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hanzi83 · 6 years ago

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Next Level of Instilling Paranoia

I think the harassment has been taken to a new level with me. First I could just be dismissed as being crazy, which surely I will be labeled again. The cold and callous will post this on a sub reddit dedicated to me to further ensure I will be instilled with more paranoia, and even with something I have seen with my own eyes right now is making it a lot clearer than people in powerful positions are hacking my stuff. Maybe I am not as alarmed because I always have suspected that every tablet, every phone, every computer is tapped and I am always being monitored. Before people accuse me of being this deluded to think I am this important like the usual diatribe I am met with, I know everyone else is also monitored but some people willingly help the system because they are being blackmailed or paid. I was checking my facebook public page where trolls are attacking me, and normally seems these trolls are on meth and that is what is used to bribe them into harassing me because the comments are so random and so non imaginative. If someone is being mean to me and I know these people are paid to do this, I will stoop to their level in name calling because I know this particular people are sent to fuck with my head. I noticed comments left from me, and it was not on my actual public page but rather my personal page sending those messages. I did not post those messages, and even with me changing my password, these people will still have access and they will not stop.

It feels like I did not give in to their plan, that I suspected these soulless assholes to have, of killing myself from the constant reminder they are watching me, and even if that is a lie, it is at most cohesion to make an effort to instill paranoia and payback for even daring to attract some kind of audience, and talking about the people in position of power and since they dismiss me for being a mentally ill momma’s boy in the basement who is spewing conspiracies, but when I use my mental illness, it becomes me using it as a crutch when I am using it to my advantage since it is true. No one in their right mind could fake being this mentally ill, and while I am never proud of going off in a fit of rage and saying whatever is disrespectful because I am longing for the day I never have to be here anymore, but now that I have not killed myself or attempted to, even though there have been days the last few months where I have been going off and been more transparent about not wanting to endure all of this mental torture, that most people will not see from their view, or people who have purposely blocked the view because I am not a priority in this planet, so now they hacked my phone and make it transparent about it because it dawns on me that this is 100 percent and there is nothing I can do to change it.

I could contact facebook but they are probably run by the alt right types and they allow some of the most fucked up people on these platforms. It could be numerous people and I can throw shade at a lot of people in my life who I think would do this because a lot of them have ties to government types, some of them are part of IT and probably get paid to troll me, it could be Stern Show related since I had Wendy the Slow Adult on, and ask her questions about how Howard is not helping her, because it would be insane for someone who just offered help to Kathy Lee Gifford could help someone he exploited for entertainment and replay it nonstop for several years and then when he decides he wants all the money he could give a fuck about them, so when I bring light to that a little more, it could piss off the wrong people.

There are the usual people who have dedicated a sub reddit to me and create rumors about me nonstop, like me transitioning into a woman and wanting to darken my skin, me and some other Stern Show associate are gay together etc or that I beat up a gay couple or that I have weapons, which I don’t and don’t plan on having access to, and try to make me out to be more extreme than I am, and fail to mention how people are dedicated to watching me and instilling paranoia and fear and if I dare snap back and get mean with them, because these people are designed to be non caring and unsympathetic individuals then they make it out to be like I am the one being an asshole like I am not being provoked. One guy I suspect is that youtuber who did the Stern imitation and since he has lost his crew and got banned as his regular name, then went the basketball route, which failed because he was copying others work without any credit, and now he became a reddit story guy who does youtube videos, and since he has been exposed by that community and doing his usual tricks of doing live streams where he sets up how he is the victim in all of this, even though he is not a victim by any stretch. He always takes from Stern in that, because people who have been the biggest bullies on the planet make it seem like they are the ones being bullied. “Don’t you do that Hanzi?” Yeah and I still think I am a victim, but what does it matter, no one believes me anyways? How many tweets, blogs, videos etc have I done ad nauseam where I say the same shit, and stuttering like a fucking jerk off and nothing has been investigated. This person who I suspect has been behind it has really tried to get me to kill myself and because I did not know who he truly was, which conveniently got put out there after months of me not wanting to be part of his show, and cosigning it, he has had a vendetta and in the process of him getting exposed by his new community and still being able to convince people he is the victim, he and others associated with him are still torturing me.

I have also been vocal about the WWE and their supposed gangster ways which I theorize because I have no facts to back me up on that matter, but it could be their trolls who also have decided to fuck with me and have held a grudge for me calling them out for shilling for the company. I have made a plethora of enemies and every one of them will continue to hate my guts. I bet if I post this on facebook, there is a good chance this might be deleted and maybe by bringing light to it they might back off but why would they back off, if no one is ever going to call out Howard Stern because it is not convenient enough. I sure as hell can’t expect any leftist to have my back, or maybe they do in spirit, but maybe because I think their voice is limited with what can be said even though it is much more than what is being said mainstream, but maybe because I call that out, why would they want to help me or expose this. They might have hints on their podcast about how people can be framed by a crime or made to look like they are crazy but nothing will ever be done.

I frankly don’t like to be here because I really feel like I am living in an episode of twilight zone but it is a never ending story of the main character bitching and no one even caring because he has burned every bridge and the people in charge no letting me die is too easy for me because it is what I want the most, and to never be seen since I am never going to be respected. I have not earned respect and the people in the system, as a collective, even though presented as individual opinion, will carry the narrative of me being entitled and a cry baby for knowing my value, even though the system tries their best to devalue you to everyone else in the world and never fill you in on the hidden rules that people will never know exist and continually have a limited view on what is transpiring. People are going to keep fucking with me. I know people in my life hate my guts and I will never trust a soul on this planet. I am in so much mental pain and I realize bitching about incessantly is not the answer, but it is better than drugging myself and boozing myself like the predecessors in the game who took what their masters served them and then continued an age of ignorance and propaganda and then further continue this propaganda by making it seem any type of leftist mentality is the problem and conflate it with the centrist mentality where systemically they support racism, homophobia and misogyny that they ingrained into most of us by making it seem fighting the system is the right to say those things and carry those attitudes. So if I have to write down my thoughts, and as boring as it gets because it is the same fucking episode over and over, it lacks substance and I have been so bombarded with nonstop thoughts and not being able to retain everything or comprehend everything I have become inept and just am counting down the clock of when I am allowed to just die because I will never belong here.

I have to continue living for some reason but these people are so dangerous and so full of vengeance towards me they will stop at nothing to be the cause of a failed attempt at suicide because they never let me succeed to begin with, and they surely would not let me succeed in suicide, they would make sure to keep me alive but under their custody because they can then abuse me even more and no one will say anything. It will be too late before any independent media outlet will ever call out Stern, barely anyone does and if they do, they do it for old material in his show which does not age well in today’s more politically correct times, but not the actual propaganda he was paid to spread and the evil things he has done to protect his spot, and it hurts so much because even I feel like my friends and loved ones have been recruited and it hurts me every time I wake up to realize people who I thought were strong willed would compromise their soul just to be included with the elite type and get advanced screenings, free tickets, access to industry sold pussy, that we cannot expose because we are creating a fake woman empowerment in the mainstream so implying that the world is run by sex etc, it would be a mansplaining type of moment from an “incel” in his mother’s basement. Even more reason to just be left for dead. I don’t belong here.

I really will never have any help and it is okay. These people will continue to do evil shit over and over and as much as writing the same shit in more mediocre ways for each blog I continue to write, I will choose that instead of doing anything to anyone or myself but please anyone in the system who claims to be good, if you read this don’t pimp out my name for your podcast or website if something happens to me and I know you won’t listen, because you won’t listen now, so when push comes to shove and something does inevitably happens to me, you will have no shame and fucking cover it and pretend to act shocked that this could have happened. These people will eventually have to kill me, they already have me on many government lists so they can justify keeping an eye on me because they can say my conspiracies are a danger to the population and I will end up doing something to someone and the only way that could happen was if they made me MK Ultra and do something. One day Howard Stern will be exposed for the piece of shit he is, and same with Vince McMahon and whoever else they recruited to fuck with other people when they speak out too much. I know people I know personally will be absolved from any wrongdoing because they were probably blackmailed or bribed and then when it becomes convenient they can pretend they were on my side the entire time.

I will never be free mentally and every single day I regret waking up to any of this and I wish I was seriously aborted. I really never did belong on this planet and I will beat that shitty drum forever. You take pleasure in my misery and taking bets in your discord serve about my self destruction and they do this with everyone else they monitor in the system, Again it is all my opinion and my mental illness that you will never take seriously because even some of these supposed independent types have sold out and have become more corporate and are actual Stern fans so they will never expose a Zionist because then you will be labeled an anti Semite. Fuck this planet forever. I will continue to wish my misery will be put to an end, I better stop writing this blog because I am just repeating myself even more than usual, and this is what happens when your head has been consumed with the possibilities of the secrecy and then having to worry about memorizing names, and retaining more valuable information that I have to just analyze this world like it is a wrestling storyline and even that has been taken from me from other people.

