#Alexander Technique Class

[betteratbeing]

Breathe easier with Alexander Technique

How to breathe better with AT

For some people, better breathing is the best and most important benefit of Alexander Technique (AT). These include people with breath-impairing conditions, ranging from allergies to asthma, COPD or post-COVID symptoms. Since the early twentieth century when Alexander Technique was first developed, it has been used to help people breathe more easily. Your doctor’s office should always be your first stop if you suspect you have an underlying medical disorder interfering with your breathing. But your wellness journey may not end with a diagnosis, or even with medical treatment. You may already be following your doctor’s orders for a chronic breathing condition, and still crave greater relief, without increasing drugs that can cause unwanted side-effects. If you're asking yourself, how can I improve my breathing, you might want to consider adding regular visits to the betterATbeing studio for Alexander Technique lessons. Your lessons can make breathing difficulties easier to manage, and unlike many medications, AT is side-effect-free, for a more reliable everyday experience of well-being. At betteratbeing, you can learn AT as it was taught by F.M. Alexander and perpetuated by master teacher Walter Carrington. This approach promotes a noticeable lengthening and widening of the whole torso, freeing the ribs for greater mobility, and creating conditions for a better exchange of oxygen.

How AT helps us breathe

As with all of Alexander Technique's benefits, the better breathing AT brings about results from increased self-awareness and better functioning. Sometimes individuals may be unaware that they are responding habitually to certain activities or outside stimuli by involuntarily holding their breath. AT lessons can make you aware of this unfortunate habit.

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[gayestcowboy]

i feel like when people learn to draw people in a stylized way (like “anime style” in middle school or any other imitation of a cartoon style) we spend so much time perfecting stylized faces and neck placement but so frequently just gloss over HOW the head and neck connect to each other, especially the neck. and that’s how we end up with basically no “anime style” or commonly-seen stylized art that depicts double chins or loose skin or any facial features that are extremely common.

it’s something i certainly never spent much time drawing until the past year or so. knowing how the head and neck connect is a really important skill when you’re trying to draw people, and it’s something i always struggled with until i started to focus more on drawing people’s necks differently rather than just their head and face shape. we as artists spend so much time trying to perfect the face, but the neck affects the face so much. the neck has so much character.

and, of course, the reason you never see people draw double chins is because they’re considered “ugly,” which is of course a result of a beauty standard based around thinness and a hatred for fat people. obviously not everyone’s neck looks the same, and stylized art doesn’t have to be as realistic as possible, but it’s frustrating to see so few depictions of double chins, especially when artists go out of their way to try and draw the rest of fat bodies as well as possible. i think there’s a discussion to be had about how a lot of artists online nowadays draw so many more diverse body types (which is wonderful!), but there’s still such little variation in neck shape, because the neck affects how the face looks.

this is a really long way of saying the neck is a really cool part of the body that i think we as artists don’t take enough advantage of!!

[leftistfeminista]

Fidel Castro's short history of the World

Spoken: December 2, 1961

The Building of Communism

Marxism is continuing to develop. Now, one has only to read Khrushchev's report to the 22nd Congress, which is a wholly political treatise, one that begins to confront an entirely new task, the building of communism. Marx did not say how to set up a socialist regime or society. Marx did not say how to build a socialist society. Marx interpreted the laws of history, made a correct interpretation, studied the nature of class society, developed a whole revolutionary theory by virtue of which he explained history through the development of means of production. He studied history through the systems of production which in turn develop relationships of production. These little words, I warn you, are quite hard to understand when one begins to study Marxism -- means of production, system of production, relationships of production -- but they can be explained perfectly through practical examples. He interprets history, for until then, history was a mass of interpretations.

Some gave a divine interpretation to history. They said: history develops in accordance with supernatural designs, in accord with the designs of God. Others said that men make history and that men who made history were individuals like Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon. There were racial theories of history, claiming that race was the determining factor of history. A series of anti-scientific theories. A series of absurd theories. Then Marx says: no, history is not made by the divinity, not made by races. History is a process of development, determined by the material conditions of production. In other words, man first has to live. I'll explain this in simpler terms.

Man has to live. In order to live, he begins to struggle with nature. First stage of man: man the gatherer; the Stage of primitive communism. In the stage of primitive communism, land is common, property is common, means of production are absolutely rudimentary, corresponding to the stage in which man's means of production are most elemental; that is, in techniques for producing goods to satisfy his needs, man is really very poor. I am not going to give you a better lesson than Lionel, but I am going to explain things, not to you; I am going to explain things to the people.

Primitive Communism and Its Mode of Production

In the stage of primitive communism, there are neither exploiters nor exploited; property is held in common; and some social groups still live under primitive communism in some parts of the world. I have to laugh, because at times some comrades want to make such a great leap ahead as to land in primitive communism. Yet, it is fitting that we learn to appreciate this difference in order to distinguish between primitive communism and the communism the Soviet Union is planning for. What is the difference? Simply this, the fundamental, the big and outstanding difference is that the former was a communism of poverty, an elemental life of poverty and scarcity among men which corresponded to their means of production. The means of production, techniques of production, of cultivation, the first accumulations of capital develop. This further develops, as a consequence, the private appropriation of the means of production and of land, (domestic) animals, of farming tools. A new mode of production, new relations of production consequently arise as the means of production develop.

Private owners appear on the scene: private owners of livestock and farming implements, of land, and also, as a means of production, of men themselves.

Slavery

The second social system (in the history) of man was the system of slavery, of slave labor; very simple, very rudimentary; more advanced, much more advanced, of course, than the techniques of labors in the stage of primitive communism. So, the system of slavery spread. This is the system that characterizes that whole epoch of mankind, of the history of Greece especially, of Rome. The whole Roman Empire developed with that social system as a base. Men were then divided into slave-owners, the masters... There were classes that had no political rights, but had certain civil rights; for example, in Rome, the plebians, as well as the slaves.

Everyone knows the history of the struggles of those classes to free themselves -- the history of the slaves and their uprisings so shake off the yoke of slavery. The slaves managed to rise up, and developed a great movement all over Italy, opposed to Roman power. They placed the power of Rome in jeopardy, founded cities, even organized a nation of slaves. In the long run, their revolution was smashed.

(We have) the movements of the plebians with the Gracchi, demanding their rights from the Roman patricians who had economic rights and political rights. Eventually, the system of slavery is superceded, replaced by a system which was a little more benign, but nonetheless still cruel and still a system of exploitation, coming into being as the Roman Empire fell apart: the system of feudalism..

Under feudalism individuals were not slaves, but were semi-slaves, dependent on the feudal lords, who owned the land. They worked part of the time on their own land, part on the lands of their masters, a situation that does not really differ much from that of some peasants today, who work on the land of their landlords and have to turn over half the crop to him, and, in addition, have to supply their own tools and seed.

And that medieval system corresponded to the Middle Ages, was based on the system of serfdom. Men were dependent on a few lords, on the land; when those holdings passed to the hands of other lords of the nobility or of the feudal aristocracy, the peasants changed hands with them. Again, this is not much different from what happens in some countries, like Peru, where latifundias are still sold with the Indians on them.

The Bourgeoisie

Now a new class emerges, but who? The manufacturers, the traders, the merchants make their appearance. Where do the traders and merchants set up shop? In the towns, in the villages. As a result, they begin to develop industry, trade. But this trade finds itself bound in shackles. What shackles? I don't see any shackles... What shackles do they find? They find all the shackles of feudalism. What were these, shackles? A whole array of taxes, complete insecurity. When merchandise leaves a town, goes from one village to another, from one medieval burg to another, they have to pay a whole series of tolls. You can imagine what happened with goods from the Near East, from those countries to Italy: spices, perfumes, gold, and things like that, that had to reach France and pass through a hundred feudal lords, a hundred practically different states that did have, it is true, some fealty, some weak bonds, in the first stage of feudalism, to the power of a king, of an absolute monarch.

This new social class coming to the fore, that is, the class of traders and merchants, very rudimentary, to be sure, begins to build up the economy, to accumulate wealth, and begins to clash with the existing relations of production. That is, the existing social relations, the superstructure -- so they call it technically in Lionel's classes -- the economic structure begins to conflict with the social superstructure. The economic structure of the emerging class comes up against all that framework that was a real hindrance to its growth. That social class then begins to fight for a whole series of rights. It undertakes a long struggle. The new class kept winning such rights in the various countries of Europe. In some cases, the movement culminated in a bloody revolution, in others in less bloody revolution, in still others in a transformation, but the indisputable fact is that the problem was the same in all countries. That is, this rising social class, the bourgeoisie -- and that is where the word "bourgeoisie" stems from -- appeared everywhere, in France, in Germany, in England, in Italy. It had no political rights, it represented different interests from the interests of the nobles and the aristocracy that ruled those countries. It began the struggle against the aristocracy, and then two social classes became locked in struggle: the nobility versus the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie came out on top, as it inevitably had to.

