#Pitchfork Ben.

[whitesinhistory]

On September 11, 1895, South Carolina officials met to rewrite the state constitution with the express purpose of disenfranchising the state’s African American voters and restoring white supremacy in all matters political. The convention’s most prominent figure was Benjamin Tillman, a senator and former governor nicknamed “Pitchfork Ben." A well-known orator, Tillman spoke at great length during the convention.

"[A]ll that is necessary to bring about chaos," he warned the convention delegates, "is for a sufficient number of white men, actuated by hate, or ambition, or from any unpatriotic motive, to climb up and cut it loose, mobilize and register the negroes, lead them and give them a free vote and fair count under manhood suffrage." He continued:

The poor, ignorant cotton field hand, who never reaped any advantage, nor saw anything except a pistol, blindly followed like sheep wherever their Black and white leaders told them to go, voted unanimously every time for the Republican ticket during that dark period, and these results were achieved solely and wholly by reason of the ballot being in the hands of such cattle. Is the danger gone? No. How did we recover our liberty? By fraud and violence...How did we bring it about? Every white man sunk his personal feelings and ambitions. The white people of the State, illustrating our glorious motto, "Ready with their lives and fortunes." came together as one. By fraud and violence, if you please, we threw it off. In 1878 we had to resort to more fraud and violence, and so again in 1880. Then the Registration Law and eight-box system was evolved from the superior intelligence of the white man to check and control this surging, muddy stream of ignorance...

The delegates followed Tillman's guidance and enacted a constitution that effectively disenfranchised Black residents, with little federal interference, for nearly 70 years. Today, a statue of Tillman stands in front of the South Carolina State House and his name adorns a number of buildings throughout the state—including the main building on the campus of Clemson University.

[cessmaga]

hot take but I'm never really that big of a fan of rook, he's just ok and I never had any hateful grunge towards him

it's also the fact that I'm never really a huge fan of rook and ben's dynamic, idk it's just your typical opposite attract reckless and loud and level headed but they actually like each other type dynamic (maybe I'm just tired of the opposite attract tropes) and that pretty much about it

I actually like solo ben episodes because it shows how he actually interacts with the world and the situation around him without any guidance or a partner surrounding him

tbh I would actually like a solo ben show and maybe having a partner sometimes (I'm not gonna remove rook completely)

[hwasoup]

Tale As Old As Time

@kit-and-wolfe drew this for me in the server so, now imma use it :') Omg hi guys, Ik its been a while since I last updated but it's mainly bc I'm not ready to say goodbye to this series yet TT there's about 2 chapters left guysss so I hope you guys understand how much I'm edging it. Anywho the chapter is finally here !! I hope you enjoy !!

warnings: fearmongering, manipulation words: 1.8k

ch.6 | next

Chapter 7: The Mob

The days have passed since y/n traveled back to the village

Eddie was simply lounging around nearby Y/N’s home, as per Ben’s instruction from a couple of days ago to alert him if Y/N was home. He was just sitting by a bush minding his own business until he looked up and saw in the distance, a woman riding on a horse as fast as the animal could take her. He squinted a bit and realized it was Y/N. Immediately he got up and ran to where Ben was located, obviously in his tavern. 

Eventually after a bit of running, he manages to catch Ben before he leaves on a hunt. Gasping for air, he holds onto the cuff of his sweater. “She’s…. She’s back…” Ben stops in his tracks and smirks to himself “well then…. it's time to initiate the plan…” On the other hand, back at the humble inventor’s cottage. Y/N swiftly made her way back home and immediately into her father’s room. She looked at him and gasped at how sickly he looked. His eyes looked sunken, and it was clear that he hasn’t exactly been able to take a bite of food in a couple of hours. Y/N quickly walked to his bedside and grabbed the nearest towel and dunked it in some cool water that was in a bucket in the corner of his room. She wrings it out and proceeds to approach him and wipe his face, hoping that his fever would subside a bit. Mauricio’s eyes slightly flutter at the feeling of cool water drying on his face, he looks up groggily and mumbled “Mija?” Y/N’s heart melted, and she whispered “shhh, no te preocupes…I’m home.”

Mauricio took a minute to process her words. His eyes widened when he fully registered that his precious daughter was sitting right before him. He immediately adjusts his posture and tries to sit up to the best of his ability "…. I thought I would never see you again...” Mauricio immediately leans in for a hug. Y/N happily returns it to him and rests her chin on his shoulder “I missed you so much…” Mauricio tightened his hug with his daughter until he remembered a specific detail... “But…but the beast. How…how did you even escape!”

“Papa, I didn’t escape…he let me go..” She says fondly. Mauricio looked at her shocked “what? The Beast did ??” Y/N unknowingly smiles fondly at the thought of the man… “yes…Miguel let me go...” Mauricio raised some eyebrows “MIGU-” he started furiously coughing. Y/N patted his back to help him ease his lungs from all of his coughing. His voice was strained from his coughs, and he cleared his voice a bit. “That…ese monstruo ?”  Y/N immediately shook her head “not a monster…he’s different…he’s quirky, silly, and incredibly gentle..he’s…. he’s changed…” She bites her lip and looks up at her father until she hears a knock on the door. “I’ll be back papa.” She stands up from sitting on the edge of the bed and goes to attend the door. A man stood at the door with a menacing grin “erm…con que te puedo ayudar..” she says hesitantly. “Vine a recoger a tu padre” he says with an eerie voice. “Wait…my papa ??” she says in surprise. Y/N stands there looking at the man with confusion in her eyes, as well as worry as she hopes that her father didn’t do anything to further tarnish the broken reputation he has in the village.

“Don’t worry senorita..we’ll take care of him” the man says as he moves from her sight and shows her a locked wooden carriage, on the side saying Psiquiátrico de alocado. Surrounding the carriage, she noticed the villagers all surrounding it, with torches and pitchforks ready to use them as weapons if it comes to that point. Y/N immediately registered what was happening and immediately protected her father “MI PAPA NO ES UN LOCO” she said with fierceness in her voice. She was pushed aside by two villagers who barged into her home and forcibly dragged-out Mauricio and threw him inside the carriage. Y/N got up immediately and tried her best to try and get him out, but all she could do was just be pushed away. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as everything suddenly started to look hopeless. “Poor Y/N…it really is a shame about your father...” “Ben!” Y/N looked at him desperately as she held onto the hem of his shirt “please, you know he’s not crazy” Ben hummed as he played faux innocence “but you see Y/N your father… he’s been making absurd claims, but….I am able to…well clear up this small misunderstanding…if…” Y/N looks up at him desperately “If what!” Ben chuckles and grabs her by the waist making her body be pushed against his. “If you marry me” he says with a grin. Ben leans down and tries to sniff her soft hair “one small word Y/N that’s all it takes…” Anger bubbled in Y/N’s body, and she pushes him away, her nonverbal actions speaking in volumes as to her response to his manipulation tactic. Ben scowls at her and gruffly says “Have it your way then...” and he walks away to the crowd until Y/N yells “WAIT” 

“WHAT CLAIMS WAS MY FATHER EVEN MAKING” she yelled out. Ben turned to her and chuckled “oh…why about a Beast..” Y/N in that moment remembered she had the magic mirror in the pocket of her apron and she pulls it out “PLEASE ITS TRUE… I HAVE PROOF.” She looks down at the mirror and softly spoke to it  “Show me The Beast”

The mirror glowed a green color and rose into the air, a bright flashing light arose and projected an image on its reflective glass surface and revealed Miguel and his beastly appearance. Every villager, including Ben gasped at his ghastly sight. Even Eddie stepped back a bit after seeing it

In awe Ben ripped the mirror out of the air and approached the villagers “look at this sorcery, look at this BEAST!” He turned the mirror around to show the villagers “LOOK AT HIS FANGS, HIS CLAWS!”

