#It'll be a while and a *lot* of work before it's all online haha

[solradguy]

In other exciting Guilty Gear scanning news: @tillman and I picked up the last of the unscanned 4koma and manga volumes. So once they're scanned ALL of the Guilty Gear manga will be fully digitized. The collection will be complete.

[exrankluck]

Dear Vocalist Unlimited Veronica Translation — PIECES [track two]

disclaimer: this is 90% AI-generated transcription and translation, some things might be inaccurate or awkward.

ディア ヴォーカリスト Unlimited エントリーNo.5 Veronica / モモチ (CV: 豊永利行)

- Drums: YAMATO (CV. Shunichi Toki)

- Guitar: OHGI (CV. Makoto Furukawa)

- Bass: AMA (CV. Kengo Kawanishi)

- Keyboard: SHIZURU (CV. Yoshitaka Yamaya)

Yamato: Ah, I see. That could be a good idea. Nowadays, online shopping is more popular, so it might be better to do that too.

But, what about the expiration date issue? Ultimately, that's the root of the problem in our city. What is dad saying about this?

He used to say things that seemed to be against that kind of thing. Like, "Try to use additives as little as possible”.

Oh, Momochi-kun!

Over here, over here! Sorry, but let's talk about this another time. I'm going to a drinking party now.

Mm, bye-bye.

mmc: Sorry for making you come to pick me up~

Yamato: No problem, no problem, it's on the way anyway.

mmc: By the way, did Yamato-kun get a new car again?

Yamato: Ah, did you notice? Actually, it was just delivered last week.

Yamato: I scratched the old car in the parking lot of my apartment building.

mmc: Eh, you bought a new one because of that? Or rather, you hit it pretty hard, didn't you?

Yamato: No, there wasn't even a dent, just a little paint came off.

Yamato: So, I wasn't planning on getting a new one…

Yamato: I really liked it, but you know how those salespeople at the dealership are so good at talking?

Yamato: They said, "You can upgrade to a new car with just this much from the trade-in value, even after subtracting the repair cost." I fell for it, scary.

mmc: I see. I don't have a car, so I don't really understand that kind of thing... ha ha…

[02:01] Ohgi

Ohgi: Yes, I've been able to work on idol group songs one after another lately. Thank you for listening. But they are a male group after all, and Spark is a group that shows off acrobatic dance moves.

The director was aware of that.

Thank you very much for today.

Really? I'm honored. Then, I look forward to hearing about the album.

It depends on the timing, but if there aren’t any issues, I think I can still take a few more songs. The conversation will change a bit if it's after the New Year, though.

Yes, that's right.

But, well, I'm not the one who writes Veronica's songs, so I think it'll be a while before I get too busy with that.

The thing that's keeping me busy right now is another job that I took on my own.

It's often said subtly, but for me, the reason Veronica can continue in this form is precisely because of it, you know?

There's a different kind of appeal too.

*shiny sfx flashback*

[03:25]

mmc: Oh, really? Then, was the song for that commercial also by Ohgi-kun?

Ohgi: Yes, I made it before Veronica's offer came in.

Ohgi: It feels like it's been a while since then, though.

mmc: I see... Hey, Ohgi-kun, as a guitarist of course, but even as a music producer, you're selling so well. So why Veronica?

Ohgi: Well...

Ohgi: It's because of the songs I heard.

mmc: Huh? The songs?

Ohgi: Yeah, I just thought they were amazing when I heard the songs that Momochi-kun made.

Ohgi; So I said if I could be involved even just by playing the guitar, I would.

Ohgi: And besides, lately, producing work has become my main thing.

Ohgi: I'm not dissatisfied with that, but sometimes it's good to experience things from the player's perspective.

Ohgi: There are things you can learn from it.

mmc: Hmm, I see.

mmc: Oh, by the way, it's a bit late to ask, but...

mmc: Ohgi-kun is your real name, right? It's a rare name.

Ohgi: Well, yeah.

Ohgi: But if you say that, Momochi-kun's name is rare too, isn't it?

mmc: Haha, that’s true. I was a little confused at first myself.

Ohgi: Oh… but that's your real name too, right?

mmc: Yeah.

mmc: But originally it was a pretty common name, and I suddenly had to start living with my father in the middle of elementary school.**

Ohgi: I see. Sorry. I guess I asked something unnecessary.

mmc: No, it's fine…

mmc: Just keep it a secret from everyone else, okay? I still don't know everyone very well.

Ohgi: Of course. Me too.

Ohgi: I'll pretend I didn't hear anything.

[05:34]

Shizuru: Oh, here they come. Welcome.

Yamato: Hey, Shizu. I parked the car in the usual spot, so can you keep it until tomorrow?

Yamato: If it's in the way, feel free to move it.

Yamato: OK, here's the key.

Shizuru: Got it. I'll tell the staff later.

mmc: What about Ohgi-kun and Akkun? Are they working today too?

Shizuru: Mhm. They're coming from the job site, so they'll be a little late.

Shizuru: They said it was okay to start without them, though.

Yamato: By the way, the inside of the store looks so different now!

Yamato: Did you buy this grand piano?

Shizuru: No, I just had the one from my house brought here.

Shizuru: To be honest, I haven't used it much.

Shizuru: But it seemed like a waste to just leave it as a decoration.

Shizuru: Hey, Momochi-kun, don't you notice something?

mmc: Huh? Notice what?

Shizuru: Well, I guess not.

Shizuru: Maybe it's hard to tell since the scale is different. I tried to make it look like a stage, with a little more height.

Shizuru: Remember the bar you took me to, Momochi-kun? The one near the old apartment you used to live in.

mmc: Eh?

Yamato: Oh, yeah, I remember now! Now that you mention it, it does look a little similar!

mmc: Wait, did we go to that bar together?

Yamato: We did! I remember that you took me out once a while ago, don't remember when it was though.

*shiny sfx flashback*

[07:13]

Yamato: Oh, I see. Fine. Mhm, see you later!

Yamato: No good, Ohgi can't make it today either.

Shizuru: Aw, really? So it's just the two of us in the end? Akkun is overseas now.

Yamato: We had plans for a private get-together after such a long time.

Yamato: In that case, let's try inviting Momochi-kun, even if it's a long shot~

Shizuru: Or rather, I'll just lure him in suddenly*. His apartment is quite close by, right?

Yamato: Definitely, definitely! Shall we go and see if he's up for it?

[08:05]

Shizuru: Huh, they're playing live music. That's amazing.

mmc: Yeah, it's a nice atmosphere here, isn't it?

Yamato: Do you come here often, Momochi-kun?

mmc: Not really that often... Oh, I'll have the usual.

Shizuru: Alright, then I'll have the same.

Yamato: Me too!

Yamato: By the way, sorry for just showing up at your apartment like that~! I didn't think you'd have a friend over. Is it okay that you came out to the bar, Momochi-kun?

mmc: Eh? Yeah, don’t worry. It's her friend who is visiting… ha ha…

Shizuru: Are you close with your girlfriend's friends? I envy that.

mmc: W-well, not really "close"...

mmc: Anyways, Yamato-kun, are you okay with being taken to a bar like this? I thought you said you were driving earlier...

Yamato: Yeah, I'll take a taxi back, so it's okay.

Yamato: I have another car at home, so I'll just leave it in the parking lot and pick it up when I have time.

mmc: Oh, I see. That's good, then.

[09:22]

Shizuru: Oh, do you think someone else will sing next?

mmc: Ah, yeah, that's right. That person is the resident singer here. Sometimes they play just the piano, like earlier.