How did it triumph? In France, through a bloody and violent struggle. First, national states were set up, developing in a way parallel with the absolute monarchy, an absolute monarchy resting on a feudal basis, as in France. The bourgeoisie had to break with the existing social system, had to destroy all those feudal shackles. It is then that the French Revolution occurred, in the course of which, this social class, having burst through all the bonds of feudalism, developed, and a new social system was established. Under new conditions, that new system began to develop all the forces it was capable of developing: an extraordinary development of technique, of production, a significant step forward from the previous system.

The Proletariat

It triumphed in other countries as well, without overthrowing the monarchy; instead, converting the absolute monarchies into monarchies resting on a bourgeois base. In other words, it was all the same to the bourgeois whether there was a republic or a monarchy. What really mattered was to eliminate the existing feudal obstacles to the development of the new system, of the new social class, of the new productive forces. Then national states were set up, the ideal of that class, a vast market it could sell to.

I have been explaining all this pretty much in my own way, without the elegance of the teachers of the School of Instruction. These were the things that Marx discovered. He discovered that a new social class arises at the same time: the proletariat.

Where does the proletariat arise from? Precisely, from the development of all the means of production. Factories arise. Textile weavers gradually disappear from the scene (cotton industry) and are now concentrated in the workshops; new techniques of production lead to a steadily increasing concentration of the means of production into few hands. The workers begin to form associations and the new class begins to take form, centered, where? Around the factory. Marx discovers that all these factories would keep on developing, and that the process of concentration of property was going to continue, that the small proprietors or small industrialists were going to be ruined, and that an increasingly powerful working class would develop.

But at the same time that this capitalist system has given rise to the bourgeoisie, it becomes transformed -- as happened to feudalism in its time. Feudalism became an obstacle to the development of society in its opposition to the emergent class. So capitalism, in turn, becomes an obstacle. What, then, are the characteristics of the capitalist mode of production? Waste in production, lack of planning, competition, squandering, failure to utilize all the technical resources mankind has developed to produce the goods that men need.

By that time in history there were already a number of socialist thinkers who were writing that "We must have socialism." But why should there be socialism? "Because I like it and it seems good to me, and all the workers would want it." Others gave different reasons and advanced a series of hypotheses.

Scientific Socialism

What is the historical merit of Marx? Marx writes something, a correct interpretation of what was going to happen, not simply because people wanted it, but because the very laws of historical evolution predetermined it. This is the great merit of Marx, the founder of scientific socialism which gives the working class a theory.

They interpreted the laws, studied the conditions at a given moment. Marx did not claim to be a fortune-teller. Once they asked him what it would be like once communism was established. He said that he had no crystal ball. He interpreted the laws, gave the labor movement a scientific theory. The theory was developed. The first revolutionary workers' movement came to power in the Soviet Union armed with that theory, the theory continued to develop, and the Soviet Union develops a long experience. What experience?

The experience of building the world's first socialist state.

One should bear in mind that this experience is of incalculable value for humanity. When they developed, initiated and carried out the building of the first socialist state, they were taking a path entirely new to humanity, just as they are today advancing along another entirely new road: the building of communist society.

This tells us one thing: simply, that Marxism is a living science, a developing science. We have to study everything that Marx taught, but at the same time we have to study everything that Lenin taught, we have to study the entire experience derived from the building of the first communist society.

[himblebo]

This is why god invented asmr

Why does my anxiety have to just inexplicably get horrifically worse at night. Like why when I’m trying to wind down and clear my head does it have to be everything all at once.

[stressed-depressed-andobsessed]

It was @local-pr1nter who planted the Theatre Kid Mondo Owada idea into my head

Anyway

Here's the character list for who's who in my Danganronpa x Hamilton musical AU thing

Hamiliton Musical of 78' AU

Alexander Hamilton - Kiyotaka Ishimaru

He wasn't going to audition at first since he's never watched Hamilton before, but after a mandatory movie night watch with the entire class so they could 'study' the musical, he decided to try out for Hamilton himself

Taka absolutely loves Hamilton's passion and drive throughout the musical. He doesn't like the occasional cursing (and actively despises the affairs, both emotional with Angelica and physical with Maria), but he tries to look past it because it's all just an act afterall. He wouldn't actually curse if he were picked for the part (and definitely would not cheat on any future love interests)

He studies Hamilton HARD. Just as hard as the homework and topics that are discussed in class. He watched the entire musical 6 times over just to make sure he knew everyone's lines, moves, and personality. It doesn't matter that he was only going to be playing Alexander Hamilton, he still needs to know everyone else's lines too

Sayaka is his biggest hype man when he was practicing his lyrics before the rehearsal. Did he stumble over a line? That's ok, practice it a couple of times with me then try again! Can't hit a particular high note? Try this method she learned during a routine practice she was doing with her bandmates! Nervous before the audition? Look to the side of the stage, she'll be right there smiling and silently singing with you!

Hina is also like that, but with the dancing parts. Need advice for singing and dancing at once without getting tired quickly? She's got him, here's a technique she learned from swimming competitions!

Don't get me started on how loud they (and Mondo) screamed when Taka got the lead role. You would've thought there was a fire, or someone was attacking the school

He's still not over the cursing thing, but he'll manage! Somehow...

Aaron Burr - Mondo Owada

You thought he screamed loud for Taka? Wait until you hear what he did when he found out about his own role

He cried. Very hard.

It was almost scary how expessive he was after finding out he was gonna play THE Aaron Burr

"KYOUDAI! TAKA! KIYO! OH MY FUCKING GOD! TAKA! TAKA! TAKA TAKA TAKA TAKA! WHERE'S CHI? OH MY GOD! I GOT TELL CHI TOO! OH MY GOD!"

This man's happiness could not be contained

He practiced his ass off though so he definitely deserved his role. He was right there with Taka for the 6 viewings (plus the movie night viewing) of Hamilton

After just watching the musical, he started practicing singing. Considering he already knew the musical like the back of his bike before this, it didn't take much practicing to get every single line down for... Hercules Muligan.

That's right! He auditioned for Mulligan! Not Burr.

He definitely didn't think he was good enough to play the Narrator of the musical so the supporting friend of the MC will have to do.

He chose Mulligan mostly because of the man's lines. He sings in, like, 3 songs and most of the lines were about fighting, having sex, getting drunk, or being a spy. Cool ass guy with a cool ass voice. Right up Mondo's alley

The dancing was pretty simply to figure out too since it was mostly background choreography that he already memorized when he was 13. When he was back at home with Daiya, belting out the lyrics and dancing stupidly in the middle of the living room

After the wave of initial excitement, he realizes the responsibility that comes with being the narrator and the MAIN FREAKING ANTAGONIST AND HAVING TO 'KILL' HIS KYOUDAI OH GOD HOW IS HE GONNA DO THING?? BURR HAS LIKE 3 SOLOS AND A 2 WHOLE DUETS WITH HAMILTON AND SO MUCH STUPID DANCING AND-

Eliza Schuyler - Sayaka Maizono

No-one was surprised by this to be honest. Considering Eliza is the other lead besides Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, it would make sense to choose someone who knows exactly how to carry the show when needed

Sayaka practiced pretty hard so she could be Eliza. No offense to the other girls, but she was practically born to be the main Schuyler sister! She's the best at singing and acting since she already has the experience so all she really had to focus on is practicing the lines (and Jesus does Eliza have a lot)

Of course, she celebrated with her bandmates after breaking the news to them. Not everyone in the group knows Hamilton that well, but they still had some fun having a karaoke party and singing the songs

She did have to plead with her manager to get the month and a half off of concerts to go to the practices. It took a lot of compromising (along with some promises that her fans would surely pay to come and see her), but eventually, the crabby old man agreed on the condition that she does some in-between photoshoots to make up for her otherwise radio silence towards her fans

Sayaka immediately began practicing her lines with Taka after finding out about her role. It's a little awkward to pretend to be in love with him, but they end up laughing about it throughout the rehearsal whenever they have to be affectionate towards each other, so that helps a bit

Angelica Schuyler - Aoi Asahina

Hina decided her role through the process of elimination. She doesn't want to be Eliza since she knows Sayaka is going for that role (and she would KILL as the Female Lead!). She doesn't want to be Maria or Peggy since there's only 1 song that they sing in, and she wants to dance and sing as much as possible! (These strong lungs and athletic limbs are made just for that, and they will NOT be going to waste!) Angelica is perfect! She's in a couple songs and is one of the main-side characters, she also has a whole solo where she gets to sing as loudly as possible about two of her friends! The context of the song might not be positive, but when has negativity ever stopped Hina?

She joins in on the practice sessions that Taka and Sayaka hold and joins in on one of the re-watches with Taka and Mondo

She, of course, has one on one sessions with Sayaka to improve her vocal cords. Going from loudly screaming the lines to passionately singing the lyrics

She practiced her choreography with Taka and Sakura, she asked Chihiro to join as well, but they ended up denying while poorly hiding a giggle

They're hiding something...

