#One Piece 768 spoilers

[ruporas]

apologies if you've already been asked this but do you have any favorite trigun fics? i absolutely adore your art btw!

thank you!!! and i've answered this on insta, but i don't think i've ever shared on tumblr... i'm not good at reading fics, esp long ones, because my attention span is pretty bad, but from the ones i have bookmarked, i'll share some that i like in no particular order

hills like white elephants (meet me halfway) - adlvnam

pairing: vashwood word count: 1.1k, sfw, vague post v.10 spoilers ‘I read a story once,’ Vash says, unsure. ‘I’m kind of thinking about it right now.’

i like a lot of adlvnam's fics, i find them very unique and creative in their execution, and their writing is wonderful! this was the first fic i've read from them and it's stuck with me ever since. others that i like from them are in manus tuas (no spoilers) and vox dei (warning for post vol.10 spoilers).

stay - Anonymous

pairing: vashwood word count: 2.3k, sfw, no spoilers “Hold up,” Vash groans. He presses his free hand to Wolfwood’s mouth and shushes him. He’s probably going for a stern look, though between his poor attempts to stop grinning like the biggest idiot this side of the planet and the way he’s patting him, it’s hard to take him seriously. “Stop laughin’. Where’s the keys?” “What keys?” Wolfwood tries to ask, muffled by Vash’s hand, and his tongue is a little thick and slow in his mouth so… something comes out, but it’s probably not very wordy. Word-like. Not a sentence, probably. (or, wolfwood and vash get drunk, bicker, and then share a bed together.)

i enjoyed the mundanity and silliness of this fic and i think about it from time to time... i think fics where one of them or both drink together are pleasant to read.

Last Summer - varilien

pairing: vashwood word count: 741, sfw, no spoilers You are what you love.

tags on this one are "sunrises, morning routines, coffee, sentimental" which caught my attention. very sweet and beautiful.

Rain - Kokohamstar

pairing: none, wolfwood centric word count: 768, sfw, major spoilers - post v.10 Ever since he was a little kid listening to Bible stories, he dreamed of the day the world would be washed clean and wondered what the rain would feel like on his face.

as most wolfwood centric fics, it was a gutpunch and melancholic, but still soooo.. augh.... the last paragraph really does it for me.

water bucket blues - fathomfive

pairing: vashwood word count: 3.7k, sfw, major spoilers, post trimax Vash the Stampede goes on the record about a friend he once had. Also about card games, cats, family, and some other things. "Start with a piece of the whole, Meryl said. It doesn’t have to be the first piece. Start with a specific. That’s what they mean when they throw around the words human interest. I know the pieces. Believing they make a whole is another thing. But she’s a broadcast professional and I trust her advice. Maybe if I can figure out how to tell one piece—like the story of Wolfwood as I knew him—I can learn how to tell the others."

i love vash pov fics and i love it when it's first person and this one in particular hits because it's his pov and he speaks, honestly, openly, telling a tale that he can't really flub because it's about the people he loved. i love how grounded this fic is in the present of max, i love how vash grows within the 3.7k words, i love how he moves forward with the world he's living in. this fic makes me teary if i think too much about it... it's really wonderful.

it’s a summer day, and I want to be wanted more than anything else in the world - goldenglitz

pairing: vashwood word count: 3.9k, nsfw, no spoilers Vash has the lung capacity of a man who’s cried for 150 years. It isn't like Wolfwood takes more than he gives — but like with most things, he barely keeps up with Vash. He works his body to the limit, even as his lungs burn and his legs and arms give out under him. They fuck like they’re on borrowed time. All of this makes it so easy — so much easier than just talking. Wolfwood would sometimes rather pull new and interesting noises from Vash with just his mouth than do anything else with it. Their own dialect: moans, groans, and four words. “Yes” — “Please” — “Vash” — “Wolfwood.”

i love all of their vashwood fics, they only have 3 but they're all lovely and has a sort of characterization to both vash and wolfwood i don't see often. definitely one of my faves, especially when it comes to explicit vw fics.

i think these are all the ones i'll share for now!!

[laz-laz-ace-pilot]

I posted 54,649 times in 2022

That's 33,170 more posts than 2021!

295 posts created (1%)

54,354 posts reblogged (99%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@cantwearflipflops

@pinkys-plan

@sulevinen

@spacerocksarethebestrocks

@screaming-velociraptor

I tagged 4,941 of my posts in 2022

#andor spoilers - 1,089 posts

#andor - 969 posts

#tbobf spoilers - 228 posts

#writing reference - 136 posts

#reference - 107 posts

#kenobi spoilers - 95 posts

#personal - 76 posts

#in the shadow of his brothers - 67 posts

#star wars - 60 posts

#drawing reference - 57 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#this has been followed by tory and rwandan propoganda. ‘we have no human rights violations. people are safe here’ no the fuck they aren’t??

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

I'm sorry to every other action movie star, but you will never be as cool or sexy as Diego Luna dive jumping and shooting a Deathtrooper fascist while in that jacket. It's over, go congratulate Mr Luna on the way out.

674 notes - Posted November 24, 2022

#4

Some Imperial somewhere: you're never going to believe who just organised a massive prison break

768 notes - Posted November 9, 2022

#3

There are so many details in Andor that I could pour over forever, especially in the prison. The language used is so corporate and sanitised - 'minimally invasive enforcement techniques' to describe electrocuting someone to death, 'on programme/ off programme', 'hot floor' - all of it defangs the reality of what they're living with for the oppressors (and maybe for the inmates to increase productivity?) but must drive the inmates mad.

There's tiny moments too; the fact they showed one guard being late due to a 'problem in tech', establishing that the idea that its a well oiled machine is just a thin veneer. The desperation of the inmates to hear news about themselves from outside and getting nothing. The use of what looks like sign language to communicate across blocks. The comment about if two inmates are in the same cell they both get fried - that could be read as just to stop inmates conspiring together, but also implies that inmates can't seek romantic, sexual or even friendly companionship. There's a homophobic edge to it, and further reinstates the prisons control over happiness. Pleasure can only be achieved through productivity for the Empire, everything else is forbidden.

And that doesn't even go into the set design, the costumes, the filming, the acting! Or how those scenes are juxtaposed against the luxury of Mon Mothma's apartment.

This show guys!

1,023 notes - Posted October 27, 2022

#2

I know people are seeing the post credit scene and lamenting that Cassian and Melshi were forced to build the very weapon that will kill them (which is true and I am definitely also 'people') but... it also confirmation that the prison escape directly impacted the development of the Death Star.

Like, we know that turning off the facility meant that Narkina 5 couldn't be fully operational for months, and the loss of 5000 prisoners who were all assembling large numbers of pieces a day... all of that had to hurt the production schedule, not to mention any further damage from Melshi or Cassian's testimonies reaching people inside and out of the prison system.

How long did it delay production? We don't know - it could have been weeks or months, or even just hours. But knowing how little time the Rebellion has once they learn of the Death Star's existence, and how the Empire was closing in, even before then - Jyn and team escape Jedha with the message and means to destroy the superweapon by literal seconds - I just feel like it counted.

The Death Star will one day kill both Cassian and Melshi, but they, and 5000 other men, also bought precious time for the Rebellion. Just enough time to get the plans off Scarif. Just enough time for some desert farmer boy to make the crucial shot.

2,580 notes - Posted November 24, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

ISB and Luthen playing 4D chess against each other:

Ferrix:

3,009 notes - Posted November 23, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[kinomiakai]

I posted 1,192 times in 2022

165 posts created (14%)

1,027 posts reblogged (86%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@dark-naruto

@snsmonth22

@narudoodles

@kinomiakai

@lilium-sns

I tagged 1,192 of my posts in 2022

#artbyop - 768 posts

#ep3otp - 690 posts

#canonverse - 335 posts

#textpost - 247 posts

#kinomitalks - 195 posts

#notsns - 174 posts

#notnaruto - 159 posts

#sastag - 147 posts

#writingstuff - 145 posts

#snow124-art - 122 posts

Longest Tag: 140 characters

#i also spent my whole day researching how not to be unbelievably screwed over when self publishing so that was fun and not at all depressing

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Self-Promo Saturday!!

Hey friends!! I’m trying something I’ve wanted to do for awhile today - it wasn’t that long ago that I didn’t have too many people visiting my ao3 account, and I honestly don’t know what would have happened if not for Rebuilding & the sns month event that brought a lot of you to me. So! For those of you starting out on ao3 or elsewhere, if you want a bit of a boost, reblog this post with your links and I’ll reblog them! And maybe we can all spend a bit of time checking out each others’ work :> Sound good?

