOUNG KIM; RON KIND; ADAM KINZINGER; ANN KIRKPATRICK; RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI; ANN M. KUSTER; DARIN LAHOOD; CONOR LAMB; JAMES R. LANGEVIN; RICK LARSEN; JOHN B. LARSON; ROBERT E. LATTA; JAKE LATURNER; BRENDA L. LAWRENCE; AL LAWSON JR.; BARBARA LEE; SUSIE LEE; TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ; ANDY LEVIN; MIKE LEVIN; TED LIEU; IV ZOE LOFGREN; ALAN S.LOWENTHAL; ELAINE G. LURIA; STEPHEN F. LYNCH; NANCY MACE; TOM MALINOWSKI; CAROLYN B. MALONEY; SEAN PATRICK MALONEY; KATHY E. MANNING; THOMAS MASSIE; DORIS 0. MATSUI; LUCY MCBATH; MICHAEL T. MCCAUL; TOM MCCLINTOCK; BETTY MCCOLLUM; A. ADONALD MCEACHIN; JAMES P. MCGOVERN; PATRICK T. MCHENRY; DAVID B. MCKINLEY; JERRY MCNERNEY; GREGORY W. MEEKS; PETER MEIJER; GRACE MENG; KWEISI MFUME; MARIANNETTE MILLER-MEEKS; JOHN R. MOOLENAAR; BLAKE D. MOORE; GWEN MOORE; JOSEPH D. MORELLE; SETH MOULTON; FRANK J. MRVAN; STEPHANIE N. MURPHY; JERROLD NADLER; GRACE F. NAPOLITANO; RICHARD E. NEAL; JOE NEGUSE; DAN NEWHOUSE; MARIE NEWMAN; DONALD NORCROSS; ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ; TOM O'HALLERAN; ILHAN OMAR; FRANK PALLONE JR.; JIMMY PANETTA; CHRIS PAPPAS; BILL PASCRELL JR.; DONALD M. PAYNE JR.; NANCY PELOSI; ED PERLMUTTER; SCOTT H. PETERS; DEAN PHILLIPS; CHELLIE PINGREE; MARK POCAN; KATIE PORTER; AYANNA PRESSLEY; DAVID E. PRICE; MIKE QUIGLEY; JAMIE RASKIN; TOM REED; KATHLEEN M. RICE; CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS; DEBORAH K. ROSS; CHIP ROY; LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD; RAUL RUIZ; C. A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER; BOBBY L. RUSH; TIM RYAN; LINDA T. SANCHEZ; JOHN P. SARBANES; MARY GAY SCANLON; JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY; ADAM B. SCHIFF; BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER; KURT SCHRADER; KIM SCHRIER; AUSTIN SCOTT; DAVID SCOTT; ROBERT C. SCOTT; TERRI A. SEWELL; BRAD SHERMAN; MIKIE SHERRILL; MICHAEL K. SIMPSON; ALBIO SIRES; ELISSA SLOTKIN; ADAM SMITH; CHRISTOPHER H. V SMITH; DARREN SOTO; ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER; VICTORIA SPARTZ; JACKIE SPEIER; GREG STANTON; PETE STAUBER; MICHELLE STEEL; BRYAN STEIL; HALEY M. STEVENS; STEVE STIVERS; MARILYN STRICKLAND; THOMAS R. SUOZZI; ERIC SWALWELL; MARK TAKANO; VAN TAYLOR; BENNIE G. THOMPSON; MIKE THOMPSON; DINA TITUS; RASHIDA TLAIB; PAUL TONKO; NORMA J. TORRES; RITCHIE TORRES; LORI TRAHAN; DAVID J. TRONE; MICHAEL R. TURNER; LAUREN UNDERWOOD; FRED UPTON; JUAN VARGAS; MARC A. VEASEY; FILEMON VELA; NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ; ANN WAGNER; MICHAEL WALTZ; DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ; MAXINE WATERS; BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN; PETER WELCH; BRAD R. WENSTRUP; BRUCE WESTERMAN; JENNIFER WEXTON; SUSAN WILD; NIKEMA WILLIAMS; FREDERICA S. WILSON; STEVE WOMACK; JOHN A. YARMUTH; DON YOUNG; the following persons named are for their capacities as U.S. Senators; TAMMY BALDWIN; JOHN BARRASSO; MICHAEL F. BENNET; MARSHA BLACKBURN; RICHARD BLUMENTHAL; ROY BLUNT; CORY A. BOOKER; JOHN BOOZMAN; MIKE BRAUN; SHERROD BROWN; RICHARD BURR; MARIA CANTWELL; SHELLEY CAPITO; BENJAMIN L. CARDIN; THOMAS R. CARPER; ROBERT P. CASEY JR.; BILL CASSIDY; SUSAN M. COLLINS; CHRISTOPHER A. COONS; JOHN CORNYN; CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO; TOM COTTON; KEVIN CRAMER; MIKE CRAPO; STEVE DAINES; TAMMY DUCKWORTH; RICHARD J. DURBIN; JONI ERNST; DIANNE FEINSTEIN; DEB FISCHER; KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND; LINDSEY GRAHAM; CHUCK GRASSLEY; BILL HAGERTY; MAGGIE HASSAN; MARTIN HEINRICH; JOHN HICKENLOOPER; MAZIE HIRONO; JOHN HOEVEN; JAMES INHOFE; RON VI JOHNSON; TIM KAINE; MARK KELLY; ANGUS S. KING, JR.; AMY KLOBUCHAR; JAMES LANKFORD; PATRICK LEAHY; MIKE LEE; BEN LUJAN; CYNTHIA M. LUMMIS; JOE MANCHIN III; EDWARD J. MARKEY; MITCH MCCONNELL; ROBERT MENENDEZ; JEFF MERKLEY; JERRY MORAN; LISA MURKOWSKI; CHRISTOPHER MURPHY; PATTY MURRAY; JON OSSOFF; ALEX PADILLA; RAND PAUL; GARY C. PETERS; ROB PORTMAN; JACK REED; JAMES E. RISCH; MITT ROMNEY; JACKY ROSEN; MIKE ROUNDS; MARCO RUBIO; BERNARD SANDERS; BEN SASSE; BRIAN SCHATZ; CHARLES E. SCHUMER; RICK SCOTT; TIM SCOTT; JEANNE SHAHEEN; RICHARD C. SHELBY; KYRSTEN SINEMA; TINA SMITH; DEBBIE STABENOW; DAN SULLIVAN; JON TESTER; JOHN THUNE; THOM TILLIS; PATRICK J. TOOMEY; HOLLEN VAN; MARK R. WARNER; RAPHAEL G. WARNOCK; ELIZABETH WARREN; SHELDON WHITEHOUSE; ROGER F. WICKER; RON WYDEN; TODD YOUNG; JOSEPH ROBINETTE BIDEN JR in his capacity of President of the United States; MICHAEL RICHARD PENCE in his capacity as former Vice President of the United States, and KAMALA HARRIS in her capacity as Vice President of the United States and JOHN and JANE DOES 1-100.  