Oh well! Hina loves secrets so she'll just wait and find out with everyone else!

It doesn't really have to be clarified that she celebrated when she got the part! She was so so so so so excited to be Angelica!! Yayayay! Not only does this mean that she gets to sing and dance with her friends, but she'll also get to brag to her family about a fun new skill she learned! Or maybe she should keep it a secret until the big day? Oh, she doesn't know, she might just explode from the excitement!

She put all her excitement into the swim competition that she had a couple days later, and it won her first place! Yay!

Peggy Schuyler - Kyoko Kirigiri

Kyoko definitely wasn't planning on auditioning for any part. She'd much rather be on the sidelines with Toko

That plan changed quickly when Makoto wouldn't shut up about her being someone- ANYONE- so he wouldn't have to be alone in his small part (If he even got the part, his luck is kind of wonky sometimes)

She finally lamented and auditioned for Peggy. No practice at all, just went for it.

She was present for one of the watch throughs and watched the musical again on her own. The first watch was used to analyze how the characters act and interact with each other, the second was to analyze the plot and movements of the characters. She deduced that Peggy has the second least number of lines of any female main-ish character, (The first being Maria Reynolds and there is no way she is 'seducing' Taka on stage in front of people she most likely knows.) her movements aren't terribly complicated either and whenever Peggy is on stage, she's overshadowed by others, so no-one really pays attention to her. That role is perfect.

Kyoko simply smiled when she read the casting list and saw that she received the role of Peggy. Not only would this make Makoto less nervous, but also practicing for the musical wouldn't take up any time because Peggy is only present in 4 songs and speak briefly in 2.

She has cases to work on and she'd rather not let practicing get in the way of that

George Washington - Sakura Oogami

This may seem like a weird decision, but Hina and Taka thought it was a great idea that someone as stoic and wise as Sakura to play someone as respectable (and tall) as George Washington

It didn't take much convincing as she holds respects for him (and might've been a little intrigued in being in the musical)

It did take a bit of practicing since Sakura's way of talking is more slow-paced while Washington's lines are fast-paced

She is just as resilient in training her mental muscles as her physical muscles though, so the practice is welcomed with honor

All the practice definitely pays off as she finds her name 8th down on the cast list

A smile and a nod are the reaction that the stoic Oogami gave at this revelation... Then a gasp followed as Hina also read the list and basically tackled her from behind in excitement

Hina then went on and on about how amazing Sakura was going to look in Washington's waistcoat and trousers and how amazing she was going to sound because Washington's voice is amazing, and Sakura's voice is amazing and Hina loves all of the parts where Washington sings and now it's going to be even better because she'll get to listen to her girlfriend sing and-

Sakura was not let go of for another 4 hours, but she did not mind one bit

If she wasn't already excited for practice, then she definitely would be now with Hina's bouncing, bubbly excitement radiating all over the place

Thomas Jefferson/Marquis De Lafayette - Yasuhiro Hagakure

Gonna be so honest, I originally only picked this because of Hiro looks

And I'm going to go on a whim here and say that the judges (Who I'm going to say now were teachers like Chisa and maybe some eager volunteers from V2 and V3) at the audition also took Hiro's appearances compared to Lafayette and Jefferson in to account when casting people

Hiro did have some really good accent skills, probably from having to hide his voices whenever someone he scammed bumps into him

He's pretty good at fast talking too, probably also from him having to think of quick excuses on the fly for when he also bumps into someone he's scammed

Both of those qualities are needed to be Lafayette along with being silly and everyone knows Hiro is like the goofiest goober around when he needs to be

He's also witty, engaging, and very sarcastic when needed which are all the qualities needed to be Jefferson

Hiro had both characters down, he loved both of them, but he couldn't decide which one to do. He tried asking he crystal ball, but that just 'told' him that he would vibe as either. So, he consulted the cards, who also told him that he'd be fine as either

He auditioned as both Lafayette and Jefferson since that would amplify his chances of getting at least one of them. He sung a bit of Battle of Yorktown for Lafayette and Cabinet Battle #1 for Jefferson

The audition judges couldn't decide which they liked best so they decided he would follow in Daveed Diggs' footsteps and give him both roles to play

He looked at the cast list, he got there after everyone else with Leon because he had detention, and cheered, attempting to fist bump Leon, but Leon seemed upset. He let it go and went to tell Taka instead

He knew he would get at least one of the roles! Afterall, it was in the cards!

John Laurens/James Reynolds - Leon Kuwata

This man went straight for Alexander Hamilton with absolutely no practice

Well, that's not completely true. He practiced a little bit in the shower and sung Hamilton's parts in Helpless with Sayaka one time

He actually did pretty good despite the very minimum amount of practice

He stumbled on a couple words, he auditioned with My Shot, but ultimately made up for it with his dancing and charisma towards the judges

That's most likely the reason why they gave Leon the part of John Laurens. Laurens is Hamilton's bestie up until his death, he doesn't have too many wordy lines, and he's mainly there to hype up the crowd/his friends. He's perfect for Laurens!

Which is so not perfect for Leon since he's gonna have to watch as whoever gets Hamilton sweeps Sayaka off her feet while he sits back and literally cheers him on!

He goes back to the judges and tells the main judge, and the only one he can really find in this big, old school, Chisa (as nicely as he can) that he doesn't want to be Laurens. He uses the excuse that he feels as though he should be in more of the musical. Chisa agrees and tells him she'll see what she can do!

Cool! Now all he has to do is go serve his detention (Which he may or may not have gotten for racing toy cars in the hall with Hiro and making someone trip) and come back later to see his name right next to Alexander Hamilton

...James Reynolds? Wasn't that the abusive husband? That's not what he meant by 'being more in the musical'! This guy only had like 2 lines and one's about calling his wife a whore!

Leon was left so much more upset than before; he didn't even notice Hiro trying to fist bump him or him leaving. He was seething when he realized that Mr. Hardass was taking his spot at woo-ing Sayaka, the exact same Hardass that gave him detention.

Now he had to pretend like he was really happy for Ishi-Ton and Say-Liza while also remember all these new stupid lines for not just Laurens, but also Reynolds

Hercules Mulligan/James Madison - Byakuya Togami

Literally only got these parts because of his deep voice

He did not audition for Mulligan or Madison, he auditioned for Aaron Burr. Why not Hamilton himself? He did not want to be seen as a protagonist; he sees himself as more suited to be the antagonist, and he did not want to have to fake not 1, not 2, but 3 romances with women he did not have a lick of feelings for.

Aaron Burr is level-headed until he started acting like that fool Hamilton, he thinks his plans through to a detrimental level, and he only mentions a love interest for a couple minutes before focusing on his life plans again. He was the perfect candidate for Togami to stand in as.

He did not practice any dancing but did multiple different private practices for his vocals. He auditioned with Wait for it as it did not require dancing so he could focus on his lines for the pitiful judges that watched him. He did perfectly and was left to wait for the confirmation.

He wanted to wait for all the idiots to clear away from the cast papers, but an unexpected squeal from the overgrown, meathead who was raving about getting his part made him push everyone else out of the way to see if what the big baby of a biker was saying was true. It couldn't be true; Aaron Burr was his part.

...There had to be some kind of mistake! He scanned over that sheet 3 times to find that the dreaded papers were not lying. He was not Aaron Burr; he was Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. Madison he could respect, the man is sophisticated and responsible both in history and in the musical, but Mulligan is a short, angry brute! That is the person suited for that currently over-emotional biker, not Aaron Burr!

He turned to tell that stupid biker that just as the meathead was rushing off to find the little tech student.

Damn it all.

He went to instead lay out his fury with Chisa, the main judge, in a not so polite way. It didn't seem to affect her though. She simply said that she could give those parts to someone else, and he could work in the back with Fukawa...

He dialed the number of his private vocalist to inform them of the change in lines he would have to practice.

King George - Celestia Ludenburg

She too practiced in private.

Of course she was going to go straight for the King, who else would befit her?

It didn't take much singing to convince the judges. Her voice is powerful, condescending, and sarcastic. Perfect for King George!

She will not be spitting like he famously does, but besides that, she already has his part in the bag.

She didn't have to go check the list to know she got her part, but it was worth getting all dressed up to see Togami's hissy fit at his cast reveal

Maria Reynolds - Junko Enoshima

The cheating, the manipulation, the groveling, the despair of a broken marriage caused by her, how could she pass that all up?

The part wasn't hard at all to get down, she was already basically a natural actor.

She practiced only for a stupid older sister's benefit. Poor Mukuro was so nervous about her small little part that she had to practice her chosen part over 30 times (It was definitely because Mukuro was nervous and not because Junko kept laughing and pointing out every little mistake she made)

Her part also came with the added bonus of getting to feel up Mr. Stick-in-his-ass without getting detention. In fact, she might be praised for the added realism

She didn't check the casting roster until really late at night, unfortunately missing the RichMan™'s breakdown, to avoid everyone else for her poor sister's sake (MukMuk is such a big baby, she swears)

She got the part (Yay) and so did her sister (Boo)

George Eacker - Mukuro Ikusaba

She didn't have that many lines, but she just kept messing up during practice for some reason

Luckily, she got them right for the audition (or she hopes she did, Junko didn't say anything so she must have done good)

She wasn't going to audition for any part, just work with Fukawa in the back, but then Junko said she'd be perfect for the part of the murderer of Philip Hamilton and asked her to try out for it

She couldn't deny her little sister, could she?

