Random Writes

Just random posts I feel like making to display my ability as a writer

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Animes That Fans Are Still Waiting To See Sequels For

With the recent premiere of the second season of Clone High through HBO’s Max streaming service and Netflix’s second season of the reboot of Bastard!; long suffering fans are finally getting more of the animated shows that they have spent over ten years waiting for. Hopefully streaming services will continue to listen to the people and start doing more reboots and sequels to what fans want to see. Here’s a list of seven other anime shows that anime fans are still waiting to see:

School Rumble

School Rumble is the anime adaptation of the Slice of Life, Romantic-Comedy manga of the same name by Jin Kobayashi. This over 20 episode animated series follows the ditzy but lovable, Tenma Tsukamoto, and the former delinquent who loves her, Kenji Harima. This show was brilliantly written with amazing comedic moments surrounding the typical misunderstandings and awkward moments among teenagers, along with personal revelations. School Rumble was definitely a show that would delight many within the Shoujo or Shonen fan-base, however the ending of the series seemed unfinished and left much to be desired.

Ouran Host Club

Take Hana Kimi and mash it together with Boys Over Flowers, and you get Ouran Host Club. Based off of the 2002-2010 manga by Bisco Hatori, the genderbending reverse harem anime continues to have a dedicated fan base still aching for more episodes. This anime follows the gender non-conforming Haruhi Fujioka who attends a prestigious private school on scholarship, and is forced to pay back a debt working as a host club member. Despite being a comedy this show has compelling character arcs and emotional moments, with positive LGBT+ representation. Since the anime concluded before the manga’s completion there’s definitely still plenty of story to tell and this show could easily follow in the footsteps of FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood or Hellsing Ultimate.

Kamisama Kiss

Having an original air date of 2012 this anime is based off the 25 volume long manga series by Julietta Suzuki of the same name. This show followed the recently homeless Tomoe who becomes a minor deity and gets a handsome yet short tempered fox yokai for a servant. This show had a nice concept with many lovable characters in the Supernatural genre with Romantic-Comedic elements to the story. Despite having two seasons, the story’s ending didn’t feel complete and hopefully one day fans can get more.

Utena: Revolutionary Girl

For so many people this 1997 anime was an introduction to the world of anime and manga and is highly regarded for its art style, and LGBT+ and Feminist themes. The anime is based off of the manga written by Chiho Saito of the Magical Girl, Action, and Fantasy genres. This story follows Utena Tenjou, a new girl at school who becomes involved in a secret European-style duel competition for “The Rose Bride.” The bride in question is a quiet and mysterious girl named Anthy Himemiya who is often treated more as a prop and less as a person. Utena fights frequently to defend Anthy yet is sadly betrayed by someone she considered a good friend. The anime ends with Anthy going out to search for Utena but we never know what happens after the fact. Even the anime film adaptation ends with no clear resolution so a reboot or a sequel series to settle people’s questions would be a great form of closure to the old fans while catching the interest of the new ones.

Mermaid Forest

After the success of Inuyasha, Ranma ½, and Urusei Yatsura, Rumiko Takahashi has no shortage of fans who would check out anything with her name attached. Back in the early 2000s there was an anime adaptation of her 1994 manga of the same name. In this anime the show’s two leads, Yuta and Mana, have been given immortality after consuming mermaid flesh which arguably the better of the two possible side effects. For the better part of the series the anime follows these two around during their travels until they run into another, much older immortal, who has developed an amoral personality. Towards the end we never know the fate of the older immortal nor discover if there is any possibility to reverse the side effects of the mermaid flesh. The anime just sorta of ends, so a sequel or reboot would be greatly appreciated.

