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themobilehub02 · 3 days ago

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Is Repairing an iPhone Worth It? Does Apple Still Do Repairs?

iPhones are premium smartphones, known for their sleek design, powerful performance, and reliable ecosystem. But what happens when your iPhone breaks? Whether it's a cracked screen, faulty battery, or unresponsive charging port, one question inevitably arises: Is repairing an iPhone really worth it? And more importantly, does Apple still offer repair services? This article explores both of these questions in depth to help you make an informed decision.

Why Do iPhones Need Repair?

Despite their reputation for quality, iPhones are not immune to wear and tear. Common iPhone issues include:

Cracked screens from accidental drops

Battery degradation over time

Water damage from spills or submersion

Charging port issues

Software glitches or system failures

Camera and speaker malfunctions

These problems can occur across all models—from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Is Repairing an iPhone Worth It?

The answer depends on several factors including the age of your iPhone, repair cost, current resale value, and whether the device is under warranty or AppleCare+.

1. Cost of Repair vs. Cost of Replacement

In many cases, repairing an iPhone is far more economical than buying a new one. For example:

Screen repair might cost between $150–$400 depending on the model

Battery replacement usually costs around $99

Charging port fixes can vary from $80–$150

In contrast, a brand-new iPhone 15 starts at over $1,000. If your current phone is relatively new and functional besides the damage, repair is likely the smarter route.

2. Environmental Impact

Repairing your iPhone rather than replacing it contributes to environmental sustainability. Apple itself emphasizes repair over replacement as part of its eco-friendly initiatives. Every repaired phone means less electronic waste in landfills.

3. Performance After Repair

One concern many users have is whether a repaired iPhone will perform just as well. When you use genuine Apple parts or go through Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs), performance is usually unaffected. In fact, Apple calibrates devices after repairs to ensure they function as close to new as possible.

When Is Repairing an iPhone Not Worth It?

While repair is often a smart choice, there are situations where it may not be worth it:

1. Device Is Too Old

If your iPhone model is no longer supported with iOS updates (like iPhone 6 or older), spending money on repairs might not make sense. These phones are limited in app compatibility and security updates.

2. Repair Cost Is Close to Replacement

If repairing your iPhone costs nearly as much as a new or certified refurbished model, it’s better to upgrade. For example, repairing a motherboard on a water-damaged phone can cost upwards of $500—making replacement a more logical option.

3. Poor Quality Repair Shops

Choosing third-party repair services that use non-genuine parts can affect your iPhone’s performance, future resale value, and even void any remaining warranty.

Does Apple Still Do Repairs?

Yes, Apple still offers repair services, and they’ve expanded these options in recent years to make them more accessible and convenient.

1. In-Store Apple Repairs

You can walk into any Apple Store and get your iPhone diagnosed and repaired. Services include:

Screen replacement

Battery replacement

Camera and speaker fixes

Water damage diagnostics

Software troubleshooting

Apple technicians use genuine parts, and repairs are often completed within the same day.

2. Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs)

If there’s no Apple Store nearby, you can visit AASPs like Best Buy or other certified local service centers. These facilities meet Apple’s standards and provide the same quality of service.

3. Mail-In Repairs

Apple also offers mail-in repair services. You can ship your iPhone to an Apple Repair Center after initiating a request online. This is convenient for those in remote locations.

4. Self-Service Repair Program

Launched in 2022, Apple’s Self-Service Repair program allows users to:

Order genuine parts and tools

Access detailed repair manuals

Perform DIY repairs at home

However, this is best for tech-savvy users as it involves handling delicate components.

iPhone Repair Costs at Apple (Approximate)

Here’s a breakdown of typical Apple repair prices in 2025:

Repair Type

iPhone 11

iPhone 13

iPhone 15 Pro

Screen Repair

$199

$249

$329

Battery

$99

Charging Port

$129

$149

$169

Water Damage Diagnostic

$100+

Prices may vary by location. Always check Apple’s official support page for current rates.

Are Third-Party Repairs Trustworthy?

Not all third-party repair shops are created equal. Some offer affordable and quick fixes, but the quality of service and parts can vary. Before choosing one:

Check for certification or Apple Authorized status

Look at customer reviews

Ask if they use original parts

Verify warranty coverage

In Australia, for example, companies like Mobile Experts are reputable third-party service providers that offer both quality and convenience.

Do Repairs Void Apple Warranty?

If you get your iPhone repaired by non-authorized providers, your warranty and AppleCare+ coverage may be voided. That’s why Apple strongly recommends using official channels or authorized partners.

How Long Do iPhone Repairs Take?

In-store screen or battery replacements: 1–2 hours

Mail-in service: 3–5 business days

Third-party services: Varies, but often same-day

Can You Trade In a Damaged iPhone?

Yes, Apple and other retailers offer trade-in programs where you can get credit even for damaged phones. However, the trade-in value will be significantly reduced if:

The screen is cracked

The device doesn’t power on

The battery is below 80% health

Still, it’s a good way to offset the cost of a new device if you choose not to repair your old one.

AppleCare+ vs. Out-of-Warranty Repairs

AppleCare+ is a service plan that covers accidental damage with lower out-of-pocket repair costs.

Example:

Screen repair with AppleCare+: ~$29

Without AppleCare+: $200–$300+

If your iPhone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, repairs are generally worth it due to the significantly reduced cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is repairing an iPhone screen worth it?

Yes, especially if the phone is less than 3 years old. Screen repair is cheaper than replacement, restores functionality, and retains resale value.

Can Apple fix water-damaged iPhones?

Apple offers diagnostic services for water damage, but full repair depends on the extent of damage. Sometimes, internal corrosion may make repairs impractical.

How long is an iPhone supported with updates?

Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for about 5–6 years. If your phone no longer receives updates, it may be time to consider replacing it rather than repairing it.

What’s the most common iPhone repair?

iPhone repairs, Screen replacements, and battery replacements are the most common repairs. These are typically quick and affordable compared to full device replacement.

Can I repair my iPhone at home?

Yes, through Apple’s Self-Service Repair program. However, it’s recommended only for experienced users comfortable with electronics.

Final Verdict: Is Repairing an iPhone Worth It?

In most cases, yes—repairing an iPhone is worth it, particularly if:

The device is under 3–4 years old

The repair cost is under 50% of the replacement cost

You're using authorized repair services with genuine parts

Apple still actively supports repairs via its stores, authorized partners, and self-service programs, making professional and DIY options more accessible than ever.

Before making a final decision, consider the repair cost, the device’s age, and your long-term needs. For many, a simple screen or battery replacement can add years of life to their iPhone—saving money and reducing environmental impact.

Let me know if you'd like a version of this article tailored for a specific location, repair business, or keyword strategy.

#iphone #iphonography #Apple #phones #gadgets #computer #tech #laptop #iphone repair experts brisbane #brisbane mobile phone repairs #back glass replacement #iphone repair cost australia

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iprocarestore · 21 days ago

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Expert Tips for a Successful iPhone Battery Replacement

The iPhone is an incredible piece of technology, but like all mobile devices, its battery doesn’t last forever. Over time, battery performance declines, leading to slower performance, unexpected shutdowns, and the need to charge more frequently. If your iPhone is showing signs of a worn-out battery, a replacement can breathe new life into your device—extending its usability and performance for years to come.

Replacing your iPhone battery can be a straightforward process if done right, but there are several pitfalls to avoid. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through expert tips that will help ensure a successful battery replacement—whether you’re doing it yourself or opting for professional help.

Why Consider an iPhone Battery Replacement?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand why replacing your battery is a smart move. Here are a few compelling reasons:

1. Improved Performance

iPhones with degraded batteries may experience “throttling”—a deliberate reduction in processor speed to prevent unexpected shutdowns. A new battery restores your iPhone to full power.

2. Extended Lifespan

Rather than upgrading to a new device every few years, replacing the battery can extend the life of your current iPhone, saving you hundreds of dollars.

3. Increased Resale Value

If you’re planning to sell or trade in your iPhone, a new battery can significantly increase its value.

Signs Your iPhone Battery Needs Replacing

Before replacing your battery, make sure it’s truly necessary. Here are common indicators:

If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, a battery replacement may be in order.

Option 1: Professional Battery Replacement

1. Apple Authorized Service Providers

The safest and most reliable method is to go through Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP). These technicians use genuine Apple parts and follow strict protocols.

Pros:

Cons:

Tip: If you’re covered under AppleCare+ or your iPhone is still under warranty, Apple may replace the battery for free or at a discounted rate.

2. Reputable Third-Party Repair Shops

If your iPhone is out of warranty, third-party repair services can offer lower prices and faster turnaround times. Be sure to choose a well-reviewed repair center that uses OEM-quality batteries.

Red flags to avoid:

Pro Tip: Ask the technician to show you the replacement battery before installation. High-quality replacements should have manufacturing labels and serial numbers.

Option 2: DIY iPhone Battery Replacement

If you’re comfortable with electronics and have some experience with small repairs, you may consider replacing the battery yourself. Here are expert tips to ensure your DIY job goes smoothly.

1. Choose the Right Battery Kit

Not all battery kits are created equal. Look for kits that include:

Recommended brands: iFixit, GIGA Fixxoo, ScandiTech

2. Watch a Model-Specific Tutorial

Every iPhone model is slightly different. Watching a tutorial specific to your iPhone model (e.g., iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE) can help you avoid mistakes and anticipate tricky steps.

Pro Tip: Watch the video in full before you start. Pause and follow along only after you understand the entire process.

3. Power Down and Discharge the Battery

Before opening the phone, power it down completely. Try to discharge the battery to below 25%—a partially charged lithium-ion battery is less likely to ignite if accidentally punctured.

4. Work on a Clean, Static-Free Surface

Static electricity can damage internal components. Use an anti-static wrist strap if possible and work on a clean, non-metallic surface with plenty of light.

5. Be Extremely Careful with the Battery Adhesive

Apple uses strong adhesive strips to hold batteries in place. Stretch them slowly and steadily. If they snap, you may need to carefully pry the battery out—this is the trickiest part and the most likely moment to damage internal parts.

Never puncture the battery! It could release toxic chemicals or catch fire.

6. Keep Track of Screws

iPhones have many tiny screws of varying lengths. Misplacing or mixing them up can cause serious damage (e.g., piercing a motherboard).

Use a screw tray, magnetic mat, or labeling system to track where each screw belongs.

7. Reapply Adhesive Carefully

Once the old battery is out, clean the area and apply new adhesive strips. Position the battery precisely—don’t force it.

8. Double-Check All Connections

Before sealing the iPhone back up, ensure that:

9. Test Before Sealing

Once everything is connected, power on the phone before closing the case. Make sure the battery charges, the screen works, and there are no error messages.

After the Battery Replacement: Calibration and Maintenance

Replacing the battery is just the beginning. Here’s how to ensure it continues performing well.

1. Calibrate the New Battery

Once your new battery is installed:

This helps iOS correctly estimate battery life.

2. Monitor Battery Health

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to keep an eye on performance. If you see a message like “Important Battery Message” or “Service,” the battery may not be genuine or installed correctly.

3. Enable Optimized Charging

iPhones now come with a feature called Optimized Battery Charging, which learns your daily routine and reduces battery aging. Keep it turned on.

4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Batteries degrade faster in heat or cold. Try to keep your iPhone between 0ºC and 35ºC.

5. Use Genuine Chargers

Poor-quality charging cables or adapters can degrade battery performance or even damage your device. Stick to MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) accessories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced techs can make these battery replacement mistakes:

Conclusion

Replacing your iPhone battery is a fantastic way to extend the life of your device, save money, and improve performance. Whether you go the DIY route or choose professional help, being prepared and informed is the key to success.

A professionally replaced or properly installed new battery can easily give you another 2–3 years of life out of your iPhone.

Use this guide as a checklist, follow each step carefully, and your iPhone will thank you with longer battery life and snappier performance.

This content is originally posted on: https://iprocare.in/ Source URL: https://iprocare.in/expert-tips-for-a-successful-iphone-battery-replacement/

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ayan-itx-sential · 22 days ago

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Brand-Specific Repair Tips: iPhone vs. Samsung vs. Others

Introduction

No matter how advanced or expensive your smartphone is, it’s not immune to damage. Cracked screens, faulty batteries, water exposure, and software issues are common headaches that affect every brand — from Apple to Samsung and everything in between.

But here’s the problem: not all phones are created equal when it comes to repairs. The tools, techniques, and replacement parts vary drastically between brands. Unfortunately, many users don’t realize this until they experience poor repairs, incompatible components, or voided warranties.

At Phone Buzz, we specialize in brand-specific smartphone repairs, and we know how critical it is to use tailored solutions based on your device type. In this guide, we break down repair tips and key differences between iPhones, Samsung devices, and other Android brands — so you know exactly what to expect and how to make informed choices.

Understanding Brand-Specific Repairs: Why It Matters

Each smartphone brand has its own design language, hardware components, and repair protocols. For instance, replacing a screen on an iPhone 14 is vastly different from fixing a Samsung Galaxy S22 or a Google Pixel 7.

iPhones typically use proprietary screws, tightly integrated components, and software that detects unauthorized parts. Samsung devices, especially in the Galaxy Fold or Flip lines, use flexible OLED screens and heat-sensitive adhesives that require special care. Meanwhile, brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Motorola have their own quirks — ranging from hard-to-find parts to software bugs triggered by improper assembly.

Choosing a repair shop that understands these nuances — like Phone Buzz — ensures better outcomes: accurate repairs, lasting results, and warranty protection.

iPhone Repair Tips: Precision, Parts, and Software Sensitivity

Apple devices are known for their tight integration between hardware and software. That’s great for performance — but it complicates repairs.

1. Use Apple-Grade or OEM-Equivalent Parts

Apple’s latest iOS versions can detect non-genuine parts and trigger pop-up warnings (e.g., “Unknown Part” or “Unable to verify this display”). This affects screen, battery, and even camera replacements. At Phone Buzz, we only use OEM-equivalent or genuine parts to prevent performance issues and warning messages.

2. Beware of Face ID and Touch ID Damage

Face ID (in newer iPhones) and Touch ID (in older models) are delicate components paired to your logic board. If mishandled during screen repair, you risk permanently losing biometric functionality. Skilled technicians can transfer sensors properly — don’t trust inexperienced hands with this.

