#Mike Staples

[vertigoartgore]

2008's Wolverine: Origins Vol.1 #31 cover by artist Mike Deodato Jr. and colorist Val Staples.

[ungoliantschilde]

Wolverine by Mike Deodato, Jr., with Colors by Val Staples.

[lincolnmkicks]

I FEEL GERIATRIC HOW DO SOME OF YALL NOT KNOW WHO AUSTIN POWERS ISSSSSJDJSJCJSJCJSJFSJ

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Nick Visser at HuffPost:

A fraternity member who directed monkey noises at a Black University of Mississippi student during an anti-war demonstration was kicked out of the organization on Friday after video of the encounter spread on social media. “Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters is aware of the video regarding the student protest at the University of Mississippi,” the organization wrote in a statement on Sunday. “The racist actions in the video were those of an individual and are antithetical to the values of Phi Delta Theta and the Mississippi Alpha chapter.” “The responsible individual was removed from membership on Friday, May 3.”

The confrontation took place during student demonstrations at the University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss, on Thursday. Protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the U.S.’ support of Israel during the country’s ongoing war against Hamas following the Oct. 7 attacks, part of a growing wave of demonstrations on university campuses around the country. As a small group of students chanted “Free Palestine” and “Stop the Genocide,” they were confronted by a far larger bloc of counter-protesters. Videos of the encounter showed the counter-protest group growing aggressive, surrounding and yelling at the demonstrators. In a disturbing moment, a white student is seen making monkey noises directed at a Black woman as others taunt and cheer.

Videos of the counter-protesters were shared widely on social media and prompted support and adulation from Republicans. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said the response “warms my heart.” Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) added his own cheers as the Black student was jeered, writing: “Ole Miss taking care of business.” Jaylin Smith, 24, told CNN she was the woman in the video. The Daily Mississippian, the university’s student newspaper, reported she was called “Lizzo” and various obscenities, with some chanting “Lock her up.”

James Staples, the man who was behind the racist monkey noises at a Black woman named Jaylin Smith during protests against Israel's genocide of Gaza, got booted from Ole Miss's Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

[stupidsexygrizzop]

forgot that mike asked his MOM for help with once.wav

[scarygoblins]

HELL YEA

A playlist of “meticulously compiled” rap songs by me and my buddy. I have a really good time shuffling this one. Hope you too.

[krispyweiss]

Life is a Carnival to Celebrate Life of Robbie Robertson

- Trey Anastasio, Eric Clapton, Bruce Hornsby, Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples and Bob Weir among the musicians taking part in Oct. 17 event in Los Angeles

It’s one hell of a band that’ll get together to celebrate late Band co-founder Robbie Robertson.

A Phish, a couple of Heartbreakers, a Yardbird, an Allman Brother, a couple of Dead men and a Wolf Bro are among the artists slated to participate in Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson, slated for Oct. 17 in Los Angeles.

Phish’s Trey Anastasio, Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench; former Yardbird Eric Clapton; one-time Allman Brother Warren Haynes; former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Bruce Hornsby; Weir’s Wolf Bro Don Was; and Elvis Costello, Taj Mahal, Van Morrison, Margo Price, Allison Russell, Mavis Staples, Lucinda Williams and others are among the announced artists.

Robertson died in 2023; Garth Hudson, the only surviving member of the original Band, is not scheduled to perform.

Ticketing info here.

7/30/24

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

News/Announcements: Elsewhere Festival Announces Music and Conference Programming

News/Announcements: Elsewhere Festival Announces Music and Conference Programming @marauder @midtopia @VisitWichita @DowntownWichita @Greater_Wichita

Photo Credit: Catherine Horath With summer just around the corner, y’all know what that means. More festival announcements. Let’s get to it. Created and produced by Midtopia, a Wichita, KS-based nonprofit artist and music-worker collective striving to build new models for the music industry, Elsewhere Festival and Conference is a not-for-profit event created to facilitate the building of…

[cato-of-blamesociety]

32 Weeks Tracklist/Song Picks pt. 3 (weeks 17-24)

How/Why did I choose/chose to use the songs I did

*Full breakdown, updated in real time(weekly)*

17. Killer Mike ft. El-P, thankugoodsir x Don't Let The Devil

I have always respected Killer Mike as an artist and I a few years back respected his political endeavors. Mike has never let me down lyrically when I heard him on features. Honestly, though I respect him, I never really got into his music. I did at one point either last year or the year prior, check out his album "R.A.P. Music" and I started listening to the RTJ series. His vocal presence is one of a kind. I have this thing where I feel that an artist's recorded voice really determines if I want to hear them. There are several emcees that I just can't get into due their voices not being conducive to my ears. Mike and El-P have amazing deliveries. In June (2023) Killer Mike drops 'Michael' and I knew from the very first listen that this album is/would be a classic. I listened to it on repeat for a week. Andre 3000 makes an appearance on my favorite track "Scientist & Engineers". I actually have many songs on this album I f*ck with: "Something for the junkies", "Motherless", "Slummer", "Talk'n that shit", and "Run". In June, I was nearing the end of writing for #32weeks, and I was having a hard time (as usual) finding a beat. I knew I wanted to incorporate some instrumentals from this album. I truly wanted to use "Scientist & Engineers" but I didn't feel as eccentric as Dre, and the intro before the beat drops, was too long lol. Instead, I landed on "Don't Let The Devil'. I had this melody in my head that came when vibing to beat. It becomes those opening lines "Tell me, do you smell me? That's peace of mind, and deep patchouli" (the fragrance oil I have been wearing since my early 20's) and it led me to to rhyme Halle Berry. Then I went on a tangent to try an remember where did I hear "almost went Eric Benet....never do Eric Benet" and then I remember it's Jay Z's line from "Kill Jay Z". After I complete the comparisons, I launch into some metaphors that to this day are some of my favorites on this project. I used one more instrumental from this album, but I will share when it's time. Hope you enjoy the track!

