The crust is history.

I came across the following byte size morsel regarding my personal commentary upon webbed wide world revolution (no doubt the subject of dissertations far more pronounced and hashtagged with footnotes) vastly contrasted with days of yore (meaning mine) school daze.

Where no amount of collusion can Lyft my natural tentative tiktok Uber Vudu wired yik yak zen based deep fried Googly eyed Hulu (indeed) jibber jabber ring kickstarting livingsocial Myspace. Thus, this circumspect, dapper, electronically fitbit groupon heretic individualist jangles kickstarter linkedin motive narrating outlook pertaining to various technological innovations suddenly became good and plenti during the latter half of his three score plus four orbitz, while travelocity on this oblate spheroid. Unlike deux daughters, (the youngest merely twenty anniversaries removed from her birth February 4th 2019 – date of this binary blurb, and the eldest approximately twenty six months her senior), who both got weaned on the ABC's of computer accouterments during kindergarten, this dada Dinosaur quaintly recalls the old fashioned desks with inkwells meant for dunking ponytails. As an obedient quite quiet lad, no shenanigans, (asper dipping hair into unnatural shade of black or blue, and subsequently receiving the same hue SMACK a roo right in the kisser deftly delivered courtesy of strongest girl in class) attests his memories tend to be rather unexciting. Hence fast forward to this moment (just for an interim before revisiting days of bashful boyhood), and allow me to elucidate my affinity for prevarication, especially to entice the eyes of an unknown reader. Thus let me return to sitting with perfect posture. The one classroom per grade little red brick schoolhouse (constructed by bachelor non E. Grieg guess Norwegian farmers) devoid of any electronic paraphernalia. Wick head looking candles illuminated each alcove. The general electric fan perhaps the only non manually operated contraption. Hardwood benumbed bumstead now replaced with comfortable faux leather easy chairs with upteen gizmos for the average student to remain self occupied, while the teacher absent mindedly fiddles with her/his handy dandy palm size sophisticated snapping, crackling, and popping wireless fidelity. No spoiler alerts during those primitive modes of learning preceding by decades before the advent of ergonomic, NON GMO gluten free global positioning satellite, posturepedic, hydraulic operated, humanized, mechanized individual hermetically sealed pods. No doubt this old geezer would be like a fish out of water if brought into the modern twenty first century educational facility. Every last kid would be tethered with gadgets, and attuned into a customized impromptu lecture accessing, allocated, assigned (for keeps) alien looking equipment to this Luddite. Blackboards (really unfractallated slate - now worth a mint), and chalk sufficed to teach all the then known knowledge to man/woman kind. Most pupils (enforced to address the head master or mistress, - no married women permitted) as Benevolent Sir or Your Highness (frequently corrupted to heiney accompanied with a twitter of titters). Strict adherence to formal attire naturally mandated insync with politesse toward figurative line with obligation to manners. Thus street clothes (pre torn jeans that cost a small fortune), beachwear, et cetera unacceptable. Strict adherence to couture rules and regulations, would also count when report cards (milled paper) got issued for each one of four quartered nine month state compliance punishment . Upon reflecting the now every day (once radical, not far long ago within a nearby solar system of the Milky Way) Earthlinked digital contrivances adorning every Hotmail wannabe, those antiquated parochial teaching/learning environments did hold an avast advantageous candle box advantage versus the entire methodology inculcating young people how to function with an extremely webbed wide world, which paradigm an absolute necessity to become gainfully employed. A touch of nostalgia necessitates yours truly to blink back tears. He found comfort holding and/or cracking the binding of bound printed material, though I must confess a strong dislike to the Dewey Decimal System, which appeared as Egyptian hieroglyphics. Aside from manually turning tangible pages (unlike Ebooks, which do not interest me in the least), each well thumbed required suitably deemed reading topical writer, (which paled compared to discovering lesser known authors) also exuded an faint aroma, and hinted at a much simpler way of life compared to the highly charged (amped up) frenzy, where the transmitting and/or receiving bits and bytes a twenty four seven, three hundred sixty five day a year constant barrage of data packets. When documents, finished instructions, knowledge leveraged modes to assess comprehension, et cetera uploaded, the remaining leisure time undifferentiated as young people manipulate a cache of similarly wrought information (immense) applied to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Snapchat,Twitter, the ever growing array of miniaturized bajillion lobbed bots, whose processing capacity mind boggling. No longer exceptional simply boasting every stipulated historical date, state capitol, sporting statistic, et cetera. NO. Now a kid with coding cachet, (even if just a hack rate programmer), self taught open source application contributor, entrepreneur billionaire fresh out of preschool, et cetera garners devotees as if he/she mystically endowed with inherently instinctual intelligence to rattle off an algorithm touted as the next boy/girl genius.