3. Battery Calibration Is Key

Post-replacement, an iPhone battery should be calibrated using special software tools to ensure accurate charge readings and optimal performance. We do this in-house at Phone Buzz so you get full battery life without glitches.

4. Screen Adhesion and Water Resistance

Opening an iPhone compromises its waterproof seal. After any repair, it’s crucial to reseal using high-grade adhesives and test water resistance (when possible).

Samsung Phone Repair Tips: Complex Displays & Specialized Tools

Samsung Galaxy devices have become increasingly sophisticated — especially in their displays and internal layouts. Repairing them demands a different skill set.

1. OLED and AMOLED Screens Are Fragile and Expensive

Samsung phones mostly use AMOLED or Dynamic AMOLED panels, which are ultra-thin and prone to damage during removal. Unlike LCDs, they can black out or show pixel burns even from minor mishandling. Using heat mats, suction cups, and precision tools is a must — standard repair methods won’t cut it.

2. Foldables Require Advanced Handling

Phones like the Galaxy Z Fold or Flip series come with flexible hinges and foldable displays. Screen replacement in these devices is extremely delicate. Improper disassembly can destroy the hinge mechanism or the flexible inner display. At Phone Buzz, we’re trained to handle these devices with Samsung-approved techniques.

3. Battery Swelling Is More Common Than You Think

Due to compact design, Samsung batteries may swell over time, pushing the back panel outward. Replacing them requires removing glass backs — another challenge that calls for precise, temperature-controlled tools.

4. Software After Repair Needs Attention

Samsung phones might display error messages or performance issues if parts aren’t properly recognized. Post-repair updates and factory resets might be necessary, especially for motherboard-related fixes.

Other Android Brands: OnePlus, Xiaomi, Pixel & More

Beyond Apple and Samsung, there’s a wide spectrum of Android phone brands — each with their own ecosystem and design approach.

OnePlus

Known for powerful hardware at competitive prices, OnePlus devices have fairly straightforward repair processes. However, the back glass is glued tightly, and newer models like the OnePlus 12 require special attention during screen or motherboard access.

Tip: Always use thermally controlled separation tools to avoid cracking the back or front panel.

Google Pixel

Google’s Pixel line offers clean Android experiences but tricky hardware. Camera modules are sensitive, and some Pixel models use screens that integrate fingerprint sensors — making screen replacements difficult.

Tip: Post-repair software updates may be needed to restore camera or fingerprint functionality.

Xiaomi & Redmi

Popular in global markets, Xiaomi phones offer great value but often feature less standardized components. Parts availability can be a challenge, and models like the Redmi Note or Mi series have tightly packed internals.

Tip: Opt for repair shops that carry authentic or manufacturer-grade parts — Phone Buzz sources directly from trusted suppliers for these models.

Motorola

Motorola’s design varies wildly between models. Some use clip-in backs, others require deep disassembly. Screens often separate in multiple layers, making screen replacement a high-risk task without proper technique.

Tip: Use anti-static and controlled environments to protect fragile internal boards.

Choosing a Repair Shop That Understands Brand Nuances

Not every repair shop is equipped or experienced enough to handle brand-specific repairs correctly. Choosing the wrong provider could mean poor-quality parts, botched installations, or even permanent phone damage.

Here’s what sets Phone Buzz apart:

Trained brand specialists for iPhone, Samsung, and Android devices

Certified tools and anti-static workstations for safe disassembly

Genuine or OEM-equivalent parts to maintain software compatibility

Quick turnaround — most repairs done within 1–2 hours

Warranty-backed service for peace of mind

Whether you’re fixing a Face ID sensor on your iPhone or a foldable screen on a Galaxy Z Fold, we tailor our repair strategy to your device.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Across All Brands

Regardless of your phone brand, avoid these universal mistakes

Ignoring warning signs: Delayed repairs can worsen damage.

Using generic parts: These can cause malfunctions or safety issues.

DIYing with no experience: One wrong move can cost you your phone.

Choosing based on price only: Cheap repairs often use poor materials.

At Phone Buzz, we focus on quality and longevity, not just price. Your phone deserves expert care.

Conclusion

No two smartphones are the same — and neither are their repair needs. Whether you own an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or another Android brand, your best bet is always a repair shop that understands the unique structure and requirements of your device.

From screen replacements and battery swaps to motherboard and biometric sensor issues, Phone Buzz is your trusted local solution for fast, brand-specific smartphone repairs.

FAQs

Is there a difference between OEM and genuine parts? Yes. OEM parts are made by the original manufacturer but may not carry branding. Genuine parts are often Apple- or Samsung-branded. At Phone Buzz, we offer both based on availability.

Will my warranty be voided after a third-party repair? Some manufacturers void warranties after third-party repairs, but we use approved techniques and quality parts that reduce risk.

Do you offer repairs for older models like iPhone 8 or Galaxy S9? Absolutely. We support a wide range of models, including legacy devices.

How long do most repairs take? Most screen or battery replacements are done within 1–2 hours, depending on parts availability.

Can I walk in or do I need an appointment? Walk-ins are welcome at Phone Buzz, but appointments help us serve you faster!

#phone repairs #phone service #mobile services #mobile repair #smartphone repair #mobile accessories #mobile service centre #phone accessories #phone cases #mobile covers

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autoversemobility · 2 years ago

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Things to Consider Before Making Auto Car Parts Online

Individuals increasingly resort to Internet purchasing as the world gets more digitalized. Even automobile owners who need to buy replacement components will find this to be the case. However, you should know several caveats when shopping online for auto components. This post will review tips to help you shop for auto car parts online.

Locate the Precise Component You Require:

Knowing the specific component, you need is the first step before purchasing auto car parts online. This is due to the wide variety of part types needed to repair the wide variety of automobile makes and models. Always verify the part's compatibility with your vehicle before installing it. You can consult the owner's handbook or a professional mechanic. When you have a precise description of the component you require, you may start looking for it in internet stores.

Validate the Quality and Originality:

Authenticity and quality are two major considerations when purchasing auto car parts online. It's important to be sure you're purchasing genuine replacement components rather than the many low-quality knockoffs that flood the market. If you need to buy auto parts online, research the vendor thoroughly before spending any money. To guarantee their high-quality products are authentic, reputable online marketplaces implement stringent quality control processes.

Examine Costs:

Shopping around when purchasing auto components online is usually a good idea. Since part costs vary widely between retailers, shopping around is important to find the best deal. Use a price comparison website or shop around on individual internet marketplaces to find the best deal. The cheapest choice isn't necessarily the best because it might be poor quality or a fake.

Verify Cancellation and Return Procedures:

They are reviewing the seller's shipping and refund policies before purchasing is crucial. The timely and undamaged delivery of the component is a top priority. It is also important to know the seller's return policy if the item arrives damaged or differs from what you expected. Online marketplaces with good reputations make it simple for customers to understand shipping and return procedures.

Look for Customer Support:

Finally, searching for reliable customer service while shopping for auto car parts online is important. You must be sure you can contact the vendor if you have any issues or problems. Try to choose an online market that offers email, phone, and live chat help options. In addition, research the vendor to ensure they have a history of satisfactorily addressing customer concerns.

Consider OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts:

When buying vehicle parts online, you may see OEM and aftermarket parts. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts are more costly since they are created by the company that made your car's original components. In contrast, aftermarket components are produced by non-OEM sources and typically come at a reduced cost. Although original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components might be expensive, aftermarket alternatives can be more cost-effective depending on your demands and budget.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it's worth it to complete your homework before making an internet purchase of auto components. Determine the precise part you need, verify its legitimacy and quality, shop for the best price, learn about the store's return and shipping procedures, and seek helpful customer service. These five guidelines can help you shop online with confidence and knowledge. A trustworthy marketplace for auto car parts online that provides a variety of original components and is known for its friendly customer service.

#car spare parts online #car spares online india #automotive car parts online

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purplesurveys · 2 years ago

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1713

What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Doing another survey. I'm telling you, I like making my Sundays as boring as possible.

What was the last thing you said aloud? Can't really remember. I've been alone the last two hours.

Have you bought anything new this week? Other than food, no.

Name one person who made you smile today. Jo. BFF finally graduated and I guess I'm particularly emotional aboout her graduation because I was witness to most of the trials she went through to get to this point, and holy shit was the road for her rocky for the most part. She is what Yoongi meant when he said, "Dream, may all your trials end in full bloom."

What’s the last thing you had to drink? Coffee.

Ever go camping? Nah, it’s never been something that appeals to me. Maybe if we lived somewhere with guaranteed decent weather I would give it a go, but around here it just rains all the time haha. < Same with me, except that here it's either way too hot, or rains way too hard.

What’s your favorite candy? Chewy ones, like Fruitella.

Do you send messages on Facebook a lot? Yes, that's where I communicate with literally every non-work person ever. Messenger is a necessity at this point given I don't even text anymore except for work.

Have you ever gone to a strip club? I have never gone inside one but would like to try to at least once.

Last sporting event you watched? The Philippines vs Norway, Women's World Cup just this afternoon. We mounted a public watch party given that one of my clients is a major sponsor for our national team.

We lost – and subsequently lost our place in the World Cup – but it doesn't feel like we have lost at all. It's big enough of a win to have the Philippines even just be part of the World Cup, let alone WIN A MATCH (against New Zealand, last Tuesday). It's chilling to be alive for such historic achievements and I love our Filipinas to bits :')

What were you doing at 8am this morning? Fast asleep.

Anything you wish you could change? Yes I wish we can have 4-day work weeks.

Do you go in at a fast food place or drive thru? Drive-thru or delivery always. I genuinely can't tell you the last time I actually dined inside a fast food place.

What do you think when you hear Australia? Stores closing early. And the Irwin family.

Who’s the last person you talked to on the phone? A media contact who was asking for additional slots under his reservation for the watch party earlier.

Do you like Chinese food over pizza? Nah. Chinese food can be great, but the casual kind like Panda Express is usually shit and comes off as inauthentic. You'd have to go to a sit-down restaurant to really enjoy the full flavors and experience of Chinese food; whereas good pizza is pretty easy to find.

Do you have a tan? I'm just...naturally tan. I don't need to 'have' a tan.

Biggest annoyance in life right now? I'm nearly out of vape juice and every puff is tasting increasingly smokier and shittier, but all the shops are closed and I wouldn't be able to get a replacement till like 10 AM tomorrow at the earliest.

Do any of your friends have children? Not my friends, but I have several classmates in my batch who now do.

Are you jealous of anyone? Nah.

Where is your dad? He lives where he works (i.e. a cruise ship), and I imagine at this hour he has just woken up and is getting ready to start work. I'm not actually sure though if he works weekends? I'll need to ask him that; he doesn't typically talk about his job with us so I know very little about his everyday routine.

Any plans today? All I wanna do is eat and take surveys and watch BTS later tonight. Enjoy what's left of my weekend until I'm too exhausted to keep my eyes open.

Do you drink your soda with a straw? I don't drink soda. I do like straws with my coffee though.

Last song listened to? All Day by Namjoon and Tablo.

Do you take vitamins daily? No.

Is anyone jealous of you? Not that I know.

What are you doing tomorrow? It'll just be work again. It'll be a Monday though so I imagine the workload will be 5x more than usual.

What’s your favorite number? 7.

Do you have a maid come in and clean your house? No and that's not usually the case here. For households with house help, they usually live in the house and have their own rooms. I remember finding it very unusual when I first learned how in other countries, maids will drop by to do their job but leave at the end of the day. Cultural differences, I guess.

Can you say the alphabet backwards? I can't. I know someone who can though.

Cedar Point or Six Flags? Whatever.

Have you ever slept in until 1 PM? Not straight. It's always staggered – like I'd wake up at 9 AM, go back to sleep, wake up at 11 AM, go to sleep, then wake up at 1.

Do you believe in love at first sight? No but I also don't judge if other people claim it happened to them.

Do you like the show Viva La Bam? I have never see it. Not my type of show.

How many kids do you want to have? None forever and ever and ever.

Have you ever gone behind your parents' backs? Yes.

Have you ever lost someone? Of course.

Where did you get your worst scar from? An overly excited Cooper.

What time did you wake up today? Around 9:10 AM.

Have you ever tried to erase someone from your memory? Mhm.

Last meal? A croissant from Dunkin. I'm still eating it though. Then right after this I'll be eating a cinnamon doughnut, also from Dunkin.

Do you like coco pebbles the cereal? I've never tried! I've had Fruity Pebbles though; I bought it purely because The Rock once referenced it in a promo with John Cena. It got super over to the point that I wanted to check out what the fuck these 'Fruity Pebbles' were, lol.

Last time you saw your father? It'll be three weeks this Friday :) I'll be seeing him again this November.

Last time you cried? The other day when I was watching Jungkook's reaction to this year's ARMY song. Man cried live and in front of 11,000,000 people and his voice even broke when he tried to speak, how could I not cry with him lol??

When you get married what do you think you’ll put most of your focus and money into? Coming from my experience in PR and mounting events I feel like I would be very particular about event elements lol. Like making sure the food selection fits what our guests would like, having enough activities or prompts to do so people enjoy their whole time there, approving the music choices, etc. Also generally making sure the program flow is in perfect shape from start to finish.

Probably not the best priority in the first place, which is why I am NOT cut out for marriage anyway hah.

Would you freak out if you were to get pregnant by the last person you hooked up with? I have never hooked up with anyone but in theory yes I would freak out in any case.

When’s the last time something turned out better than expected? Last Friday. Just work stuff falling into place at the last possible moment, when I thought they wouldn't.

Who in your life causes you the most stress or negative feelings? Myself. And my clients. :) They're all so very nice and understanding but at the end of the day we have a work relationship, so I can't help but associate feelings of stress with them.

Have you ever had a teacher that also taught your parents? Nah. My dad and I attended the same university, but there was no overlap in profs as far as I know because our courses are vastly different from one another to begin with – he took up hotel and restaurant management; I did journalism.

What’s something you complain about frequently? Never-ending work and parents who think their noisy fucking kids have the right to own the world.