18. Pusha T ft. Jay Z, Pharrell x Neck and Wrist Don't Lie

If there is one thing you can guarantee from Push, when he releases a project, not only will the album but fire, but he usually has a great knack for themes/motifs/stories, but dude is soooo creative at giving the listener "dope" lines. Like when I want to hear a rapper speak about cocaine...I usually prefer Pusha. His wordplay, and metaphors are immaculate when it especially outlines hustling/moving coke. Which is why I didn't even hesitate, as soon as "Almost Dry" came out, I was all over it. The beats, the cadence, and stories made that project amazing. going into #32WeeksMixtape, I quickly understood that I wanted use a beat from his album. So many good ones, "Brambleton", "Dreaming of a Past"(Donnie's sample gives me chills and makes me tear up each time I hear this come on...), "Just So You Remember"(reminds of a movie that I can't recall the title of..), "Diet Coke"(only I can have a snow fight...damn fire) "Rock N Roll"(Ye and Cudi...c'mon man what else you what) "Scrape it off"...basically you see the problem...all of them are hot. I just kept coming back to "Neck and Wrist Don't Lie". This one just was more so my cadence/vibe. The first line that came to me one while airing the beat on repeat "Roll around the South side, stereo banging.." That bar lead to talking about my Orgone pendant. Then I flowed into the idea of talkign about my wife...I couldn't resist...which is a reference to the track before (week 17) where I mention my smell/colgne/oils I wear are Patchouli and Peace of Mind. AFter knocking out those lines, I got into a string of drug based lines, which are derived from the "cooking" analogy. After I got to "Rappy Mason", I got stuck again. But then we changed gears and I wanted highlight that I admire Dolph and Nipsey for their business ventures and I too would love B.L.A.M.E to be a company/brand that I run and nothing else. I want to be the boss. Anyway I hope you enjoy the visuals. I love when things don't straight away make sense, this makes us think harder, and even ask questions. So please feel free to comment on here or on the video with questions or thoughts!

19. Vince Staples x Rose Street

YOOOOO!!! In case you don't know, Vince's "Ramona Park Broke My Heart" album is just incredible. I will do my best to keep this brief...🤞🏾. Ok, first off this album dropped last April (2022). I had been wishing on a another album from Vince because "Vince Staples" (self titled) was lit. Anyway, a few days or weeks, honestly I have no clue, it is posted that Vince was to do a "live" or streamed version of the album via Moment House in May of that year. I was soooo geeked. I had missed the ONE concert that came to St. Louis in Feb 2022. It was the "Call Me If You Get Lost Tour". My wife and I did want to see Vince, but since he wasn't headlining...(and since this is before my indoctrination of Tyler, the Creator's music), we decided against it. 😢😒 My dumbass. haha. Anyway, I had selected the Monday, May 2, for our viewing. I was enchanted that entire show. I f*ck with Vince because of his musical ability, but really for his art that surrounds it. His videos are always sharing a message about class/race/violence/dangers of the music show business. "Ramona Park Broke My Heart" has some dope tracks. Like literally I can't really just list a few...but I will try my hardest. Ok.."When Sparks Fly', gave me hella chills. He basically makes you think off the bat that he is talking to his woman...and then he immediately pulls the rug out from under you. *plot twist* lol. This song reminds me of Nas' 'I gave you power'. I don't want to ruin the surprise, if you don't know, you have to listen to both songs and witness the greatness both artists display on these tracks. The other favorite that truly sticks to my mind, mainly due to the production is "Rose Street"(the skit right before it IS POWERFUL!!). I love the idea that he states he "don't sing no love songs". That might be true regarding women, but "When Sparks Fly" is nothing short of a love ballad. Rose Street was not the first beat I wanted to use. I think "Playa Ways", and "Lemonade "were top contenders, however, they just didn't fit the direction I was moving with #32weeksMixtape. "East Point Player" has high replay value, but was too slow for my flow. Rose Street's theme of denying love for women(or rather the idea of falling in love with women), or not being able to trust them, and being married to the streets had me wanting to flip the vibe. The chorus was the first idea that came to me, "She know we in love, all in, Us, all in, Trust, all in...I'm married to my very bestfriend. And it's gone be like that until the very end." The next thought was how to go about that topic. Out of nowhere, I was like "I will never forget the time you chose to say yes". I am so happy that I wrote about my proposal. It's one of those things that I guess I deemed sacred, and didn't want to ruin it by sharing it with the world. But as an artist I have come to realize and understand that the best music is the relatable stuff. If you have proposed to someone, you would know that universal feeling of 'what if they say no?'. I hope you enjoy, share, like, and comment on the video with your thoughts. It would be dope if people share their marriage proposals either on here or my "YouTube Channel Community Tab" . I love stuff like that. If you are reading this, thank you, I love you, and I hope you are well. 💙💙💙