Shizuru: Oh, I see. So singing is more of the main thing? I’m looking forward to it.

Yamato: By the way, what about you, Momochi-kun? What do you think of their singing? Is it good?

mmc: Eh? …Oh, yeah. They're pretty good, you know?

Shizuru: If you ask Momochi-kun, it's kind of unfair to the singer, don't you think? I mean, he can sing so well, so it's only natural to have high standards, right?

Shizuru: By the way, I've been wondering about this for a while now…

Shizuru: Momochi-kun, why did you start doing music? Was there a particular reason?

mmc: Huh?

mmc: Let me see... I didn't consciously start doing it myself, but I just naturally started doing it through my relationships with people around me... And there was a piano at home since I was little.

Shizuru: Hmm... Oh, could it be that your parents were also in the music industry?

mmc: No, it's not that big of a deal? Oh, look, it's starting.

[10:52]

mmc: Oh, yeah. I think something like that might have happened.

mmc: I see, you liked that bar. I stopped going there much after that, and I've moved since then.

Shizuru: The atmosphere was good, but above all, isn’t it the best being able to drink while listening to live music by a professional singer?

Shizuru: I want to hire an exclusive singer at my place too. It could be every weekend or every other week.

Shizuru: Does anyone know a good person? We have a piano, so they could incorporate that too.

Yamato: Shizuru can just play it himself.

Yamato: Oh, and how about Momochi-kun singing? Cheers would definitely be happy!

mmc: Eh?

Shizuru: Hmmm, I wasn't really planning on playing it myself.

Shizuru: But if Momochi-kun is going to sing, that's a different story.

Shizuru: We could make it a reservation-only event for that day.

mmc: But if we’re going to do it, we should do it properly as a Veronica live, right? I mean, isn't that what everyone wants?

mmc: This place is great but the number of tables is limited, and there will be many people who won't be able to come to listen if we do it this way… ne?

Yamato: Certainly~ If Momochi is going to sing, this place will be full in seconds.

Shizuru: Hey, don't say things like "this place." We can accommodate twice as many people as when we first opened.

Ohgi: Oh, sorry, I'm late.

Shizuru: Welcome! In fact, you're earlier than I expected.

Yamato: I wonder if Akkun is still on his way?

Yamato: Let's wait until everyone is here to make a toast. For now, let's get started, shall we?

mmc: Y-yeah. We'll just be even more delayed if we wait.

Shizuru: Okay, then let's have some hors d'oeuvres brought in for now.

Shizuru: What's everyone having to drink first?

Ohgi: I'm fine with anything.

Yamato: Actually, what do you have today? I want to choose~!

Shizuru: Um, today we have... Hey, let me show you what's in the cellar.

*"いきなりと釣っちゃう" (ikinari to tsuruccha) in this context means "to suddenly invite (someone)". The idiom "釣る" (tsuru) literally means "to fish".

**I believe Momochi means that he used to have a common last name, until he had to move in with his father in elementary school - and took on his father’s rare last name…? ;; the momochi lore ahh

[corpseaten]

bangle is such a sweet character! love having them (forgot if boy or girl?) on my island. i can also send you pics of my island when i log on later today, okay? yes, that was my id (if the user was MISAKI ILY!!! and a rinko pfp) so ill add u back on bandori and we can play together some time ^^ sanctuary is such a good song!!!! omg, such good taste .aiai's voice is so powerful, i love how high pitched her strong it is. her solo work is good as well, although i haven't listened to it in a while. speaking of enstars, im prob gonna start a the story & anime, but it'll take me a while since my attention span is so low currently, ah. i don't know reina but ill look her up in a bit. adonis from enstars, which is where i chose the name from, since my actual name is so unique everyone would know exactly who it was, haha. but i prefer it since im able to be more masculine & myself online than irl, but when we get closer i will tell you mine, too! being called clover is so nice, though, and yes it's okay to send long, chaotic messages, i love talking to you and i don't mind at all. i want to know how you think and what you care about. your name is so adorable as well, it rolls off the tongue very nicely. it also matches you; it has a shy, but elegant feel to it, as you do. i really enjoy that kind of personality.

you're such a baby, though, getting all flustered on me. i wonder what it'll look like when i really destroy you, huh? silly girl. thank you for replying to me. i have so many things i want to say, that my brain is a bit frazzled. i cant get it all out, but.... i wish i could... just... choke you... and watch your eyes water... would you cry for me? would you beg for me to stop? or beg for me to press harder? ill put you in your place... under me. i won't go that far anymore, though, since it's public and i only want you to see. - 🍀

I would love to see pictures of your island! I like how nice the villagers have become, I know a lot of people wish they kept being meaner but I just think it’s sweet. Ahh it was not . . I am guessing I just added some random person . . This is so sad. I like playing japanese server because I do not like to wait for updates . . Her vocal work is insane, I have never seen a seiyuu as good as her, her in firebird and rozen horizon is so ?!!! How does she do it? My attention span is also horrible. but if I am really into something I find I pay attention a lot easier! She is very pretty. I might just link her to you as I am the girl I pair her with. I think Adonis suits you well, it’s very pretty. The name I actually do go by online isn’t my real name, but I hate my real name, so I would rather change it to what I prefer . . Not in a gender affirming way in my case, I just do not connect with it. I love talking to you as well, I just find myself getting carried away. I can call you whatever you please, my dear. It makes me happy that you want to know that kind of stuff, I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone be genuinely interested about me before, I want to know the same about you, I feel like I know a lot already. It does? You are really quite skilled in making me blush. If it rolls off the tongue, I hope I’ll be able to hear it from you. I guess that is how you’d descibe me! I hope I can always be someone you enjoy, if you ever stopped liking my personality, I would change it in an instant.

A baby? Are you degrading me? I am easily flustered, it does not take much, I’d like to say I’m not easy but . . I really am when I like someone. I hope you keep imagining it, what would it look like? You’ll just have to come here and find out. It’s okay my sweetness, we have more than enough time to organise your thoughts, together. Oh. You are getting very bold here. Oh my. Well. I am certainly not not inviting you to choke me, I’d let you choke me until I pass out, I want a really pretty necklace from you. As long as you do take care of me afterwards, If I died, I’ll haunt someone else forever, just to piss you off. I actually think that depends on my mood, I’d probably rut against you if I wanted more, but then struggle and kick if I wanted you to let go of me. How do you know the exact words to push my buttons? I widh you luck in taming me, I have claws too, maybe I wont let you ontop of me until you’re all bruised and scratched. I may have gone overboard for public . . if you don’t want to reply to some of this you don’t have to, I don’t wish to embarass you, or. give too much to other people.

[woodsorrelpainting]

information post

In this post, I'll include an "about me" section and what this blog is for/about (including my plans for it)

quick links to save from scrolling all the way down (each website I list will be a link that you can click directly on):

kofi | youtube | etsy

Before that though, two disclaimers:

Do not use anything shown here as a definitive identification guide for plants or animals. I am learning all of this as I post and I am bound to make mistakes.

Additionally, I will not include ANY information about whether a plant is edible/safe-to-eat. I may indicate toxicity but the important part of this is that this blog should not be used to identify plants, especially for foraging.

Thank you

There's more under the "Keep reading" below

About Me

Hello, I am Marten (this is not my real name). This blog (woodSorrelPainting) is my blog for documenting my currently slow-going journey towards learning about the plants that grow where I live, in Central Texas. I post silly little text posts (#marten's talkin) and here I post images that I've taken of the plants I'm interested in and/or of paintings and drawings I've done of the aforementioned plants.