https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22-380/243739/20221027152243533_20221027-152110-95757954-00007015.pdf

ESP Spring Circuit Offers Charity &, FEI Competition in 2024.

The South Florida equestrian community is gearing up for the much-anticipated Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC ( ESP) Spring Circuit, a series of events that showcases equestrian talent and embodies the spirit of giving back, despite the fact that the Winter Equestrian Festival is already in full swing. The ESP A- T Charity Spring I Horse Show again more sets the tone for a amazing fusion of competition and generosity, with proceeds going to the A- T Children’s Project.

The$ 10,000 1.40m Open Welcome Stakes and the$ 10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Score at the Top, mark the start of the festivities on Thursday as competitors prepare to take the field. These identify lessons are just the start of an action-packed schedule that includes the$ 5, 000 1.35m Classic sponsored by Keyflow Feeds USA and the$ 1, 000 2’6′′- 2’9′ ′ Hunter Derby sponsored by SAS Equestrian and Stallwatch, LLC on Saturday. The trip brings the amazing$ 35, 000 Spring 1 A- T Charity Grand Prix presented by Nutrena and Postage Stamp Farm, which promises an interesting display jumping opposition on Sunday.

The A- T Children’s Project, a recipient of the ESP A- T Charity Spring I Horse Show, highlights the ESP Spring Circuit’s devotion to change. This non-profit is dedicated to finding solutions for the rare genetic condition ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). By supporting this reason, the equine area is aiding in the development of a treatment, demonstrating the significant benefits of combining sports and social obligation. Please contact ESP A-T Charity Spring I Horse Show Director of Sponsorships, Lenore Brown at [email protected] for information on funding opportunities. &nbsp, &nbsp,

The ESP Spring Circuit builds on the success of the Winter Equestrian Festival ( WEF), giving competitors a chance to take advantage of all that WEF has to offer at a discount while maintaining the same competitive point system. Hunters taking the spotlight in Wellington International’s International Arena while FEI 3* competitors on the exclusive Derby Field at Equestrian Village is elevated by the Spring II and Spring III Shows, respectively. The International Pavilion at the Equestrian Village offers delicious breakfast and lunch restaurants, an empty table, and spectacular views of the show jumping competition while the competition is taking area. Please complete this form and email it to Kathleen LaMour, director of VIP revenue, at [email protected].