20. Killer Mike ft. Young Thug, Dave Chappelle x Run

I know what you are thinking..."Bro, didn't you use a track from this album already?" YES!!! I Did!! Honestly I wanted to keep a tamper on the amount of artist I would use in the project, and came to the conclusion that I would use some artist/albums more than once. I actually wrote to "RUN" before I wrote to "Don't Let The Devil". I have already outlined why I gravitated to this album, so I want to highlight my content in this track. The verse is written in vignettes(I am uncertain if that is the correct word to use) but each section is a quick blurb about a point in my life. The first is me getting arrested...and not running. Second, was me getting stopped by an officer on my way to the school's gym to practice, and how that could have ended horribly...there were no witnesses, I was by myself, and truly at the mercy of this officer. He wasn't ignorant, but still.. you do get it....right? This was back in like 2006 or 2007. The next story is me playing on the team. I had respect and that's all I needed. I know I wasn't the best. I will talk that more around Week23. Next, I lay the summary of my foot game. I walked everywhere. That was life changing. My mama gave me freedom to visit friends, get a job, and I did it all independently so that I wouldn't have to wait or rely on others. It did get tricky in the winter, but even then, I would double up my jacket/hoodie and walk or run to work. I was serious about making my bread. I touch briefly on the emotional ways I ran from relationships. Gratefully, Erin would remain in my life even though I ran from her love all those years. The final story is me opening up about a being involved in a consensual sexual experience with 5 other people. I learned that day that exhibitionism or group sexual acts, were NOT my thing. I know for some this isn't big deal. But I was very uncomfortable. I also learned that it is ok to walk away/run from something like that. I am grateful that I didn't allow the pressure to keep me in that room that night. I remember everyone that was there...we really haven't talked in years, 2 are actually not on this plane of existence anymore. I am happy I found a way to express to this incident because it bothered me for years not getting it off my chest. With all that said, if you read all this...thank you again for listening. I hope all is well with you. I would love to hear from you. Feel free to hit my Youtube Channel, My email, or message me on here!

21. Kanye West ft. Roddy Ricch x Pure Souls

I'm gonna cut directly to the chase, the first(second, and third) time I listened to "Donda"...I didn't get it. Then I realized/learned that Donda was his mother's name. During the process of writing #32WeeksMixtape, I had already seen the Jeeny-uhs Documentary(full documentary on NETFLIX). That sh*t broke my heart. I remember hearing years ago about how much his mother poured into that boy/man. He truly felt invincible. So even though as someone who hasn't lost their mother, but has lost a father, I didn't comprehend fully his messages, but I FELT it. I knew I wanted to use a Ye beat for this project, but the issue was where would I pull from. My first instinct was to use the KIDS SEE GHOST album...so many fire tracks to use. Then I was I like, nah, maybe The Life Of Pablo---No way. I knew I couldn't live up that hype! Yeezus, though dope af, is too experimental for my style. I started clicking through Donda... Jail...OMG. I love those "guitars" in the intro, but there aren't any drums...which I prefer lol. God Breathed was a big pull, but nothing popped in my head. I think Off the Grid was a HUGE fav from this album. But again, nothing came to mind, at least nothing good. Then I heard that intro of Pure Souls, just...well you know. I am playing it right now as I write this and I am tearing up. "...and I can not sell my soul!" - fire. I sat with this beat for at least a week. I heard that "truth is what you get away huh" and it started clicking. I knew that at the top of the verse I would go into a traumatic event that happened to me during my first year as a school counselor. Not to go into too many details, but a child had nude images of themselves on their district iPad, but in a way that suggested that they did not take the photo themselves. The photos were shown to me nonchalant and something like "Look this boy got porn on his device, smh." I was the one to point out that it was the child and not an adult. THAT SH*T F*CKED ME UP!! There were several images. Protocol was violated, I did my part like I was supposed to, I did a mandated call and some more stuff. After dealing with that parent who was clearly gaslighting, hiding evidence, and was manipulative..it did a number on my psyche. Earlier in the year I had been researching about Past Life Regressions. This one guy on YouTube named Astro Einstein, was uploading his sessions with his clients and truly opened my eyes to how it could help me. One day I will share my experience more in-depth but I do talk about it on it slightly in my mixtape, week 11, Tyler, The Creator x Massa verse. Later, I was able to find a therapist to talk through it as well. I learned so much about boundaries and protecting my peace. I won't let someone violate me like this again. Anyway, I hope you rock with the song. Every time I play through the tape, after this song, comes week 22, and it always brings a sense of relief because the sequencing sets up a sort of endorphin release...you will see😉. I think those who are going through it, or just coming out of a storm, will feel the relief the most. If you are reading this still, thank you!! And if no one has told you today that they love you, motherf*cker, I do!!