Do you have anything planned for the summer? That time of the year is done. My one scheduled plan then was my trip to Bangkok to see Yoongi :D I still can't believe I get to say I saw BTS DJKFHDJKFHDFFLS

Do you walk fast or slow? Fast or moderate, depending on what I'm walking for. I only ever walk slow in museums, I think.

What form of public transport do you use most often? Continued from last Sunday. I don't use public transport. If I need to go somewhere and can't drive, I book a Grab.

Is there any alcohol in the fridge? Yeah I have a few bottles of soju and beer.

Is any part of you sad at all? Maybe not sad, just tired and in need of another break.

Who was the last person to disappoint you? Just a few family members with some questionable opinions.

Have you ever let someone go? Yes.

Are you a patient person? It differs. I'm patient with things like waiting in line or if a server messes up at a restaurant, but I can be impatient at work.

Do you think you’ve changed over the past year? Yeah, for sure. This time last year I was in a bit of a professional and emotional rut, and that has since faded for the most part. Also I was a looooot more inexperienced in my role as a manager, something I'm confident to say I've grown from.

Is there something that happened in your past you hate talking about? Sure. I'm an open book and have no issues tackling the past but that doesn't necessary mean I *like* talking about some memories, if that makes sense.

Your ex is sitting next to you, what do you do? If they were willing and were friendly enough, I'd greet them and quickly catch up.

Are you someone who worries too often? Only about work, but otherwise I like to be carefree these days.

Have you ever been completely alone with a boy in his room? Not a boy.

Do you ever think “what if” about anything? Of course, can't avoid those thoughts sometimes.

Is the last person you kissed older than you? No.

Does everyone deserve a second chance? Nope.

Are you emotionally strong? I try to be. I've been through my fair share of shit and from all those moments I've learned to just get the fuck up after allowing myself to cry a bit.

Is there anyone you don’t wanna lose? Of course.

Are you the type of person who seeks out revenge? No. I'm passive-aggressive sometimes when I know I'm in the right but plotting Actual Revenge just seems so childish at this point.

Do you think two people can last forever? Sure. It's a comforting thought to have about relationships.

Do you like falling asleep listening to the rain? Yes!!! Sometimes I'll even turn on like an hour-long raining sound effect video if I have trouble falling asleep.

Is your current hair color your natural hair color? It isn't.

Do you believe that the last person that you kissed cares for you? No.

Are you happy with the choices you’ve made? I'm happy with some; I have no choice but to just move forward with some others.

Do you honestly have feelings for someone at the moment? Continued from the night before, again. Nope.

Have you ever slept in the same bed as the opposite sex? No.

Are there things in your life that you’ll never be able to get over? Sure, for better and for worse.

Have you dated someone older than you? Nope.

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freddiekluger · 4 years ago

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Why Cap Being Internally Closeted Is Not Only Possible, But Valid Representation

i wrote this to a lot of mitski and onsind, so you can’t blame me for any feelings that bleed through

now i don’t know if it actually exists, but i’ve heard of there being a lot of discourse surrounding the captains story arc regarding his sexuality- i believe the general gist is that having a queer character that remains closeted to themselves is either unrealistic or ‘bad’ representation, and as someone who really treasures the captain and relates to his story so far a lot, i thought i might break this down a bit.

i’ve divded up every complaint i’ve heard about this into four main questions which i’ll be covering below the ‘keep reading’, because this is gonna be pretty comprehensive. full disclaimer i reference my experiences as an ex-evangelical non binary butch lesbian a couple times, and i spent a year studying repression and the psychological impacts of high demand sexual ethics for my graduating sociology paper, so this is coming with some background to it i swear

the big questions:

can you EVEN be gay and not know it????

but isn't this just ANOTHER coming out arc, and aren't we supposed to be moving beyond those?

but if cap can't have a relationship with a man because he's a ghost, what's the point?

since cap's dead, isn't this technically bury your gays, and isn't that bad?

1. "but is it really possible to not know? Isn't that bad representation?"

short answer: no and no.

before i get into the validity of the captain's ignorance about his own orientation as 21st century rep, let's break down how the hell the captain can be so clearly attracted to men and still not even consider the possibility that he might be gay, as brought to you by someone who literally experienced this shit.

the captain's particular situation is both a direct result of the lack of information around human sexuality he would have had (aka clear messaging that it's actually possible for him to be attracted to men. i don't mean acceptable or allowed, i mean physically capable of happening- the idea that orientations other than heterosexual exist and are available to him, a man), and a subconscious survival mechanism. the environment in which he lives is outright hostile to gay people, while the military man identity he has constructed for himself doesn't allow for any form of deviation from societal norms, let alone one so base level and major. as a result of this killer combo of information and environment, instincts take over and the mind does it's best to repress the ‘deviant’ feelings until a. one of these two things changes, or b. the act of repression becomes so destructive and/or exhuasting that it becomes impossible to maintain. the key to maintaining a long-term state of repression of desire is diverting that energy elsewhere, and a high-demand group such as the military is the perfect place for the captain to do this (this technqiue is frequented by religions and extremist ideologies worldwide, but that’s not really what we’re here to focus on).

while the brain is actively repressing ‘deviant’ feelings (aka gay shit), this doesn't mean you don't experience the feelings at all. when performed as a subconscious act of survival, the aim of repression is to minimise/transform the feelings into a state where they can no longer cause immediate danger, and something as big as sexual/romantic orientation is going to keep popping up, but as long as the individual in question never understands what they’re feeling, they’ll be able to continue relatively undisturbed. you know how in heist movies, the leader of the group will only tell each team member part of the plan so they can’t screw things up for everyone else if they get caught? it’s kind of like that.

this is how the captain appears to have operated in life AND in death, and it’s a relatively common experience for lgbtq people who’ve grown up in similar circumstances (aka with a lack of information and in an unfriendly-to-hostile environment), and accounts for how some people can even go on to get married and have children before realising that they’re gay and/or trans.

personally, while i can now identify what were strong homo crushes all the way back to childhood, at the time i genuinely had no idea. there was the underlying sense that i probably shouldn't tell people how attached i was to these girls because i would seem weird, and that my feelings were stronger than the ones other people used to describe friendships, but like-like them in the way that other girls like-liked boys? no way! actually scratch that, it wasn't even a no way, because i had no idea that i even could. i even had my own havers, at least in terms of the emotional hold and devotion she got from me, except she treated me way less well than cap’s beau. snatches of the existence of lgbt people made it through the cone of silence, i definitely heard the words gay and lesbian, but my levels of informations mirrored those that the captain would have had: virtually none, beyond the idea that these words exist, some people are them, and that's not something that we support or think is okay, so let's just not speak about it. despite only attending religious schools for the first couple years of primary, until i got my own technology and social media accounts to explore lgbtq content on my own- option a out of the two catalysts for change- the possibility of me being gay was not at all on my radar. don’t even get me started on how long it took me to explore butchness and my overall gender, two things which now feel glaringly obvious.

when shit starts to break down, you can also make the conscious choice to repress which can delay the eventual smashing down of the mental closet door for a time (essentially when the closet door starts to open, you just say ‘no thanks’ and shut it again by pointedly Not Thinking About It). in the abscence of identifying yourself by your attractions, it becomes quite common to identify with a lack- in my case, this meant becoming proud of how sensible and not boy crazy i was, and in the captain’s case, this means becoming proud of how sensible and not sensuous/wild (aka woman crazy) he was, identifying with his LACK of desire for women and partying (which, even in the 40s, involved the expectation of opposite sex romances and hook ups). i’m not saying that’s the only reason he’s a rule follower, but i think the contrast between About Last Night and Perfect Day pretty much support this. (the captain getting on his high horse about general party antics that he inherently felt excluded from because of underlying awareness of his difference & his tendency to project his regimented expectations of himself onto others, vs. joining in the reception party, awareness of how the environment supports difference in the form of clare and sam, and relaxing his own rules by dancing with men- the captain doesn’t mind a party when feels like he has a place there.)

so the captain was operating in a high demand, highly regulated environment (primarily the military, but also early 20th century England itself), with regimented roles, rules, and expectations. working on the assumption that he wouldn't have had out/disclosing lgbt friends, he would have had little to no exposure to lgbt identities, and what information he did receive would have been hushed and negatively geared. while my world started to open up when i started high school was allowed to have my own phone + instagram account, resulting in me realising something wasn't quite 'right' within a few years (making me a relatively early realiser compared to those who don't come out to themselves until adulthood), in life the captain never had that experience. he didn't receive the information he needed, his environment didn't grow less hostile. with the near-exception of havers related heartbreak, his well disciplined and lifelong method of repression never became destructive/exhaustive enough to permanently override the danger signals in his mind and allow him to put his feelings into words. neither of the most common catalysts for change happened for him, so he continued as usual, even after his death.

BUT, and here’s where we come to why this is actually great representation, arrival of mike and Alison represents the opening up of new world. for the first time, the captain is actively made aware of the fact that his environment is no longer hostile, and better than that, it’s affirming. he’s also getting access to positively geared information about lgbtq people and identities, so option a of the two catalysts for change is absolutely present, and resoundingly positive.

the captain’s arc is also relatively unique as it acknowledges the oppressive nature of his environment, but actually focuses on the internal consequences, and the way that systems like those that the captain lived in succeed because they turn us into our own oppressors. for whatever reason, we repress ourseslves, and often can’t help it, and i find that the significance of the journey to overcome that is often overlooked in more mainstream queer media. perhaps it’s just not very cinematic, or it remains too confronting for cishet audiences, but ghosts manages to touch on it with a lovely amount of humour and hope. Jamie Babbit’s But I’m A Cheerleader is another favourite piece of queer media for the same reasons.

not only does it show this, but as the captain continues to get gayer and lean into some of his less conventional traits (like an interest in fashion and the wedding planning), it shows lgbt people who have been or are going through this that there CAN be a positive outcome. it takes a lot to unlearn all the things that have painted you as wrong, especially when a massive institution is desperate to continue doing so, but you can do it, you can be happy, and it's never too late. (i've been meaning to say that last point for ages for ages, but a mutual beat me to it here)

2. not just another coming out arc

i absolutely support the demand for queer stories that don’t center around coming out (it’s like shrodinger’s queer: if you’re not coming out on screen, do you really even exist?), but i don’t align with the criticisms that the captain should already be out. for the reasons mentioned above, the captain’s particular story is fairly different to the ‘young white teenager who mostly knows gay is fine, it’s just everyone else that’s got the problem, but have a unremarkably straight sounding soundtrack, a trauma porn romance, and a cishet saviour’ that we keep seeing. the captain’s ongoing journey with his sexuality emphasises the overaching theme of the show: recovering from trauma and humanity’s endless capacity for growth, and i think that’s worth showing over and over again until it stops being true.

additionally, while the captain’s journey regarding his gayness is a big part of his character and story, ghosts makes it clear that it’s not the ONLY part, and being gay is far from his ONLY characteristic or dramatic/comedic engine. the fact that i’m even having to congratulate ghosts for doing that really shows how much film and television is struggling huh.

while all queer media is, and should be, subject to criticism, i think if it helps even one person then it absolutely deserves to exist, and i can say i’ve found the captain’s journey to be the lgbt story i’ve found that’s closest to my own, which says a lot considering he’s a dead world war 2 soldier who hangs out with other ghosts including a slutty Tory, a georgian noblewoman, and a literal caveman.

3. if captain gay, why he no have boyfriend????

another complaint that’s been circulating is that since the captain doesn’t, and likely won’t, have a boyfriend, that makes him Bad Representation because it follows the sad single gay trope. i kind of get the logic from this one, and a lot of it is up to personal interpretation, but part of me really enjoys the fact that the captain’s journey towards accepting himself is separated from having a relationship.

coming out is often paired with having romantic/sexual relationships (either as the reason or reward for doing so). my own struggle with repression didn't end the second that came out, and i still struggle with letting myself develop & acknowledge romantic feelings as a result of actively shutting them (and most other feelings in general) down for years, and statistics show that lgbtq youth in particular tend not to live out their 'teen years' until their twenties. by not giving cap a relationship straight away, ghosts separates the act of claiming identity and sexual orientation from finding a partner (two things which are, more often than not, separate), and also provides some very nice validation to folks who have yet to have the relationship they want, especially when lots of mainstream queer media is now jumping on the cishet media bandwagon of acting as if every person loses their virginity and has a life defining relationship at sixteen. it’s essentially a continuation of the earlier theme of “it’s never too late”, and who’s to say the captain won’t get a gay bear ghost boyfriend to go haunt nazis with??? people die all the time, it could happen.

(also, i think him and julian will have definitely shagged at least once. it was a low moment for both of them and they refuse to speak of it.)

lots of asexual/ace spectrum fans have come out to say how much they’ve loved being able to headcanon cap as ace, and while that’s not a headcanon i personally have, i think it’s brilliant that ace fans feel seen by his character- we’re all in this soup together babey (and sorry for cursing everyone still reading this with that cap/julian headcanon. i’m just a vessel)

4. “okay, but cap’s a GHOST- doesn’t that make this Bury Your Gays?”

this is a bit of a complex one, but i’m going to say no as a result of the following break down.