Oft times this mountain man intrigued to step no closer to the sea than the Earth's defining coastlines. Ironically enough, the vagaries of near infinite watery expanse captivates, beckons and allures this Aegean inhabitant no closer than the wavering edge, where Poseidon doth kiss Gaea.

Nonetheless motivation, inspiration activation to craft epistles kickstarts, infuses, gushes... analogously from humongous fountainhead. Far from madding crowds, this sensate being remains content hearing, smelling, tasting, touching (marks closest limit of contact), and watching incessant timeless watery medium ebb and flow. Ever since a boy (born encased within miniature sea), I never tire being free and clear courtesy audible, nasal, oral, tactile, and visual medium covering three quarters of the terrestrial surface. Thus remaining temporary mortality (mine) will bear witness (no lion) to experience mental, physical, and spiritual gamut offered the five senses experiencing activated transfixed courtesy watery expanse.

No grandeur exaltation exceeds the depth, length, width... evidenced courtesy of mighty scope inherent within such large medium supposedly bajillion years ago coaxing, generating, manifesting... life on this planet. Yes, I tip figurative hat to Charles Darwin, and Alfred Russel Wallace, who substantiated evolutionary theory detail in Darwin's On the Origin of Species (1859). Quite radical and revolutionary notion more than one hundred and fifty years ago, which premise versus creationist school of thought caused within religious community, yet good n plenti hard core evidence offered heft to this revolutionary outlook.

Not my impossible mission, nor intent to buttress theory supporting coalescence of nebulous primordial essence into divers flora and fauna. This reedsy (non Ritzy) prompt incorporating myself beside the sea (in whatever capacity comes to mind) hopes to steer clear of deeply controversial topic this petty coated juncture, viz space/time continuum August twenty third, two thousand and nineteen, the date essay coaxed, generated, and loosed courtesy gray matter of mine.

The intent regarding casting a boot within embodiment of most abundant liquid covering oblate spheroid focused expounding on how vast oceans seeming affect yours truly with awe, cogent humility, thus allowing, enabling, and providing quintessential perspective where significance of Homo sapiens

less arrogant, haughty, supercilious,...trumpeted by at least one pompous individual, who equates his importance on par with a god. Also no futile ambition to deconstruct such a premise. Essentially there might be less tidiness communicating reverence for supreme powers (particularly concerning titanic natural forces at bay) way beyond the limits of this garden variety hominid, a mere nuisance and figurative thorn in the side of doctrinaire Bible thumpers.

Hence please pardon the above (plus bar any further) digressions. This tendency to meander part and parcel concerning trademark writing style frequently trends (moor or less off topic wharf fare I originally set sail) rather swiftly styled/ harried tailored manner. Decades harboring a pier rent passion vis a vis thee moist abundant compound (H2O) percolated within the brine of one average fellow.

Excuse me while I momentarily touch the sky, and simultaneously lapse into third person singular. Anyway, he feels incessant timeless buoyant events constituting distant horizons serving as constant mentor, no matter the lesson material quite predictable. Unlike television, this live broadcast offers salient self actualization. Noncommercial disruption (minus popular enclaves for shore, those public beach resorts quite an eyesore and unfair intrusion into marine ecosystem) never tires me. He (yupper still linked with first person plural) adapted googly instagrammed joie de vivre nsync with rhythm of pounding surf.

A crude rustic dwelling safely distant against impending stormy, feisty, choppy... weather imposed choice spit of solid ground to occupy. Built with indigenous plant material (moss covered roof) quite apropos to withstand heavy rain. Invention being the mother of necessity (unsure who accounts for father) delegated innovation to access resources (pabst occasionally calling on rolling Rocks) to avoid building complex edifice, but rather crafting simple yet cozy abode. Living off the grid forced once spry aging lovely bones to devise keeping safe and soundcloud from raw elements of nature. Generation of heat, (especially during months of year when many a nor'easter barrels across badlands end most critical to survive.