Nightwalker: The Midnighter Detective

Anime fans who also enjoyed the Buffyverse spin-off Angel could easily adore the original 13 episode show. This late 90s horror-mystery anime follows the bishonen male lead, Shido Tatsuhiko, who fights to protect those from the harm or influence of terrible using vampiric abilities. One of the key figures to his past is the vampire Lord Cain who has semi-obsession with Shido and refuses to accept that he is no longer the killer he used to be and tries to get Shido to come back to him. The last episode ends with Shido experiencing the trauma of having to put down his teenage secretary, Riho Yamazaki, and being kissed by Cain who declares his love for Shido once more before fading away into darkness. This ending would’ve been fantastic as a season one finale but as a show one there just feels like so much that could be told.  

Descendants of Darkness

Based on the still on-going manga Yami no Matsuei, or Descendants of Darkness, this 2000 anime adaption is an excellent blend of mystery, dark fantasy, and supernatural with an extra helping of yaoi. The show’s lead is Asato Tsuzuki, a human turned shinigami who solves cases for the Spirit World alongside the recently murdered turned shinigami Hisoka Kurosaki. This anime did a marvelous job at keeping viewers guessing with different mysteries and entertained with action sequences. The artwork is magnificent as well. At the end of the show Hisoka pulls Asato out of a deep depression and they fight off the show’s overarching villain before concluding. However, since the manga has yet to officially end there’s still room to continue the story and there are many who would be eager to watch.  

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Pose it OVER! I can’t. I needed more. I love these characters so much.

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Actresses that should’ve gotten the role of Harriet Tubman

Viola Davis 

Give me five solid reasons why this talented and well-trained actress was overlooked when she wanted the role. DeWanda Wise

Another talented woman who is from the same area Harriet Tubman was from. Kimberly Elise

Again, she’s talented and her resume speaks for herself.

Taraji P. Henson

She too is from the state of Maryland, went to an HBCU and has amazing skills.

Aisha Hinds 

She played Harriet in Underground so why can’t she play her again?

Gabrielle Union 

I need a list of reasons why this actress couldn’t get the part either. 

Nicole Beharie 

Sleepy Hollow never appreciated her and was rightfully cancelled, but once again she is being overlooked. Why I ask you? Why? 

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Just saw the latest season The Handmaiden’s Tale. OMG!

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Will Enchantress be in Thor 4?

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Just saw San Junipero for the first time and I LOVED it!

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Really hope she’s in the live-action film

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Who’s Gonna Be King Triton?

Halle Bailey as “Ariel”?

Hell yeah!

Props to the Director, Casting Director or whoever made the suggestion to this colorblind casting. Now that our princess has been selected who will her daddy be?

Disney’s King Triton is the king of Atlantica, a single-father of seven daughters and minor antagonist. Beneath his strict, short-tempered and authoritative exterior is a loving and protective man who wants to do right by his people and family. When the sea king discovers that his youngest child is in love with a human he doesn’t take the news well and lashes out by destroying her collection of human items. Triton came off as cruel and judgemental, but later remorseful of his actions. There’s a level of complexity to the character that deserves an actor who can successfully portray that, and sing!

“But King Triton’s actor doesn’t need to sing.”

Yeah, yeah, yeah. If you’re thinking of just the animated 1989 film, I know King Triton doesn’t sing. I’ve seen the film 70+ times, but if the director is going to incorporate songs from the 2007 musical we need someone with some vocal abilities. Hence my list of potential candidates who can act and sing.

***Disclaimer this list is in no particular order of favorability, or most to least qualified***

Jesse L. Martin

Whether you recognize him as “Joe West” on The Flash, “Ed Green” from the Law & Order franchise, or “Tom Collins” from Rent, no one can deny he has the resumé. Also talent. That’s very important. The Virginia-born actor would do great at conveying a well-meaning yet controlling paternal figure. Plus is voice is baritone goodness that is smooth as velvet and very charming. Don’t believe the hype? Check out the links:

Jesse’s sings on the Rosie O’Donnell show

Jesse’s “I’ll Cover You” from Rent (film)  