Bury Your Gays (BYG), aka the trope where lgbtq characters are consistently killed off (and often with a heavy dose of trauma, while cishet characters survive) is probably one of my least favourite lgbt media tropes. BYG has two main points:

1. the lgbt character is killed, thus removing them from story entirely- hence the use of the phrase ‘killed OFF’ (killed off of the show/film)

2. the character’s death reinforces the perception that lgbtq people’s lives must end in tragedy, instead of being long and fulfilling, or are inherently less valuable. bonus points if the character is killed in a hate crime or confesses same-gender love right before they die (that one implies that queer love genuinely has no future!)

not every death of an lgbtq character is bury your gays, and i personally feel that the captain is an example of an lgbt death that isn’t.

first of all, while the captain is dead, so are the vast majority of characters in ghosts. the premise of the show means that death is not the end of the line for its characters- for most of them, it’s the only reason we get to see them on screen at all. as such, the captain being dead doesn’t remove him from the story, so point one is irrelevant.

at the time of posting, we don’t know how or why the captain died, but we've had nothing to suggest his death was in any way related to his latent sexuality, so his mysterious death doesn’t actively play into the supposedly inherent tragedy of queer lives, nor the supposedly lesser value. that’s as of right now- since we don’t know the circumstances of his death it’s a little tough to analyse properly. while the captain’s life absolutely features missed opportunities and it’s fair share of tragedy, hope and growth (which seems to be the theme of this post) abounds in equal measure. the captain may not be alive, but we DO get to see him growing and having a relatively happy existence, that for the most part seems to be getting even better as he learns to open up and be himself unapologetically- that doesn’t feel like BYG to me.

while writng this, it’s just occured to me that death really is a second chance for most of the ghosts, especially with the introduction of alison. from mary learning to read, to thomas finding modern music, they’ve all been given the chance explore things they never could have while they were alive, and hopefully grow enough to one day be sucked off move on.

in conclusion,

i love the captain very much and i hope his arc lives up to the standards it’s set so far. i don’t know where to put this in this post, but i’d alo like to say i LOVE how in Perfect Day, the captain wasn’t used as an educational experienced for fanny at all. i am very tired of people expecting me to be the walking talking homophobe educator and rehabilitator, so the fact that it’s alison and the other ghosts that call fanny out while the captain just gets to have fun with the wedding organisation made me very happy.

here’s a few other cap posts that i’ve done:

the captain’s arc if adam and the film crew stayed

a possible cap coming out

the captain backstory headcanon

if you’ve read this far,

thank you!

also check out @alex-ghosts-corner , this post inspired me very much to write this

#i subluxed all my fingers and wrists doing this but worth it #bbc ghosts #bbc ghosts headcanon #bbc ghosts analysis #the captain #caphavers #the captain x havers #ben willbond #lgbt representation #lgbt rep #queer media #lgbt media

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bybdolan · 4 years ago

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revealing my inner 80 year old too, i guess, bc this latest lorde proclamation is ... not it :/ i understand that not everyone feels the same way about recreational drug use as i do, but for me, it's triggering and upsetting to think about. i 100% agree drug use should not be stigmatized -- we need to have open & honest conversations about it and what drives people to it -- but we also shouldn't be normalizing recreation drug use / abuse? and i just feel so incredibly uncomfortable and so much dread thinking about how so many kids are going to hear this lorde news and think that taking drugs is some sort of creative stimulant and can elevate them to that level. and just. from a general perspective, i cannot believe lorde just based her entire brand on ... drugs?

Interesting points! And I agree for the most part – I think there can be a tendency to credit outside influences as the source of an artist's talent or creativity and while that is true to some extent, there is also A Person behind an artwork that already has rich inner workings that are simply enhanced by their experiences. This can get extremely grim when entering the "tortured artist" territory (a lot of people actually work better when they are well). And I 100% understand why drugs, which can "enrich" how we see the world in various ways, can play a part in a creative process, and so I also understand why an artist would want to bring it up when talking about said creative process. Drugs changed the Beatles' music in drastic ways, for example. But, again: Drug use a good artist do not make. And I understand your concern for young fans. I don't expect Lorde to think about that necessarily, because if a fan reads her comments and proceeds to engage in drug use then that's not her fault and there is a whole conversation to be had on how Bad it actually is and how to actually teach kids about drugs, but the base idea that somehow drugs are integral to making or consuming art seem a bit harmful to me. The intersection between music and drugs and the connected subculture is HUGE (see: The Grateful Dead) and I am not educated enough to judge by any means (not taking drugs is a personal choice I made based on my lack of self-control in a lot of aspects and I don't want to speak over people who have first hand experience – be it good or bad); I think what mainly bugs me about the recent surge in artists openly talking about the role drugs play in their creative process is the way they tend to come off as a bit "ouhh look at me I am a rebel/special/enlightened". And maybe that is subjective, but there IS a huge difference in how artists like Harry Styles or Lorde talk about drugs vs. artists like Miley Cyrus or Demi Lovato, who have struggled with addiction, and while I don't think either of them are wrong for talking about their experiences, it is something to maybe pay attention to. I think drugs in general should be removed from this weird place in society where they are treated like magic potions without any genuine background info on what they do, just the conflicting opinions "this is the greatest thing you can do" (or, in the case of alcohol, part of social life) and "this will ruin your life". Taking or not taking drugs is a personal decision that isn't strictly "good" or "bad", and they are not going to suddenly turn you into Leonardo DaVinci but they also aren't always going to immediately ruin your future. There is a lot that goes into it, and I think this is often forgotten about – in education as well as music journalism

EDIT: I feel like I have to add the disclaimer that me using drugs as an umbrella term is very non-specific, and weed and heroin for example obviously have a lot of differences, plus the question of "what makes a drug?" (Is coffee a drug? Are phones?) isn't answered here, but this is a more general post on the topic so I hope you are able to excuse my broadness. The disclaimers I added should probably be kept in mind.

#tw drugs #my this got long n ramble-y #i think it's important to again say that i am not involved in any drug subculture so I can't and won't speak for them #ask #pastelpinkhearts

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onechicagorpf · 5 years ago

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Not A Stranger - Part 2

Pairing: Jay Halstead x Reader (Chicago Med intern)

Waking up in bed next to a random naked guy after a drunken night out usually sucks, but eh, whatever. you’ll never see him again, right? Well except this time, random naked guy turns out to be your ED attending’s little brother, so maybe you’re a little bit screwed…

Read Part 1 first here Read Part 3 here Read Part 4 here

Warnings: SMUT. Full-on, R-rated smut! Swearing, the usual cuss words. Dubious medical content, lol, because I don’t know a thing about medicine!

Your knuckles rap against the wooden door.

“C’mon, c’mon,” You whisper under your breath, your right leg shaking restlessly. Your heart feels like its in your throat, and you honestly feel like you’re about to pass out from either excitement or anxiety or both.

There’s soft footsteps on the other side of the door, and your back snaps straight.

Jay opens the door, a smile on his face, but his eyes quickly go wide once he sees you.

You don’t care.

You surge in, reaching out and cupping the back of his head, pulling him to you. You press your lips to his passionately, your other hand fisting his shirt. Jay’s hands land on your waist, the small of your back, and he’s almost tripping backwards by the force of you. In your head, you laugh at the fact that you’ve caught him off-guard, for the first time today.

You push forwards, moving further into the threshold of his apartment, still kissing him, but he stops. He grabs your arms and pulls away from the kiss, and you’re entirely confused.

Jay looks stunned and horrified, and you frown, opening your mouth to ask if you’ve made a mistake when you hear from further inside his apartment –

“Is that the pizza?”

You almost pass out.

Will.

Jay lets go of your arms and the two of you separate, putting a far-more-than-required distance between yourselves.

Jesus fucking Christ! The exact person I was trying to avoid! Does the universe just hate me?! What did I do to piss off God this much?! You’re screaming internally, and you kinda just want to rip your own hair out.

Will comes out of the kitchen, and you almost want to groan because he’s wearing a tee and basketball shorts and honestly, this is not how you want to see your attending. He looks fine, but you just feel like you’re seeing a version of him that you’re not close enough to meet yet, and it’s weird. Almost like this is exactly why the voices of your better angels were screaming at you to not sleep with Jay again?

Oh, and there’s also the fact that you’re really only here to blow his brother’s back out.

“Oh! Y/N?” Will’s brows are furrowed, and he freezes on the spot. “Is everything okay?”

“Uh…well,” You start, but your throat is dry and you’re not even sure what to say and you’re freaking the fuck out and –

“Actually, I invited her over.” Jay jumps in, and you turn to him, eyes wide, but trying to stay calm so you can play along. “We were chatting today at Med and she said she, um, wanted to talk to you and I thought you could…help her.” Jay says looking at Will, who turns back to you, concerned.

“Right, yes. I uh – I just, I keep thinking…about Toby Wilkerson. And his stroke. And about how I was this close to just not saying anything about his symptoms because I wasn’t sure, and he could’ve died.” You manage to get out, and my god do you feel like the worst doctor on the planet right now because the truth is you barely thought about Wilkerson since he got sent up to CT.

“Aw, that sucks. But trust me, every doctor’s been there at some point. Come on, let’s talk.” Kind Will, sweet Will, gestures to the couch and you throw your hands up, vigorously waving him off. “No, no, it’s fine I didn’t realise you guys were doing a thing and I don’t want to interrupt – ”

“Nah, don’t worry about that; we were just going to watch the Hawks game but – hey!” Will says suddenly, and you and Jay both look at him expectantly, immensely confused. “You’re a huge Hawks fan, right?”

Jay turns to you slowly, and you can see him begging you to say no, to just back out. Unfortunately, what he doesn’t know is that on your first day at Med, you came in wearing a Hawks scarf that Will pointed out, so you know there’s no way you’re getting out of this one.

“I…am, yes.” You manage to say without sighing deeply, which you very much want to do. Every second of this feels like divine punishment, perfectly crafted to suit your many transgressions in life.

“Alright, come on, let’s watch the game and then we can chat about Wilkerson during the intermissions.” Reluctantly, you and Jay make your way over to the couch and sit down. Right as the thought that this couldn’t possibly get worse passes in your head, Will obliviously plops down right between the two of you. At this point, you’re just pressing your lips against each other so that you don’t burst out laughing like a maniac at how perfectly ridiculous this all is.

Will leans forward to grab the remote and find the channel showing the Hawks game. You look over at Jay, on the other side. The younger Halstead looks back at you.

His eyes scan every inch of your body, from top to bottom, painfully slow like as if he’s mentally undressing you. Heat coils in your core and you swallow hard. Jay leans back against the couch and adjusts the crotch of his jeans subtly, but you notice. A small smile is on your lips, and you feel daring all of a sudden. Holding eye contact with Jay, you run your tongue over your bottom lip, getting it wet and glossy, before sucking it into your mouth.

“Okay!” Jay gets up suddenly, his voice loud. “I’m gonna – gonna go call the pizza guy and see where he’s at!” He goes straight to the kitchen, grabbing his phone on the way. You hold your laughter in.

“There we go,” Will says as he finds the right channel. “Hey, I’m gonna grab a cup of water, you want anything?” You ask and Will requests a beer.

Slipping into the kitchen, you see Jay’s got his back to you, and his arms are shoulder width apart, bracing the edges of the kitchen sink. His knuckles are ghost white, fingers clenching the sink like he’s trying to put a dent in it.

You line up right behind him, getting on your tip-toes so you can press a soft kiss to the back of his neck. Jay shudders, groaning, and you shush him.

“Keep it down,” You warn in a quiet whisper.

“How the fuck am I supposed to keep it down when you’re – fucking – ” Jay struggles, and you chuckle.

“When I’m what? Doing this?” You snake your right hand to the front of his body, letting your fingers softly – too softly – brush the front of his jeans. Jay bucks backwards into you involuntarily, swearing under his breath. His left hand grabs your wandering fingers and holds them as he struggles to get his breathing to settle.

“Y/N…I can’t – ” You turn him around so he’s facing you, and you can see him, see what you’re doing to him. Jay’s pupils are blown, his face is flushed, he’s sweating, and his brows are furrowed. His chest is rising and falling rapidly, and you place your hand over his sternum.

“Breathe, okay? Breathe. I want you to sit down, get through this hockey game, and once Will’s gone – ”

“Once he’s gone I’m going to fuck your brains out, you understand? Y/N, seriously,” Jay holds your chin, tilting your face up, and leans in, brushing his lips against your ear. “I’m gonna make you come all night long. You’re gonna be screaming my name, all night long. You’ll never want to fuck anyone else again after tonight. I’m going to make you mine, you hear me?” You want to nod, or say yes, but your thoughts are just so far gone you can’t. You suddenly feel Jay’s fingers pinching your right nipple through your shirt, and you can’t help letting out a throaty moan that Jay immediately stifles by sliding his thumb into your mouth. You wrap your lips around his thumb and start sucking fervently, closing your eyes but Jay grabs your jaw and pulls you off.

He’s got the dirtiest smirk on his face, after watching you so desperate for him in your mouth. “Easy babygirl, you’re the one that said we got a game to watch, yeah?” He murmurs, low. You begrudgingly nod.

The doorbell goes off, and Jay slides away from you. “I’ll get that!” He announces, and you take a deep breath, adjusting your clothes, before grabbing a beer from the fridge and heading back to the living room.

Thankfully, the one thing you haven’t lied about today is that you are genuinely a huge Hawks fan, so the game manages to keep your mind off of your…other preoccupations for the most part. It’s actually pretty fun, watching another side of Jay – the little brother who’s always ribbing at Will, who leans all the way forward when the Hawks get a powerplay, who tries to hold a whole pizza slice in his mouth so he can throw his hands in the air when they score.

The goal buzzer is going off obnoxiously, and Chelsea Dagger just starts to play. Jay grabs the pizza right before it slides out of his mouth and you just laugh. Will shakes his head. “Excuse my little brother – I promise our mother taught us manners and how to behave in front of women but he’s hit his head a lot over the years, so.” Will shrugs and Jay retaliates by punching his shoulder. “Can you please try and keep it together in front of my student and colleague, please?”

Jay rolls his eyes. “She’s not just yours.” Your eyes flash dangerously at Jay, who winks at you. Luckily, Will doesn’t spot either reaction, because he’s busy looking down at his phone that’s beeping. “She can be my friend too.” Jay adds.

“Yeah…maybe…” Will trails off, and you see his eyebrows drawn together as he stares at his phone.

“Everything good?” You ask.

Will slowly shakes his head. “Brittany Norwalk? The – ”

“- Peds vs auto that you looked at after lunch?” You interject.

“Yeah, they just tried to take her up for a thoracotomy and she couldn’t take the anesthetic so we’re going to have to go non-surgical…but apparently Lanik’s trying to get her shipped off to Lakeshore so we don’t have to keep a bed filled all night til I get back there tomorrow.” Will scoffs, and you just shake your head.

“No offense, and I know he’s your boss, but Lanik’s a complete dick.”

“Trust me, I’m with you on that.” Will replies, sighing. “So what now?” Jay asks and Will thinks about it for a moment. He turns to you. “You okay with it if we talk about Wilkerson tomorrow?”