22. Metro Boomin ft A$AP Rocky & Roisee x Am I Dreaming

YOOOOO!!! Ok lets go back to May of this year 2023...I don't know about you, but the sequel to the most dopest animated Spidey film was about to drop(yes I know this trailer is from Dec. 22)...but what makes this even more special...it is announced that muthaf*ckin' Metro Boomin was going to be the lead on the soundtrack. A month later, in June, the album/soundtrack is released! My wife, kids, and I had it on heavy rotation; "METRO BOOMIN PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE". The whole project is fire. Some songs grew on me over time but overall amazing replay value. As you should know by now, June was heavy #32weeksMixtape writing era. I turned this on and knew I had to pick something...even though I had already used a Metro Track, "Umbrella" (from "Heroes and Villains"). "Annihilate" comes in so hot. I wanted it so bad but couldn't find a version online that sounded good enough. My next pick was "Givin' Up(Not the One)" because I think I sound as good as 21 Savage over a Metro Boomin beat. *Don't forget he is in Umbrella!*. But I felt the tempo was just slightly too slow. "Self- Love" stood out instantly however, the words just didn't come to me. OMG, I almost forgot, Danger! JID killed it, and I felt I couldn't get away from his type of flow, or do any better for that matter. This leaves me with 2 other picks that I actually land on. "Calling" & "Am I Dreaming". I will talk more about "Calling" in a few weeks. "Am I Dreaming"...those strings, they get me every f*cking time. Even now as I write this, it's playing in my earbuds. For those who haven't seen the film, which I am sure everyone has at this point, the movie's ending credits feature this track. Perfecto! Anyway, at this point in writing the project, I was just over halfway, and felt this immense burden lifted. I start reflecting on the process and the hook came to me. This was written before I saw the movie. Climbing/falling, swimming/drowning, doubting/making it to the next round, ultimately defeating myself(fear, doubt, disbelief, old behaviors) and becoming a more evolved me. this works on two levels as I introduce my big brother. I say a lot about his athleticism, (which I go into more the next song), because we bonded heavily over basketball. I mention in week 20 (RUN remix) about how he was/is great which is how I knew I wasn't great. So imagine seeing someone who is great and still rejected! I had to include it. My brother, David, has been through a lot. I remember being old enough to see his flaws, his bad choices, and immaturity. I told myself I would never be like him. I referred to him as the role model for what I didn't want to be. Which is crazy, because as a youngin'--with out a father, I wanted to be as cool as him! As time passed, having my own kids, seeing my brother rise and fall, dealing with my own issues, it finally clicked. My brother was a human. Nothing more and nothing less. Humans make mistakes, we learn, hopefully evolve, and do less harm as we proceed. It is truly an eye opening, mind blowing, bone crushing reality, to acknowledge that someone you put on a pedestal falls...but it hurts more when you see yourself in them (empathy and compassion). David, if you ever read my sh*t, I hope you know I am proud of you. You are worthy of love. You are an awesome father, brother, uncle, and more! You have been blessed with so many f*cking talents and gifts. My hope and wish is that you see what I see when I look at you today....SUPER!!! Those of you coming and checking for Cato's sh*t, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years (ha!)from now, I love you and hope that you tell those people that you really care about that you f*cking love them too! Enjoy the song and the visuals!!

23. Lil Durk ft. Morgan Wallen x Stand By Me

I am very new to listening to Lil Durk. I remember seeing some of his early mixtapes many years ago, but wasn't interested. Students I would work with also brought him up in a few different conversations. During summer school this past year (SY 22-23, June '23) which was deep #32weeksMixtape writing era, I actually asked some kids, what Durk song(s) should I check out. This was about a month after the album dropped, which I had no idea about. The album is titled "Almost Healed". The kids told me to check out "All My Life". They recommended the track "Expedite This Letter" from the Album/mixtape "7220". Listening to it now, it cringes me out thinking that these elementary scholars shared this one with me...if you check it out, you will see why I feel grossed out. Anyway, back to "All My Life". This caught me by surprised because it features J.Cole! I was like, "Ok, I most definitely have to check this out." What I noticed is that the album opens up like a "Therapy Session" which as a school counselor, hooks me right in. Especially coming off that "Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers" almost on a daily basis, this makes me happy that another artist is opening up in a seemingly genuine way about their issues with out the bravado. This made me feel like, "I f*ck with dude." I delved into the album, now lets list the tracks I wanted to fool with the most..."All My Life" instantly I had to let go because Cole already snatched it. I didn't feel I could add anything to it. But the song is amazing. "Put Em On Ice" has a vibe I like, however, nothing came to mind. "War Bout It ft. 21 Savage"...at this point, you know when Savage is a feature, I usually f*ck with it. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a solid remake beat. There were 2 others I liked and actually used. Cross the Globe ft. Juice Wrld, and "Stand By Me". I will get back to you on Cross the Globe. "Stand By Me" comes on and I hear the melody, instantly I feel nostalgic. "Ok, Lets Go Way Back..." I began with a string of exercises that I did with Big Bro Dave. I mention him in the previous post. Those days left such an impression on me. We kept track of our progress, our reps, and were really getting shredded. By Middle School my muscle mass was awesome. All the exercise I did helped keep my asthma in check. Also to clarify, Varsity did not win the state championships! SMH. I had to research it(after I already completed the damn video), and saw my school actually came in 3rd that year...which still a huge accomplishment. The game that I reference was big game because it was the last game for the season, and by winning got us a spot to play in the championship tournament. Apart of me is embarrassed for making this mistake, and being negligent in not double checking the facts. The other side of me, the artist, says who cares?! We were so f*cking excited and elated, that it FELT like we won the motherf*cking state championship title! Anyway, at this moment I would love to shout out my team mates, I appreciate those years playing along side you. I also want to shout out the coaches. I doubt you will ever see this, but I appreciate the life lessons of always hustling to get what you what, getting up and at it, and REBOUNDING! Not only is my son currently playing ball, my other son is interested as well, and I have the honor of coaching the elementary school kids I work with! These kids are just as hardworking as they are hard headed, but I love it. Appreciate anyone who is reading this right now. Let this long as post remind you that: 1. nothing lasts forever(esp pain) 2. You can always try again 3. A break can fix you(a day off, a step back, take a breather, then come back harder/better than ever). If no one has told you today, I love you...Now share that love with someone else!