Jesse’s “More Than I Could Wish You” from The Flash

Victor Garber

If you don’t know who Jesse’s co-singer was in the link above then the question begs, have you ever seen the Titanic (1997), Legally Blonde (2001) or Argo (2012)? Because those were some pretty popular films and he was in all of them. His more recent works were playing the intelligent “Dr. Martin Stein” in the CW’s The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and Arrow as well as the double-dealing “Simon Stern” in Power from Starz. Victor is a talentedly versatile actor with a delightful voice. He would do a fantastic job at playing King Triton as a respected leader who inspires loyalty yet possess a form of arrogance that won’t permit him to listen to others. For one generation he will always be the kind and supportive father of Prince Charming in the 1997 filmed version of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and he would be warmly received as the newer’s “King of the Sea.”  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialgarber1?lang=en

Charles Dance

If you’ve seen Game of Thrones does this choice really need to be explained? For those of you who haven’t, or any BBC shows in general, rest assured this British man has what it takes to play the role and more. Without question Dance would be excellent at playing King Triton as a stark traditionalist who projectes an aura of absolute authority. The type of king you would never dare to publicly challenge, so it would make sense for Ariel to explore her interests in humanity behind her misanthropic father’s back. Hopefully he’ll be a bit more loving than Tywin. As for the singing why don’t you check out Charles Dance’s portrayal of the Phantom of the Opera to decide that.

Erik sings to Christine

Twitter: https://twitter.com/isobellou?lang=en

Brian Stokes Mitchell

He was Jethro’s singing voice in Dream Work’s The Prince of Egypt, nuff said.

Well, I guess we could go into a little more detail. In terms of singing Brian Stokes Mitchell is well versed in genres like jazz, opera, pop, musical theatre and country. Basically anything you give the man he will rock it. Like the previously mentioned actors Mitchell has performed in Broadway, film and television. This man’s career history makes him a strong selection to play Ariel’s daddy. If you’re still questioning then go see his roles as “Trevor” from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, yes Hilary’s finance that jumped off a bridge, “LeRoy Berry” from Glee, “Mr. Watson” from Jumping the Broom (2011), and many others.  

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Jill Scott as Ursula?

I can sign on to that

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Black girl as “Ariel”?

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Casting Ursula

On the subject of Disney live-action films, The Little Mermaid is getting a lot of attention and bringing a lot of questions to the forefront. 

When will it be released?

Who’s going to direct?

How are they going to address feminist critiques?

How could the princess sign her name on a contract but not write the prince a note?

And the big question who’s going to be casted?

Obviously people are excited about who would play the titled princess --Ariel--, but right now our favorite red haired princess, you heard me Merida, is taking a back seat to Ursula.

Recently Melissa McCarthy was announced to be a prized cannindate to play the witch of the sea and she’s receiving a lot of support, why wouldn’t she? Melissa has charisma and the perfect body type to match Ursula’s and brings in some much needed body type representation. Not everyone is a size zero to five and we need to see more full figured women on screen showing how fun, fabulous and talented they are.

But do you know who else is a charismatic and talented with a fuller sized body? Lizzo.

If this year’s BET Awards performance proved anything it’s that this woman has the “juice” and can put in “work like a boss.” Not too long after Melissa, Lizzo tossed her own hat into the ring to play Ursula and the Lizzbians are right behind her. Plus Lizzo would also be positive representation for black, and other non-white women, in addition to plus size prepresentation.

Both women have many supporters for either different or similar reasons, but there are also fans who don’t want to see Lizzo or Melisssa and their reasons are pretty reasonable. Disney villains tend to have the best songs, and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is iconic. For the live-action film to cut that song out would be as disastrous as having it sung by an actress who’s musical abilities are at best average. Melissa is a fantastic comedian actress who could no doubt give Ursula some funny moments, but is she a bonafide singer?