Y/N’s heart broke at how people saw him and tried her best to defend him “No..please…don't be afraid…He’s gentle…and kind” Murmurs were heard throughout the crowd…but Ben…he was appalled…the woman he desired so much to be his wife…was calling the Beast KIND….words that she had never said to him. He turns to her in anger, anger that the Beast has clearly won her affections and in an accusatory tone pointed at her 

“The monster has her under his spell…. IF I DIDN'T”T KNOW BETTER I CAN SAY SHE CARES FOR HIM” “HE'S NOT A MONSTER BEN…YOU ARE” Ben’s face grimaced, but he had to mask it in front of the villagers “I’ve heard of the effects of Dark Magic, but never like this…” Ben decided on what to do. “THIS IS A THREAT TO THE BANE OF OUR EXISTENCE” The villagers cheered in agreement as they truly believed that Y/N was under a spell and that she is now a danger.  “WE CAN'T HAVE HER WARNING THE CREATURE, LOCK HER UP TOO !”

Y/N’s heart shattered as she was immediately grabbed by the arms of Ben, the man of the carriage opened the doors and allowed Ben to throw her inside the wooden box alongside her father as well and closed the doors of it as well. His face was filled with fury, until he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Eddie.. “Ben… with all due respect but-”

“SHUT IT OR YOU'LL BE WITH THEM TOO, AND FETCH MY HORSE”

Eddie’s voice reduced to a whimper and he looked down…He knew this was wrong…what was originally a menacing plan had now become just pure cruelty. He knew he couldn’t fight against an angry Ben so he stayed silent and left to do what he was instructed.

Ben then proceeded to initiate a riot with the villagers, to prepare to fight, to encourage them to kill the Beast. Each villager went into their homes and brought out muskets, pitchforks, knives, torches, anything that could be used as a weapon. After what seemed minutes, Ben led a mob of angry villagers and used the magic mirror to find where the castle was located and led them out and directly into the woods.

______________________________________________________________ Inside the carriage however Y/N was huddled beside her father as she tried to check on his health despite the severe conditions they were in. Y/N was scared for Miguel…she wanted to warn him desperately, but she also needed to watch her father. She thought long and hard until she decided that she needed to warn Miguel.

“Papa…I need to warn him..” Mauricio looked up at her and coughed “Ay Mija..but…I- I’m scared for you…It will be dangerous” Y/N crouched beside him and nodded “yes…it will be..but, he did everything for me…he even gifted me his library..” Mauricio’s eyes widened “a library ? How many books are there ?” Y/N chuckled “more than what this village can even hold, Papa..trust me…he saved me from the wolves and now..I must repay him..” Mauricio looked into her eyes and saw a look that he had never seen in his precious daughter’s eyes. He used to have that look when he was younger and when his wife was alive. He then smiled softly knowing that well…his daughter is all grown up now, even if she hasn’t realized it herself. “If it what your heart desires…then…I could try and pick the lock” Y/N smiled as she listened to her father ramble “After all, it's only just gears and springs” he reached his hand outside the bars of the carriage to get a hold of the lock. “ But..I would need something..” he turns to look at her “shar…p” Y/N was already holding a hair pin on the palm of her hand. Mauricio chuckled and took it into his hands “perfect” He then placed his hands back out of the bars and took a hold of the lock again and used the pin to start picking at it. He eventually finally opened the lock and pushed the doors of the carriage open, quickly getting himself out as well as y/n. He turned to her and ran with her to the stables and whispered to her “take Felipe as well as this coat and go warn your friend” Y/N nodded and whispered a small thank you to him as she quickly packed everything and immediately got on Felipe and rode on him, holding onto the reins as she prayed that the trusty steed would gallop as quickly as possible to the castle.

Maurico watched as she disappeared back into the forest and smiled softly, reiterating the thoughts he had before…

 his daughter was in love…even if she hasn’t realized or admitted it yet.

taglist:

@cupcakeinat0r , @miguelhugger2099, @mcmiracles,@xxsugarbonesxx,@codenameredkrystalmatrix,@deputy-videogamer,@lxverrings,@miguelzslvtz,@itsameclinicaldepression,,@ricekrisbris,@loser-alert , @thedevax, @uncle-eggy, @m4dyy, @freehentai, @synamonthy, @razertail18, @s0lm1n,

@badbishsblog, @faimmm, @keendreamknight, @texanadmirer, @stargirrls, @itzsab,@delectableworm,@jadeloverxd @pinkmistart, kishimiest,

[holdmytesseract]

Hi beautiful! I have a request!

Loki helping your through a high pain day! I have chronic pain and it would be great

Personal Painkiller

Loki Laufeyson x fem!Reader

Summary: When you have a high pain day, Loki knows exactly how to comfort you.

Warnings: chronic pain, fluff, liiiittle bit of thirst

Word Count: 1,6k

a/n: My friend... Again, I'm so sorry you have to go through this pain. 🥺 I hope that I get this story right and especially that you like it. 💚

Also, have this quite sexy black suit Loki gif.

Tags |: @lady-rose-moon @huntress-artemiss @muddyorbsblr @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @chennqingg @smolvenger @alexakeyloveloki @theaudacitytowrite @jennyggggrrr @stupidthoughtsinwriting @eleniblue @asgards-princess-of-mischief @vanilla-daydreaming @loz-3 @valencia-rou @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @fictive-sl0th @bunny24sstuff @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @lovingchoices14 @linaax @mochie85 @goblingirlsarah @glitchquake @lokidbadguy @icytrickster17 @gruftiela @lulubelle814 @mandywholock1980 @november-rayne @chantsdemarins @lou12346789

Masterlist °☆• Loki Masterlist

You already felt it when your feet touched the carpeted floor of your bedroom... The dull ache in your left hip. Oh great, you thought. It's not enough that today is Monday and it's raining pitchforks outside, no... The osteoarthritis had to kick in, too.

You sighed and got up with a wince. After stretching your muscles a bit, you made your way to the bathroom - quietly, not to wake your boyfriend, who was sleeping peacefully on the left side of the bed; hands buried underneath his pillow and breath quiet and steady.

The way to the bathroom already turned out to be a challenge. You groaned softly as you sat down on the toilet; burying your face in your hands and rubbing the sleep out of your eyes. Today wasn't a good pain day.

It took you longer than usual to get dressed. Sure, it was a rainy Monday morning, six o'clock and you were without a doubt, tired - but the pain definitely didn't make it easier for you.

After getting through your morning routine, you had a few Lucky Charms for breakfast, packed in more pain killers in your bag than usual and then left the Avengers compound in order to get to work.

Working as a retail saleswoman was great, really. You loved your job. You loved the customer contact and everything else that came with it. Sure, it could get stressful from time to time, but you had a great boss and wonderful colleagues who made up for this.

You had early shift this week - meaning, a lot of groceries and other products the store was selling, which got through the arrival had to be checked and stowed away. That was, hands down, one of your favourite tasks - but not today. Today, it was rather torture. All the work your legs, back and hips had to do wasn't appreciated by your osteoarthritis. Normally, it wasn't a problem and you got along quite well, but when you had a high pain day it was awful - and this Monday was such a day...

So you went to ask one of your other colleagues - Benji, to switch. He understood, of course and was more than willing to let you cash, while he joined Alex. "Thanks, Ben." The blonde man smiled. "No probs. I hope you'll feel better, now that you can sit." "I hope so, too." "Fingers crossed!" Benji shouted while walking away.

"Hey, Y/N, you good?" Your shift buddy Alex asked, while ripping open another big package, which was filled to the brim with cheese. You shifted; trying to ease the pain by moving. "Not really..." Alex's brows furrowed, as she gave you a compassionate look. "High pain day?" "Yeps." You scrunched your nose as your hip told you that moving wasn't the solution either. "Like... Really high pain day. I feel like I can barely move." "Oh no... I'm sorry. Did you already take your pain meds?" You nodded. "Already took two..." "Oh fuck..."