The Spring Equitation Championship, which Arion Sellier sponsors, is now a centerpiece of the ESP Spring Series and in its next month. Junior riders are invited to show their expertise and design in the International Arena during Spring II, along with ribbon winners of important 2023 and 2024 sport events. This program encourages an environment of quality and encouragement as well as a prize motivation for trainers.

The sport area is set for a period of high stakes and high spirits with the ESP Spring Prize List presently available and the 2024 ESP Annual Circuit promising memorable moments of etiquette and solidarity. Companies, followers, and sponsors you anticipate more opportunities to enjoy sport quality and support worthwhile causes as Equestrian Sport Productions releases event dates through December 2024.

ESP Annual Series Circuit 2024

Wellington International | Photo c Cassidy Klein – Samantha Senft and Deauville S

All rights reserved.

Philip Calvin Hughey III, born on April 4, 1944, in Manhattan, New York, passed away on November 30, 2023 in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was the cherished son of Rev. Philip C. Hughey Jr. and Alberta Wray (Daniels) Hughey.

Phil's journey was one marked by unwavering service and faith. On October 19, 1968, he married Marilyn (Francis) Hughey, in Rantoul, Illinois, beginning a loving partnership that spanned over five decades. A graduate of Bob Jones University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in music, Phil's passion for music became a cornerstone of his identity. Following his academic pursuits, he served with honor in the United States Air Force for four years as a staff sergeant, specializing in jet mechanics. Phil's spiritual journey led him to serve as Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church in Caribou, Maine, and later in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. His guidance and compassion provided comfort to those who sought solace within the congregation.

A pivotal chapter in Phil's life began when he became the director of the Boylston Home for Girls in Manchester, New Hampshire. His encouragement and support left a lasting impact on the lives of the young women under his care. Phil concluded his professional journey with tenure at the Manchester Health Department, where he became affectionately known as "Mr. Phil." His service to public health showcased his commitment to the well-being of the community.

Phil was a long-time member of Southside Bible Fellowship Church in Manchester. His musical talents contributed to the worship team as he played the organ and piano. Phil's dedication extended to teaching Sunday school, volunteering with AWANA clubs, and serving as a church community Elder. Phil is survived by his wife Marilyn; his children, Jennings Alys (Hughey) Loftus and husband Timothy, Daniel Philip and wife Kathleen (Wall) Hughey, and Sarah Elizabeth (Hughey) Kruse and husband Klaus. He adored his grandchildren, Savana and Morgen Hughey, Jace Loftus, Matilda, Magdelena, and Charles Kruse. Phil is also survived by his sisters, Berta and her husband Erwin Merill, Sue Hughey, Ruth and her husband Gary Venidestine, brother Paul Hughey and his wife Lori, sister-in-law Carolyn and her husband Lyman Johnson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Phil's legacy of love, faith, and service will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of Phil's life service for friends and family will be held at South Side Bible Fellowship on 09 December 2023 at 1pm. Located a 200 South Jewett St., Manchester, NH 03103. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Southside Bible Fellowship Deacon Fund in Phil's honor. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.

Chapters: 8/?

Fandom: Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Addison Montgomery/Jake Reilly, Meredith Grey/Derek Shepherd, Addison Montgomery/Derek Shepherd, Arizona Robbins/Callie Torres, Lexie Grey/Mark Sloan, Owen Hunt/Cristina Yang, Alex Karev/Jo Wilson, Cooper Freedman/Charlotte King

Characters: Addison Montgomery, Meredith Grey, Derek Shepherd, Derek Bailey Shepherd, Zola Shepherd, Jake Reilly (Private Practice), Angela Reilly, Amelia Shepherd, Owen Hunt, Jackson Avery, Cristina Yang, Mark Sloan (Grey's Anatomy), Lexie Grey, Leah Murphy, Heather Brooks, Shane Ross, Jo Wilson, Alex Karev, Henry Montgomery, April Kepner, Archer Forbes Montgomery, Nancy Shepherd, "The Captain" Montgomery, Kathleen Shepherd, Lizzie Shepherd, Callie Torres, Arizona Robbins, Richard Webber, Miranda Bailey (Grey's Anatomy), Sofia Sloan-Torres, Original Characters, Charlotte King, Cooper Freedman, Sheldon Wallace, Violet Turner, Pete Wilder, James Peterson, Sam Bennett (Private Practice), Naomi Bennett, Mason Warner, Sloan Riley, Carolyn Shepherd, Stephanie Edwards

Additional tags: Second chances, Love, Family, Children, Family Reunions, Trauma, past relationships, Alternate Universe, Blended family, if addek had a kid, what if, MerDer, addek, jolex, Calzona, Crowen, addimelia, charcoop, charmelia, Kidnapping, Jaddison - Freeform, slexie - Freeform

Summary: A 15-year-old girl walks into the Denny Duquette Memorial Clinic with her parents to get her mom the chemotherapy she needs. While there, she meets Dr. Mark Sloan, who can’t shake the feeling that he knows her. When Mark discovers who she really is, it changes everything.

