#But I also couldn't download the video anywhere so I couldn't do it myself

[sincerity--extreme]

The amazing @thealieninhiding provided links to all Katie's work and I was thinking of making another video, like I did for Dracula, with all her scenes from The Throwaways, would anyone be interested in a link for that too? I'm sick and basically stay in bed most of the day so it's something to do that others can enjoy too

[moreofmeforever]

The World Of Bumble

The day after my 18th birthday I was fresh out of a toxic one-sided "relationship", And the day I decided to finally succumb to the low-life loners and download a dating app.

For some reason I thought the go-to (and most normal) one was bumble. Before I even knew that it was an idealistic pro-feminist dating app that pushes the woman to make the first choice, It seems At first glance a safe and smart strategy which it is in a way, But it also won't stop a weird man from being... Weird!

After posting your lineup of six photos that attempt to simultaneously show you're sexy, But also three dimensional, You finally put a few sentences of quirky one liners, And are free to swipe and rate men based on their physical attractiveness. As of right now i've been on bumble for about a month. I've acquired a hand full of interesting stories involving these bumble men. Here they are hand crafted and ranked from best to worst.

Frat boy: The mysterious frat boy started out as any other interaction I had with these womanizers dressed as "Nice guys looking for fun". We exchanged instagram accounts and I expected him to become another lost situation-ship stuck in follower-limbo, Within a few days however He invited me over to one of his halloween frat parties.. And not having anything else to do on a dull Thursday night, Decided to actually go. Upon seeing a very attractive teenage frat boy, I end up sleeping with him. Im only human. Over the past few weeks he has gone from the boy that I barely remember, To the boy i'm actively trying to hang out with given the chance. On again Off again hooking up has kept my generation alive, And i'm not about to stray away from it.

The boy that skates: One of my first bumble matches started with myself taking it about as serious as I was capable of, Which involved my first message being "Do you like the jackass movies be honest". The boy took it like a champ and gave it right back to me. We swap instagram accounts (Familiar huh?) and I find out he's the type of boy that sends pictures of himself, Voice recordings, Even videos of himself talking. This boy was almost exactly my type; Tall, Blonde, Niche enough to have a preference but not enough to be stuck up, And genuinely interesting. An instagram relationship is bound to dry out, And we eventually stop messaging, Until I post a superficial baiting post about a different bumble boy bringing me coffee(Boy #4), That has him replying saying he's upset with ME over it. A very anticlimactic version of a breakup ensues.

Vanilla: semi good looking, With a decently flowing conversation I Go on a date with this guy. 22 and a future of living in Japan, He seems a little out of touch to me, I couldn't begin to imagine us walking down the street holding hands. No spark, Every question was like trying to light a fuse with a thing of wet matches. He's a sweet guy, So after the first date I tried to make it work. He came into my work a few days after just to stop and say hello, Which was still painfully awkward, Im too much man for this man.

7brew coffee: There's not much to say about this one, I almost never reply to his messages within the two hour mark, And after taking two days to respond, I casually mention how Im desperate for coffee at work. He offers to bring me one, And even pays for the overpriced small pumpkin spice blonde.

These four men were just scratching the surface of what Bumble has to offer our demographic of single women. You're bound to run into some less-than respectful men anywhere, But Bumble seems to be their living den. From messages like "I can hit it raw now?" to "Can you call me owner?" I've lost the little hope I once had for our generation of men.

In conclusion, Im learning that grown men in their 20s are terrible at taking photos of themselves. The second thing is, They can and will say the most outlandish things that they'd be too embarrassed to do face to face. Bumble is a competitive sport that you will never win, No matter how hard you try to. The best thing you can get out of it is a free meal and a post debrief with your friends.

[anythinkonprotanki]

Day 3

Tomorrow I'm probably going to post something on YT. (but the same thing I was thinking yesterday lol)

I was thinking about TextureChanger and its future and I need a way to... I asked chat GPT how I could say that and he responded: "I'm trying to get around the obstacle that is preventing our progress." And that's the truth. In those files, we may even find map textures. That would allow us to change the entire map to old! THAT WOULD BE GREAT. But maybe let's go from the start...