It was nerve-wracking, but the list had finally been posted so regardless of her nervous-ness, she would have her answer once she went to check the papers.

Junko had to end up dragging her to the papers late at night because she couldn't bring herself to go

She got the part, yay.

Charles Lee - Makoto Naegi

He wanted to be in the musical to support his fellow classmates while also not having to memorize many lines as he might end up forgetting them out of nervousness

Charles Lee, George Eacker, and Samuel Seabury were all good choices. Samuel would be hard though, because he and Taka would have to be singing over each other and he might not be able to say his lines at the same time as him. Especially because of how loud and intimidating Taka can be

He decided to eliminate him and focus on the other 2 options. They both had relatively short parts so auditioning with both of their songs wasn't met with any restraint from the judges

He figured, with his luck, he had to get one of the parts and if he didn't, because that was still definitely a possibility, then he could help Toko with backstage work full time

Luckily, he got Charles Lee. Unluckily, Byakuya decided to take his anger out on him by ranting about 'The Giant Oaf' as he referred to Mondo for almost an entire hour

That's ok though, Makoto is always up to support a 'friend' in times of distress!

Samuel Seabury - Hifumi Yamada

He originally was just going to work backstage with Fukawa Toko-dono but at the prospect that his Mistress is going to be centered as royalty and there is a commoner whose sole role is encouraging the Town People to worship her, he immediately started practicing for the part of Seabury

He was pretty good, even putting on his Manly™️ Voice while auditioning

Because of his impeccable performance, (and the fact that no-one else auditioned for that part) he was almost immediately given the role

Mistress Ludenburg even praised him for his role! (Then ordered him to make her some tea to celebrate)

That's all the main characters sorted I think so next post will be all about how each song and the practices for that particular song went. As expected for the class of 78, there will be lots of shenanigans (and maybe even some fanart to go with it if I can figure out how to draw some of these characters)

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Hold on, there's someone I have forgotten!

Philip Hamilton - Chihiro Fujisaki

Chihiro practiced with Sayaka privately, which was super awkward at first, but they eventually got over it

They wanted to surprise everyone by being in the musical! They know it will be really hard because they'll have to preform in front of everyone in a pretty major role, but that's what the practice is for. They've been getting physically stronger with Mondo, so it's time to up their emotion and mental strength (along with their vocal strength because they have a pretty small voice)

They were really nervous about preforming just in front of the judges, but that's ok because they did it and that's all that matters

They didn't even get a chance to look at the casting roster before Mondo came barreling into them announcing his role. Getting to see the unabridged happiness and excitement from Mondo almost made up for being crushed in a back breaking hug.

After the initial excitement, they then had to listen to his anxieties about all the lines and dance movements he's gonna have to remember before joking that they wouldn't have to do that themselves since they didn't audition for anything. Mondo will not admit that he stumbled to keep up as Chihiro pulled him down the hall (not running, just speed walking as they did pass Taka on the way) back to the casting papers

It took a minute as they specifically requested that their name went on the second paper and not the first so the likelihood of anyone finding their name on accident was low, but they sure did find it... and they were almost immediately put into another crushing hug. They may have gotten stronger and used to Mondo's physical affections, but the bear hugs are something they don't think they'll ever get used to

They leave off telling everyone else, they'll figure it out during practices

Alright, that's everyone! Any other minor roles that weren't assigned to anyone is picked up by other Ultimates that aren't in the 78 class (maybe some of the class of 77 helped) like the background dancers or the prop and set movers. Toko doesn't get a role, not because I don't like her because I absolutely do, but because:

1. I could not find a role that fit her comfortable

2. Realistically, she would not and could not perform in front of potentially 100s of people (Most of whom are made up of the classmates' family and friends, along with Sayaka's fans who came just for Sayaka)

3. She would not want to risk Syo coming out in front of hundreds of people. She would rather have her come out while backstage because then someone could notice and get her away from the stage area more subtly and without worry

She's content with having to pull the curtains or just motioning for props to be sent out to the stage.

This entire performance is going to be put on in a sort of hall, think of a graduation ceremony kind of hall. Despite the huge school and its amenities, they could not fit all the props, characters, and costumes along with 100+ people anywhere in the school comfortably. The school funds the renting of this hall though since this is for a festival. The festival will be happening at and around the school where some students will also be selling tickets for the musical and then there will be an announcement, signaling that the musical will start in an hour. All guests will then move to the hall, get their tickets taken, and take their seats.

[moxpunk-art]

Illusionist Job Stone (Fan Job)

So, after the new Dawntrail details came out, my brain has been buzzing with the idea of my writer-lalafell Bamimi Bami transitioning from Summoner to Pictomancer, but it didn't really feel right. She's a writer, after all! She should be able to bring fiction to life with illusions!

Fun fact, this was my first-ever attempt at digital painting!

Thoughts on my creative process below the break!

So, the big thing I wanted to do was to have meaning behind the decisions that are similar to the job stones in XIV.

First, the symbol. It's obviously a pen nib (the class's arm being pens as a counterpoint to Pictomancer's brush), but it also has the center-circle motif found in WHM and RDM, with the top-curve found in SCH. I figure it'd fit in very well with the rest of the casters to keep a bit of similar design-language.

The stone shape! I wanted to go with a triangle that was mostly even, but offset. It's an art about illusions, after all - they aren't perfect. It's why it doesn't have smooth facets like MCH and BLU.

Finally, I picked violet because I played Guild Wars 2 like over a decade ago and Mesmers have solidified it into my brain that illusions should be violet. That's the long and short of it. My girlfriend says it looks mixed-berry flavor, and I agree. Plus, it's similar in color to Bamimi's eyes, and it's a soulstone crafted by her using her bullshit Alexander Time Magic.

In all, I'm insanely proud of it! I've never tried doing digital painting before, and my whole process was opening a blown-up picture of the DRG job stone on my other monitor and sorta messing around to peel apart the techniques used in the official art. I think I did a pretty good job for a first-time try!

[wavypotatochips]

Heyy can I request something soft and calm with Trent when u have a very bad day so he tries to make you happy to stay home with you on a rainy and cold day🥹

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫���𝐬𝐬 | 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐀𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐥

𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴: Trent Alexander-Arnol x Female Reader

𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 : 1.8k

𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: I don't watch Liverpool so I wasn't too sure of Trent's personality, but I did my best as always! I also tweaked your request a bit so I hope you do not mind ((: I Hope you like how I represent your idea ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚!!

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ REQUESTS ARE OPEN, Ive finished 4/7 request that I currently have and will schedule them to be posted throughout the week so be on the look out for your request c: <33 ♥

The sound of thunder rumbles in the distance as you sit at your desk, surrounded by textbooks, notes, and a dimly lit lamp. The rain is pouring down outside, pattering against the windowpane like an incessant drumbeat. You've been studying for hours, but the information just doesn't seem to be sticking. You read a page of notes, and it seems like the words are just jumbled letters on a page. You try to remember the names of the bones in the human body, but they all blur together in your mind. You continue to review the information, trying different study techniques like creating flashcards, drawing diagrams, and taking practice quizzes. But the more you try, the more frustrated and stressed you become. You take a deep breath and try to focus, but your mind keeps drifting. You got this you got this, you think to yourself. You start to feel a knot in your stomach as the realization sets in that you might not be ready for this exam. You try to reassure yourself that you've studied as much as you can, but the fear of failure creeps in. As you delve into your notes, lightning flashes in the sky, illuminating the room for a split second before disappearing just as quickly. The flicker of light startles you for a moment, but you quickly regain your composure and return to your studies. As the morning goes on, you become more and more exhausted, both mentally and physically. You're running out of time, and the pressure is building. You want to cry, scream, or just give up. But you know that you can't afford to do any of those things. You have to push through and keep studying, even if it feels like it's all for nothing.You began studying at six in the morning, and it is now three o'clock. Since you are studying for your current class, Anatomy and Physiology, Trent has not bothered you because he understands how important it is for you to be by yourself so you can concentrate. After all, majoring in Sports medicine is not the easiest thing in the world. 

Trent yells, "Babe," and lifts his fist to knock. After a little wait, there was no response. He knocks once more, this time slightly louder, but there is still no answer. When he gently opens the door, he sees you seated in the desk chair with papers all over the place and your head down against the textbook. 