Hence subsurface fire pit adequately placed inland avoids encountering drowning hearth. Trials and error eventually evolved methodology to batten down hatches (learned thru school of hard knocks). Sustenance equally vital. Minor challenge arose finding hermit aged mister anthrope figuratively pitched atop horns of a dilemma. Dear reader, I cut to the chase, as tan hat manned survivalist. That quandary arose cuz vegetarianism preferred diet. Trout fishing in America more boyhood fancy versus appealing sport. Anyway preference took root foraging for edible plant, some of which offered naturally sweet treat, and providing significant vitamins.

Though catch of the day could be resolved, the barrier regarding comfort zone abruptly drawn without self imposed invisible wall determined by furthest encroachment of whirled wide webbed fingers of water. Ample edible greens prevailed, particularly since trial and error (risky business, yet only tried and true recourse), whatever would not kill must inevitable make me stronger.

Course earlier in mein kampf, I amassed botanical information voraciously reading books available at local library. Self sufficient living gnawed within more'n fifty shades of gray matter with one trusty noggin e'er since...I begat aversion being at the whim of capitalistic consumer driven paradigm. Power outages back in the day of yore Bubba's Zayda (approximates my prime mated phase), and wrought severe objection being at mercy of electricity without which the entire civilization would evince grinding halt. Helplessness to fend for self (and dependents), two grown daughters who favored with trappings of consumerist society, and spouse hood join an Abbey.

At long last sought after leeway to venture forth tapping into long lost skills became reality for a self anointed apprentice. Luckily I counted innate aptitude predicated on being adept and quick learner. Rather than merely duplicate primitive techniques to become master (baitor) of mine domain, an impetus arose to adapt some eco friendly innovations in tandem with indigenous tribes, whose knowledge base nearly extinguished.

Synchronicity amidst policy minimizing purported "foot print" anathema to thee cut throat competitive esprit de corp spurring great masses to traumatise the environment at expense of technologic creature comforts. This wordsmith disliked being another guilty offender undermining the inalienable right of other life forms many quickly perishing at the greed of thieving marauders aiming to sabotage the Amazon to rake in gobs of wealth.

Cut loose from the delicate network human species established meant dissociating with urban outfitters. Sooner than later a sea change would be forced upon humanity. I wanted to avoid clamorous, fractious, insidious, ludicrous, outrageous, rapacious, vicious, and zealous pompous self serving materialistic leitmotif. Yukon find this semantic simian steward at an unspoilt sea. There me remaining days will be serenely spent spinning serious screeds against the sacrament and supposedly sacred selfish sea curs.

Well I’m back after a while (yeah 2 months) and now I can officially say that I missed you guys. Last few months were a bit of a mess that needs to be sorted out if you ask me. A lot of changes happened and is happening now in my life. I just needed a bit time of time to sort everything out and hence the delay. So how’s everyone been? I hope you all are fine and healthy.

Well in my last post, I told you all about a small challenge. And actually I’m writing this post to acknowledge you all that the challenge will come out in a few days. So those who thought about entering the challenge please do submit their entries in my challenge. And I’m thinking of joining Wattpad so if any of you guys are there just say so in the comment section of this post. And I more thing, my first original story ‘The End of Us’ will be rewritten and extended and it will take a lot of time to make it happen. Hope you guys support me. I’m looking forward to reading all of your life stories. Till then... Bye.

Attention, booklovers! This is Chacko Stephen, your personal entertainment companion. And welcome to Book3, where we discuss everything novel. Let us hop right in!

So, this is how it works. It is simple. We introduce three new books (which I plan to read soon...), describe the plots, and pick a favourite from the previous article. Trust me. This will be fun! And perhaps, you will find your next big read up here!

And to be honest, this is not the best list out there, but we have some gems lined up here tonight. Without further ado, let us get into it!

1. Welcome to Nowhere (Elizabeth Laird, 2017)

Genre: Fiction, War.

Plot: Twelve-year-old Omar and his brothers and sisters were born and raised in the beautiful and bustling city of Bosra, Syria. Omar does not care about politics - all he wants is to grow up to become a successful businessman who will take the world by storm. But when his clever older brother, Musa, gets mixed up with some young political activists, everything changes . . . Before long, bombs are falling, people are dying, and Omar and his family have no choice but to flee their homes with only what they can carry. Yet, no matter how far they run, the shadow of war follows them - until they have no other choice than to attempt the dangerous journey to escape their homeland altogether. But where do you go when you cannot go home?

