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amphtaminedreams · 4 years

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A/W 2020 Fashion Month: Before Vogue Went Blank

Hi to anyone reading,

I’m sorry this post is so late! I really have no excuse apart from all my mental energy being taken up by shooting and editing my Euphoria lookbook up until now and me being too much of a lazy, nap-loving twat to face the mammoth task of a fashion month review; honestly, by the time it’s done, it’s like a dissertation-level amount of characters, so let’s say the final push to get this out is in sympathy with all my 3rd year friends I started uni with finishing their ACTUAL dissertations.

Things have got scary since I originally started saving the photos for this post, and the world has been turned upside down. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the likes of which have not been seen since the Spanish Flu, Italian Vogue’s April cover was blank. As I’m writing this, 26,000+ people have died of coronavirus in Italy, the worst affected country behind the U.S in terms of sheer numbers ( though quick update: as I post this, I’m pretty sure our incompetent prick of a PM has made sure we’re up there too). Proportionally, the actual death rate is even higher, along with a handful of other European countries. There have been some complaints made about the cover and it’s supposed “lack of imagination”; all I know is that in a country whose death toll accounts for 10% of worldwide coronavirus deaths, something of a visual silence feels appropriate.

That being said, for me, writing is one of the only things giving me a sense of purpose right now. Yeah, surprise surprise, working in a grocery store isn’t all that fulfilling. Who would’ve thought it? So what better time to reflect on a time when all the rich people of the world were going about their lives as usual and sitting front row at fashion week rather than crying on Instagram live to their millions of followers about how trapped they feel in their 10 bedroom mansions.

I’ve got to say, this year’s A/W offerings were a lot better than I expected, mostly due to the fact that I’m not generally a big fan of winter fashion; it’s hard to be disappointed given my preconceptions! There’s only so many knits and coats and jeans you can see before it begins to get a bit tiring, and I expected that to be reflected in the presentations. Fortunately, even the brands which are known for their bohemian, Coachella-esque collections generally managed to translate that into something recognisable and consistent on the runway whilst actually being weather appropriate. Of course, there were a few disappointments-I’m sure if I say one of them begins with D, you can guess which brand I’m talking about-but that was more than made up for by the standouts. Gucci in particular was my 2013 Tumblr wet dream and the Moschino show was what I can only describe as a live continuation of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, though I’ll stop with my praise there and wait til I get to actually reviewing before I go overboard with kissing Alessandro Michele’s ass. And on that note, in chronological order, I’ll get one with the reviews! First up, Acne:

Continuing on a winning streak when it comes to catering to my personal preferences (if someone tries to tell me designers don’t care about my personal preferences I’m going to whack out that “just found out the world doesn’t revolve around me, shocked and upset” Marina Diamandis tweet), Acne once again channels futuristic hippy commune living in a dystopian wasteland. I know, those are very specific personal preferences

I love the shredded hems and the burnt velvet, the rawness of it all, and the baroque/your-nan’s-wallpaper patterns are actually a surprisingly nice touch. I imagine if Giselle from Enchanted had to make her dresses out of a thrifty goth’s curtains rather than an upper-middle-class New Yorker’s, they’d look something like this collection. You’ve even got the odd bit of classic fresh Scandi tailoring in there with the oversized coats and blazers which holds it back from being a bit TOO flea market. Plus, the renaissance painting detailing on the black leather-look coat is a stunning detail as well; I’m so glad it seems this trend is here to stay, why wouldn’t I want random nude bodies all over my clothes?

As for the styling, I can’t get enough of the tousled hair. As an eternally tired person who can't be arsed to pick up a brush most of the time, I feel represented. Along with the outfits, it says “I’m an art student/transient painter in the 70s living in a city loft who smokes a lot of weed and does acid on the regular” and that is a life worth manifesting.

Alberta Ferretti was dreamy, and a perfect example of how to translate the bohemian aesthetic of their S/S show to A/W. Somehow despite the furs, ruffles (pussy-bows under tailored jackets and knits/generally heavier pieces always looks really chic imo), tulle, metallic tapestry style prints and chunky jewellery, it all still looks very effortless, like a natural continuation of what we saw last summer; the typically masculine structure of the oversized suits with the ornate patterns and the accessories lends to the careful navigation along the line where maximalism and minimalism meet, the looks as practical as they are decorative. Picture it: you work some high-flying, powerful job in the city, commute on a motor cycle and roll up in one of these suit sets. This collection is for the edgy businesswoman who is completely comfortable telling all the twattish males she works with where to stick it and I want to be her.

The evening gowns are, of course, stunning too. In this analogy where I am a powerful businesswoman and not a pushover who works at a grocery store right now and only beefs with rude customers, I would be wearing one of them to the boujie work Christmas party. The ruffled dresses remind me of something Valentino would put out with the colour palette and the ruffles, and whilst we’re on the topic of colour palettes, this one is beautiful. The lilac and hot pink is SO right.

Though predictable, Alessandra Rich is just as much of a treat as usual, the first brand you’d go to if you were styling a throwback it-girl, Chanel Oberlin in Scream Queens if it took place 30 years earlier. Reminiscent of an amalgamation of vintage Chanel and Versace, there are so many cute details I love here, from the white tights with the black heels and the double breasted blazers to the gold chainlink belts and the pearls. The tartan suits with the shoulder padding are very Heathers, the prints the best of your mum’s 80s wardrobe, and nobody else out there is doing bows as well as this; these are the outfits that prissy bitch wears in the cartoons of my childhood that turn out to actually be quite good fashion inspo 15 years later, Trixie Tang from Fairly Odd Parents I’m looking at you.

This girl was the blueprint.

I think someone like Lilly Collins or Daphne Groeneveld would be an ideal fit for any of these looks, or Lana Del Rey if she wanted to stop serving us middle-aged suburban soccer mom and took us back to those H&M ad campaign days. Lana stans please don’t come for me for saying that, I am one of you; I say this because I love her. It’s all altruistic.

Whilst I admittedly didn’t love it as much as last summer’s, I really enjoyed the Alexander McQueen collection too, plus I had a better idea of what to expect this time round; no, we’re not gonna get a repeat of the Plato’s Atlantis show but we do always get some beautiful pieces. Again, like with Alberta Ferretti, this seems like a natural continuation of what we saw in the summer, just with adjustments made for the colder, darker, and altogether moodier months. A/W being the gothier older sister of S/S, it seems right that a lot of the looks turn their back on the ethereal, almost fairy-like feel of what we saw before and embrace the vampier side, reds and blacks (the ultimate Bratz Rock Angels colour combination), plenty of dramatic structures and formidable suit sets. It’s punk but it’s classy, and even with the lighter pieces, we’ve got the grunge inspired harnesses on top to contrast with the elegance and effectively, toughen the whole look up, something Gucci does well too.

The patterned suits with the clunky boots in particular are very cool and I need a gun metal grey heart detailing harness, but undoubtedly the MOMENT of this collection is Adut Akech in what appears to be a silver chainmail dress. She looks like an Amazonian goddess, and whilst I could never dream of pulling something like that off myself, I could happily admire her in it for hours.

There wasn’t much to get excited about at Altuzarra. The collection was very elegant for sure and the feathered belts are cute but it was all quite pedestrian and nothing new-the only detail I really like is the cut out on the second dress from the left, 3rd row down.

As for Anna Sui:

I’m not altogether sure why I wanted to review it. A lot of the outfits as a whole are a bit messy, and not in that avant-garde, expensive-looking Margiela kind of way, just in a “how many fabrics can we possibly get on this model” kind of way. Plus, the styling seems weirdly outdated-a lot of the jewellery looks like the kind of thing you’d see if you searched “gothic choker” on Ebay and ordered the results from low to high, and the makeup and hair in particular is very 2012 Tumblr fashion blogger. Backcombed hair and red lipstick? We’ve got a Zoella thumbnail on our hands.

When the collection did go down the bohemian route though (and when that route wasn’t a failed attempt at what Etro does a lot better), there were a few nice pieces and prints. I mean you really can’t go wrong with a teal fur trimmed coat.

Ashish, on the other hand, took their aesthetic from a similar era and did it a lot more creatively and kookily; this collection looks a lot more deserving of being on a runway. The prints are so loud and costume-y that at times the garments risk looking like something you’d wear at a decades themed dress up party, but they’re saved by understated and much more commercial silhouettes, plus some gorgeous hair and make up. On the whole, very groovy, unintentional disco queen, despite the few risks that didn’t quite pay off.

Next is a brand I always look forward to. In the words of Myrtle Snow:

BALENCIAGA!

Seriously though, if any brand knows how to blend costume and high fashion, it’s them. They take over-the-top, almost absurd silhouettes and turn them into theatre. This year we’re taking it in the direction of Phantom of the Opera, I guess? Dracula? The Woman in Black? An off-broadway production of Harry Potter where Snape is the protagonist? Whatever the direction of the collection is, I live for the dramatics of it all. Demna Gvasalia got these models walkin’ down the runway like they’re members of the Volutri, which is a reference you should all understand given the renaissance Twilight is having online atm.

Straight off the bat, I adore the staging, and all the models are exquisite-the theme of the show was climate change, and I always love when there’s a story behind the presentation of the clothes. I can’t imagine how amazing this must have been to witness in person, though I’m guessing equal parts mystical and intimidating. There are so many things I love here: billowing coats, cinched in waists, the pattens that are sprinkled sparingly in amongst the black, and the bloody shoulder pads that almost run PARALLEL to the model’s necks. This is really a collection that Myrtle Snow would be proud of and brb whilst I get rid of my padlock necklaces in favour of putting whatever meagre amount I can get for them on Depop towards a Balenciaga padlock belt (as if, lol, I don’t even think selling my soul would cover it).

And then there’s Balmain, which isn’t always the fashion critic’s favourite, but which I do tend to like.

I mean there are some really good takeaways here-though the 80s inspired suit, as wearable as they are, can get a little repetitive, they are staples which here seem to pave the way for Olivier Rousteing to try something new for the brand. The moulded breast plates (reminiscent of the Tom Ford one Zendaya wore though I’m not sure which came first!), for example, along with the Matador-style capes and the flowing silk dresses are the most glamorous incarnation of Lara Croft one can possibly imagine, probably just as equally suited for a Roman goddess as they are for an Assassins Creed style action heroine. And yes, I am aware of the fact that Tomb Raider and Assassins Creed are two separate games, okay! I just don’t know enough about the visuals of either to firmly plant this collection in the camp of either one, so I’m going down the crossover route with it!

Not to say there weren’t any bad choices-I omitted a good portion of the looks that were shown; there were definitely pieces that I found to be a little tacky, particularly a recurring chain print which has got to be one of my least favourite patterns out there. Overall, though, it’s gonna be the richly coloured art-deco prints, the wet-look boots and the gem-encrusted scorpion brooch which stick with me, so I’ll let it slide.

Bottega Veneta was very meh; even of the looks I picked out, there are a lot I’m now looking back at and wishing I hadn’t included. Some of the men’s pieces are nice, sure, and I feel like one of those vaguely sick, victorian ghost looking male celebrities everyone obsesses over (Timothée Chalamet and Dane DeHaan I’m looking at you) would make those suits on the second row look fine af, but it’s mostly the womenswear that I’m here for and on this occasion it wasn’t great. A couple of the coats are nice and that’s about it. Like I really had to act as if the tassels weren’t there on a lot of the clothes and go from there because I really don’t like them in this context and if I was to veto looks purely on one of the garments having tassels, there’d be nothing to show or reference when giving my opinion on the show. They were EVERYWHERE. In a summer collection, done right, they can be a nice detail but here they just feel unnecessary and if I’m being honest, are quite ugly.

Thank god for Brock taking the sour Bottega Veneta tassel taste out of my mouth. Never a let down. Literally, everything they put out sends me into a daze of imagining I’m in some romantic drama wearing one of the pieces, in a man’s idea of “no makeup”, running round in a field looking forlorn and windswept because my ghostly lover has-

Okay, you get the picture. I’ve never read Wuthering Heights, but it goes something like that, right? If not, lets just say envisioning myself in any of these catapults me straight into some period drama where I’m born into wealth and sit by my mansion window looking sad all the time and writing poetry and lusting over some stuffy upper-class man I can’t have and who is probably played by Colin Firth because I’m pretty sure that’s what happens in most of them (about to enrage my future English lit undergraduate sister with that line).

Nobody does modest, muted sexy to such a masterful degree. I mean, when Maison Marigela did face veils I was just mildly afraid, but here they’re subtle enough that they’re quite beautiful and almost other-worldly, acting as some kind of boundary between this world and the past that Brock aims to recapture through its designs-the red lip popping out from underneath is a perfect touch too. I don’t like it AS much as the summer collection but I would say that’s solely on the basis of the more autumn/winter appropriate colour scheme and the heavier fits, which is just a personal preference. I mean, I’m usually not a fan of empire waistlines at all and Brock even manages to make that work.

Burberry this season was a real mixed bag, mostly due to the styling. There are some really gorgeous, London back alley vintage shop looking pieces, especially the 70s style coats, reminiscent of outerwear a slimy record exec would've worn back in the day repurposed by someone like Alexa Chung or Zoe Kravitz or whichever effortlessly cool woman it is we all want to be-also the private boy’s school rugby gear looking shit is classic Burberry and I’m a fan of that, even though it’s not the most inventive or exciting. I just don’t get why there had to be SO much ill-fitting plaid over ill-fitting plaid. Again, like with Bottega Veneta, I thought the menswear was a lot stronger; whilst I wasn’t really wowed by anything, it seemed a lot less forced, whereas a few of the womenswear looks gave me the vibe of a design team desperately grasping onto some ill-conceived ideas of street style and relevancy.

The design team at Carolina Herrera for example, know their niche. They never try to be something they’re not, always sublimely preppy and pretty and predictable-when it comes to target market, the bag is reliably secured. Laid- back princess dresses never get old for those constantly “summering” in one expensive coastal town or another, for the rich American moms attending charity galas and the Spencer Hastings and Blair Waldorfs of the world; women with glossy hair and fresh faces who act as if they woke up looking like that polished but are actually anal as hell and take 2 hours to get ready and would NEVER, I repeat NEVER, shit in a public toilet.

Yes, I managed to worm toilet habits into a review of a Carolina Herrera collection. I’m sorry. Enough with the pearl clutching.

Next is Celine:

I mean, when there are THIS many looks, it’s hard not to find something you like, and though VERY predictable and verging on lazy when you’re putting out the same shit every collection, Celine’s aesthetic is so similar to my own ideal style, it’s hard to be mad at it. That being said, a lot of the pieces, as per usual, came across as cheap YSL knock offs; the overall outfits are cute, but the more you look at the details-it particularly pained me to include a metal bow belt and an ill-fitting velvet skater skirt but I liked the rest of the outfits-the worse it gets. Please, PLEASE someone drive it home to Hedi Slimane, I’m begging you: QUALITY NOT QUANTITY. I get what he’s going for, 70s hipster Jane Birkin is a vision I can very much get behind, but not when it seems to be so rushed.