You do not hear Trent as you are too lost in your mind so feeling his hand touch your shoulder causes you to jump up and quickly turn your head. Just by the way you are looking at him he could tell something was wrong. You are always beaming with light, Trent would say if someone asked him to describe you, your smile could light up the whole room. Your eyes are always so lovingly that each time you would look into his eyes, it would cause his heart to tug. But right now, you have a slight frown on your face and your eyes are droopy. You look up into his eyes as he stares down at you, analyzing. You see he is wearing a black tracksuit and has his futebol bag in his hand, “Oh you came in to tell me you are heading out for practice? Have fun,” you give him a small smile as if you are feeling okay, and of course Trent does not buy it. When it is raining, or in this case thunderstorming, they usually practice inside so it is no surprise that he still is about to head out. You are about to turn around, but then hear him speak, “Did you eat yet?” You shake your head no, “I haven't had time…. Or should I say I don't feel the need to?” “Didn't you say the exam is on Friday?,” he questions, causing you to nod your head. Today is Monday, but of course anatomy is not something you can just study at the last minute in hopes to pass the test. He stares at you for a few minutes, before dropping his bag and grabbing your hand. “Come on, you've been studying all morning and it is draining you.” As he grabs your hand to pull you out of your seat you begin to protest,”But Trent I-” “You will be fine. You studied today, and you can continue to study more tomorrow. But, Don't try to study all day because that's when your brain goes into overdrive… Plus I don't think the thunderstorm is helping you right now,” and as if on cue- a loud roar of thunder can be heard. You sigh, nodding your head, giving in. He smiles as he takes you out of the study room, bringing you into the living room and notions for you to sit down on the couch. He picks up the remote from the coffee table, handing it to you, “Pick out a movie for us to watch and I will be right back.” You are about to question where he is going, but he is already quickly leaving the room. You bite your bottom lip, exhaling a deep sigh as you mentally give in and try to destress yourself. You begin to flip through Netflix to try and find a movie for you two to watch.

Meanwhile, Trent stood in the kitchen, staring at the open fridge, trying to decide what to make for you since you more than likely have not eaten yet. He knew he wanted to make something fulfilling, yet light on the stomach. He scanned the shelves, looking for inspiration. He saw some fresh vegetables, a carton of eggs, and some cheese. He decided to make you a vegetable omelet, as he knew you loved them.He quickly chopped up some onions, peppers, and mushrooms, and sautéed them in a pan. Then he whisked some eggs in a bowl, added a splash of milk, and poured them into the pan. As the omelet started to set, he sprinkled some cheese on top and folded it over. He plated the omelet, along with a side of fresh fruit and some toast. He also poured a glass of orange juice, knowing it was your favorite.Trent carries the breakfast to the living room, where he sees you sitting on the couch, looking stressed and tired. He presents you with the plate, and a warm smile.

"Here you go, my love," he said. "I made you a vegetable omelet, just the way you like it." The aroma from the food fills your nostrils, instantly making your stomach grumble to remind you just how hungry you unconsciously are. You smile as you grab the plate from him, thanking him, and instantly grab the fork to begin to eat. Trent sits down beside you, watching you intently as you savor each bite of your meal. He couldn't help but admire your beauty, from the way your hair cascaded down your shoulders to the way your eyes sparkled in the light. As you take another bite, Trent's mind begins to wander. He thought about all the times you two had spent together, laughing, talking, and just being with each other. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have such an amazing girl in his life. Lost in his daydream, Trent didn't even notice when you finished your meal and looked up at him. "What are you thinking about?" you ask, a smile playing at the corners of your lips. Trent blinks, snapping out of his reverie. "Oh, nothing," he replies sheepishly, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks as his smile never leaves his face,allowing his dimple to peek through, "I was just admiring how beautiful you are.". "Oh hush you are soooooo cheesy!,” You laugh, shaking your head, “Thank you for the food baby," you say, leaning to give him a quick kiss. Trent feels his heart swell with love for you as he pecks your lips. As you browse Netflix once more, you lean against his side and put your arm around his. "Let's watch Scary movie 2," you suggest. Trent releases his arm from your grasp and wraps it around you so that your head can rest on his chest as you continue to speak, "It's dumb but it's funny." Trent leans his head against yours as you click on the movie. He kisses the top of your head, "Anything for you, love.” He tells you to wait a second before stepping away from you once more just as you are about to start the movie. He then stands up and walks through the hallway. A short while later, he returns, with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn, saying, "Alright, I'm ready now."

When the movie is over, you decide to just have a "movie day" and keep binge-watching films.

Now halfway through the second movie, you and Trent are cuddled up on the couch wrapped in the cozy blanket he brought prior . The TV's quiet hum and the pelting rain on the windows from the storm that is forecast to last all day were the only sounds coming from the living room. As a result of feeling so calm and at ease in Trent's arms, you start to feel quite exhausted. He watches as you snuggle closer to him,your head resting on his chest, and he feels a wave of tenderness wash over him. He knows school has been stressing you out lately, with exams and assignments piling up, and he wants nothing more than to take care of you. He ran his fingers gently through your hair, soothing you as you closed your eyes and relaxed. Trent feels a deep sense of responsibility towards you. He wants to be there for you, to support you in every way possible, and to make sure you know how much you mean to him. As he looks down at you, he knows that he is willing to do anything to make you happy. He begins to think about all the little things he could do to make you feel better in times like this - make you breakfast in bed tomorrow, send flowers to your university to surprise you, etc. He knew that these small gestures could make a big difference and help you feel loved and supported during this stressful time. He hugs you tightly as you snuggle even closer.  He knows that he will always be there for you, no matter what. He vowed to himself the day he asked you out that he will take care of you, to support your dreams, and to be your partner in everything you both do. And as he looks down at your angelic sleeping state, he feels grateful for every moment you two have shared and looks forward to a future filled with love, laughter, and cuddles on the couch.

[martyrdeer]

THE MANUSCRIPT

synopsis: a daughter of a wealthy environmental magnate, she negotiates life of privilege, with a hunger for the macabre, finding her interest piqued in forensic anthropology. her fascination with death soon entwines with a taboo romance with her tutor, genevieve, a married forensic anthropologist. as their affair deepens, the protagonist's thirst for control and possession leads her through a spiral of obsession and betrayal.

tags: my original characters!! this was heavily inspired by the tortured poets department! (if you count all the references, you get a cookie) mentions of cannibalism & murder. obsessive relationships, infidelity, emotional manipulation, death, kinda nsfw at times & descriptions of blood and gore. this is my favorite short story i have ever written btw!! read part two, here!

word count is 1.2k!

“Le manuscrit,” is what Genevieve remarked to me as we observed the congested city below us. The ionone from our violet garden blinded my nose. Ostensibly so did my morality. Strangely enough, Genevieve never held coercion over my head. I was the daughter of Alexander Sterling. Founder of Evergreen Innovations. The irony of it was he was butchering the environment to save it. Like any spawn of a business owner, I was destined to inherit the glory. Yet as my father mentored me, a hunger for a contrasting essence embedded within me, that’s where Genevieve meddled in.

As the apricot tree my father planted in his garden on my birth approached its fifteenth year, a fascination with skeletons spurred me. Throughout my childhood, whodunits cultivated me. With that, dissection of criminality festered in my bones. My father’s associates nicknamed me “the true crime buff.” They’re just not aware when you’re surrounded by aristocracy, you become accustomed to psychodynamics. Despite relishing embodying Lillian Gilbreth, the intrigue yearned for the mysterious allure of gore. Eventually, this led me to forensic anthropology.

Luckily, Dad endorsed this vocation in harmony with my nepotism. He boasted to his companions about my desire for bioarchaeology. During my secondary education, I ached for the dreadfulness to fizzle. The criminology & science classes at Dalton School were inadequate. My appetite deteriorated. When the apricot tree saw its 235th lunar month, Dad enrolled me in extravagant tutoring. My criticisms about all the alma maters I attended must have been tiresome. For a year, he pampered forensic anthropologists to oversee me. My malnourishment swallowed them whole. And Daddy never dared to interfere or interrogate me.

On my fifth instructor, he declared one rule. “No more messes.” Contradictorily, my tidiness conceals the pestering pigs at bay. This time around, my body was submerged in hesitation. Having privilege in my possession gifted me a strive for outmaneuvering. A flaw that my father became sightless to. Now restraint bounded my hands and feet. To ease the burden, I reassured myself of my coping mechanisms beforehand. I would have been able to manage if I didn’t meet Genevieve.

Genevieve Müller was a forensic anthropologist located in France. Her side hustle to feed her devoted husband at home was teaching. At first, she resembled Aphrodite and unfortunately meshed into Tempestas. Nevertheless, her splendor remained glistening. Her skilled schooling methods mainly involved visual and physical techniques. I soon learned how handsy Genevieve could get. Amid my twentieth midsummer, her rosebuds tainted my rotting flesh. My mania heightened like Tenzing Norgay. Her abandoned consort in La Hexagone became a fleeting thought.