24. Joyner Lucas ft. Timbaland x 10 Bands

First off, I knew Joyner was cold. I just never really got into him. My wife actually was bumping his sh*t before me. She shared with me ISIS...and I was like WTF!!! I had been into Logic at the time, going through his catalog. It was around this time she told me play ISIS. Hearing Joyner I was like this dude on a whole 'nother level. It took awhile but I had went through his whole album 'ADHD'. Fast forward to the #32weeks writing era, and I remembered that ADHD had some dope ass instrumentals. Lets see...ISIS is tough, but too fast, not my style, and they already murdered it twice..."double homicide kill the beat and the verses..." "The War" is sonically pleasing but I don't think I could come up with anything. "I love" is a banger for sure. Not my vibe though....ok I don't know what's going on, but sliding through this mf right now, I f*ck with all these beats. I don't what I was thinking, I think "10 Bands" came on/I found an instrumental that had good quality and closest to the original and the hook just came to me. "Parenting, Parenting, Parenting, this go out to the parents yeah!" There is one more beat that actually use from this album...i use the title track. It is something about the way the beat wobbles and is wavy. We will talk about that soon. Anyway, the verse for 10 Bands is just a blub about my boys. I try to include them in all my works now that they are here. They inspire me so much. The idea for this song is that I lay out their annoying traits, but then follow up with their amazing qualities. What is even more crazy is that as a parent we see our own personalities within our children play out in many different ways. I love them boys for real. I don't know how that video will be up. As of now they enjoy seeing themselves on the screen, but if that should change I will take it down. I almost forgot! In the verse I say "I told you they were little sh*ts.." This is a reference to the actual track/theme song of the Little Sh*ts Podcast my wife and I had did awhile back. In the video I have the Spotify track on display and circle it.

P.S.

I can't believe that this is number 24...like I have been consistently creating visuals, creating snippets of those(about 2-4), posting each of those on each f*cking social media site that I have an account for, writing up the "behind the music" post on here...EVERY F*CKING WEEK FOR THE LAST 24 WEEKS!!! I know this isn't exactly the info to put in theses posts, but I know that *you*(maybe a week from this post, or a year, hell even 5 years now) will be reading this like, "Damn n*gga, it's not that hard.." 1st off, remember I work a full time job every week day, I have a family, these activities that contribute to fulfillment of a project that as of today isn't "seen" at all or taking serious. Like on my mama, this definitely the greatest project that I have ever endured. I mentioned to people before I started releasing tracks, that the #32weeks itself (the writing, the time consumed on my mf phone/CPU, the struggle to maintain sanity while dealing with tough 8hr work day, to stay connected to family, and through it all, actually see this visual mixtape to its completion! So please make some noise for me on the internet. Help me make history. Time is not on our side, but time spent building something incredible that make life feel more limitless, to me, is time well spent. Apologies if that all sounded bitter and crass, it just feels like no one sees that effort that goes into this. I love you and hope you are taking care of yourself. Give the tracks play and please share it all with a music geek who can get into my music! 💙💙💙 I just found out today another acquaintance from earlier in my life has passed. He went LIVE on Facebook and basically expressed that he was tired, he felt alone, and felt like no one loved him. He made that video yesterday(~12/20) and I saw that new of it today (12/21). RIH RM. I know I can't be there for everyone, but apart of me wishes that I reached out to him the minute I saw his video...and I didn't. 💔 So my heart is slightly heavy as I write this. I know I am not to blame, because I don't have the power to control a man's decisions. To counter the negative feelings I have right now, I chose to practice gratitude. I am grateful for my life, grateful for my wife, grateful for my sons, grateful for my family, grateful for my homies[Domo, Tyson, Will, Paris(💔💙), Brandon, my f*cking brother Dave]grateful for the chance to create music, grateful that I have grown, grateful for love...Love is...beauitful. If you see this, well mf, I am grateful for you as well.

[brionysea]

the list of pop culture references I can't make in stranger things fic despite desperately wanting to now includes men in black (1997) and groundhog day (1993). shout out to scooby doo (created in 1969) for not crushing my dreams

[coloradomcpoeticslave]

13th Annual Cypher Seven: 2024’s Seven Best Hip Hop albums and more!

By Daniel Paiz The 13th Annual Cypher Seven article is here, as we select 2024’s Seven Best Hip Hop albums and more. 2024 was different than 2023 and previous years in that it felt that Hip-Hop was largely about hype this year. The charts reflected that. Big names dropped projects that dominated streams and social media. Criteria for deciding what qualified for 2024 Grading albums was figured…

[broke-bruce-wayne]

I want to go ice skating

[octo-artist]

Oh my god guys look at what my friend drew!

These are their interpretations of Mike the receptionist and Jess the stable girl from the pokerehab fic! I’d purposefully left their appearances open so people could draw them as they imagined them and the squeal I let out when my buddy sent me these after reading the fic was kinda embarrassing, but I was just so excited to see them!

As a bonus I’m gonna give some fun facts about these two that aren’t really talked about in the fics much!

Mike the receptionist

I’ve mentioned before that his partner is a Minchino but more specifically he has a shiny! His minchino was a rescue at the center that he had personally helped nurse back to health after he’d found it fallen out of a tree. Her name is Delilah.

Mike was once a member of team plasma before it disbanded, he was down on his luck at the time and wanted to few like he belonged somewhere. When the center opened up he was nervous but reader was very warm and welcoming to him and even praised his organizational abilities, even if he is directionally challenged.

He acts serious at work but has taken to going on group outings with other staff members having made many friends thanks to his job. The center helped him find purpose and turn his life around for the better.