As part of my learning journey, I plan to paint pictures of these plants and write small blurbs about what I've learned from identifying and reading about these plants. I will say outright though that I am not good at writing this kind of information and less good at writing anything like an essay (it's been years !!). Undoubtedly, I'll be able to practice that skill okay too but for now... it'll probably be lackluster.

I endeavor to mostly use pictures that I myself have taken of these plants as reference, but I have posted images of paintings I did that used images I found on Pinterest as reference (click here for a link to my Pinterest board with the images I've used-- though it's been a while since I've done this).

I will cite my sources as best I can. Please let me know how I can improve in this department!! I welcome any help with this project of mine.

About My Shop

As sort of a tangent to my learning journey (and because I need money... I have no other income 👍), I also will sell prints of my works which will come with small blurbs about these plants, consisting both of my own personal observations AND information I find online on Etsy. I'd honestly rather not rely on a site like Etsy but I don't have the funds to do anything fancier (that I know of... this "selling-art-prints" stuff is A Lot of information to sift through) at the moment. My shop there will also be called woodSorrelPainting.

I offer 5"x 7" prints as well as some 2"x 5" bookmarks. I hope to have other sizes and products available in the future- I've been wanting to toy around with pressed flowers lately but I am currently unsure of the logistics haha

Alongside the 5"x7" prints (NOT the bookmarks for now) I've included a paragraph about the plant depicted. Some of its qualities and features and perhaps even a fun fact or two. As stated previously, I will not include information of any plants' edibility unless it is notably poisonous (in which case it becomes a Neat Fact about the plant). Do not use these works as identification guides. That is NOT their purpose.

I include sources in the paragraph, but I want to say here that I am not an academic and I am largely ignorant to the proper way to cite sources, especially in a written work. As much as I welcome any suggestions for making things more correct and proper, please understand that these paragraphs are not necessarily meant to be official works and are not exactly meant to be cited themselves. I'm literally just a guy who wants to learn more about the nature around me and who had an idea to share my learning with others. Some of this information may be wrong and some of it may be incorrectly cited. I will work to correct any false information but I have no experience researching things the way I have been outside of this project specifically.

Each written paragraph should come with QR codes that will redirect you to a post on this blog with cited sources (I think in APA format??) and links you can click on.

F.A.Q.

Click here for a link to my FAQs!

Links

Currently, I am running a youTube Channel. I plan to upload videos twice a month. (woodSorrelPainting) (click here for a link)

I, of course, have this tumblr blog (you are here!)

I have a Ko-Fi that I am (admittedly) doing a poor job of keeping updated with regard to posts and updates at the moment (woodSorrelPainting) (click here for a link)

Perhaps most importantly, I have my Etsy shop (woodSorrelPaintings) (click here for a link)

[kimtaegis]

Thank you Annie and anon for your kind words :( You made a really good point with responsibility and how our brain basically sorts out what we are in the mood for. I didn't even think of that before but it definitely made me think after reading your answer. I guess it's just the frustration of me not being able to do everything I want, because I do want to watch, read, catch up on things but I'm never in the mood. Instead I either watch short content or just scroll mindlessly... I have been wanting to get back into reading for months because honestly I think the pandemic and everything that came with it ruined my ability to focus and really really shortened my attention span (I know this is one thing that a lot of people suffer from/with!), and I can't handle sitting for hours reading a book even though I desperately want to. I got their book, I was so excited for it and I chewed through almost the whole thing in one sitting, but then I had to leave for something and now it's been months and I only have a 100 pages left and I still haven't finished it lol. So my main concern is definitely that I'm unable to do things for some reason. But you're right, there is always something I can enjoy online after work or just be with my dog and family. It just sucks and I sometimes wonder if it'll change for the worse or better :(

(also other anon: I'm a June 2021 army and I still have so many songs I haven't listened to, it's okay! I keep wanting to check out their older music when I hear them somewhere but then I never go through all of them because I keep coming back to my favorites 😂 but one day I will! I won't ever watch all the bangtan bombs though because that's just... That's a lot, no thank you 😭)

I totally know the feeling!! after work, all I want to do sometimes is read a good fanfic, it’s what I’m gonna be excited about all day, but then when I come home?? literally zero energy to actually do it 😭 it’s a crappy feeling for sure. and I have the exact same problem with concentration/ a shortened attention span!! it’s why I’ve never been able to watch their vlives or now wlives attentively with subtitles, my mind will just drift off after a few minutes. I also take so many short breaks when reading something, a friend of mine has even pointed that out once, that I just stop reading and will look at twitter or tumblr for a while and then come back to the story. it’s so rare that something entices me so much that I’ll sit still and actually only focus on that for a good while (the only big exception for that is making graphics which is so interesting; I will really work on one piece for 22 hours straight with no breaks agdhjgk). so you’re really not alone my love 🤍

haha and I love that some bts songs will keep you “captive” like that (which ones though??), if you ever break free I’d love to know which older songs you enjoy as well!!! <33

[proserpoet]

My 2022.

Here we are again, crafting our year-long synthesis of what has been our 2022. At least in my case, this has been a 'panata.'

This year brought a lot of emotions and courage. Breaking out from my comfort zone to manning up from making decisions-- both personal and professional. Although during the first few months of 2022, we had struggled from the aftermath of ST Odette that brought damages to our city.

I realized how sheltered I am eventhough I am the eldest among 3 siblings. I cannot even fathom to live on my own after what ST Odette left us. It took me more than a week to sink in what had happened. From spotting water wells or atabay to bringing empty barrels back to our home. Withstanding the scorching heat of the sun while queuing for the rations of drinking water. There's also the need to look for places which their electricity were restored to charge our gadgets. These all made happened because of my younger siblings and my parents. Without them, I do not know to to survive.

Some of my colleagues succumbed to death. It saddened me. Life is really transitory. That's why, we have to put our best foot forward everyday. To live with no regrets.

Because of these incidents, it made me realize to man up and act accordingly. Im already in my early 30s and have not proven anything for myself. That's what I thought but reminiscing the past 12 months, I have failed to highlight the events in my life that I should be grateful for.

This time, I was given the opportunity to voice out my opinions and visions of what will be the path that the school I am rendering my service. I am glad to serve and spearheaded actuations to secure our path for the next three years. Crafted actions that will continue to ensure and benefit our students and that the faculty will also grow professionally.

Im glad that I am also promoted (Master Teacher 2) at the last quarter of this year! Yehey!

I have been commissioned to work on two translation projects (as a supervising editor of a collection and a translator); some of my translation works are also published online (somewhere); attended a virtual national translation workshop; and, attended short course program that will also benefit the institution that I am serving.

This year, I was also able to complete an action research with the help of my colleagues; submitted a new one (continuing the momentum); submitted a research work for publication (although I am still waiting for their response); and some of my poetry collection for publication (I was already notified that they have received my poems, hopefully it'll be published).

As for my family, my younger sibling passed the Bar exam and the other one in doing great as a scientist/ researcher; both mama and papa are healthy; and our dogs are healthy too.

Although I must say that I am totally broke this year. I am not financially stable to enjoy what my peers have been doing now that we are slowly going back to normal.  How I wished I could travel, eat out and buy stuffs (expensive stuffs) for myself. Haha. But I know this is the price of investment. Invest muna before anything else.