This is just an informal thing, so don’t worry about your numbers or if you count as starting out or not. Just go for it, if you’d like to.

(I’ll tag all these posts with SPsat, so blacklist that if it gets too spammy for your liking 💕 )

25 notes - Posted January 29, 2022

#4

I had no idea how to reply to this ask without confirming or denying so I tried out blocking the bits that might be spoilers and made the funniest blackout poem in the world

33 notes - Posted January 10, 2022

#3

Hi! You often write Sakura as a lesbian, but do you actually think she is one? I’m curious why you write her this way (to me she seems extremely straight). I hope I’m not offending you, I just really want to know your thought process?

Aw hey anon! No worries, I’m not offended at all. I’m totally open to different headcanons about characters, I know we all have our preferences. Honestly, a lot of mine boil down to the pieces of canon that speak to me, and what I find the most fun to play around with - and Sakura being a lesbian is one of those for me.

Honestly the whole break down of Ino and Sakura’s relationship I find fascinating interpreted in this way - because Sakura is totally starstruck by Ino, she’s talented and beautiful and confident and I think the line is something like “compared to her, I’m…” And then Ino seems super jealous/hurt that Sakura admits she has a crush on Sasuke, and in the same breath sort of ditches their friendship for it. So in canon I think there’s a lot of pining/angst to work with from Ino’s perspective, because she’s never even really confirmed to originally have a crush on Sasuke if I remember right? Sakura hears it as a rumour after she says she has a crush, and then is like “you know that means we’re rivals then” and it sort of seems like Ino just went “well, fuck it. okay. I’m gonna kick your ass in loving sasuke then”.

So if I’m looking at it logically, there’s probably more to saying Sakura is bi or pan than a lesbian, but Sasuke as an object of affection is so,,,,safe. He doesn’t show any romantic inclination, he pretty much rejects all relationships in general, doubly so after the massacre, so it sort of reads, to me, like she picked a safe target to seem straight. And then I love your language, because she is totally extreme with it. She is SO straight. She is The Straightest. And that has me a little like hmm. Okay missy. Sure thing.

But I do really see some attraction to females in there, largely because of the way she talks about Ino reaaaallllyyy reads the same way I used to think about girls I had a crush on before I knew anything about myself lol. I’m not gay, they’re just amazing! Look at how beautiful and smart and out of my league they are, I just want to be like them! I want to be as good as they are, that’s what this is! Narrator: it was not.

So a bit of bias, a bit of fun, & a bit of liking the relationship & how it parallels to SNS (although it is very different). Hope that makes sense anon!! Thanks for the ask :>

38 notes - Posted March 18, 2022

#2

Next Bite Me Chapter Up!

Ch5 time!!

54 notes - Posted December 31, 2021

My #1 post of 2022

Happy SNS month, friends!!

I’ll be participating in my own little way, whenever I can! I’ll update this when I do :> Here are the prompts & announcement post if you need them!

Day One: Cuddling or Rivalry

101 notes - Posted October 1, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[bonesmakenoise]

I posted 21,462 times in 2022

That's 12,125 more posts than 2021!

26 posts created (0%)

21,436 posts reblogged (100%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@possiblythreefourthspeahen

@dianapocalypse

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@eggpuffs

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I tagged 1,436 of my posts in 2022

#q - 160 posts

#toh spoilers - 64 posts

#the owl house - 57 posts

#sophie - 54 posts

#art - 47 posts

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#gif - 20 posts

#spy x family - 20 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#absolutely! active listening also helps so you can say oh!! tell me more about x aspect of your interest! and it’s off to the races lmao

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

To celebrate the launch of Act 1 of Turnabout: An Ace Attorney Musical today, I decided to redraw a doodle I did in my high school AP Language class 15 years ago:

This is one of the first Phoenix Wright fanart pieces I ever did. 15 years of progress and 15 years of loving this musical and franchise. Hilariously, I tried to put in the same amount of effort on both of these, and just like the original doodle, slapping some shading on got away from me.

62 notes - Posted November 26, 2022

#4

I just launched my second Kickstarter for a pin inspired by Anya from SpyxFamily!! I’ve also got cute mini pin stretch goals that I would love, love, love to get funded. Please consider funding the pin so we can get more cute merch of the best girl out into the world. Thanks for your time and attention!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bonesmakenoise/spyxfamily-rainy-day-anya-hard-enamel-pin

62 notes - Posted August 8, 2022

#3

For @dianapocalypse!

342 notes - Posted November 7, 2022

#2

See the full post

768 notes - Posted May 21, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

I’ve really been enjoying SpyxFamily… the ending theme where everyone dances makes me warm and fuzzy….

3,407 notes - Posted July 7, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[multixminds]

*The “Mother” touch meme portion gets an asterisk until we see what sort of personality Drake’s mother had and if she is cute and sweet, then the chart can be taken as is, otherwise there may be a change later! The hidden area of the back is also included as a “yes”.

SO, here we go.

STRANGERS

Please do not touch him without his permission otherwise he won’t be happy. Touching his scar especially is a no-no. You will not be able to touch it because he WILL grab your hand before you do. IT IS THAT SERIOUS. Please do not violate his personal space.

(BEST) FRIENDS

Drake is a bit more open with his FRIENDS, but they still cannot touch his scar, ears, neck, torso, stomach, pelvis, legs, and rear--not really his mouth either tbh. His arms, shoulders, face, and back are fine. Maybe his hair is you aren’t making fun of it. 

He doesn’t mind them holding his hand or linking arms with them. Placing a hand on his shoulder is acceptable or even holding his face with their hands his good. He LIKES physical touch, but he’s not used to it being very positive/good and so he has boundaries unless it is with someone he trusts completely like A TRUE BEST FRIEND (which may or may not include touching everywhere even sexual areas depending) or A PARTNER.

FAMILY (FATHER)

This is self explanatory, but for those of you not CAUGHT UP TO AT LEAST 768 IN THE MANGA ONE PIECE THIS IS A SPOILER: Drake’s father, Barrels, became physically abusive towards him (and emotionally abusive as well), so Drake will view him the same as a stranger and will never allow him to touch him ever again.

FAMILY (MOTHER)

Explained above! o/

PARTNER

This is the ultimate form of trust for Drake--allowing another person to touch him as they please. He only asks that they ask to touch his scar or his chest as those parts of his body are important to him for different reasons. It can be found out with his partner that he is actually a very affectionate, very physical person. He will melt at the touch of his partner especially when they are targeting his hair (RUN YOUR FINGERS THROUGH IT), his face (PEPPER IT WITH KISSES OR JUST HOLD IT/CARESS IT), or his neck (NUZZLE IT OR KISS IT). 

He is a cuddler/snuggler and being the LITTLE SPOON IS EXCELLENT AND MAKES HIM FEEL SAFE/LOVED. He’s a happy Dino if he can be as touchy with his partner as his partner is with him, but he will be very respectful of all boundaries that his partner has--if any.

[bvckysmanbun]

Should Have Found a Way

Bucky Barnes x Fem! Reader

INFINITY WAR SPOILER BELOW THE CUT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

WARNINGS: DEATH, INFINITY WAR SPOILERS, HEARTACHE, ANGST

**I just...I’m still processing the entire movie and I’ve been in such an angsty mood and this happened I’m sorry and hopefully you don’t hate me. I couldn’t figure out a way to write it if it wasn’t from Steve’s perspective. Italics are...flashbacks. Reposted bc Tumblr is shit. 

**Word count: 768 **

masterlist

No one tells you that when you experience heartbreak, true heartbreak, that your brain makes your body think it’s been physically harmed. There is no phantom pain, no, the pain is real. The phrase where someone says, “I feel like someone just ripped my heart out,” it is literally what it feels like. Your chest is chest is heavy as if there’s a constant pressure, your heart aches and the act breathing makes it worst.

They love is like a drug, that love can be addicting. You never know how true it is until the love of your like is ripped away, or turned into ashes, right in front of you. You feel like you can’t breathe, can’t eat, can’t live. You can no longer feel anything except sorrow and you can’t help regretting falling in love, but you also can’t help but miss the feeling of being in love.

Love…love can be the greatest feeling, but it can be easiest one that is ripped away from you.

Steve stared at her as he felt the familiar pricking sensation in his eyes. Her arms were wrapped around her figure, her body itself was rocking back and forth as she hummed. He walked towards her carefully and quietly, recognizing the tune as “Stardust” by Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra. He blinked back the tears as he stopped; it was one of his favorites and he always hummed it when he was in the mood to dance with her.