He views Jess as a younger sister due to her being the youngest staff member at 19 years old and him being an only child, Mike is in his late 20s and sometimes scolds her when she overworks herself.

Jess the stable girl

It’s not shown but Jess’s partner pokemon is actually a houndoom, it was recovered from a smugglers ring and was missing a leg making it unfit to be released back into the wild, he’s happy as a cloister though as Jess goes out of her way to keep him comfortable and despite the missing limb he’s an excellent herding dog and helps back on the farm herding the mareep.

Jess is a country girl having grown up in a small town in the countryside of unova, she was looking for a place to do some part time work while she attended school when the center opened, with her experience in handling large groups of Pokemon she was happily assigned to tend to the stables where the sick or injured Pokemon recover before being let out into the yard, it’s where she found her houndoom (at the time houndor) after a smugglers ring was busted and several Pokemon were sent to the center for examination and recovery. The poor pup’s leg was damaged irreparably from the poor conditions it was kept in previously resulting in it needing an amputation. Jess felt sorry and decided she’d adopt him and bring him home to live with her on the farm. He’s been happy as can be with all the running space and warm comfy spots to sleep.

Jess is a sweetheart till you mess with those she cares about, reader is almost like a second parent/sibling to Jess and she knows reader has been through a lot even if she doesn’t know the specifics. She’s seen the hisuian Pokémon reader keeps and thinks that they must be working on a separate program to bring back ancient variants.

Jess has several siblings back home who are all younger and love to hear her stories from the center, she’s brought a few with her before that we’re old enough to behave themselves so they could see the good the center was doing in hopes that it’d inspire them to also do good in the world.

More characters will be revealed as they become relevant but please if you have an oc you’d like to see in the center or adopting a Pokemon that can’t be released reblog the post with their information like their appearance, what Pokemon they have as a partner, and/or what job they do!

[bermudianabroad]

a classic that will probably be all sorts of confusing so here's a handy cheat sheet under the cut for the items mentioned.

a chick-de-village (or kiskadee) in a paw paw tree two cassava pies three codfish cakes four Bermuda Onions (shout out to Stephen King for mentioning them very briefly in The Shining ((they're the only onions Dick Hallorann will buy because *characterisation reasons*)) fiiiive golden longtails on a chaaaain (seems like every woman of a certain generation has one of these.) six conch shell blowers (this one might be self explanatory). seven cedar shoe horns eight Cup Match t-shirts (Somerset vs St. Georges ((go st georges...))) nine gombeys dancing ten limestone moongates eleven Somerset churches (Somerset is like... way up country. take your passport.) twelve Dark and Stormies (don't drink all at once acegirls and boys.)

[duchess-of-mandalore]

Star Wars, friends. I know this is not why you follow me, but please make this my most shared post.

You are here.

We're living the lead-up to Revenge of the Sith, and it scares me so much a) it feels like there is so little we can do, and b) young people are acting as if there is nothing we can do.

If you don't know what's going on, I need you to wake up and get engaged.

I have two history degrees. My whole life I've always been the person saying, "When people say, 'This is the most important election ever," it just shows how little they know about history.'"

So please believe me when I tell you that THIS is the most important election (cycle, not just presidential race) that you will likely ever be a part of.

Trump is not Hitler. He's too stupid to be Hitler.

But our democracy only held together in 2020 because of a few people like Mike Pence who were willing to stand up against Trump when it was truly the last line of defense. I know that's hard for some of you to hear, but whatever you think of his beliefs, Pence showed he has integrity and stands by the Constitution.

There will be no Mike Pences this time around. Trump will not make the mistake of surrounding himself with those who are not fully committed to him.

Trump is a convicted felon. He is running to avoid his convictions and likely jail time more than anything else. If he wins, he will be able to pardon himself of his federal crimes, but he's going to keep acting like Donald Trump. If he's still alive in 2028, do you think he will leave the White House peacefully and just submit to further cases against him?

Please watch John Oliver's recent expose on Project 2025 and Trump's Second Term. It is linked in a comment below.

Trump and his administration are already putting in place plans for sweeping reforms that truly will make America look like The Handmaid's Tale. Presidents usually will push for more when they're in their second term because they don't have to worry about another election campaign, but this is different. This is about dismantling the democratic system so that it only benefits the most radical conservatives and Christians.

Christians, I am one of you. I was raised Evangelical (capital E meaning politically motivated culture warrior), and I am still evangelical (lower-case e, referring to theological beliefs). This is not the posture of Christ-followers. There is no good that comes from state-mandated religion, which both coerces people to claim that they are believers for social and cultural clout AND waters down the true religious fervor of the church because most people are only nominal believers.

There is NOTHING about Christian Nationalism that is in the best interest of Christians or in the best interest of the neighbors Christians are called to sacrificially love. If you need a reminder of who your neighbor is, read Luke 10:25-37.

Please start talking with your friends. Young people, please register to vote and bring your friends to do the same.

I know so many of you are disillusioned. I am too. Things that are going on in Palestine and Ukraine and so many other places make it very hard to vote for people with "D"s behind their names (especially after the recent presidential debate).

But punishing Joe Biden is not the revenge you want to pursue here. Are you unhappy with him giving Israel $12.5 billion? I am too, but do you think that number won't be repeated multiple times under Trump? Again, I was raised Evangelical. A staple of (politically-focused) Evangelicalism is that Christians (and thus America) must support (the modern state of) Israel no matter what because they have a hyper-literal understanding of the verse where God tells Abraham that he will bless those who bless him (including his descendants who became Israel).