I coudn't asked for more. Nope. If there's one thing I could wished, to find my soulmate. If there is such thing.

I have read somewhere that I shouldnt be engaging to anything romantic if I am not financially stable, not in good shape both physically and mentally but who knows. I am still a romanticist. A hopeless romantic. That somehow, in this chaotic world, we will find each other. Love will prevail. This time, love will win. I'm gonna win.

Grazie 2022. It was a wonderful year. Benvenuto 2023.

[focsle]

Can you talk to me at length about harpoons used in whaling? I recently became enamored with them. Its just so... shaped. It's big, sharp, strong, lightweight, and very useful in mundane situations! What's not to love? I really like harpoons and I wish i can learn how to use them or at least looked at hd pictures of it online and learn all of its varied forms throughout the centuries.

Oh I certainly can haha!

I'll preface this in saying that I'll talk about the design of some harpoons used in the U.S. commercial fishery during my very narrow first-half-of-the-19th-c window of focus, with the acknowledgement that they've been used for thousands of years by indigenous people all over the world, and the acknowledgement that other forms of 19th/early 20th c harpoons existed in the commercial fishery like bomb lances and harpoon guns. This post won't go into exploring any of those because it'll be long enough as it is!

They're so big. At a place I used to work at I was once taken into a vault where we had a lot of them and it took my EVERYTHING not to touch them. The iron itself was 2-4 ft long, and then it was fitted into a wooden pole that was 5-6ft long.

These 1920s photos, courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, can give a sense of how they were handled.

This was taken by William Tripp of whaler Philip Gomes, who was a boatsteerer on the bark Wanderer.

And here's an image from Down to the Sea in ships, a 1920s silent film. The man in the boat is actor Raymond Mckee, but while it was a fictional drama it also functioned as part documentary, containing footage of actual whaling processes.

The driving force of the harpoon was one's back hand pushing forward to provide most of the power. Ideally a boatsteerer wasn't darting the harpoon very far, if at all, because that minimized how well it fastened into very thick blubber.

The design of the tip also played a role in how well they fastened.

The earlier harpoons had two flues, first figure. They weren't the most effective because the two flues meant they often didn't penetrate into the blubber very well and could draw easier too. Then harpoons with a single flue came in--they fastened better without as much force and their shape made it so they also didn't draw as easily. The last three are toggle harpoons, which were an improvement on both designs. They basically had a fastening in the toggle that would break under strain once darted into a whale, thus opening the toggle head and creating a T-shape that created a more secure hook. The modern design for the toggle harpoon was created in 1848 by a Black man named Lewis Temple who worked as a blacksmith in New Bedford. He had been inspired by much earlier examples of the toggle technology in Inuit harpoons. It wasn't ever patented however, so people stole and reproduced his design wildly and it became the standard on whaleships shortly after that.

Harpoons were also usually stamped with the name of the ship they belonged to, as well as the specific whaleboats they equipped (LB for larboard boat, WB for waist boat, etc.). This was largely in the the event that if a whale broke away and died shortly after, the ship crew that killed it could lay claim to it. But I came across one instance in a journal where the crew of the ship Covington on her 1856 voyage tried and successfully skirted around this:

“Early one morning just before sunrise we discovered it [a whale that had been killed by a different ship’s crew] close to us adrift. It not being light enough to be seen from the shore, we lowered away and towed it alongside. We got their irons out as quick as possible and stowed them away out of sight, but had no sooner done so than their boat came alongside claiming it. They were told that they were mistaken, as we had taken it ourselves, but they insisted that it was theirs, and finally the skipper told them that they might wait and see it cut in, and if their irons were found in it they might have the whale, which was a very safe statement on our side, for their irons had been extracted and ours shoved into the places they had occupied. They insisted, notwithstanding, that it was their whale, but in the absence of all positive evidence they were obliged to forego their claim, and left us declaring that they would play us a trick if they ever had a chance, but that chance they never had for the whales that we took were few and far between.”

If you want to see a ton of images of harpoons, the New Bedford whaling museum has hundreds in its collection that's searchable online. They also come up at auctions a lot too, so looking at the marine sale catalogues of auction houses will likely give you a number to look at. The specimens that survive in museums and auction houses however weren’t necessarily ever darted into a whale. When all was said and done, this was what a working iron looked like:

[butteraway]

when time runs out | iv

⋆ summary:  A young girl has fallen deeply ill with an unknown disease in her, so with all her free time spent in an empty hospital room, she spends it online playing video games. That's until she meets her cousins friends, one spiking her interest with his extremely vulgare language.

pairing: bakugou katsuki x reader

word count: 2.5k

warnings: none

authors note: I wanna say im so sorry for lying to yall about that extra chapter KJDFFF😭😭 ALSO @chibiiichann I APOLOGIZE FOR SPAMMING YOU WHENEVER I REPLIED TO YOU💀 A DIFFERENT ACC WOULD POP UP BUT THE FIRST CHAPTER WAS AN INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER EXPLAINING THE OC'S CONDITION JFJDJD

"HAHA! I GOTCHU NOW LOSER!" Y/N smashed the buttons on her controller, basically on the edge of her bed. A grunt was heard through her headphones, then a loud bang with laughing in the background. Y/N felt her stomach turn at the sound of this, feeling a little left out, but smiled nonetheless.

"HOW'D YOU EVEN DO THAT?!! YOU’RE DOING SOME HACKING MY GUY!" Denki yelled through the laughing in the background, hands pulling at his hair. He seriously couldn't believe it!

"I'm not! I just wanted to show Sero I'm way better at this game than you are. And turns out I am!" Y/N let out a loud laugh, falling backwards onto her pillow. After finding out that 'Tape Dispenser' went to her cousin’s school by hearing his voice in the back of Denki's room, she got to learn more about this Sero dude. She already knew this after their last game a few nights ago, but he was so chill. It was still insane for her to find out that her cousin and online friend went to the same hero school. The coincidences in this world. Y/N thought as she grinned.

"It's okay Kaminari, you still lasted a long time! But you did get brutally beat by Y/N at the end though..." Sero said, trying to raise Denki's low spirits, but only succeeded in making him more miserable. Rustling was heard through Y/N's headphones, making it obvious that there was movement happening.

"You don't understand Sero! THIS IS THE ONLY GAME I COULD FULLY BEAT THIS GIRL IN!" Denki shook Sero by the shoulders, quickly doing the action. Cackling was heard through the speakers while the girl wiped a tear from her eye. Sero laughed along, as he was pushed to the ground by Denki. His arms were crossed as he looked away, upset that Y/N managed to finally beat him in every game they played.

"It's okay Denki, not everyone can be as good as me!" Y/N exclaimed, getting up from her bed to start taping specific parts of her room. Kaminari continued to complain about his defeat to Sero, who only chuckled in response. As she finished taping the bottom of the walls, Y/N sat back on her bed, sighing in content.

"So, how are you? I'm doing terribly after being utterly destroyed by you, by the way." Said Kaminari, opening his water bottle and taking large gulps from it. Y/N felt her face light up as she remembered to tell Kaminari of her future activity.

"Bro, you won't believe this! So, basically, they're actually letting me paint my room! All by myself! How fricking cool is that?!" The girl laughed out loud, jumping on her bed in excitement. Kaminari's eyes widen, in surprise and slight fear, sitting up and taking in the new information.

"Wait, really? But isn't that like extremely dangerous? Cuz of the chemicals and what not??" He tried his best to keep his voice leveled, not noticing Sero look at him weirdly. That guy had no idea what was happening.