And I was desperate for a leap out of my comfort zone! When I read the plot, it suddenly struck me that I had never read anything that features;

One: The plights of immigration.

Two: Any of the Arab Nations (except once in Inferno where they visit Hagia Sophia)

Three: Something that focuses on Muslim characters.

That’s a terrible lack of diversity that I can see in my reading habits! And when I thought about more of these lacks, I was surprised by the number of items I could come up with. It is about time that I start exploring these new realms... (And the book is described in the first person, so I felt it could help me a bit with my current project. It did.)

2. The Rise of Wolves (Kerr Thomson, 2017)

Genre: YA, Mystery.

Plot: Innis Munro is walking home across the bleak wilderness of Nin Island when he hears the chilling howl of a wolf. But there are no wolves on the island - not since they were hunted to extinction centuries ago. He decides to investigate his island home and accepts an ancient challenge: he who jumps the Bonnie Laddie’s Leap wins a fortune. As the wolves rise from the darkness of history and long-buried secrets resurface, Innis’ adventure truly begins ...

Well, there was a more specific reason why I chose this one. I was planning on writing a novel set in Scotland somewhere in between all this time. (Nope, I didn’t write it. I didn’t.) And I wanted to know as much as I could about Scotland and the Scottish before I began. And as you might notice, the next pick is also set in Scotland!

And there are wolves! But no, that wasn’t the primary reason. (It is more like a secondary one...) I also figured out that even as a teen, I had never explored many YA novels before. So, I went for a YA pick, and why not wolves and teens?! It is always fascinating! Except for Twilight, perhaps...

3. Farewell Tour of a Terminal Optimist (John Young, 2017)

Genre: YA, Contemporary.

Plot: Quick-witted, sharp-tongued Connor Lambert will not take it any longer: the bullying, the secrets, the sympathy. He has been dying from cancer for years, but he is not dead yet. He is going down fighting.

Forming an unlikely friendship with fellow juvenile delinquent Skeates, the pair stage a breakout and set off on a crazy tour across Scotland -- dodging the police, joy riding and extreme partying -- to find Connor’s dad, an inmate at Shotts prison.

But Connor’s left two things behind -- the medication he needs to keep him alive and the girl who makes living bearable. A fresh and bold debut novel-- full of heart, guts and raw emotion. Farewell Tour of a Terminal Optimist is a brilliantly funny, thrilling exploration of friendship, identity and mortality populated with witty, sharply drawn characters.

Yep, I needed something messed up. And this one was satisfying the criteria splendidly! I mean, what could be messier than two crackhead teenagers out in the open? They don’t even have to break out of something here. Trust me, I know!

And it’s set in Scotland! It’s a beautiful country. I mean, I don’t have very high expectations with this one, but I think this will be a fun read.

And that’s it! That’s the three I am about to delve into for the time being. (Well, I might have already finished one of these and almost finished the other two, but let’s just say I didn’t. That’s not the concept of these posts...) Since this is the very first in the segment, I don’t think this was (It isn’t) the best way to present the books, but I will come up with better ideas next time! I assure you that!

Since this is our first edition, we don’t have a favorite book from the past article. But we will have one next time! I do have some lovely books in the next list! Do let me know which one among the three caught your interest! Anyway, this had been Chacko Stephen, your personal entertainment companion, and we will see you soon with another segment of Book3. Now, grab your novels, play some music, sit back and enjoy. Happy reading!

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I actually had plans to put out the next chapter of Has Anyone Seen Jo tonight. But then, this week didn’t really pan out the way I thought it would *facepalm* I am sorry. But then, I thought I will pull this one up now. I had it in my drafts for a while, so I thought this might be the perfect time to put it out there! Hope you guys enjoy it, and perhaps, actually find something interesting! And I assure you that I will come up with a refined, better version next time ^0^

Lots of love,

Chacko Stephen

#nonfiction, or is it?

Attention, film fanatics! This is Chacko Stephen, your personal entertainment companion. And welcome to Popcorn Starbucks!, where we discuss everything cinema. Let's hop right in!

So, this is how it works. It's simple. Every month, we will check out ten movies that stand out from the crowd, pick an old favorite from the past month, and share our personal thoughts up here. Trust me. This will be fun!