With the men’s looks, you can get away with it a lot more; when so much of menswear is so plain and unchanging, the slightest hint of Mick Jagger is enough to make a outfit edgy. But even then, I still feel like we’re seeing a load of variations of the same outfit. There are always some pieces that catch my eye, this time round the capes and the velvet blazers, and I would wear most of these things, sure, however I don’t think the combinations SHOULD necessarily look like something I’d personally put together; a runway collection is supposed to be aspirational and cutting edge, not pedestrian (entirely intentional self-drag, lol). Also, side note, the lack of diversity really bothered me. 111 looks and not one of these models has a body type that is naturally achievable for most people. It’s 2020 for fuck’s sake. I’m tired.

SO, let’s liven things up a bit with the Central Saint Martins collection, a breath of fresh air in terms of diversity (though a few more plus-size models would be nice):

As a former University of London student, I hate to heap praise upon them. If you’ve studied in London as well, you’ll know CSM students are ANNOYING. I mean, I’m sure they’re lovely as individuals but you can’t fully understand the meaning of the word pretentious until you’ve seen a group of them at a Uniqlo Tate Late. That being said, they are very good at what they do and I’m so glad that Vogue Runway includes them; this is what Off-White thinks it is, and really it makes sense that a bunch of current fashion students are able to come together to present one of the most experimental and forward-thinking shows of this season.

And let’s talk about the RANGE. From catsuits worthy of comic book heroes to dresses Twiggy would’ve worn in a 1960s editorial, every subgenre of fashion has been fully delved into here. Whilst we’ve got the adrogyny of the suits and suspenders combo and kitschy gender-bending co-ords David Bowie would be proud of, at the other end of the scale we’ve also got models walking down the runway dressed like wood nymphs or some other kind of siren-like creatures. There’s looks that wouldn’t be out of place in a Gucci or Come Des Garcons collection but at that same time would be equally at home in a Berlin techno club.

Honestly, credit where credit’s due-it was a really interesting show and I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Chanel was quite literally the polar opposite of the CSM show.

Very blah.

It’s crazy because before you properly get INTO fashion, Chanel is like the epitome of style. And then you do, and you see the runway shows get lazier and lazier (with some exceptions) every year, and you realise that same prestige that had you aware of Chanel at the age of 7 or 8 is literally all that’s keeping the brand going at this point. I’m not saying the collection is flat out ugly, a lot of it’s cute, but you’re CHANEL for fuck’s sake. Yeah, I like the crucifixes but SCALLOPED HEMS!? No. I do NOT recall travelling back in time to witness Primark’s Spring 2013 collection on the runway and I am NOT having it.

It’s not at all surprising that a lot of the time newer brands Charlotte Knowles (above) tend to be more interesting than those more established-and yes that was a Chanel indirect if the transition wasn’t obvious.

With no room to rest on laurels or reputation, everything has to be bolder and smarter and more distinctive and most importantly, has to appeal to its target market with the fervour of an L.A sign spinner. I only found out about Charlotte Knowles because of a Vogue article citing her as Bella Hadid’s new favourite brand to wear, and once I saw the collection, it was clear why; daringly modern, slick, and edgy is both her street style (say what you want about her as a model but her outfit game is unbeaten) and Knowles’ USP to a T. If Dion Lee, Off-White, GCDS and Acne had an orgy, this would be the result, and that is a GOOD compliment.

Next, Chloe:

Not a huge amount to say, to be honest. Low-key, wearable, and cute. Like Emma Roberts’ Nancy Drew if she did an autumn exchange program at the Sorbonne and studied art history, libraries and coffee shops on the weekdays and galleries and protests at the weekend. On reflection, that definitely makes this collection sound more exciting than it is but there are some effortlessly beautiful pieces here. The 4th row in particular is full of stand outs-the vest with the watercolour faces on with the shirt underneath is perfection, and the burgundy suit with the saffron ruffled collar peeking out from underneath is adorable and not at all reminiscent of the Ronald McDonald inspired nightmare that any combination of red and yellow tones should theoretically be.

As for Christian Siriano, I see why people hate it, I really do. I understand that it seems kinda unfair to have it show the same week as Brock and Rodarte and Oscar de La Renta. We’re talking 2 very different kinds of quality here. BUT, at pure face value, his clothes are FUN, plus Coco Rocha will always have a special place in my heart as someone who lived on The Face and America’s Next Top Model and every show that could possibly give me an unhealthy body image ever.

Like are you telling me you wouldn’t wear these dresses to a party!? Live a little. They just need tailoring...which ideally would be done BEFORE the model’s walking down the runway in it but...you know...can’t have it all.

Christopher Kane is a show I always look forward to.

I would say his designs are the only thing that make geometry look fun but I’m going to expose myself and admit that would be a lie because I actually found geometry really fun. Trigonometry was my shit, lol.

He is a designer who perfectly demonstrates that juggling interseasonal consistency and taking risks can be done. There’s always something DIFFERENT about his collections, fresh and subtly experimental. There are occasionally a few misses, sure, but I’d rather that than for a brand to keep playing safe, plus he never goes too far in the opposite direction either; no going weird for the sake of weird. I don’t like it AS much as the summer collection but it’s mostly because of the more muted, autumn/winter appropriate colour palette.

Comme Des Garçons? Too weird?

Never.

Honestly when it comes to a CDG collection, I have to really shift my perspective to appreciate it. I’m not looking at fashion presentation, I’m looking at a moving piece of experimental art. I know, it’s a stretch. But you know you’ll never be bored by one of their shows. Not gonna lie, this specific collection crossed the line into plain ugly a couple of times for me. We had padding so extravagant it looked like several models were walking round with Ikea pillows stuck to their chest and headdresses reminiscent of the kids’ game Headbandz. In amongst that though, we did get some gorgeous veils like the ones seen above and the shoes and socks combo is actually quite wearable.

I’d say Dilara Findikoglu is the cut-off point after which things get a little too avant-garde for my personal taste, and it hovers over that cut-off point flawlessly; despite the other-worldly elements of her collections, they remain somewhat grounded by nods towards conventional fashion that allow the beauty, be it inner or outer, of the wearer to shine through. Comme Des Garcons garments undeniably have character but they tend to swallow up any trace of the individual underneath, whereas the character of Dilara Findikoglu garments seamlessly merges with the wearer and in turn elevates both to something transcendent and ethereal. If the Pussycat Dolls got transported into a rugged, post-apocalyptic future, they’d scrape together these outfits to perform in, I know it; the energy of the collection, with the body jewellery and the frayed cut outs and the chalk white faces, is very warrior princess, just as raw and intimidating as it is hot as fuck, and I want that energy in my life. Along with a Dilara belt, of course. I would wear her name like a badge of honour anytime she wants. Dilara, pls pls let me be part of your tribe. PLEASE.

Anyway, this is where I thought I’d cut things off, so as to end on a positive note. You know what that means: Dior is coming up. I feel bad knowing my first post was defending Maria Grazia and yet here I am now, looking at the bar down on the floor, but I mean, you never know; maybe girl is doing this on purpose and one day she’s gonna come out with a Gucci level quality show like a phoenix from the ashes.

If you got this far, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING even if you’re just here for the pics. Part 2 will be covering some of my most anticipated shows from Elie Saab, Fendi and Etro to Gucci and Moschino, Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs, and everything in between. Yes, the shitty ones too.

I’m plowing through all the material as quick as I can so I hope to get the next post up really soon, and yes-you can count on the overwhelming sense of needing to be productive pushing me into fulfilling that statement.

Thanks again and I hope you’re well!

Lauren x

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kakashiweek · 4 years

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Kakashi Week 2020 Rules/Guidelines

Event Period: September 13th-20th 2020 Please don’t post anything until the Event begins on the 13th! (In whatever timezone you call home.)

Late submissions will be reblogged until the end of September.

Our prompts are here!

No signup is necessary, and the event is open to everyone! You do not have to create for every prompt or every day - though you are welcome to do so! - choose as many as you have inspiration and time for.

No bashing of any other participants, or their chosen ships or characters!

Guidelines: Fanfiction, fanart, moodboards, edits, headcanons & not!fics, cosplays, physical crafts, any medium you choose is more than welcome here!

Create anything your Kakashi muse inspires you to from this event’s prompts, for any ship or no ship at all. All works must be new/previously unpublished and inspired by one (or more) of the prompts. Please include a cut for lengthy posts.

Any content is accepted, but do remember to tag all NSFW, kink, or trigger-worthy content, tuck it behind a cut, and include warnings where appropriate!

Anything with such content that does not have the warnings/cut will not be reblogged.

(Also remember that Tumblr has Strong Feelings on NSFW content these days, so artists, you may wish to host any NSFW content elsewhere (Pillowfort, Twitter, Dreamwidth, etc.) and link with or without a cropped version here on Tumblr.)

For linked-elsewhere fanfiction and other text-based works, please include the rating, summary, and any trigger or content warnings in the post along with the link.

Submitting works: We’re running on Tumblr - here @kakashiweek - and Twitter @KakashiWeek and there’s also a Pillowfort community here, a Dreamwidth community here, and an AO3 collection, Kakashi Week 2020, to submit works to if you so choose.

Please feel free to join/submit/play in whichever - and however many - of those places you prefer!

AO3: Please use the tag ‘Kakashi Week 2020′ on AO3, and submit works to the collection if you’re comfortable doing so! I will share any AO3-only works in a post myself from the Kakashi Week blog, unless the creator would rather I not.

Tumblr: Please make a Tumblr post and tag this blog in the body of the post somewhere (you may also wish to use the tag ‘KakashiWeek2020′, within the first five tags of your post), or submit a post to this Tumblr with your work/link to your work and all appropriate warnings and tags.

If we have not reblogged/posted your submission after a day or so, please message us!

Twitter: Please tag us @KakashiWeek and/or use the hashtag #KakashiWeek in your Tweet, as well as mentioning the day and prompt you are filling! If there is NSFW/sensitive/potentially triggering content, warn for it in the tweet with a link, or post the content in a reply tweet! Our guidelines on Twitter are here.

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~Kakashi Week Mod

#Kakashi Week 2020 #KakashiWeek2020 #rules #guidelines #FAQ #Kakashi Week

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theycallmebecca · 5 years

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Drabble: Strung Along

This is one of the drabbles that I wrote for @randomcevans. Normally, I wouldn’t repost them here, but with tumblr still holding that blog hostage, I’ve decided to.

This story was 100% inspired by Chris’s “christmas thong” tweet.

Title: Strung Along

Pairing: Chris Evans x reader

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: it’s a bit suggestive

Disclaimer: This work of fiction is not to be reposted, used or translated without my permission.

You came home from work to find a box on your front step, addressed not to you, but to Chris, your boyfriend. Curious, you picked it up and carried it into the small condo you owned that Chris usually crashed in while he was in town.

Setting the box down on your kitchen counter, you looked at the return address, seeing that it was from Southern California. Before you could study it much further, your phone dinged with an incoming text from Chris.

Chris: RDJ just sent me a text saying he sent something to your place for me. Is it there?

You: Yup, just arrived. You coming over?

Chris: On my way!

Chris arrived ten minutes later and let himself in with his key. You could hear him greet your pets, a cat and a dog, before he called out in search for you. He entered the kitchen, a moment later, and gave you a hello kiss before turning his attention to the box.

Handing him a pair of scissors to cut the tape with, you watched as he opened the package, revealing a card sitting on top of a bunch of tissue paper.

Taking the card out, he pulled it out of the envelope and then read aloud:

Hey Cap,

We saw your tweet about your Christmas thong and well, we wanted to make sure you had a variety to choose from.

Wishing you, and your much better half, a Merry Christmas,

The Avengers

By the time he finished reading, you had your hand over your mouth trying to contain your laughter while Chris was both visually amused and wearisome of the depth of the box and the amount of tissue paper.

"Should I open it now?" he asked, looking up at you.

"There's no time like the present," you replied then snickered at your own unintentional pun.

Taking a deep breath, Chris reached into the box and dug through the tissue paper before he found something. Pulling it out, the two of you both snorted with laughter as the upside down Santa hat with thin strings to hold it in place.

A long faced reindeer thong, complete with a set of antlers, with bells on them, and a red nose, came out next, but it was the third one, an extra long upside down candy cane with the 'hook' facing out, that made tears form in your eyes from laughing.

Chris could barely contain a straight face himself as he removed tissue paper from the box to find more goodies. There was a conservative (compared to the others) thong of crushed red and green velvet stripes as well as a pair of simple red ones with a sprig of fake mistletoe attached to the front.

The last item in the box was a mankini that had a snowman's face in the front with an erect carrot nose.

"I have the best worst friends in the world," Chris said as he laughed.

"Well you certainly do have a variety of Christmas thongs to choose from now," you pointed out. "Mission accomplished." Picking up the upside down Santa hat, you held it out in front of him and closed one eye, trying to picture him wearing it. "I think it will look great on you. Sexy even."

"These are just a joke like the original tweet was," Chris reminded you as he made to put the others back in the box.

"I will, if you will," you offered, stopping him in his tracks. "You try them on and then we'll get me some sexy ones or funny ones like these and I'll try 'em on, too."

"Or we could just get this done now and you could be naked while we do it," Chris suggested with a wicked gleam in his eye. "Then we can throw these things away."

"I was thinking we could make them into a festive garland," you teased as you collected the thongs in question. "Now, I believe it's time for a fashion show."

Two hours later, you laid curled up against Chris's side, happily comatose. The thongs had looked amazing on him, albeit hilarious in some cases, but they had led to an frenzied round of love making that had rendered you unable to move.

At some point, you couldn't recall how or even when, the two of you had strung the other thongs along the straps of the mankini. Then you had looped the straps around the posts at the head of your four poster bed to create the garland you'd suggested earlier.