I can’t wait until someone in the wrestling world steals more of my thoughts from my blogs but will never have the balls to admit they were in any way influenced by anything I write but the point is I am being hacked and there is nothing I can do to stop it because it could be literally anyone helping them. Is this just a way to get me off of facebook completely since it is turning to shit? I wonder what they will fucking do next but it is going to get worse and it is probably going to really hammer home my mental illness and because I am not forgiving to those who partook in making me feel like shit they will then show how vindictive they are and the best part is they will never have to answer to any of this shit until they see it convenient to make it known but then these same people want to make some kind of peace and since I am holding a grudge against people who I think have made my days worse and really made me regret waking up and just to be hurtful toward me, where I have to be hurtful back, these people will continue to hold a grudge against me and will keep putting their steel boots to my neck until I give in and accept them for doing what they have done because I am sure it is just business but to me when you try to it known that I am being profited off of and being pimped out for others to make money and then instill fear into me about knowing my every move and posting my blogs before I even post them on tumblr. I don’t take kindly to that. I am getting bored with even writing this shitty blog because I have said all of this before and these people know I am limited with my vernacular so there is only so much I can express and nothing happens so then I will have no choice but to attempt suicide.

#Hanzi 2019 Howard Stern Show Illuminati Hacking Facebook Instill Fear Paranoia WWE call out powers progressive leftist independent media #mainstream trolling harassment victim youtuber doxxer family friends

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gaiapaia · 3 years ago

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Kermit and Friends: Welcome Back, Dr. Rajeev Fernando Featuring Stuttering John

Kermit and Friends was blessed to have two superb special guests yesterday that couldn’t have been more different from one another.

The first was Dr. Rajeev Fernando, an infectious disease doctor making his second appearance on Kermit and Friends.

Dubbed by Elisa Jordana as the sexiest doctor in the World (what a compliment!), Dr. Fernando since his last interview on KAF in February has continued to travel all around the World to research COVID-19 and help COVID-19 patients get better. Dr. Fernando admitted he’s seen some horrible things throughout his travels, which has led to many sleepless nights and him crying quite often. You could tell this is a man who cares deeply about humanity.

Dr. Fernando, like 99% of doctors, is very pro-vaccination. What separates him from most pro-vaxxers is that he’s very conscientious about not insulting people with a different viewpoint from him. He believes, rightly so, by insulting someone’s beliefs is not a way to get them to change their mind on that topic. If only more people could conduct themselves this way, humans would be a much more pleasant species.

Take Dr. Fernando’s handling of Trumpster Bob, for example. Bob appeared on KAF to tell the doctor that because of a special gene he has from his Norwegian ancestry, Bob is incapable of catching viruses. Dr. Fernando seemed quite baffled by this but he didn’t disrespect or patronize Bob in any way. The sexy doctor instead listened carefully and even offered his personal email address so Bob could send him information about the nonsense Bob was spewing. This is a great way to handle people who throw weird fallacies at you.

We also learned that Dr. Fernando is much more than just a doctor... he’s also a filmmaker and fashion designer! Click here to read up on Dr. Fernando’s upcoming documentary Smugglers and Refugees, and click here to check out his fashion line called Equality, where the proceeds go towards charities promoting love and fighting against hatred.

Try not to underestimate how impressive this is. Dr. Fernando works 7 days a week, literally. He doesn’t even have a home right now; he just lives out of his suitcases in different hotels where ever he travels to, yet he still manages to get passion projects out there like fashion designing and filmmaking. I truly, sincerely admire this man’s work ethic and who he is as a human being. Dr. Fernando is one of the greatest friends Kermit could ever have and I’m looking forward to him gracing the show with his presence once again in the near future.

The second big guest of the show couldn’t be any more different from Dr. Rajeev Fernando... it was none other than “Stuttering” John Melendez.

John Melendez is best known for his years working on The Howard Stern Show and for being the announcer on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. These days John hosts his own podcast on Youtube and gains attention on Twitter for his incessant anti-Trump tweets.

John actually has a history with Kermit and Friends. He made a couple of appearances on the old KAF, one where John helped a young man overcome his stutter and another where John hurt a young man’s feelings and Elisa obliterated John for it.

John and Elisa have since made up. Elisa kindly appeared on John’s podcast multiple times over the last few years. Unfortunately, it took a lot for Elisa to get John to come back on Kermit and Friends. First he backed out many months ago when Elisa didn’t go hiking with him, and then when Elisa asked him again recently to be a guest on KAF, John said only if Elisa would go to dinner with him first....

Well, John’s mistake was not including the word ‘alone’ in his proposal, which of course led to Elisa inviting a few of her friends, including Kleenex!

You read that right, Elisa and Kleenex met in person. No one has made more threats towards Elisa or cursed her out more times than Kleenex, yet she found a fun way to meet him with John’s bribe. Brilliant move on her part. Credit to Kleenex though, he was a perfect gentleman and a beam of joy from everything Elisa had to say. Good for him.

Kleenex didn’t have nice things to say about John, however. Apparently John ditched Kleenex with the bill and was in a miserable mood all night. Elisa said as soon as she walked in that John started complaining and throwing a hissy fit.

To make things worse, John cancelled his KAF appearance before the show began! He was doing a fantasy football draft and because it was running late, John texted Elisa that he wouldn’t be able to come on. That was so infuriating but in the end, John did show up and let me tell you... he put on quite a show.

John was very candor all afternoon long as he broke down his lawsuit against SiriusXM, he told stories about a crazed fan who sent him nude pictures and a gun pointing at him, he fought with Kermit’s friend SaiyanZ (now known as Yew Neek), etc. It was quite the interview between he and Elisa.

Surprisingly, a lot of people fell for John’s stories and were on his side. Arf Arf Bark Bark is a huge Stuttering John fan and admires his “honesty.” Kleenex, who started off the show hating John, was a big John fan by the end of the episode, calling in multiple times to kiss John’s rear end. Elisa remained pretty impartial, while Yew Neek wouldn’t budge an inch in his disdain for John.

John knew so much about Yew Neek it was unbelievable. This Yew Neek guy, aka Kyle, has a Youtube channel where he commentates on different things in the podcasting World, including John. Kyle isn’t a huge Youtuber by any means but he’s fairly well known with the Howard Stern fanbase because of his videos on Stern and the people associated with that show.

That said, I never heard of Kyle until he first made his debut on Kermit and Friends 10 months ago or so. I like him - he has a funny voice and his opinions are his own, he doesn’t follow the crowd (plus he’s complimentary towards Elisa and even donates to her, which is the quickest way win me over).

Anyway I’m talking way too much about Kyle - the point is, John knew Kyle’s real information, his arrest history, stuff about his family, all about Kyle’s videos... how in the World does John know all this stuff about this guy unless he’s completely enamored with him? John claims people send him the vids/info, but that’s most likely untrue and even if they do, John still reads and watches it all. A random Youtuber like Kyle shouldn’t be a blip on the radar for a self-proclaimed comedy headliner with hundreds of mind-blowing accomplishments John had ready to list off.

Gonzo also got under John’s skin with a phone call after John said he paid $300 for his kids college tuition. John meant to say he paid $300 a month for years in child support but because he misspoke, Gonzo asked a fair question and John went off the rails about it.

John has to be the most thin-skinned individual in Kermit and Friends history, but you know what? That’s what makes him AWESOME! And the perfect Kermitarian. When an anonymous chatter with one little troll comment can send you on a 5 minute tirade... you’re pretty unique when you also believe you’re a mega celebrity.

Honestly, I could make this the longest blog I’ve ever written breaking down everything Stuttering John and Dr. Fernando had to say because it was all so entertaining and intriguing, but I’ll keep it to this point. Both guys were terrific in their own way. What makes Kermit and Friends so special is the contrast of having two very different guests like that and how Elisa perfectly handles them both.

If you’re reading this as a true KAF fan, Welcome Back, Dr. Fernando Featuring Stuttering John is the absolute perfect episode for you to show a friend if you want them to be one of Kermit’s friends along with you. Please do it!

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aion-rsa · 4 years ago

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Black Widow First Reactions Are In

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It’s been awhile since we’ve all been able to see a Marvel film in theaters. In fact, it’s been two years, two weeks, and one day since Spider-Man: Far From Home premiered. Now, Marvel’s Black Widow is set to end that pandemic-induced drought when it arrives in theaters (and on Disney+) Friday, July 9.

Marvel has restarted its blockbuster machine on television already, of course. WandaVision, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and now Loki have all been creative and commercial hits for Disney+. But will the studio be able to recapture that blockbuster energy on the big screen with Black Widow?

Well, according to the first social media reactions, the answer to that is a resounding “yes.”

A handful of critics and Marvel fans have already seen the latest film starring Scarlett Johnasson as the titular Black Widow. The embargo for their social media impressions lifted today at 12 p.m. Here are what some Black Widow viewers had to say.