September 2021. It's not the best list out there, but we have some gems lined up here tonight. Without further ado, let's get into it!

10. Kate

Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller.

Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Miku Martineau, Woody Harrelson.

Plot: After she is poisoned, a ruthless criminal operative has less than 24 hours to exact revenge on her enemies, and in the process, forms an unexpected bond with the daughter of one of her past victims.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MysGjRS9jFU

Cyberpunk and neon lights! It's totally cool! And yes, that could turn out to be the only positive thing about this movie. It looks cool! Totally cool! But don't raise your bars so high up with this one. Yes, you got Mary Elizabeth Winstead and all-time-versatile Woody Harrelson in there. But something feels off. The action sequences could be neat, though. After all, it's produced by the studio that gave us the brutal John Wick trilogy.

9. Prisoners of the Ghostland

Release Date: September 17th, 2021

Genre: Action, Adventure, Western?

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Sofia Boutella, Bill Moseley

Plot: In the treacherous frontier city of Samurai Town, a ruthless bank robber is sprung from jail by a wealthy warlord, The Governor, whose adopted granddaughter, Bernice, has gone missing. The Governor offers the prisoner his freedom in exchange for retrieving the runaway. Strapped into a leather suit that will self-destruct within five days, the bandit sets off on a journey to find the young woman—and his own path to redemption.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I6p1yxZ_LE

In Cage's own words, it's the wildest movie he's ever made. And that says something. After acting in Ghost Rider, Face Off, and even a Superman flick, if this is the wildest, it's indeed one to look out for. Of course, the plot is a lost cause, but give the trailer a watch. You will be intrigued to know more! It could be a fantastic cinematic experience. And that gives it a rank in the list.

8. Dear Evan Hansen

Release Date: September 24th, 2021

Genre: Drama, Musical

Cast: Ben Platt, Kaitlyn Dever, Amy Adams.

Plot: A high schooler, plagued with social anxiety, concocts a story to become closer to the family of a deceased classmate.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_c_Jd-hP-s

The lighthearted ones are here too. Once a generation-defining Broadway phenomenon is getting adapted into a movie. And yes, the trailer looks promising. It might be a little tearjerker that can take us on an emotional journey. And I am all for it, are you? Moreover, it's brought by the director who gave us The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) and Wonder (2017).

7. I'm Your Man

Release Date: September 24th, 2021

Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-fi?

Cast: Dan Stevens, Maren Eggert, Sandra Huller

Plot: To obtain funds for her research, Alma is persuaded to participate in an extraordinary study. For three weeks, she has to live with Tom, a humanoid robot designed to be the perfect life partner for her- tailored to her character and needs.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARxpqS9DQyA

Now, that's a plot! Uniqueness, here we are! And, of course, it had to be German to be unique! "Hallo, personen!" No, I don't know German. Another heartwarming movie, for sure. Yet again, the trailer promises a beautiful story to be unveiled. This one will fill your heart. Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst!

6. Worth

Release Date: September 3rd, 2021

Genre: Historical, Drama, Legal.

Cast: Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, Amy Ryan.

Plot: An attorney learns a lesson in empathy when he is faced with the near-impossible task of determining how to compensate families who suffered incalculable losses as a result of the September 11th attacks in 2001. Based on factual events.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOAemeB9CAw

Yes! Yes! A hundred times yes! Michael Keaton, Amy Ryan and Stanley Tucci in a legal drama! How can I not say yes?! It's based on the book 'What is the Worth?' by Kenneth Feinberg. And the fact that it is based on actual events adds to the hype! The movie could be slow-paced and not everyone's cup of tea. But I am all for it! Bring it on, people!

5. Cinderella

Release Date: September 3rd, 2021

Genre: Musical, Teen, Fairy Tale

Cast: Camila Cabello, Billy Porter, Pierce Brosnan.

Plot: Cinderella is a bold new take on the traditional story you grew up with. Our heroine is an ambitious young woman whose dreams are more powerful than the world will allow, but with the help of her Fab G, she can persevere and make her dreams come true.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1NeHRuPpoM

Look, I get it. No offence. I like Camila Cabello. You brought in Pierce Brosnan! And I like the Cinderella story. I know you all have a magnanimous library of rich resources. But do some originals, man! They are rebooting things far too much. It's exhausting now! The world needs more tales to be told! At least, do something a little different, like, perhaps the story after the union of Ella and the Prince. Wait! That could be a great story!