#theycallmebecca #theycallmebeccawrites #beccaheartschrisevans #becca writes drabbles #chris evans #chris evans fanfic #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans x reader #chris evans x you #chris evans x y/n #reader insert

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kae-karo · 5 years

Text

knlalla’s fics of 2018

hello dears! now that the year’s coming to a close, i wanted to round up a quick post of all my fics from this year, please enjoy! i’ve highlighted my personal faves/the ones i’m most proud of :’) it’s been a wild year, so thanks so much to everyone for all your kind support!

one-shots

<2k

Phancakes (x) 1k (g) - the bois being domestic on pancake day (look okay we don’t have pancake day in america i have to live vicariously through dnp), insp by this tweet and the iconic vid no tw! just domestic fluff

did you make me a video for valentine’s day? (x) 1k (g) - Dan has a tradition, every year on Valentine's day he asks Phil the same question... no tw, minor angst

my talents include... (x) 1k (g) - Dan's whiny because Phil won't pay him any attention, so he sends out a passive-aggressive tweet. shoutout to @daliensgrandads on tumblr for bugging me to write this (instead of my current wip whoops) no tw, unless whiny!dan counts

Days like this (Security) (x) 800 (g) - Some days just aren’t good ones. tw depression

Balance (x) 1k (t) - Phil wants to post the bunk bed insta story, but Dan just wants to sleep. no tw

i missed you (x) 1k (g) - basically their history as told by dan no tw

the way you look tonight (x) 1k (g) - dan has a vid to edit. phil has other ideas. you have to listen to the way you look tonight by frank sinatra (youtube, spotify) whilst listening to this okay no tw

Chan (x) 1k (g) - insp by the anon that sent "demon hc: phil just chuckling fondly at dan thirsting over chan, while chan searches the bus and they’re both stood outside in pyjamas on the canadian border. idk, it’s just the kinda fond, secure bde that phil exudes these days" no tw

morning coffee (x) 1k (t) - inspired by the lovely anon who sent me "I dreamed Dan posted an insta story of Phil drinking coffee in bed and he was laying on his shoulder and I kept trying to show people how cute it was but no one cared, and when I woke up I remembered that you would care, and I realized it was a dream and now I’m a tad disappointed in my subconscious for trolling me." no tw

doing nothing often leads to the very best of something (x) 2k (g) - based on this (x) and a lil imagine i wrote (x) and expanded on so thanks to the lovely anon who originally sent "that pic phil posted of dan for his bday i think where dan is making a funny face and theres a nearly empty wine bottle in the background hhhhh that makes my demon heart drop" and to the lovely anon who asked for more! no tw

The House at Pooh Corner (x) 1k (g) - insp by the anon that sent "Full demon mode: Im just finishing up the Undertale series for the first time and all I can think about as Dan and Phil talk back in forth in their different character voices is how #blessed any future child of theirs is. Just imagine them snuggled up with a kid on each of their laps, reading Winnie the Pooh and doing voices for all the characters. RIP my heart." and the anon that sent "I've been having a really bad day. And something that I find really cute is imagining what Dan and Phil would be like as parents. (noting that you don't have to have kids ever to be a fulfilled human, just that people being good parents warms my heart). Hypothetically, what do you think it'd be like? I bet Dan would surprise himself by being a good dad. b/c he'd want his kid to feel free to be themselves and we all know he can be very protective when he needs to be." no tw, parent!phan

waffles (x) 2k (g) - phil goes to the 24hr diner with the hopes of seeing his favorite waiter (insp by me seeing a cute waitress at a diner. unfortunately none of the rest actually happened to me lmao) no tw, meet cute

it’s not living if it’s not with you (x) 800 (g) - dan and phil in bed at phil's parents' home, briefly reminiscing no tw

>2k

if we stopped shipping phan (x) 8k (g) - what would happen if the entire phandom just...stopped shipping phan? insp by this post about not shipping phan for a month cause they'd freak out. Happy Valentine's day, @phantasizeit! no tw, friends to lovers

sleepover in the moon room (x) 6k (g) - It's a tradition they've had for years (Note: this was written with the intent that it can be read completely platonically or non-platonically, whichever you prefer. It's not written to imply one way or another.) a platonic fic sorta lmao

printer error (x) 16k (m) - Dan's a fanfic writer who's desperate to meet the AmazingPhil, but one printing mishap could bring him closer to his idol than he ever anticipated. no tw, strangers to lovers with a bit of fic commentary

everyone knows that (x) 5.5k (g) - They fight more often than they don’t, but that’s just how relationships are. Everyone knows that. Phil bakes when he’s worried, especially when he's worried about Dan. And Phil bakes quite a lot. Dan hates that he's the cause of Phil's nervous baking, that Phil's always so stressed because of him, but Dan has a hard time feeling too bad when the outcome is a plate of warm cookies. no tw just some angst

The Seven Deadly Insta Stories (x) 7k (e) - A collection of seven short fics based on the seven deadly sins, as told in the form of insta stories dnp didn’t post. as a prompt from @phanfichallenge to post a fic every day this week, have my tour fic twist on the seven deadly sins!! no tw, tour fic(s)

i’d do anything to not be alone (x) 16k (t) - I don’t know why I bother waking up. It’s one of those nonessential activities, like eating or drinking or breathing. But I do it, because if I don’t, then nobody would water the plants. Phil left and Dan doesn't know why. But he has to take care of the plants, because Phil would be so disappointed if he came back and his plants had died. no tw, just lots of sadness n a bit of angst but it does, as always, end happily i promise

dark purple sky (darkness comes out to play) (x) 4k (e) - It’s not that he hates parties, it’s just that- well, no, he hates parties. And costumes. And showing up to parties in costumes, and showing up to parties decidedly not wearing costumes, and all the mumbled judgements that come along with doing so. And he hates sweets - really, the only things he does like about Halloween are the autumnal vibes and the cool weather, and experiencing those certainly did not require his friends dragging him out to some abandoned castle grounds for a half-assed late-night party. Or the one where Dan gets a blowjob from a complete stranger in the middle of the forest on Halloween. no tw really, strangers to lovers?, mostly just pwp

Properly (x) 10k (e) - Dan's been trying to take advantage of the all-hours pool for a late night swim, but some guy always shows up before him. no tw just pwp and some strangers to lovers

chaptered

Demons and Diners (x) 65k (m) - A broke Dan, on the run from his previous life, finds temporary shelter in an abandoned diner...for the night? tw depression, some blood mentions, but happy ending as always!

What day is it? (x) 32k (t) - It's the first day of the semester, and it's already gone to shit: Dan's late to his first class, finds out his mortal enemy, Phil Lester, is the TA, and gets rejected by the girl of his dreams, but at least tomorrow's a new day...right? Aka the one where Dan and Phil are stuck reliving the same day over and over and can't figure out why. no tw except some major angst, uni au, enemies to lovers

Axiom (x) 31k (t) - Axiom: a proposition that is not actually proved or demonstrated, but is considered to be self-evident and universally accepted. Dan's out for the umpteenth time at the bar for its weekly speed-dating night (not that they'd actually call it that). tw depression and a really cliche plot twist whoops but a happy ending, always

one second (x) 41k (e) - When you spend your life getting glimpses of a myriad of possible futures every time you get a little emotional, you tend to lose sight of reality, of the present; a bad day turns into a bad week because all you see are the worst-case futures. You get a little excited about something, things start to go your way, but then all you can see are the realities where things are even better. Life tends not to measure up. Or the one where Dan meets Phil on a plane, and maybe reality starts to become better than even Dan could predict. no tw really, strangers to lovers

slow-closing doors (x) 44k (t) - SECRETS, DRAMA, BETRAYAL (okay no betrayal dw). Phil's agreed to be an RA for his floor this year at uni, and he's determined to be the best RA ever - after all, this is these students' first year, he wants them to have the best year ever. Loosely inspired by Freeze Tag by Caroline B Cooney. tw minor violence nothing graphic just a lil scary, uni au strangers to lovers

Peter Phan (x) 37k (m) - Phil's woken in the middle of the night by a mysterious guy at his window who's intent on dragging him off on an adventure, and for some inexplicable reason, he agrees. Dan's stuck - quite literally - in his own head, and he's desperate for anyone to help him escape. Maybe, if he's lucky, that person could be Phil. He hopes it is. tw depression and suicide attempt, implied/referenced non-con, lots of angst, but definitely a happy ending, strangers to lovers

angel boy (x) 22k+ (e) - for the anon that sent "Oh fuck, now I need a smutty fanfic with twink!Dan taking it from behind with his angel wing tattoo (or real ones for that matter... actually, yes please, real ones. And Phil has a kink for being a bit rough with them... maybe Phil's a demon... fuuuck, someone write this for me?)" Aka the one where angel!Dan goes into a demon club looking for a bit of entertainment. no tw, my attempt at pwp turned into porn with a plot lmao

Sea Glass (x) 58k (t) - Phil arrives on the Isle of Man to house-sit at his family's cabin while it's repaired and sold. Except the cabin's in far worse shape than expected, and Phil's got to find somewhere else to stay no tw really but like i updated this a few times this year so i’m counting it

Exile (x) 172k (e) - Exile's a fucking bitch. Dan finds himself kicked out of town and searching for literally anywhere out of the rain - somehow, he must have just enough luck, as he stumbles upon a seemingly abandoned house in the middle of the forest. Except it isn't abandoned, and the resident isn't exactly...normal...

#phanfic

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sherlockedfanshani · 6 years

Text

Johnlock: Two years on

I posted the following on a Sherlock fan forum in August 2016. I’ve just found it again and revisited it. It thought it might be interesting to reflect on how things have panned out in the Sherlock fandom:

OK if you can bear with me, this is a long one! I wanted to set down some thoughts on this whole situation, which - frankly - I think has become a bit of a mess. Whether it can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction at this stage I think is unlikely, but who knows?! As far as I can see it, there are two entrenched sides now: TJLC shippers on one, TPTB on the other, and other fans - both non-Johnlockers and Johnlockers who don’t want or don’t expect their ship to become canon - caught somewhere in the middle. This is just my personal interpretation. I realise others will see things very differently so please accept that my intention is only to try and set things out in a non-inflammatory way. I will set my cards on the table from the start. I don’t think it is or has ever been Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss’ intention for Sherlock and John to enter into a romantic or a sexual relationship in their version of this story. I take at face value what they have said about addressing the fact that, in the 21st century, two close male friends living together would make some people question whether their relationship was more than platonic. And that, combined with the fact that both Moffat & Gatiss’ careers began in comedy and sitcoms, the way they have explored this in ��Sherlock’ has mostly been through humour. That humour, incidentally, is never at the expense of gay people or gay relationships. If anything it’s a gentle mockery of any characters (Mrs Hudson, Angelo, the innkeepers in THOB) who make erroneous assumptions. In fact, humour is derived from the notion that homosexuality is so unremarkable these days. Therefore characters automatically jump to the conclusion that what Sherlock and John are gay, simply because such a close male friendship is more unusual! Do I think the “gay jokes” are always successful? Not entirely. Even Gatiss is on record as having said maybe they overdid them. However, I don’t think for a moment that they ever expected any section of their audience to interpret these occasional moments in each episode as hints or subtext that Sherlock and John would actually get together as a couple. So what happened way back in 2010? The show airs and becomes a bigger hit than Moffat & Gatiss could ever have imagined. At some stage it becomes clear to them that the show is attracting a very devoted collection of predominantly young and predominantly female fans. And via social media interaction, the creators become aware that for this fanbase, the largest part of the appeal of the show is the relationship between John and Sherlock. I’ve no idea if they’d heard of slash fiction and shipping before it became such a phenomenon in the Sherlock fandom, but presumably they became aware pretty rapidly. In the early days, the cast and crew responded in different ways whenever the fourth wall was broken and they were confronted with the Johnlock-related stories, photo manips and artwork that the fandom was producing. Initially they seemed amused and even played along. However, their responses to some of the more explicit, NSFW stuff that was shoved in their faces - either by fans or by journalists such as Caitlin Moran or Graham Norton - was less genial, and you got the definite sense that they weren’t entirely comfortable. The image of these fans that was being presented then was that they were hysterical, teenage, heterosexual girls: unable or unwilling to have physical, real-world relationships of their own, and fantasising about two men getting together for their titillation in much the same cliched way that straight men fantasise over lesbians. (Note: I’m not saying this was the reality - just the perception which was promoted all the time and which presumably TPTB also inherited.) So their responses began to shift. The creators have always said that fans are absolutely at liberty to write or create whatever they like. To my knowledge they have stood by that. No legal action of any kind has ever been threatened against any of the Sherlock fanbase for anything they have written, drawn or photoshopped. They have even expressed admiration for some of the artwork. However, they definitely took a step back and cooled on this stuff. Over time, both Gatiss and Moffat’s attitude towards and relationship with online fanbases has definitely suffered. They are fans themselves as they frequently remind us. Massive fans. And although there was no ‘Sherlock’ when they were younger and growing up, there was of course the other big TV show that has shaped their careers: ‘Doctor Who’. Remember, they are from a different generation. When they were kids, teenagers, even young men, the fan experience was totally different and almost entirely passive. You couldn’t post your opinions on a massive global forum, there was practically no way to contact other fans outside your immediate geographic locality, and there was no way of contacting the people who made the series, or at least certainly no way of guaranteeing they could see what you wrote or elicit a reply from them. Maybe this means that they haven’t adapted to the way modern fandom works. Maybe it means that as middle-aged men, they expect their fanbases to be more respectful and more passive, and ultimately to accept what they are given or, alternatively, exercise the only other option: stop watching and walk away. So what do they experience in this brave new world? Steven Moffat takes over the show-running job on ‘Doctor Who’, and has a colossal amount of vitriol flung at him by its fanbase. So much so that he decides to quit twitter altogether. He’s also routinely accused of misogyny, to the point where he is forced to give interviews rebutting the notion. I’m not going to get into whether or not the claims have any validity, I’m just trying to make the case for why he he may appear prickly or thin-skinned when it comes to criticism in general. Fan interaction also complicates matters just because the vocabulary that fans use is different. Young fans tweet “u lil shit” to Mark Gatiss in the way they would to their friends, and this is unsurprisingly not interpreted in the way it is intended. Offence is caused, people are blocked, and more barriers are erected between TPTB and the people who love and are inspired by their work. At some point, attitudes within fandom began to shift. Rather than just shipping two characters whose relationship nobody ever believed would become canon, many of the online/tumblr fanbase began to believe that Johnlock could and should do so. The notion took hold that if Gatiss were solely in charge of the show, this would indeed happen, and it was only Moffat - the nasty heterosexual - who was getting in the way. Gatiss was tweeted countless times to this effect. Only recently, someone on tumblr discovered an old League of Gentlemen sketch where Gatiss plays a gay character whose relationship (and its subsequent break-up) is fetishised and patronised by an overbearing straight woman called Tish. Whilst this sketch is problematic and can certainly be viewed as being misogynistic on some level, I don’t think it’s stretching credulity to speculate that ‘Tish’ is probably based on a real-life person and that Gatiss was indulging in some therapy by yelling at her on stage night after night. Did Gatiss connect this person with the Johnlock shippers? Did it seem to him that he was now having his professional career diminished by a bunch of pubescent teenage girls with a crush on Benedict Cumberbatch who counted him amongst their number “shipping Johnlock”? It also presumptuously placed him in the position of junior partner to his straight colleague Moffat, banning him from writing what he really wants. Another patronising assumption. This is total speculation, but I wonder if John’s vehement “I am NOT GAY!” to Mrs Hudson in the Gatiss-penned “The Empty Hearse” was provoked by all the online speculation directed at Gatiss via his twitter feed. Was this intended as the ultimate response - to shut down the Johnlock debate once and for all? Ironically, of course, it had the opposite effect. It was interpreted that Mrs Hudson was the ultimate Johnlock shipper, and she of course could see the fact staring in her face that John and Sherlock were simply made for each other! Then we come to Mumbai in 2014. And Gatiss - in a departure from the creators’ habitually evasive and jokey means of answering questions about forthcoming plot points - embarks on a lengthy and heartfelt explanation/justification when he is questioned about Johnlock. I’ve watched this video more than once and I can’t interpret his speech as anything other than sincere. And this is also why I think Gatiss and Moffat’s reactions to whenever Johnlock is raised are becoming more irritable, more frustrated and with none of the playfulness they exhibit everywhere else. Gatiss must be aware of the accusations of “queerbaiting”. They have appeared on his twitter feed, apart from anything else. And just as Moffat feels hypersensitive to accusations of misogyny, Gatiss must surely feel the same way about being accused of effectively betraying his community and having internalised homophobia. He tries to set the record state but what happens? He still isn’t believed. Of course, a big part of this is a problem entirely of Moffat and Gatiss’ making. When you spend the bulk of interviews smugly declaring that you lie to protect future plot points, you can’t then be surprised when your fans don’t then believe you about other things: no matter how impassioned or frustrated you might sound. They really have made a rod for their own backs. The With An Accent journalist detected a difference in tone and attitude to the Johnlock denials compared to other obfuscations about plot, but if you’re not in the room, AND it’s not something you want to hear, why would you believe them? Johnlockers have varying degrees of expectation of their ship becoming canon, ranging from those who want it to remain strictly in their own heads and never be actualised on the show, via those who think it would be nice but is unlikely, through to those who desperately want it to be but remain unsure. And then we have TJLC. TJLC is a conspiracy in the truest sense of the word. Every piece of data is viewed through the prism of an utter conviction that not only should Johnlock happen, it will. Costume choices, set designs, drinks, lighting, everything is presented as evidence of confirmation of Johnlock, and some of it in the most convoluted way, with no acknowledgment that there could be any other possible interpretation for what appears on screen. A coincidentally commissioned survey into LGB representation is cited as conclusive proof, as well as a quote from Gatiss from an interview years ago that the way to introduce more LGBT representation is “softly, softly”, so as not to frighten the horses, so that everyone just sees it as mundane, everyday and normal. Ironically, if the conspiracy is true, and Johnlock is ultimately going to be the ‘big reveal’, that would be precisely the opposite approach to what Gatiss describes. It would make gay representation into a sensational shock twist, just like Mary’s reveal as the assassin or Jim from IT being Moriarty. That’s not treating LGBT issues with the respect they deserve in my eyes, and maybe that’s what Moffat is getting at when he describes that approach as ‘trivialising’. The TJLCers express the certainty that such a shock reveal would shake the foundations of society to its core, and it would be such a landmark, water cooler moment, that TV and gay representation, and indeed society itself, would never be the same again. Even if I remotely believed Johnlock were on the cards, I actually think the reverse would happen. The show would be universally derided as having ‘jumped the shark’. Not because its viewers are homophobic or resistant to the idea of gay couples, just because it would genuinely come out of nowhere for them. It would be perceived as pandering to a tiny minority of its fanbase - that is for those few of the general audience who are even aware that this is what some of the fans expect from the show. And for the vast majority of the audience it would come completely out of the blue and be utterly confusing. After all, in their eyes, at no point in the show, have John or Sherlock ever exhibited any kind of sexual attraction to another man. And this is another problem, and I’m sad to say, feeds into the sense of entitlement which some fans do exhibit. ‘Sherlock’ is a massive, mainstream, worldwide hit show. It is very easy to forget that in the little bubble of tumblr where you’re speaking to a self-selected group of people who all feel the same way and all agree with you. But the online fanbase is a tiny minority of the people who watch the show. Threats to ‘desert it’ and expect that to hold any weight with the creators really are meaningless. It’s not a niche, cult show where a fan can expect to stamp her feet and automatically get her wish. To put it bluntly, when your worldwide viewership is in the hundreds of millions, if a few thousand storm off because their ship is not actualised, it really makes no difference. What really makes me sad is that I can’t see any way that this is not going to end horribly for some people. I don’t think Gatiss and Moffat realise that - whatever it may have been to begin with - the fanbase now, or at least the ultra-ardent TJLC part of the fanbase, contains a number of young people who identify as LGBTQIA. For these young people - again predominantly women but also with a number of trans, non-binary and gender queer members - they feel their sexuality, their gender and indeed their whole identity has been helped and in some cases shaped by ‘Sherlock’: specifically by their conviction that Johnlock will be realised in the show. Watching the youtube video TJLCExplained Episode 25 “Why it matters” gives a glimpse into the passion and the desperate certainty these people have. It grieves me to see these bright, passionate, articulate and intelligent young people ploughing their energies into this conspiracy. They’re politically aware: educated in and fired up by gender politics and sexual awareness. So why waste all that energy and passion on two white, middle-class, middle-aged fictional men who - if the conspiracy is correct - are so far into the closet they have been unable to express their true feelings emotionally or sexually for many years to the one person they have shared a home with in all that time? I wish Gatiss and Moffat could see these inspired yet vulnerable people. I wonder what they would think. Would they be gratified that their show has had such a profound and positive effect on their fans? Or would they be sad or bewildered that these young people’s convictions have foundations built on sand? I’m not sure how or when it will end. Of the TJLCers who were fully signed up theorists before last week’s interview dropped, I have observed a couple of reactions. A few of them seem to have now been convinced that it isn’t going to happen and have already expressed disappointment and anger that they were duped or queerbaited. Presumably if they do feel so betrayed, this marks the end of their relationship with the show. However, most of the fan responses I have seen on tumblr have assimilated the new data as ‘yet more lies’ and rejected it, along with anything else that does not fit the conspiracy, whilst at the same time reserving some anger at the way Moffat and Gatiss spoke in order to protect their great ‘lie’. So what happens in five months’ time when Series 4 airs and - as I fully expect - Johnlock doesn’t happen? Will there be an explosion of rage and bitterness which will make last week’s little flare-up look minor in comparison? Or will the conspiracy continue on the basis that Series 5 is the ultimate destination? Or the special after that? Or the one after that? Until sufficient time elapses and everyone moves on? Only time will tell. It just makes me sad that fandom - which should be a positive, happy place - and which, when everything works, means friendships are made and creativity flourishes - can and has become such a toxic environment for both fans and creators. I’m sorry this has been so long and I apologise if I have offended anyone with either what I said or the way I said it. I guess I wanted to lay out my position - to clarify it in my own mind if nothing else!

#tjlc #sherlock #Mofftiss #steven moffat #mark gatiss #tjlc explained #queerbaiting #johnlock

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destielfanfic · 6 years

Text

Unofficial Rec Bulletin #171

More info about the bulletin here. We are not currently accepting submitted recs. Link to previous bulletins.

Contents:

Fic Recs:

Heaven is a Kiss and a Smile

House & Home

In Your Sweet Little Bungalow

What Happened in Vegas

Other Recs/Promos:

DeanCas Big Bang 2017 (DCBB)

DeanCas Secret Santa Exchange

DeanCas Tropefest 2017

PSA: Save Your Favs

The SPN Holiday Mixtape

Fic Recs:

Heaven is a Kiss and a Smile by WinJennster [NC-17, 38,000 word count]

(au, fluff, pining!dean, 2014!cas, stripper!cas, smart!dean, roommates, abusive family, charlie, drugs, meddling!sam, mary, !samjess, bottom!dean, challenge fic) recced by kyrie101

Dean’s life is well ordered. He’s successful and happy - at least, that’s what he keeps telling himself.When his little brother slash roommate moves out to live with his fiancé, Dean’s faced with living alone. Sam recommends his TA, Cas Novak, for Dean’s new roommate. Dean happily accepts, relieved that he doesn’t have to go through the trouble of finding a new roommate himself. Only Cas moves in with a stripper pole. Because apparently, his hotter than hell new roommate is a professional stripper. Who managed to see Dean in purple panties his first night in the house.Cas is probably going to shake up Dean’s entire world - and Dean just might let him.

House & Home by G33kDiva and palominopup [NC-17, 127,000 word count]

(au, fluff, angst, slow building romance, rom com, sex then love, enemies to lovers, snarky!cas, celebrity, bottom!dean, bottom!cas, meddling!sam, jealous!cas, ask about reality TV) recced by kyrie101

Sam Winchester was in trouble. His job with a popular home improvement network was in jeopardy unless he could come up with a new show that would boost ratings. He needed new talent that would invite more viewers. Enter his brother, Dean, a lewd, loud carpenter, who looked like an underwear model and Castiel Novak, a hot-headed interior decorator that catered to the rich . The two men were to take a rundown home and turn it into a showplace. At the end of each season, the house would be given away in a big contest. But, they had to finish it first, without killing each other in the process. The first day on set sparks flew, but not the good kind. The two men hated each other. Sam just knew they’d have to pull the show after its pilot episode aired and he’d be back to making commercials about genital herpes. But the viewers loved it. The emails and tweets about the two men required the network to hire more people just to keep up with them. The snarky comments, the glaring looks and the sexual tension shot the show to the Number One position. Then one night after filming, the months of tension exploded into hot, angry sex. Something changed between the two men and the viewers couldn’t stop tweeting about it.

In Your Sweet Little Bungalow by annodominique [NC-17, 13,700 word count]

(su, fluff, reunion, fallen!cas, !casother, bottom!cas, pining!cas, domestic, jealous!dean, pining!dean, happy canon, ask about life after Sam died) recced by flyingcatstiel

All things considered, Castiel has a house. All things considered, Castiel has life. Without Dean. It has been seven years since Sam died, seven years since Dean left Castiel, broken and human, and disconnected from humanity. Cas had to cope on his own somewhere along the way. He chose a little town of Oregon to settle in. Seven years, and Dean shows up at his door on a chilly February night, saying the stupidest set of words to ever be said to Castiel's face. "I was--just passing by the neighborhood. Thought I'd drop by...to see you." And Cas doesn't know what to do.

What Happened in Vegas by Ltleflrt [NC-17, 18,400 word count]

(au, fluff, road trip, teacher!dean, artist!cas, secret affair, bottom!dean, bottom!cas, !sameillen, feelings recovery, challenge fic) recced by flyingcatstiel

Long time friends Dean and Castiel are road tripping from Chicago to San Diego for Sam and Eileen’s wedding, and a pitstop in Las Vegas turns into drunken love confessions and a surprise marriage. Turns out the pining has been mutual this whole time, but now they’re finally together and on cloud-fucking-nine. Until they remember that this trip isn’t supposed to be about them. To avoid undermining Sam and Eileen’s important weekend, they decide to keep their new relationship status a secret. They’ll keep the heart eyes toned down and their hands to themselves, but the struggle is real.

Other Recs/Promos:

DeanCas Big Bang 2017

The Dean Cas Big Bang for 2017 is now over! This was the first year the challenge was run on tumblr. Be sure to send your love to the mods who did an amazing job at promoting fics on tumblr and twitter this year. The master list will be out soon, and until then be sure to check out all the fics on the Official DCBB 2017 AO3 Collection.

DeanCas Secret Santa Exchange

Yes, the Dean/Cas Secret Santa Exchange will be happening this year! Assignments are due January 4th and posting will be happening in January. Find more details at LiveJournal here and at their collection on AO3.

DeanCas Tropefest 2017

The Dean/Cas Tropefest is a big-bang style challenge for experienced fic writers & artists that features all your favorite tropes. The challenge is now over, so check out all the amazing works on their Master List and the collection on AO3!

PSA: Save Your Favs

We have been saying this a lot recently. Many authors have been either moving on or switching fandoms and in some cases they are deleting past works. This is a reminder to all, that if you want ePubs and PDFs save them while you can.

The SPN Holiday Mixtape

This advent-inspired seasonal challenge brings us stories with a holiday musical theme. Fics are posting NOW!! Check out their tumblr and AO3 collection.

#destiel #unofficial rec bulletin

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jonathantaylorthomas · 6 years

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Diary entries, as a rule, don’t constitute art. Songs do.

That’s what drew me in to Taylor Swift and her music upon the release of her 2006 debut album, “Taylor Swift,” and that’s what has kept me closely tracking the remarkable arc of her career since then, up to and including today’s release of her sixth album, “Reputation.”

From the beginning, Swift — then a precocious, uncommonly smart, gifted and ambitious teenager — has written deeply personal songs that often sound like they’re ripped directly from the pages of a diary.

That hallmark of her songwriting has nurtured an especially close bond between Swift and her fans, along with her savvy use of social media from the outset. It’s also given her detractors no shortage of ammunition with which to attack her for everything from a new hairdo to her choices of dates to the logistics of selling tickets to her concerts.

The double-edged sword of success — and the fame and fortune that have accompanied it to stratospheric levels for her — inform many of the songs on “Reputation,” possibly the most anticipated album of the always-intensive fall season.

As one of a small handful of music writers offered an early listen to the new collection, I’ll venture to call it her most focused, most cohesive album yet.

In large part that reflects her dramatic narrowing of collaborators compared with her previous two outings: Nine of the 15 new songs written and produced for the most part by Swift with superstar producers Max Martin and Shellback, the other six in tandem with indie rock band Fun front man Jack Antonoff.

They conjure a sense of foreboding to illuminate her songs of betrayal, heartbreak and disappointment. There also are plenty of bright spots celebrating new love and new maturity in her outlook, most framed in dance-floor-conscious beats and employing inventive sonic textures that expand on or outright defy conventions of contemporary pop-R&B music production.

I’d also say that in many ways “Reputation” echoes one of Bob Dylan’s greatest lines of the last two decades: “I used to care…but things have changed.”

'Reputation' echoes one of Bob Dylan’s greatest lines of the last two decades: 'I used to care…but things have changed.' — -- Randy Lewis I say that based on many hours I’ve spent with her since first traveling to Nashville to interview her early in 2007, not long after her debut album put her on the map in country music circles.

Case in point: “Reputation” is the first album for which she’s given no interviews in advance. (I had sat down with her for extended talks about each of her previous four albums, “1989,” “Red,” “Speak Now” and “Fearless.”)

Additionally, only a small handful of music critics were invited to hear this album in advance (The Times’ pop music critic Mikael Wood was not).