#BlackWidow is one of Marvel's best solo films. Start to finish, the movie is great. Excellent surprises, emotional character moments, bad-ass action, and Scarlett Johansson finally gets to pour everything into the role. Director Cate Shortland nailed it. Bravo. pic.twitter.com/sgEkUW63cT

— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) June 17, 2021

Yes, #BlackWidow has a post-credits scene (Maybe 2, I think?)

— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) June 17, 2021

#BlackWidow was better than I thought it would be! Although there’s some excellent action, what pulled me in was the really powerful themes & character moments the film presented. Easily Scarlett’s best performance as Nat, and Florence Pugh is brilliant as Yelena. pic.twitter.com/CDjKJm4nVq

— Jacob (@JacobDFilm) June 17, 2021

Marvel movies are back and Phase 4 kicks off with the very entertaining and action-packed #BlackWidow. Giving us a long-overdue look at Natasha's backstory, with solid performances throughout and thrilling set pieces that demand you see this movie on the biggest screen possible. pic.twitter.com/Pr6qeBlSGQ

— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) June 17, 2021

I got to see #BlackWidow last night, and as someone who has been waiting since 2010 to see Natasha Romanoff get her own movie, it was well worth the wait. The actions rips, the emotion hits and the new characters joining the MCU are standouts. MORE BLACK WIDOW MOVIES PLEASE! pic.twitter.com/R0JUHThSiF

— Hector Navarro (@Hectorisfunny) June 17, 2021

I watched #BlackWidow yesterday and it's as refreshingly different to other Marvel Studios releases as it is to just have these big movies back. The leads are awesome and the story does some unexpected things. It's the most adult MCU release yet, but still offers a few laughs. pic.twitter.com/ib9F0rX09t

— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) June 17, 2021

BLACK WIDOW is an adrenaline-filled spy film with tons of action, breakneck pacing & an engaging supporting cast. Seeing Scarlett Johansson finally & deservedly have her moment in the MCU feels great but Florence Pugh is the MVP. Nothing bold or daring but it will satisfy fans. pic.twitter.com/KKbzIgM9va

— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) June 17, 2021

Black Widow is full of incredible action sequences & it is so good to see Natasha again — even if she feels like a side character sometimes. @Florence_Pugh steals the show. Her chemistry with Scarlett Johansson makes the movie what it is & provides a lot of laughs! #BlackWidow pic.twitter.com/2UhXsNpWBr

— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) June 17, 2021

#BlackWidow is another epic entry in the #MCU. The bond between #Natasha & #YelenaBelova is a solid anchor for the film, as is their #Incredibles-like dynamic with #Melina and #RedGuardian. Also, kudos to @MarvelStudios for making #Taskmaster more than just a faceless adversary. pic.twitter.com/XbJFbkUWp0

— The Reel Roundup (@BenMkWrites) June 17, 2021

#BlackWidow might be one of my favorite solo origin movies in the MCU. There's something about seeing Natasha finally get her story that made me emotional in all the best ways. Also, Florence Pugh was born for the MCU, and her dynamic with Scarlett is a triumph

— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) June 17, 2021

One thing that jumps out from these first reactions is how impressed many critics are by the film’s action sequences. As its characters have grown immensely more powerful in recent films, Marvel has sometimes struggled to properly depict the physics of all these fights among beings with God-like powers. Since Natasha Romanoff is a mortal spy, Black Widow has an opportunity to present more Earthbound and reasonable combat. Based on these reactions, it seems that the film has done exactly that.

Comparisons to John Wick and James Bond films abound in these posts, which is certainly a positive sign for any vaccinated individual prepared to head back to the movies. These reviews also single out Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena Belova. Director Cate Shortland has previously said that Natasha will “hand the baton” to Yelena as Black Widow in this film, and many viewers are excited at the prospect for more of the character in the MCU. Pugh is also on the verge of major movie stardom, if she’s not there already. Marvel was lucky to nab her when they did.

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Of course, no list of first reactions to a film is complete without the presence of Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts writer and irrepressible troll Ben Mekler. Every time an embargo for a major movie is up, Mekler contributes a fake social media review and then delights upon seeing it included in these review round-up articles. Well, here you go, Ben.

Honestly blown away by #BlackWidow. It’s low-key one of Marvel’s finest – an emotional story with great performance and a high-stakes chase through a “Russian JCPenney” that might be one of the zaniest and most badass action scenes in MCU history. Fans are gonna love it

— ben mekler (@benmekler) June 17, 2021

Just to be clear, there is no chase through a Russian JCPenney in Black Widow. But perhaps there should be.

Black Widow premieres in theaters and via Disney+ Premier Access on July 9

The post Black Widow First Reactions Are In appeared first on Den of Geek.

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#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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go-redgirl · 7 years ago

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Donald Trump Fully Endorses Ted Cruz for Senate

by Charlie Spiering 4 May 2018

President Donald Trump endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz on Friday, speaking in Dallas, Texas at the National Rifle Association conference.

“Full endorsement for this man — Ted Cruz,” Trump said at the beginning of his speech.

Cruz waved at Trump from the crowd, which cheered and shouted “Cruuuuz.”

“Boy that was very rousing, that’s a good sign,” Trump continued.

Trump urged everyone in the audience to vote in the midterm elections and warned them not to be complacent.

“You watch how well we do in ’18, you watch,” Trump said. “Get out and vote. Don’t be complacent.”

Read More Stories About:

2018 Elections, Big Government, Donald Trump, national rifle assocation, NRA, Ted Cruz, Texas

INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS:

TheLineIsDrawn • 19 hours ago

I supported Cruz in the primaries but couldn't be happier with President Trump. He is a canny fighter and gets results. In fact, considering everything Swamp Land is throwing at him as he successfully sorts out a mountain of thorny messes kicked down the road by predecessors, the pugilistic Trump may be uniquely qualified for the Presidency in the times we live in.

bankruptfromobamacare TheLineIsDrawn • 19 hours ago

You hit the nail on the head.

proreason bankruptfromobamacare • 18 hours ago

Ted would have been an excellent president as well, but it is unlikely that he could have withstood the flak as well as President Trump has been able. And Trump has proven that he is able to get out of the rigid political boxes that the country has been grappling with for decades.

I hope that Ted will eventually accept a SCOTUS seat because there are some potential successors out there who might be a better fit for president in the era of scorched earth politics (Tom Cotton, hello!!) and Cruz is one of the few people in the world who has the intellect and determination to be as successful a jurist as Trump has been a president.

jason callio proreason • 18 hours ago

Ideal scenario. 8 years of Trump draining the swamp and restoring liberty to the finical / public sector. Followed by 8 years of Cruz restoring sanity and constitutional principals back to our out of control progressive controlled judiciary. Trump removing the commies from the public sector institutions. Cruz restoring the constitution back to our courts. Sounds good to me.

gordonfreeman jason callio • 18 hours ago

I'm a Cruzbot, myself, but I like Trump as well. What I can't stand are the purist, concern trolls, who would rather unite with the RINOs. Like the purists at National Review. I wish they would STFU and get on the Trump Train to 2024.

Steelman gordonfreeman • 18 hours ago

I was torn between supporting Trump or Cruz back during the primaries. Either one of them would've been a good choice in my opinion.

Cruz is the #1 go-to guy of the NRA, so any of you that care about your gun rights might want to cut him a little slack and not root against him.

Schrödinger's cat Steelman • 17 hours ago

There has been no one ever - ever before - like TRUMP !!!

He breaks the mould !!!

In a class of his own !!!

Don't they hate him for it ??? LOL

MAGA

Texaslee Schrödinger's cat • 16 hours ago

One thing for sure he is in it for all the American people, and he was already rich enough to not be bribed all the time like democRats and Rinos....

dirk dominick Texaslee • 11 hours ago

"rich enough"? none except accountants and government's irs know trump's true worth. it's easy to be rich one day and in liquidation the next in industries like real estate and entertainment and technology. so far so good so maybe it will last.

merecedes Schrödinger's cat • 15 hours ago

HE REALLY IS THE GREATEST!!!!!!!!!!!

TMZ2 Schrödinger's cat • 12 hours ago

Think he is good, well my state is favoring Kobach as governor. I pray for both guys Trump and Kobach. The left is freaked out by them. Kobach might eventually run for potus if all things work out.

Gumbo Joe Schrödinger's cat • 17 hours ago

Do you burn candles at your shrine?

cheatemandhowe Gumbo Joe • 16 hours ago

Do you still eat out of your catbox?

Gumbo Joe cheatemandhowe • 16 hours ago

Only the big pieces.

cheatemandhowe Gumbo Joe • 16 hours ago

Cool, makes cleaning it so much easier.

GeorgiaPeachie Gumbo Joe • 16 hours ago

He's not like you marxists.

marine72 Gumbo Joe • 15 hours ago

Yes, don't you?