He watched as her body shook and mumbles of words escaped with every little hiccup. “Doll,” Steve called out gently to her, so she wouldn’t be startled when he settled himself beside her.

As another sob erupted from her figure, Steve crouched down and placed his hand on her back gently. As soon as his hand made contact with her body, her arms unwrapped from her own body and around his. Her face buried deep into his shoulder as she cried, shakes and hiccups moving her body.

“I c-could’ve saved-d him,” she cried out. Steve’s hand stroked her head as he pressed a kiss to her forehead, a tear slipped down his own face. “W-we just g-got him back.” Another violent shake erupted through her body and Steve couldn’t stop replaying the events in his head.

Steve watched as Thanos snapped his finger and suddenly, something felt wrong.He couldn’t help, but stare at Thanos’ face as it blanked after a snap of his fingers. What seemed like minutes but was only seconds, Thanos looked back at Steve before vanishing.

Steve held onto his side as he panted, he took a few steps to where Thanos had just been. Crunching of leaves made Steve turn his attention to [Y/n] who was walking from the other directions. “Where’d he go?” Steve looked around again. “Thor? Where did he go?” It came out panicked.

“Steve?” Steve turned around. Only a few steps in front of [Y/n], Bucky made his way towards Steve only, as pieces of him began to disintegrate, to fall and completely vanish. [Y/n] tried her best to run to him, to stop him from leaving only for him to slip through her fingers. His gun fell with a loud thump and a shriek followed.

Steve’s eyes went between where his best friend once stood and where his best friend’s best girl was. Slowly, Steve made his way to where Bucky’s…remains now laid on the ground of the Wakandan forest and where [Y/n] was staring down in disbelief. They both fell to their knees, eyes meeting. Steve’s eyes wide in disbelief and [Y/n]’s eyes blurry with tears that had begun to slip down her face.  

“Bucky?” Her hands opened, and the particles of what was once her lover flew out of her exposed palms, swirling into the air.

“…I don’t think any of us could have,” Steve croaked as he rocked both their bodies. A silent sob pushed its out of Steve’s body and he couldn’t stop it. Both [Y/n] and Steve looked up into the sky.

“We j-just got him b-back,” [Y/n] repeated. There were more stars in the sky.

“I know…but,” Steve stopped himself as he felt more tears roll down their face.

“…there wasn’t a way to stop it,” [Y/n]’s quiet voice finished. The warm Wakandan air was thick and hot. Sounds of mourning and grieving were distant but traveled in the air. Steve watched the stars, hoping that his best friend would watch over the both of them. I’ll take care of her, Buck. He looked down at [Y/n], only to see her staring up at the sky, tears rushing down her face. He turned his attention back to stars.

“No.”

Tags: @boostrgolds @jaybirdxarsenal @a-wanna-be-emo @an-all-write-life @perforabuntsaggittis @theshortegg @spidey-hood @shelteredheart

[spotlightsaga]

Kevin Cage of @spotlightsaga reviews... Young Sheldon /S01\/E01\ Pilot Airdate: September 25, 2017 @CBS Ratings: 16.57 Million :: 3.7 18-49 Demo Share Score: 6.75/10 @SpotlightSaga @CulturePit *************SPOILER FREE REVIEW************* Oh, what a shame... Did we miss the party? You know, I’m not really sure who the demographic is that is giving ‘The Big Bang Theory’ all of its monstrous numbers... Ok, well, I have an idea... But I’d hate to get ahead of myself like my other half, Cody Cole. Besides, everyone is allowed a handful of ‘Guilty Pleasures’, right? I sure as hell know that I’ve got mine. Even tho I don’t use the account anymore, I used to have a Spotify Playlist for songs that appeared on the UPN turned CW Series ‘One Tree Hill’. And yes, that’s embarrassing, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s very much true. I love ‘One Tree Hill’ and I cried like a little baby in S9 when (of course, you know I’m not going to reveal any spoilers, right?) the culmination of the main story arc that started the show off, came to one of the most tearful & satisfying conclusions ever on television. Yes, I love that show that fn’ much, ridiculous, I know... I pretend that S8 didn’t happen... But hey, when you run 9 Seasons of 20-25 Episodes, you’re bound to get some bad ideas some of the time. Now’s when you breathe your big sigh of relief... Judging by its pilot, ‘Young Sheldon’ doesn’t appear to fall in the category of ‘Guilty Pleasure’. Quite the opposite, actually. Remember how we all felt after the 1st Season of CBS ’Life In Pieces’. That hopeful, feel-good spirit was attached to something uniquely constructed with a powerhouse cast, something that didn’t normally happen on CBS, at least in such high quality... A Single Camera Sitcom. While ‘Young Sheldon’ may not look completely unique at first glance, its admittedly giving off a ‘Goldbergs-Mature’ vibe, and that’s hard to deny... But what originality it lacks within the walls of its narrative construct, it more than makes up in a fresh, restrained approach. The normal, tv-family chaos is still there, but at the epicenter of the organized madness, we have an observer... He’s not exactly a reliable narrator in theory, but he is in character. You see, Sheldon tells it like it is... And since this is something that pretty much all human children are known for... Famed Co-Creators & Co-Writers Chuck Lorre & Steven Molaro make sure that Little-Man, Iain Armitage (YS), turns up the awkward observations, just like his very own grown version and narrator, Big Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) from TBBT. I’m not so sure Young Sheldon is meant to be abnormally cute, or likable for that matter. The show approaches normal, southwestern families in the 80s with a pragmatic point of view. It’s existential in nature, and feels like a show that could also feel right at home on a Streaming Network like Amazon Prime. Lorre & Armitage also know that since this is from a child’s POV, the world is scary is nature... Even to the smartest, brightest minds around. Rarely do we cover CBS Sitcoms, although we’ve been known to indulge in Bear Claw Heaven with Kevin James on ‘Kevin Can Wait’, and we’re basically almost there with the aforementioned ‘Life In Pieces’... It just had a rough S2. You see, CBS has been gearing up; polishing up the CBS All Access Network, of course TBBT is always a Network Focus, reshooting entire episodes of Star Trek, and making sure Big Brother #768 (or whatever season its on) keeps steady numbers... It’s strange when you think of all the factors that can have some sort of snowball effect on the finished product of a Big 4 Network TV Series. It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that clearly the Network Giant’s focus has also very much been on this show as well. It’s clear, crystal clear, that CBS is very much behind ‘Young Sheldon’. To say this series was handled with care is an understatement. It’s polished, introspective, and brushes off chances to pull cheap laughs... Everything a normal CBS Sitcom doesn’t do. Even the placement of its pilot’s timeslot, garnering such big numbers off of the Season Premiere of its parent show, TBBT, has never really turned results in such spectacular fashion as it did here... Holding all 16.5 Live Million Viewers from the first half hour and keeping the mass majority of its coveted 18-49 demographic too. I guarantee they nurse this bad boy all the way through an ungodly amount of episodes. Why not? Honestly, it works. ‘The Goldbergs’ are growing up, right out of the 80s, and AMC’s ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ is heading into its 4th & final season. There’s a niche and it needs to be filled, and it looks like we have our first guest. Many of us have a deep connection to this era the show is set in, but none of us have seen it through this kind of lens. The big question isn’t the quality... You know CBS, it’s about money and longevity, because longevity not only brings in a steady supply of money, it also gives them something to brand... But that’s kind of why it’s so surprising that ‘Young Sheldon’ isn’t coming right out of the gate trying to push anything other than its own value. I have a strict policy when it comes to Sitcoms, whether they’re multi-cam or single-cam, doesn’t matter... Each series gets a fair shake... And a 21 Minute Episode built off a general idea will not tell you how far a show can go or how good a show will be.... Theres just no way! All kinds of shows out there start slow and then end up turning out relentless bangers on a regular basis, a few episodes, or even a season or 2 down the road... And then there is the exact opposite, where we see a show start out red hot and straight up fizzle out like a fading star right before our very eyes. I think it’s important for everyone to not judge this one too quickly... Maybe ‘Young Sheldon’ isn’t for that same ‘TBBT’ audience, maybe it’s meant to strike a different chord. It sure feels like it. ***************Written By Kevin Cage**************** TVTime/Letterboxd/FB/IG/Path/Pin/Tumblr/Twitter: @SpotlightSaga 📺 TVTime📺 http://www.tvtime.com ✅Spotlight Saga FB Page! Give us a like!✅ http://www.facebook.com/spotlightsaga 🚧Spotlight Saga's Main Page is Under Works🚧 http://www.spotlightsaga.com 🔥The Culture Pit FB Group🔥 http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtsEntertainment @CulturePit Kevin Cage // Justin O'Malley // Cody Cole // Jerry Wilson // Kat Holiday // Carolyn Holt // Yackarette Borge // Carina Enered //

[catsynth-express]

MoMA 2019, Part 1: Surrounds & Permanent Collections

Most visits to New York include a stop at the temple of modernism, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). But this was my first visit since the massive multi-year expansion and renovation was completed. In some ways, it seems that not much has changed, but in other ways it has changed considerably, starting the members-only entranceway leading to a larger and more open lobby.