"Well, they said that they were gonna do something to the paint so it won't hurt me or anything, I don't know what, but-" Y/N was cut off by an extremely confused Sero. "Wait wait wait, hold on. I don't understand what's happening. How can paint harm you? Besides like...eating it. And what do you mean by 'finally getting to paint your room?’ Silence was the only answer he got. Sero gulped in embarrassment, thinking he asked a really personal question.

"Um, it's nothing du-" A loud 'shhhhhhh' was heard from Y/N, who let out a shaky breath. She never really told anyone, it's not like she could either way, being confined in the hospital room for a long time. She pushed a loose strand of her away from her face, preparing herself to tell Sero.

"Well, the reason is because I basically live in a hospital. I can't go outside, or have 'unpurified' air, as the doctors like to say, meaning my interactions with people and the outside world are extremely limited. That means anything that's not cleared of dust and germs, I guess, can be extremely harmful for me? As pathetic as it sounds, it could actually kill me, haha." It was quiet as Sero took in the information, a large wave of emotions crashing on him. A person shouldn't have to be locked in a room for the rest of their life. Especially someone who is such a sweet person like Y/N.

"I-I'm so sorry to hear that Y/N. If you don't mind me asking, how...how long have you been in the hospital?" The young girl answered with a quick 'Two years', and that's when Sero felt his stomach twist uncomfortably. Kaminari abruptly got up and headed towards his door.

"I'm gonna get something to eat, you want something dude?" Kaminari's voice was low and trembling. It didn't take a genius to see that the blonde haired boy needed some time alone. "No thanks." Kaminari let out a hum, quickly exiting his room and closing the door shut. Sero heard the loud sniffs that slowly faded away, as he hung his head down.

"Hey, you good Sero? That was probably a lot to take in, sorry." Sero shook his head, letting a sad smile adorn his face. "It's fine, really. I actually feel honored that you're comfortable telling me. Feels like we're getting closer, to be honest." He smiled happily, meaning every word he said. And Y/N knew that. "Ha, we are though!" The air was tense, despite the two teenagers being in different rooms.

Y/N went to clear her throat, but was interrupted when a light knock echoed throughout her room. "Someone there?" Sero asked, noticing her silence and hearing the very faint knocking.

"Yeah, um Sero, I'll call you guys later, my doctor wants to talk." Y/N quickly replied, seeing Receen open the door and walk in with his thin suit on. Sero let out an ok and they hang up. Y/N finally took in how the doctor looked, noticeable eye bags under his blue-grey eyes, from lack of sleep. His dark hair slightly tousled, probably from putting on the protective helmet that came with the suit, and a small smile on his welcoming face. And a large container of paint in his left hand. Her eyes immediately lit up.

"What’s up doc? I see you have something in your hand, can I see it closer?" The small girl asked, getting up and making a grabbing motion with her hands. Receen chuckled, lifting up the paint for Y/N to see. Even if he were to hand her the container, she wouldn't be able to hold. She was just too weak. Said girl let out a high pitch 'OOOO ' in excitement.

"I'm not sure if you wanted more, but we managed to get you your favorite color! This should be enough to paint the room, you can even put a second layer if you want." Receen walked over to where Y/N put all the equipment, opening the container of paint. And with a low grunt from him, the lid was opened. Y/N watched with amazement as the doctor poured the soft looking paint into a tray. She picked up a roller near her, and drowned the roller in paint, the white fluff getting covered in color.

The two began painting, Y/N's hand shaking every now and then. After painting half the room, they sat in silence, resting for a while. Receen seemed to be tense, though Y/N didn't seem to notice since she was too happy to speak. Receen let out a breath, breaking the silence, causing Y/N to look towards him.

"I didn't get to ask you how you were, did I Y/N? How are you?" Said girl let a beaming smile spread on her face, causing Receen to slightly squint his eyes from the intensity of her smile. "Honestly, I haven't felt this happy in a very long time! I actually still can't believe you guys really let me do this! Thank you so much!"

Receen gave her a small smile while rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not a problem, you could’ve asked sooner and gotten this done a long time ago. You've been here for two years, so please don't be afraid of asking for things!" At the mention of her time spent in the hospital, Y/N lowered her head, causing Receen to wince. Well, might as well tell her. The doctor cleared his throat and began to talk.

"Y/N, as you are aware, I, along with many other doctors and scientists, have been working hard for you to be able to go outside again. To see your family, hug them, be a normal kid again." There was a pause and that alone caught Y/N's attention. She looked up at him. "There is a way for you to finally do that, Y/N."

Shock evident on the girl's face, she abruptly stood up and faced the doctor. There was absolutely no way anyone could have found a cure for someone like her. Someone who had an incurable sickness. Someone who was too sick, to even have medicine. He's lying. Y/N narrowed her eyes at the grown man sitting in front of her.

"With all due respect Doctor, I highly doubt that ​​that's possible. Cuz, y'know? I basically have an incurable disease? I mean, like, even if you did manage to find a way for me to leave this place, how do you even know it's gonna work? I don't think you've tried this medicine since no one in recorded hospital documents in the past have had people like that checked in before-"

"How do you even know that?"

"-so how do you truly know it'll work?" Y/N quickly finished, completely ignoring his statement. Receen sighed, scratching his head. "We live in a world where quirks exist. Would you believe me if I told you centuries ago that the human race would evolve to have super powers? It's kind of like that, but not really." Y/N eyed him suspiciously. He's avoiding the question.

Receen looked straight at the girl standing in front of him. He felt slightly intimidated by her piercing gaze. He quickly looked away and got up, towering over Y/N's small frame. Then he smiled. "Y/N, you are a very sweet girl, no doubt about it. I know how much you want to get out of here, and I want to help you. My team has created this almost perfect pill, especially suited for your sickness. I know you're very cautious, just like your mother, but I can only reassure you, that these are your ticket out of here." He pulled out the bottle from his protective suit, shaking it in front of [Y/N].

Her eyes widened as she restrained herself from reaching out and snatching the bottle. Her eyes slightly narrowed as she pulled herself together. Crossing her arms and slightly tilting her upwards, she looked into the doctor's bright eyes. "There's always a catch when it comes to these kinds of things. What's the price if I take these? My lifespan shortens, I only have five hours to go outside, it drugs me or something?"

"I'm hurt you think I would just give you these without setting out the consequences." There was a slight glint in his eyes before it quickly disappeared. Y/N hummed, urging the doctor to continue.

"There are exactly 15 pills in here. And consuming just one of these bad boys right here, would allow you to go outside! Though, time is very important when taking these. You'd have 10 hours before the pills effects wear off. These would dull your hypersensitive senses, but not to a point where you can't feel, smell or do anything. No no, it'd just be like how you were before. You'd feel slightly dizzy and be a little itchy, but besides that, nothing too extreme. It just dulls all your body senses down." Receen gave Y/N a small smile. She looked a little weary, unsure if what he said was true. She looked at the bottle then back to Doctor Receen, fingers twitching every now and then. Breathing in and letting it out slowly, Y/N stared straight into the doctor's eyes.

If I take these, I can finally go out. I can hug mom and dad, I can be around Denki again. I can meet Sero face to face and feel the grass again! I can be... happy again. But if these don't actually work, I'd immediately die on the spot. I'd be able to go outside though. Aah, so much going outside, I can meet new people! I don't wanna spend the rest of my days slowly rotting away in here anyway.

"So Y/N, are you going to take them or let all our time go to waste?"