You worked on for another ten minutes, but it just seems to get worse. Sure, the pain killers weren't probably kicking in yet, but nevertheless... It was not manageable. "Alex, do you mind if I try to switch with Benji? See if cashier likes my hip more?" Your buddy nodded. "Sure thing, Y/N/N. I hope it helps..." "Me too..."

Your colleagues good wishes unfortunately didn't work. The seating position was okay and welcomed for a little while; the pain ebbing away a bit, but after about and hour the dull ache came back full force.

So bad, that you weren't able to work any longer.

You smiled; trying to hide the pain. "Thanks."

Therefore, you spoke with your shift superintendent Diane and she sent you home. She knew of your illness and was very understanding and cooperative.

"Thanks, D. I promise I'm trying to go to work tomorrow. I know we have a lot of stuff to do and-" Your boss interrupted you immediately; lifting a hand. "Y/N... Please. You know I understand. Rest today, see if it is better again tomorrow and if yes, that's great and I'm happy to see you here - but if its not, don't worry. We'll make this a few days without you."

Diane smiled; gave you a nod and home you went.

The ride with the subway unfortunately made it worse. You had to stand, which stressed your legs and hips even more. It was honestly a blessing, when you saw the Avengers compound in distance. Almost there, almost there.

The moment the main door shut close behind you, you were utterly relieved. All you wanted to do, was curl up in bed now, with a nice cup of tea - and preferably sleep, so your brain didn't have to remember you every minute, that your hip was aching.

You slipped off your shoes and jacket, threw your keys on the little shelf beside the door and turned to walk the short hallway to the bathroom. But when you turned the corner, you collided with something firm, yet soft. You gasped - out of shock and pain.

"Darling?!" Two strong arms caught you from falling, so powerful was the impact. Loki. "Oh norns, apologies! Are you okay?" His concerned oceanic blue eyes wandered over your body; checking if the collision did any harm to you. But then his brows furrowed softly. "Why are you already back home?"

Only a few moments later, you felt the soft, comfy bedsheets of your bed underneath you. Loki gently let you down, before he worked on tucking you in. "B-But, sweetie, I-I'm still wearing my street wear." You mumbled in between sobs. The god just smiled at you lovingly, snapped his fingers and caused a green shimmer to run over your body; changing you into the most comfortable, fluffiest pyjamas you possessed.

At this question, you couldn't hold back your tears anymore. It was just a little bit too much. The pain, the frustration, that you had to quit work for today - everything.

"H-High pain day," was all you managed to say, before tears escaped the corners of your eyes. Loki reacted within seconds. He knew exactly what was going on and what he had to do. Without another word, he swept you gently off your feet and carried you bridal style towards your bedroom. That was at least what you anticipated, because your vision was blurry with tears. You clung to your boyfriend; wrapping your arms around his neck and burying your head against his black shirt covered chest.

Seconds later, you felt his soft lips press a lingering kiss against your forehead. "I'm so sorry your osteoarthritis is treating you bad again, my love. I'm going to take care of you." He whispered against your skin in a smooth, deep voice, which gave you the feeling of being utterly loved and protected.

"Tea, darling?" You nodded; trying to give him a smile. He knew exactly what you needed on such a day. "P-Please..." "Of course." He said; still smiling softly. "Did you already take some of your pain meds?" You gave him another nod. "Good girl." He leaned down to press another sweet, gentle kiss on your forehead. "I'll be back in a few minutes, okay? Try to get comfortable and relax." "O-Okay."

While you tried to get as comfortable as somehow possible, Loki made you a cup of tea; returning with it only a few minutes later.

"There you go, my love." The god gave you the mug carefully and breathed another kiss on your forehead, "Thank you." before he started to unbutton his black shirt.

Loki was about to roll his black slacks down his legs, when you suddenly remembered something. As if struck by lightning, you quickly took a look at your alarm clock; standing on your bedside table. "Sweetie, don't you have a meeting in, um... Now? Go, get dressed again! You have to leave, unless you'll be late!"

You just took a sip of the tea, as you watched him undress with wide eyes. "U-Uh, sweetie, w-what are you doing?" A low chuckle rumbled through your boyfriend's chest. "What does is look like, angel?"

Blinking - and trying to not get lost in the delicate movements of his fingers undoing the little buttons, you watched how the fabric slipped off his shoulders; muscles bulging. "U-Um, I know, but..." You swallowed hard; taking another sip of the tea and almost burning yourself.

Your boyfriend only shook his head; smiling and kicked the suit trousers off his legs, before throwing them on the chair standing in the corner of the bedroom.

"B-But Steve hates it when you're missing out a team meeting..." He shrugged his shoulders, rounded the bed and slipped underneath the covers beside you. "So? You are way more important than Roger's unnecessary team meetings." "But-" "Ah.Ah. No buts, darling." Loki said; wrapping you up his arms; spooning you. "I'll stay with you. I want to help you as best as I can through this. Screw this meeting."

Your heart fluttered at his words. You couldn't help but to lean into his embrace; cuddling close. "Thank you, love." He nuzzled the crook of your neck; inhaling your scent. "No need to thank me. I am doing this, because I love you." Butterflies ran wild within your belly. "I love you, too."

The rest of the day was spent with cuddling, listening to the rain drum against the window panes and even more cuddling. He made you as much tea as you desired and even tried to ease the pain with his seidr - which really helped a bit.

In conclusion, Loki was the best, doting boyfriend you ever had.

[dendre]

Pitchfork Annual Tippmix 2024

Ahogyan az már régi hagyomány, a dallista után, albumlista előtt szánt szándékkal eltalálom a könnyen belőhető, pontosan mégsem meghatározható év végi picsfork top 10-et.

Még sose sikerült 10/10-re (a top 10-ben lévő lemezeket kell eltalálni, nem a pontos helyezéseket), mert bármennyire is kiszámítható az internetek zenemagazinja, azért mindig van egy kis csavar. 

"Idén folytatódott az elmúlt években szokásos gyalázatos lemaradásom (lemezhallgatás, zenei világ követés, tippelési hatékonyság). És szinte sorminta, hogy annyi dolgom van, hogy szinte véletlenül veszem észre, hogy megint kikerült a kislemezes lista, tippelni kell. Jó, azért idén is ránéztem néhány naponta az új megjelenések miatt a Pitchforkra, és azért hallottam is ezt-azt. De nagyon hasraütésszerűen fogok tippelni, őszintén szólva fel is merült, hogy hagyom a fenébe."

Írtam tavaly, 2023-ban, és írhatnám idén is ugyanezt. Azt látom, hogy a vezetőségváltás, átszervezés után a Pitchfork egy identitásvesztett magazin, teljesen ad-hoc a dalos listájuk. Azt is látom, hogy borzalmas a dalos lista, hogy alig választottak rá elviselhető zenét, hogy az év slágerei gyalázatosak Sabrina Carpentertől nem is mondom meddig, mert senki kedvencét nem akarom gyalázni (kivéve ezek szerint a Sabrina Carpenter-eseket). Szóval aligha lesz olyan kiszámítható az idei albumlista, mint szokott lenni, tehát még annyira sem várom, hogy eltaláljam, de nem akartam megszakítani ezt a szép hagyományt.

A lista:

Cindy Lee: Diamond Jubilee

Charlie xcx: Brat

MJ Lendermann: Manning Fireworks

Jessica Pratt: Here In The Pitch

Waxahatchee: Tigers Blood

Vampire Weekend: Only God Was About Us

Still House Plants: If I don’t make it, I Love You

The Smile: Wall Of Eyes

Magdalena Bay: Imaginal Disk

Mount Eerie: Night Palace

Biztos lesz a 10-ben valami tuti hülyeség, de lövésem sincs milyen 7.2-esre értékelt lemezt kaparnak elő, a Mannequin Pussy és a Mount Eerie között vacilláltam még. És a Nala Sinephro: Endlessness lehet a nem is annyira sötét ló. "Gondolom nem fogsz eltalálni túl sokat" - hangzott el most, utalva arra, hogy a dalos listán nagyon sok mindent nem ismertem, úgyhogy ennek fényében, az esélytelenek nyugalmával, jónapot! Nálam mi az év lemeze? Nem tudom! A Pet Shop Boys-ot megvettem vinylen is. Meg a Beth Gibbonst is. Meg Kim Gordont is. A Cassandra Jenkinst meg tervezem.