Time for some prattle of nerd

I figured out where the hidden textures containing shot effects are. Cause in %appdata%\StandaloneLoader\Local Store I could not find them. But in this folder, some files can't be opened as .jpg so I tried to "repair" them. I downloaded an app to restore broken files and yes. They are shot effects. But why they can't be opened as images? Well... in 1 file there are 2 textures. And this is not the reason why file can't be opened as image. The reason is strange. When I opened file in hex editor before FF D8 (SOI - start of image) there are also 00 00 00 02 00 01 69 00 0B 49 EA 00 01 61 00 01 8F 80 (this is in the firebird file)

And that's the reason why file can't be opened. Cause before of SOI there are strange data. When I delete them file can be opened but it will show you only one image. I said only one image cause in this file you can find FF D8 twice. As well as FF D9 (EOI - end of image). I said about why file can't be opened by the way cause ProTanki can't load and is crashing without this strange data before SOI. Chat GPT generated code for me (hehe) to extract this file to 2 images. And it WORKED. But then I asked him to add also everything before SOI to the third file (I mean this strange data which is needed). And he also generated code that merge data with both images. And ProTanki isn't crashing anymore but it can't load. I mean it can load when I'm merging files from the original but when I save it in photoshop, gimp, ms paint etc before merging and then merge and put into files then it isn't loading. I have idea what caused that but I have no solution right now :D Btw there are no way (for most turrets) to change colors like it was in tanki 2019 (I said 2019 cause then there were a lot of them. I mean shot effects). I will probably make new ones by myself. And that's also cause I can't find shot effects anywhere on the internet xd

So that was a few weeks ago and then I took a break.

Two-week break xD Today I figured out that when shot effect is white/black for rail it isn't changed depending on upgrade level. Btw I wanted to let you in about everything that I'm doing here but right now I'm copying comments from yt and nothing changed.

Let's go once more from the beginning.

I was changing textures in ProTanki right from the start of my journey in PTO. Back then I was doing it by hand, you can see here how to change it by hand: https://youtu.be/P-Klp4X5jXQ I was trying to change skins into XT but I was kind of stupid. btw my every success on TextureChanger comes only from observation and analysis. I'm doing everything by trial and error. Later when I released the first video about changing textures (look up for link) someone asked about the cache for XT. I have these files so I send him it (I have these files from TankViewer app, maybe I'll write about it next time). Then I wondered once more if there a way to change skins into XT. If I remember correctly I thought that colors (gold from XT) can't be applied to normal skin. Proof: https://youtu.be/-A4_V-IfLnk?si=zIDo_WnoDZQ4zMjI&t=473 But I was wrong. I applied skins correctly: lightmap into lightmap, details into details, and details_alpha into details_alpha. It worked. This is the screen that I sent to this guy when I realize that there's a way to change skins: https://imgur.com/a/oEIMXfd But I knew that I couldn't release it like this cause it was too hard to change, and if someone wants to change more skins it would take too much time. I knew what I had to do.

That's how my journey on creating TextureChanger started.

Next time I'll write a further part. Thanks everyone for your attention.

edit: I'm waiting for your questions :D

BTW

That's my best battle from yesterday, but yesterday I forgot to post it xD

This is the best battle today.

So, that's it for today.

28 days left...

[lunarsilkscreen]

How to teach and understand space-time better

Since the VCR(Video Cassette Record) is dead, and nobody understands "Rewind, Pause, and Fast Forward" anymore... We need another way to codify these words.

But also; teach kids to animate.

To older people and non-tech enthusiasts, this sounds like an insurmountable task. They don't know the technological innovations which allowed literal children to become animation experts using their Nintendo DS.(FlipNote Studio).

In fact! Many people don't actually know how easy it is to animate these days thanks to inventions like Adobe Flash and Adobe Animate! (I use the brand name because it's more recognizable, not because it's the best. There are plenty of freeware alternatives online. And JavaScript, if you're not a Boomer.)

You can even download apps on your phone that allow you to create professional looking animations by yourself.

That's where "Art" is these days; you no longer need an entire studio to create full length movies.

"Why don't you just do *that* Melin?" Cuz arthritis makes it hard to use my phone for what I need to. And I've spent a lifetime learning PC devices and peripherals--So I write and type until I have enough saved up to do what I need to again.

In fact; I posted a whole series about exactly this on Twitch, but twitch doesn't retain videos after a certain time frame. A kind of experiment to see where if anywhere my content might end up.

It's still too soon to tell the exact results of that experiment.

In my series, I discussed art, animation, even creating avatars for VTube studio. And I even discussed why they're not profitable for most. I even recorded myself doing my homework to those who think I couldn't complete the subject matter... I proved it.

Can I pull a Alex Jones and declare; "THEY TRIED AND SUCCESSFULLY SILENCED ME!"..?

The fact of the matter is; many things we want to be profitable to a degree that isn't so anymore. [No more economics]

So how do we teach these things to students?

Easy; set them up with any one of the easy to learn 2D or 3D animation software.

You can declare an object in space, assign it physics, or set a timeline path. And create examples of what we say we talk about "Forwards and Backwards" in time.

Fast Forward and Rewind.

And while the thing can go backwards in time as a recording; we know that we physically can't go back in time without some [Divine or Magical] intervention.

We can even create examples of what it might look inside a black hole.

By really straightening out the language we're using and tying it with direct tasks and visible phenomena, we can help aid scientific advancement.