And the reverse can be said about Lizzo. As a rapper and singer, Lizzo can bring it in full force but how is she as an actress? We need someone who can do both. Ursula, and the people Disney want to profit off their nostalgia from, deserve that. Now if Lizzo or Melissa can do both and knock it out of the park let the haters hate, but when it comes to a list of people who have proven to be capable in both? Here’s my list:

***Disclaimer this list is in no particular order of favorability, or most or least qualified***

Amber Riley

Being a perfect mashup between Lizzo and Melissa, Amber Riley --also known as “Mercedes”-- from Glee is phat with musical greatness and is a proven actress. This California native is well versed in the musical genres of Broadway, Pop, Gospel and R&B. Amber is more than qualified to sing whatever Disney gives her and blow everyone away. Still have doubts? Then check out her Glee covers of “Bust Your Windows,” “All I Want For Christmas” and “Sweet Transvestite,” and her liver performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.” She’s also played Ursula before, or is everyone going to act like Todrik Hall’s Disney Parody of Cellblock Tango didn’t happen? Amber would be a good choice because she’s not too famous --yet-- to overpower the film; and she deserves so much more mainstream success.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsAmberPRiley?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Jessica Lange

Anyone here who says that this woman can’t act is a damn liar. Jessica Lange has proven she can play a phenomenal villainess who will manipulate a naive protagonist. This woman has been in the business for years and has plenty of experience, especially when it comes to playing a witch. During the American Horror Story’s third season she was wonderful playing the amoral and power hungry Supreme, Fiona Goode. She was charming, regal and intelligent as well a ruthless. Perfect attributes for an antagonist scheming for the throne of Atlantica. As for the singing she’s not powerhouse, but with a little training Jessica could do the singing justice. Her cover of Lana Del Rey’s God and Monsters is proof of that.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlangedaily?lang=en

Queen Latifah

The one, the only and the incredibly cliché way to introduce someone so legendary and amazing Queen Latifah. She was loved as a hip hop lyricist before cherished as one of the most versatile actresses of modern Hollywood. Queen Latifah’s resume speaks for itself. Queen Latifah is no stranger to being in musicals with roles like Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago (2002), Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray (2007), and The Whiz in the live televised musical The Whiz. Other reasons as to why she would be a great choice is because --like Lizzo-- she fits the sweet spot of intersectional representation. Not just that but the fact that Queen Latifah is a queer women makes it even better because the character Ursula was inspired by a Drag Queen named Divine. It makes sense that a LGBT+ inspired character would be played by someone who is a member of that community. Also look at this pic and tell me it doesn’t look right.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAMQUEENLATIFAH?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

MJ Rodriguez

Speaking of honoring the origins of the character, another good pick to play Ursula is the Off-Broadway turned T.V. star MJ Rodriguez. She is a beautiful actress with a lovely voice and is perfection as Blanca in Pose. Do you question it? Then google her performance of “Home” with Billy Porter. To see her play a villain would be a true delight. As Ursula, MJ Rodriguez would make her graceful and someone who you feel you could connect with and feel for before betraying you. Like Ariel’s enemy does. MJ would also do a good job when Ursual needs to switch it up and become “Vanessa” to seductively hex Ariel’s love interest. This actress would bring up another form of body positivity and intersectionality as a transwoman.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjrodriguez7?lang=en

Each listed actress would bring something special to the role and anyone of them would be a good choice. Hopefully the casting director will take these traits into consideration when casting this epic role and not just putting anyone with a current major following.  

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Watch Pose, it’s “Worth It!”

Warning: Spoilers

In the era of social media anyone with who has a device with access to wi-fi can log on to find special groups for various interests. You like to coupon? There’s a group for that. You want to meet others to recreate the Battle of the Bastards from Game of Thrones? There’s a group for that too. Anything you have a curiosity or passion for there is an online group out there for it; and you will find no shortage of groups specific to the topic physical pleasure. But what did people do before there was a Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or even a MySpace?

How do you create and maintain these secret clubs while still getting the word out discreetly?

This was the question that came to mind when Pose’s “Worth It” episode revealed that Elektra (Dominique Jackson) was working as an underground dominatrix. Seriously, Elektra working at a classy restaurant by day and getting paid to beat rich white men by night? Bravo, my good madam. Bravo! As happy and refreshing as it was to see Elektra regain her confidence and get a nice new pad with that extra income, it’s still disappointing to see her mean streak return. For real Elektra was sleeping on park benches not too long ago, you’d think she’d be nicer and more humble.