She did once again hold several playback sessions for fans in recent months, as she did when “1989” was being readied for release three years ago. But no reporters were allowed to look in on those as a few did for “1989.”

Things have changed, indeed.

What struck me initially about Swift’s music was the refreshing viewpoint she brought to her songs, which sounded, for a change, like what real teenagers might think, feel and say.

That was a big part of what prompted me to single her out at the end of 2006 as one of the artists most worth watching in the year ahead, and to travel to Nashville a few months later to interview her about her ambitions.

So many other young pop and country acts spent most of their time attempting to pass themselves off as preternaturally mature, often singing of experiences well beyond their years.

That initially sparked my respect for her as a young artist—not just a pretty face and perky personality who’d been handed a batch of songs written by others and instructed by her handlers on what to say, how to dress and where to stand.

Clearly that resonated with a lot of listeners as well, and launched her on a meteoric rise: first in country music, and then to her place today as arguably the biggest pop star on the planet.

Along the way she has held tight to the innate understanding of social media platforms she expressed to me in 2008, shortly before her sophomore album, “Fearless,” was released.

“Blogging has been really fun because I like to let people into my life as much as possible,” she said back when MySpace was still the dominant social media outlet for most musicians, well before Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and, her new favorite outlet, Tumblr, took over. "I think it's important for the people who keep you going and support you and have your back out there in the world to know that you're thinking of them all the time.”

She quickly learned, however, that it’s not a big leap from having someone’s back to stabbing it, a harsh reality Swift has faced through intensely public Twitter feuds in recent years with Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, among others.

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms magnify vulnerability and hypersensitivity with snarky comments and images, making adolescence and young adulthood seem more perilous than ever.

She acknowledged the vipers in the room directly on her third album, “Speak Now,” with “Mean,” a song in which she transformed one blogger’s nasty comments about her into a hit song. That’s one tool with which she’s avoided the “Don’t get mad; get even” path of revenge, instead drawing illumination and creative inspiration out of the many barbs tossed her way.

Yet the more famous she’s become, and the more followers she’s cultivated, the more the world at large apparently feels entitled to pass judgment not only on her art but on her life, topics she takes on in several of the new songs on “Reputation.”

That’s a fact of contemporary life Swift recognizes in “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.” In fact, it may well become an anthem for the Twitter generation, for whom every fleeting thought seems worthy of sharing with the world at large: “Did you think I wouldn’t hear all the things you said about me? And here’s to you… ‘cause forgiveness is a nice thing to do/ (laughter) I can’t even say it with straight face!”

I’ll go as far as to suggest that the whole “Reputation” theme of the album isn’t solely about Taylor Swift and her place in the world, but examines the extent to which most of us now live out our lives in public thanks to the omnipresence of social media, and the multiplicity of ways that plays out.

Indeed, in each of two elaborate 72-page magazines she has created for an exclusive deluxe edition of the album (available in the U.S. at Target stores), she includes an open letter noting, “This is the first generation that will be able to look back on their entire life story documented in pictures on the internet, and together we will all discover the after-effects of that.”

Another facet of Swift’s career that’s impressed me is the way she has respected her place as a role model for young women in general, and other female musicians in particular.

Among the many ways that’s manifested are her personal donation of $500,000 to disaster relief efforts when Nashville, and much of Tennessee, was flooded in 2010 — before she reached her 21st birthday. She ponied up an additional $1 million last year for flood victims in Louisiana after launching her “1989” tour there.

She wielded her industry clout to politely but firmly chastise Apple for initially placing some of the financial burden of a free trial period for its new streaming service in 2015 on songwriters with a plan that would have withheld their royalty payments — an idea the tech giant abandoned in response to her open letter.

Even when she briefly succumbed to the temptation to respond to a perceived diss from Nicki Minaj over yet another VMA Awards show in 2015, Swift quickly apologized and held out an olive branch rather than continuing to ratchet up a war of tweets.

As recently as August, she turned the tables on a lawsuit filed against her by a Denver radio host who claimed he was unfairly dismissed from his job after she complained that he had groped her during a post-concert meet-and-greet. She filed a countersuit in which she asked for, and won, a token $1 jury award after she took to the witness stand to speak out not only in her own defense, but on behalf of other sexual harassment victims.

Yet bloggers galore still seem determined to take her down for any number of issues, lately many of them revolving around the way she has set the stage for today’s release of “Reputation.”

A plan to create an incentive that would give priority for buying concert tickets to fans who most enthusiastically click away to watch her latest videos or place advance orders for the album was blasted as exploitative.

She’s also come under fire for not being vocal enough about alt-right demonstrators who have attempted to co-opt her music into endorsements of their positions, reminiscent of Charles Manson’s bizarre misinterpretation nearly 50 years ago of the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter,” which he insisted was a coded message to him to start a race war.

Then there was the much publicized dissing of her last year from Kanye West in his song “Famous” in which he rapped that she owed him sex because he made her famous by snatching the spotlight from her at the infamous MTV Video Music Awards in 2009 — despite the fact she had scored multiple hit singles and sold millions of albums well before that incident.

She kept a relatively low profile last year when West and his wife, Kim Kardashian, spoke and tweeted ad infinitum that she had given him her consent about the way he portrayed her in “Famous,” offering only a terse denial that that had been the case.

When she released “Look What You Made Me Do” as the leadoff single from “Reputation,” she took flak in many quarters for a perceived belated response and for keeping a feud going long past its natural shelf life.

But based on how I’ve watched her process other life events, what I hear in the song is a woman who recognizes the hurt an ugly life situation has thrust upon her, and who owns the consequences of how it that has played out for her, emotionally and psychologically.

“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me,” is how the sadder-but-wiser Swift portrays herself in this scenario. “Look What You Made Me Do” isn’t an exercise in the blame game; it’s an acknowledgment of loss over defenses one has been forced to erect out of self-preservation.

In a broader sense, the payoff I’m after in “Reputation” has nothing to do with any shade she’s throwing at West and Kardashian, or whether in other songs she’s leaving any clues on her breakups with Tom Hiddleston or Calvin Harris.

Many eyes, of course, also will be focused on whether “Reputation” extends her streak of albums that have sold more than 1 million copies in the first week. She’s the only artist to do so with three consecutive releases.

The only thing that matters in the long run is how she’s evolving as a songwriter, a singer and a record producer.

Will anyone care in 10, 20 or 50 years — heck, in five, even — who the “him” is in “Getaway Car,” when she confesses, “I wanted to leave him / I needed a reason”? What’s much more likely to stand the test of time is the whip-smart form the song’s expression of romantic betrayal delivers: “It was the best of times / The worst of crimes / The ties were black / the lies were white / In shades of gray and candlelight.”

Her commitment to growth as an artist is something I sensed more than a decade ago, when we first met in the bunker-like basement of her then-fledgling record company, Big Machine.

And it’s still why I fully expect to be as interested at what Swift writes at 37 and 47 as what she’s delivered at 27. In my book, that’s the only reputation that matters.

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roberterosejr1-blog · 7 years

Video

Under Armour | #WEWILL

Under Armour Social Media Assessment

Introduction:

Under Armour is a performance apparel company founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a former University of Maryland football player. He had a plan to design and produce a t-shirt than could provide compression while wicking the perspiration off the body instead of absorbing it. He was tired of always having to change his cotton t-shirts during practices. He set out to find a solution to this problem of the shirt absorbing the moisture making the shirt uncomfortable. After extensive research, he designed a shirt with synthetic fabrics that kept the athlete cool, dry, and light in hot conditions.

All the players in the sports apparel industry attempt to saturate social media platforms with their products using famous personalities in their marketing. All major sports apparel companies have Twitter accounts, YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and Instagram accounts. They use these accounts to introduce new items, share fitness ideas, and promote their brand with their followers.

Overall social media use:

Being in the highly competitive sports performance apparel industry, Under Armour utilizes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr as well as RSS feeds in its social media marketing strategy. Social media is important to their marketing strategy to get their product out to the consumers using the spokespeople who promote their brand. Under Armour is also building a fitness community with the acquisition of MapMyFitness and MyFitnessPal and the development of Connected Fitness and fitness devices like Healthbox.

Under Armour has loaded up its website with different Instagram account links to different product lines. This platform looks to be the primary social media platform used to reach the public. Instagram allows them to post photographs and videos that motivate people and promote the specific product line. They do utilize Twitter as a way to promote product launches to their large following. Under Armour promotes the use of mobile devices to compare prices, reaching out to users with promotions, and YouTube for research.

Social commerce strategy:

Under Armour utilizes a social commerce strategy that targets 13 to 24 year –olds that encourages this base as well as other companies to provide feedback about the brand on social media. Using social media they introduced the “Ultimate Intern Program” that generated over 10,000 inquires and over 5,000 applicants on Facebook and Twitter. Two finalists were chosen to join their marketing team to share the companies brand messages and values using social media. This campaign alone helped to add over 120,000 new Facebook fans and over 4,000 Twitter followers increasing the total number of followers to over one million. Under Armour also utilizes Instagram to generate brand awareness of their different lines of apparel that encourages customers to share about the product in posts. The website and all social media platforms allow for the user to contribute their opinions about a product.

Under Armour also utilizes business relationships within communities, college sports teams, professional sports teams, and individual athletes. They spread the message that if you want to achieve something big, you have to work for it and it will require hard work. By selecting athletes that are young and emerging in their prospective sports, Under Armour can reach their target demographics. Keeping with this target audience, they flood social media with their brand utilizing videos, tweeting about new merchandise, and sharing photographs of sports stars in their brand.

Data:

The Instagram post promoting the “Inspired By Misty Copeland Collection” targets women and generated a positive response from the comments and elicited over 18,000 likes. (https://www.instagram.com/p/BZRvnI7htvG/?taken-by=underarmour) The Under Armour Jordan Spieth President’s Cup golf shoe twitter photograph post generated buzz on whether the golf shoe will be made available to the public. There were a few responses of a political nature relating to the recent NFL protests.(https://twitter.com/UAGolf/status/913453535483875328) The Lindsey Vonn #UnlikeAny Twitter post video had 72 retweets and 234 likes after five days with a positive encouraging response from those who posted comments after viewing the video. (https://twitter.com/UnderArmour/status/913437655609700352) The Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, Instagram post received over 37,000 likes and all the comments were positive including people who were asking for this product line to be available in Canada and Abu Dhabi. (https://www.instagram.com/p/BVDdGyMBVyU/?taken-by=underarmour) The Tom Brady Facebook post on September 27th elicited a negative response from those who posted comments. The responses struck a political tone concerning the NFL protests and Under Armour’s support of the NFL. Most, if not all, of those that made comments were talking of boycotting Under Armour.

Assessment and recommendation:

Under Armour has worked to maximize their social media footprint targeting their chosen audience to promote their brand. They have utilized a plethora of social media platforms to extend their reach to their targeted customers including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube along with numerous fitness apps and RSS feeds. This approach adds to the cool factor to the brand.

I would recommend that Under Armour target the working class to increase their market share in the work clothing market category. This category has a huge untapped upside that could be dominated by the Under Armour product line. Blue collar workers (trades workers) including law enforcement officers and firemen will benefit from the performance line of apparel in their workplace. This is an area that Under Armour can extend the reach of their brand increasing sales and participation in research and reviews through social media. Under Armour needs to do some damage control over the recent political firestorm involving NFL protests and company political leanings. These can generate negative publicity that can hurt the company’s bottom line.

References:

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us https://brandongaille.com/20-sports-apparel-industry-sales-statistics-and-trends/ https://www.inc.com/aj-agrawal/3-ways-technology-has-changed-the-sports-industry.html https://www.statista.com/topics/961/sporting-goods/ http://www.prweb.com/releases/sports_clothing_apparel/fitness_clothing/prweb8117767.htm https://www.scribd.com/doc/214502735/Under-Armour-Case-Study-analysis https://www.marketingweek.com/2016/05/04/how-under-armour-plans-to-become-the-worlds-biggest-sports-brand/ http://www.business2community.com/consumer-marketing/can-sporting-goods-retailers-athletic-apparel-marketers-engage-millennial-audience-01263049#ZO9pJjxz1qbJ0CAF.97 https://twitter.com/Nike https://twitter.com/UnderArmour https://twitter.com/adidasUS https://twitter.com/PUMA https://nrf.com/news/how-under-armour-and-warby-parker-win-social-media

#NECSOCIALFINAL

@necsocialmedia

#NECSOCIALFINAL

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verdiprati · 7 years

Text

Thirteen ways to approach your favorite opera singers

In 2013 when I went from a casual opera fan to a more committed one and joined the Tumblr opera community, I wanted very much to meet the opera singer I idolized, but I did not know how to go about it. At the time, I had seen some corrective advice on Tumblr about how NOT to interact with your favorite opera stars, but it would have helped me if someone had spelled out in positive terms some of the social norms of opera fan/star interaction so that I would know what was possible.

Four years and many opera adventures later, I’ve learned a lot that I wish I could convey to my past self. Since I can’t go back in time, I’m writing up this post to offer a few pointers to newer fans.

This advice is mostly based on my personal observations and I’m definitely open to other viewpoints and additional information. If the detailed explanations all seem obvious to you, then you are probably not the target audience for this post! It is meant for people who want to make a connection with their favorite opera stars but feel mystified and intimidated by the world of professional opera singers.

FIRST: SOME GENERAL ADVICE.

Having strong feelings about opera and about your favorite artists does not make you “creepy.” For one thing, opera is meant to stir feelings such as love and sadness. For another thing, celebrity crushes are perfectly normal. Even celebrities get celebrity crushes.

What makes a person “creepy” is behavior that shows a disregard for other people’s feelings, time, or privacy.

There is a long tradition of opera fans showing love for their favorite stars. It is fine to express your enthusiasm for opera and for your favorite artists, and it is totally normal to want to meet them! (It is also OK to not want to meet them; some people prefer to keep their idols on a distant pedestal.) Just always stay attentive to the artist’s signals. If you know that you have difficulty reading social cues, you might even want to ask for guidance from someone you trust who can help you with social steering.

That being said, I have observed an odd twist to fan/artist interaction: sometimes fans approach artists with excessive caution and reserve, understating their own desire to connect with the artist, feigning nonchalance or saying things along the lines of “we could meet just for a minute really quickly if you want.” I think artists can sometimes misread these signals and get the impression that a person is not really a fan and would actually rather be elsewhere, which could be a little hurtful. Yes, definitely respect performing artists’ time and feelings and privacy; sure, hold back from fawning and gushing over the artists if you think you would embarrass yourself; but there is a virtue in simply and straightforwardly telling someone that you admire them, that you are honored (or would be honored) to meet them, and that you would really love to have a photo of yourself with them or their autograph as a memento of the occasion.