Do not underestimate the importance of that view in their ideology. Nearly every member of my biological family has shunned me for suggesting that this is not a blanket endorsement of every action the modern state of Israel takes.

Trump is a criminal running for president to save his skin. He supports Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel who is now himself wanted for war crimes. Trump has aligned himself with the authoritarian leaders/dictators of Hungary, China, North Korea, and Russia. He is open about his love for Russian president Vladimir Putin's authoritarian regime and stands against Ukraine's democracy and national sovereignty.

This is what happened before World War I and World War II.

I know this isn't what you follow me for.

But George Lucas was showing the dangers of authoritarianism. He shows that democracy is hard. It's frustrating trying to negotiate with people you disagree with vehemently. It may seem like nothing gets done.

Go and watch the Naboo picnic scene. Go and do it. And after chuckling at all the funny memes it's given us, let me tell you why it scares me so much.

Because Padme laughs.

Anakin tells her who he is, and she laughs.

She passes it off as a joke, or as flirting, or maybe even as just the ignorant views of a boy who views life as far more black and white than she knows it to be.

But the alternative to all of that frustrating democracy, all that gridlock in the Senate, all those choices and compromises you have to make in order to benefit the people at all ... the alternative is a dictator who says, "I will make all the decisions for us."

That's why there are people who applaud Palpatine. That's why we as viewers see Bail and Padme as the reasonable ones and think it's crazy that anyone would applaud, but they do.

The applaud because Palpatine says, "You don't have to be frustrated anymore. You don't have to be worried about those who disagree with you anymore." Safety and security and ease are powerful temptations when you live in a polarized society, and Palpatine offers them all of those things.

That's why many people applaud Trump, too.

There were also people who applauded Palpatine who did see the danger of what he was doing. But they applauded because it was easier to do so. He had already amassed power because they didn't stand up to him before. They applaud him now because standing against him now would have dire consequences they wouldn't have faced if they had stood against him before.

So vote. And get your friends to vote.

If there is any part of you that believes Star Wars has important things to tell us about real life, then I need you to fan that flame into a fire.

Otherwise, you won't be living in the prequels anymore. You will be living in the time of the Empire.

Vote.

[judgeanon]

So About That BATGIRL #1...

I put this review up in another site, but since folks here on Tumblr seem to be realizing I have a lot of Thoughts about Lady Shiva, I figured I'd transplant it here. So here's how I feel about it. The short of it is that I think it's a strong start with a few small quibbles because I'm not sure how much of Shiva's writing is her being intentionally OOC and how much is Brombal trying to humanize her.

The long is here:

Now, one of Shiva's main issues as a character ever since they finally split her from the League of Assassins (God bless you Bryan Hill) is that, instead, writers have stapled her to Cass. Literally every major Shiva appearance since 2017 has involved Cass in some way. That is a problem not so much for Cass, who gets to have her own stories and series with and without the Batfam (although mostly with), but for Shiva, who doesn't get nearly as much exposure as her daughter. If there's a Shiva comic coming out, odds are it's gonna have something to do with Cass. Well, except for the other Shiva comic coming out this month that's gonna suck shit.

But at the same time, I don't think that means nobody should ever do another Shiva/Cass story, because I still feel like that's rich soil that nobody has had the time, space or desire to really commit to mining. Hill in Outsiders was writing a whole ensemble cast and couldn't linger too long on them. Writers like Grayson and Cloonan/Conrad both teased Shiva trying to reconcile with Cass but never took it anyhwere. A Shiva/Cass story can still be compelling and interesting as long as the writer is willing and able to Actually Write It.

So when literally the first panel of this new issue is Shiva addressing Cass and their relationship directly, I'm already perked up. Right from the get go, you can tell that Tate Brombal is absolutely here to tell a story about these two women and pretty much nothing else, and also that Tak Miyazawa and Mike Spicer are a killer art team. I adore how hard Tak's figures look without (usually) being stiff, thanks to some solid body language and expressions. And Spicer's colors have a cool kind of dark-but-vivid look. The last leg of the issue, with everything illuminated by fire, is especially cool.

Going back to the opening, it's curous how despite this being an issue #1, there's very little in the way of character introductions or set up. There's no slow burn here, no lengthy creeping intro like previous Shiva/Cass stories. And while I can't help but feel that it must be a little awkward for readers unfamiliar with them or their current situation, I think it also accurately reflects one of my favorite parts of the comic, which is Cass' being just absolutely fucking DONE with her mom.

After years of hyper dramatic standoffs and tearful moments of cheap heartbreak, it's fun to see a Cass who has no time for her mother, who's not interested in what she's got going on, and who's confident enough in herself to even be a little shit about it. It's fun and refreshing and fits Cass very nicely.

That not-quite-breakneck but still fast pace keeps up when the Unburied show up after just a few pages of setup and you know, in a couple of interviews, Brombal mentioned being influenced by Daredevil. And this is the page that made me go "Ah, yeah, that tracks." 'cause brother, those are some MILLER-ass ninjas.

Why Shiva fears these guys or thinks Cass can't handle them is not yet explained, but her desperation to keep Cass around does lead to a small but very meaning-heavy moment: the first punch in this series is not thrown into the face of the new enemies, but it's Cass decking her mom in the face and Shiva loving it.

It's an excellent touch and a perfect mission statement about the series. I love it as much as I love the ensuing fight, full of cool moves in big and small panels, but the most fun thing to me is how it's choreographed as Cass fighting her mom almost as much as she's fighting the Unburied. And on top of being a great fight, it ends with a small nod to QUESTION #1 or the 'Tec '88 Annual, in case I was somehow not sold enough already.