Whilst attending my father’s corporate affairs, Genevieve lingered. Putting up a façade to employees of Evergreen Innovations who questioned her about me. She often ambiguously asserted that I was her most hard-working scholar. Even quipped a few jokes about her shocking salary. For the duration of the guests praising her, I tactfully observed her. Allowing temptation to rise in both of us. She was an Anglican whose secrets brew within the machiavellian in me. When my father’s business partner etched me as a good girl, Genevieve’s eyes lit up like the luminous demise of a poor battered wife’s foreseen fate. She smirked over at me, sipping on her Château Margaux. “Trust me, I know.”

Evenings were swept away in the depths of my unknown penthouse with her. Genevieve was offered a room in my father’s mansion but after meeting me, she refused. Escaping the entrapment of Dad, my sorrow self traced its way back to the apartment. Our justification for our wrongdoings in every teaching was that our intentions started innocently. But she inundated my corrupted lungs midday. And feasted on my heart at midnight. Her breath reeked of a guilty man’s booze. Devoid of any shame, I devoured myself into it. Her gaze upon me ached me. In those moments, I knew I wasn’t the only pawn in her prophecy. But I religiously supplicated to be her favorite.

As her golden locks lightened and mine darkened, our lessons were coming to a suffering end. She’d tell me that I was too brilliant for my own good. Dangerously, the circumscribing of my voracity was weary. My ravenousness for the baroness poisoned me. Provoking me to indulge in other provocateurs like myself. If I wasn’t sneaking around enough, I was now. My palate savored the chagrin of the quarries, envisioning Genevieve’s ambrosia. However, regrettably, the catharsis was not fulfilled. Unlike most situations, I had to give into an acquiescence. There was no other choice.

On my blossoming twenty-first, Genevieve abducted me from the bustling parties. It had been a fortnight since we saw each other. My father graciously flew her back to France, declaring that she should visit her family for Christmas. As her husband kissed the same hands that created the billet-doux for my whipped soul, I succumbed to the Black Dog. Since everyone knew my last name at bars, it was difficult to access alcohol. Inpatientment suffocated my body. The wait for multiple belongings was torturous. I began to theorize Genevieve hexed me since the liaisons I abused starved me. I was encased at Dad’s not-so-surprise celebration, endless witticisms about the alcoholism that’s welcoming me soon.

A gust of wind swept me, leaving me squealing. Genevieve dug her nails into my skin like a coffin, stumbling across the duskiness in the hallways. Her sophomoric comportment was seldom. In a similar way, I was thanking the Lord I had no faith in. She guided me visionless to “our” apartment. My consciousness caution augmented as we were back out in the chilly air. An enigmatic scent encircled us, sparking ador in my vessels. Somehow my mortal coil appeared to be healing. Genevieve’s appetency slithered down my neck as she removed her palms from my eyes.

Before me was a beautiful botanical violet garden on the veranda. A stunned huff fled from my pout as I scrutinized the environs. Genevieve wended in front of me to soak in my gratitude. The lustrous light Selene descended onto the covered patio, saturating idolatry internally. She continued to maneuver me, molding my figure under her phalanges. Genevieve sat first onto the Dedon Lounge Chair. Then she shepherded me next to her, shifting my legs in her lap. She peered idyllically at me. And I don’t regret to say that my gluttony was content. I contemplated the greenery while Genevieve slipped a box off the accent table. Nudged my hinged joint teasingly. I unclosed it mere moments later with another gasp.

“You wanted something from France,” she murmured, that youthful gleam returning. My dulled talons outlined the dagger before lifting it for a proper examination. A soft giggle came from me during my final inspection. On the blade, my initials were engraved into it. I began to humor her, “I was pleased with just having you.” Her grin grew wider as her crimson arch grazed my scarred forehead. Afterward, I basked in the afterglow with our limbs entangled, Genevieve bestowed a taste for me. Until the witching hour, she proceeded our pedagogy through a parable of hers.

That evanescent ephemeral formed into continuous rendezvouses. Our secrecy remained in the verdant havens. The intimate joke was that Genevieve would forsake me and my complexion will alter into Sappho. At the proximate conclusion of my education, our nights in the boudoir dragged on. The immortality of the crab imprisoned me. Codependency never looked so elegant on some companions. I cussed myself out whenever she carried the realism. Each day she resided in America, I took the structure of an infrequent martyr extolling her God. I betted on feigning ignorance during our final lectures, yet Genevieve would discern my motives in under a second. Our bodies often endured in the bloomscape. Longing for the actualities to be damned for their cruelty.

After Genevieve’s matin, we traveled to the local farmer’s market. The bullet grazed us and there was more to come. I accompanied her as she lavished any produce and supported microenterprise. My gloom shadowed her as we strolled. Her gaze was glued on me, cognizant like a clairvoyant. We arrived back at her car later subsequently, she mumbled against my temple. “You know I would give you my heart if you needed it.” Remorse was evident in her tone, encouraging me to scoff. “Be a professional,” I snipped at her, slamming the vehicle’s door behind me. Our commute was bitterly muted. Once we reached my father’s mansion, the avoidance began. And I attained my old ways antecedent to Genevieve.

In our stillness, I let spontaneous trysts distract me from her disintegration. Their wishes to enter into the sanctuary of bouquets were denied. Hunger was gnawing but Genevieve gutted me. All the nectar I contained in a menagerie uninterested my starvation. Despite my father stopping overseeing her as his personnel, Genevieve chose to stay. Her departure was in five days yet the analysis of me protracted. “Le manuscrit,” reoccurred in my mind. At Dad’s business soirees, I detached myself from them. The violets only had me as their visitor. I read my notes from Genevieve’s courses & laid on her side of the bed.

Her final day was mournful. I swore to the sovereign in the sky, I witnessed my tough father shed a tear. Genevieve’s stubborn pretension was remarkable. We had one thing in common, I figured. Dad honored her by gifting her a reception. I became too inebriated by the champagne and ran off to the penthouse. Since my mother’s sudden passing, I embraced the sobs. My body was sprawled on the Dedon Lounge Chair. My face was buried in my hands. I was Benjamin Braddock. My grieving ceased once her utterance towered over me.

Genevieve came to give me the solace I deserved. But I demanded that she could shove it somewhere unholy. My foul mouth granted her to slap me with the truth. She had a zealous husband almost four thousand miles away. Her family had been deprived of her since I purloined her. She claimed it was only fair. I had my balanced quota. They existed long before I was born. All the good things end one way or another.I screeched at her reasoning like my adobe was an asylum. Our fight mirrored animals contaminated with rabies. The violets began to decay as they watched. The love they were planted with was spurious. As she tried to exit, I lost my footing.

I stare at the discolored poniard on the ground. How convenient that I leave it in the garden. My initials were now incised in Genevieve. She was finally mine. And the blossoms were delighted after I gave them their balanced quota. Another illicit affair this penthouse retained. The next morning, Genevieve’s flight culminated. I made sure of it. A broken heart was the last thing my father needed at his age. And an unexpected letter was mailed to her husband. It was an apology & explanation for her unfaithfulness and farewell. Rumors say she left him. The envelope had her wedding ring as well. Shame eventually entered me while cooking a week later. The only positive was having a past flame for dinner. I was fresh out of the slammer but at what cost?

The current nickname for my absent appearance was “the bolter.” To my father’s surprise, I was supposedly following Genevieve’s steps. I was, after all, a wonderful student. I ascertained a cottage in Riquewihr. Genevieve’s hometown she yearned for in her adulthood. To my defense, France was an established ground for forensic anthropology. So now I rest under Yves Delorme as I scrutinize the academic manuscript from the smallest woman who ever lived. I go to work and look in people’s windows. Although I keep mine closed. I took up her favorite hobbies to replace my insanity. As I type this out on a vintage typewriter, I have not endangered a single soul since hers. With jubilation, I hereby conduct this post-mortem.

[feelinsheepish]

Character Dossier

BASICS

Full Name:

Terrance Twiglet, fourth born of Penelope, third born to Bryan

Known Alias(es): Terrance / Terry / Ter

Age: 119 (Tho mun is debating how sheeptaurs age again)

Gender: Male

Birthday: 23rd April

Heritage: Sheeptaur of the Valley of the Leap

Religion: Child of Akun

Sexual & Romantic Orientation: Pansexual

Status: Son of a chief

Residencies: Family hut in the Valley of the Leap

Highest Education Level: None academically, farming and foraging and building is relatively high if that counts

Occupation(s): Freeloader xD

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Facial Features: Freckles, slightly elongated face, flat nose, pointed ears, wild hair and yellow eyes with rectangular pupils

Face-claim: Himself

Voice: Kinda high for his age, soft and stutters at times

Voice-claim: Oliver Jenkins (tiny tim in this version)

Eyes: Yellow

Hair: Black

Body Type: Toned(ish) but scrawny for a sheeptaur

Distinguishable Marks: Wild untamed hair always with twigs, leaves or flowers stuck in it

Weight: No idea (how do you even figure this out? xD)

Height: 4'9?

