You know, I used to really like the fourth of July. Obviously, my feelings have changed. I don't even know if I can even hear myself think with all the fireworks going off everywhere. I'm waiting for the moment my eardrums burst. Honestly? It's made daily life a living hell. It looks like accomplishing even the most insignificant thing is worth blowing the place up. And it's driving my dogs insane.

The fireworks, of course, not me going about my day, though by now, I guess that's one and the same.

I was planning on filling out more job applications, but it looks like I'm just going to sit on the couch and maybe watch a movie. I already went through the trial of cooking dinner for tonight, so I'm going to let my poor guest have an easy night in. You can thank me later, Aidan.

if there's one benefit to being an RA, it's the single room. what do your work areas look like?

also: recently i read through flavorwire's list of tv's most notoriously short-lived shows. the rest of the list isn't much to look at, but the first one is my unmitigated favourite & i recommend watching the video. not something i've ever seen on television before, or doubt we ever will again: a reality show realising partway through its pilot how fu abysmal it was, pulling the plug, & then the host candidly apologising the next week for the trainwreck he'd inflicted on the audience. a nice precursor to the jackie gleason show. wish we'd experience something like this more than the recent glut of reality television post-big brother & survivor.


[RAs]
hands up if you abhor your job.

[MADDIE]
hey.

Got into an argument in class today with people who actually believe the bullshit that is the Friend Zone. It was fun.

[There's a light shuffling sound as Camilla shifts her phone higher up her ear.] Hello, Maddie? I can't seem to get to your phone, so I figured I'd post on the network, tack on a filter once I'm through babbling your ear off, yeah? [The rustle of plastic bags as she gathers her newfound supplies.] I know you're all right, if not a little... preoccupied. [Have a light-hearted, girlish giggle.] But I just wanted to let you know I've stocked up on supplies -- everything paid for in full, I'll have you know -- and I picked up a little something you might like! [A pause.] One second, let me just finish tallying everything I bought...

[Silence as she clumsily attempts to take down a list of everything she's bought to leave for the store owner. Scuffling can be heard in the distance. A teenage boy's voice goes, "Hey, dude, look -- there's another of them!" The phone shifts as Camilla stills, suddenly silent and afraid. Another teenage boy picks up where the first left off, "Yeah, yeah, shit, okay, I've got a good aim on it, hold up a mo--"

The boy takes aim at Camilla's silhouette in the darkness and fires. He's drunk off pilfered liquor, so he misses, but the crack rings all too clearly. Camilla gasps, but before she can react, the first boy runs forward and swings a bat to her head. She's out like a light, and a clatter can be heard as her phone falls from her grip, ricocheting a few inches off the linoleum floor before skidding a good distance away from Camilla.

"Oh, fucking shit -- that's not a --"
"Man, you are such a cocksucking --"
"Dude, cuss at me later, let's get the fuck out of here."

The sound of rushed footsteps. Silence. The feed continues before an eerie, inhuman sound strains from the line. Clearer and closer, a distinct yet faint screech - somewhere between a hiss and a cackle - before abruptly the post ends.]

While I did get my crossbow, I didn't get a chance to hunt, but I've fixed that by hunting those things. I can't say I'm not a little scared maybe a lot by this, but I very well couldn't stay stuck in my room this whole time. It's bad enough there's no light. I almost feel drained by the lack of sun. It makes some sort of sense, I guess.

I just want this to be over. I'm afraid I'll need to take some time by the lake after this. I hope everyone is staying safe. I haven't noticed a lot of safe zones, but I guess what's out there is better than none.

I'll never complain about flowers growing off my body or being "drunk" ever again. If I do, feel free to slap me in the face and remind me of this.

Do I even try to explain this school to my dad?

Glowing certainly has its advantages in this situation. I'm out of shampoo.

[Filtered to Artemis]

Not that I doubt your abilities or anything, but I just wanted to make sure you are doing okay.


[Filtered to Helen]

This apartment is boring without you.

How are your summers looking? I do insist some of you make time for your old man somewhere along the line.