Before you can say anything, Jay cuts in. “You’re going to Med? Now?”

Will throws his hands up in the air. “It’s the best course of action; I go down there, I can start the non-surgical procedure now, and frankly I’d rather do it myself because I’ve done it before.”

Jay’s eyes connect with you and you look away immediately. You know what he’s thinking. You also know he’s probably thinking the same thing as you – that there’s a patient whose welfare is on the line, so everything else needs to take a backseat now.

“You want me to come with?” You offer, and Will thinks about it.

“It’s fine, you should get some rest anyway. Wilkerson – ”

“Honestly Will, I feel okay already. I think I just needed to get my mind off of him somehow and – ” you gesture to the TV, where the Hawks have just scored another goal, “hockey and pizza’s done the trick.”

“And surely, the amazing company of yours truly?” Jay asks, leaning back against the couch with his hands behind his head, eyes practically twinkling. Both you and Will just stare at him, before you look at each other. “I’m scared to leave you alone with him.” Will says as he starts to grab his stuff.

“Calm down, I’ll give her back to you tomorrow in one piece.” Jay shoots back – which you highly doubt, by the way – and Will says that he better, before going into the bedroom to change.

There’s just silence, and a huge gap between you and Jay on the couch. Never having been one to be able to sit still for long, you fidget, bring your feet up onto the couch and hugging your knees. Jay doesn’t move at all, his eyes on the TV and it’s starting to unnerve you. What if he’s changed his mind?

Will comes back out, in pants and a proper shirt, and picks up his belongings before bidding his goodbyes and leaving. Once the front door closes, you turn the inside latch, locking it shut.

“So,” You start, shoving your hands in your back pockets as you stare at Jay, standing in the middle of his living room.

“So.” Jay parrots back, arms crossed over his chest. His face is neutral, and you can’t read it at all and it bugs you.

“You kinda talked a big game before.”

Jay shrugs, his green eyes fixed directly on you. “Just givin’ you an out if you’ve changed your mind. I wasn’t kidding about what I said before.” His voice is hoarse, deeper than it was before when it was you and him and Will all having fun. His eyes – they’re still, so fucking green but there’s a change. There’s something dark in them, and the thought of that only excites you.

“Make me scream your name, Jay Halstead.” You say, your voice sultry, and Jay comes undone.

He drops his arms and swiftly crosses the room to you, his hand grabbing your jaw as he crushes your lips with his. The two of you slam into a nearby wall, never separating, as you continue to kiss, stronger, deeper, more desperate. Jay expertly parts your lips with his tongue and you moan into the kiss. Running your hands down his body, you feel the lines of his abs through his thin cotton tee, and you catch the hem of it in your hands. Yanking it up, you and Jay part ways to get it off him completely.

Your eyes graze over the expanse of his body – his chest, his abs, his arms. You spot the little freckles dusted over his body, and you also spot the faint scars here and there, from a lifetime of fighting. You look up, and Jay’s watching you watch him.

Maintaining eye contact, you lean forward and start kissing his chest. Light, soft kisses, but as you travel downward, you increase the pressure of your lips on his skin, gripping his hips for support. Eventually, you’re down on your knees, your mouth right under his navel. Jay makes quick work of his jeans and you yank them down unceremoniously, along with his boxers. Jay’s thick cock bounces up, resting against his stomach. You look up from where you are, and you see Jay’s face – his furrowed brows, his open mouth – and you just smile.

You gently press your lips to the tip of his cock, adding pressure slowly. You lick the slit of his cock and Jay sucks in a sharp breath. His fingers run through your hair, still gentle but you suspect not for long.

You take his cock in your mouth, and you start bobbing up and down. With your right hand, you pump whatever your mouth can’t reach of his shaft, and quickly you get into a rhythm. You make sinful noises around his cock, your hand using whatever saliva is dripping down his cock as lube to stroke the base of his shaft. “Fuck, fuck…baby – ” Jay digs his fingers into your hair, grabbing all of it in his hand. You put your left hand over his, pushing, and he gets the message.

“Are you…sure?” Jay asks, out of breath, and you hum while your lips are still wrapped around his cock. The vibrations must have felt good, because Jay swears and involuntarily bucks into your mouth, and you can taste precum starting to leak from the head of his cock.

Jay grabs your hair, and your head, and slowly starts fucking your mouth. Thankfully, he quickly picks up the pace, and starts thrusting vigorously into your mouth. You gag on his cock, just like you wanted to, and every time his thick cock hits the back of your throat, you eyes tear up, but you fucking love it. Jay pauses when he’s fully in your mouth, letting you feel the massiveness of his cock possess what feels like the entirety of your mouth, before fully pulling out.

You gasp for air, breathing heavily, as saliva dribbles down your chin. Jay runs his thumb across your lips. “You look so good with my cock in your mouth, baby.”

“I want…I want more…” You whisper, wrapping your lips around the head of his cock once again. “I don’t want to hurt you, Y/N – FUCK!” Jay starts and you cut him off by swiftly deep-throating his cock. “Fuck fuck fuck – fuck!” Jay repeats, grabbing your hair and fucking up into your mouth. You feel him tense up, as he slams his cock in and out of your mouth, and you hear him shout, and he stops, your nose touching the base of his shaft, his cock entirely in your mouth, and you feel hot spurts of cum down your throat. When he finally releases you, his cock is red and wet, glossy all over from your saliva and his cum.

Jay lifts you up and aggressively kisses you. You grab and pull on his hair, and he retaliates by squeezing your ass hard enough that you know there’s going to be bruises tomorrow. You pull apart, and he tosses you on to the couch. He surges forward, and together you two quickly remove all of your clothing as well. He pushes you so you lay down on his couch, and Jay quickly makes himself at home between your thighs.

Keeping your legs spread with his arms, Jay starts by peppering kisses from the back of your knee to your inner thigh on one leg, before switching to the next and starting all over again. You whine, fisting his hair in your hands to try and get him to touch you where you really want him, but Jay's working his plan the way he wants to.

"God, I love the fucking sounds you make." Jay murmurs, looking up at you. Your eyelashes flutter as he softly blows at your clit, and you can hear him smirking.

"C'mon, c'mon," You beg running your fingers through his hair. Your suddenly feel the forceful pressure of a tongue against your clit, and it's so sudden and so hard that you immediately jerk, hips bucking upwards. “Oh!” You shout, and Jay grabs your hips, holds them down, and starts assaulting your clit with his mouth.

"Oh, fuck, yes, yes - please - uhhnnhh ahhh! Fuck - !" You moan, eyes squeezed shut as Jay softly sucks on your clit. You feel his fingers enter you, curling, stretching you out and you groan. With your free hand, you grab your right breast and squeeze yourself. You start getting lightheaded, and you know what's happening.

"I'm gonna...I'm gonna come..." You whisper, and Jay immediately stops what he's doing.

"No, no, no no Jay please please fuck - " You whimper, trying to grab his hair to push his face back between your legs where he's certainly an expert.

He pulls himself up, bracketing you with his arms as he's face to face with you now. Bracing himself on one arm, he uses his right hand to brush away the hair on your face. "Shhh baby, I've got you, yeah? You're mine, and I'm gonna take good care of you."

With his hand around his cock, Jay slowly rubs your opening with the head of his cock. You moan, grabbing his face with your hands, begging him to fuck you. “Say you want me,” Jay’s pupils are so dilated, and he’s breathing heavy.

“I want you, I want you so bad, please, please – ” You whine, and he leans down and presses his lips to yours, soft and gentle. Your kiss is slow, and sweet – Jay runs his tongue over your lips and you almost want to start crying because of how good everything feels. You start feeling pressure between your legs, and you grab Jay’s shoulders to try and shift yourself down to bring his cock up into you. Jay just laughs at your desperation – “I’ve got you, Y/N...easy now,” – and slides his tip into you.

You let out a loud, dragged out moan, your back arching off the couch. “You’re so fucking wet, you’re so fucking wet for me,” Jay groans, sliding his entire cock into you easily. He’s buried to the hilt inside of you, and he starts thrusting gently. So slowly, that you can feel every inch of him against your muscles, your core. You rock back against him, your pussy clenching around his cock with every thrust. “You take me…so good baby…its like your body...was made to get fucked by me,” Jay whispers into your ear, before quickening the pace, harshly slamming his cock into you with every rapid thrust. “Oh my god, oh my god, oh god – ” You whimper, your voice breaking off into a high pitched whine as you throw your head back. Your whole body is bouncing with every of Jay’s thrusts, and you know you’re so close, so close, when Jay suddenly halts his movements.

You’re going to kill him.

“You – fucking – fuck!” You breath, trying to rock yourself on his cock, trying to build up the heat in your core again, but Jay pulls out of you entirely. “Fu – Halstead!” You shout, eyes flashing but the intense look in Jay’s eyes silences you immediately.

“I’m not letting you cum until you’re screaming my name so loud all of Chicago can hear you, okay?” Jay’s voice is rough, deep and almost threatening, and you swallow hard. Eyelashes fluttering, you nod, your breasts softly bouncing as your chest rises and falls heavily. Jay grabs your arms and turns you over, so that you’re laying on your stomach. He presses his front to your back and moves your hair to the side. His lips roughly lay kisses over the back of you neck, between your shoulder blades, down your spine. You close your eyes, relaxing against his gentle movements. Eventually, his hands grip your hips and pull up, so that you’re on your knees, ass in the air, face pressed against the couch.

You feel the couch dip behind you, and you try to see what he’s doing, but you can’t, not from your angle. The suspense of it just makes everything so much more heated. You feel Jay’s left hand dig in to your left hip, and before you can even process it, you feel his cock thrust roughly into your cunt.

“Oh!” You shout, and Jay’s fingers dig into both your hips, and that’s the only warning you get before he starts pounding his thick cock into you. Obscene noises escape your mouth, and you squeeze your eyes shut as the sound of Jay’s thighs slapping against your ass resonate loudly in the room. You’re not going to be walking straight tomorrow, you know it, but it’s so fucking worth it because this feels so good, so amazing, so hot and it’s what you want and it’s what you need. Tears start spilling out of your eyes as you feel the orgasm you’ve been denied for about an hour now building again, stronger, heavier, deeper, and you start whining, whimpering, mewling.

Jay grabs your arms and lifts you a few inches off the couch, and you almost pass out because this new position gives him all the room he needs and more. Jay’s cock slams right where you need it to, and you feel like he’s fucking rearranging your guts at this point. Jay’s guttural moans are like music to your ears, and you feel your toes start curling, clenching around his thick cock.

“J – Jay, Jay, Jay! I’m coming, I’m com – JAY!” You scream, refusing to let his name part from your lips. Your vision whites out as you go over the edge, your body shuddering and twitching, and your orgasm slams into you so hard you feel like you’ve passed out. Jay slowly pulls out and gently releases your arms. He has to help flip you over because every part of you feels sorely fucked out and jelly-like.

Your eyes stay closed, and you’re drowsy, like you’ve been given every painkiller in the world. You vaguely hear Jay’s voice, and it feels like its in the distance, or as if your head is underwater.

“Hey. Hey,” Jay repeats, and you slowly open your eyes and you see him over you, watching your face with concern in his eyes. “Did I go too hard?” He’s worried, and you just slowly shake your head.

“Y/N, I – ”

You say something so soft Jay can’t make it out. “What is it, Y/N?” He leans closer. You just reach down between the two of you, and wrap your hand around his still erect cock that’s now leaking precum again.

Jay stiffens, but he grabs your hand. “It’s okay, I’m okay, let’s just make sure you’re fine – ” and he shifts to get up, but you stop him. Your eyes are wide open now, and while your head is still spinning, you’re a little more focused than you were 5 minutes ago. You send your right hand downwards, touching yourself and covering your fingers in your wetness. One of your fingers accidentally swipes against your sensitive clit and you twitch sharply, crying out, and Jay’s immediately holding you, worried.

“It’s fine, I’m fine,” You murmur, and bring your slick hand up, wrapping it around Jay’s cock. Jay settles his forearms on either side of your head, bracketing you, and he presses a soft, chaste kiss to your lips. Smiling against him, you start working his cock, your hand rubbing against his stomach and yours. Jay’s so close already, so it doesn’t take too long before he starts moaning. He dips his head into your neck, swearing under his breath. “Hey, no, I want to see you Jay. Look at me now,” You say, and Jay wordlessly complies, lifting his head back up. You see how absolutely wrecked he looks – brows drawn together, sweat all over his face, and body, breathing like he’s running out of air – and you reach up with your other hand and brush your thumb against his check. “You’re so good Jay, you’re so good, you’re almost there baby,” You encourage him, and he nods. “I’m clo – close, Y/N, I’m so – I’m almost – I – uhn, fuck – I’m so close baby – ” Jay babbles softly, eyes screwed shut. You almost come again, just watching how gone he is. Jay sucks in a sharp breath when you run your thumb over his slit, and then he’s over the edge.

“Oh fuck – fuck, fuck – Y/N, Y/N!” Jay shouts, shooting hot cum over your stomach, your breasts. You press kisses to his neck, letting him settle down and regain his senses as he sags down against you. The both of you are slick with sweat, and half unconscious, so it’s a while before anyone moves or says anything. Eventually, the two of you decide you need to get in the shower, so you do.

The two of you stand under the shower water, and you run your hands over each other’s bodies, cleaning away the messes of Jay’s orgasm. Well, at least you do. Jay’s fingers keep peeling off to thumb your nipples, or squeeze your breasts, and you have to grab his fingers to stop him from being so handsy. He laughs – a cheeky, I’m-not-sorry-at-all look on his face.

“So,” You start, looking at him.

“So,” Jay repeats, his lips curving into a smile.

“You kept your promise, I’ll say. Made me scream your name, fucked me so hard and so good I think you might have ruined everyone else for me,” You say, and Jay frowns. “Might have?” You just laugh softly, as does Jay, before his face drops the smile. “Seriously, though, are you okay? I went really hard on you – I swear, I didn’t mean to – I don’t know what happened – I just saw you there under me and I just – I lost my mind and you just looked so fucking good and I wanted to – ”

“Shh – Jay, look at me.”

His green eyes connect with yours, and your hearts warms with how full of concern and worry they are.