Chapter summary: Addison performs a c-section and runs into some complications with the baby, leaving Jake to close Meredith up. Meanwhile, everyone discusses different name options for the newborn baby boy Shepherd.

Birthdays 11.19

Beer Birthdays

Frantz Philip “Frank” Brogniez (1898)

Mark Silva (1961)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Tommy Dorsey; jazz trombonist, bandleader (1905)

Adam Driver; actor (1983)

Allison Janney; actor (1959)

Meg Ryan; actor (1961)

Clifton Webb; actor (1891)

Famous Birthdays

Raymond Blanc; French chef (1949)

Roy Campanella; Brooklyn Dodgers C (1921)

Dick Cavett; television host (1936)

George Clark; American revolutionary war general (1752)

Eileen Collins; astronaut (1956)

Jack Dorsey; Twitter founder (1976)

Terry Farrell; actor (1963)

Jodie Foster; actor (1962)

Indira Gandhi; Indian politician (1917)

James A. Garfield; 20th U.S. President (1831)

Dan Haggerty; actor, animal trainer (1941)

Ryan Howard; Philadelphia Phillies 1B (1979)

Charlie Kaufman; screenwriter (1958)

Larry King; television show host (1933)

Jeane Kirkpatrick; diplomat (1926)

Calvin Klein; fashion designer (1942)

Yuan T. Lee; chemist (1936)

Fred Lipsius; saxophonist, pianist (1944)

Glynnis O'Connor; actor (1956)

Kathleen Quinlan; actor (1954)

Tony Rich; R&B singer-songwriter (1971)

James Sumner; chemist (1887)

Billy Sunday; religious evangelist (1862)

Earl Wilbur Sutherland, Jr.; biochemist (1915)

Allen Tate; poet (1899)

Ted Turner; media mogul (1938)

Gene Tierney; actress (1920)

Alan Young; actor (1919)

Cannons - Bad Dream (Official Video) Listen to “Bad Dream” by Cannons now: https://ift.tt/y31QBe5 Amazon Music: https://ift.tt/N5bwPgB Apple Music: https://ift.tt/Sf28GJA iTunes: https://ift.tt/2SOEsJf Soundcloud: https://ift.tt/YgN21TP Spotify: https://ift.tt/NLOweWb YouTube Music: https://ift.tt/BvmFrph Follow Cannons: Instagram: https://ift.tt/N6gF3BW TikTok: https://ift.tt/l5cZ91V Facebook: https://ift.tt/DhxeJFy Twitter: https://twitter.com/cannonstheband YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/cannonstheband Web: https://ift.tt/ze395yi Director: Ryan Rundle Producer: Marco De Molina & Roza Marchenko Executive Producer: Frank Borin & Ivanna Borin Production: UnderWonder Content Commissioner: Bryan Younce Assistant Director: Ben Del Guercio Production Manager: Lev Bugaev Production Coordinator: Mariah Lewis Director of Photography: Corey Jennings Choreographer: Wendell Phipps Art Director: Jose Rojas Stylist: Lyn Alyson Hair: Sara Tintari Make Up: Kandi Hernandez Editor: Ryan Rundle Colorist: Ryan Rundle VFX Supervisor: James Buongiorno Talent: Adam Brooks Talent: Kathleen Lewis Talent: Chris Greenwell Talent: Mark Gagnier Talent: Tricia Plinzke Lyrics: I bought a ticket to your show Did you see me, did you know I was standing in the back row With the lights down low I couldn’t think of the right words But now it’s just too late Now you’re somebody’s baby So I’ll be on my way I been living in a bad dream I been living in a bad, bad dream I wish that somebody would wake me Don’t like this feeling won’t you shake me Cus any more might break me And you’ll never know I couldn’t think of the right words But now it just too late Now you’re somebody’s baby So I’ll be on my way I been living in a bad dream I been living in a bad, bad dream Sleepwalking through a sad scene I been living in a bad, bad dream I been living in a bad dream I been living in a bad, bad dream Sleepwalking through a sad scene I been living in a bad, bad dream I been living in a bad dream #Cannons #BadDream via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz4axHOyccQ

Women in Film: Celebrating Female Directors, Producers, and Writers

In the world of cinema, women have made significant strides over the years, breaking barriers and making their mark in various roles behind the camera. This article pays tribute to the incredible contributions of female directors, producers, and writers in the film industry. From pioneers who paved the way to contemporary trailblazers, we'll explore the inspiring stories and enduring legacies of these talented women. Read also about Pixels 2 Movie Release Date

The Early Pioneers

1. Alice Guy-Blaché: The First Female Director

Alice Guy-Blaché, a French filmmaker, holds the distinction of being the world's first female director. She made her mark in the early 20th century, directing over 1,000 films and even experimenting with color and sound in cinema.