Breitbart Administrator Schrödinger's cat • 16 hours ago

your gag-reflex is practically non-existent. the job you do on donny's junk is unmatches

Cadaverville Mayor Steelman • 15 hours ago

Cruz would NOT have beaten Hillary. Trump was the ONLY candidate (of all that ran) who could stand strong against all the BS and not back down (from the ENTIRE liberal media, etc.) Cruz would've folded to protect his family and try to stay "above the fray" which would have resulted in a Romney defeat!

Deplorable Trump Voter Cadaverville Mayor • 13 hours ago

I agree at least Cruz is no Rubio. I do not think he and his family could have handled what Trumps family has handled.

Deplorable Trump Voter Mike Resce • 12 hours ago

Cruz wife wrote that trade deal building a North American Union. that Trump ripped up. She worked in every administration since Bush 1. Heidi Cruz. I do not Trust him but Trump fired her. He would not endorse Trump. Look it up yourself. Why would she work with Obama. Our President knows all of his secrets that is why he kept calling him lying Ted.

blip tard Deplorable Trump Voter • 9 hours ago

Cruz can best be applied to right us by the constitution.. As for the outsider piece.. Trump is the only one that could do that. I wake up everyday thanking my lucky stars we don't have that crook hilary in there! Whew.

blip tard Cadaverville Mayor • 9 hours ago

Cruz is a fantastic Constitutional Conservative but I voted for Trump because of exactly what you said. Most of all, I'd like to see these good conservatives support Trump 100%. Mark Levin is a pretty good example. The thing I disagree with Mark about is the NAFTA deal.. What happened is with clinton starting it, then bush/obama carrying it fwd, our country was gutted into a series of ghost towns where mfgring left. The country was effed so far over that we needed Trump to fight fire with fire. Also, could anyone have won PA/MI/OH like trump - hillary's "blue wall"? The answer is NO.. because to win those, Trump has to take care of the Union types(typically dems), meaning pulling back the wreckage caused by NAFTA - this typically goes against what conservatives are saying about how free trade should be. Trump is the one who gets it done. Now if we can get everyone on board.. We can keep going forward!

NotMarySue lyndaaquarius • 13 hours ago

Any Republican would be going through this press BS. George W did, and it was ugly every day. He couldn't do anything they didn't harp on.

Kim Cain Steelman • 10 hours ago

Nobody we know in public or private life could have taken what Trump has and flourished. You gotta give him that.

Trump is a trooper.

Karen from outstate gordonfreeman • 16 hours ago

The purists like pure Liberals are alike. They believe in unicorns and fairies-the tinkerbell and Nathan Lane kind-they have no clue about real life.

Vonnie gordonfreeman • 13 hours ago

That's why I cancelled my subscription, I thought I had subscribed to the wrong magazine. Would they rather have a damn Democrat!

Nora brave Glorious_Cause • 10 hours ago

Are you on drugs?? How is attempting to repeal obamas govt takeover of healthcare, pushing for pro 2a legislation, cutting taxes,cutting regulations, and cutting govt jobs, growing government?? Half of the country that were dems jumped ship when obamy pushed the left into communism, including myself. There is no more dems and repubs, just patriots and communists. You are the weakest commenter live ever seen.

Mort Meek gordonfreeman • 12 hours ago

There are no ‘purists’ at National Review anymore. Only never-Trumpers and RINOs who pretend to be led by principle when they are making decisions on anything but principle.

elgavilansegoviano jason callio • 13 hours ago

...Agree with you 100%, ...Ted Cruz 2024!!,...

Outer Mission Kid jason callio • 16 hours ago

What, no Pence?

Missionaccomplished jason callio • 7 hours ago

LMAOFF!!!

Reaganwasright jason callio • 11 hours ago

I'm thankful there are still people who think like you left in this country. There is a chance to save the mess these criminals have created.

Lou proreason • 17 hours ago

Cruz has taken notes in how to deal with the swamp when he becomes President thanks to President Trump

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evolutionsvoid · 7 years ago

Photo

As an experienced natural historian, I have dealt with a wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found throughout our world. I have studied Great Mottled Caecilians in the rainforests, traveled with Trolls across great mountain ranges and nearly froze my roots off trying to track Arctic Wolf Fleas across the icy tundra. Not to praise my own petals, but many see me as one of the top researchers in this field. Despite all that, though, I have to question if I am qualified to even write an entry on such a species. While I could write about anatomy, behavior and reproduction of other species with ease, these creatures defy a lot of things I am used to. Honestly, I don't even know if I completely understand how their anatomy works! A part of me thinks that a mage would be better suited for such an entry, but I will do my best to tell you about these strange creatures. I probably know just as much about Sphinxes as the next guy does. The first thing to note about Sphinxes is that they do not appear to have a preferred habitat or environment. This is due to the fact that they seem to not even live on the same plane of existence we do. Much like the Aelf, they appear and disappear at will, showing up without rhyme or reason. This is baffling and frightening to many because Sphinxes are pretty big. They reach the same size as some dragon species, making them quite intimidating when they happen to appear in the middle of town. They are quadrupeds, preferring to walk about on all fours, strutting about with the elegance and ego of a really big cat. That is honestly the closest comparison you could have between a Sphinx and an existing animal, they act like giant cats. The way they walk or jump, the way they stretch when they are tired or bored, the way their tail swishes about without a care and the way they gain entertainment from the suffering and despair of others. It's kind of unsettling how close those two match.