After brushing off Blanca (MJ Rodriguez), and bouncing to Candy (Angelica Ross) and Lulu (Hallie Sahar) Elektra walks away from her children and creates a new house. The House of Wintour, and Wintour was coming for the community at the ball scene. It really does make sense for Elektra to break off on her own instead of being with Blanca because it’s just not who she is. Elektra is a diva and an alpha, and while her mean streak is a defense mechanism to living in a racist, sexist and transphobic world it’s frustrating that she would still spit her venom at people who care.  

Especially at the most caring of all, Blanca. The trailer shows that Elektra is going to get into some deep trouble, possibly drug related, and she’ll run straight to Blanca because she is a woman with an abundance --pun intended-- of compassion and resilience. While coming to terms with the progression of her disease Blanca puts her plan into owning her own nail salon  into motion. After getting a fabulous upgrade from Angel (Indya Moore) Blanca finds a lovely location owned by Frederica Norman (Patti LuPone).

Show of hands, who else slapped themselves on the forehead when Blanca gave Frederica all her money without signing a contract?

Like you just knew that something foul was going to happen because Frederica just presented herself as a racist and elite capitalist. Then low and behold her son, Jonas (Edward Carnevale), “clocks” Blanca and tries to toss her out. Now to Frederica’s credit she has her son give the money, because she had no legal obligation to do so. Hence the necessity of a contract or even a receipt. As for how Blanca responded there could be an understandable divide with validation to both sides.

One half of viewers would feel like Blanca should just be glad that she got her money back and go somewhere else and get a contract. Why deal with an obvious racist when you can go elsewhere? While the other half is glad that Blanca stood up for herself and is utilizing government services to not be pushed around. For the sake of plot Blanca is doing the latter, but the question does remain when is it appropriate to fight back and when is it good to just move on?

Blanca’s response to Frederica is just a showcase to the talent and forethought of the writers. Sometimes you do need to stand and fight because if you keep moving like the “Fredericas” of the world want you to they will destroy and re-colonize the country to fit their colorless, straight and Christian utopia. Props to the protagonist for knowing where to go to get help in reinforcing her rights. Because knowledge is the first part protecting yourself.

Something that Blanca has been trying to pass on to her children. Safe-sex education is a necessity. Abstinence, while possible, is not a realistic path for everyone and it’s a fool’s dream to force it. People need to know the real dangers that STDs can have and Blanca revealed her status for a teachable moment.

In other words: “Don’t make the same mistakes as me” and “Protect yourself.”

Then after Blanca tells the house she has AIDS we get the most touching scene of the episode. Angel Bismark Curiel shows his talent as an actor when Papi displays his shock at Blanca’s health followed by the sincerity of his love. It was hard to keep the tears back.

At least Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain) is finally starting to get it. Sad to see him split with Ricky (Dyllón Burnside), especially after that sweet reunion between them. However, Damon must be applauded for being wise enough to realize he can’t get so caught up to not use a condom. Especially since random dudes want to run up on Damon call him fat and say that had sex with his boyfriend.

Once again Pose is bringing it with the representation and important message of knowing your worth. Episode two of the second season was adequately named. Can’t wait for the next one!

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Me on my way to write my thoughts about the latest episode of Pose after I said I was only gonna do the premiere. 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

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Pose Returned & I’m Excited!

And the category is...1990s Fabulousness 

Last year on June 3rd the FX Network premiered their Pose, an eight episode long story about members of the queer community and ball culture in New York during the late 1980s. Specifically transwomen and gay men. The show’s protagonist is the beautiful and compassionate Blanca, played by MJ Rodriguez, who builds her own house, while raising a young gay teen and coming to grips with her HIV+ status. This show was renewed for a second season that premiered on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, and as a cisgender woman I was so excited watch it.    