The second=floor atrium remains very much the same as it has been since the expansion in the early 2000s, a cavernous space looking up to all exhibition floors of the museum. It often is used to display monumental pieces or immersive performance works. Handles, a performance and sculptural piece by Haegue Yang combined both.

The name refers to the handles on all of the sculptural elements that allowed them to be slowly moved around the space by the performers. In between these motions, the performers gathered for vocal chanting that brought to mind the work of Pauline Oliveros. The sculptures and wall and floor elements had a simple geometric quality that reminded me of children’s building blocks. They also had bells and other sound elements mounted, again something that brought to mind Oliveros.

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From the atrium, I always head immediately to the sixth floor and gradually work my way back down. The top floor featured Surrounds, an exhibition of large-scale installations by a diverse collection of contemporary artists. Some, like Mark Manders��� Room with Chairs and Factory, were large singular pieces, with a gallery-sized replica of a factory. Others were large compositions of smaller elements. For example, Dayanita Singh‘s Museum of Chance was composed of numerous photograph prints made by the artist, assembled into large modular panels that could be easily rearranged in any number of configurations.

In his installation Architecture Is Everywhere, Sou Fujimoto challenges us to see the “architecture” in everyday objects. His installation is a field of small objects ranging from colored geometric design elements to potato chips placed on an array of pedestals.

The “architecture” in each object is readily apparent when one is invited to see it. Even the potato chips are curvilinear forms that might be at home in a 1960s futurist public space.

Perhaps the most of fun of all the installations was Sarah Sze’s Triple Point (Pendulum). A colorful collection of everyday objects are arranged, somewhat precariously, around a circle as a pendulum swings freely above, threatening mayhem of destruction. However, that never happens and instead, we end up with an intricate but chaotic dance.

The name of the piece, which derives from the “triple point” where water can exist simultaneously as ice, liquid, and vapor, illustrates the sense mix of chaotic and coexistence in the installation.

Descending to the fifth floor, some of the changes to the museum became more apparent. The terrace cafe overlooking the sculpture garden had been removed (actually, moved to a new location on the sixth floor), and replaced by an open gallery space showing various sculptures by Constantin Brancusi.

The remainder of the fifth floor and the entirety of the fourth floor housed an expanded and increasingly labyrinthine set of galleries for the permanent collection. The first gallery, which featured the oldest and most traditional works such as Van Gogh and Matisse, was by far the most crowded space in the entire museum. I quickly left to find some more open spaces and truly modern works, which began to appear in the 1910s and 1920s. In addition to Dada favorites, there were works celebrating machines, industry and the break with traditional forms of painting. Francis Picabia’s Dada Movement and Man Ray’s chess set are exemplars of these directions.

Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes‘ Silence depicts a musical instrument attached to machinery, perhaps speaking to the contradictory nature of music made by machines.

There was also a lively world of modernism and abstraction in Russia before the 1917 revolution, as exemplified by Kazimir Malevich’s minimalist Supremacist Composition: Airplane Flying.

The expanded galleries included a room of design pieces from the interwar period (these were previously displayed in the separate design gallery on a rotating basis).

There was also a new space devoted to so-called “outsider artists” of the period, including Morris Hirshfield. I was particularly drawn to his portrait of a white cat titled Angora Cat.

The collection continued on the fourth floor with the period between the end of World War II and the 1970s. This is usually my favorite section to linger in, with many iconic works of the 20th century. The Jackson Pollock’s are of course back on full display, but so is Lee Krasner, who is finally getting her due as a leading abstract expressionist painter.

The expanded galleries have given more room for women and other underrepresented artists. The photography of Helen Levitt was featured in a room that also included artists depicting life in Harlem in the 1950s. I particularly liked this photograph of hers with a black cat.

This sculpture by Barbara Hepworth is quite minimal, with the perfection of the sphere balancing with the “squishier” curves of the taller element.

There were also pieces that showed the works of artists beyond their most well-known. I would not have guessed this painting with other-worldly plant-like creatures as the work of Mark Rothko were it not for the title card.

There were of course pieces that did exemplify artists as we know them. Ellsworth Kelly had large geometric blocks of color, as one would expect.

I looked around these galleries in vain for perhaps my favorite work in the collection, Piet Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie Woogie – it’s like visiting an old friend when I see it – but it was nowhere to be found. [Spoiler alert: I did eventually find it and it will be featured in Part 2 of this series.]

As we move into the late 1950s and the 1960s, abstract expressionism gives way to more conceptual art and works in different media. This was the beginning of Fluxus, with its instructional pieces, happenings, and ephemeral works on cheap materials. There was an entire wall of “scores” for performance works by Yoko Ono. These are always fun – most have clear instructions that one could use to perform them today, though I wonder what was expected from the large black dot.

This is also the era of Nam Jun Paik’s experiments with analog video. Zen for Television takes video art to its most minimal, with a single line of a continuous signal on the screen. However, the vintage television set itself becomes a specific idea when viewed in the 21st century.

Abstract designs persist in this period, but also take on an industrial and repetitive nature. Sol Lewitt takes this to the extreme, but others Geraldo de Barros left room for variation, and perhaps to the works on paper from Fluxus.

Among my favorite photographers of this period are Hilla and Bernd Becher. There work depicting old industrial buildings and placing them into artistic compositions has been a huge influence on my own photography.

Even after this whirlwind through three floors, seven decades, and multiple exhibits, there was still much of the museum to cover; and I was determined to cover the entirety in one day. In the end, I succeeded, and the remainder of the visit will be covered soon in Part 2 of this series.

MoMA 2019, Part 1: Surrounds & Permanent Collections was originally published on CatSynth

[asfeedin]

20 Stylish, Comfortable Pants That Make It Look Like You Tried

I love wearing sweatpants while working from home—or, at least, I loved it at first. After a few weeks stuck in the same jammies and old college sweatsuits, I started to wonder if there were stylish, comfortable pants I could opt for instead. (Spoiler alert, there totally are.) I didn’t want to sacrifice the loungewear feel, but as a fashion-lover, my look really does impact my mood, and I felt, much like my go-to sweatpants, just fine. That’s not good enough for me, folks!

Luckily, there are some alternatives. God bless streetwear trends for making pants other than tight, restricting jeans cool! Trendy joggers, chic, stretchy cargo pants, blousy paperbag trousers and breezy wide-leg culottes are here to save the day in a fashion-forward way. I promise, you’ll still be comfy AF! Just way, way better dressed. You can stock up on a ton of these styles to wear with basic tees and cropped crewneck sweatshirts right now, then incorporate them into your summer wardrobe with crop tops and block heels when it’s finally time to go outside. A win, win! Love ’em now, love ’em later. Rack in compliments the whole damn time.

Below, you’ll find 20 (yes, 20) pairs of must-shop stylish, comfortable pants. Some will cost you little more than a crisp Andrew Jackson, while others are investment pieces that, believe me, are worth the splurge. Whichever you choose (and trust me, you’ll be tempted to choose a few), it’s a guaranteed step up from sweatpants. Your wardrobe deserve better, and your legs do, too!

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Forever 21 is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

1. Fruit Print Wide Leg Pants

Forever 21.

A bold pattern can help make a relaxed, casual pant look a little more formal. These Fruit Print Wide Leg Pants are exactly what I’m looking for.

2. Sydney Waisted Joggers

Saturday/Sunday.

It’s incredible what a belt detail can do to a pair of sweats. These Sydney Waisted Joggers by Saturday/Sunday are made oh-so-chic courtesy of a D-ring belt to cinch the waist. Plus, they come in three colors.

3. Abstract Joggers

Anthropologie.

Available in Standard, Tall, Petite and Plus options, these pink Abstract Joggers are sure to become a warm-weather wardrobe stable.