While this comparison may make one assume they are just big dumb cats, one must realize that Sphinxes are incredibly intelligent creatures. Their knowledge blows scholars and mages out of the water, which is surprising when they drop an incredible piece of wisdom with the nonchalance of someone ordering gravy off a menu. Though one may appear on the southern continent, they can easily tell you about things out east as if they had just finished vacationing there. It is obvious that I bring up the riddles and puzzles that they so enjoy, which attests to their knowledge. One thing to know, though, is that they are not all-knowing. As legends and encounters say, there are things Sphinxes do not know, they just happen to know a lot. You won't trip them up with common knowledge, you will need to delve deep into a subject to start finding things they haven't learned yet. On the subject of riddles, it is time we bring up the motives of this species, or what we think is a motive. History has seen several famous Sphinxes appearing over time, each different from the last, but each sharing some common themes. Some Sphinxes have terrorized the countryside, deploying deadly puzzles and devouring the losers. Others have created great lairs and dungeons in which they rule and hoard. Certain encounters have had some showing up to toy around with people, speaking of riddles and puzzles but not eating those who come up empty. It is a strange spectrum of behavior, ranging from voracious tyrant to bored, playful titan. The one theme we can find that connects them is entertainment. Saying it out loud is a little weird, but that is the best we can come up with. Sphinxes who show up in our world seem to be looking for some kind of amusement. Much like how each person has different hobbies, each Sphinx has different ways to amuse themselves. As I mentioned before, some may become monsters who ravage the lands and take entire towns hostage as they play the role of some demented tormentor, while some find fun in bamboozling people with riddles and tricks. Intricate lairs and dungeons formed in mountains and valleys may be an enjoyable hobby to one, as they take pleasure in making elaborate traps and thwarting eager treasure hunters and monster slayers. It all depends on the individual who arrives. So if a Sphinx appears outside your town, pray that it is one who prefers logic puzzles over the taste of human flesh. Though not every Sphinx is a destructive monster, each is well equipped to take down foes (prey is probably a better word, though). Their sheer size and strength already makes for a tough fight, but their intelligence and magical abilities makes slaying them an extraordinary feat. Their magical prowess allows them to unleash devastating spells and they are clever enough to use such powers to create traps and set ups that can take down foes before they even realize their mistake. Though large, they are quite fast, which combined with their size allows them to turn their bodies into battering rams. Their tails are prehensile and can act much like a boneless arm, slapping away foes or snaring them in its grip. The "wings" they possess are tipped with venomous barbs which can paralyze the muscles of those they sting. These stingers are often employed by Sphinxes who enjoy playing a deadly game of riddles. When one fails to answer their riddle, the stingers will whip down and paralyze them, allowing the Sphinx to devour them with ease. Speaking of eating, that mouth is another thing you have to watch out for. With broad, cracking teeth, they can crush metal and stone within their jaws. An odd thing to point out is that the huge mouth on their chest isn't used for talking. Instead, their voice seems to come from the organic vents that are positioned below their eyes. It's quite bizarre. Also, to top it all off, Sphinxes have the ability to create portals out of thin air. With a mere thought, they can open up a gate between places and stroll from one land to another in the blink of an eye. These portals have a wide array of uses, like catching fleeing victims without moving, redirecting spells in complex patterns, hopping from one place to the next and even creating complex dungeons that defy reason. Those who have triumphed over Sphinxes in their lairs have claimed that large chunks of these domains simply blink out of existence with the departure of the creature. I guess it explains how they are able to make such massive labyrinths in such tiny spaces. Now I cannot go too far into this entry without bringing up my encounter with a Sphinx. For the longest time, I had never seen one. They rarely appear in this world, and often disappear just as quickly. Having one show up anywhere near me during my travels was like praying for a miracle. For years, I would hear stories about them, but I could never be around when one showed up. It is more frustrating than the situation with the Aelf, because I at least know it is impossible for me to meet one of those, but the mere ounce of a chance of seeing a Sphinx was excruciating to deal with. At last, though, my time came. I was out studying Rock Dragons in the canyons when a messenger raven dropped a letter at my camp. One of my associates had written to me saying that a Sphinx was spotted out on a plateau that was a five day journey away from me. He said he didn't know when it originally showed up or when it would disappear, but he thought to let me know. I immediately dropped everything and rushed to the scene, writing back to my friend mid-journey. I traveled without rest for days, moving as fast as I could so that I didn't miss my chance. There was not telling when the Sphinx would be driven off or would decide to go home, so I hoofed it the whole way. I did the five-day journey in four, and I was at the verge of collapse when I finally finished my climb onto the plateau and looked to find it empty. Words cannot describe the sheer anger, frustration and disappointment I felt at that moment. I would have burst into tears if I had the energy to do so. All that effort was wasted, the Sphinx was gone. I was ready to give a good cry when someone awkwardly coughed behind me. I turned around to be stunned by the Sphinx, who was just sitting there. I later learned that he had caught wind of some "explorer" who was dying to meet him, and he figured it would be an amusing event. To make things more fun, he hid during my arrival just so he could pull this mean prank. What is with people pranking me all the time? What have I done to deserve this? Anyways, I rejoiced at the sight of him, as I finally had the chance to meet a Sphinx, despite the fact I was moments away from dropping from exhaustion. I introduced myself to him and told him about my background. He seemed to find amusement in me, so he agreed to talk with me further. However, my fatigue made such an interview difficult, so I asked if I could meet with him tomorrow. Thankfully he agreed to that as well, so I went to set up camp. Before I could even open my backpack, there was a flash of light, a mighty shove and I tumbled into the front desk of an inn. Originally, I thought I had just woken up from a dream after some traveler hauled my exhausted carcass to an inn. The terrified owner didn't give me any details, he just threw me my keys and pointed me to my room. Never had a bed felt so good! I passed out the moment I hit the hay! Dream or not, a good night sleep was the greatest thing at the time for me. I don't know how long I slept, but sunlight was what woke me the next day. The blinding light roused me from my slumber and I opened my eyes to find myself in a bed that was sitting in the middle of the plateau. I practically screamed when I saw the Sphinx staring at me like a creep! Thank goodness I had the thought to wear a sleeping gown that night! Of course the Sphinx thought it was hilarious as I scrambled to figure out what was going on. Turns out he dropped me at the inn last night to get some rest, then teleported the whole bed back the next morning to give me a scare! I pointed out to him that this prank seemed more creepy than funny, which he found endlessly amusing. No matter who I deal with, someone is always trying to pull a fast one on me. After changing into proper clothes and collecting my faculties, I finally had my chance to talk this Sphinx. My first question was his name, which he told me. I then promptly asked him to say it again, as it was some sound I couldn't comprehend or even write. I wound up calling him "S" as that was the first part of his name that sounded remotely similar. I immediately threw dozens of questions at him, eager to learn more about his kind. S quickly cut me off and told me that such knowledge came at a price. I thought he meant a dual of riddles, which would put my life on the line. I have to honestly say I would have agreed to such a game. I know that sounds foolish, but discovery requires risk. Thankfully he did not go that route, rather he wanted to do what he called "Quid pro quo." How it would work is that I would tell S a piece of trivia or some kind of fact that I gathered from my journeys. If he did not know this fact, or found it amusing, he would allow me to ask a question. If I failed three times in delivering satisfying trivia, he would cut the interview short and call it a day. I agreed to the game and readied my journals. It was time for the duel to begin! Surprisingly, I actually got him with a few. A part of me was worried I would botch it three times in a row and fail, but I actually interested him with a few pieces! It seems that Sphinxes don't know as much about the Underworld as other places. I am guessing it is a tight fit down there for them, so they avoid it. I was able to ask him four questions before I bungled it, but that was good enough for me! My first was asking if his kind had any sort of culture or society, which S said yes to, only clarifying by saying "it's looser than you would think, but the others force a bit more order to things." My second was asking about Sphinxes and the Aelf, and what their relationship was. S said that the Aelf are a bunch of stuck up, self-serious, doom-sayers who really need to learn how to let go of a grudge. The Sphinxes aren't at war with them, but the two sides often get into arguments and fights. He joked about how Sphinxes are a funner bunch (despite the fact their kind sometimes devours people and terrorizes cities) and that they know that grudges are silly to hang on to. He did grumble, though, that there was one Sphinx that everyone seemed to despise. He mumbled something about how "she ruined the best one for the rest of us." The third thing I got to ask him was how their anatomy worked. It was a pretty broad question, but I figured I would try. S replied by going into detail about Sphinx reproduction which I quickly cut off and refuse to write down here. Clearly that reply was a joke, albeit a rather gross one. He did say that they have skeletons, but they weren't made of the same thing as people "from these parts" have in their bones. My fourth and final question was the big one. I had two strikes at the time, I knew it was now or never to ask the burning question. I looked to S and asked why the Sphinxes came to our world. What did they want from us? What did they seek? S rolled onto his back to catch some sun and told me that "everyone needs a good rumpus room." He said nothing else, and I blew my chance when I failed for the third time. Before I could try and bargain with him, a portal opened up and he batted me into it. One nauseous second later, I found myself sitting in my old camp, where I had been studying Rock Dragons previously. S seemed to be done with me, having gotten all the fun he wanted at the moment. Though disappointed I didn't get to ask more, I was grateful I had the opportunity. That brief conversation I had with him will forever be burned in my mind. Happy with my luck, I turned to my camp to continue my research to find the hotel bed flattening my tent. S was done with me, but apparently still had to squeeze in one more gag. Funny enough, a few days later, when I was watching a family of the creatures drink from a river, I was caught off guard by their hatchling appearing right behind me. The inquisitive thing tried to nibble on me, thinking I was a cactus, which I was forced to fend off. This angered the mother, and I wound up running from an enraged female for the next two hours. Later that day, I received another message by raven saying that S had disappeared from the plateau for good. Something tells me that the "sudden" appearance of the hatchling was some kind of parting "gift" from him. I have to believe he was sitting somewhere that day, chuckling as I scrambled up monoliths to avoid being trampled. And that is all I really have to say about Sphinxes. They are an odd lot who just seem to show up in our world for their own amusement. A part of me hopes to see S again, as there are hundreds of more questions I wish to ask him. The other part of me, though, kind of hopes I don't, because I am starting to get sick and tired of being the butt of every joke. Chlora Myron Dryad Natural Historian

#monster #creature #sphinx #art #drawing #alien

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amandaj718 · 7 years ago

Text

Participatory Culture and You: Does a Fandom Ruin a Show or Character?

Fandom.

It is an entertaining, reassuring, annoying, downright scary part of loving a piece of art. Yes, this art does include television shows. I’m convinced we are seeing a manifestation of Andy Warhol’s art in reality shows. That is for another essay though.

Anyway….

Fans are there to celebrate the highs and the lows. You develop friendships that go beyond just talking about the show. You find your creative center. You can overanalyze and criticize the show and not be considered ‘weird’ for doing so. You can swap theories and inside jokes. Fandom becomes this community of sorts. A place to stop by when the real world is getting too rough.

It’s another version of the ‘third place.’

That is a lot of fun. Until it’s not.

Which leads me to the question that has been populating my fandom riddled brain.

Does Fandom Ruin the Enjoyment of a Show/Character?

This reminds me of an academic writer named, Henry Jenkins and his theory of participatory culture. I used to read him in graduate school and I loved what he found out. In case you are wondering what participatory culture is, “…an opposite concept to consumer culture — in other words a culture in which private individuals do not act as consumers only, but also as contributors or producers.” (Jenkins). It is the way we went from being passive in how we enjoyed our art to be more active producers. It depends on where we affiliate ourselves (Tumblr/twitter/message boards), how we express ourselves (fan videos/fanfiction/Meta-analysis), how we work together to solve problems tasks (special events that are by the fans for the fans), and how we shape what we see while enjoying our art (reviews/podcasts).

It’s how we contribute in our participatory cultures that have us enjoying the art on a deeper level. That includes a few more ideas that came out of studying participatory culture. Jenkins came up with a phrase called, textual poachers from his 1992 book, Textual Poachers: Television Fans and Participatory Culture. Textual poachers are:

How fans construct their own culture by appropriating and remixing—”poaching��—content from mass culture. Through this “poaching”, the fans carried out such creative cultural activities as rethinking personal identity issues such as gender and sexuality; writing stories to shift focus onto a media “story world’s” secondary characters; producing content to expand of the timelines of a story world; or filling in missing scenes in the story world’s official narratives order to better satisfy the fan community. (Jenkins; 1992)

Whew. That was just me nerding out (Look Ma, that graduate degree came in handy) but what does this all mean towards my question? What shows have some of the strongest and largest fanbases that stretch generations and have recently turned to the internet to join forces with others?