Tippeljen más is, ha van kedve!

Az előzmények:

a 2023-as tipp és a végeredmény (6/10)

a 2022-es tipp és a végeredmény (6/10)

a 2021-es tipp és a végeredmény (6/10)

a 2020-as tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2019-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2018-as tipp és a végeredmény (7/10)

a 2017-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2016-os tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2015-ös tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2014-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2013-as tipp és a végeredmény (7/10)

a 2012-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2011-es tipp és a végeredmény (6/10)

a 2010-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2009-es tipp és a végeredmény (9/10)

a 2008-as tipp és a végeredmény (9/10)

a 2007-es tipp és a végeredmény (7/10)

meg volt a 2010-es évek tipp és végeredmény (5/10) :(

meg volt ez a félévtizedes hülyeség, ami ilyen lett (7/10)

meg volt a hatvanas évek, ami ilyen lett (7/10)

és volt az utólagos 1998, ami ilyen lett (6/10).

[swan2swan]

I know it’s still a kids show so they can’t show guns but I’m surprised with how paranoid Ben got that he doesn’t own a gun

And Sammy is a rancher in texas, there’s no way in hell she doesn’t have several unregistered forearms

The raptors show up on her ranch and it becomes the “broke into the wrong rec room” scene from tremors lol

Ben knows that guns cause accidents. Also you have to register firearms and all that.

As for Sammy, first, that is an offensive stereotype. Just because she's in Texas....*shoves the magnets and wall decorations aside*...doesn't mean that she would have a plethora...*puts pitchfork outside*...of firearms.

*adjusts tie back to normal*

Actually, seriously speaking, that could also be used as the fracture point between her and her parents. Maybe they want her to have guns, Just in Case One of Those Scary Dinosaurs Shows Up, but Sammy already made peace with Not Shooting Dinosaurs, so she refuses.

[kariachi]

Two things in the brain right now, one of which is getting a consolidary post, congratulations.

Argit shoulda joined the fucking team.

'But Achi it's Argit' I hear you say. 'Achi what the fuck' I hear you say. 'But Achi why' I hear you say. My loves, trust me.

To start with, we should have gotten him instead of Kevin in UAF.

I know! I know! I haven't gone two days without a Kevin thought for sixteen years, six months, and nine days exactly, I love him too, put down the pitchforks!

Alien Force would have had an actual blatant alien in the main cast rather than us occasionally being reminded that the trio were supposed to be some. We could have leaned into the fact aliens are living on Earth prior to OV, would have damn near been forced to.

You know how much people whine about Kevin's sudden redemption? No longer an issue! New character, new start, and we don't even actually lose Kevin for it! He's Argit's friend and partner in crime, instead of having 'oh Kevin isn't murderous and is actually quick friends with the people he tried to kill who are mostly good with him' we get a more organic 'getting to see how Kevin has grown and improved over the years through his relationship with Argit while the Tennysons have mixed feelings because of the history'!

Or the rushing of Gwevin! By making Kevin a side character rather than a main and altering his relationship to the team you add space that would let the pairing develop more organically! And you know if they were gonna set Gwen up with somebody it would end up Kevin, sure as shit it wouldn't be Argit.

It also makes for a completely different team dynamic, especially since there wouldn't be that baggage hovering over everything. Fuck, let Gwen have the vitriolic bestie she deserves! Let us see some of how the past still affects Ben with him wanting to be friends with Kevin again and Argit helping bridge the gap and complicated feelings their history has caused. Let Gwen get to show off her martial arts, combine it with her powers and magic, since Argit sure as shit isn't gonna be filling Kev's brawler role.

I am still fucking bitter that Gwen's martial arts got left to the side in favor of fucking 'women are ranged fighters' brand crap.

Sure we couldn't have Argit as he started out in canon, but lean more into how he is in the Rooters Arc, how he seems to have been as a kid, and it's totally doable!

Or, if you don't want to lose the old trio, just as firmly Argit should have joined the team in OV.

I know! I know! I will lock those pitchforks in a vault, don't start with me! Hear your bitch out!

I know that OV was going for a Buddy Cop vibe, but the show lost a bit of something with it. Love Rook, ya know I do, but the central team for every other series in the franchise is based around trios. Ben, Gwen, and Max. Ben, Gwen, and Kevin. Fuck, we get introduced to Manny and Helen- the only good guys introduced as a duo if I remember rightly- as a broken trio. Add on that the buddy cop thing is tied to the copaganda OV is rampant with, and going back to the tried and true trio makes sense. Bring balance back to the force.

And who better to put in the trio but Argit? It gives room to foreshadow the Rooters arc, especially with the existence of Argit 10 which would take on a whole new edge. Rook can be made as good a foil for him as for Ben- both alien immigrants in the same age range living on Earth, but with wildly different viewpoints, backgrounds, and morals. You don't even have to do some sudden change in Argit, just have him keep getting roped into shit, or maybe Kevin asked him to keep an eye on things to pay back a favor. It would probably be best if he wasn't always involved, since it would be a big shift from what came prior and would need to be worked in and up to, but that would just open the gate for more episode that deal with each chunk of the team.

We only get the one episode of UAF that has Ben and Gwen working on their own, this way you could do more of similar with various combinations of Ben, Argit, and Rook. Heck, could throw in more episodes focusing on Rook or Argit on their own with just background Ben. It would allow for more storyline variety, more character exploration, more dynamics exploration.

If there is anything canon was sorely, desperately, missing it was Rook getting help from Argit with settling into life on Earth, I'm sorry but it's true.

Heck, Rook's unmet expectations for Ben could be a stronger plotpoint if we're sitting him beside Argit 'you never try to change a partner' Levin. Play with shit like that, places where Argit is right, given him some spots of moral high ground. Play off the 'farmboy who went from home to Academy to Earth' against the 'mess who's first seen in the Null Void then travels the galaxy before coming to Earth'.

There is every reason for Kevin and Argit to be so much more worldly and knowledgeable than Ben, Gwen, and Rook and that should be taken advantage of more. But putting Argit in in OV we get an opening.

As I put it in an old post- "-the Sliding Scale of Alien Knowledge- from Argit’s 'I am an alien and I’ve been living among a wide variety species if not my whole life than for over half a decade’ to Ben’s 'I have canonically about three/four years experience becoming and fighting a wide variety of species’ to Rook’s 'I am an alien and have been living among a wide variety of alien species for maybe a year, probably a matter of months’."

And that's before we get into the sudden opening to learn more Argit backstory, which would more than likely give us more to work with for Kevin as well (we already get two episodes hitting on Kevin's backstory, with Argit there to work with we would get more and odds are Kevin would be in at least one).

Look, just, this post. Trust me.

And the fucking Rooters Arc, again we could have gotten more foreshadowing! Could have already been asking questions and then that shit gets dropped on us! It wouldn't have felt as out of nowhere! Sure the change wouldn't fix the problems with it, but it could have helped!

And we could have kept the fucking improvement in his character we saw leading up to that point- rather than seeing him go from a six to a four then suddenly swing to an eight on the evil scale there towards the end- since he would be a part of the main cast by then!

Character development! Character exploration! Worldbuilding! Dynamic interactions! More balanced character work and growth! There is so much to gain from this simple concept of dropping Argit in with the heroes and letting him stumble grumbling and just a little panicked into the role of a mild antihero.

And most important, most necessary thing ever- it would go a long way towards explaining how 'Uncle Argit' became a thing and how he ended up being the only relative we see Kenny hug.