MENTAL EVALUATION

Mental Illnesses: Anxiety

Psychological Profile: Worrier, anxious a lot of the time, coward

Positive Traits: Positive, kind hearted, sympathetic, helpful

Negative Traits: Naive, sometimes too easy to trust others, rule breaker, ignorant, soft, coward

Alignment Type: True Good

Personality Type: Idk

Phobias: Wolves, bears, lions, predatory creatures in general, total darkness, silence, his father, blood, famine, death

Mannerisms: Quiet and withdrawn, shrinks back, fiddles with fingers, messy

Hobbies & Interests: Flower crown making, weaving, singing, exploring, birds, flowers, gardening

STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Combat Style: Run away

Weapon of Choice: Magic

Hand-to-Hand Combat Proficiency: Pathetic

Tactical Strengths: Can run really fast?

Tactical Weaknesses: Runs away? xD Open to attacks often, hair might get in face, he's scared of hurting others

Signature Techniques: His magic means he can summon roots around to cocoon himself safely in times where he's backed off into a corner. He can also drain the energy and life out of someone over touch, though he doesn't entirely know this yet.

Pain Tolerance: Low

Defensive Skills: Again, cocoon with roots, he has a thick skull so blows to the head don't hurt as much?

AFFILIATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Bryan (father) Penelope (mother) Mason, Lenny (older brothers) Tabatha (older sister) Elijah (younger brother) Maddison, Spring (younger sisters)

Allies & Associates: Alexander ( @xxlordalexanderxx ) Skarbrand ( @skxrbrand ) Jafar ( @grandvizier ) Honey ( @sweet-chimera ) Eath/Hax ( @oflostinfound )

Rivalries: I don't actually think he has any?

Enemies: Skarbrand (sometimes) and any predatory creature

Romantic History: None really, a failed attempt with a ewe called Freya

Notable Friends: Most of allies/associates, otherwise, just birbs

HABITS & LIFESTYLE

Daily Routine: Wake up (usually one of the last get to up) Have breakfast, do chores, help with lambs in the village, go to healing classes, go to training classes, go on patrol (but DON'T go on patrol), go exploring, free time in the hills, more chores, try not to get washed, go to bed

Diet & Nutrition: Vegetables, fruits, berries, bread, eggs, milk, oats, nuts

Exercise Habits: Forced to do training

Grooming Habits: Barely, he tries to get out of it and is often held down by his mother to try and groom him and shear his wool

Substance Use: None

Sleep Patterns: Knocked out, sleeps anywhere if really tired.

Personal Aesthetic: Green, yellow, flowers, grass, nature, trees

Favorite Books: Can't read

Favorite Music Genres: They don't have many genres in the village, traditional?

Favorite Art/Architecture: Painting on rocks is pretty

[somethingusefulfromflorida]

Bob Ross makes oil painting look so easy, but the cost of entry is so high that I don't want to gamble on it if I suck. I mean, yeah, I'm gonna suck, everyone sucks when they start out, but I can't imagine anything more disillusioning than spending hundreds of dollars on supplies only to produce crap you hate. Drawing is easy to get into because it's cheap; pencil, paper, boom, you're good to go. Even if you suck, you don't have to worry about bankrupting yourself to practice. Oil painting is a prohibitively expensive hobby, and the only way to get good is to spend money again and again. I took a class in college and loved it. I've watched so many Bob Ross and William Alexander episodes that I have memorized their techniques, and I want nothing more than to put them into practice, but I know for a fact that memorizing how to do something is not the same as actually doing it. I won't be magically good on my first try. I'd apply too much pressure while blending and everything would become muddy, and my rolls of paint wouldn't break into perfect snowdrifts, and my trees would look like blobs. If money were no object, I'd be more than happy to suck because I could afford to fail. I don't want to fail on my own dime.

[betteratbeing]

Breathe Easier | Alexander Technique Singing

When a deep, calm breath is hard to come by

For some people, better breathing is the best and most important benefit of Alexander Technique (AT). These include people with breath-impairing conditions, ranging from allergies to asthma, COPD or post-COVID symptoms. Since the early twentieth century when Alexander Technique was first developed, it has been used to help people breathe more easily.

Your doctor’s office should always be your first stop if you suspect you have an underlying medical disorder interfering with your breathing. But your wellness journey may not end with a diagnosis, or even with medical treatment. You may already be following your doctor’s orders for a chronic breathing condition, and still crave greater relief, without increasing drugs that can cause unwanted side-effects.

For the best outcome possible, consider adding regular visits to the betterATbeing studio for Alexander Technique lessons. Your lessons can make breathing difficulties easier to manage. And AT is side-effect-free. For a better everyday experience.

Get More Info : Voice With Alexander Technique

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Contact Us : Alexander Technique Lessons In Manhattan 

[anamoon63]

Another school day, Anika just received Alexander's reply to her message from yesterday. Almost 24 hours without hearing from him and this is what he replied: "Hey, Anika, sorry for not replying yesterday but I had to go into class, we have lots to talk about, I'll call you later. xoxo."

And that was all? Well, enough of Alexander and his escape techniques. It's better for Anika to focus on her studies this time so she doesn't end up like the day before. By the way, Kennedy managed to convince Miss Coombes not to give them a report. Lucky to have the teacher's pet as a sister!

After school, Anika checked her phone again, there were two messages from Alexander, one was a meme, the other was a funny video. Anika: Alexander, you idiot, how much longer are you going to keep postponing our talk?

She spent the whole day at school brooding about her and Alexander, so, by the time she got home she was fuming. Anika: "Why is he talking to my dad if he's not going to talk to me? Maybe because he's not really interested in me and just wanted to look good for him. Well, if that's the way things are, then to hell with you Alexander."

[yellow-yarrow]

Plain text version of this post about Russian cosmism and Disco Elysium's lore part 2 :

Cosmist connections in Elysium’s lore Part 2 - Music and mathematics

From Sacred and Terrible Air:

He is an aristocrat, the comte de Pérouse and the comte de Mittrecie; but his hatred of the bourgeoisie, which have usurped the upper classes, makes him a proletarian and therefore a revolutionary. In the course of his life, Émile has also come to think of himself as a composer. He has a morbid thirst for fame, but he’s determined to win the hearts of the people with his dodecaphonic works. The comte’s sound is based on a strikingly modern geometric-symbolist system of harmonies that has nothing to do with the music of the rest of the civilised world. To the human ear, it sounds like unacceptable screeching. Émile considers the tonal, traditional sonority to be womb-shaped. A soul-soporific babble. The music of amoebas.

Millions and billions, hundreds of thousands of billions of young girls in love, they love me and my twelve-tone melody!

-

The twelve-tone technique, also known as the “twelve-tone technique organized in a series in which each note is related only to the next,” was Schoenberg’s revolutionary innovation that expanded the boundaries of musical composition. This method sought to create equal emphasis on all twelve pitches within an octave, eliminating any sense of hierarchy or tonal center. [1]

-

Nonetheless, much of his work was not well received. […]his work is usually defended rather than listened to, and that it is difficult to experience it apart from the ideology that surrounds it. [2]

-

Independently of his influential contemporary Arnold Schoenberg, Scriabin developed a much more dissonant musical language that had transcended usual tonality but was not atonal, which accorded with his personal brand of metaphysics. [3]

-

Alexander Scriabin, who was inspired by the Russian Cosmist ideas of his day, sought to unite humanity for a common task much like Fyodorov. He can be regarded as the most representative member of the artistic branch of Russian Cosmism. Scriabin's vision was to use artistic means to achieve Cosmist ends. His artistic vision, which was grounded in philosophy and spirituality, can be most clearly observed in his project Mysterium. [3]

-

'A seven-day tumult of light and sound, perfumes and pyrotechnics'

Scriabin’s work was Mysterium – a medieval miracle play raised to the point of cosmic transfiguration. A tumult of light and sound, perfumes and pyrotechnics, it would last seven whole days. And it would climax – its composer believed – with the end of the world as we know it and the birth of a new, ‘nobler’ human race. 

-

At the end of the Prefatory Action’s libretto, he wrote ‘We will all dissolve in the ethereal whirlwind We will be born in the whirlwind! And in the splendid luster Of the final flourish Appearing to each other In the exposed beauty Of sparkling souls We will disappear... Dissolve...’

-

“From the end, there, through the polar night, that music will resound. It will play on future phonographs. On magnets! Yet—it does not come from there. You’ll be famous, Monsieur Mittrecie, your music will reach us from the true end, even further beyond there, where all matter is but memory. So sounds the white light that shines into every darkroom, turning all revelations into nothingness.” He rises up on tiptoe, under the critic’s nose. “All revelations—I said—turn to naught!”

The little man finishes and bows to the comte. “Every single part was absolute, mathematical perfection.”

“Oh no, I’m not a critic,” the man replies, his eyes sparklin with admiration. “I’m a maths teacher.”

-

Joyce -"The further into pale you travel, the steeper the degree of suspension. Right down to the mathematical -- numbers stop working. No one has yet passed the number barrier. It may be impossible."