If you guess soap operas, you are right!

Soap Operas have fans that have grown through the years through the generations that watch. This is very true for two soaps I love, Emmerdale and The Young and the Restless. One from the United Kingdom and another from America. Two different worlds, same participatory culture, and textual poaching.

I’m going to compare these two soaps I enjoy. Emmerdale and The Young and the Restless.

Emmerdale Fandom (As I See It)

Emmerdale has a powerful fandom. The fans are protective and opinioned which makes for a fun time. Not kidding. Having so many different feelings and views gives you more to talk and think about. There are more people to talk to about theories, favorite characters and even how we feel about certain writers. The fanfiction and fanart are heavily available for any character you want (even the characters who are long gone). The meta is outstanding and people knowing the histories of every family is aplenty. You can always ask a question and get an answer.

People are taking the art in front of them and putting their own spin on it, poaching it if you will.

With that said, poaching the material and making it our own is when things get messy. Head canons become fact for people. Shipping outside the norm becomes a sore spot for the fandom. Some even think the poaching goes too far. Some want to participate but feel left out of the well-established groups already formed. Some even take those discussions we have and take it too far letting opinions upset or get them.

How people shape and view the characters or a storyline on the soap can affect how others see a storyline or character. While you think, ‘I’m not that easily swayed’ you would be surprised how strong group think gets while everyone is in their little online worlds. Fractured fanbases make it hard to participate in this fandom and still be respected for the contribution. It comes in waves and right now, we are surfing on a fractured wave.

For instance, I’m heavily involved with the Robron fandom. The current storyline and split have caused a fracture that always happens when a soap couple ends things. Except, this time, there seems to be a war going on. In fact, I found that I’m starting to hate Aaron when I know I don’t hate him. Not for a minute. However, being constantly shouted down for pointing out faults, not understanding someone’s head canon or letting troll take over the fandom space makes the character harder to love. Which, for the lack of a better word, sucks. I think I can argue that a lot of people feel that way.

The Young and the Restless Fandom (As I See It)

The Young and the Restless. The fandom has a smaller social media presence but still as loud and opinioned as the Emmerdale fans. One could argue there is less textual poaching in this fandom. There isn’t as many theories or meta. There is participation through reviewing and using social media to talk about the soap. People know their character histories and are well-versed on showrunners and producers. Less on the writers.

With that said, things can be angry fast. Usually around the showrunner. The biggest drama isn’t always who should be paired with who but who is running the show and if they are doing a good enough job. That starts the showrunner wars. We are in the middle of another changeover, and the fans are arguing over who should be picked next. It is less about what is happening on screen (it’s there) but what happens off screen that effects the fandom and how they participate within the fandom.

The ship wars are never bad. The storylines are usually mocked and tolerated. It is the fighting about behind the scenes drama that does me in. I really don’t want to care about the showrunner. I don’t care who is running the writers room. I just want to see my favorite characters every day at noon dealing with the craziest of problems. I want to see who gets thrown down a volcano not who said what to whoever in the dressing room last week.

What was the Point of That?

What was the point of comparing the two fandoms and shows? There are two different fandom and two distinct ways they participate in their shows. Emmerdale is intense about what is happening on screen while The Young and the Restless is passionate about the behind the scenes that what happens on screen.

Which brings me back to the original question. I’ll remind you. Does fandom change how you feel about a show/character?

I believe it depends on how intense the fandom can be. Emmerdale has an active, intense young fandom out there. Opinions are shared and misheard, and people take those meta/fanfiction/gifs and love or hate them. Fights happen easier and the longer you stay in that world participating, the easier it can get to feel like what others feel like (group think sneaks in again as well as wanting to agree, so you don’t have to fight with someone anymore). It makes it hard to enjoy a character or show on your own terms.

The Young and the Restless has an older fandom that tends to stick to discussing or reviewing the show than getting deep into the meta/fanfictions/gif making. They don’t textual poach but there is a culture of participation that can affect how you see things but easier to walk away from seeing as things never get that intense over what is happening on screen.

So, yes, I think a fandom can ruin a show or character, but only if you stay too long and stay unhappy. Meaning, this can all be fixed by walking away for a while. Watching the show and its characters on your own terms. Get a better footing before jumping back into that culture of participation and the groups that form. It is easier to do that with The Young and the Restless seeing as it isn’t as intense and the participation is small (I have walked away too. For a year and it was the best decision. I can watch the show with clearer eyes now).

Emmerdale is harder to walk away from. The show itself has been one of best things I stumbled upon in a long time. It’s a different look at how soap operas could be running, and the fans are passionate and lots of fun. That fun can turn on you fast though when a story doesn’t go the way the fanbase wants, and their poaching of the material doesn’t help lessen the blow. People arguing can get old and hard to ignore. Like I said, I should walk away but I can’t. I’m too rooted here now. I have met many smart, talented and fun people in this fandom. ��I love the fanfiction. I love the gifs. I love the jokes, and I love how people try to make the best of a bad situation. Even though things are rough and people are getting more and more cynical, I see hope there. A positive that is on the horizon. It’s just rough to see it for long right now.

So, how do I fix this feeling? Tell me below or Tweet/Tumblr me @AmandaJ718. I’m very interested in getting opinions on this. Until next time, I’ll see you around in Overthinking World. It lives next to Denial World and Theory Land (THEORIES DON’T GET A WORLD?). If you got that reference, you get a cookie and a trip to St. Olaf. Enjoy.

#Emmerdale #The Young and the Restless #Robron #opinion piece #Participatory Cultures #Textual Poaching #soap opera

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runictrolls · 7 years ago

Note

1, 16, 21, 28 for Jerath and Pertha!

Readmore because holy moley there’s a lot

1: What does your OC feel is important to be talented at?

Jerath puts a lot of emphasis on literacy, and considers trolls who are well-read and well-spoken in high regard. He enjoys arguing points of history, literature, grammar, and foreign language with anyone who will give him the time to do so, and the more heated these exchanges get the more Jerath considers them to have been a rousing success. He also believes that martial prowess is a must for a troll, and if a troll is incapable of defending themselves (at the very least) his respect for them tends to plummet--though his pity levels might go through the roof. Jerath also holds art and industry in high regard, so if your troll can create something beautiful or useful then Jerath is usually very impressed--especially if it’s something that he could never do.

Pertha recognizes that each person is unique, and possesses their own innate skills and talents. That said, she does think that each person should be good at something. Trolls who have no discernable talents, or who are content to sit around watching Grubtube all day, rarely get any respect from her (not that she’s generous doling that out in the first place). Like Jerath, she considers fighting skills quite highly, though she tends to prefer flash over substance--she’d definitely rather watch the WWE than the UFC. It’s the one talent that she would actually enthusiastic support; a lot of the time she tends to react underwhelmingly, even if she privately is impressed by somebody’s talent.

Fame, too, is something that Pertha is generally in awe of. Somebody who is renowned, especially online, will get instant respect from her.

16: How openly does your OC show their emotions?

Jerath has a veneer of civility that is actually quite easy to break down. It’s not a facade, he just has a rather rigid idea of how a Blueblood Must Act, and this includes a degree of stoicism. Among friends, however, Jerath opens up a lot more; and even in public, whether pleased or displeased, Jerath is rarely shy about telling people how he feels. He just does so in as measured a tone as he can muster; swearing notwithstanding, Jerath tries to remain ‘civil’ in discussions. He is also not shy about heaping effusive praise on his friends. Jerath is almost always genuine; he never lies, and at worst he’ll tell a half-truth, or he may lie by omission if he has to. Jerath is also very gullible for this reason, and tends to take everything at face value. The only detail in which Jerath may not be totally genuine are the self-aggrandizing, braggadocious statements he sometimes indulges in; Jerath has a big ego, but it’s very fragile, and it’s unclear how much of this is due to genuine confidence or to cover up his own insecurities.

The only time Jerath really completely loses his cool is when he goes Berserk, which is like an actual state he enters related to his SGRUB Aspect. I haven’t used it literally in years, it’s more of a plot device than anything else, and it hasn’t come up recently. This is called Jerath Gets Mature and Gets a Handle On His Rage Bullshit.

Pertha is very open with her emotions, when her typical emotion is “disdain.” This can quickly change to “joy” or “excitement,” especially when fighting or eating. These, however, are more surface feelings, and when it comes to talking about actual emotion, she tends to get tripped up. Actual red or pale emotions are hard to draw out of her, partly because she thinks she’s ‘above’ feeling these emotions or expressing them--or, more likely, she feels she’s incapable of them. This has been challenged recently in her moiraillegiance and budding matespritship, and since she’s pledged herself to trying her best in the pale quadrant, she’s trying her best to open up more. She’s finding it somewhat difficult, but I think she’s made some very important progress.