4. Afterlife of the Party

Release Date: September 2nd, 2021

Genre: Romantic, Comedy.

Cast: Victoria Justice, Midori Francis, Spencer Sutherland.

Plot: Cassie, a social butterfly, experiences the hugest party foul of all--Dying during the birthday week. To her surprise, she is given a second chance to right her wrongs on Earth by reconnecting with loved ones, and most importantly, prove that she is worthy enough to get into the big VIP room in the sky.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFIbSnJ9tQM

A creative rom-com. Thank heavens! It had been so long. We missed you! It's directed by Stephen Herek, who brought us Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989), 101 Dalmatians (1996) and The Three Musketeers (1993). A polished British guardian angel, jokes on superstitions- this will be a fun flick to look out for. After the kinds of Evan and Bruce Almighty, it's time for a lady to take the stage. This might not be one to remember forever, but sit back and enjoy your leisure time. But be ready. We all know what they might do at the end.

3. Malignant

Release Date: September 10th, 2021.

Genre: Horror, Thriller.

Cast: Annabelle Wallis, McKenna Grace, Maddie Hasson.

Plot: Malignant focuses on Alan Gates, a cancer patient with a terminal diagnosis who is resigned to his fate until he discovers that his tumor is actually a mysterious parasite. Granted a second lease on life and incredible, otherworldly powers, Alan must fight against an evil army buried beneath society skin, all the while unlocking the secrets of his forgotten past.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczt0fhawDs

James Wan. Horror flick. Need I say more?! That man can make the audience remain on the edge of the seat for as long as he wants. The plot feels a bit far-fetched, but mark my words: This movie will have its moments. I am not the biggest fan of horror films, but I have faith in this guy. Hell, he even made Aquaman scary at times!

2. The Duke

Release Date: September 17th, 2021

Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama.

Cast: Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren, Matthew Goode.

Plot: Set in 1961 when Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in its history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting, but in turn, the government should agree to provide television for free to the elderly. What happened next became the stuff of legend. Only 50 years later did the whole story emerge – a startling revelation of how a good man set out to change the world, and in so doing, saved his son and his marriage.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2bxcnt4S4

I know many of you might disagree with Cinderella up at 5th and Malignant up at 3rd, but come on, everyone! Watch the trailer once. If that doesn't play a little with your emotions, I am confused with your state of mind. This will be a good story. Yes, I know it is based on actual events. But the performances, the filmmaking-- this movie will leave us all with some well-earned emotions. This could even be my favorite on the entire list. And given that Jim Broadbent (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter franchise, Narnia Franchise) and Helen Mirren (The Queen, Hitchcock, RED franchise, Fast and the Furious franchise) are playing titular roles, this will have stellar performances too.

1. Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Release Date: September 3rd, 2021

Genre: Action, Adventure, Superhero.

Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh.

Plot: Martial-arts master Shang-Chi confronts the past he thought he left behind when he's drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giWIr7U1deA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YjFbMbfXaQ

Yes! If you know me, at least a little, you saw this coming! This had to be on the top of the list! Asian superheroes and Martial Arts in the MCU- I am already in! And they brought in legends like Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh in there! The trailer looks marvelous (forgive the pun) and beyond what the MCU is used to. The visual effects are off this world! I am excited.

Since this is our first edition, we don't have a favorite flick from the past month. But we will have one in October. Oh, we do have some lovely movies releasing this October. Do let me know which one are you looking forward to this month. This had been Chacko Stephen, your personal entertainment companion, and we will see you next month with another segment of Popcorn Starbucks! Now, grab your popcorns and Starbucks, play a movie, sit back and relax. Happy watching!

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*radio noises* Hello. Hello. Can anyone hear me? Hello! It's clear. Alright! Start, action!

Hey everyone! I am thinking of starting something new. Some things new, to be honest. And yes, one of them (this one) is called Popcorn Starbucks! I know. That's a silly name. I love silly names *chuckling* It's just, I had to get out of the fictional realm. I need to gain some knowledge in other fields of writing too. And this felt like the most easiest one in the list. I do talk a lot, and I love watching good movies. So, I thought this could be a good place to begin. I watched about 40-45 trailers last week, and read a ton of synopses XD I mean, it was fun! The difficult part was refining the list! I am absolutely horrible with choices. Anyway, let me know what you guys think (:

Lots of love,

Chacko Stephen.