4. Paperbag Mia Pants

Forever 21.

These plus-friendly Paperbag Mia Pants are breezy and stylish, and if you aren’t into the trendy sage green for everyday wear, they come in black, too.

  UO.

Cargo pants are cool again, you heard it here first! I’m a big fan of the traffic cone hue of these UO Jackson Utility Jogger Pants, but if you find the silhouette bold enough on its own, you can snag them in brown, white, olive green or dusty mauve instead.

  6. Striped Elastic Waist Pants

Kendall + Kylie.

These Kendall + Kylie Striped Elastic Waist Pants are Jenner-approved. While soft and comfortable, the belted paperbag silhouette manages to keep things professional.

  7. High Waisted Satin Cargo Jogger Pants

Express.

How to jazz up your average joggers? Pastel pink satin, natch. These High Waisted Satin Cargo Jogger Pants from Express are everything—and they’re on sale!

  8. Corinne Pants

Figue.

  The Figue Corinne Pants are what street style dreams are made of. The cut! The pattern! The chunky button details! It’s all too much, and yet just enough.

  9. Slit-Leg Crinkle Pants

Forever 21.

Consider these a fashion-forward take on tearaway pants. These plus-size Slit-Leg Crinkle Pants are so damn good.

  10. Zone Pants

Koral.

The Zone Pants by KORAL Activewear are the faux-leather joggers I’ve been looking for. Catch me pairing them with a white tee and sneakers to lounge around, and a crop top and heels to go out.

  11. Bluftan Eyelet Pants

Young Fabulous & Broke.

Tired of seeing everyone rock the same tie-dye sweats? These Young Fabulous & Broke Bluftan Eyelet Pants are just as colorful, but far more unique. Just as comfortable, too!

  12. Patterned Wide Leg Pants

Scotch & Soda Maison Scotch.

I hereby declare these Scotch & Soda Patterned Wide Leg Pants as the most chic sweatpants alternative on the market. The drawstring waist and wide-leg fit just scream comfort!

  13. Ombre Tailored Pants

Scotch & Soda Maison Scotch.

One more for you tie-dye lovers: These Ombre Tailored Pants are the comfy equivalent of wearing a literal sunset on your legs. Any questions?

  14. Layered Tie Front Pant

Torrid.

I have a pair of pants that are similar in silhouette to these Torrid Layered Tie Front Pants, and they are so. damn. flattering. Wear with a cropped, off-the-shoulder sweater to lounge, or a crop top to the bar on a summer’s night out.

  15. Stella Checked Jogger

cupcakes and cashmere.

The Stella Checked Jogger with Stripping Detail from cupcakes and cashmere strikes the perfect balance between office attire and loungewear. Consider these the only acceptable pants to wear during Zoom meetings.

  16. Antares Cargo Pants

I.AM.GIA.

I.AM.GIA. is a brand known for sparking street style trends, so it’s no surprise their Antares Cargo Pants are so on point. I plan to dress these up (and down) all summer!

  17. Valerie Pants

Mara Hoffman.

Itching to throw on your well-worn college sweats? Loose-fitting patterned trousers are always a better move, and you’ll feel just as comfortable. I swear! Try these snake-printed Mara Hoffman Valerie Pants instead.

  18. High-Waisted Paperbag Pants

American Eagle.

Throwing on a white trouser will make you look a thousand times more put together. Something about wearing white just screams, “I have everything under control!” No spills/mistakes/stressors here. The AE High-Waisted Paperbag Pants confirm it.

  19. Black Floral Wide Leg Pant

Torrid.

I love a flowy, floral look! So business-meets-boho, with just a touch of comfy cute. Try the Black Floral Wide Leg Pants from Torrid to get the look ASAP.

  20. Multi Pants

Hemant and Nandita.

The Hemant and Nandita Women’s Multi Pants have all the makings of the perfect joggers: A tie-front waist to cinch, cuffed legs for structure and a gorgeous tie-dye print, plus some metallic embroidery for a lil’ something extra.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

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Tags: 20, Comfortable, Pants, Stylish

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[penumbracreative-blog]

“Shape of Water” is like “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” meets “Romeo and Juliet” meets Lovecraft! 

Holy…..well, you know where I was going with that this movie is phenomenal. If you haven’t seen it you definitely have heard about “The Shape of Water“, Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film. “Shape of Water” has really impacted the awards season and there is a very good reason, it is as I said to start with absolutely phenomenal. “Shape of Water” is a beautiful love story set in a simpler time, Eliza a mute housekeeper at a military facility that just captured a very unique asset feels isolated though she is surrounded by people that love her. This all changes when she finds a kindred soul in the freshly captured asset brought into the lab, an amphibious biped…in other words a fish-man ala “The Creature From The Black Lagoon“. The two and their friends become embroiled in a spy game and must find a way to save the creature from becoming a tool in the cold war. Will love conquer all? Or will the cold war claim the two kindred souls as victims?

You know I don’t do spoilers but I will let you know what I think of “The Shape of Water“. So let’s get that going…

I think you already know that this is going to be a good review, but why is this film garnering such praise. If for no other reason than the story this film is well worth your time. “Shape of Water’s” story is a timely piece with genuine characters, relationships that you can empathize with and relate to all thrown together with this magical element.  The writers, Del Toro included, masterfully made this story more about the love and isolation than the fact Eliza (Sally Hawkins) was making out with a fish.There are so many levels of love stories in this film from the obvious romance to the father/daughter love of Eliza and her neighbor, Giles (Richard Jenkins) to Eliza’s friendship, Zelda(Octavia Spencer). The multi-faceted tale pulls at your heartstrings and sets you up with a villain that you eagerly await to get his comeuppance. Though the story was masterfully crafted it would not have been nearly as impactful without the stellar cast including the remarkably emotional portrayal of the creature by Doug Jones. This cast took the story and developed new levels of insightfulness and even humor making this movie truly able to fall under the moniker film. I know what you are saying they are the same thing but in my mind, they are two distinctly different things. Movies are fun and easy to watch, they are the blockbusters that invade our theaters every summer and though are fantastic and fun to watch do not (and please remember this is as always only my opinion) find there way to the artistic heights that would dubb them masterpieces of the cinematic arts…in other words a film.

So what about the technique and technical portions of “Shape of Water“…don’t worry I was just about to dive into them (see what I did, I had to at least get one pun in)…

The emotion that Sally Hawkins and Doug Jones elicit from the audience in “Shape of Water is outstanding! Oh yeah and not to mention the kick-ass effects.

What can I say about the work done behind the camera? Just as with the story, it was amazing from the director (I love Del Toro!) to the cinematography to the actual visual and special effects all was masterfully executed.  Del Toro has a way of partnering with his cinematographer that leads to his works having a cohesiveness that not every Hollywood director can find. His hands and imprints can be seen on everything from the story to the set design to the music and it is very evident as it is in every one of his films that he has a die-hard love for all things Lovecraftian. Though this story is not precisely Lovecraftian if you are a true fan you can see the influence he had on Del Toro’s style and story creation. The lighting and use of color in this film are just as impactful and the set design wraps up all these things into a perfect little package. The effects artist both special and visual shined up that pretty little package and delivered a super cool leading man that looked as if he fit in the scene whether digital, practical or a combination of both.

“Shape of Water” is a must-see for even those who are not into monster movies or sci-fi…

The awards people have finally got it right by shining the light on this epic film. If you have not seen it go and if you have it never hurts to see a great film a second and even a third time. This film hits all the marks and will definitely find its way into the halls of classic films. What did you think of the film? If you haven’t seen it are you planning on checking it out? Let me know with a quick comment, I would love to hear your opinion.

If you are interested in a knowing my pros and cons of this film check out the video below and if you’d like more awesome video content check out my YouTube channel as well…

Kim

A Fellow Film Enthusiast 

If you love films or movies check out …Fandango – Know Before You Go! Buy Movie Tickets in Advance. (this is an affilaite link)

Shape of Water (2017) Holy.....well, you know where I was going with that this movie is phenomenal. If you haven't seen it you definitely have heard about "

[malaniebeverlylovesfiction-blog]

The Rip it or Ship it book tag!!!!!

I’ve seen several YouTubers doing this, and it’s hilarious and fun.  I’m going to admit proudly that this is my favorite tag ever. Basically, you place character names in a hat, and pull out two at a time. Do you ship the pair, or will you rip the cards into a million pieces and try to forget the possibility even existed? You guys know I’m have a love all-consuming addiction when it comes to classic novels, so there are a healthy amount of oldies in my hat. But I also included some of my favorite YA characters. ❤ OK, I’ve only seen Damon Salvatore’s TV character, but he was technically in a book first. I’m assuming the books do him justice for the purposes of this tag ❤ HERE ARE MY SHIPS & RIPS.