Pose is definitely the type of show that is both needed and long overdue. It was by chance that I found it last year, and was lucky enough to marathon the first four episodes. As the first season progressed I remember being so puzzled as to why this show wasn’t talked more. I had to hunt for YouTube reviews and could not recall promos, trailers or commercials for Pose. Something I now believe FX has learned from because I’m seeing more promotion, which the show deserves.

As a viewer the things that really draw me in to Pose was how it centers black and brown members of the LGBT+ world instead of treating them as tokens and accessories. The show also has LGBT+ writers, like Janet Mock, which really does add a certain level of authenticity that can really be appreciated. Show creators Ryan Murphy, Steven Canals and Brad Falchuk did a phenomenal job last season and are still coming out strong in the new one.

Season two opens up with the episode, “Acting Up,” where Blanca and Pray Tell (Billy Porter) travel in the crisp and bitter cold of New York to an island to pay respects to another one of Pray Tell’s deceased lovers. It’s an inverse to the joy and uplifting moment of last episode where Blanca’s newly formed house won the ball contest, and she was crowned House Mother of the Year. Seeing how coldly and indifferent the people who died of HIV/AIDS were treated can really tear at your heart. However, as sad as it was this scene was a necessary stepping point to not only remind the audience of the queer community’s plight but also establishing Pray Tell’s resolve to channel his grief and fear into activism.

After attending a meeting with Nurse Judy (Sandra Bernhard) Pray Tell is inspired to finally step up for his community and the future well being of future queer members. Blanca, now faced with a shift in her own health, is inspired to stand up too by pushing her children to want and do more while embracing Vogue culture’s shift into the mainstream 90s. Blanca’s response to Madonna is a reflection of how many in ball culture felt, because she gave them positivity and made their world look cool instead of shameful.  

However, Pray Tell and Candy (Angelica Ross) are quick to remind Blanca that just because something in their culture is hot now doesn’t mean it will last, or trickle down to their lasting benefit. On a certain level Blanca can understand that and convinces Angel (Indya Moore) to audition to be a model. A sensible and natural choice. Angel has a lovely face and a type of photographic charisma that can take her to diva status in the modeling world. The scene where she walks into the line is shown perfectly. Props to the actress, director and camera person for making it feel like Angel was Cinderella getting a peek inside the ball.

After everything she went through with Stan (Evan Peters) fans will want nothing but the best for her, which is why it hurt so much when her photographer took advantage of her past. A straight predator that needed to know you can’t  blackmail people into humiliation for your pleasure. Glad Papi (Angel Bismark Curiel) took Angel and Blanca to get him back though. Not saying that it was 100% right, but —my Chris Rock voice— “I understand.”

The opening episode was great. The costumes, as always, were on point, the acting was award winning, the ball scene choreography is amazing and the music was perfect. As a 90s baby myself I am at the edge of my seat to see what Pose will do entering the new decade. Although, the trailer for the next episode alludes to troubled times for Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain) and Elektra (Dominique Jackson). Fingers crossed for our characters.

[itsniquol]

Paycheck Perils

***First paycheck from new job 

 Me: Alright! I can't wait to get new clothes, buy eat out at places, get more haircare products, and look into getting a new MacBook. 

Sallie Mae: You're gonna do what? 

FAFSA: That's cute. 

Car Note: Excuse me? 

Credit Card Bill: Let's not get cocky. 

Car Insurance: You're seriously underestimating the competency of other drivers. 

Phone Bill: Did your job turn you into a telepath and give you free WIFI? 

Car: Is my "Check Engine" light a joke  to you? 

Savings Account: YOU HAVE BEEN IGNORING ME FOR THREE MONTHS! Been patiently waiting and when things finally start getting good you get amnesia? Your parents aren't always gonna be there and when things get rough you'll be all up my ass! Girl, f-- your irresponsible and selfish ass! 

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Going to day 2 of my acting workshop.

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Binged in 48 hours on Netflix. Worth it!