=== THIRTEEN WAYS TO APPROACH YOUR FAVORITE OPERA SINGERS ===

First part: some things you can do even if you are not able to go to your favorite artists’ shows in person.

1. LINK UP WITH OTHER FANS. Look around on social media. The most prominent opera stars tend to have communities of fans gathered around them. Singers are individuals and they can have different quirks in how they interact with the public. Your best information about your favorite singers may come from other fans. If you join a community and earn some trust you may get to hear about other fans’ close encounters of the operatic kind.

2. INTERACT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Some opera singers have a personal presence on social media; some do not. You should be able to tell whether a singer manages their own Twitter, Instagram, fan page on Facebook, etc, or leaves it in the hands of a PR professional. Many singers are approachable this way. They do not necessarily owe you a response if you tweet at them or comment on their posts, but I see a lot of genial fan-artist interactions online, and those can result in the artist recognizing you if you finally get to meet them in real life. (This has happened to me more than once! Val has a cute story about it too.)

If your circumstances allow it, I recommend using your real name and/or photo for any social media accounts that you use to interact with your favorite artists. I think it fosters trust and helps them feel that they are talking to a real person.

As for what kinds of things to say to artists (or when tagging / @-mentioning them) on social media, I have three rules that I try to follow:

Keep it positive.

When in doubt, keep it positive.

You are allowed to have critical opinions, of course! But you can be selective about where you express them. If you trash a singer’s colleagues—not just other singers but also, for example, the director or costume designer for their current show—on their Facebook fan page or in a tweet @-mentioning them, you put them in an awkward position: if they “like” your comment, it may appear that they are publicly endorsing your criticism of the people they work with.

It is good to keep compliments 100% unambiguously positive, too. I’ve seen singers react with hurt feelings to social media comments that were clearly meant to be compliments, but that were phrased in a sort of backhanded or sardonic way. Clear and sincere expressions of enthusiasm never go amiss.

3. KNOW WHO THE ARTIST’S AGENT IS. This is not in itself a way of approaching your favorite opera singers, but you may need this information if you want to send fan mail or a backstage request. Here are the artist rosters for some of the larger agencies: IMG Artists, Askonas Holt, Harrison Parrott, and Maxine Robertson Management. If your fave does not appear on those lists, try googling “[artist name] agent”. Normally each artist’s webpage on the agent’s site will have contact information for the main person who represents them.

4. SEND FAN MAIL. Sending a letter of admiration written on actual dead-tree paper is still a time-honored and perfectly acceptable way of reaching out to let an artist know that they have inspired you or touched your heart. If you cannot find contact information on the singer’s website, you can email their agent and ask where to send fan mail for them. Keep your letter reasonably succinct and focused on the artist’s work and its importance to you.

5. PETITION LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO BRING YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST TO TOWN. I am not sure how often this works, but it can’t hurt, right?!

Make a list of opera companies, orchestras, and concert/recital series near you that regularly hire artists of similar professional esteem to your fave. (This last point is important—some smaller organizations do not have the resources to bring in A-list artists, and it is best to make a proposal only if the organization could realistically fulfill it.) Then write polite, formal letters or emails to those organizations naming your favorite artist, explaining why you think the artist would be a good fit for the organization and its audience, and saying how much you would love to see this artist perform there. Without going overboard, you may back up your case with one or two YouTube links or quotes from recent reviews.

You might not get a reply and you might not see instant results, since classical music and opera programming is often planned years in advance. However, you have little to lose—the worst case scenario is that your request gets ignored. The potential upside, if your favorite singer comes to perform near you, is awesome.

Second part: some things you can do if your favorite artists come to perform in your area, or if you are able to travel to see their shows.

6. GO TO CD SIGNINGS. Although they cannot be expected at every show, CD signings, when offered, typically take place in the lobby of the theater immediately following a concert or opera. Signings may or may not be announced in advance. In my experience there are always CDs for sale so you can buy one to be signed on the spot. There are not always credit card readers, though, so take cash to every concert if you want to be able to seize the opportunity. (The price for CDs is typically rounded off to $15 or $20 in the US.)

There may be a sign or announcement saying that the artist will only sign the specific CD they are promoting. In the absence of any such declaration, though, it is generally OK to bring your own CD, photograph, or other material for the artist to sign, or you can get them to sign your copy of the program or cast sheet. (I even saw a necktie being signed by the artist in one case, and I have to assume there have been far stranger requests.) For convenience, you can bring the booklet from a CD and leave the actual disc and jewel case at home.

It is also usually acceptable—unless there is an announcement to the contrary—to ask if the artist would be willing to pose for a quick photo or selfie with you. It is acceptable to ask, but the answer may not always be yes; if the artist demurs, be prepared to wave off your request and reiterate your thanks for the signing.

You will probably have a chance to chat very briefly with the artist. Be mindful of the line of people behind you as well as of the artist’s time; keep your remarks short and light. If your opera idol’s co-stars or accompanist are doing signings at the same table, be gracious to them; say thanks or “bravo” for the performance and collect their autograph(s) on your program.

I am still not sure of the etiquette about how many signatures you can ask an artist for at once, but one autograph is certainly the norm and I personally would place the max at two (e.g. asking the artist to sign one item for yourself and one for an absent friend who is a huge fan). Be prepared to give a name for the artist to dedicate each item to.

Bonus tip: Bring a spare Sharpie just in case. You may become the hero of the hour. (I have been the Sharpie-supplying hero on more than one occasion!)

7. GO TO PUBLIC Q&A SESSIONS, AUDIENCE TALK-BACK EVENTS, AND SIMILAR. Although this type of supplemental programming is sometimes announced months in advance along with the opera or concert in question, it often is added to the calendar on relatively short notice. If you have tickets to a performance, check the sponsoring organization’s website and social media frequently in the week or two leading up to the performance date.

If audience interaction is invited, you have a great opportunity to talk to your favorite artist about a topic you both care about: their professional work. Come with a few questions in mind but be aware that the moderator may steer conversation in certain directions. If you are called on to ask a question, you may briefly introduce yourself and say how much you admire the artist, but keep these statements really short. Really, really short. Then move on to your question.

It is not unusual for the artist(s) to hang around for a few minutes after a Q&A type of event and chat with audience members. If you see them doing this, go ahead and walk up to say “thank you for taking my question” or “I just want to say how awesome you are.” Just be respectful of the artist’s time and of other people’s desire for access to the artist.

8. TAKE CURTAIN CALL PHOTOS (OR VIDEOS) AND SHARE THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA. This is the one thing I have done that has resulted in opera singers contacting ME out of the blue (!!!), asking for higher-res copies or permission to republish my photos of them taking their bows. Some singers don’t seem to care about curtain call photos, but many value them as mementos of their performances.

There is one major rule to follow: it is very important to wait until the performance has ended and the applause has started before you even take out your phone or camera and point it at the stage. Taking photos or videos during a performance is strongly frowned upon and can distract and anger the performers as well as your fellow audience members.

Many venues have signs or program notes saying that all photography is forbidden inside the auditorium. Despite these warnings, I have never had an usher try to stop me from taking curtain call photos, and even venues with these warnings have retweeted my curtain call photos, which I take as a form of tacit approval. Obviously, if any theater official asks you to stop taking photos, you should comply immediately.

Minjaš Žugić has made a real art form out of his curtain call portrait photography. His work is inspirational, but keep in mind that it is the result of years of investment in photographic equipment, editing software, and skill development. The average opera fan takes much humbler cell phone pictures, and that’s just fine.

9. SEND A NOTE OR GIFT BACKSTAGE. Like fan mail, this is a time-honored tradition!

What to send? A brief note expressing your excitement for the show and wishing the artist “toi toi toi” or “in bocca al lupo” (the opera world’s phrases for good luck) is always welcome! The artist will be busy getting ready for the show, mentally and physically, so you might want save your longer correspondence for fan mail.

It is not necessary to spend money on a gift; a note alone is perfectly good. However, if you have the means and want to send something, a bouquet of flowers is very traditional; goodies like a box of sweets or a bottle of champagne are also well within the norm. If you have artsy skills, small handcrafts are also nice.

One thing to keep in mind: if an artist is performing on tour, they may not be able to take hard-to-pack items like bouquets or bottles with them when they leave. That may be fine with you—they can simply enjoy the flowers in their dressing room, for instance—or you may want to come up with something more portable.

How to send? The simplest way is to drop off your note and/or gift at the stage door in person. The larger opera houses and concert halls will generally have a guard or receptionist stationed just inside the stage door in the hours before a performance. Locate the stage door by asking at the box office, walking around the theater, or googling “[venue name] stage door.” Walk in and state that you would like to leave a note or gift for so-and-so. This is pretty normal—I have never had the request declined. It helps if your note or gift is clearly labeled with the artist’s name. You generally will not be invited in to deliver the item to the artist yourself; the venue staff will take it to them.

Leave plenty of time before the performance (say, 30-60 minutes) for making the drop-off. Front-of-house staff like ushers, coat-check attendants, and box office workers probably will not be in a position to take items backstage to the artist.

If you are dealing with a smaller venue that might not have a stage door receptionist, or if you are in any doubt about approaching the stage door, contact the venue’s business office by phone or email a few business days in advance. Explain that you are looking forward to so-and-so’s performance on such-and-such date (be specific!); mention that you would like to drop off a note, bouquet, or small gift if acceptable; and ask how best to go about it.

You should also call or email the venue well in advance if you want to have something delivered to the stage door (e.g. by a local florist, or by a carrier such as FedEx) on your behalf; they will be able to give you the correct addressing information. They may want you to use an address for the stage door or loading dock that is not published on the venue’s website.

10. BRING A NOTE OR GIFT UP TO THE STAGE AT CURTAIN CALL. This is something I have seen on a few occasions, though I have not tried it myself: instead of sending a note, bouquet of flowers, or small gift backstage, a member of the audience will sometimes carry it up to the edge of the stage during curtain calls and offer it directly to the artist.

This strategy seems like it must work best at venues without orchestra pits. There is also a tradition of flinging flowers across the pit to the stage when a favorite opera star steps out for their curtain call, but that seems less personal—the artist might not see where the flowers are coming from.

11. STAGE-DOOR YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS. Stage-dooring refers to the practice of fans congregating outside the stage door after a show with the hope of briefly meeting the stars on their way out of the venue. It seems to be common at some of the major opera houses such as the Met and the Royal Opera, and if you spend any time browsing opera fans’ social media, you will see stage door selfies and group photos.

This is actually not something I have done myself, so I have limited advice on precisely how to go about it. Perhaps someone else can chime in?

As in any other situation, stage door behavior should be respectful of the artist’s time and feelings. Address the artist as “Ms. ---” or “Mr. ---” (or “Signora,” “Monsieur,” “Dame,” etc., as applicable!) to get their attention, unless you are already on a first-name basis. Ask politely for what you would like: “Would it be all right if I took a photo?” “Would you have time for a selfie?” “Would you be willing to autograph my program?” If the artist says she is tired or in a hurry, thank her for the performance and let her go. If the artist spends time with you and gives you an autograph, a selfie, or a bit of conversation, remember to thank her for that, too.

12. ATTEND POST-SHOW RECEPTIONS AND MEET-THE-ARTIST PARTIES. These events may or may not be well publicized in advance. Sometimes meet-the-artist events are by invitation only to high-level donors, but sometimes they are open to all ticket holders for a show. Sometimes there are post-show receptions with no formal “meet the artist” component arranged by the venue, but the artists might choose to put in an appearance.

I have had some very lovely chats with favorite singers over post-show drinks and I recommend sticking around for any receptions that you have the opportunity to enjoy!

As for how to approach artists at these events, it is like any other cocktail party or similar social situation, though with the slight twist that a star artist’s attention may be under more demand than other people’s. Sidle up and wait for a break in conversation. When the artist turns your way, say hello, introduce yourself, and tell them what a fantastic performance they just gave. Positive feedback and compliments are very much in order, especially in the hours immediately after a show!

You will have to read the situation a little bit to gauge how long to chat with the artist—try not to take longer than other people are doing, which could be anywhere from under a minute of quick greeting / admiration to several minutes of casual, wide-ranging conversation, depending what the event is like and how mobbed the artist is. If the artist seems to be hanging out with family or personal friends, err on the side of keeping your interaction brief.

I think it is generally OK to ask for an autograph or a selfie or offer the artist a fan letter or small gift at this kind of event: it is a form of compliment, and most artists are happy to oblige. Just keep in mind that it is primarily a social event and not a CD signing line. Make sure the artist gets time to chat with people and enjoy the party.

13. MAKE A BACKSTAGE REQUEST. If there is a singer who would be really special for you to meet, you can straight up ask for the opportunity to meet them. I really wish I had known this earlier! There is no guarantee that your request will be accepted, but it does not hurt to ask. The most standard sort of request is to ask if you may meet the artist backstage after a show.

I would generally recommend contacting the singer or their agent about two weeks in advance of the show you are going to see. If you can find direct contact information for the singer on their website, or if you are able to send them private messages online, you can go that route; otherwise, send an email to their agent. Making your request via a private channel of communication is best, since it might be awkward for the artist to respond to a public request on social media.

Keep your message businesslike and to the point. Here is a template based on emails I have sent to artists’ agents:

Subject: backstage request for [singer’s name] on [date] at [venue]

Hello,

I have been greatly impressed by [singer]'s work and I am very much looking forward to her recital at [venue] on [date]. Would I be able to meet her backstage briefly afterward, to say a word of admiration and perhaps request an autograph?

Thank you,

[my real name]

Allow about three business days for an answer to come back. After that point, if you have heard nothing, you may send a single, polite follow-up query; sometimes messages get lost in the shuffle. However, if your followup also gets no reply, I would read that silence as a “no.”

If your request is accepted, probably the artist will put your name on their backstage list. In most venues, access to the backstage area is restricted, and you will not be admitted backstage unless your name is “on the list.”

When the show ends, approach an usher and explain that you have arranged to meet the artist backstage, and ask where you should go. Go promptly after curtain down, but make sure and stop to collect any belongings you may have left at coat check, because it may close before you are done backstage.

When you get to the backstage entrance (which will probably be an interior door, not the exterior stage door), give your name to the guard and mention which artist you are there to see.

What the backstage experience is like will depend on numerous factors: How many people were onstage? How prestigious are the performers? Are you in a big city at a major opera house or at a smallish auditorium on a college campus seeing a show on tour? Are you part of a small crowd gathering to meet your opera idol, or is it just you? In some cases, the artist or the venue may have assistants guiding you around. In other cases, once you are through the door, you are more or less on your own. You might meet the artist at their dressing room, in the green room, or in a hallway. They may have changed to street clothes by the time you get there or they may still be in costume or in their concert clothes. They may be drinking champagne and celebrating the performance with their castmates or they may be exhausted and yearning for their hotel bed.