Listening (keenly, attentively, glued) to every word said by the key note speaker— at the start of this week, at work- one major take away from the sort of TedTalk like presentation that holds ever so true is this: (I quote) ‘’We all have a role to play in making spaces for everyone around us & being respectful to everybody— no one can do what they are called to do alone...but as a (global) community a lot of good things can happen when we all work together in harmony & show love, care, respect to ourselves, ‘n’ others.’’ (End quote). Well, I’m definitely learning a lot. The goal is to keep moving forward not alone- with others, everyone thriving!

#1MajorTakeAway ©

[26.08.2021. Thursday]

Alright, I first thought of returning with an explanation for my frequent disappearances. Then, I thought an apology would be a better idea. But then, I realised that I wanted this post to have a positive tone. So, here we are!

I am not going to explain all the reasons that kept me away because, it's a bit complicated. And the reasons were different almost every other day, so I think it would be a colossal, massive waste of time. But I can assure you that if there was a way, I would have made it here the very next moment. Maybe, I had a way, but I got too caught up, and I am horrible in time management. If I had figured everything out sooner, I would have been here way earlier. This little place is too important for me now.

That's when I thought of a pardon. I owe it to this place. I cannot simply take off, and leave someone else confused. That's not fair. And it's a wrong thing to do. I am really sorry for that. But the more I thought about it, I felt it was worthless. My apologies are worthless. I am afraid I had been using them as more of an excuse rather than a pardon. Maybe, I didn't mean to, but does that change anything? I am sure it doesn't.

But I am sorry. I know I have come off as a disappointment to many of you in more than one occasion during the past few weeks. It wasn't what I wished for, but it was what I had to do. Or at least, that's what I believed so. And I can't run against time and do something different, so I guess the best thing I can do is to apologise. I was an idiot. I am sorry, and I will try not to do this again.

And that's another thing I am going to change now. Every time I use the word 'try' in an assurance, it seems like my mind always opts the weaker alternative. And I think I might have hurt someone with that word, no matter how much I meant and wished for those to come true. I am sorry, buddy. I will not do this again.

Well, it turns out that the post was not as positive as I thought it would be. That's on me. I am sorry about that. I will do my best to return to the always-energetic, way too talkative, mostly silly late teen as soon as I can. Hopefully, from the very next second. Wish me luck (: And slap me in the face if you ever see me do this again. I deserve that!

Lots of love,

Chacko Stephen

#nonfiction

So, I am a bit strange. I mean, I don't think I had to announce that. I mean, almost everyone knows that, so there is no particular need, XD. But I felt a bit of foreboding might be a better idea, so here we go!

So, I am a ridiculously slow writer, and I lack motivation and energy in such dangerous quantities! It takes me weeks to finish a short story, and I was desperate to bring an end to it- For the past few months. So, I thought, 'screaming it out to the world' might be a better idea, just to keep me on track! Maybe, we should all do this! Yeah, I am an idiot, XD.

So, here is my plan! I will keep announcing the upcoming five projects I have in my mind every once in a while! (Hence the title, ^0^) And this is the first one in the saga! Yeah! I don't know why I did that. I don't know why I am doing this! I mean, why are any of us doing the things that we do?

Alright, that's where I might want to put the period. Sorry about that! So, here we go!

1. Chapter 45: Of Memories Lost and Made

A chapter in 'The Kincade Chronicles' describing the events that took place in their lives during the late 1890s

2. The Not-So-Grand Scheme of Things

God decides to visit Earth, taking the form of a working woman in her mid-thirties.

3. McKenzie: A Revenge Tale (Part Two)

David McKenzie is so close to putting an end to the fraternity that brought him up.

4. The Curse of the Pinky Promise

"You know what happens when you break a pinky promise, don't you?" Even when young Diane said yes, she had no idea what was about to follow. (Special thanks to GLD for helping me come up with this idea ^0^)

5. McKenzie: One Last Mission

David McKenzie suits up for one last battle in his conflicted life. But this time, the fight comes home.