Pitch emotion is different. Because a large component of it is ‘disdain,’ and the other component is flirtation, Pertha is very comfortable feeling and expressing these emotions. As she settles into her pale and red quadrants, I think she will find a great deal of satisfaction in opening up as a genuine person. Pertha seems to consider herself something of a joke, or an instigator of A Good Time; I’m hoping that, as she gains healthy quadrants, she will consider herself a troll of value and become more in tune with the side of her that craves genuine interaction. However, I don’t know if she’ll ever settle down in the black quadrant; it may be her one outlet for aggression, and it seems unlikely that she could remain committed in that particular quadrant.

21: How much of an attention seeker is your OC?

They both are huge attention seekers. The biggest difference is that Jerath craves positive attention; he wants to be beloved by everyone, and not necessarily because of his caste. In his own, awkward way, he tries to reach out to other trolls and really wants a close group of friends who have each others’ backs and admire one another. This is why he sometimes flips between arrogant and obsequious; he thinks that bragging will elevate his position in the eyes of his peers, and if this fails, he will stoop to any level to regain a modicum of respect or amity from his peers. This often backfires as well. He willingly gave up his eye to avoid losing the only friend he thought he had left. It’s kind of sad!

Even in rivalries, Jerath thinks a healthy level of respect is important; otherwise the rules go out the fucking window, people get hurt, and collateral damage is inevitable. For this reason he tries to cultivate some measure of decency, even amongst people that he despises. In trolls that he has designated as Worthy Enemies, however, he will revel in negative attention, which he often couches as ‘jealousy.’

Pertha constantly seeks attention from everyone around her, whether this is positive or negative. Negative attention is easier for her to get, in her mind, so that’s what she often goes for. This is why Pertha’s current M.O. is to just show up at peoples’ houses and start eating their food (she does this to Jerath particularly); it’s a very easy way to immediately piss people off and get their eyes on you. She also keeps up a presence on social media for the same reason, and is addicted to garnering as many views, likes, and shares as she can, by any means necessary. Recent and near-future events will cause her to re-evaluate this stance, however; again, getting settled into the conciliatory quadrants will calm her down somewhat, and she’ll appreciate genuine warmth and affection a lot more than attention just for attention’s sake. Right now she has to be the loudest, brashest, cussingest person wherever she is; being around other trolls who are popular and love attention (such as Starla) who don’t resort to just screaming and fighting everyone in sight has altered her stance on this somewhat. Soon she will be getting alternate, casual outfits; part of the reason she continued to wear her current attire, which she is not shy about saying she hates, is that 1) it’s distinctive, and often leads trolls to comment on it, 2) it’s not what trolls would expect her to wear, leading to further commentary, and 3) it gives her something to complain about--loudly. It’s another outward manifestation of her unhealthy relationship with her lusus, and changing her wardrobe will allow her actual personality to shine through and give her a more understated way of getting attention--namely by actually meeting trolls and getting to know them on a more genuine level.

28: Is your OC loyal or more prone of take advantage of people close to them?

Jerath is the least likely person to take advantage of somebody close to him. As I mentioned above, he is very trusting of those around him, to an almost naive extent, and he constantly seeks their adulation and praise. As I mentioned in earlier asks, Jerath also thinks it’s his job to look out for other trolls, and sort of assumes that the people around him are looking out for him as well. He is incredibly loyal, to the extent that he’ll make oaths upon meeting a new friend and punish himself if he ever goes back on his word, even by accident (see the above incident with the eyeball, which was because he didn’t show up to a friend’s house at the time he was supposed to). This can have even more disastrous consequences; Jerath killed Vide’s lusus because she was 1) abusive toward Vide, and 2) preventing her from becoming matesprits with their mutual friend (or so he thought). Womp.

Jerath’s loyalty should also be evident in his quadrants; Jerath firmly believes that all of his quadrants are serendipitous, and betraying their trust is not a thought that even enters his head. He’s kind of the Dale Gribble of trolls; outwardly suspicious and wary, but almost stupidly loyal to people he considers “trustable.” Jerath only loses friends when they leave him, or when they do something absolutely unforgivable. In short, Jerath is far more likely to be taken advantage of than the other way around.

Pertha, on the other hand, takes advantage of everyone she knows--to an extent. She’ll use them to get information, or food, or for entertainment value, but that’s about the extent of it. People she ‘likes’ get this treatment, in which she is more of an annoyance than anything else. She has no qualms about messing with people outside of her ‘friend group,’ and while I wouldn’t describe her behavior as overtly malicious she certainly doesn’t seem to have many scruples when it comes to trolls she isn’t personally invested in. Interestingly, Pertha seems to think that all trolls have inherent worth, whether this is as an individual worthy of some manner of respect or as someone she can ask for a favor of later--this is part of the reason she stopped using guns, and instead favors a nonlethal approach to combat.

All that said, though, and I’ll sound like a broken record here, she is at least trying to change her stance when it comes to her very first quadrant ever--her moirallegiance with Vide. Pertha has kind of taken the lead, and retained her ‘annoyance’ status, but this time with the intent to help! Vide, I’m sure, is trying to cope with this rather aggressive meddling as best she can, and has made it clear to Pertha that this relationship cannot be a one-way street. Pertha is gradually opening up, however, and is beginning to realize that she isn’t beyond reproach, either; rather than trying to ‘fix’ Vide, she has to open herself to being ‘fixed’ as well. This includes, among other things, trying to see trolls as trolls, and people that she can have a genuine connection with--rather than just a means to an end.

#ooc reply #psychology meme #jerath #pertha #hoo man this was a doozy #activatingaggro

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lewepstein · 7 years ago

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Why We Fight

Frank Capra, the legendary American filmmaker is most famous for his dark Christmas parable “It’s A Wonderful Life.” What is less known about Capra is that he enlisted in the army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and was assigned the cinematic task of producing seven films intended to explain to American soldiers and the country at large what was at stake in the war against Germany, Japan and Italy - the “Why We Fight” series.

If we scroll forward seventy five years from the era of Capra’s films and World War II, we find ourselves at a similar historical crossroads. The fascism that arose in Germany, Italy and Japan in the 1930s is having a resurgence in Europe and the United States. Nazis, nativists and white nationalists are once again on the march. In place of Adolph Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan , we have an expansionist Russian despot and former KGB head, Vladimir Putin, a white nationalist and declared homophobe, who has murdered his opponents at home and devotes his nation’s resources to sowing ethnic conflict abroad. With his army of hackers and internet trolls he is attempting to subvert democratic elections around the world and was able to reach an estimated one hundred and twenty four million Americans with fake news designed to discredit Hillary Clinton and help get his favored candidate, Donald Trump, elected president of the United States.

I have often asked myself why I have such strong feelings about politics and why I sometimes reach the point where I am ready to fight. Is it that I came of age in the 1960s and was imprinted on the notion that the world should always be moving forward in some progressive way? Or is it that I just don’t like the way that the tenure of Trump intersects with my own life, that I am growing old facing the possibility that I won’t be passing on to my grandchildren and succeeding generations a society that embodies my core beliefs? Along with my emotional and family life cycle issues, I am worried as a student of history that nations and individuals can repeat old patterns with disastrous consequences and that we are currently at one of those historical tipping points.

When I think about the words, “Why we fight,” I think about D-day and the thousands of American soldiers mowed down by German machine gun fire on Omaha Beach in their attempt to liberate France from Hitler’s army. I recall the actual footage and the movies about the gruesome battles to retake the islands in the Pacific occupied by the troops of Imperial Japan who had been ordered to die rather than surrender to the Americans. And I have images of emaciated corpses photographed during the liberation of Dachau and Buchenwald, the death camps in which Hitler’s mechanized holocaust and racial genocide against Jews, gypsies, homosexuals and other “non-Aryans” was committed.

The fight against fascism, Nazism and authoritarian regimes is what America once stood for and the cause for which our soldiers gave their lives in the 1940s. Yet, every morning since the election of 2016 many of us have woken up to what should only have been a bad dream - the realization that the current occupant of the White House is a Nazi sympathizer, a white nationalist and an admirer of and collaborator with Vladimir Putin, the Russian dictator and enemy of democracy around the world.

There is a temptation to turn away or deny what is staring us in the face when the truth is so frightening and stark. To soften the blow of what on some level we already know, we may entertain thoughts like, “an American president can’t really be a Nazi sympathizer and a white racist” or, in imagining what the thoughts of a Trump supporter might be: “Underneath some of his nasty tweets, tough talk and bravado, he is �� really a good guy looking out for people like me.” Trump’s drip, drip drip of lies, along with his daily assault on decency and the institutions that underpin our democracy is designed to inure us to things that we should be outraged about. This is the way we begin the dangerous slide into accepting what Trump is inflicting on our country as “the new normal.” Even our free press which has been attacked by Trump with the big lie that it is they who are the purveyors of “fake news” tend to normalize what Trump is doing when they do what they are trained to do as journalists, merely report on his erratic and authoritarian behaviors objectively.