Sero looked at his hands solemnly, thinking about what Y/N had told him. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat, then lightly slapped his cheeks to stop the wave of emotions from spilling out.

"Yo, you good dude? It's not everyday I see someone willingly slapping themselves." Kaminari chuckled, walking in and closing the door with his foot as he carried a soda bottle and a bag of chips towards the boy sitting on his bed. Sero grinned, feeling the sadness of everything wash away.

"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine. But what about you though? After we had that conversation, you were, well, umm... kind of out of it." Kaminari froze, letting a dejected smile appear on his face. Dragging a hand down his face, he let out a sorrowful laugh.

"She's my best friend. My first real, true friend. She's basically my sister at this point. So when she collapsed that day, I felt my whole world crashing down. She is the sweetest, the most kindest, person I have ever met. She never let me degrade myself, alway cheered me up when people called me stupid." Kaminari rubbed his eyes, opening the bag of chips and plopping one of them into his mouth.

"It hasn't been the same ever since she left, her parents barely come over anymore, and they're always so sad whenever I see them. My own parents aren't the same either, they treated her like their own daughter. I can't even begin to imagine how Y/N feels about this all. She was the top in our grade, highest scores in our test. No one could compare to her. M-my heart breaks for her. She lost everything." Sero let that information sink in, thinking about how she was before. He smiled as he saw Kaminari's shoulders begin to shake. He cares so much for her.

He put his hand on his shoulder, watching Kaminari slowly lift his face towards him. "Come here you emotional ball of feelings." Being the friendly guy he is, Sero gave the sobbing boy a hug, cuz hugs fix everything.

"No homo though bro." And with that, they both laughed out loud, continuing their bro day.

[mykpopwire]

interview: WOOSOO returns as solo singer ‘Because of You’

1.     How have you been, what are you occupied with lately?  

I’ve wrapped up my group’s activities and now I’m quite busy preparing for my solo album.

Since it’s the first time I’m showing music in my own style, I wanted to try various things and challenge myself. I’ve been making songs that I always thought of while working as a producer. I also took a new challenge by composing and writing the OST of a Korean drama.

I’m also enjoying leisure life that I had not been able to enjoy before, such as café tour, famous restaurant tour, etc. 

2.     It has been around 8 months since your last song release, how do you feel?

‘Because of You’ has a very different style from the previous song ‘The Rain’ (비가 내리면). Actually, ‘The Rain’ was made for MASC, so rather than saying it’s my solo work, it felt more like an extension of MASC. I think I’m making my first step as solo artist WOOSOO through ‘Because of You’.

I was very excited while preparing for this song and I’m very much looking forward to being able to show my music to the public with WOOSOO’s first solo.

3.     Please tell us about the song, ‘Because of You’. What do you want to share the most through this song?

‘Because of You’ is a song that blends the excitement of love with the R&B and soul feeling. It’s a song that expresses a heart fluttering feeling that something good will happen.

I think this song goes well with the upcoming spring.

Through this song, I wanted to appeal to the public that a singer called WOOSOO can do this type of music, and I wanted to share that my strengths and charms fit well with various music.

4.     Can you share interesting moments while shooting for the music video?

While filming for the music video, the producer and I were thinking “what kind of video would be good” and we decided that a pop-like live video would suit the most. The natural and friendly feeling.

The filming was held at an outdoor location, but since it was on the weekend, there’s so many people. Haha

A lot of people might have thought we were doing a performance, quite several people sat in front of us. They sat in groups, watched and listened, and they also took videos as if it was such a real performance.

In the middle of the video there are scenes where people pass by, but to pursue the naturalness feeling, there are many scenes where people pass by that we included without editing. I think it'll be fun to find those scenes. Hahaha

5.     What attracted you to music career and what made you decide to be a singer?

I like singing since I was young, and I like to stand in front of people and take the lead in doing something. When I was younger, I used to sing in school, on the streets, just everywhere I could. Since I couldn’t neglect my studies, I built my dreams by participating in singing contests and competitions and I was at my happiest when I sang in front of other people.

I’ve always had a lot of friends because I’ve always been sociable, but apart from that, I’ve always loved the eyes of the people watching the stage when I’m singing in the contests. So, I decided to become a singer.

6.     You have recently made your name as a composer and lyricist, what is the hardest challenge you face while writing a song?

I always have a lot of worries when it comes to work that requires creativity.

I’ve thoughts like, “I have to create something new”, “How do I express this through image directing”, “What would suit me well”.

I’ve started the music that I like through this solo, but I’m always concern about how much the public would like my music, and whether I can make music that many people can relate to with honest stories.

7.     What aspect of your music do you want people to focus on?

In addition to the image that I’ve shown as a group member, I’d like people to focus on how diverse and challenging the singer WOOSOO is as a solo artist. How talented I am in making good music that the public can feel happy when they listen to my songs, sympathize with sadness, and feel the joy and sorrow.

But this time, I metaphorically expressed the excitement of spring and the feelings of love.

8.     What impression do you think you give when you first meet someone?

When I was promoting as a team, just by looking at me without having any conversations, lots of people think I’m scary, difficult and edgy person. I think the reason was because since I hold the pillar in the position of a leader who takes care of many members, I thought more of the team rather of my own self. But once we started talking, they said I’m friendly and humorous.

Nowadays, I heard a lot of things like, “You’re friendlier than others” and “I want to befriend you”.

I tend to pursue natural things. For example, I prefer small shops in the neighborhood rather than large supermarkets.

That’s why I enjoy doing internet broadcast. There, I love to talk to people comfortably like a friend, not as an artist or entertainer.

9.     You have been actively communicating with your fans through social media and online live apps, what is the first thing that you would you like to do when you can meet with your fans face-to-face?

I want to say thank you and hug all the fans who waited for me. It was such a short time, but a lot of things happened over the years.

There are more people who waited for WOOSOO than I thought. It’ll be great to have a performance with my fans, but I’m thinking having a face-to-face talk with them over delicious meal would be great as well.

And of course, it’d be great to share my new challenges and music with all of you!

There are still many fans that I haven't met, I want to meet fans from various countries.

10.  What is your proudest and happiest moment as a singer?

My happiest moment as a singer is that there are fans who listen to my music.

“I gained strength through your music”, “I’m WOOSOO’s long-time fan”, “He’s a great singer”, when I hear those kinds of words, it really makes me very happy.

If there is at least one fan who loves my music and supports me, I’ll do my best until the end.

11.  What if you can achieve another dream other than music?

I have a lot of interest in fashion, so I thought about being a fashion designer, and I think it's good to have a job where I can deal with people because I like meeting people.

Recently, my dream is to open a small cafe and meet various people to communicate and create a fun space. (It's a secret that I'm recently learning to make bread~ haha)

12.  If you could snap your fingers and instantly make the world better, what would you do?

I think the most difficult thing right now is that many people around the world are suffering from health and psychological anxiety caused by the virus.

Many people are having a hard time, losing their jobs. Korean singers are having a hard time too, I want to get rid of the virus right away. I want to go back to the days when there was no Corona.

I'm praying and hoping to meet a lot of fans again.

13.  To the people who just got to know WOOSOO, what is the best way for them to get to know you better?

I upload photos and videos about my daily life on Instagram. YouTube is not up yet, but I'm going to start soon, to do covers or various music for many people. I'm making lots of efforts to meet many fans.