1.) Jane Eyre and Sodapop Curtis (The Outsiders)

SHIP IT. I think my first draw is literally my favorite ship to ever exist!!!!! This is literally too much for my body. Jane Eyre is a sassy, intelligent, independent, and honest (to others and herself) woman, 19-years-old and mon ange. Sodapop Curtis is handsome, smart, sensitive, and “gets drunk on just plain living.” I think his boyish personality will go perfectly with Jane’s wise passion. They were supposed to be born in the same era, in the same universe!!!!!!!!!! WHAT HAPPENED???? Fan fic writers please stand up and serve your people.

Ship name: Janepop. ❤ ❤ ❤

UPDATE: I wrote this post about a week before publishing it, and I can’t stop thinking about this ship!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s so perfect. It’s my favorite on this list.

2.) Mr. Rochester (from Jane Eyre) and Ron Weasley

RIP IT. One, Mr. Rochester 40 and Ron’s 15 in the HP book I’m on right now. I can’t even see them as friends because Ron’s so funny and lighthearted, and Rochester’s 100% intense. The only person Rochester can joke with is his Jane. SORRY. It’s for their own good. So no one gets arrested.

3.) Lord Henry (from The Picture of Dorian Gray) and Katniss Everdeen

SHIP IT. Lord Henry MIGHT BE too selfish to deal with Katniss’ shredded mental state at this point. However, I think she’d agree with his moral ideas, especially when he says this: “I consider that for any man of culture to accept the standard of his age is a form of the grossest immorality.” Yes, Lord Henry, Panem is hell. We’re moving to your universe. And I think Henry would adore her moral ambiguity.

Ship name: Lord Katniss.

4.) Four (from Divergent) and Juliet (from Romeo and Juliet)

SHIP IT. But only on the condition that we’re pretending Juliet is a decent age, we’ll say Four’s age. I can’t vibe with Romeo and Juliet as a love story unless I age Juliet up (you know, FROM 13), so I’ll keep her older in this scenario. Four is independent, decisive, courageous, and logical. Juliet is loyal, passionate, and adventurous. I think they would really love one another, more than anything in the world. I FEEL THIS ONE DEEPLY.

Ship name: Fouriet

5.) Tris (from Divergent) and Hamlet

RIP IT. We have the goth boy, impulsive and deeply emotional, and Tris, who is rather stoic, determined, and over all the crap. Hamlet would get on her nerves to the point of homicide.

6.) Winter (from Lunar Chronicles) and Sydney Carton (from a Tale of Two Cities)

SHIP IT!!!!!! If you’ve never read Tale of Two Cities, Carton is a drunk, emotional, loyal, passionate, tormented soul who ends up *SPOILER* sacrificing his own life so that the girl he loves (it’s unrequited, FYI) can be happy. Not to save her life. Just so that she can be freaking HAPPY. That is unconditional devotion. Winter is drunk in her own head, loyal, kind, adorable, and equally tormented. Her silliness would balance his angst!!!!! They would be so cute together.

Ship name: Winton

7.) Cress (from Lunar Chronicles) and Snape (Harry Potter)

RIP IT. GROSS!!!!!!! I know we can just pretend they’re the same age (it’s extremely hard), and focus on the personalities, but still, no. Snape is at his core a middle-aged man and Cress is my Cressy-baby. Besides, she’d probably be in Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw (Ravenpuff?); I can’t see her in Slytherin at all.

8.) Catherine Earnshaw (Wuthering Heights) and Hermione Granger

SHIP IT. I think Catherine would give us a taste of dark!Hermione. Which would be a treat. I mean, imagine their story together????? INTERESTING. FAN FIC WRITERS PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THIS.

Ship name: Cathione.

9.) Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights) and Damon Salvatore (Vampire Diaries)

SHIP IT. Two misunderstood bad boys, one more hilarious, the other silently judging everyone but his boy Damon, and it’s the best duo. NAME A BETTER DUO. You simply cannot, it’s OK, we understand.

Ship name: Heathon. Lord save me. The play on words!!!!!!! It’s like heathen. IT’S LIKE HEATHEN. Goodbye, 2018. I’m done with everything. I wasn’t ready.

10.) Carswell Thorne (Lunar Chronicles) and Romeo (Romeo and Juliet)

I SHIP IT!!!!!! Carswell is charming, sarcastic, playful, and adventurous. Romeo and romantic, dramatic, and passionate. I think they would complement one another’s personality and the teasing would be relentless.

Ship name: Carseo

11.) Rick Grimes (The Walking Dead) and Sherlock Holmes

SHIP IT. Rick could be the BAD A and head tilt. Sherlock could provide the sassy observations and would never judge Rick’s zombie issues. They would make an amazing team, even with their pretty much opposite accents. And let’s be real, after dealing with zombies, Rick dealing with Sherlock’s high-strung nature will be a piece of cake.

Ship name: Ricklock

12.) Harry Potter and Alaska (Looking for Alaska)

SHIP IT. ALASKA DESERVED BETTER FRIENDS. And Harry has proven to be a great friend to Ron and Hermione. Alaska is smart, party-ready, and damaged (& damaged is beautiful). Harry has his own set of issues. They will understand one another and love each other forever and ever.

Ship name: Halaska

UPDATE: This is my second favorite ship on this list. ❤

  Do you agree with my decisions? They were risky, but I think I’ve made all my precious flamingos happy. Especially Jane and Sodapop. Share in the comments! And if you’re reading this, you’re officially tagged.

Book Tag / Rip It or Ship It!!! The Rip it or Ship it book tag!!!!! I’ve seen several YouTubers doing this, and it’s hilarious and fun. 

[lawfultruth]

How Trump’s Immigration Bill Compares to Canada’s Merit-Based Immigration System

Trump has recently announced his support for the RAISE Act, a bill that will radically change the US immigration system.  If this bill passes, skilled workers will be favoured over entire families seeking reintegration. Immigration would limit non-English speakers, halt family sponsorships, and discount less skilled workers.

This merit-based immigration system is inspired by Canada’s immigration policies, and Trump is adamant that replacing the current American legal immigration protocol with a merit-based system will increase national citizen wages and provide significant taxpayer savings.

Canada’s Merit Based Immigration System

Canada’s points-based immigration system is weighted on needed skills and educational aptitude.   Points are awarded for language proficiency, age, education, and job offers.

Canada has implemented a non-immigrant visa for parents of citizens, viable for 10 years.  This stipulation carries ineligibility for federal, provincial, and local benefits, and the sponsor is responsible for the maintenance of the parent. This allows families permanent residence status, while sponsors are fiscally responsible, as opposed to government welfare programs.

The United States currently accepts ten times as many immigrants as Canada. Canada does not utilize a diversity green card lottery as the US does.  Eliminating the green card lottery results in 50,000 fewer approved immigrants, mirroring the more stringent points-based system Canada follows.

Canada currently accepts 20,000-50,000 refugees every year.  While this policy still meets concerns from many critics, the RAISE Act would cap American refugee admittance to 50,000.

The RAISE Act uses Canada’s merit-based immigration system as a guideline, with significant revisions that tailor to economic issues and population pressures the US is facing.

What Can a Merit-Based Immigration System do for the United States?

The current US immigration system favours moving entire family members into the country regardless of age, education or financial stability. Under the current US immigration system, around one million foreign immigrants are granted legal permanent residence a year. The proposed RAISE Act could reduce that number of legal immigrants to around 500,000.

Green cards are offered through family sponsorship, job offers, humanitarian need, or the green-card lottery selection. Most green cards are offered through family sponsorships, and the current cap on family based immigration is 480,000. A points-based system could reduce this number to 88,000. A merit-based system would eliminate parents from immediate legibility for immigration, known as ‘chain migration’.

The RAISE Act proposes a non-immigrant visa that mirrors Canada’s family sponsor program, although the visa would be eligible for 5 years as opposed to 10.  Neither the Canadian or American programs has visa quotas attached; however, it would effectively change American family immigration dynamics and economic burden.

Presently, the lowest percent of green cards are issued on an employment precedent. Following a merit-based system, points are weighted towards English proficiency, advanced degrees, natural average income, and high achievements that increase employability.