2. Lois Weber: A Pioneer of Socially Relevant Films

Lois Weber was a director, screenwriter, and actress known for her socially conscious films in the silent era. Her work often tackled issues such as poverty, inequality, and women's rights.

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Women in Production

3. Kathleen Kennedy: The Force Behind Star Wars

Kathleen Kennedy, the co-founder of Amblin Entertainment, has produced some of the biggest blockbusters in history. Her role as the president of Lucasfilm brought us the revival of the Star Wars franchise.

4. Nina Jacobson: A Game Changer in Hollywood

Nina Jacobson, through her production company Color Force, has been a driving force behind successful film adaptations like "The Hunger Games." She's known for her keen eye for compelling storytelling.

Shaping Stories Through Writing

5. Diablo Cody: A Fresh Voice in Screenwriting

Diablo Cody burst onto the scene with her debut screenplay for "Juno," which won her an Academy Award. Her unique and authentic voice continues to resonate in the industry.

6. Nora Ephron: The Queen of Romantic Comedies

Nora Ephron left an indelible mark on the world of romantic comedies with films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle." Her witty and relatable screenplays continue to charm audiences.

Modern Visionaries

7. Ava DuVernay: Pioneering Diversity in Hollywood

Ava DuVernay is a director and producer known for her commitment to telling stories that highlight issues of race and social justice. Her work on "Selma" and "13th" has earned critical acclaim.

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8. Greta Gerwig: Redefining Filmmaking

Greta Gerwig's directorial debut, "Lady Bird," garnered widespread praise and several Academy Award nominations. She brings a fresh perspective to coming-of-age narratives.

The Conclusion

As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women in film, it's clear that their contributions have enriched cinema in countless ways. From the early pioneers who shattered glass ceilings to the modern visionaries who continue to inspire, female directors, producers, and writers have left an indelible mark on the industry. Their stories remind us that talent knows no gender boundaries.

FAQs

1. Who was the first female director in cinema history?

Alice Guy-Blaché is widely recognized as the world's first female director, having directed over 1,000 films in the early 20th century.

2. What is Kathleen Kennedy known for in the film industry?

Kathleen Kennedy is renowned for her role as the president of Lucasfilm and her instrumental role in reviving the Star Wars franchise.

3. Which female writer won an Academy Award for her screenplay?

Diablo Cody won an Academy Award for her screenplay for "Juno," marking a significant achievement in her career.

4. What genre is Nora Ephron known for in her films?

Nora Ephron is celebrated for her work in romantic comedies, with classics like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle."

5. How has Ava DuVernay made an impact in the film industry?

Ava DuVernay is known for her commitment to telling stories that highlight issues of race and social justice, earning critical acclaim for films like "Selma" and "13th."

The Sequel Trilogy Rewatch

I watched all the movies again recently, and here are my insights after getting to experience the trilogy as a whole unit together, separated from the context of the previous two trilogies.

The Force Awakens - As I’ve said recently, it’s overrated and suffers the most from being derivative. Every rehashing of A New Hope is eye-roll inducing and threatens to take me out of the movie; by the time Starkiller Base enters the picture (”It’s another Death Star!”) it’s really grinding my gears. I understand completely why it was done, but with the thrill of the initial theatrical release gone, the movie suffers for it more and more. The Phantom Menace is a worse film by far, but at least Lucas’ stance of “it’s poetry, it rhymes” wasn’t taken to such a literal extreme there as it is here, making it feel like a more unique, if bad, trilogy opener.

But with that said, let’s give this movie the credit it’s due: everything about the new characters and elements and how they interact with the updated old characters and elements is done legitimately brilliantly. Rey, Finn, Poe, BB-8, Kylo Ren, General Hux and Maz Kanata are all just so captivating and interesting and enjoyable to watch on screen, as are the aged Han, Chewie, Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2 and - at the very end - Luke. The actors are giving it their all and the characters come alive as a result; you connect with them and want to follow them. And even though we all know they were made as Mystery Boxes, J.J Abrams truly is a master at making you want to know what’s in those boxes all the same. Who are Rey’s parents and why did they leave her on Jakkuu? Why is Rey so proficient in the Force right away? Is Finn Force-sensitive? Who is Snoke, how did he turn Ben Solo to the Dark Side and what’s his beef with Luke, the Jedi and the Light Side in general? What exactly are the Knights of Ren? Is there some kind of deeper connection between Kylo Ren and Rey? Why did Luke go to Ach-To and split the map that leads there? What’s the deal with Maz? How did she recover Luke’s old lightsaber? What in the fuck was that Force vision Rey experienced when she touched said lightsaber? And just why did C-3PO get a red arm grafted onto him? OK, that last one’s a joke, but you get my point. Questions are raised, and you want to see them answered even if Abrams himself isn’t completely firm on what those answers even are.