Usually, they can get to know me through live broadcast on the Internet. But I haven't been able to do it recently because I'm busy. But I'm going to communicate with many people through internet broadcasts again soon. (Of course, I like doing games broadcasts too. Haha)

For those who got to know me for the first time, to know which group I was part of, what kind of show I did, I hope you’ll watch all the shows available on YouTube!!

14.  Any projects that your fans can look forward to in the near future?

My plan now is to release a new album every month. Once the Corona is over and we can travel just like before, I want to let you listen to variety of songs. But in the meantime, I’m planning to release many songs.

15.  Lastly, can you say a few words to your fans? 

Thank you so much for waiting for me for a long time. I’ll be back with better music in the future.

undefined

Watch Because of You here!

Don’t forget to like and follow My K-Pop Wire for more K-Pop interviews, events, debut and comeback updates!

Instagram: mykpopwire

Facebook: My K-pop Wire

Twitter: @mykpopwire

Connect with WOOSOO!

Twitter: @wys1989

Instagram: w_youngsoo

Youtube: WooSoo

[softeningthesound]

Self care recommendations

1. Crystal deodorant

Crystal deodorant is basically a block of salt that you wet, rub onto your underarms, and let dry, and during the day, it kills bacteria that makes your pits smell. You can buy this in some pharmacies and shops, and you can also find it online. I was really skeptical about this when I bought it; I was in a natural products store in St. John's, Newfoundland and bought this, kind of wondering what it is. I used it a few times and it didn't seem to work all the time, but I've been using it almost every day recently because I figured out how/when to use it. Basically, your underarms need to be completely clean and odourless. I found that even strong-smelling soaps affect how the crystal deodorant works. I use St. Ives body wash a lot, and that product doesn't interfere with the efficiency of the deodorant. Anyway, so you need to start with clean pits. You need to wet the stone some way. I obviously don't have a sink in my bedroom where I keep my deodorant, so I put water in a spray bottle and spray the top of the deodorant. I rub it onto my underarms for 20 seconds each, and then let it mostly dry before I put my shirt on. Using this "method", after an entire day, my underarms smell like nothing. They smell like skin, basically. It's really strange how it works, and I don't completely understand it, but it's a natural deodorant (unscented, no aluminum, etc) that actually works in a weird, surprising way once you learn how to use it. To make sure I can use it two days in a row (because I don't shower every day), sometimes I apply it at night to make sure that the next morning, I still smell like nothing. So basically, it's just a block of mineral salts, it's unscented, doesn't leave any white marks (it doesn't look like you've put anything on your armpits), and you smell like absolutely nothing at the end of the day, so it's probably great to use with perfume because there are no interfering scents. Even after gym class, I don't smell like much. It's a really weird product that... actually does what it says it does. A lot of deodorants say that they work for 24 or 48 hours but they don't because all your deodorant rubs off anyway, but crystal deodorant actually works for an entire day. It's a natural deodorant, and sometimes there's a weird transition between "chemical" and natural deodorants but I use normal deodorant too sometimes, and the crystal one still works. It'll probably last you more than a year since most of them weigh more than 100 g and it's literally a compact block of salt. Also, be careful not to drop them on a hard floor because it will break (the first one I bought, I dropped on a hotel bathroom floor and it shattered into unusable pieces, so I had to get a new one whoops).

Keep a bottle of body oil in the shower. After you've washed everything, slather a bunch onto your arms and legs and anywhere else you need moisture. In the shower, the oil seems to absorb better, and it doesn't actually feel oily or slimey for some reason. You're already moisturized when you get out of the shower and the towel doesn't actually pick up a lot of oil because your skin has already kind of absorbed it. This saves you time because it's a lot quicker in the shower, and you feel soft but not oily afterward. (Lotion and body oil is so fucking annoying to put on dry skin anyway, save yourself the hassle)

2. Put body oil on in the shower

I wash my face in the shower or over the sink. I recently bought a toner even though I don't wear makeup (a toner basically cleans up any extra makeup or residue or whatever that a cleanser doesn't clean out of your face), so I use that, and also a serum (because I like feeling fancy and I have an employee discount at my pharmacy haha), and then moisturize! You can skip the toner and serum, it's not that important. I have a Pond's cream, and I've had it for months and haven't even used a quarter of it, and it cost me like 8$CAD. Basically, just keep your face moisturized, and your skin will be softer.

4. Expensive skincare products are not necessary

3. Moisturize your face!

You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a skincare routine. Daily cleanser and moisturizing cream. That's it, that's all. The basics are fine, and honestly my tonic and serums haven't done much for me so far, so you really don't need them.

5. Keeps those hands soft

I have a Glysomed hand cream that I put on every night when I'm done being on my phone and go to bed. It feels a little greasy because there's glycerin in it, but it smells good (like tea, and... fresh things) and keeps my hands soft until the morning. During the day, my hands aren't as susceptible to scratches. So keep a small hand cream in your room to apply to your hands and wrists, it should be the last thing you do in your day.

6. Lip balm, lip balm, lip balm

Use oil or a lip balm to have moisturized lips (if my lips are dry I feel like dying basically).

7. Cleaning out your closet

Every few months, go through all your clothes, bags, sweaters, etc and if there's something you haven't worn in a while or don't care for anymore, throw it away (old deodorant stains ew) or give it away. I had a bunch of plastic and broken bags in a corner of my room, and I just got rid of 2/3 of that pile yesterday and asked myself "Why the fuck did you keep all these plastic bags??"

8. Cleaning you sheets makes you feel like a new person

You know when you've just washed your sheets, taken a shower and put on clean pyjamas? Awwwww yeahhhh.

[greensungnostic]

(Grand)father's day

Well, it's Sunday. You promised the old man you'd come for a visit, have a special little father's day with him. It'll be nice, spending time with him outside of his study. You start things off by shuffling sleepily down to the kitchen, rubbing sleep from your eyes as you start up the stove. In a cast iron skillet, you lay down a few slices of thick bacon, a few rolls of sausage, and once they're starting to sizzle and fill the pan with a cheerfully popping sizzle, you crack a few eggs in the to fry in the fat. Next you add some tomato, a few mushrooms, and a strip of black pudding all together, two servings sizzling merrily away in the large pan. You pop a few slices of bread in the toaster, put on a pot of beans to cook, then put the kettle on while you wait for it all to cook up. A Full English Breakfast, his favourite. Once it's all nice and ready, you butter the toast, cut it into triangles, and plate everything up. With a newspaper tucked under your arm, you gather the pair of plates up, floating your teacups along behind you with your powers. You ascend to the second floor on foot, lightly tapping at it with your toeclaws to announce your presence. You call through the door -

grandpa! its fathers day! i brought you your favourite! breakfast in the study!

You finagle his doorknob with your hands full, using your elbow to twist it just enough to pop the latch and enter into the dim, musty room once more. He's here of course, staring long and thoughtful into the fireplace once more, which flares into life when you approach. He never seems to get tired of that trick! You set the plates down at the desk, pulling up the stiff side chair to face it.

oh come on i know you are busy but it is your fathers day breakfast, at least come over here!

He makes no moves from his firewatching vigil, so you roll your eyes and push him over there directly, leaving him standing behind his desk, looking at the pleasant tendrils of fragrant steam rising from his plate. He doesn't sit - never has been one to sit for anything but the fanciest meals. But you do sit, tucking into the hearty meal with a soft smile on your face. You don't go to the trouble of a Full English very often, but it is good. You can see why it's his favourite. He doesn't seem very hungry - he scarcely seems to want to touch it - but you can tell from the twinkle in his eye that he appreciates it all the same.

are you gonna finish that bacon and sausage? no? okay thank you grandpa! hehehe, i know, you dont want to mess up your mustache. it looks very nice today! so sharp, so smart!