[the-delta-42]

The Walking Dead Game What Ifs: What if St Johns succeeded in capturing and eating the Motel survivors?

[First] [Previous] [Next]

Losses

What if St Johns succeeded in capturing and eating the Motel survivors? Prompt Submitted by Darkwubs on AO3

Requests On Hold

TW: Implied Rape/Non-Con, Cannibalism and Murder

Lee scowled as Larry, Lilly and Kenny were hauled out of the meat locker by the St. Johns, with Andy throwing Duck in. Making sure Duck and Clementine were behind him, Lee grimly watched as he heard Lilly screaming at them through the door. They heard Larry yelling, before a gunshot echoed out, followed by two more. They heard Danny and Andy talking about something, as they started butchering.

Outside the Barn, Carley and Ben quietly watched as Walkers started pressing against the fence. Lee and the others had been gone longer than they’d expected, prompting Carley to make the decision for her and Ben to go find them. It was probably nothing, but they had to be sure. A noise beside her made Carley pause and look towards it, expecting a Walker. Instead, she saw a boy roughly the same age as Clementine looking up at her.

“Hi.” Said the boy, getting a small wave from Carley and Ben.

“…Hey.” Carley wondered if this was how Clementine met Lee.

“Carley, there’s the woman.” Said Ben, pointing towards the house.

“Probably noticing that the fence isn’t on and the Walkers getting through.” Murmured Carley, as one of the St. John brothers stepped out, holding Katjaa’s severed head, “Oh, god.”

“We got the meat stripped off the three you wanted us to kill.” Said the brother, “Just Lee, and those kids left.”

“I had to get rid of that one we had for dinner.” Said the man’s mother.

The man scoffed, “Where’s Andy?”

“He’s with that woman.” Said the mother, “You had that vet.”

“Wasn’t fair he got the prettier one.” Grumbled Danny, “Can I have that other one, that came here earlier?”

“We’ll see.” Said the mother, “I turned the fence on, we got Walkers comin’ up on us.”

Carley took the opportunity to raise her gun and shoot Danny in the spine, the man fell with a scream.

“My legs!” Screamed Danny, “I can’t feel my legs!”

The mother, Brenda, Carley remembered her name, looking around frantically, before Carley took her out as well. She wasn’t killed, but she hit her head when she landed. Without waiting for Ben or the kid, Carley ran into the barn, finding an inside door open to the horrific scene of Kenny, Larry and Katjaa butchered. Swallowing the bile rising in her throat, Carley stepped past them and saw a meat locker and wrenching the door open. Carley just stepped through, when Lee tackled her.

“It’s me!” Yelled Carley, making Lee pause.

“Oh, thank god.” Gasped Lee, before spotting the dead bodies, “Fuck.”

“Where’re Mark and Lilly?” Asked Carley, getting a groan from Lee.

“They fed the others Mark’s legs,” Said Lee, “If Lilly isn’t with the others, then they might have her somewhere else.”

“We have to get the kids out of here.” Said Carley, just as they heard a scream, “That sounded like Lilly.”

Lee frowned, before looking at the kids, “Go with Carley, I’ll get Lilly.”

Carley soon found herself with Duck and Clementine, guiding them past their dead friends. Lee grabbed a rifle and a pitchfork, stabbing Brenda with the farming instrument and charging into the house. There was some yelling, before there was a gunshot. Carley waiting a few moments, before looking at Ben, “Keep the kids with you.”

Without waiting for a response, Carley rushed to the house, finding Lee keeping Andy pinned by standing on his shoulder, while trying to coax a catatonic Lilly out of the room. Carley swallowed, noticing that Lilly was naked.

“Lee.” Carley got his attention, “I’ll take over here.”

Lee nodded, before he hauled Andy to his feet and forced him into another room. The sound of breaking glass and Andy screaming told Carley that Lee threw the other man out a window. After getting some clothes on Lilly, Carley gathered what weapons and supplies she could find into a bag, the two women saw Lee shove Andy onto the electric fence, before he dragged the paralysed Danny over to his reanimated mother and shoved his face against the Walker’s mouth.

“LEE!” Yelled Carley, making Lee look at her, “We need to go.”

Breathing heavily, Lee nodded and guided the kids and the women out of the farm, leaving their dead friends. Lee’d hoped that they wouldn’t lose anyone else, killing a Walker that got a bit too close to Ben.

L

The boy, that crept up on Ben and Carley, gave his name as Adam and that he’d gotten separated from his dad while they were hunting. They found his family’s car, with them deciding to wait at the car until Adam’s family turned up.

“Look at all their supplies.” Said Ben, looking into the car, “They’ve could survive for weeks off this.”

“Probably.” Shrugged Lee, “Almost makes me wonder why they were out hunting.”

“We could double back,” Suggested Carley, “take whatever supplies remain at the dairy.”

“Tomorrow.” Said Lee, looking at Lilly, “It’s dark and we don’t want to get lost.”

The sound of a stick breaking got their attention, just as a man, a woman and a girl a little bit older than Duck appear from the darkness. The man stared at them for a bit, before hastily grabbing his gun, “W-what do you want?!”

Adam perked up and rushed out, “Dad!”

“Adam!” Gasped the woman, rushing towards him, “Oh, baby, I thought I’d lost you.”

“I found these guys.” Grinned Adam, “They fought some bad guys as a farm, she,” He pointed at Carley, “shot two of them, it was so cool, he,” Adam pointed at Lee, “threw one of the bad guys out a window and beat him up and threw him onto a fence! And, and he stabbed another with a pitchfork and when she became one of the monsters, he threw the last surviving one onto its mouth!”

Adam’s parents wearily looked at Lee and Carley.

“They were cannibals, who tried to feed us our friends legs and killed three more of our friends.” Explained Lee, before glancing at Lilly, “She… er… got stuck in a room with one of them.”

Adam’s dad slowly nodded, before looking over the group, “Do you have somewhere to stay?”

“We’re based in the Motel not far from here.” Said Carley, “We don’t have much in way of food… or anything really. That’s how they got us.”

“We’ll… er,” Adam’s dad looked at Adam’s mom, “we’ll meet you there.”

L

Adam’s parents, Mitch and Tess, checked them over when they got back to the motel. Tess turned out to be a doctor, while Mitch was a handy-man/mechanic. Lee was somewhat happy that Duck and Clementine had a couple of kids around their age for once. Lilly stayed in her room for the most part. Mitch started fixing the RV, stating not all of them could fit in the car.

Lee, Mitch and Ben had gone to the farm and scavenged anything that could be useful. Ben got separated from them for a bit, but they all made it home. Lee and Carley had done several supply-runs into Macon, gathering as much food, weapons and supplies as they could find. It was after one of their supply-runs that they found Lilly had gone missing.

Then the supplies started to go missing, which led them to move the supplies into the RV, with someone inside it at all times to keep an eye on them.

“They have to be going somewhere,” Said Carley, looking around at the other three adults, “what are they taking?”

“Opioids.” Responded Tess, “And since none of us are getting high, they’re not using them, which means they’re either stashing them away or giving them to someone outside of the group.”

“Who’s watching the supplies now?” Asked Mitch, looking at Lee.

“Ben,” Answered Lee, “I’m going to look over the outside, since we’ve checked everywhere else.”

“We’ll get the vehicles ready.” Said Carley, as Lee headed out.

Half-an-hour later, the station wagon and the RV were tearing out of the Motel, speeding away as the Bandits from the woods shot at them.

L

They stopped at the side of the road during the night, with the Adults stepping out, after Lee hit a Walker.

“They had Lilly.” Said Tess, “They said ‘one isn’t enough anymore’. What else could they’ve meant?”

“Someone gave them supplies and sold a member of the group.” Carley frowned and Lee dealt with the Walker, “That, or they’ve been sneaking in, but then why only take one?”