Abandoned Lorry - It looks like an article ripped out from a radio-enthusiast magazine. Complex mathematical equations explain the basics of something called 'the ULAN frequency system'.

"A pale latitude compressor is used to sort of… make the pale more manageable. With a lot of these, you can force a radio signal grid on the pale -- literally crunch the distance across it." (..) It's meant for forcing dimensions on something that doesn't have them. Needless to say, the frequencies used are… out of this world. "At the upper limit is the large prime number generator station. It's used specifically for pale latitude compression. That's why you may be hearing some numbers.

“It’s maths, right?” Jesper is sitting with his hands under his head. “Some mathematical rule explains this [the killer wave]?” (..) “but the same non-linear effect also explains the pale. They use it in entroponetics. This is how the pale behaves when it sweeps over the world.”

“That’s right, [Ulv] talks with the dead. They’ll come if he plays them some Van Eyck and old Rietveld.” (…) “He communicates with the pale.”

Soona, the Programmer - "It was mathematical information -- from the anomaly -- presented as a waveform. That's what it was technically -- theoretically…"

Endurance - The abstract shapes swelling in the foreground have done so in vain. This is a core matter. The answer, in the double-kick that moves the millilitres through your mind. The dark thud is the source of all rhythm, the inspiration behind mathematics… Endurance - The hard core.

-

“In any case, the secret of expanding our power over nature obviously lies in extending this method to the entire environment. The idea of a universal mathematics was prefigured in many ancient theories that shaped the science of numbers. Since the most ancient times, we find traces of this science among the Chaldeans and Babylonians, […] and, partly, the Gnostics, this research in numerical symbolism was transmitted to medieval philosophy, ”

-

“ In the nineteenth century, mathematics enjoyed an unprecedented heyday: in its countless applications, it became the basis of all modern technology and man’s real power over nature. Its meaning was the same as in the ancient teachings about numbers: the desire to express all things by means of numbers and the conviction that knowing the formula of a process or thing gave us the power to change and guide the process and thus create the thing. ”

-

the most perfect species of thought is thought encapsulated in numbers, the project and all its departments and units must consist of a system of formulas or numbers, each providing a key to a process performed by action. […] science in general must provide the formula of any and all possible actions in its theoretical and practical modes. […] However, numbers can be replaced with similarly effective signs or names, whose knowledge gives us dominion over nature. All these tasks clearly involve transforming nature, altering and improving what was heretofore produced by the spontaneous actions of its powers.

The quotes are from the following writings:

Unveiling the musical revolution: Schoenberg’s atonality and the innovation of twelve-tone system by giuseppe.bonaccorso

Arnold Schoenberg wikipedia page

Alexander Scriabin wikipedia page

Temples, incense, giant bells hanging from the clouds: the wild world of Scriabin's Mysterium BBC music magazine

A Universal Productive Mathematics by Valerian Muravyev from Russian Cosmism edited by Boris Groys

Disco Elysium, Sacred and Terrible Air by Robert Kurvitz

bonus: more about the Mysterium

[fated-mates]

This one is probably as goofy as we get 👆 — we’ve spent six years talking about Romance Science, and now class is in session! We’re talking biology, human physiology, astronomy, neurology, urology, gynecology, obstetrics and dermatology. Basically, we’ve studied this enough to hold multiple MDs & PhDs. If we’re ever on a plane and someone needs a doctor, we’re volunteering. Love doctors count, right?

We also talked 👇 about wondrous Alexander Technique practitioner Christopher Reeve.

(Thanks to 1001 Dark Knights and Pippa Grant for sponsoring this week's episode.)

[akindofmagictoo]

Hey maybe sorcery

Trick🙀 or treat🍬

sparkly d4 says treat!

have some of the poetry i've been writing for class. it's collage poetry!

ID under cut

ID: two columns of black Times New Roman text on white background. the left column has the following text:

“The ship wherein Theseus and the youth of Athens returned from Crete had thirty oars, and was preserved by the Athenians down even to the time of Demetrius Phalereus, for they took away the old planks as they decayed, putting in new and stronger timber in their places, in so much that this ship became a standing example among the philosophers, for the logical question of things that grow; one side holding that the ship remained the same, and the other contending that it was not the same.” — Plutarch, Theseus

“The role in which the physical properties of gold impact making ancient jewelry cannot be overemphasized. Think chicken and the egg. You can’t have one without the other. Raw (dead soft), high-karat gold is malleable. The hammering and forging used while shaping the gold compacts the molecules and makes it dense and strong. However, worked past it’s malleability, the gold will flake, crack and eventually break. When making a piece of jewelry, separate components are frequently wrought to the brink of this “work-hardened” state and are then “annealed,” returning the metal to its original plasticity, yet maintaining its pre-annealed form. Finding the sweet spot of flexibility and strength is essential to creating a structurally sound form from supple gold. All techniques must be mastered and successful as each step is the foundation of the next. There’s no room for fudging or the piece falls apart. Pure gold (100% AU) is referred to as 24 karat gold. The term karat is an ancient term for purity and weight based on the Carob bean found in the Middle East. Fun fact, Greece is not naturally rich in gold. The amount of gold jewelry produced in Greece at the time reflects foreign trade and influence. Funny isn’t it,  Alexander the Great's conquests after 331 BC passed through all the main gold-supplying regions of the former Persian Empire.” — Katy Beh Jewelry

the right column has a heading in bold that reads "REPURPOSED. or, THE SHIP OF THESEUS", with the following text underneath:

this ship returned old planks decayed new and stronger planks used new planks original form is it the same

forging jewelry worked wrought hardened all the same metal not the original form is it the same

are You the same

after hammering and forging worked to the brink are You the same

gold is malleable are You malleable are You soft

will You grow or will You break

are You dead or are You stronger

are You preserved standing strong or not the same maintaining physical form yet the foundation falls apart

the same components hardened wrought

the same and yet not the same foreign

are You You

to reflect the collage nature, every instance of You is capitalised since it is also capitalised in the original paragraph. for the same reason, the poem has forward slashes between all the 'pieces'; only words which were already grouped in the original paragraphs have no slashes, but the slashes have been removed from the ID for ease of screenreader access. /end ID

[beardedmrbean]

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's cosy meal with Nordic leaders was a social media hit this week, as she discussed security issues at her dinner table with Norwegian premier Jonas Gahr Støre, Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson and Finland's president, Alexander Stubb.

The picture, posted on her Facebook page, brought plaudits for its projection of down-to-earth Nordic leadership.

The meeting was underpinned by the very serious threats faced in the Baltic Sea and in Greenland, Denmark's autonomous territory in the Arctic that is coveted by US President Donald Trump.

Helsingin Sanomat raises the concern that Stubb might not be the one who should attend such meetings. The other Nordic leaders were all heads of government, notes HS, while Stubb is the head of state.

So why wasn't the meeting attended by Petteri Orpo (NCP), the Finnish Prime Minister? That's the question posed by Tapio Raunio, Professor of Political Science at Tampere University.

"My view is that whenever other states have their political leadership present, Finland should also have its political leader — the Prime Minister — present," said Raunio.

This is not a new issue. When Finland joined Nato, President Sauli Niinistö's view was that he should attend Nato summits rather than Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP).

Marin did not express her own opinion but said the issue should be considered carefully and thoroughly. That hasn't yet happened, leaving the matter open to interpretation and possible political disputes in future.

That has not happened so far, as Stubb and Orpo are close and share a background in the National Coalition Party. But Finland's political class is acutely aware of the issue, thanks to the hard work it took to unwind the concentration of power under president Urho Kekkonen between 1956 and 1981.

Quicker burials

Iltalehti picks up on a piece in the Rauhan Tervehdys magazine, which is published by Lutheran parishes in the Oulu region.

The article is a plea from priests in the region for people to bury their loved ones much quicker than they are doing at present.

People nowadays seem to wait for particular churches to be available on a Friday or Saturday, according to the ministers, and that can mean long delays before funerals take place.

People no longer stop everything when a loved one dies, and they often live much further away than in years past.

Finding an appropriate date is much more challenging now and funerals therefore get delayed. That causes issues in treating corpses respectfully even with current refrigeration techniques, according to the clergymen.

Warm winter

Ilta-Sanomat has an article on the exceptional weather conditions in southern Finland, asking how rare it is for the ground to be snowless across coastal regions from Pori on the west coast all the way round to Virolahti on the Russian border.

IS says that Finland has a 50 percent chance of nationwide snow cover at Christmas each year, but that chance rises in January and February.

This means the current situation is quite unusual, and in Virolahti it is unprecedented. The south-eastern town has never seen a winter without snow at this time of year.

Ordinarily, the south sees 10-30 centimetres of snow by this point in the winter, but along the coast there is currently no snow at all.

That snowless area is set to expand in the coming week, as an area of low pressure moves in from Wednesday. In Central Finland, on the other hand, forecasters say there will be an increase in snow cover.