Despite the difficulty of generalizing about the backstage experience, the menu of common fan/star interactions is still similar to other in-person events. Lead off by introducing yourself and congratulating the artist on the performance they have just given. Say something about how much you admire them and why you wanted to meet them. You may offer a bouquet of flowers or another small gift if you have brought one, or a fan letter for the artist to read later, but it is certainly not required that you bring the artist anything. You can ask for an autograph or a selfie with the artist if you wish, or you can chat for a bit and say “I just wanted to tell you in person how much I admire you,” and leave it at that.

As always, be respectful not only of the artist but also of the other people in the room. Assume that everyone you meet backstage is someone important who has a good reason for being there.

With regard to the length of your visit, take cues from the artist and from the other people around you. When you sense that your time is up, thank the artist sincerely for their time and make for the exit. Congratulations! You have just met one of your favorite singers. Bask in the glow. :)

#opera tag #advice from verdiprati #advice

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geek-gem · 7 years

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FNAF Movie News I Seriously Missed

12:12 am weird shit to say went to photo by mistake one time and time out and in of submit thing. Yet just saying I was looking for a link and I'm typing on my phone. I actually missed this and found out on the Wikipedia page for the FNAF franchise after watching Dawko's audio reading of chapter 1 of FNAF The Silver Eyes. Their was littertly a sad quiet just I gas just now or some shit. But in the words of Lori Loud littertly I actually littertly went oh my God in a sad toned voice. The news of Gil Kenan the man who was the original director for the film was not the director anymore when the FNAF movie rights went to Blumhouse Productions. I even looked at his Twitter and this one Tweet. So I looked online and here's a post talking not just about that yet even more. https://www.google.com/amp/www.player.one/five-nights-freddys-movie-director-confirm-five-nights-freddys-4-94977%3famp=1 Let me tell you this and I'm gonna sit down again and turn off my light in case think my dad is showering so okay got that shit done. I wanna talk about the part with Gil and think I've got his name wrong just wait. Looked on Google screen no I got his last name right. Looked at last time I spelt his name yeah the a is there. Honestly this news saddened me a bit. Because I didn't know about this and I talked about it in my live action fan casting for the franchise. Including what is sad during the day which was yesterday it's Tuesday now. My mom, her sister, my cousin T's baby girl, forgot if bro was there. Monster House was on and Gil directed that. It was honestly my biggest hope and well reasons to get hype well it was one of them. Along with Scott being on board. Had to fix the bro thing but okay just..... Really I was quite sad I didn't know about this said in my head it sucks and oh random shit. Because I remember when I first heard about the news he would direct he was teasing the inspirations for the animatronics and other stuff. Okay I don't wanna sound rude yet I wanna be honest. I was also worried because after Monster House okay not Loud House oh head his films seems like they were getting worse. I don't wanna sound stupid. Mainly it's the Rotten Tomatos score for the other films he's made. Such as City Of Amber and the Poltergeist remake with rotten scores. Honestly I make my own opinions these days I do think Rotten Tomatos is a okay site. I just disagree with certain stuff it's just the power all of a sudden it has now on films. Including it's just a site where they collect scores I'm not gonna explain it. Rotten Tomatos is a different site. Seriously I liked how he seemed to have passion for the project and wanting to work with Scott. But it's nice he still likes FNAF and he hopes for a great movie. Also honestly I was thinking when I saw this news. I'm gonna sound stupid. I do feel no not out of the way Gil I really liked Monster House sorry your not part of it anymore. But to be honest I'm kind of glad we will get another director. Including with my mindset on some FNAF stuff. I do feel it's also a nice thing to search for a director with some more experience and their reception in Hollywood. Really a pick I thought of is James Wan. The only film I've seen from him is Furious 7 and I liked that film. Also it's mainly his work on The Conjuring franchise. I'll be honest and only told someone on here. Ever since seeing Annabelle Creation and how I was honestly impressed and my first real exposure to the franchise. But James Wan didn't direct that I think he produced it. Gonna look it up. So yeah he produced it. Still liked what the director did with that movie. Even at times from what I hear producers at times have a big or little impact on films. From what I've heard and seen what people think of the main films The Conjuring 1 and 2 and right now rewrote and typed the latest film in the franchise name itself. Yet I've even looked on Tumblr just random shit I'm mentioning. Including James Wan loves practical effects a lot. Almost put including again sorry but Gil was talking about of making the animatronics real and teasing inspiration for them. That's a good thing. Also he seems to be a very good director. He's mainly my top pick and I hope he understands the franchise. No offense I kind of want someone who has had more experience with horror mainly in modern times right now. Including if he was chosen hope he would work with Scott well. Seriously The Conjuring franchise I'm very interested in it. Thinking this Halloween might just watch some stuff just...I'm thinking okay. Yet as of now James Wan is filming Aquaman. Including he seems to be heavily involved with The Conjuring franchise. Along with The Conjuring 3 might be in production soon when ready because they've talked about it. Also the other cool things he's involved with the Mortal Kombat reboot mainly producer if I'm right and a reboot to the Resident Evil franchise. I'll just link you to Wikipedia despite it's not the best source for stuff. Because I wanna check it out a bit. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Wan So I looked at mainly filmography, career, and future projects. Seriously he has a lot of experience with horror. Yeah it's decided he's my top choice and I need to see the first two Conjuring films. Another director that I honestly like it a fan choice. Including just over time mainly this year I'm a fan of his work you might hate me Zack Snyder. He made the Dawn Of The Dead remake which was good said awesome in my head. Okay I'm not the biggest fan but it was brutal and it was good kick ass said in my head stop. Including have seen lots or bits almost left buts and but ha sorry. Yet seen lots and bits of films like 300, Watchmen, and I've talked about these films Man Of Steel, Batman V Superman Dawn Of Justice the ultimate edition I like those films. I can't wait for Justice League this year. Yes the jokes symbolism and the visuals are beautiful. If it almost left toes just if it goes like that. Really honestly with the right script we could be pretty okay and I think he might be okay with working with Scott. Yet with the shit that happened this year and the DCEU. Really I don't wanna stress him out. Also I love James Wan just I like that choice much more. No offense Zack and hey their both in the DCEU too. I just also wanna talk about the other stuff such let me look. Went to the link and forgot to link to James Wan's Wikipedia page. But Jason Blum has talked in here. Also random shit Gil likes the FNAF community which is nice farewell just oh head. Yet Jason Blum talks about the series has a rabid fanbase and without Scott it wouldn't be a good movie. Also just exit out other tab that was James Wan's Wikipedia page. But Jason Blum says Scott has a clear idea of what he wants the movie to be and I like that a shit ton. Including Jason says and I looked and just looked again using the same creator of the game he thinks it will be a great movie. That's really cool and this year with Get Out doing very well and seeming like a great movie. Also Split doing well not just in box office like Get Out yet also critical even in the 70's percentage on Rotten Tomatos. Yet seriously I feel even as a Autistic person I didn't go see the film and haven't seen it yet due to people not liking it because of how the movie portrays split personalities. Yet it's nice it got some fresh score and M Night making better movies now which is also great. From what I remember think it was let me look so checked yes The Visit. So M Night is making better films again. Yeah I got off the link screw it I'll check it just on Midnight's Edge's channel like usual. So checked it it also says Jason Blum feels secure about the film. Checked again and says Scott will be heavily involved since day one. That is really sweet and for some reason hearing Jaeroar's voice. Also I'm gonna be honest about me talking about directors. These were my choices and I really like James Wan to be involved. Because just I feel it fits. Including just I'm feeling and thinking good things of The Conjuring franchise. Yet it's Scott choice and I keep thinking. Because I think he personally chose Gil when looking for a director. Including since Scott being heavily involved in day one. I feel like Jason Blum and anyone with Scott will want to understand and listen what Scott thinks which director and who else fits to direct the film. It's what I said in the post about the live action fan casting and other stuff mentioned in that. I will respect if Scott wants to chose another director I don't know if they are doing that right now. Even if I think James Wan and Scott Cawthon would work perfectly for a great FNAF movie. If Scott wants someone else I'll respect that even the other idea Zack Snyder and Scott Cawthon weird combination of talent yet it was on my mind. Because really I'm gonna say FNAF is not perfect and Scott isn't perfect. Yet the respect I have for Scott as a person and someone who makes games including when I was more obsessed with the franchise. Such as understanding his reasons to make the novels sperate from the games. Really I thought of a funny thing. It's like the In Snyder We Trust quote but here's this quote. In Cawthon We Trust. Now just thinking of David The Film Junkee love his videos of the easter egg video spoiler of him praying to a pic of Zack Snyder.....I put Scott and I was gonna put Snyder holy shit. Sorry about this yet I wanted to share this. So I hoped your not bothered by this. Including looked below comments below Dawko's videos of him talking about FNAF The Twisted Ones and the comments below reading the first chapter of that novel. Read some spoilers a bit hoping it's not much I've only heard one main opinion from someone I know I mentioned her in the last FNAF post fine. @vanessa-the-traditional-artist sorry. Got tags done and sorry to disturb wanted to share 1:13 am

#five nights at freddy's #fnaf #fnaf movie

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health-andfitnessinfo · 5 years

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[health-andfitness]-Holiday Gift Guide 2018

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posted November 23, 2018 by Camila

With the holiday season fast approaching, I thought it’d be fun to put together a Holiday Gift Guide to help you find something for everyone on your list. This is a collection of some of my kitchen favorites, items my family loves, and some things I have my eye on for family, friends–and even myself! Here are my picks:

1. Skinnytaste One and Done

I had to start this list with my latest cookbook: Skinnytaste One and Done. Inside you’ll find 140 delicious recipes all made in one pot, pan, slow cooker, skillet, etc. Easy to make, no-fuss recipes your family and friends will love.

2. Vremi 8-Piece Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set

The best non-stick cookware! This set is perfect for any aspiring chef in your life that may be starting their cookware collection (or anyone who needs some color in their kitchen!) Dishwasher safe and nonstick, this 8 piece set is both fun and functional.

3. The Inspiralizer

My Inspiralizer is one of my go-to kitchen gadgets. There’s so much you can do with zoodles–casseroles, soups, salads, and more. I’ve found that this model by Inspiralized is the best one on the market.

4. S’well water bottle

I’m trying to incorporate more environmentally friendly habits in my routine and a reusable water bottle, like one from S’well, is the perfect way to do just that. They’re BPA-free, stainless steel and keep your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. They come in various different prints, sizes and designs–one for everyone on your list.

5. Thermos Stainless Steel Food Jar

For packing leftovers, lunch, and meals on the go, I use this Thermos to keep my food warm for up to 9 hours. Tommy uses one for work and Madison has her own for warm, winter school lunches. Perfect for anyone you know that eats on the run.

6. Cast Iron Skillet

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is a must for delicious skillet bakes, perfectly browned pancakes and the ultimate seared steak. I use mine multiple times a week.

7. Staub Dutch Oven

Another kitchen essential is my dutch oven. A heavy bottomed pot will take your soups, stews, and roasts to the next level. Some simmering pasta sauce cooking on my stove is my ideal cozy winter day.

8. Instant Pot

Of all my kitchen appliances, my Instant Pot might be my favorite (although it’s probably a tie for first place with my air fryer!) As much as I love slow, stovetop cooking, the Instant Pot helps me whip up family favorites in no time at all. It’s been a total changer in my home.

9. Skinnytaste Meal Planner

My Skinnytaste Meal Planner is the perfect gift for anyone on your list trying to keep their healthy habits on track. This planner will help you plan (and stick to) your diet and exercise goals on a weekly basis.

10. Glass Meal Prep Containers

To go along with your Skinnytaste Meal Planner, a set of glass meal prep containers is crucial for planning and portioning healthy meals. I love these that come in a set of five–one for each day of the work week. They’re microwave and oven friendly so reheating your food is easy (and cleanup is minimal too.)

11. Half Sheet Pan Set

A set of good quality sheet pans is a must for any kitchen. From holiday baking to sheet pan dinners, these are some of my most used kitchen tools; I practically use them every day!

12. Calphalon Grill Pan

This Calphalon grill pan is another favorite of mine. It gives your food an amazing grilled flavor without the hassle of cooking on (and cleaning!) your outdoor grill.

13. Marble Cheese Board

A marble cheese board is elegant and sophisticated and a great gift for anyone in your life that loves entertaining. I particularly like the combination of this board’s white marble and the warm wood accent.

14. Winter Mugs

Mugs are my go-to stocking stuffers. Adding some hot chocolate mix, quality coffee beans or loose tea to a mug is an easy way to make it a more special and personalized gift. This wintery, holiday mug is the perfect base for a cozy holiday drink gift.

15. Funny Coffee Mug

A funny gift is a good idea for those people on your list you just don’t know what to get. This mug has a super relatable message and is sure to get a laugh out of your friends and family.

16. Columbia Women’s Beanie

I got this hat for a recent camping trip and I’m obsessed. It kept me warm the entire time while keeping me stylish too. Also, it’s lined with fleece which makes it extra cozy.

17. Hygge Pillow

I love gifting warm pillows, blankets and other homewares to my friends and family that love to make their homes comfy and cozy. A pillow like this one is perfect for the college dorm dwellers and new homeowners on your list.

18. The Five Minute Journal

The five minute journal is perfect for anyone in your life that’s craving more ‘me time’. Each page has prompts to help you jot down your daily and nightly goals, reflections and affirmations encouraging you to take just five minutes of your day to think about what you’re grateful for.

19. A subscription to Headspace

Headspace is an amazing mindfulness and meditation app with short guided meditations that will help anyone relax, unwind and center themselves.

20. The Superpowers! Book

I recently came across this book (full title: “Superpowers! A great big collection of awesome activities, quirky questions, and wonderful ways to see just how super you already are”) and instantly loved it. Similar to the Five Minute Journal, this kid and teen-friendly book is filled with fun prompts and exercises to help kids build their self-esteem and uncover the unique superpowers that make them who they are.

21. Kiwi Crate from Kiwi Co

One of Madison’s favorites of the year is her Kiwi Crate, a monthly subscription box of creative, hands-on, science projects. I love watching her play and explore with each month’s box and she loves putting the pieces together to create her finished product. There are boxes for kids of all age groups so you can share the gift of creativity with all the children in your family.

22. Amazon Alexa

I had to put my Alexa on the list as she’s made my life so much easier. I use my Alexa to keep track of all my appointments, play music while I’m cooking or writing and build my shopping list as the day goes on. This is the perfect gift for anyone you know who’s trying to keep together a busy household and life.