Also, this movie has the best pacing in the trilogy. It opens where it needs to, progresses in a natural flow, and ends at exactly the right point it should. Hats off to the editors on this one, and to Lawrence Kasdan, whose experience with writing Star Wars movies helped greatly.

The Last Jedi - I guess this movie is destined to always confound me. Throughout it, I just keep asking “Why?” Why did Rian Johnson do so exceptionally well with the storyline surrounding Luke, Rey, Kylo Ren, the Force, the Jedi, Ach-To and Snoke, only to then do...whatever the Hell he did with everything else in the movie? I love returning characters like Finn, Poe, Maz and Leia, and I love new characters like Paige, Rose, Holdo and DJ. but the story they are a part of and the things they are used to make happen is so dumb. And to quote Rian Johnson’s later (and stronger) work, it’s not “so dumb, it’s brilliant” - it’s just dumb! Seriously, I cannot believe Kathleen Kennedy signed onto what he did with Leia in this movie. If the reasoning was it would be made up for with her in the following film, then...um, whoops. This also creates a huge pacing problem, dragging the movie out longer than usual for Star Wars and having two climaxes. Cutting down on the dumbness would have done wonders.

That’s not to say everything in the better half is perfect, mind you - Luke is way too unlikable before he agrees to teach Rey and I totally agree with Mark Hamill’s concerns about this, some good decisions are marred by bad ones (ex: killing off Snoke so that Kylo Ren can ascend, which is good, without offering the remotest hint as to what his deal even was, which is bad), and God bless Daisy Ridley for keeping Rey an engaging heroine you follow and root for since her writing is a lopsided mess: she fucks up and fails miserably yet is also just perfect as is and needs no real training, she is drawn toward the Dark Side and a big deal is made over it only for her to have zero actual temptation to join Kylo Ren when he offers it, and the revelation of her parents being nobodies who abandoned her for no good reason is meant to be the most devastating thing she can hear yet then her next scene has her happily manning the Falcon’s guns cheering “Woo! I like this!”, and the parents are never brought up again and Rey simply partakes in a happy ending that just feels phony all things considered.

And yeah, doing either nothing with those Mystery Boxes from The Force Awakens or giving them the most purposefully anti-climactic answers possible was...a choice. I can’t entirely blame Johnson, since Lucasfilm didn’t have a firm plan in place and he wasn’t under any obligation to answer anything in any specific way, but it’s still odd that he goes this far in subverting expectations, to the point where it actually shuts off avenues for the subsequent film to explore. He’s treating the middle chapter of a trilogy like a standalone; it’s so bizarre. 

But hey, what’s done right is done so very right. The cinematography is the most gorgeous to ever be in a Star Wars movie, the atmosphere in every scene (particularly the good scenes) is on point, the action in the film’s last hour is amazing, and as I said before the writing for the film’s core narrative is strong. I especially adore Luke’s character arc once it really gets going; him feeling like a failure because he didn’t live up to “the legend” built around him is the kind of development that makes perfect sense both in-universe and out-of-universe, and seeing him finally learn to embrace himself as the failure of a person he is and as the legend he is regarded as because he recognizes that both are valuable to saving the galaxy...it’s perfect.

The Rise of Skywalker - So, watching it again, did I finally see how bad this movie truly is? Am I ready to eat all my words about enjoying it and defending it? Am I ready to accept that the critics and fandom are right in it not sticking the landing and being a bad conclusion?

Seriously; the editing (especially in the first third) is wonky just to fill a mandatory runtime despite the previous film running overlong, the exposition is often laborious and cringy (“Somehow Palpatine returned.”), and what it all amounts to is just so over-the-top stupid and crazy it’s almost hard to believe. It’s a big, bloated, popcorn movie shlockfest and I love it!

There are three huge things to consider with this movie. One: it had the rawest deal of the trilogy production-wise for multiple reasons and you need to take that into account when considering any choppiness; honestly with the situation J.J Abrams and co. were in, it’s amazing the film came out as coherently as it did! Two: is any disappointment you feel really this film’s doing, or is it the whole trilogy’s and Lucasfilm’s lack of an overarching creative vision for it? Because it feels like most detractors are actually experiencing the latter kind of disappointment and then pinning the blame on this movie for making them realize it. When applying logic, The Force Awakens which started the trilogy with a lack of a firm plan in mind and The Last Jedi which tossed aside all set-up and veered off into a wildly different direction that left the following film facing something of a dead-end have more share of the blame.