A points-based immigration system strategically selects immigrants that enhance the county’s economy more effectively in comparison to less direct government involvement. This system allows the government to categorize desirable traits for immigrants, and weigh characteristics by assigning points.  The overall goal of a points based system is to weed out financially unstable, less-educated immigrants who have a propensity to rely on welfare or compete for lower class working jobs.

Prospective immigrants are prioritized based on skills and economic need.  A points-based system favours the immigrants who have higher educational training and work in industries that make higher net contributions.

There is no doubt adopting a merit-based system would be a historic change to American immigration dynamics, with intertwining moral issues that Americans are supporting in recent polls. Trump has repeatedly stated that progressing towards a merit-based immigration system protects workers, taxpayers, and the economy.

What other Countries Follow a Merit-Based System?

An immigration program that favours applicant with desirable skills has been implemented by countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand half a century ago. While no one country selects immigrants exclusively through a points-based system, a merit based immigration system focuses on skills and education, as well as immigrants based on family connections and humanitarian reasons.

These countries realize that college-educated immigrants might perform under par to natives at the same skill level, and their respective legal immigration points systems have been adjusted to allow employers to prioritize immigrants who have passed a points threshold.

The Future of US Immigration

If the RAISE Act is passed, the American legal immigration structure would drastically change. The pros and cons of a merit based immigration system must be considered.

Immigration advocacy groups, such as Numbers USA and the Federation of Immigration Reform, praise reduced immigration efforts, supporting a new-age system that spurs economic growth through younger skilled workers. Economists claim a system based on skilled immigration will not likely affect wages on less-skilled native workers; however, significant scrutiny has been vocalized over native displacement to foreign skilled workers.

Trump is adamant that the RAISE Act will address the “compassion for struggling American families that deserve an immigration system that puts their needs first”.  Regardless of administration politics, the immigration debate is essential dialogue occurring in America.

The bill is facing an uphill resistance in Congress, due to the sizable Democrats who outwardly deject passing the RAISE Act. However, with the White House currently working with Cotton and Perdue on legislation policies, a merit-based immigration movement that mirrors Canada seems increasingly realistic and is a good starting point for open discussions on immigration reform.

Are you or someone you know seeking work permits, permanent residence or Canada Express Entry? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to help perfect your application.

http://ift.tt/2u98Lfb%20Kurzfeld%20-%20Toronto%20Best%20Immigration%20Lawyer!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1501877739145

How Trump’s Immigration Bill Compares to Canada’s Merit-Based Immigration System syndicated from http://ift.tt/2qyreAv

[ao3-onepiece]

My Brothers

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2vOurO5

by illu_mugiwara

Two days after the Great Fire of Goa, Dadan and Ace had returned safely, other than a few burns, much to the injured Luffy's happiness. • • • About a week or two after the fire, Dogra was going to see the Celestial Dragon that was coming to Dawn Island. Ace and Luffy begged the bandit to let them come, hoping they would see Sabo there. Even though Dogra said that they couldn't go to the harbor, the two brothers knew they could easily spot Sabo in the crowd, then they could tell him that they hadn't died in the fire.

What happened that day, no one would see coming.

Words: 768, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: One Piece

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Characters: Portgas D. Ace, Monkey D. Luffy, Sabo (One Piece), Dadan (One Piece), Dadan Family, others - Character

Additional Tags: One Piece Spoilers, ASL Brothers, ASL, Fluff and Angst, Angst, Fluff, Memory Loss

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2vOurO5

[spynotebook]

It’s the $89 price tag that makes the Pinebook Linux laptop such a tempting purchase

But few real-world reviews exist for this cheap and cheerful device — until now.

Well, sort of.

Pine64, the company behind the 64-bit ARM-based Pinebook laptop, has begun to ship devices on a buy-to-order (BTO) basis. Some of these early units have landed in the hands of fans and websites.

  But what’s the performance like?

Few people expect the Pinebook to be deliver anything other than the sum of its parts: cheap, basic computing built around a capable (but not exceptional) maker board, the Pine A64.

Spanish website Muy Computer got some hands-on time with the $99 14-inch unit. Their piece speaks nothing to the actual performance of the device but offers a solid recap of the specs and a few impressions on the overall build quality (spoiler: better than expected).

But it’s a post on the Pine64 forum that helps sets expectations.

“I think that it’s fair to say you are getting a lot for the asking price,” forum member Luke writes in a review.

“If you are looking for a device in a convenient laptop form-factor that you wish to tinker with, then I feel it is safe to say the Pinebook is the right device for you – in particular if you are a developer or tinkerer who is willing to document, share and give back to the community.This is also especially true for those of you who wish to run Linux on the device, since Linux is by-and-large a community undertaking,”

“I don’t wish to discourage anyone from getting a Pinebook, as it is a good piece of hardware,  but if you are looking for a device to replace for your current work or school laptop then perhaps it’s wise to look elsewhere.”

Better Looking than Before

Aesthetically the Pinebook is said to have had a few cosmetic tweaks since development prototypes surfaced online last year. The clamshell casing is now made from a more robust plastic, and is thinner in all the places where it matters, like the screen bezel. The device is also neater looking inside as well as out.

Another minor change that will please Linux fans: the final production unit apparently does not ship with a Windows key. I know may of you spotlighted the inclusion of one on a device that can’t run Windows.

Size aside, both the 11.6-inch model and the 14-inch Pinebook use the same TN display (both have a 1366 x 768 resolution). They also share the same hardware inside too, being composed of a quad-core 64-bit ARM Allwinner SoC, Mali-400MP2 graphics, 2GB RAM and 16GB of (user-replaceable) eMMC storage. 

Battery life is estimated at around 6 hours of continuous use.

OS wise Android 7.1, BSP Linux and mainline Linux builds are available, but only BSP Linux will ship on the production units according to the above Pine64 forum post.

  Demand for the Pinebook seems to have been far greater than the company was expecting too. The news leaking early likely contributed to this. An The BTO queue is said to be “10 months long.”

Somewhat amusingly shipping prices for the laptop (hitherto unknown) can cost as much as ~1/3 of the product price depending on your distance from Hong Kong, where they ship from.

No warranty (!) is offered on the Pinebook outside of a 30 day money back guarantee.

Thanks Koi

[dccollectors]

Funko’s latest Legion of Collectors box, Superman, arrived at the doorstep today. Thanks goes out to the fine folks at Funko for providing the box (this also serves as a disclaimer that Funko sent this for the purposes of review).  To be quite honest, I was not all that hyped for this box because while I like Superman, he is nowhere close to my favorite DC character. I didn’t know if Funko could fill the box with enough to warrant my interest.  Let’s find out in our Legion of Collectors Superman Box Review.

Legion of Collectors Superman Box Review

WARNING!  If you have not yet received your box and you want to remain oblivious to the content in the box, then I highly suggest you stop reading here.  I am going to spoil the mess out of this box, with pictures of every item that is contained within.

LAST CHANCE!  Okay on with the Legion of Collectors Superman Box Review.

Legion of Collectors Superman Box Patch and Pin

If you are still reading then congratulations, you are in for a nice treat from this box. Just like each box before, the shipping box itself is a comic fan’s delight.  The top of the box features Superman’s silhouette in a nice DC blue color, along with the Legion of Collectors logo.  After opening the box it folds open to reveal some classic DC Comics Superman panel art.  When I say classic, I am talking Superman from the 70’s to early 90’s.

The first thing you notice when opening this box, and this is across the board with all Funko collectors boxes, is a nice patch and pin.  Seeing as this was a Superman themed box, I thought we might get more of the Superman family of characters in some of the offerings, but these are all Superman items.

The patch features Superman in a classic flying pose and includes the famous “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman” slogan around the edges.  The pin features another classic Superman look with the Legion of Collectors logo along the bottom.  The one thing that worries me lately about this items (more so the pin than the patch), is that during transit, these items tend to pop out of their plastic sleeves.  I worry about the pin especially, causing damage to other items in the box.

Again with every review, I have to say that each patch and pin individually may not seem like the coolest thing, but once you get a few together, then display possibilities make them a very nice thing to have in the collection.

Next, after flipping that piece over, you are welcomed to some of the goodies in the box!  First let’s look at the shirt.  The shirt features POP Superman flying through the skyline of Metropolis with the slogan, “From Krypton, here to save our world!”  I absolutely love these shirts, especially those with a POP look to them.  I didn’t expect this look with this box, but was thinking we may get a more classic looking Superman instead of the POP.  So this was again, another nice surprise.