And while I still love Cass being so willing to call Shiva out on her lies, it does bring up one of the small gripes I have with this issue: I don't like it when Shiva lies constantly. I think she's best when she's strong and confident enough to not need to lie, when she just lays everything out on the table the way this comic is almost doing. It's good for Cass, as it keeps showing her as someone who has grown to understand her mother, who sees Shiva for who she is and what she does. And it does set up a slightly heartwarming scene at the end.

Of course, that's personal preferrence, and I'm not gonna say this is a bad comic because it doesn't follow my own idea of what works best for Shiva, especially since it's clear that Brombal is writing her with a lot of intention here. But that leads to the other big-ish issue I have with this issue: it's a bit hard to tell, from this story alone, how much of these moments are Brombal building his own personal version of Shiva and how much of it is Shiva, in-universe, acting out of character for the sake of some hidden scheme. After all, Cass points out that twice in the issue Shiva backs down, first from a moral fight and then from an actual fight.

So it's possible that even the constant lying is Shiva playing a role in favor of a grander scheme which will be revealed in later issues. Which, fair enough, I'm willing to see where it goes. But that second moment of yielding does lead to what's maybe my biggest problem with BATGIRL #1, and it's the Unburied themselves.

There's nothing in that initial fight with the Unburied that suggests Shiva and Cass would've had trouble dealing with them. Hell, there's very little to suggest even one of them would've had trouble with them. Now, I'm not suggesting that this issue should've started with the titular character and her mom getting their asses handed to them. But it feels like there's just not enough to these new enemies yet to justify the escape. Ninjas show up, Cass and Shiva beat them without getting hit once, more Ninjas show up and Shiva self-defenestrates herself.

Again, entirely possible that Shiva has something up her sleeve here, and issue #2 did promise to show us the main villain behind them, but as it stands it leaves me with this weird mix of not quite intrigue, not quite disappointment. It's just odd. They could've had, I dunno, a bomb set in the building or some other reason for Shiva to exit the venue like that.

Speaking of odd things, however, I did NOT expect to be reading a comic that brings up Shiva's cult from Puckett/Scott's BATGIRL #25. It's an "Order of Shiva" now though, with chapters and temples and stuff. Which is a bit of a change, since back in #25 they came off more like a gang of fanboys than an order of servants or anything like that. And after being summarily disposed by Shiva in that same issue, they were never really explored again.

So this is Brombal not just bringing back a bit of old lore, but also shifting it slightly, turning it into a more organized group... and then summarily disposing of them one panel later.

Also, I don't know what it is but I *LOVE* this panel. Shiva's face, her "wut" pose, the O.O, it's just... beautiful.

Anyway, once they're in the temple for the last bit of the issue, I start to see a bit more of what Brombal's doing. Like Gail Simone and Bryan Hill, Brombal seems to want to soften Shiva up a little, to make it clear that deep inside, she does have at least a bit of a heart, or enough of it to feel sadness at the wasteful death of people she may feel like she owes something to. Compare it to BIRDS OF PREY #62 for example:

This one is not quite as dramatic or vulnerable, but it's clear that Brombal wants to write Shiva with a slightly more human heart. Which, again, I'm not opposed to but I don't think it's the best thing you can do with her. I prefer Shiva being more detached in regards to death, like the most she'll do is see it as a waste but she's not gonna get emotional about it, she's going to be way more matter-of-fact. Death happens and such. But I think that kind of aloofness often gets interpreted as monstrous disdain for life by writers trying to make Shiva into a villain, and if I had to choose between what Brombal's doing and what, well, what Tom King's probably gonna be doing in a few weeks, I'll take this anytime.

Anyway, I also didn't expect to see the apprentice from BATGIRL #26, having apparently gotten a promotion somewhere in the last 20 years. Good for him! Less good for him is the shitload of arrows he eats two pages later but oh well.

The last couple of pages lead to a nice moment of sheer badassery for both Shiva and Cass and one last showcase of Miyazawa and Spicer's glorious team effort. Those two work really well together and I'm excited to see more of them in future issues. And while we're at it, I gotta give props to Miyazawa for being one of maybe two artists to draw a visibly older Lady Shiva.

His version isn't just aged but hardened by that age, looking stern and determined without having to rely on gritted teeth or angry looks. And on top of all that, he still finds more than enough moments to give her the kind of cocky smiles that bring out the more playful side of Shiva that some stories tend to either gloss over or turn into outright sadism.

Man... I just love to see that momma smile.

Other than that, there's a couple of minor quibbles I have with the issue. There's a funny moment where Cass pulls a Batman on her own mother (who charmingly acknowledges Bruce's influence) but it's undercut by Cass poofing back into existence on the next page. And there's also the weird, almost surreal emptiness of the city around them. Even after a building explodes, there's literally nobody on the streets other than Shiva and Cass.

On one hand, it speaks to the intentions of this run. This is VERY much a two-woman show so far, with no room for much else. But it's still glaring enough to be distracting.

However, it's that intentionality that ultimately wins me over. Even with all my personal little issues with Shiva's characterization, it's obvious from the start that this is a writer who is genuinely trying to write her as a character, who is ready to engage with her and with her relation with Cass on a deeper level than just hero and villain, or good daughter and evil mom.

Brombal, Miyazawa & Spicer have put some meat on the grill, and although I don't think the biggest pieces are there yet... I'm ready to let them cook.