And three: this movie actually IS “so dumb, it’s brilliant”. If you read any interview with J.J Abrams and/or Chris Terrio, you’ll see they did their homework. They weren’t interested in trying to conform to an endlessly unpleasable fandom’s serious business vision of what Star Wars is / should be, they were just going to work with what Star Wars actually was when conceived: a goofy hodge-podge of film serials, B movies, comic books, fairy tales and ancient myths, given the most basic of spiritual undertones, and packaged as a feel-good entertaining thrill-ride for all audiences, particularly the young and the young-at-heart. Only as this was the conclusion of a nine-film saga, they took it a step further and made it primarily a goofy hodge-podge of previous Star Wars movies and even some other Star Wars projects like TV shows and comics. They deliberately brought Star Wars full circle, because they knew and loved Star Wars as it truly exists, not as the sacred thing so many fans build it up as. George Lucas himself said it: they’re just movies, you’re just meant to have a good time with them and not think too deeply about it, even if the movies do offer you things to think about (which is how/why expanded universe projects are made). You’re just meant to have fun.

That’s why this movie will always by my favorite one in the trilogy, warts and all. It’s so fun.

But on that note, yeah, the Sequel Trilogy is fun. It’s flawed and uneven, but so are the other trilogies, which also received histrionic flak in their days. I find it morbidly laughable that people, whether they be Star Wars fans or professional film critics, have learned nothing after all this time. Those who don’t learn from history truly are doomed to repeat it, I suppose.

SIDE NOTE: There is one consistency in the Sequel Trilogy that I really feel deserves more appreciation, and that’s Kylo Ren. He gets criticized for us not getting to see his backstory compared to Anakin’s three movies and a TV show showing how he became Darth Vader, and for making some wild swings in terms of actions and plot usage depending on the movie, but I believe that Adam Driver’s performance combined with him being one of the few things in the new trilogy that did have something of a road map attached to him from the beginning counteracts that. He truly is Darth Vader in reverse, and that creates an entirely different sort of antagonist: not a cold, machine-like being that used to be human and became this way as a psychological response to his feelings causing him great trauma and tragedy, but a human who desperately wants and is actively trying to be a cold, machine-like being to escape all the pain that his feelings cause him. And as close as he gets to successfully crossing that line, he never fully does. In the end, he not only surpasses Vader by betraying his master and ruling his empire, but he also surpasses Anakin: rather than his mother’s death leading him down a path that ends in a fiery damnation, his mother’s death directly leads to a watery cleansing and salvation, which culminates in him actually saving the woman he loves from dying rather than trying to do so only to end up killing her. He’s a wonderful character and I adore him.

(Also: these skits. How can you not love the guy for these?)

2022 Reading Challenges - Wrap Up Post

2022 was a crazy year. I completed most and exceeded many allowing me to jump up levels but I was unable to complete the U.S. portion of my Literary Escapes Challenge. I realized too late with all my other commitments I was unable to add books to cover every state. I need to add those harder states to my reading calendar earlier in the year if I am going to complete the challenge in 2023. Here's my complete list. 2022 Reading Challenge

LORI has read 180 books toward her goal of 175 books. hide 180 of 175 (103%) view books

A. Absence of Mallets by Kate Carlisle B. Bake, Borrow and Steal by Ellie Alexander C. Cold Brew Corpse by Tara Lush  D. A Dash of Death by Michelle Hillen Klump E. Evil Under the Tuscan Sun by Stephanie Cole F. A Fatal Family Feast by Lynn Cahoon G. The Guest is a Goner by Carly Winter H. Have Yourself A Fudgy Little Christmas by Nancy Coco I.  Ice Cold Murder by Michele Pariza Wacek J. Jellies, Jams, and Bodies by Donna Walo Clancy K. A Killer Sundae by Abby Collette L. Laughing Can Kill You by Maggie King  M. Murder Faux Paws by T.C. Lo Tempio N. Night Shift by Annelise Ryan  O. On Borrowed Crime by Kate Young P. Pup Fiction by Laurien Berenson Q. Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia R. Remembering Rosie by Nadine A. Block S. Show Me The Bunny by Laurien Berenson T. The Twist and Shout Murder by Teresa Trent U. Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly V. The Vanishing Type by Ellery Adams W. Wolf Hollow by Victoria Houston X. X Marks the Spot: We’re All Going to Die! So… What’s for Lunch?  by David Boyne Y. Yoga Pant Nation - Laurie Gelman Z. Miss Zukas and the Stroke of Death Mini Challenges January - And-If-But - Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass by Heather Day Gilbert February - Olympics - Stiff Competition by Annelise Ryan March - 2 Word Title - The Match by Harlan Coben April - Birthstones - Ruby Red Herring by Tracy Gardner May - Natural Elements - Dead in the Water by Annelise Ryan  June - Alliterative Title - The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen July - Party - Celebration - Death Crashes the Party by Vickie Fee August - Book - Handbook for Homicide by Lorna Barrett September - Name - Peg and Rose Solve a Murder by Laurien Berenson October - Ghost/Witch - The Ghost and the Stolen Tears by Cleo Coyle November - Fruit, Veggie, Nuts - The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen December - Calendar - Once Upon A December by Amy E. Reichert