“The kids would’ve mentioned it,” Said Lee, looking up from the Walker, “which only leaves Ben.”

“What do we do with him?” Asked Mitch, making Lee sigh.

“We don’t have the numbers to cut him loose.” Said Lee, “We’ll keep him away from the others, but we’ll need to come up with a more permanent solution.”

After ensuring that there weren’t Walkers approaching, they got back in their vehicles and drove off.

L

They stopped at a level crossing, with a train blocking the road. Lee, Mitch and Ben scouted the train out, discovered that it still worked and met an old homeless man who was living in it. After introducing him to the rest of the group, Lee and Mitch got the train free from the derailed cars.

“Good luck.” Said Mitch, as they split the supplies, “In Savannah, I mean.”

“You as well.” Responded Lee, “Maybe we’ll run into each other again someday.”

“Someday.” Said Mitch, as Carley got Clementine, Duck and Ben onto the train, “You going to teach them how to shoot?”

“Carley seems to think it’s a good idea.” Said Lee, looking at the train car, “Hopefully we can make a more solid plan when we get to Savannah.”

Mitch sighed, “Well, be seeing you, Lee.”

“Goodbye Mitch.”

The two halves of the group bid their goodbyes, with Adam giving Clementine his hoodie, “So you won’t get cold.”

With a final wave, Mitch and his family drove off, as Lee started the train.

L

The trip was quiet and without interruption, until Lee had to stop the train because a tanker was blocking the track. Lee had gone up to inspect the coupling when he ran into Omid and Christa, a couple that had been travelling when the outbreak started.

After showing Omid, and Ben, the controls of the train, Lee took Clementine down to a nearby station, while Carley kept watch on top of the train. After a few minutes, they heard a gunshot, prompting Christa to run down to the station, just as Lee and Clementine stepped out.

“What happened?” Demanded Christa, looking at Lee.

“We ran into some Walkers,” Explained Lee, “We dealt with it.”

“Really?” Christa frowned, “You and an eight-year-old girl?”

“I’m nine.” Corrected Clementine, making Lee look at her.

“When’d you turn nine, Clem?” Asked Lee, drowning.

“Four days ago.” Answered Clementine, after counting on her fingers.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Everyone died.” Answered Clementine, “I didn’t want to be happy.”

“Clem,” Said Lee, gently as he crouched down, “you can be happy when you’re grieving. Sometimes, it’s what keeps us going.”

Clementine gave Lee a small nod, before they reached the trains. Lee and Omid went up and started cutting the tankers coupling, while Carley saw a horde of Walkers in the distance. Glancing at her gun, Carley tucked it into her waist band and called down to Christa, “We’ve got some Walkers coming up, if they guys are quick, we can get out of here before they reach us.”

Just as Carley said that, the tanker dropped down onto the ground, with Lee and Omid hurrying down to them and clambering onto the train. With heavy breaths, the survivors left the horde behind.

L

“The Marsh House should be down here.” Said Carley, as they walked down a street, “Hopefully, we won’t have any unexpected surprises.”

Lee glanced back at the group, Christa and Omid stuck around, but Lee felt like that they were hiding something. Chuck kept an eye on Ben, as Lee had requested, making sure he didn’t do anything that could put them at risk. Lee and Carley still had to decide what to do with Ben.

Lee bumped into Clementine, not noticing that she’d stopped, “Clem?”

Clementine stared down the street, with Lee following her gaze. He felt his breath catch in his throat, Clementine’s parents ambled around, not making any noise. Gently pushing Clementine forwards, the small group hurried into the Hotel, with Ben tripping when a Walker grabbed his ankle. Faster than anyone them could react, the Walker clambered onto Ben’s back and tore a chunk out of his shoulder. Swallowing, Lee pulled the hotel doors shut, as Ben was devoured by the Walkers in the street.

Swallowing, Lee turned to the others, “We need to check for Walkers. Chuck, stay here with the kids, okay?”

Chuck frowned, but nodded. Lee took the rest of the group and spent the next few hours putting down the Walkers still in the hotel. Sooner than they all expected, they’d each claimed a room.

“Ooh.” Carley stretched as she sat down, “That was exhausting.”

“Yeah.” Murmured Lee, wrapping an arm around her, “Fuck, how long has it been?”

“Since when?”

“Since we lost the others.”

“Just over a week, I think.” Sighed Carley, leaning against Lee.

“Christ.” Lee looked down at Carley, “Wanna talk about it?”

Carley sighed and looked up at him, “No.” Without another word, Carley closed the distance between them and kissed him.

L

The next morning Lee and Carley woke up tangled together, with a strange feeling of contentment. They got dressed and checked on the kids, finding Clementine wrapped up in a blanket and Duck half-way off the bed.

After gathering the rest of the group, they took stock of their situation. A couple hours later, Lee and Carley were walking down to the river front, with Duck and Clementine in tow.

“I still think this is a bad idea.” Said Carley, looking around for Walkers.

“It’d help them with future runs.” Answered Lee, glancing back and Duck and Clementine, “Clem, Duck, stay closer to us.”

The children hurried over to them, just as they reached the river. There were boats, but the ones that were sea-worthy had been completely stripped of anything remotely useful.

“Who are you guys?” Asked a woman’s voice from behind them.

Lee and Carley immediately spun around and aimed their guns at a woman in an orange hooded jacket. The woman lowered her hood and remove a mask she’d been wearing, “You’re not with Crawford.”

The woman had interrogated them, told them about Crawford and how she used the bells around the city to lure the Walkers away, when the Walkers that she’d lured away came back. The group ended up being split up, the woman, who’d given her name as Molly, had gotten Carley and the kids up to higher ground, while Lee had to escape into the sewers.

L

Lee returned to the hotel, with the help of another survivor, Vernon, after he stumbled across them. He found that Carley, Clementine and Duck had gotten back to the hotel with Molly. After reuniting with them, the group, as well as their two guests, convened in a lounge-like seating area.

“The hotel’s fairly well stocked,” Argued Christa, looking around them, “and winter’s almost here, so, adding what we already have, we could hold out here until the weather warms up.”

“I thought you wanted to get back on the road.” Remarked Lee, “But, staying here does seem like a good idea. But we’re gonna have to learn the layout of the streets, which ones are blocked, which ones are overrun with Walkers and all that.”

Chuck cleared his throat, “It might not be my place to say, but how long have you been pregnant?”

Everyone looked at the old man with varying degrees of alarm and confusion.

“What?” Carley frowned, “How do you know she’s pregnant?”

“I was a doctor,” Answered Chuck, “was let go on account of my arthritis.”

Lee sighed, “Okay, so, taking Christa’s condition into account, we’re probably gonna be here until the baby is born—”

“Probably longer,” Said Carley, “it’ll be a while before their baby’s safe to travel.”

 “We’re going to need more medicine.” Said Lee, “And some more weapons.”

“And Crawford will have both.” Said Vernon, “I know a way into Crawford without them knowing.”

“If we do go,” Said Carley, “Some people are gonna have to stay behind.”

L

Vernon had left and returned with another member of his group, a woman called Brie, before they led a small group consisting of Lee, Omid, Molly and Clementine to Crawford through the sewers. They’d found the community had fallen and was overrun with Walkers, Lee found himself agreeing with Vernon when the older man said they now had the advantage. They set themselves up in a classroom, with Lee instructing Clementine to hold the fort until he got back, before he went off with Molly to get a battery and some gas for something she was working on.

Meanwhile, at the hotel, Carley, Christa and Chuck

Brie offered to stay with Clementine, while Vernon and Omid got the medicine. The rest of the trip was smooth sailing, with Lee and Molly returning with the battery. Brie then took Molly and got the gas, before Vernon and Omid got back to the room, it turned out that Omid knew his way around a lock. They’d just gotten the armoury open when Molly and Brie got back, they gathered what weapons they had and made their escape, spotting the large horde of Walkers that had been attracted by the train.