“I can take it. When it’s from you, I can take it,” You say, and then your heart’s beating like crazy in your chest because that right there? That sounds like its more than just sex. You’re not sure what this is, you’re not even sure if you should be doing this at all – Will’s still his brother and still your attending and having sex with Jay already screws stuff up but something more than sex?

That’s just a recipe for disaster, right?

Thankfully, Jay doesn’t seem to realise that you’re starting to panic, and he just leans in, and holds your face in his hands as he kisses you softly. You relax, Jay’s lips moving against yours, with yours, in a delicate dance that has you forgetting all your worries and feeling safe and comfortable.

***

A/N: Thanks for reading! I do have ideas for a part 3, but I’ve also kinda left it so that this can be the end of this series, so I’m probably not continuing it unless y’all want me to! If you want to see part 3, please leave comments saying so! Thanks :)

#jay halstead imagine #jay halstead x reader #jay halstead smut #jay halstead #chicago pd imagine #chicago med imagine #onechicago #chicago pd smut #cpd smut #cpd imagine #onechicago imagine #will halstead imagine #will halstead

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femenaces · 4 years ago

Note

In both a scientific and personal mindset, I have a lot of questions, so I might return here and there because I’d like to understand how your brain process works. I hope you don’t mind if I ask you a few genuine, not intended to be pointed, questions:

• Are you aware of the current anti-trans bills in the US, and other countries, that would put trans people at risk? Do you or do you not support them?

• Do you approve of and support formal conversion therapy for trans individuals, and, on that note, do you support parents (particularly of AFAB trans people) who’s reactions to coming out may be physically violent and/or cause emotional damage (such as turning emotionally abusive, believing them to be traitors, forcing them to become overly feminine, cutting out any support systems that accept the social change, and so on)

• Other than your own personal experiences, and other radfem blogs, do you have any scientific or historical articles/journals to back your claims, both against trans people, and against the idea of things such as, say, women wearing heels which you seem avidly against (or, more specifically for the heels, women feeling empowered by wearing heels).

• Lastly; do you have any anthropological knowledge/ideas on gender. By this I’m not necessarily talking about trans individuals, or third genders seen in different cultures, but also women, what is means to be a women, and so on within other cultures.

Thank you.

I am typing this on my phone in bed so I’m sorry if the formatting is fucked up

1) I am not aware of every single bill, no, but I have a general idea. I don’t support anything that would endanger transgender individuals. However I don’t think the following things (main topics of “anti-trans” bills) constitute endangering trans individuals:

-separating sports by biological sex. I feel for transgender people who want to compete athletically, because there is no easy solution to this. On one hand, male and female skeletons and muscle building capabilities are markedly different. I have had courses on biological and forensic anthropology and this is fact. This effects individuals’ sports performance. You can see this if you google sports records for men vs. women and observe the difference. As such, it would not be fair to put a transgender woman into a women’s competition. However, conversely, HRT does affect things like muscle building, so it wouldn’t be fair to have a trans woman on HRT compete with males that are not on HRT, or have a trans man compete with females not on HRT, etc. I’m not sure there’s an easy solution to this issue and the only option I can see is creating separate categories for trans athletes, even though that is obviously not ideal. Anyway, bills barring biological male trans women from competing in women’s sports and vice versa do not endanger the individuals in any tangible way.

-preventing children under 18 from starting hormone therapy or undergoing surgery. The aim of this is actually to protect the health of these individuals due to the fact that puberty blockers and HRT have adverse medical effects that are not yet fully understood. After a person turns 18, though, they should be free make any decision they feel is right for them.

Those are the main issues I’m aware of right now after scanning this page: https://freedomforallamericans.org/legislative-tracker/anti-transgender-legislation/ . If you have a specific bill you’d like me to look at, send me a link.

2) This is where the difference in our definitions of conversion therapy gets tricky. I would support therapy for dysphoric individuals that aims to work on non-medical ways to deal with dysphoria, & I think this option should always be explored first due to the health effects of HRT and risks of surgery. Do you consider this conversion therapy?

If we’re talking therapy that aims to make GNC people conform to traditional notions of gender based on their biological sex (eg. you’re a girl, you have to learn to wear dresses. You’re a boy, you can’t play with dolls) or tries to force someone to use pronouns they aren’t comfortable with, then I think that is conversion therapy and I absolutely do not support it. Along the same line, I obviously don’t support parents who mistreat their children for being GNC or identifying as trans because that’s abuse.

3) I don’t know what you mean when you say claims against trans people. Dysphoria clearly exists and for some people medical transition is the best option. For my claim that male and female are real things, I honestly don’t think I need a study or research paper to support that claim. Intersex individuals exist but do not prove that sex isn’t real. With just the skull and pelvis, you can identify the sex of an individual with somewhere around 95-99% accuracy from what I remember off the class notes I took a few weeks ago in my forensic anthropology class. I’m typing this from my phone in bed rn bc it’s 3am but I’m sure you can google this if you doubt me, here’s one paper to start you off: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0379073816300202

As for the claim against wearing heels, again it seems fairly self explanatory that walking around in strangely shaped objects will not do good things to your feet and muscles and skeleton, but if you really want a study then here’s a couple I found with a quick google search: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169814101000385

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C34&q=effects+of+wearing+high+heels&oq=effects+of+wearing#d=gs_qabs&u=%23p%3DermElc9Li4gJ

Why do I not think it’s empowering for women to wear shoes that give them health issues and are hard to move in? I don’t know how to explain that to you. A concrete example of how it actively DISEMPOWERS women is my experience having to walk home from work at the end of the day in an area where men follow and harass me. I quickly realized that wearing heels would not allow me to run if I needed to.

4) this is an especially funny question because I am one class away from graduating with a degree in anthropology. I have studied so many cultures from around the world and that is actually part of what made me a radical feminist. Cross culturally, it is astonishing to see how almost every culture displays prominent oppression of women, and, you guessed it, this oppression is sex based and starts the moment a female infant is born and recognized as female.

#long post

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popculturebuffet · 4 years ago

Text

Ducktales Reviews: The Town Where Everyone Was Nice! or Scrooge Is the Lindburgh Baby

Saludos Amigos! The Ride of the Three Cablleros has at long last come to the last stop before it’s final phase. It’s been a hell of a ride so far: Our boys have tried to woo some ladies, performed some black magic, had some sort of drug trip, dealt with Donald’s ego, helped goofy ungoofy himself...

“SEASONS CHANGE, TIMES CHANGE BUT UNGOOFY IS FOREVER AND ALWAYS HE IS ALWAYS THERE” ... I created this magificent stalion.. kinda I think he came out of a styigan hole in the universe from the darkest dark in the dark of the dark... I can’t be sure. Our heroes fought an arrogant prince, found a lost city and helped donald get his smile back. All culminating in our heroes going to Spain for some reason, soundtracking Goofy’s win against Horace in Flamico Dancing, somehow that wasn’t a Covid induced fever dream I had but the actual premise of the episode, and then played some soccer with Daisy’s cousin and Pancho Pete. All in all we’ve had some good times getting here and I feel acomplished having made it this far. While I’ve still got quite a ways to go, getting this far means I really made something.. and not just the 80 something dollars it took to comission all of this. And I genuinely just want to thank all of you for reading these as these have easily been some of my most popular reviews and @weirdkev27 for comissioning all of this. It’s been easily one of my faviorite projects so far and I look forward to the final leg of it soon. For now though we have one last adventure before the biggest one starts. But before we can dive into it you probably have a few questions, and since I don’t really need to give Ducktales 2017 a lavish introduction as unlike most stuff so far this show is well and familiar: it’s what got me started reviewing animation on this blog, it’s what got me into the duck community as a full member, and it’s what caught Kev’s attention leading to this entire series. So I have time to answer the questions your probably asking and if your not.. well here’s the answers anyway Wait aren’t you going to cover Louie’s Eleven?: Nope. While I love that episode, I already did a full review of it earlier this year. I saw no reason to completely and utterly redo the entire thing when my opinions toward the episode haven’t really changed. That being said since I didn’t touch on the boys characterizations in that one too much and since I do want this retrospective to be comprehensive, I will talk about Panchito And Jose’s characterization there briefly during this review at the right time as a compromise.

Wait why isn’t THIS the last stop since it came out AFTER Legend of the Three Cablleros: Simple.. it felt unsatsfying to both me and kev to end on this one. While their apperance here IS a good one and a big deal... it’s also ANOTHER guest apperance. It’s something I didn’t quite realize for now but outside of the movie.. every apperance after is them guest starring in another series. Their aperances in Don Rosa’s Duck Comics, while awesome and treating them with proper respect, were still them showing up to shake up Donald’s stories and formulas. They were LITERAL guest stars in House of Mouse, and Roadster Racers was entirely just “let’s shove them in there because we can”. Legend.. is their story. Their moment in the sun after too damn long with all three as main characters and while being a lead is normal for donald, Jose and Panchito really HAVEN’T had that shot outside of their home countries. To be the hero of their own fully realized epic adventure. So it just fits best to have the road lead there instead of have all that happen.. then go back to yet another guest appearance. The other major factor.. is that while Legend came out around the same time as ducktales, to the point many compared and contrast both shows treatment of Donald, this episode is what most non-latin american audiences saw first as it took Disney WAY too damn long to air the series over here.. i.e. until Disney Plus launched, finding it somewhere online was the only option despite the series being produced in america with some really big american names voice acting wise. Point is this came first to some people, so i’m using that as a flimsy excuse to put it ahead so we get a better finale.

Now all that’s settled, let’s dive into “The Town Where Everyone Was Nice!” and see what one of the best duck propeties period makes of our boys.

We open in a remote town in Brazil. It’s the Festival of the Flower.. which is a bit off to me. While it DOES kind of make plot sense.. the problem is the lure was written to Panchito and Jose.. Jose whose a brazil native and could’ve possibly been supscious that a tourist invintation wasn’t in Brazilian Portugese, the countries national language and something I specifically researched just to see what it’d be called. For the record it’d be O Festival da Flor acording to google translate, which still sounds neat, Webby could’ve still said it means festival of the flower. It just feels like a missed opportunity from a creative team that’s taken such pains to make the series feel as authentic as possible and clearly put a lot of hard work and research into making each location feel like it’s real world counterpart. But it’s a minor thing and we soon get our two plots for the episode: Our B Plot.. is that Dewey can’t stay the fuck off his phone and is taking pictures rather than actually getting experiences with Louie enabling him, while Webby gets increasingly frustrated at Dewey not actually botherting to experince this unique and obscure culture. We’ll get back to this in a bit.

Our main plot naturally concerns the reason our heroes are here: Donald is reuniting with The Cabs, who in this continuity are his old College friends who Scrooge hates due to having to listen to them practice constnatly and tells the kids they’d hate it worse than his playing the bagpipes.

Bagpipes are objectively the worst insterument on earth. They are loud, unharmonic and generally just obnoxious. I do respect how important they are to Scotland, home of David Tennant, Grant Morrision and .. Alan Cumming and James Macavoy? Wait what? that’s awesome! Point is Scotland is great but I do not like the bagpipes except when Bugs Bunnny is murdering them. Honestly Donald’s college band was probably more like this. Nothing bad at all just mildly pathetic and mildly pathetic is what got Donald a girlfriend, so it’s not a bad look

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That brings me to another point: Scrooge is pretty obnoxious in this episode. It seems like his sole reason for coming was to bitch about Donald’s old college band. He could’ve just sent them a stern letter like the pros at being a cranky old geezer do.

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I do GET why he’s here as there are some REALLY damn funny bits with him in the a-plot, it just feels like they could’ve justified it better. But on to better things as Jose and Panchito enter the scene after Scrooge claims they “weren’t so cool”.. with Panchito diving from a plane and drifting down on his umbrella

And Panchito shows up dramatically playing the guitar. A truly awesome and worthy intro to our boys. So let’s talk about them in this series. Honestly the two really aren’t that diffrent from usual, though Jose’s lady chasing is given to Panchito, his footloose world traveling lifestyle remains in tact as does his genuine charm while Panchito remains the peppy one, just with his outbursts gone as his guns are replaced with cell phones..

Yeah while I do get replacing the pistols because let’s face it the mexican of the group being a gun nut was pretty damn unfortunate, though Don Rosa toned it down and justifed it well, and frankly guns are a hard no for family shows these days unless their laser guns so replacing them I get. But instead of I dunno giving him knives or turning his holsters into pouches carrying his stuff.. he just has two Cell Phones. It’s weird. It dosen’t really make sense other than for him putting on a big shot act and even big stars probably don’t have two phones on them at all times. It’s just a VERY weird update that makes not a whole lot of logical sense and I belivie is thankfully gone by the next ep. The only real issue I have is the two just sorta blend together personality wise instead of being distinct like usual, but that’s also happened in other apperances, so it’s not exactly a new or unique problem, and the two’s voice actors do a great job making both feel like they should.

Speaking of which let’s just go ahead and discuss that elephant in the room: The Cabs were recast for the first time in ages, which didn’t sit well with friends of legend as Eric Bauza, who’d replaced rob Paulsen, was himself replaced by Arturo Del Puerto and Bernado Del Paulo replaced Jamie Camil and Carlos Aquazi as Panchito. And I have mixed opinons on this one: Replacing Eric was a no brainer: while he’s a terrific voice actor.. he’s not brazilian and the crew of Ducktales 2017 perfer to cast actors who match their characters backgrounds, which again adds to the authenicty of it’s globetrotting and scope. They don’t ALWAYS, Cree Summer isn’t, as far as I know, Egyptian and Catherine Tate, while wonderful, isn’t italian. But for the most part it adds a nice flavor to things and frankly I personally prefer it when Jose is voiced by an actual brazilian man. So that change i’m fine with. Not using Camil though... I do not get. Jamie Camil is a throughly talented voice actor, having done TONS of great work lately , vocing Globgor for star vs and not getting nearly enough screen time as the loveable demon dad, and stealing the show as Don Carnage earlier in the series. While that episode is one of the series weakest, he’s still easily the best part of it and I hope Carnage shows up one last time before the finale.