Thus far our press and our judicial system have not folded. They have held the line against Trump’s authoritarian attacks on rule of law and our first amendment rights. But entertain no illusions that it can’t happen here - that we can’t lose our rights and freedoms if the person at the top places his own ambition for power above the constitution that he swore to uphold. If you have any doubts about the ways that democracies can yield to fascism and want to learn some effective ways to respond I suggest reading, “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From The Twentieth Century” by Timothy Snyder.

Democracies have deteriorated into police states in other nations when the institutions that protect personal freedoms become compromised. The following are just some of the ways that Trump has acted to undermine our free press, our judicial system, our regulatory agencies and our civil norms:

● By attacking truth itself, tweeting lies by the hour, and trying to create an alternative reality based solely on what the “great leader” wants us to think.

● By attacking and denigrating journalists and other media outlets that don’t support him as purveyors of “fake news.”

● By beginning his election campaign with the racist “birther” lie, questioning the legitimacy of America’s first black president.

● By appointing unqualified members of his own family to positions of power within his inner circle, the practice of many dictators.

● By stirring up his shock troops on the far right with inflammatory language and hate rallies and polarizing the nation with an “us” vs. “them” narrative.

● By marginalizing and trying to turn back the clock on the LGBTQ community by issuing an executive order that would ban transgender people from the military.

● By withdrawing from the world community and advocating the type of nationalism that dangerously denies global issues like climate change.

● By activating and empowering the religious right with executive orders and blurring the boundaries between church and state.

● By placing the corporate enemies of regulation at the head of institutions like the EPA that are supposed to protect our water, our air and our rights.

● By further empowering his wealthy, corporate allies and dis-empowering working people by stacking the courts with conservative judges and appointing only the mega-wealthy as cabinet heads.

● By signaling to police departments across the country that he believes in “law and order” - the exact words used by Hitler and Mussolini - and defunding the oversight projects that make precincts accountable to the communities they are supposed to serve.

● By obstructing justice by firing an FBI chief who was conducting an investigation into his own campaign committee’s collusion with Russia.

● By racially attacking and impugning judges who are not ruling on cases in the way that he would like.

● By rounding up immigrants for deportation and ending DACA, the Obama-era act that grants immigrants’ children who were born in the United States the right to stay.

● By targeting, criminalizing and scapegoating Muslims, Mexicans and other minorities as groups to be hated and feared - and putting forth policies to ban Muslims from entry into the United States and build a border wall between the United States and Mexico.

● By attempting to cast doubt on an election system with a “voter fraud commission” that would only serve to further suppress the turnout for the opposition party.

● By having as his ally and original chief strategist Steve Bannon, CEO of Breitbart news and one of the leaders of the so called “alt-right,” a code-word for Neo-Nazis and white nationalists.

● By never fully repudiating the support of David Duke and other Klans members and neo-Nazis whom he has emboldened and activated by his statements and at times by his silence.

● By never clearly eliminating the conflicts of interests in his real estate empire or revealing his own finances and taxes so that there could be transparency in that arena, another practice of many dictators.

● By engaging in a foreign policy based on threats and militarism and understaffing the state department to the point where diplomacy is hardly an option.

● By touting the praises of the leaders of Turkey, Egypt and the Philippines, all military strongmen who have have eliminated democracy within their borders and created police states.

● By signaling America’s lack of commitment to democratic rights, thereby endangering political prisoners throughout the world.

It is Trump’s embrace of Russian dictator Vladmir Putin that is perhaps the most compelling saga in Trump’s anti-democratic narrative. And it is both telling and disturbing the way our president is attempting to create a new world order by shifting America’s loyalties away from the democracies of Europe, our allies for the past seventy years, and moving our nation into cooperation with the Russian police state.

An independent commission headed by Robert Mueller, a former Republican appointed FBI chief with a sterling reputation for impartiality is presently investigating the machinations of Trump’s presidential campaign committee. If you are following some of the early findings and evidence, it is remarkable to note that every member of the Trump campaign team, including Jeff Sessions, our attorney general, has a Russia connection of one kind or another and that the timing of statements that Trump made on the campaign trail coincided with leaks of hacked information from Russian sources designed to discredit the Clinton campaign and boost Trump’s then dim chances of winning.

It is not insignificant that Putin and the KGB that he once led, have a history of culling foreign persons of interest to use to their advantage when the time is ripe. The fact that Trump’s financial connections to Russia and Russian oligarchs goes back to the 1980s and as a bankrupt and failing real estate mogul he could be an easy and unwitting mark is not too much of a stretch. Without becoming too conspiratorial, is it not also possible that Putin and the KGB’s interest in personality types that are narcissistic, arrogant and easily manipulated could make Trump a perfect Manchurian Candidate? But, without even going that far, is there any doubt that Trump knew something about what his inner circle - Paul Manafort, Michael Flinn, Jeff Sessions, Jared Kushner and his other campaign officials were doing in their secret dealings with Russia... and that these covert communications and the pursuit of Russia’s hacked emails were designed to undermine both foreign policy during the Obama administration and the integrity of the presidential election? And isn’t what I have just described something called treason, the very behaviors that people were executed for in the 1950s?

During the rise of Hitler and fascism in Europe in the 1930s there were Nazi sympathizers in England, France and the United States. It is also significant to note that American corporations like Ford and IBM were quite willing to do business with Hitler during that period. When war broke out some of the the Nazi sympathizers in France became collaborators with Hitler and The Third Reich and formed the Vichy government. But many in Poland, France and other European countries discovered ways to secretly fight the occupiers and began calling themselves “The Resistance.”

Scrolling forward once again to the present day, it is Germany, France and England that have held the line against their right wing, xenophobic parties, and unlike the 1930s, it is the United States, once the beacon of freedom, that has succumbed to right wing populism and elected a nativist and white nationalist to be its leader. Drawing from the legacy of the freedom fighters of occupied Europe, members of American organizations who once considered themselves liberals or progressives are now proclaiming themselves a part of the resistance to the Trump regime.

There are times when being an observer on the sidelines may just not be enough - when the question is no longer, “so how do you feel about the current situation?,” but rather “which side are you on?” This may sound polarizing and I am sure that there are many Trump supporters who do not know that he is on the wrong side of history and that his regime poses a clear and present danger to the many hard won entitlements and freedoms that they hold dear. One should always be willing to engage in a respectful dialog with anyone who is willing to listen, but there are also those who should know better - opportunists and collaborators like Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and many others in the Republican Party who are clear that Donald Trump is a white nationalist, and a Nazi sympathizer but who are willing to do business with him anyway. They know he is promoting an agenda that solidifies rule by the super-rich and are willing to tolerate our nation’s dissolving into a banana republic as the trade-off.

On the basis of all that I have just described I have decided to join the new American resistance in the fight against authoritarianism, Nazism, white nationalism and the increasing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of several billionaires - the type of society that snuffs out any true possibility of democracy. There are many organizations that have joined together in this battle against tyranny including the American Civil Liberties Union, Green Peace, The Southern Poverty Law Conference, Planned Parenthood and “Indivisible,” a confederation of 5,200 chapters of like minded people across the U.S, who simply want to promote progressive candidates in the coming elections.

“Our Revolution,” the Bernie Sanders group, is also supporting a grassroots movement of very diverse candidates in elections throughout our fifty states from school board members to state senators, with much success in recent races in Virginia and even in very red states like Louisiana and Oklahoma. It is easy to go online, to get involved and to contribute some time and some money. I have committed to working for candidates across the nation who have progressive credentials and good values so that the 2018 elections may become the prairie fire that starts to burn away some of the reaction that has gained such a strong foothold in our nation's politics. It may also serve as a warning to the opportunistic politicians who have been willing to do business with the Trump regime and to let them know that there will be a price to pay for collaboration. It is important to remember that it is not just the press and the courts that need to resist the threats to our democracy that the Trump regime embodies. Standing between our country and the racist, police state that Trump envisions is mainly us.

Someday I hope that my grandchildren will ask me what I did during that dark period in our nation’s history when Trump was president and it looked like the country was veering toward isolationism and tyranny. I look forward to telling them why I joined the resistance and what I did to hold the line against the gathering forces on the right. It would be good be able to explain to them that although tolerance can be a virtue, tolerating evil and reaction can turn into a collaboration with forces that will eventually destroy everything that you value and love. I would also hope to teach them that we do not have to see ourselves as helpless victims swept along in the currents of history. We can also view ourselves as participants and active players in a drama in which each one of us can contribute in some small way to the possibilities of change. It will be important for them to learn that it is their duty to always work for peace but that sometimes they may be called upon to fight.

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