23. Away Suitcase

I’m obsessed with these Away suitcases. Simple, modern and super functional (they come with a built in phone charger!) they’re perfect for any traveler on your list. They come in a variety of colors and can be monogrammed to add a special and personal touch.

posted November 23, 2018 by Camila

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(This is your website for good health and fitness. News, tips, menus and everything you want to get for a better life quality.)

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mingyubias · 7 years

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as per request, under the guide y’all will find a guide on how to twitter rp !! just know that this is Just how i go about things & i’m sure other people do this way more concisely + like ?? better ??? but idk lmfao,, someone requested it, so here you go !!

okay !! i’m not gonna bother with the application process, because it’s the same as any rp. i’mma skip right to the account part. this guide is gonna be more of a “ cool things about twitter rping ” than how to do it, because doing it is really easy. BUT ANYWAYS...

YOUR ACCOUNT ( pt. 1 )

obviously, you’ve gotta go through all the steps involved in making a twitter account, but that’s just comprehensive stuff. the real work comes in when you’re setting up your profile ( and even then, it’s not too hard ). the first thing you do is choose a twitter handle. for me, i usually stick to what i know & i put it in all caps — dont ask why, it’s just a thing. generally, my handles are one of the following: 1800NAME, NAME2ADJECTIVE, POTUSNAME, FLOTUSNAME, or any of the general tumblr urls ( 1800ALLY, ALLY2EXTRA, FLOTUSALLY, etc ). i recommend one of these variations or looking at the other twitters for the other characters’ handles for inspiration.

YOUR ACCOUNT ( pt. 2 )

okay !!!!!!! for me, choosing a display name is the Hardest part.. im fake and i change it five seconds after i choose one,, BUT again, i usually look at the other charas for inspiration, but when in doubt, i always go with my favorite tv/book/movie characters, like BOBBY BRiGGS. or HARLENE QUiNZEL. or smthn like that. if that doesn’t interest you, then memes are a good way to go. at least 4 ppl in the rp i’m currently in have some variation of ‘cash me ousside’ as their display name, so memes are a safe route as well. you can also make it into an inside joke with another character if you’d like, just like in the picture i used for the graphic, as one of my charas is good friends w/ another and is “ dragging ” him in her name. it’s really up to you !!

YOUR ACCOUNT ( pt. 3 )

bios are easy,, usually any tweet from tfln ( texts from last night ) is a safe route to go and that’s what i use before i interact with people. after that, i usually use an indirect or something funny someone in the rp has said.

YOUR ACCOUNT ( pts. 4 & 5 )

this is for your icon + header, but those are both easy. your icon, obviously, should be a picture of your fc, but your header can be anthing from a nice andscape to a headass meme. usually when a chara gets into a relationship or is good friends w/ someone, they set them as their header. it’s a sign of true love to have each other as your headers.

TIPS & TOMFOOLERY

( 1 ) first thing most people do is post a selfie, again captioned with a tweet from tfln. i usually always post 2 pictures just because i like the way it looks, but it’s all up to you how many you post.

( 2 ) general tweets: literally just tweet whatever your character is thinking or whatever they’re doing in that given moment. for example, when i’m eating, i usually tweet as my chara eating the same thing or something along those lines. let art imitate life XD

( 3 ) when searching for indirects, you search your character’s name -theirhandle ( ally -1800ALLY ), because if you just search the name, it’ll show your tweets, and you don’t want those. once that’s searched, select the cogs in the search bar and select “ people you follow ” and look at that !! indirects !! if your character has a popular nickname, then you might have to search more than just their full name.

( 4 ) THREADS !! a lot of people make twitter threads, which is a collection of tweets that are linked. for example, when you live tweet a movie or a show, you reply to your last tweet + erase your handle. make sure to reply to the latest tweet or it won’t work. i currently have a vine thread, which means i have to link the tweet the vine was posted in, which is also super easy. when you find the vine ( or any tweet you wanna link ), select the drop down arrow and choose ‘ share tweet via ’ and paste that link into your reply for the thread. voila !

( 5 ) dms are Amazing bc ur chara can do literally anything in them. wanna send a funny video to a buddy ? do it !! wanna make a group chat to talk mad shit ( IC ONLY GUYS PLS ), do it !! want ur Rude & Badass chara to be s*ft for a sec ??? do that shit !!

( 6 ) talking ooc is also easy, as you just add ‘ / ’ before anything you say, on the timeline and in the dms so everyone knows it’s you and not your character ( / lms for plots and shit !! ).

( 7 ) blocking vs. muting: when u block people, you can choose to see their tweets on their profile, but they can’t see yours at all. if you decide to unblock them, you’ll have to refollow them. they will also know that you blocked them, as your profile shows it. if you mute someone, however, you’re still following them & they can see your tweets, but you don’t need to see their on the timeline. they also won’t know if they’re muted.

( 8 ) NIGHT MODE IS A GODSEND & U WILL THANK ME AS SOON AS U TURN IT ON !! it’s honestly the most beautiful thing, as it makes the app navy blue instead of white and now ?? when i turn off night mode i feel blinded. it’s just so amazing ( choose the cog on your profile and select “ turn on night mode ” ).

all in all, twitter rping is just like shitposting... but make sure to keep the memes at a moderate level, because people who make their charas a walking meme are Never fun.. it’s ridiculous and So Fucking Annoying so ! i recommend u find a good balance between actually rping and spewing out the memes, ygm ?? anyways, happy twitter rping !!

#guide #twitter rp #m:res #lmfao this just me rambling #it prolly didnt even... help ???#im sorry #this is just Me

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guylty · 7 years

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..💓💖 Happy V’Day everyone 💖💓..

Time to spread some luuuurve! Before I get to the aforementioned raffle, let me precede the procedure with a few warm words. I would just like to take the opportunity to send a bit of love to all of you. No matter whether you are following my call for a bit of Valentine’s action today, or whether you choose to ignore the day on your blog; whether you come from Twitter, or tumblr, or whether you are a blog-less commentator – or even those of you who prefer to read here without making yourselves known – I would just like to say “thank you”!

..💓 💖 💓..

It is with absolute conviction that I can tell you that knowing you are out there, is a major driving force for me! You help me get out of bed in the morning – because I cannot wait to see what has happened on Twitter overnight, whether there are comments on my blog, and what my fellow bloggers have written on their own blogs. You unknowingly kick my ass into gear, giving me the motivation to write and interact. You inspire my creativity by sharing your own creative work, or by bouncing ideas around that find their way into one of my shrines or other creative endeavours. You keep me up to date with what is going on with Mr A, talking me down the proverbial ledge when I am displeased with the OOA, and fuelling my enthusiasm when some noteworthy new work or interview has seen the light of day. And last but not least, you broaden my horizons by sharing your life with me. You deserve some love *mwah mwah*

..💓 💖 💓..

As for Mr A and Valentine’s Day – I don’t think he needs a separate love letter from me. My *whole blog* is a veritable love letter to him…

But apart from RAlove, I also have a little RAffle for you! Easy on the capitalisation, Guylty… it’s a tiny bit annoying, that habit… You may have thought that RAPS Inc. had folded, judging by the lack of company news in the last while. However, the creative team was busy expanding their product range. Here is the latest press release:

The Charactère Collection

..💓 💖 💓..

Ok, all this nonsense aside – the items you see in the gallery above are all up for grabs. Five items in total, so a better chance than usual to win something:

1st prize: 1 cushion cover 2nd prize: 1 large washbag 3rd prize: 1 lunchbag 4th prize: 1 small zipper pouch 5th prize: 1 phone cover/tissue holder

To be in for the raffle, all you need to do is leave me a comment here on the WordPress blog post. The prizes will be raffled among all entries. One entry per person. The winner will be determined by randompicker. Postage and packaging is covered by me. The raffle is open for 36 hours until 8pm GMT on Wednesday, 15 February 2017. Good luck!

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Finally, if you #CelebRAteLove today, too, feel free to use my header picture as a banner. I will post a link list of all Valentine’s submissions from 11am (GMT) today, to be updated as we go along. If you would like to be included, leave me a link to your post/tweet in the comments on the link list post (Note: the link on the left ← will not be active until the post publishes at 11am today.) If you have not got a blog but would like to take part, or if you can’t wait to send me your link, you can submit it to guylty(at)photographer(dot)net.

..💓 💖 💓..

So happy V-Day to you all – let’s celebrate and spread some love today.

Let’s #CelebRAteLove With A Raffle ..💓💖 Happy V'Day everyone 💖💓.. Time to spread some luuuurve! Before I get to the aforementioned raffle, let me precede the procedure with a few warm words.

#blogging #fandom love #Richard Armitage

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rainagreifer · 4 years

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MAKING PERFORMANCE 2: REHEARSAL AND RESEARCH PROCESS

Our most crucial rehearsal that drove most of our creative decisions was where we decided to use Instagram and Instagram photos to structure our performance. This decision was made and followed by us creating an online performance proposal outline linked below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s75uIdWcXtX-IlkVPDs3Ws_O8JH6s-OHKDM6STnNrIg/edit?usp=sharing

Much of our rehearsal process was independent in creating content and then regrouping to discuss and review the work we had done. The workload was roughly divided by 4 different aspects of the show we had to complete. (1) Creating a collection of photos our characters would post before and throughout the piece, (2) A detailed script of what would happen and when, (3) The @o.z.brand instagram account and website and (4) DM conversations that would move the plot along. Our process was documented through notes taken at every meeting and draft versions of our work. Examples are linked below:

Content drafts:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AtAdLqma_A6iDuKBTysnoI8uKuAkJnrn-ydKZCq5Rb4/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fCfsJaT1r-zG4TZqUItHNty3xT11l7OXR0sv15b7L8U/edit?usp=sharing

Meeting notes:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mUzWmfvKBbJF41Ofr2JhQY8_4Ia0Wwy2DmK-edxbBmM/edit?usp=sharing

I think our biggest moments of difficulty related to making sure everyone was clear about what was going on. We found meeting and communicating over video calls fairly difficult. We are all in different time zones which meant we had small windows of time when it was convenient to meet, and experienced rough internet connections that made it difficult to hear and understand what people were saying. Because of this, we relied on using shared documents through google drive to provide notes and feedback to each other, and used video to talk out things that had yet to be decided. Another point of difficulty was managing the logistics of such a tech heavy show. There are so many moving parts to get in order that it was really important to anticipate problems and stay organised. Our extensive collection of notes and google docs came in handy. The actual production faced very few roadblocks and I believe that is because of how detailed and organised our final script was.

Evidence of our research is demonstrated in some of our book notes documents linked below, as well as mention of articles or tools to investigate in the draft timeline of events. I also believe that our final product demonstrates significant research as we specifically recreate real life events and paid promotions that have been criticised (for example, our research led us to find the FitTea promotion from influencers that inspired the products @kevinoftheforest promotes). Below is also a full bibliography of the sources we used to inspire the show.

Book notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oJwKJA-4WMdFHhs3ZbrBad6rK9CSMWqdRyOuE2RhEKg/edit?usp=sharing

BIBLIOGRAPHY (**proper indented formatting was not compatible with tumblr formatting**):

@such_tweets (2010) Such Tweet Sorrow Archive. Available at: http://www.bleysmaynard.net/suchtweet/ (accessed: 29 May 2020)

Baum, L. F. (1900) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Chicago: George M. Hill Company.

Bearne, S. (2019) ‘Reality check: life behind Insta-glam image of ‘influencers’, The Guardian, Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2019/mar/17/instagram-social-media-influencers-reality (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Chen, T. and McNeal, S. (2020) ‘The J.Crew Bankruptcy Has Exposed A Hard Truth About The Influencer Economy’, Buzzfeed, Available at: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tanyachen/the-jcrew-bankruptcy-has-exposed-a-hard-truth-about-the (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Fastenau, J. (2018) ‘Under the Influence: The Power of Social Media Influencers’, Medium, Available at: https://medium.com/crobox/under-the-influence-the-power-of-social-media-influencers-5192571083c3 (accessed: 29 May 2020)

Harris, M. (2018) ‘These Super-talented Illustrators are Exploring our Obsession with Social Media’, Digital Arts, Available at:

https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/illustration/these-super-talented-illustrators-are-exploring-our-obsession-with-social-media/#2 (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Hausman, A. (2019) ‘THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER’, Marketing Insider Group, Available at:

https://marketinginsidergroup.com/influencer-marketing/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-social-media-influencer/ (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Ingrid Goes West (2017) Directed by M. Spicer. [Feature film]. New York City: Neon.

Imgrund, M. (2018) ‘Why I Hate Influencer Culture’, Eco Warrior Princess, Available at: https://ecowarriorprincess.net/2018/06/why-i-hate-influencer-culture/ (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Krishna, R. and Cho, K. (2018) ‘A Blogger Has Been Exposed For Stealing Photos For Her Popular Instagram Account’, Buzzfeed, Available at: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/krishrach/instagram-influencer-sadelle-yeung-photos (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Molly Soda (2011) Tween Dreams. 4 February. Available at: https://vimeo.com/19566930 (accessed: 29 May 2020)

Olson, M. (no date) Marisa Olson. Available at: http://marisaolson.com/ (accessed: 29 May 2020)

Plaugic, L. (2018) ‘PopSugar allegedly stole ‘millions’ of Instagram influencer photos — and made money with them’, The Verge, Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/19/17252196/popsugar-instagram-stolen-affiliate-links-photos-rewardstyle-shopstyle-response (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Puhak, J. (2018) ‘Instagram influencer slammed for 'fake traveling' photos’, Fox News, Available at: https://www.foxnews.com/travel/instagram-star-slammed-for-fake-traveling-photos (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Read, B. (2020) ‘Is This the Most Bizarre Influencer Scam Yet?’, The Cut, Available at: https://www.thecut.com/2020/01/paul-zimmer-or-troy-becker-is-the-craziest-influencer-scam.html (accessed: 29 May 2020)

Skelton, E. (2019) ‘Thomas’ exhibit examines ego in social media’, University Press, Available at: https://www.lamar.edu/university-press/2019/10/thomas-exhibit-examines-ego-in-social-media.php (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Soto, A. (no date) Molly Soda. Available at: https://mollysoda.exposed/ (accessed: 29 May 2020)

TFL (2018) ‘The Questionable Marketing of Instagram-Promoted “Weight Loss” Products’, The Fashion Law, Available at: https://www.thefashionlaw.com/the-questionable-marketing-of-the-instagram-promoted-weight-loss-teas/ (accessed: 28 May 2020)

Tsapovsky, F. (2020) ‘Could the Coronavirus Kill Influencer Culture?’, Wired, Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-covid-19-influencers/ (accessed: 29 May 2020)

Ulman, A. (2014) Excellences and Perfections [online exhibition]. Available at: https://www.newmuseum.org/exhibitions/view/amalia-ulman-excellences-perfections (accessed: 29 May 2020)

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