Next is the POP Heroes Classic Superman.  This might just be the best Superman POP Funko has created to date.  Not only do we get that classic Curt Swan Superman look, but the movement of the figure is outstanding.  The blowing cape really gives the piece some substance.  It screams, “let me be the centerpiece of your collection!”  I know that Funko is releasing a Batman figure similar to this, so I am glad that Superman got his due as well.

There were small little paint issues, that I haven’t seen as much of lately, on this piece.  For instance the top of the boot has blue bleeding on it.  While this isn’t as big of an issue since it is on the top, it was a little disappointing seeing as how recent releases have been top notch.  Other than that, this is now my favorite Superman POP.

After removing the POP and shirt from the box, the biggest surprise awaits.  Of course there was a Classic Superman POP Keychain, and it features a pose that is very reminiscent of the recent Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice Superman POP, I quickly discarded it for the item underneath!

Underneath was the treasure of this box.  A 3 3/4″ Superman action figure featuring his costume from Action Comics #1.  If you are a regular reader of this site, then you know how much I love this scale action figure. With the recent announcement of Classic Batman TV show figures, might love of Funko has grown even more.  Now they have me hook line and sinker, because they are showing a commitment to this scale figure.

Legion of Collectors Superman Box Review

The figure comes on a card (unpunched as well) featuring artwork from the cover of Action Comics #1.  The classic Superman holding a car overhead as he dumps out the villains, is one of the most iconic images in comic book history.  The card back features a page from a Superman comic, that I can’t identify (kudos to someone who can identify which book and issue this is pulled from).

Funko has done a fantastic job on the sculpt with this piece.  They even paid attention to the little design right above the red of the boot, that most people don’t even notice when looking at the cover.  The S-shield is accurately captured on the figure as well.  It features 9 points of articulation, and the shoulders don’t just move up and down, but are able to swivel in all directions.  The bottom of the feet have holes so that you can use stands to help keep him up.  The cape is made of plastic, which does tend to lean him backwards, toppling him backwards unless you adjust the legs just right.

This minor quirk does nothing to affect my love of this figure.  It has me super stoked for the possibility of even more of these figures, and I hope that this becomes a mandatory inclusion for the boxes.

Next is the obligatory comic book.  This one being Superman #1, but featuring a nice POP variant cover.  I have said from the beginning that this should be the norm for these comics.  A POP variant is a must.

If you are a fan of Superman, then this box will be an awesome thing for you.  If you are a general Funko fan, then I think that you will also find some nice pieces in here.  It is a toss up for my favorite piece from this box between the POP and the action figure, but I might lean towards the figure since it is right in my wheel house. Don’t forget to sign up for the Wonder Woman box, which you can only get at LegionofCollectors.com!

Check out the various images from the box below!

Legion of Collectors Superman Patch

Legion of Collectors Superman Pin

Legion of Collectors Superman Tee-shirt

Legion of Collectors Superman POP

Legion of Collectors Superman Pop out of package

Legion of Collectors Superman 3 3/4″ Carded Figure

Legion of Collectors Superman 3 3/4″ Figure

Legion of Collectors Superman POP Keychain

Superman #1

SPOILERS: Legion of Collectors Superman Box Review Funko’s latest Legion of Collectors box, Superman, arrived at the doorstep today. Thanks goes out to the fine folks at Funko for providing the box (this also serves as a disclaimer that Funko sent this for the purposes of review).  

[orncom]

A nice surprise showed up at the door today in the form of Funko’s latest Smuggler’s Bounty box. Thanks to the fine folks at Funko for providing the box, the newest addition to the line, The Empire Strikes Back Box contains all sorts of Star Wars goodies!  So let’s dive right in, to our Smuggler’s Bounty The Empire Strikes Back Box Review.

WARNING!  If you have not yet received your box and you want to remain in the dark on the content in the box, then I highly suggest you stop reading here.  I am going to spoil the mess out of this box, with pictures of every item that is contained within.

LAST CHANCE!  Okay on with the Smuggler’s Bounty The Empire Strikes Back Box Review.

If you are still reading then congratulations, you are in for a nice treat from this box. Just like each box before, the shipping box itself is a total work of art and a collector’s items in and among itself.  Since this is an Empire Strikes Back themed box, we get artwork of a Luke Skywalker (Dagobah training) Pop vinyl, in some sort of inverted color scheme.

Now you are probably asking, why is Luke holding a red lightsaber?  He didn’t have that in the film.  Well you are right, but this three-tone color scheme of red, black and white is the typical color scheme for a Smuggler’s Bounty box.  So instead of going with something different, Funko decided to leave well enough alone, and ride with this look.

The Empire Strikes Back Box Review

Of course the first collectibles you are greeted with are the patch and pin that come in every box.  The Empire Strikes Back Box contains a Yoda patch which is a must for an Empire box, because it was technically the first movie to feature the character (and the best). The pin also features a must have character from the film, Lando Calrissian. These are excellent additions to the ever growing patch and pin line from Smuggler’s Bounty.

Smuggler’s Bounty Star Wars Rebels Ad

After flipping the box open even further, we are greeted with an ad for the next Smuggler’s Bounty box which is Star Wars Rebels (yay).  On the back of the ad, we get a nice information sheet with all sorts of Star Wars facts, and a little information on some of the decisions for the box.

After looking at the Star Wars Rebels ad I realized something was a bit off about this box, aside from the extra large size of the thing.  Normally after lifting the ad we are greeted with a cool tee shirt.  Was mine missing?  Did it not get shipped with this box?  Nope, the simple answer is, this box comes with a pair of Imperial socks.

Now this might be a disappointment to some fans, but it comes as a welcome surprise to me.  After all, I like showing my love for Star Wars in every way possible.  Sporting some cool socks, is just another way to do that.  The black socks feature Darth Vader and Stormtrooper heads randomly printed on the sock.

Another nice entry for this box was the inclusion of the first Galactic Plushies.  The Wampa is the first (I believe) in this line, which we mentioned a few days ago.  The Wampa was another no-brainer inclusion for the box.  The question was just how to include him, and Funko has done a tremendous job with that.

Galactic Plushies Wampa

The Wampa sits up with no problem, due to the fact that his butt seems round and flat, with his legs dangling out in front.  This provides the plushy with the ability to sit up without the need of a stand, or something to lean him against.  In all honesty, I am not a fan of these sorts of plush items, so I wasn’t excited about the Galactic Plushies announcement.  But after checking out the Wampa, and seeing that he can actually sit up on a shelf on his own, it might be time for me to plop down some money for more of them.

Finally we get to the big daddy of the box, the POP!  This isn’t just any Pop either, but a nice big deluxe Pop!  We knew we were getting this when the box was first announced, but you just can’t appreciate it until you have it in your hands.

First this thing is sculpted to perfection.  Every little thing from the Tauntaun’s horns, down to the design on Han’s jacket are downright awesome.  I found myself just staring at this guy for about ten minutes after taking him out of the box.  I would sit there and turn him in all directions, looking at the care that went in to designing this thing.

The paint application is also pretty darn good. For the most part, since these items are mass produced, paint application can be hit or miss, but this one is a big hit for me. I couldn’t find any bleed over on any parts, the eyes were perfectly in place.

Like all Funko Star Wars Pops, this one comes with a base and pegs, so that you can make sure your Pop stands without falling.  Unlike other Star Wars Pops, this comes with a white base, with the Star Wars logo front and center.  The white base is nice, because it replicates the snowy planet of Hoth, where one would find Han riding a Tauntaun around Echo Base.

This guy makes an awesome display piece and one that you just can’t afford to pass up.

If you are a Star Wars fan and collector, then you will most likely love this box.  If you are a Funko fan, again this will be a winner for you.   This box was packed with some excellent surprises in addition to the Pop that we already knew we were getting.  The lack of a tee shirt could have some fans up in arms, but it doesn’t matter that much to me.  Change is always good. Don’t forget to sign up for the Star Wars Rebels box, which you can only get at SmugglersBounty.com!

Check out the various images from the box below, and also check out The Outer Rim News Podcast this week, where Austin and I will be doing an in-depth review of the box.

Yoda patch and Lando Calrissian Pin

Wampa with Yoda and Lando Calrissian

Front of Han Solo and Tauntaun 125 package

Back of the Han Solo and Tauntaun Packaging

Han Solo and Tauntaun POP

Gamestop Chewbacca hanging out with Smuggler’s Bounty Han Solo and Tauntaun

SPOILERS: Smuggler’s Bounty The Empire Strikes Back Box Review A nice surprise showed up at the door today in the form of Funko’s latest Smuggler's Bounty box.