A. Alexander, Ellie - Bake, Borrow and Steal B. Berenson, Laurien - Pup Fiction C. Cleo Coyle - Honey Roasted D. Day, Maddie - Batter Off Dead E. Ernst, Kathleen - Lies of Omission F. Flower, Amanda - Put Out To Pasture G. Gelman, Laurie - Yoga Pant Nation H. Heather Day Gilbert - Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass I. Innes, Louise K. - Death at Holly Lodge J. Joyce St. Anthony - Front Page Murder K. Kate Carlisle - Absence of Mallets  L. Lynn Cahoo - A Fatal Family Feast  M. Maggie King - Laughter Can Kill You  N. Nancy Coco - Have Yourself A Fudgy Little Christmas O. Osler, Rob - Devil's Chew Toy P. Parker, Ann - The Secret in the Wall Q. Jesse Q. Sutanto - Four Aunties and a Wedding  R. Reilly, Linda - Up to No Gouda S. Salem, Cassidy - Fit For Murder T. Tara Lush - Cold Brew Corpse U. Unger, Lisa - The Sleep Tight Motel V. Victoria Houston - Wolf Hollow W. Wacek, Michele Pariza - Ice Cold Murder X. Xarissa, Diana - Boats and Bad Guys Y. Young, Kate - On Borrowed Crime Z. Zunker, Chad - Family Money Complete 9/9/2022

Alabama - Five Belles Too Many by Debra H. Goldstein Alaska - Bear Witness by Lark O. Jensen Arizona - The Tuesday Night Survivor's Club by Lynn Cahoon Arkansas - Hook, Line, and Sinker by Marc Jedel California - Absence of Mallets by Kate Carlisle Colorado - A Hill to Dye On by Rebecca McKinnon Connecticut - Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass by Heather Day Gilbert Delaware - Read the full article

Is it love or is it magic? Only Daddy knows... Mark your calendars for November 8th when Tough Love 5: Under Daddy's Spell by Maddie Taylor arrives!!Follow Maddie for preorder and release alerts: http://bit.ly/2E38Lpi

BLURB:Jessalyn Delacroix calls the Big Easy home, yet her life is anything but. Abandoned by her father in the wake of her mother’s death, dutiful Jessa sacrificed her twenties to keep the family bookstore running. As she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, the last thing she needed was a gym moving in next door. Now the parking lot is overflowing, and the constant noise terrifies her youngest patrons. But when she tries to confront her new neighbor, with his handsome face, sculpted body, and nice guy demeanor, she gets tongue-tied and can’t focus on all she needs to say.

As the summer heat blisters New Orleans, an A/C dispute between the bookstore and the gym lands Jessa over Brody’s knee. Fuming at his familiarity and sheer nerve, she turns to a set of 18th-century spell books to exact a bit of revenge. But her attempt at conjuring a little peace and quiet doesn’t go as planned. It only serves to turn up the sizzle of Brody’s attention. Soon, Jessa is falling for the commanding Daddy she never knew she needed, but it will take a visit to Madame Lucinda, NOLA’s renowned purveyor of the occult, to sort out the magical mess. With the madame’s guidance, Jessa must break the charm to determine whether Brody’s affection is real. But can she live with the heartache if he doesn’t feel the same now that she’s already fallen under daddy’s spell?

#teaser #teasershare #teasertuesday #toughlove #underdaddysspell #eroticromance #daddydomromance #daddyromance #romancenovels #romancebooks #daddydoms #bookboyfriends #comingsoon #steamyreads #kissingbooks #bookbuzz #bookpromotion #bookish #booklovers #readersAbout Maddie:

A USA Today and #1 international bestselling author, Maddie is a lifelong reader who became a romance junkie as a teen with her first romance novel, The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. From then on, she was hooked, and gobbled up everything she could get her hands on, whether contemporary, historical, paranormal or sci-fi. If there was romance to be found between a strong alpha male, and a sassy, adventurous and ofttimes defiant yet loving woman, Maddie was all over it. As an author, she stays true to those themes writing steamy erotic romance, with a side of kink, and adding elements of intrigue, danger and suspense to her plots.

Maddie started writing as a hobby. Her stories stayed private while she raised a family and worked full time as a registered nurse. It wasn't until 2012 that she decided to take the plunge and submit her first book for publication: Captain My Captain. She went on to publish eleven novels the first year.

Follow Maddie Online!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BDc1Cd

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2E38Lpi

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Website: https://www.romancebymaddietaylor.com