Because we can teach these things at a 5th grade level. As opposed to the college level needed decades ago.

[mollyphoria]

Moodboard #3

I was not able to make another moodboard since February because there's not much difference from what I was feeling from back then to now. It was pretty much all the same. Still wanting to get away and have freedom, yk same old shit but it wouldn't be a surprise that some things did change throughout this 5 mos like :

My lovely Calico cat Jimina gave birth to 5 kittens originally. She was pregnant at the start of this year and blessed the world with 5 cute mini jiminas on March 9 (same birthdate of BTS Suga)

3 of the kittens inherited her orange and white fur while the other one inherited the dark, striped fur completely devoid of any white fur. Only one kitten out of 5 got her triple color coated fur.

Sadly only 3 survived. Jimina hid the kittens briefly first and then abruptly one day she brought them up again already grown up, able to walk and with their eyes open but she only had 3 kittens with her. I never got to find out what ever happened with the other 2 babies with one of the missing of the kittens was the one that fully inherited the Calico cat status of Jimina which devastated me the most and I'm still heartbroken to this day that some of her babies didn't get to live like their siblings. I don't want to think that they died, I want to actually believe that they somehow survived without their mother miraculously but it's only the plausible reason why they never showed up at all 😞

The 3 surviving kittens tho is a lot of fun! They were rumbustious and full of energy. They were always playing and running around in my mom's garden. Climbing up a tree or an orchid branch, playing hide and seek through the plethora of plants. It was a treat to see them just having fun and I took lots of videos. I decided to name them after the BTS maknaes nicknames which is Kookie, Mochi and TaeTae. All 3 kittens have a very distinct personality from each other like you could immediately tell that Kookie is more introverted than the other two, his more reserved and prefers to be alone most of the time, TaeTae is more adventurous and playful but he doesn't trust that easily while Mochi on the other hand is the most extroverted and trusting out of all (FYI: I named them first without knowing their personalities believe it or not). Overall they brought so much life and extra joy in me. Now that they are 4 mos old, they don't play that much anymore, I guess it's really part of growing up regardless of what species. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Now onto my summer. I was dreading it's arrival. It's not fun when you don't have an AC at your house in the hottest season. But anyways this summer I've been having this strong desire to experience Italian summers. I just wanted to be in Italy soooooo bad. I just want to ride my bicycle anywhere in rural Italy in a summer floral dress and eating a delicious gelato after while listening to Love my way by the Psychedelic furs. Yes this strong desire got even stronger after watching the movie Call me by your name. It envoked so much nostalgia within me which is weird because I've never set foot in Italy before but the feeling of longing that I experience just thinking about spending your summer in Italy is very strong.

Additionally, speaking of bicycles I successfully finished my remodeling or rather repainting of an old bicycle we have here which is perfect for summer aesthetics. I mentioned before on my previous moodboard back in February that I was in the process of painting this bike and I included a picture of a bike that I would like my own bike to look like after I'm finish with it. And I'm very happy and satisfied with the end result overall! And I would love love to ride it around Italy!...... perhaps.

These are 3 of the most impactful things that had rocked my world within the past few months and they are in a form of a documentary, an animated podcast and an anime film!

1. Grey Gardens

I first discovered Grey Gardens when I was actively looking for any good documentary to watch so I went to Reddit recommendations and one user suggested grey gardens. Its description peaked my interest enough to go check it out and luckily the full documentary is uploaded in YouTube for free. And I must say I'm glad that I took the chance to watch this wonderful hidden gem!

Little Edie quickly got my full attention on her. She's one of the most wonderful and fascinating people to exist in our world and her mother big Edie was just as interesting of a character as well. The way they live their life, spending most of their time in a rundown mansion near a beach was truly a sight to behold in a weird, peculiar manner.

What gives me the most profound impact about this documentary is the topic of wasted youth with wasted potential and the ironic part when your very own lifeline equally imprisons you as well. And we see this most evidently with little Edie. There was a part in this doc that stuck with me the most and it's when the mother-daugther duo was sunbathing in the balcony and little Edie mentioned about wanting freedom from her mother and the grey gardens then big Edie answered:

"you can't have freedom when you're being supported"

And this has struck a chord on me so strong because I relate to it so much especially with my current situation. I also crave freedom from where I am right now but I couldn't because I'm not capable of freeing myself.

What's more tragic was little Edies rebuttal to her mother's hotknife realistic take which was you can't have freedom both ways. That you couldn't have freedom when you're not being supported as well. And it's very true. If you decide to go out in the world by yourself you will definitely be freed from the shackles of your former home & life but you will subject yourself to another imprisonment.

Basically We're never truly free in this life.