So it really makes.. no sense to me to replace him. Not only is camil a bigger named actor, but he was already on the show and even the defense of “well they don’t want actors playing multiple rolls” ended up utterly destroyed by the end of the season, as Christ Dimatopolus not only reprised Storkules, but went on to play Drake and Melon, and picked up a FOURTH role in season 3 as Hades. My point is the show has no real issue with doubling up on voice rolls, so I scratch my head as to why Camil wasn’t given this part too despite being the obvious choice. Del Paulo isn’t a bad actor and is great in the role.. I just scratch my head why he was needed when a perfect actor for the part was right there and already had experince with the character.

I do think Puerto and Paulo are terrific and do the characters justice, issues with Paulo being there at all aside, and they do a great job and more than earned the roles and I don’t think the mass critcisim of this version of the characters is entirely warranted.. for this episode. This episode while they can meld into each other... that happens in most of their apperances anyway, so it’s not unusual or unique to this series. I will say however that the way their written in their next apperance is utter garbage: they aren’t really given any chances to be distinct, are basically written as one person even worse .. and that one person is a greedy asshole who takes advantage of their friend and never apologizes. I do get why people did not like them in that episode. I do think it has no baring on this one and people should stop bashing these versions as a whole for one terrible episode, especially when Louie has been written pretty badly for the bulk of season 3, yet is still not a bad character. It’s unfair to paint the series as painting them soley as selfish jackasses when it didn’t at first and hopefully wont’ again when they presumibly show up for the finale’s big avengers endgame sequence I hope is coming. For now they aren’t bad and the colors are crisp and the animation nice and bouncy on our boys.

Since we have two plots here, I’m just going to go ahead and split em since honestly, the b plot dosen’t really impact the a-plot until really the last minute and is basically happening right along side it and in concert with it. Sooooo...

The Trite B-Plot: As you can probably gather I didn’t really like this one. It’s basically 5-7 minutes of me wanting to punch a child in the face. Or rather Webby wanting to have fun experinces and actually take in the culture while in town, while Dewey just wants to take pictures of everything, make it seem like he did stuff, and generally is obnoxious to webby while Louie supports him wholeheartdly. That last part is really one of the few good parts of the plot as it’s nice for one of the brothers plots to NOT be about them being in conflict or squabbling but just hanging out and having some fun, doubly so since i’ve had to spend a season watching Louie , outside of a few good exceptions be an absolute dick to Huey and also Dewey once. It’s nice to just see him and Dewey bond over a shared intrest: posting shit online and getting good photos.

And it’s not without GOOD gags: Dewey’s obnoxious captions at one point while Webby continually looses her shit, Louie continually saying “that’s so wise” at Dewey’s bullshit philosphies, Webby’s continued annoyance is delivered great by Kate as always, and the best bit is Webby, utterly pissed at Dewey for refusing to eat Local Cuisine, wolfing down the entire fucking plate, all the dumplings in her mouth at once while Dewey, naturally, takes a picture. Otherwise this is just.. grating. It’s utterly grating to watch Webby GENUINELY try hard to absorb the local culture and really enjoy a once in a life time experince.. while Dewey jackasses about and basically acts like she’s wrong for it and treats his best friend like garbage. Just because i’ts nice it’s not Louie this time doesen’t make one of the kids being a dick without any nuance or character stuff suddenly great. It’s just tiresome.

And SOMEHOW , despite already not liking it the first time watching the episode.. it’s even WORSE now afterlast years. No not because I watched it while having to put up with Coronoavirus induced Chills, but because another show did this plot 100 times better: Close Enough. One of the best new shows of the year, Close Enough had a plot where exes Bridget and Alex, aka yet aother great set of Kimiko Glenn and Jason Mantzokus characters, went on vacation together, but their attempts to have some ex sex fell flat due to longstanding issues we found about through this plot: Bridget has a bad habit of doing what Dewey did, focusing way more on her social than actually enjoying her vacatoin while Alex has a bad habit of befreinding random weirdos who agree with his worldview. Keep in mind this is the same worldview that spent an afternoon connecting garfield to jesus while pissing in a jug for some reason. Point instead of a character just being a smug dick, it ties into actual character flaws that helped us not only learn more about them but lead to a really heartwarming scene where the two admit they jsut can’t sleep together casually with allt heir baggage, and that they still have a lot to sort out. Before given the show their on having their friends show up from the a plot and all of them getting kidnapped by a robot because Josh skipped a bunch of ads and a 5 year old has to solve some issues and prove she’s not dumb to blow up said robot. What i’m saying is it’s even more insufferable watching this after seeing it done a thousand times better, and fucking watch Close Enough. Thankfully unlike Inifnity Train it’s not reliant on you to get a second season as it’s been renewed proving that even in a cluster fuck like 2020 miracles can happen, but it’d still be nice for it to get more fans during the presumably long wait for Season 2. Let’s move past this, i’ll get to the plot relevant bit for the climax when we get to the climax, and onto the reason your all here.

The Main Event: A Life Not Wasted

Okay onto the actual plot. Rewinding quite a bit, the boys meet our boys, and we get some good bits. The boys cool new handshake leaves Huey wanting one only for Louie to simply lick his hand. See this is Louie dickery I can get behind because what did Huey expect? I do take comfort in the fact he has actual friends now who will likely do a handshake, fenton very much included. I’m sure Gyro didn’t want one either so he’s had plenty of time to workshop. We also find out one of the boys was dropped as an egg and well.. given Dewey opens and closes his eyes one at a time for this one moment, the ohter triplets just sorta.. silently agre it’s Dewey. IT does explain why he thought Champ Popular would get over..that and Santa Claus is Going to Highschool being his favorite movie.

So both Jose and Panchito claim to be sucessful: Jose being a sucessful jetsetter and trendsetter, and Panchito being a world famous pop star, never stop stopping. So Donald being donald panics and runs into a alley where Scrooge and Huey join him. Donald is fully convinced he’s wasted his life and has nothing to show for it. Huey rightfully points out he raised three wonderful children and isn’t that enough? Naturally given Donald clearly has some issues related to this subject and Scrooge has develoved into old man yells at cloud, he agrees it’s not important as money. So Huey decides to help his uncle because he’s the good son.. and because the two are easily the most alike out of Donald and his Kids. It’s something I haven’t really been able to bring up before so I was delighted to realize i could now: Besides the obvious people bring up constnatly, I.e. Huey having inhereted the most of the family rage out of his brothers, there’s the fact both are kind of obessive, both tend ot spiral into panic when a situation goes wrong, both are awkward with women, both are frequently ignored or taken for granted by those around them, and both are awkward adorable dorks who I will give my life to protect. It’s why I think Huey has the best relationship with his uncle of the bunch: He’s the only one who at least TRIES to empahtize with him and support him. While the other two do love him, and Webby of course likely has an insanne and horrifying shrine of him, and scrooge and probably della now in her closet.. and of course lena but that’s less out of hero worship and more out of her insane, over the top, very webby version of love. Point is, he’s the one who genuinely sees his uncle as a person who needs help and love. This was best demonstrated in the scene at the bank back in “Who Is Gizmoduck” as Huey tries to get his uncle a loan using the guidebook and is there soley to help the guy and taking time out of his day to visit the bank. Let’s face it though this is huey: he probably loves visiting the bank. They just got new pens! So Huey decides to put his improv badge to good use... so far the only use he’s gotten is Louie laughing at the fact he actually earned an improv badge and urges donald to simply ACT like he’s sucessful. Scrooge balks at this, because as Wonder Woman 1984 taught us nothing good comes from lies.. or from banging your ghost boyfriend while he’s possessing someone’s body without said body’s consent and plan to fully live out the rest of your lives togehter without ever considering how fucked up this is. I will..deal with that movie ... soon. But he soon changes his turn and agrees to go along with it to avoid Jose getting upset and them having to pay for everything.

So Huey suggest Donald keep the lie small, but belivable. Given the law of sitcoms when it comes to anyone saying that and the fact this is Donald, he instead panics and lies that he’s taken over McDuck industries and scrooge has gone full abe simpson in the other direction.

Which is why i’m not enitrely annoyed by Scrooge’s presence: while they don’t even handwave him being here, Scrooge putting on an old man act, and sometimes getting back at donald for it is solid gold the whole damn time and some of David Tennat’s best comedic acting on the show, so it makes up for him being a grumpus. And while i’m not usually not a fan of liar revealed plots, this one works for me.. mostly because it’s rooted in character. Here Donald is lying.. but because of deep seated neurosis he’s yet to fully tackle. While he loves his boys and is proud of htem every day... it’s very clear Donald hates his life and how it turned out. We got bits of this back in House of the Lucky Gander, with Donald’s first thought upon thinking he’s about to die is “I wasted my life” and feeling entirely like a looser. This episode brillinatly builds on that: it shows a Donald who simply feels.. he acomplished nothing. It’s easy to see why as his parents were happy and sucessful at whatever they did from the looks of it and how well taken care of the kids were, his uncle is the richest duck in the world and it’s greatest hero and explorer, his sister is the only one who could rival that record, and his cousin constnatly gets riches and fame handed to him. Donald.. by comparison.. is just a normal guy whose house is in his rich uncle’s pool, who has no job, no partner, and only really the love of his family. He spent his life on adventures he didn’t want to have living int he shadow of someone he grew to resent before the Spear of Selene incident blew things up for a decade. And then when he was free instead of becoming a big sucess... he blew the rest of it being overprotective of his boys and bouncing from dead end job to dead end job. It’s easy to see why he sees himself as a failure despite having lived a good life: compared to everyone else, even his sister who mooned herself, in his life.. he feelsd far behind. And as someone whose felt they were far behind countless times and only now is realizing they haven’t and it’s a marathoon ot a sprint I naturally relate. So his wanting to play big shot for just ONE day, to be the big hero like scrooge, teo be a sucess for five minutes with his best friends.. it’s understandable and relatable.

So Donald continues the ruse, leading to a great bit where the cabs all try to avoid picking up the check “WE can’t all keep whistling nonchalantly” before Scrooge is forced to give Donald the money to in the best joke of the episode.. and I mean FORCED. He and donald get into a fight with their hands under the table and Huey eventually gets fed up with that and has to BITE his uncle’s hand just to get him to do what he shoudl’ve done ruse or no given he’s the richest person there. The reason I take special offense to this.. is that my fairly wealthy grandpa and grandma, my mom’s dad and his wife for the record, would buy us dinner EVERY TIME they were near town, a nice steak dinner with whatever we wanted to most of the time. They knew we couldn’t afford such luxury half the time and wanted to treat us and spend time with us. Since my grandpa’s passing, my Grandma and her New Husband have continued the tradition since then, if obviously not this year for damn obvious reasons, thought hey sent us a really nice dinner to cook for christmas in the same spirit. What i’m saying is when you know your relatives arne’t as stacked as you , you pay for the fucking meal especially since i’ts a special occasion, and even for someone as stingy as scrooge, it comes off as a dick move.

We then get the best scene with the episode, just inching out the climax as the three simply talk, remince on old times, have a good rib like old friends would. It feels natural and wonderful to watch and gets even better when the three hear the radio and end up having an impromptu dance and musical number. Also Jose’s umbrella is also a flute somehow.

Point is the boys have a good time and Donald gets carried away, with the boys planning a world tour. Huey, while happy to endulge his uncle in a badly needded ego boost, isn’t happy to endulge this and scrooge is unwilling ot pay, more resonably this time. Huey eventually talks him out of being a moron and tells him he has to tell the honest truth and while that dosen’t work this does.

So as Donald goes to face the music, we have come to our climax. Phrasing.

The Finale: Ay Carumba

So we come to our finale. Backing up a scene or too to the B-Plot, webby is interviewing a local about the festival when she gets stuck in a loop. So far in the episode we’ve had hints something is up with the people as they go all yellow eyed.. and webby finds out why as she notices the “person” she was interviewing is, in a hilarious and disturbing review.. a horrignly realistic hand puppet.. and upon stealing Louie’s phone, she points out there’s no shots of anyone’s feet.. and the reason why is that the giant flower the feast is about is a mean green mother from outer space and he’s bad. And Webby finding that out’s got him fighting mad. Webby and the boys naturally run to warn the remaning boy and scrooge and they all run out only to get blocked out of town and captured. Dewey looses his phone inside the plant monster.

In a great joke, Scrooge ended up actually throwing his back out with the old man act, so our heroes are all captured and it’s up to our stars to save the day. So while his family is in peril, Donald finally comes clean with Jose and Panchito naturally being upset.. for a second before Jose admits he lied to and an irate panchito.. is forced to admit he also lied. Jose is a flight attendant, hopefully he’ll get his own mini series where he accidently murders a dude on disney plus, which is a nice update of his globe trotting ways, as it’s a resonable way for someone with no money to get around the world these days and Panchito is a birthday party muscian. They all however chuckle over this realizing they haven’t come as far as they thought.. and they still have each other. It’s a nice way of modernizing Rosa’s jobs for them and their hard luck lives he set up and I love this. IJt’s just a sweet emotoinal scene that makes donald, and his friends, realize they aren’t faliures and life isn’t just about reaching some arbitrarity goal.. just like Soul taught me aka the actually great movie I watched on Christmas Day. But since Donald’s family is in peril Jose suggests theys till play the gig.. just like they did ion acapulco thus we get the second best scene of the episode and another worthy rendition of The Three Caballeros as our heroes beat the shit out of the plant, free the kids and the plant straighens out scrooges back.

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It’s beautiful, psycadelic, and utterly awesome. Seroiusly the bright boldend colors are awesome and so’s this sequence. Easily one of the show’s best.. and it’s a show that contiains the greatest scene in television history

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So that masterclass concludes with Donald signing.. badly.. and blowing the plant hte fuck up. Our heroes win and head off in the sunchaser. No idea what Launchpad is up to, probably has another ex in the area. Point is our heroes win, Dewey deletes his photos because “If there was no pics it didn’t happen” (So wise) and Donald decides to get the band back together, prompting scrooge to do an animal house on Panchito’s guitar... you.. you know you have to pay for that right? you aren’t a loveable frat man and he wasn’t ‘singing and I gave my love a cherry. Your obligated to get him a new guitar. You know that right?