“Maybe you should bring your people to the hotel.” Suggested Lee, looking at Vernon and Brie, “We’ve got the room, and we’ve got it pretty secure.”

Vernon hesitated, before glancing at Brie, “We’ll discuss it amongst ourselves.”

Lee found himself nodding, before they started on their way back to the hotel.

“So,” Omid looked at Molly, “What’re the gas and battery for?”

“I’ve been trying to fix up an RV,” Said Molly, after a few moments of silence, “the Battery and the gas were the last things it needed, I think.”

Having an RV, Lee thought, could be useful when they eventually moved on. He decided to talk to Molly about it later, after they were all safe at the Hotel.

L

Vernon and his group reached the hotel, just as the horde hit Savannah. Lee made sure that Molly was with them before they hit. Everyone knew that the hotel wasn’t going to be long-term, but as Lee looked around the two groups mingling with each other, he couldn’t help by feel hopeful.

“Do you think Mitch and his family are okay?” Asked Carley, making her presence next to him known.

“I hope so.” Answered Lee, “Maybe we’ll run into them again.”

“It’ll be a while.” Said Carley, as she watched Clementine and Duck talk with Molly, “Do we stay as a big group or split off?”

“I don’t know.” Sighed Lee, “Molly’s RV would come in handy, but we know the issues of having a medium sized group, having a large group might be worse.”

“Or it might be better.” Carley pointed out.

Lee sighed, “I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Carley hummed, before resting herself against Lee. The couple stood in silence, watching the group. Lee knew that they needed to come up with a plan or something, but, for now, he wanted to enjoy the peace.

Next Story: What if Clementine & AJ joined the Saviors instead of the New Frontier?

[autistic-ben-tennyson]

Christian Themes in Ben 10

Before people light the torches and grab their pitchforks, this is not me making Ben 10 into evangelical republican propaganda, nor am I some moralistic Bible thumper like that person who called Steven Universe “anti god”. As someone who was raised Christian in a Christian culture, these were just things I picked up on while watching the series. This is an examination of the Christian motifs and themes present in the story, whether intentional by the writers or not. These elements are most prominent in UAF, particularly the Highbreed and Dagon story arcs and the episode “The Ultimate Sacrifice”. Ben 10 isn’t unique for having Christian themes or imagery but it’s seldom talked about, possibly due to being viewed as just a campy kids show meant to sell toys.

I think Ben 10 appeals to me because it’s fairly vague on pushing any religious ideas compared to SW and allows for different interpretations. The characters aren’t explicitly religious, allowing people to form their own headcanons, and aliens are shown to be behind the existence of the universe like with the Forge of Creation or Sir George getting Ascalon from Azmuth as opposed to God. That said, a story can create an atheistic universe while also containing allegories and references to real life religious stories.

Christian imagery and allegories can be found in many stories. Other cartoons and animes I enjoy like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Princess Tutu and Steven Universe are often cited as examples of this. With Evangelion and SU, the creators have denied there to be intentional Christian metaphors but many viewers have interpreted them that way. Steven is sometimes viewed as a Christ figure, as are Ahiru, Shinji and Madoka, with Pink Diamond being compared to God, although Rebecca Sugar cited Hillel the Elder as an inspiration for Steven, not Jesus, and was raised Jewish. This makes me wonder, could some view Ben this way too?

Ben is not the first person people would point at as a Christ figure which, again, may be influenced by how people view the series and his character. He is far from flawless which goes against the biblical narrative of Jesus being a perfect being, but also makes him more human. Despite that, one can find some similarities between him and Jesus. While less so than Steven, Ahiru or Madoka, Ben is a very compassionate and altruistic person who even at his most selfish wanted to help people. The first time we saw him was him attempting to defend a bullied peer. He also showed compassion for the Kraken when most would have seen it as a monster. While handsome, Ben is fairly plain looking compared to the long haired, pretty boy Kevin like Jesus being described as having a lack of beauty in Isaiah’s prophecy and is fairly average as a human compared to Gwen or Kevin.

Alien Force is where more of the Christian symbolism comes in. Ben befriending Kevin and offering him another chance may be compared to the disciples Matthew and Judas. Matthew being a tax collector, similar to Kevin being a criminal but offered a chance to change despite what he’s done. Kevin did betray Ben in the OS and in Ben’s perception he did it again in UA when absorbing the Ultimatrix. Unlike Judas, it wasn’t out of greed but self sacrifice to stop Aggregor and the team was able to save him and was quickly forgiven by Ben.

The biblical parallels don’t stop there. Azmuth compared the Omnitrix to Noah’s ark and Ben to Noah during the Highbreed invasion. The Omnitrix being a tool meant to bring different beings together can also be seen as very Christian in nature. There’s also Ben healing Reinrassig and the entire Highbreed race despite everything they did. Most would see them as unworthy of redemption or help but Ben still chose to save them. A lot of people, including those who claim to believe in restorative justice, forget that redemption isn’t meant to be for those who “earn” it and even those who’ve done bad things can be capable of change. Also, while a coincidence, like Greg and Blue Diamond from SU, I do see some similar imagery between Big Chill and the Virgin Mary, especially in “Save the Last Dance”.

Moving on to Ultimate Alien, the Dagon arc is filled with references to Christianity. The name Dagon comes from the god the Philistines worshiped in the Old Testament and was also a short story by HP Lovecraft. The writers had wanted to do a Lovecraftian story for AF s3 before CN interfered but got their chance with UA. The story of St George and the Dragon is retold by Driscoll with the in universe Sir George and Dagon being the inspirations for it. The Flamekeepers’ Circle is also meant to be a commentary on real world cults like Scientology and Mormonism especially with their charity outreach in impoverished nations and preying on people with good intentions like Julie.

I think “The Ultimate Sacrifice” is the most obvious biblical allegory in the series. Ben quips after waking up in the Ultimatrix that if he’s dead, “the place with the fiery red light” is not where he wants to go, a clear reference to Hell and eternal damnation. Then there’s the sacrifice itself. Ben accepts having to die to set the Ultimates free from suffering and forgives them for attacking him while giving an emotional goodbye to Gwen. For his selfless act, he is given another chance at life by the Ultimatrix. All of which people can compare to the resurrection story.

The themes of Ultimate Alien with Ben’s arc about power are very Christian as well. Ben accepts that he can’t be in control all the time and can’t determine people’s fates. “Duped”, while poorly executed, had a good message about how trying to please everyone pleases no one. He chooses not to kill Kevin after spending the whole arc angry over his failure to save the andromeda aliens and stop Aggregor, plus the aforementioned sacrifice of him giving his life for the Ultimates. Then there’s the final test that proves him worthy of the completed Omnitrix. He’s tempted to wipe out all evil which can seem appealing but realizes that he’d be stripping away the free will of every being in the universe and gives up the power.

I know this seems appalling to a lot of people here on Tumblr with how “give up control” have been weaponized by conservatives and what Christianity has become in our society. But Ben 10, for all its flaws with the writing, presents an idealistic view of the world regarding second chances, accepting differences and letting everyone, even the villains, have free will. It, as well as the other shows I’ve mentioned, can be seen as an example of a show with religious themes that doesn’t preach or condescend to its viewers and can be enjoyed by a broad range of people with different backgrounds.

[rainparadefromhell]

How Never Have I Ever Uses Music to Hint at the Future

 I’ve always loved the way music tells a story, especially in movies and tv shows. These things usually go unnoticed unless you’re a college student trying to ignore homework on a Tuesday afternoon. I have been aware that NHIE has been whispering a secret story through its soundtrack for a while now but never had time to actually compile it into one monster of a post. So I’m doing it now!

This is where I try to convince you that the show has been hinting at Devi ending up with Ben all the way since season one. There are over 100 songs in the official soundtrack and of course, I can’t go through them all so I’ll just stick with the most important moments from all three seasons and lyrics that I think encapsulate the core message of the songs.