2. The Midnight Gospel

I think I've heard of TMG when it was about to launch on its release year and I remember i was anticipating for it to come out because i just took one look at the official poster & I knew I would like the animation then I learned Pendleton ward is a part of it & I'm a huge fan of his creations so it's a double treat but I didn't had the opportunity to watch it back then bcoz of my busy shitty life & I actually don't have Netflix. But I remember i downloaded one of its ost first things first.

Now fast forward to this year. I now have the time to watch every content out there that I missed from all the years of slaving my life away for absolutely nothing. one of those is TMG & it was a perfect timing. Ever since i took an hiatus from the rat race I decided to strengthen my spirituality & this time I want to try delving deep to Buddhism and certain philosophies which I don't have the time and energy to learn before and TMG was a great and perfect medium for me to learn further about this subjects as they tackle topics like mindfulness and meditation and much more other significant things, not to mention the superb,epic, psychedelical, full of awesomeness animation on top of equally superb awesome soundtracks is*chefs kiss ( I still have an LSS to the prisoner's song.. 🎵drinking blood from a stump of a prison guard that I just chopped up....🎶)

I felt like the universe intended for me to watch this later than sooner because if I had the opportunity to watch it back then, I think I wouldn't/couldn't appreciate this show as much as I do now. So thanks universe!

TMG is honestly one of the best show to ever grace the planet imho. An easily perfect 10/10 for me.

3. To the Forest of Firefly Lights

Now I've watched a lot of animes last and this year and I can tell in full confidence that this is the best of them all. I'm sure it's subjective but this one checked all the box for the most compelling story & amazing artwork for me.

Maybe I long for something similar with the characters, It was just so fascinating and huntingly beautiful to have someone or something (whatever your preference is) from a different realm to be by your side. Maybe I would also like to look forward for summer season to come for once, to get excited and get rejuvenated on a hot summer that otherwise would make my life hell. Or maybe and most definitely I just needed someone like Gin as a source of my utmost happiness and comfort.

Overall this anime had made me feel so much warmth in my heart with its unadulterated poignancy and I just couldn't get enough of it. What a masterpiece ✨

Ps: I recommend listening to Warning Sign by Coldplay after watching to the Forest of Firefly Lights 🌹Check it out ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

[sqbr]

ha and after posting this it occurred to me: My icon is a perfect example of the use of digital tools and other people's assets!

I made it in a cheap version of photoshop like 15 years ago, using in-built brushes/fonts/textures for everything but the gradients and the swirls at the bottom, and inspired by an art/design style popular at the time for blotchy semi-abstract images made of repeated iconic elements (see the music video for Crazy by Gnarls Barley, for example) I was specifically inspired by a particular blue and purple science themed mural with lots of swirls and symbols in it.

Since I was planning on selling versions of this design for profit, I asked myself at the time: do I own this work?

Is it ok that I took a lot of the broad themes from someone else's design(s), and used other people's assets? I eventually decided that whoever designed the photoshop assets had presumably been paid by Adobe for the rights to have users use those assets without attribution or further payment, but was careful not to base my design too closely on anyone else's in the specifics. And I think it therefore counts as my work; artistically, morally, and legally.

I could have drawn the flowers/butterflies etc myself but (a) I specifically wanted that smooth clipart look which I might be able to replicate now but didn't have the skills to do back then and (b) it would have been a lot of extra effort for no benefit. If I wanted a picture of a specific type of flower etc then I would draw it myself but for this type of work, generic assets were fine, and maybe even better.

But if I had copied some random artist's flowers and butterflies that I did NOT have the rights to use, that would have been plagiarism, and bad! Even though the resulting picture would have looked the same and involved the same amount of original work on my part.

In the years since then, I've continued to use other people's art assets. Sometimes creative commons or out of copyright works for free, sometimes from art programs I paid for (whose creators presumably paid the original artists in turn(*)) and sometimes, when I couldn't find it anywhere else, I paid an artist individually. Sometimes I paid them even when there was the option to download it for free, because I appreciated how useful and well made it was. I have also released some of my own works as free or pay-what-you-want assets for other artists to use, but only the ones I'm comfortable having used that way.

The use of other people's digital art assets is not the issue here, artistically or morally. It's the fact they're being used without permission or recompense.

(Separate to all this is the fact that this specific art style was inspired by graffiti, so could arguably be considered cultural appropriation. Or is it just appreciative inspiration? I was never able to answer that question to my complete satisfaction, and am mostly comforted by the fact that I have to this day made little to no actual profit off the design. And I guess it shows that questions of art 'ownership' get messy in all sorts of directions)

(*)and if they didn't that would be bad!

“AI art isn’t real art” boring, pedantic, relies on defining the undefinable and an ever changing goalpost of what Real Art is.

“AI art is fueled by massive art theft” correct, concrete demonstration of the harm it’s doing to actual human beings and not just the nebulous concept of Art Itself.