So with that the episode wraps. This is a pretty good episode. While the subplot is bad and it should feel bad the main plot is emotional, well done and really adds more depth to Donald’s character while giving us a hell of a show with the cabs. The College Band background gives the boys a unique flavor this time around, not musically but in how they know each other and helps set it apart from the countless other reunions. It’s a truly bright, colorful and fun episode with some great gags and great performances. As I said Puerto and Paulo really knock it out of the park as the boys and while I would’ve preferred Jamie Camil, Paulo was still utterly excellent, though Puerto was the clear standout of the two. While their second apparence would be disapointing characterization wise, overall this was a fun introduction to two of disney’s best into it’s best universe and one of Season 2′s Standouts.

Next Time on the Ride of the Three Cablleros: we begin our massive finale look at The Legend of the Three Cablleros. Donald gets dumped by a nightmare of a person and finds an inhertance, new friends, and some sort of hot adventure god in his new cabana. Good times. Until then goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

#ducktales #donald duck #panchito romero miguel junipero francisco quintero gonzalez #panchito pistoles #Jose Carioca #webby vanderquack #scrooge mcduck #dewey duck #huey duck #louie duck #Abe Simpson #the town where everyone was nice #The Three Caballeros

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elliepassmore · 4 years ago

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Elatsoe Review

5/5 stars Recommended for people who like: magic, urban fantasy, ghosts, #OwnVoices, regional gothic, mysteries, Indigenous legends I absolutely loved this book, from the casual magic to the stories of six-great-grandmother to the ghosts to the creepiness of Willowbee. I'm such a sucker for those Tumblr posts about regional American gothic, and so much of the little details of this book felt like those but woven into a complete world. I liked reading about the little alterations made to our world to make it the one in the book, as well as some of the ways magic might be dealt with considering the way we deal with non-magical things. I thought the worldbuilding was really good, obviously, and I thought things were introduced in a well-paced manner. The mix of exposition and reveals were also good, and Little Badger did a good job of making the exposition not actually feel like exposition. I especially liked the way Little Badger brought some new aspects to some of the lore in the book, like how vampires technically needing to be welcomed onto Indigenous land or fairies being interdimensional beings. I thought the discussion of how magic interacts with the world was interesting, and I liked the added 'realness' of having two characters discuss the carbon footprint of certain magic uses much like the way we'd debate plane vs. train carbon emissions. Since this is kind of worldbuilding, I'll mention here that I very much enjoyed the creepiness of Willowbee. It's mostly a normal town from the outside, except for the fact that the occupants will stare down strangers the entire time they're in town. And the fact that there's a mansion on the outskirts and there are several misaligned parts of the town's history. The deeper into Willowbee and its history the characters go, the creepier the town gets. It's a really good mix of creepy without being over the top, and honestly it might be more of a situation where you go 'well that's...weird and unsettling' more so than it can be considered creepy, but still. The stories of six-great-grandmother were also a really enjoyable piece of the book and I liked hearing about her adventures. She seems like a really cool person and just absolutely gives zero fucks what other people think of her (though at least most people she comes across in the stories seem to respect her). The stories were definitely a good way to do some worldbuilding as well as give life lessons to Ellie and allowed for those things to be included in a non-intrusive, natural feeling way. I think it would be cool at some point to see some more stories about six-great at some point, maybe in a smaller bind-up or ebook. As for the characters, Ellie is the 3rd person narrator for the entire book except for one chapter 3rd person narrated by Vivian, her mother. Ellie's goal is to figure out what happened to her cousin while also keeping her family safe and preventing it from happening to anyone else. This book is a nice change from most YA books with a similar theme in that Ellie's parents are present and supportive of her and help her along the way to reach her goals, never once doubting her word. Family is a really big part of things and you can tell how much it means to Ellie. She's devoted to her family members and the traditions and secrets of her family. She's a good detective, willing to do the dirty work, and is smart enough to realize that live streaming some of her adventures is a good way to avoid being disappeared. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with her dog, Kirby, as well, who has been a ghost for 5 years but is still a wonderful companion despite his incorporeality. Kirby serves as both a pet, a warning signal, and a good way to explain some of the ways of the world and about ghosts. All the ghosts were very cool and I liked learning about the family's history with them and some of the family secrets about ghosts. Ellie's grandmother seems like a serious badass for having a mammoth as her ghostly companion, and I think she would be another good one to have a book about. Below is also an interesting concept and I like Ellie's realization that it isn't necessarily one point in time, but it can be multiple stacked on top of one another, like all the oceans or deserts that were in one place across the billions of years that place has existed. Vivian also added some interesting complexity to the family's use of ghosts, since like all eldest girls in the family she has the ability but doesn't use it as much as her relatives seem to. In her narrative chapter we get hints as to why that is and a time when it was different, which I thought added some nice layers to her character and the story and use of ghosts as a whole. Jay, Ellie's best friend, also features prominently in the book as someone who helps with her investigation. He's a rather optimistic character and acts as a good support during the investigation, pulling out some pretty good resources as well. Jay himself is a fairy and aside from the obvious mentioning of it in the beginning of the novel, there are some more subtle bits dropped throughout the book that make it realistic, such as the pointed ears he hides under his hair or the part(s) where he uses a will-o-the-wisp as a flashlight. I thought his interactions with Al were amusing, considering he's fine with the other guy until it turns out how serious Al is about his sister, though I think he's more grumbly about it than genuinely upset. Despite being what Ellie calls a "Celtic-and-Nordic American," Jay respects Ellie's culture and traditions and is respectful when inquiring about things he doesn't know. I enjoyed the interactions between Ellie and Jay and it's obvious how close the two of them are. While the book ends with all the loose threads tied and I think it'll be a standalone, if Little Badger were ever to write about Ellie again I could see the two of them being partners-in-investigation in/after college. Something I did find off about their relationship, though, was the fact that they've supposedly been best friends since babyhood, yet don't know some pretty basic things about one another. In one scene, Ellie mentions that she didn't think he was actually related to Oberon and in another Jay is surprised to hear Ellie's full name is Elatsoe, both of which seem like things you would know about your best friend. I mean, the first name one is something you would probably know about your regular friends too, so it seemed kind of weird that he never would've heard her full name before. There are other times where it seems like they're more 'newly best friends' than 'lifelong best friends,' but overall I enjoyed their interactions and their friendship. Most of the characters in this book were awesome in different ways, though there's not enough room to go over them all. Ellie's parents were both supportive and trusting of her, though they did still worry and caution her like parents do. Pat, her dad, comes across as a warm person and I liked the little quirk of his that's revealed at the beginning re: gas and survival stories. He's a vet, so it only seems natural that he's married into a family where the women raise ghost animals. Vivian is a teacher and seems to be the more protective of the two, though she's not stifling about it. She's the parent who's mostly with Ellie during the book, since the dad has to work and is only really in the beginning, and we get to see a lot of how her and Ellie interact and the advice she gives El. Another family member is the cousin-in-law, Lenore. Poor Lenore has just lost her husband and has a still-young baby. I sympathize with that and with her sense of grief and pain. What I do not sympathize with is the way she handles some things. For one, she seems entirely too dismissive of the family's culture. In one part of the book Ellie is reminiscing on a time she visited with her cousin and that even then she knew there was tension between Trevor and Lenore re: cultural traditions. Well, in present-tense Lenore seems to almost completely ignore some pretty major parts of their culture, such as burying those who've passed with personal items and not using their name to refer to them for a certain period of time. Likewise, she knows the dangers of human ghosts, yet she still seems to want Trevor to come back as a ghost *SPOILER* and 1) even attempts to disturb his grave to get that to happen and 2) is said to seem very happy when news he did come back as a human ghost breaks *SPOILER END*. Al is, as mentioned, dating Jay's sister, Ronnie, and is a vampire/cursed man. The lore behind vampires was interesting, and I liked how Little Badger used a version of them that sees vampirism as an illness, since it adds a layer of complexity to the world and reveals some of how discrimination that is applied in situations in our world is applied in the world of Elatsoe. Al seems like a pretty laid back guy and he clearly cares about Ronnie and Jay. He's more than willing to help with the investigation, even when it gets him into some pretty serious trouble, and he takes most things that occur in the book with a pretty chill attitude. Ronnie, Jay's sister, appears toward the end of the book with some friends and is 100% willing to kick some ass in Willowbee. With only being in the book for a short time, she seems like a cool character and seems decently close to Ellie and her family as well. One thing I felt a little weird about was the one scene where she and Ellie are on the phone and Ronnie says "I get that you're asexual, so, like, it can be a friend or zucchini or..." (201), which felt a little along the lines of 'I don't care if someone's white, black, or purple.' I really enjoyed Elatsoe and thought the characters, worldbuilding, and plot were all excellent. I definitely recommend it for fantasy lovers, and I'll definitely be reading A Snake Falls to Earth when it comes out.

#book #books #book review #book recommendations #darcie little badger #elatsoe #indigenous voices #ownvoices #myth #legend #fantasy #urban fantasy #ya fantasy #ya book #asexual representation #ghosts #mystery

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utilitycaster · 5 years ago

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that’s no moon (...theory)

you know I was going to put this under a jump after a nice little thing about how while I don’t like conspiracy theories this is harmless and I don’t want to yuck any yums but after this video included a clip that was like HERE’S AN UNEXPLAINED FLOATING OBJECT IN THE ASTRAL SEA. LAST WEEK WE SAW A MYSTERIOUS CITY IN THE ASTRAL SEA. and not only did not address it but completely attributed it to something else that does not even make sense, fuck that.

1. The astral plane/sea is not outer space. This whole theory falls apart the instant you are aware that the astral sea is in a different dimension and space is the thing outside of the planet’s atmosphere within the same dimension. When you look up at the sky in real life, and you see the moon do you genuinely think it’s in a different reality? Actually don’t answer that. If you do I don’t want to know.

After that I mean there’s nothing else to say, but I will, and I did put a jump so that I ruin this theory but don’t ruin your dash. You’re welcome.

2. The Gith are not unique to spelljammer, a specific setting for 2e. They’re in the 5e monster manual but have existed in D&D from the first edition; the lore of them being astral plane pirates was there pretty much from the start. The existence of Gith in a 5e D&D game merely means the DM has read the monster manual.

3. I cannot muster the strength to go through every half-assed reference to the moon that a competent editor could have covered in a quarter of the time but:

Circle of the Moon is from the PHB and it’s just a druid circle, the moon indicating the form-changing, wild shape side of druids vs. the more traditional, environmentally-based, and spell-oriented circle of the land. Keyleth was a circle of the moon druid too, which Marisha said at one point was because circle of the moon gains the ability to shape into elementals.

The moon is often associated in most real-world mythologies with the feminine aspect, with change, with night time, with secrecy, with fate, and, particularly relevant to this video, with the ocean (see: season 1 finale of Avatar the Last Airbender, also the existence of tides on the REAL EARTH like I cannot stress this enough, Catha and Ruidis are fictional but please tell me you have some basic knowledge of what a moon is).

Tolkien frequently associated elves with moonlight, starlight, and nighttime.

Sehanine Moonweaver is just part of normal forgotten realms lore that was folded into the Dawn War pantheon which in turn is what Matt used for the pantheon in Critical Role (+ Sarenrae from the Pathfinder canon, because funnily enough you can take lore from something without the entire source becoming canon immediately).

A moon-touched sword is a common magical item (Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, page 138).

4. All the stuff about Molaesmyr and the sword seems more like links between the Blooming Grove and Molaesmyr (both being blessed by Melora and Corellon, both being in the Savilirwood). Additionally, Molaesmyr is one of the few cities that survived the calamity before later falling to the blight that sounds much like the blight that came to the Blooming Grove and was notably an elven city which meant it was more likely to include worshippers of the moon goddess Sehanine, a deity who is, and I cannot stress this enough, stated in the video to be primarily an elven deity. It is not weird that a researcher of the moon would be like “yeah I look for information about the moon in one of the few locations on this continent that did not fall during a nearly world-ending event, full of people who worshipped the moon goddess.” I mean it’s no mysterious astral blip you’re completely ignoring, but you know when people are saying something on a podcast that’s extremely wrong and you know the answer and you’re just screaming in your car? This video was that, but for over 51 minutes, like there were so many dots ripe to be connected and instead you made me watch a clip of an anime in the sancitity of my own house.

5. Further occam’s razor notes: the parent of a toddler/CEO of a company/working actor/person with ADHD being on their phone briefly during a D&D game and then getting off their phone and paying attention? goodness me! what other strange rituals have you observed in your travels? Oh, the artwork of a world that’s explicitly stated to have two moons depicts two moons? wild. Asking a weird question on the spot of someone who once played a character who tried to murder santa got you a troll-like response? wow. better read into that.

6. Okay I’ll stop being sarcastic for a full 15 seconds to note that the height of half-orcs is “between 5 and 7 feet tall”; Fjord is well within that range and in fact towards the top of it; if you’ve been imagining him shorter than Yasha, that’s a you problem (unless you are imagining Yasha as like 6′6″, which is also not canonical but I have transferred my annoyance about Yasha’s height over to this garbage video so like, do what you want). Yeah he’s on the smaller side but within normal size ranges; this could just mean his human parent was short and skinny, or his orc parent was short and skinny for an orc, or his non-orc parent was actually elven, or that one parent was a half-orc and one was human, or that someone who grew up in an orphanage was malnourished and never got super buff. I mean, Yasha and Reani are both aasimar and don’t exactly look alike. I’m 5′5″ and when I see a 6′8″ person I don’t ask them if they’re from space.

Really, in addition to not making some glaringly obvious and far more valid connections the thing that grinds my gears here is that this video, despite editing that I found illogical and frustrating, did compile a good deal of moon and space (and astral plane, which is not the same as space, I will keep saying this) lore. It is worth considering that there are magical meteors! Ruidis really is, in Exandrian lore, alleged to have connections to the betrayer gods! I’d love for someone with two brain cells to rub together and a basic understanding of logical fallacies to take a crack at what’s going on there! But instead I got this. I mean it’s not even a tin foil hat, it’s like, crumpled tin foil covered in the moldy remains of bad takeout pizza that someone put on their head.

#okay i'm done #critical role #i thought i would hate this theory and i do but not even for the reasons i thought i would

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