And that's it! That's what I am going to do for the next few weeks! Do let me know what you feel about these little projects, won't you ^0^ I mean, some of them (alright, most of them) are crazy, stupid and childish and pretty much reflects quite what I am, XD. But somehow, I find these too interesting to let go of... I am sorry if this came off a bit inconvenient. But I frantically needed something like this, so I hope it's okay (:

Lots of Love,

CS

#nonfiction, hopefully ^-^

Now, this might easily pass as the longest title I have ever given to a post! Congratulations, me, ^-^. Alright, back to the topic on hand. The question is, undoubtedly, wrong since it's impossible on so many levels. Let it be biological, physical, chemical, but maybe not philosophical. Let's not think about it right now (: But what I am about to say, or more like, announce, is quite similar to the question.

But first, let me assure you all that the answer is a definite no. I mean, that would be terrifying, even for me, XD.

So, I haven't told many persons about my recently discovered love for writing, and very few of them believe that I can write anything at all. *silence* I don't assume that they think I can write at all. I mean, the basics- alphabets, constructing sentences, XD. But out of that little bunch, one even went on to ask me, "So, how do I get in?" In all my years of sneaking into libraries and reading big novels, not one among my friends was really into this stuff other than me. So, this was a big moment!

*dramatic, melodious music enters*

Let me welcome one of my oldest friends, a very close one, my partner, in certain activities, who don't necessarily abide by the rules- Amal (@Amal_Z), a.k.a, James Buchanan Barnes. Don't be alarmed! It's a childhood MCU thing. You might be surprised to know that I am Steve Rogers XD It's our little fandom. You might be even more surprised to realise that we have the entire Avengers assembled. Almost, ^-^. We have Tony, Pepper, Scott (the Lang one), Hope, Bruce, Carol, Vision, Wanda, Peter (the Parker one), T'Challa, and so the list goes!

And when I say we are similar, we, indeed, are on certain levels. We believe in many common causes; we have so many mutual friends; we already have some plans for the future along with the earlier 'Avengers', if you may, ^-^.

But yes, we are different on so many levels too. I talk a lot more (which is already pretty evident ^-^), I am more of the safety guy, and I have another brilliant example right now. So, he had been up here for a week, and he has eleven posts. And I had been up here for almost a year, and I have 38 posts! And on his current 'strike rate', it might take him three weeks (or let's say a month, just for personal satisfaction ^-^) to have more posts than me. And I have to add the point that out of that 38 I have, one-third of them are (more than one-third of them are) hi's and bye's and me and my brain having silly arguments, XD.

Alright, I rarely come to the point. So, Amal is one of the best things that has ever happened in my life. And when I say this, it might be the first time he will ever hear this too. (See this too). I mean, I rarely compliment others out of this platform. I am more of a 'teasing' friend out there. In a fun way, of course, ^0^. The ones in which the 'teased' will chase me over a mile and beat me all over. All while we are all laughing, of course, ^0^. I mean, otherwise, I wouldn't be alive to say all this, XD.

So, please accompany me when I heartily welcome this good old friend to my newfound family ^-^ Let's make him feel at home. Buddy, welcome to Prose.

PS: No, I am not saying any of these when we meet for real. No. I am not used to complimenting people while being with them, face to face, XD. And this, strictly, stays between us. If one of them knows, they might all finally find something to tease me for the rest of my life XD. I am not breaking my perfect track record ^0^.

#nonfiction

Alright, I have never used an emoji in the title before! It looks cute ^-^ Anyway, let me come back to the point. So, I took a long break, from Prose, the month before the last, because of my then-upcoming exams. But they got postponed, and I came back up!

Well, the exams are now coming back again! (God, why? XD) And this time, I don’t think they are leaving. Again, this is one of the most important exams in my life, so I cannot even think about taking a risk! So, here we go again! I am taking a break for a month!

But this is pretty much like a final one in the foreseeable future. I mean, after these finals, everything takes up a lot of time. So this time, when I come back, I am coming to stay for a very, very long time! (For example, not like what I just did ^-^) And that’s a piece of happy news for me, yeah! I get to stay around longer when I come back ^-^

But until then, it’s about time for me to start devouring books again. No, no, no! Please don’t try to imagine that. Oh, I should have given the warning first! *facepalm* Anyway, until we see again, bye for a while, my dear lovely, amazing, supportive, beautiful, cuddly, cute, adorable bunch of Prosers! (which includes me, of course, ^-^)

PS: If there is any concern about the schedule of the group project, don’t worry. Though the coordinator is not here, the boss is! Verity will sort it out. All it takes is a small rearrangement! Love ya, guys ^-^

#nonfiction