[filter; demeter]

How is my darling sister faring?

Fair readers/listeners to the Love Line, today I'm asking a few queries of all of you. I know, craziness, but I want to pick your brains. It's practically summer, everyone's getting in shape for bathing suit weather, and casual dating is on the rise. Therefore, my two questions - Summer loving, are you a fling type or looking for love, and, what are your best summer date ideas?

Now, to make this worth your while, have some Avengers-themed cocktail recipes, and as always the advice line is open. Remember, you can ask openly or anonymously, we respect your need for privacy here.

I start work next Monday. Man, this is totally weird. I can't believe I'm actually an adult with a job now. You think graduate school could have prolonged the college simulation, but nope, now I have to deal with the real world. Which is totally fine, because Luna and Van will be getting an upgrade in dog food choice. No more off-label food for you, my dears! It's all about Eukanuba and Pedigree from now on. We're getting extravagant.

Anyways, I need to take advantage of my last week of freedom. I've been going on some runs in the Black Forest early in the morning, but I've got to do something else besides running.

Also: so glad I didn't eat any of those cupcakes.

[FILTER: Aidan Graveley]

Hey, let's go o

I just had a fun idea. Let's play some soccer.

LILY OF THE VALLEY: Return of happiness, purity of heart, sweetness, tears of the Virgin Mary, you've made my life complete, humility, happiness, love's good fortune. The legend of the lily of the valley is that it sprang from Eve's tears when she was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. It is also believed that this flower protects gardens from evil spirits. Also known as the flower of May.

I suppose the flower of May bit is accurate. Anyway, my hair is now besieged with these lovely visitors.

What's everyone else sprouting?

Hi. I'm not sure what finally possessed me to finally post on this, but here I am. I'm Harlow Cadell, and I'm a reincarnate of a Greek god. It would be most amusing if you could figure out which one. It will be a game. Are you up to the challenge?

I will tell you about my current life and if you are able to divine the information from there, I will be impressed. If you use any of your powers to do so, I will not. If you already know me, and know who I was, I will also not be impressed.

I'm a first year graduate student studying Government, with an emphasis on games and strategy. In college I double majored in Philosophy and Government and minored in math. I do cross country, fencing and chess. I also tutor and TA.

If you're intelligent, that should be enough.

It's my birthday. I'm now stuck on one of those interim ages, where you're nothing special because you don't get any new privileges or get to do cool stuff. I'm going to celebrate after finals, I think. Although, I should get some kind of treat today. I'll get enough to share, so come on by later this afternoon if you want something.

My dad already called. He sent me a card with some money, which he didn't need to. I told him I'm staying here over the summer, but he convinced me to visit at the beginning of August. I think I'm going to tell him who I am then. It's about time. I want to say he'll be okay with it, but I'm not sure especially when he sees what I can do.

My mom... Well, she doesn't care. So, yeah...

Other things... Other things... Not sure how to take it. It wasn't so bad? It was worse than I thought? I'm gonna go with: Who cares? Maybe.

May the Fourth be with you.

Are those weeks coming in back to back this month? I feel very... uncomfortable.

I'm not alone, am I?

Though I wasn't swept up in the singing, I must admit it was a real treat perusing the musical numbers shared here. As someone who can't sing, I can't judge the talents of others, but I'm pleased to see the baring of emotions! There is a strength in expressing your truest self in song.

Is everyone else feeling...good? Happy, even? I can't explain all of this energy I'm feeling. I feel like I'm

[Filtered to Females]

May I ask for some advice?

I have male friends and I have had male - ah - "friends", but I've never considered romance before. There is someone I know there's a difference between spending time and dating, but how does one portray or express a more romantic self? Without being tacky or tawdry. How do I show that I care, maybe even more than a friend would?

Will you all just shut up with the singing. I like to think my coworker singing off-key every day as prepared me for whatever is going on with the campus this week. Though there are a few of you who really should consider a Vocal Performance major. Two tops.


The Admissions Office will contact the individuals they have chosen for the ad campaigns within the week.