You snag his uneaten meats, munching them up, as well as one of his little mushrooms. While you eat, you figure he'd like to hear any new news. You were just here the other day so there's not a ton new, but you can touch on it all the same. It's sweet of him to take interest in his granddaughter's life, after all! You look up at the old man in his Stout Dignity, offering a small smile while you speak.

hmm? no nothing super exciting has happened this week, honestly. just did some more gardening and stuff, you know i love to do that! yes grandpa i make sure im armed. no i dont think every earthworm has a chance to grow - yes i read dune, those dont actually exist or if they do the worms in my soil are not precursors to sandworms!! pffft!

How silly of him, to even think that your garden worms could become shai-hulud.

other than that, ive mostly just been playing this game with some friends! no like an online one! it is called mine craft and it has you... well, mine ores and craft things out of them! theres lots of adventure, monsters to fight, and more! yes im well armed ive got a magic bow and sword! i might be one of the better strife combatants on the server honestly. i run around on a horse named hubble, exploring for resources and building tunnels and quarries and supplying people with stuff! its really fun, id only ever played it alone before recently. you might not like it though, theres no guns! just bows and crossbows. maybe some could be modded in though! or shoot fireworks at people!

He seems interested, though a dourness seems to befall him when he hears there's no firearms. Maybe it's not a good idea, he'd probably kill all the cute non dog animals. At least he seems tickled by your horse's name. Always naming things for scientists, it's the Harley way. You put your fork and knife down, stacking his half full plate atop your empty one to do away with them both - a quick zap of dishes into the sink. You down your tea, then do the same with the cup. You rise up, looking up at the towering old gentleman.

so tonight is a werewolf night so i dont have aaaaalll night unless you really wanna see me go full furry and cavort around like a loon, but i thought you might want to spend some time together outside today? i set up a little shooting range so i can show you my marksmanship! wanna go see how im doing? im on my sixth prestige level on riflekind so you could say im pretty good!

Grandpa doesn't seem averse to the idea. He always wants to make sure you're well armed, well prepared, so showing your prowess is likely to be a good activity! You loop your arms around one of his, green lightning dancing around the two of you before the scene suddenly shifts to a spot outside in the fields. The fruits of your gardening labour, both figurative and literal, sprawl out in all directions to the edges of the ship. The Breeze ruffles through your hair and the looser bits of Grandpa's expeditionary outfit, the smell of flowers and vegetation in the air. Dotted here and there, you've set up little dummy copies of monsters - a papier mâché ogre here, a clay swarm of imps, little rudimentary robotic underlings bobbing and weaving as targets. You can tell Grandpa is surveying the targets, his grip on the Blunderbuss tight. But they're not his to destroy, they're yours. You draw out a stopwatch, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. It's quite a stressor, showing off your skills to your Grandfather. Okay, you're ready. You click the starter....

Strife.

Your spring into action, your GIRL’S BEST FRIEND deploying from within your specibus and into your hands. You fire a volley of pinpoint-accurate shots into a swath of imps, each one perfectly removing the heads in a spray of fine dust. You YOUTHROLL as if avoiding a barrage of attacks, stopping on a knee to switch to the GREEN SUN STREETSWEEPER and eviscerate a mechanical lich. You swap through your rifles one by one, blasting apart the targets you've set up, each shot dead in the middle of the bullseyes painted on them. You slide, you run up a tree and jump off to shoot upside down in midair, you rifle butt a basilisk. For a grand finale you light the papier mâché ogre ablaze with a green sun flamethrower to soften it up, then swap to your LITTLE BUSTER guitar-rifle to first ventilate it, then pummel it into cinders with the base of the instrument. You let out a little cheer and stop the stopwatch, dancing on the spot in celebration. You check the timer. 1:34.62. Just over a minute and a half, not bad. You bound back over to Grandpa, a big grin and a light sheen of sweat on your face. You gesture out over the dust of your destruction, other small bots already scurrying out to collect the destroyed targets, the spent casings.

voila!! howd i do grandpa?? not a bad time for all those baddies, if i do say so myself! do you like the bass guitar? it shoots .45s and also grenades from the headstock and its good for bashing with too! it dual-classes as an axekind weapon too, haha... i converted it from a regular old classic rickenbacker myself!

You hold up the LITTLE BUSTER for his perusal. He looks on with what feels like an air of appraisal, as if inspecting your craftsmanship. You stay quiet for a long moment to just let him see, before he seems satisfied. A glint of approval, what might be interpreted as a smile behind your grandfather's dense moustache. He's never been good at praise, but you can tell he's proud.

haha, thank you for coming out and watching, grampa. it means a lot to get to show you that, and all this too! do you like how the gardenship looks? ive been up to my eyebrows in dirt making it all cute! look over there, you can see rip van maple, just growing and growing! technically its only a few years old but the growth acceleration puts it at like three hundred!

You spend the next hour or so pointing out nearby points of interest, talking about the care and maintenance and upkeep of your garden, your robots, even the dogs. As if conjured by the utterance of his name, Becquerel appears, curling up at his master's feet like he's prone to. You scratch between your direwolf sized hound's ears and sit down against him, still quietly talking to grandpa.

so how has work been going in there, grandpa? oh, right i know, business trade secrets, cant discuss them! still i hope you are not working too hard in there. you always seem so lost in thought... maybe looking out the window once in a while instead of into the fireplace would give a fresh perspective! shhh i know it is the favorite spot but still! you might even see me running around from in there, haha...

You sigh, looking up at the imposing figure above you. The wind rustles his mustache, and he stalwartly gazes off into the middle difference. Maybe, he seems to think. Maybe he'll try it out. You can tell he must be getting tired though, time to get back to work. You lightly grasp his shirt hem, and Bec returns all three of you to the study. This time his perch does seem to be near the window, overlooking the grape vines and the little bench you built for Rose, just offset from the pane to spare himself the excess light and the ominous silhouette in the window. You pull a little box from your sylladex, a gift for your beloved Grandpa. You can tell he's too lost in thought to pluck at all the lavish ribbons and paper you've wrapped it in, so you unbox it for him. Within he finds a few Artifacts - the skull of a monster that you put onto his mantlepiece immediately; a bottle of his theoretically favourite Cognac, which you put on a shelf next to a few similar bottles of brown alcohol. Clink. And last but not least, a loud Hawaiian shirt with a computer woven into the threads. It's bright, it's garish, it's absolutely nobody's style. You set this neatly folded on his desk, where he can deal with it at his leisure.

okay grandpa, i know you gotta work... thank you for coming out with me today! it was nice to spend time with you... ill come visit again soon, okay? i love you soooooo much grandpa!! happy fathers and grandfathers day!!

You hesitate, then scurry over and hug the old man, clinging tight to his sturdy frame. A single tear runs down your cheek and musses his khaki attire, but it's only a small watermark. You gaze up at the lofty gentleman, ears angled backwards for a moment, wishing he'd return your affection now and then. But it's alright. It's tough for old men full of machismo to show their love. You know he cares from the wistful look in his eyes. You hold onto his hand for a moment, squeezing gently, then depart. As you go, you hear the soft chime of a wardrobifier, perhaps triggered by the teardrop. You look back, and he's wearing the shirt you got him. With a soft smile you slip from his study and close the door behind you, murmuring one more time -

happy fathers day, to a wonderful grampa...