 SEASON 1

 The Pilot – Introductions

Paxton’s intro song (Dancing On My Own – Robyn) makes a lot of sense for both characters. It talks about trying hard to get someone’s attention and failing at it. It is a song with a dramatic, pulsating beat that plays over Paxton’s big entrance into Devi’s class.

 I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her, oh

I'm right over here, why can't you see me? Oh

I'm giving it my all, but I'm not the girl you're taking home, ooh

I keep dancing on my own (I keep dancing on my own)

 Ben is introduced with a softer melody (Rubia – Juan Wauters). It is in Spanish, a language I don’t speak as well so I won’t try to translate it but I will leave you with this Pitchfork review of it written by Steven Arroyo :

“Rubia” still succeeds wonderfully on these terms, a longing love letter to someone with a memorable nose in a far-away country…

 Te guardo un lugar en mi corazon

No quiero irme, chequeo hora son

Me iré pensando que

Muy pronto contigo yo estaré

 There is an important moment near the end of the episode when Devi goes to talk to Paxton (and asks him to have sex with her) in which Playing Games by Anna of the North plays.

 I've been playing games with your heart

Left you thinking in the dark

Just to make you feel unsure

Then I know you want me more

 This whole song is very interesting to me. The singer seems to describe a situation in which she has the upper hand in a relationship.

I’ve been playing games with your heart, so I know I’ve made my mark is a lyric I think perfectly shows Devi’s desire to enter a relationship. It is not because she actually likes Paxton. In fact, she doesn’t even know him yet. I think it tells of Devi’s reasons to have a boyfriend – to make a mark not just on him but the school, and her peers as well. She wants to stop being “invisible” as to somehow regain some power over her situation in s1 (the death of Mohan) as well as distract herself from it.

 Episode 2

The song Dancing on The Limit (by Prizes) plays as Devi dreams of Paxton coming into her room to have sex with her. It is the first “love song” of Devi and Paxton which I find genius since it doesn’t actually depict reality.

I'm never gonna quit it

Back in love within a minute

We're dancing on the limit

But I love the way you're making me move

 It is a fantasy, something Devi feels when she imagines what would be like to be Paxton’s girlfriend.

 Episode 6

In Ben’s episode we get so much more insight into who he is, and not just that shell of an obnoxious overachiever he built for himself. We also get insight into his feelings for Devi when he is having dinner with the Vishwakumars where after choosing not to “nuke her back”, he actually has a fun time with her family as the song (Call Me by Sarah Rebecca) in the background goes :

 Call me angel, I could save you

I want you, I want you, I want you, I want you, I want you

 At the very end of the episode when Devi Venmos Ben so that he never has to “accept food from a pedo again” another love song can be heard (Lost – Boy Harsher).

 I’m the one that holds you

In the middle of the night

 I'm the one that wants you

Forever til we die

 Episode 7

In this episode Devi and Paxton kiss for the first time to Fire For You by the Cannons which at first seems like a really sensual song… until you actually read the lyrics.

 I could've died for you

How could you not know?

I was alive with you

But you brought in the cold

Was I being lied to? Wish I never met you

Started to regret you

  Episode 10

 Boys Like You -  Kids at Midnight

We’ve reached my favorite NHIE song. I love the synths. I love the 80s vibe. I love everything about it (No wonder why that Malibu kiss got an MTV nomination).

Certainly the most interesting thing about this song playing during this scene is right as the camera lowers on Devi’s phone, we cut to Paxton leaving a voicemail with these lyrics in the background :

 She said, "Boys like that should be in second place”

Now do with that what you will but this is the most intentionally placed lyric in season 1, in my opinion.

 I know it hurts right now, one day you'll realise

There's no need to hide yourself from the world

All my life I've been hiding myself

Just waiting for a boy like you

SEASON 2

 Episode 8

In the scene we see Devi apologize to Ben about the cheating when the song Up All Night by The Undercover Dream Lovers starts playing. The song is seemingly about second chances and not letting someone go. I thought the theme of driving was interesting considering Malibu.

 Caught up on the freeway

You test my patience all the time

Find another exit, ooh

Blocking you from mine

 Episode 9

Heat Waves – Glass Animals

 During Paxton and Devi’s kiss Heat Waves plays and I have to admit the song as well as the scene are amazing. However, I’ve seen this song misunderstood by Daxton fans so much, probably due to the scene trending (mostly on TikTok where people enjoy quick content without much context).

The writer of the song, David Bayley says this about what it means, mentioning another song called Your Love : “They're both definitely two of the songs that are about relationships and sort of knowing that they're doomed,"

Bayley uses the term Heat Wave to represent an illusion of a highway mirage (the air that rises off asphalt on extremely hot days making it seem like the road is wet).

So the love that the writer describes is just like the heat waves – an illusion.

 Now I gotta let you go

You'll be better off in someone new

I don't wanna be alone

You know it hurts me too

You look so broken when you cry

One more and then I say goodbye

 Episode 10

GOLDEN – Running ; Ben comes into the girls bathroom to try and make Devi feel better after she is rejected by Paxton. As he is saying “When are you gonna to realize that that dick doesn’t deserve you” the lyrics playing are :

But I get these feelings

That I can't explain

It’s in my veins

being the underdog all the time

 Hello Pongo – Summer Love

Another love song that plays when Ben and Devi see each other at the dance.

I've been lookin,

for you my summer love

forever summer love

Sam Smith – Love Goes

This song is – do you wanna guess? Not a love song. It is a sad one.

I hope you understand that I have to send you away

You may not understand, but I know that you will one day

You're broken, I know this

And if you knew it, you would love me a whole different way

But that's how love goes, goes

I also think it’s funny how just as Devi and Paxton are about to slow dance the DJ plays a different, more upbeat song which tells us they aren’t really that compatible with each other. They just never manage to catch that love song!

 I wonder if season 4 brings us a Ben and Devi slow dance…

SEASON 3

Episode 1

 Josha Daniel – Dream of You ; We finally get something close to a love song for Daxton in the first scene of season 3 even though it it pretty vague and repetitive.

 We are never gonna waste our time again

I can't sleep when i dream of you

I can't sleep when i dream of you

 Ilo Ilo – Clementine ; Devi and Paxton almost have sex

Clementine

Trying to erase you from my spotless mind

Hit fast-forward but I'm stuck in rewind

 Episode 3

Afternoon Bike Ride – Before The Fall ; Devi tells Nalini she and Paxton broke up

After an autumn of ends lеd to silence

Winters cloak covered the tracks of the tyrants

Spring couldn't bring on the promise of June

With no voice to sing and nothing to bloom

I found the mention of June interesting even if it wasn’t intentional because it almost seems like an answer to Heat waves (Sometimes, all I think about is you, Late nights in the middle of June).

Mel Blue – Finding You; Ben tells Fabiola Devi broke his heart

I lost you love

You lost you too

I lost myself

I’m finding you

Episode 5

Carla Morrison – Eres tú ; Ben and Devi say goodbye to each other after their bet at the coffeehouse

(I found a translation for this one)

Today I woke up wanting to kiss you

I have a thirst to caress you

Entangle myself with you and not let you go

You're so intoxicating

It's you

 Episode 10

“Because I’ll miss you. A lot.”

“Wait. There’s the stomach knots.”

Jaguar Sun – Car Keys

Oh, how you've grown

Look back now

And move on

Don't worry, about a thing

Just grab those car keys

And drive into the rain

Another song involving cars, driving… I’m starting to think all of this makes sense! Also I love how the song mentions growth because Devi did grow so much in season 3.

 Prinze George – Take off

 Saw you in the living room

You were wild with light and I wanted you

Tried to do the woman thing

I was eager, young and abandoning

I would force you to love me

I would force you to stay

I would force you to love me

I would stand in your way

And you can't take off without me now

After Boys Like You this has to be my favorite NHIE song. It also has an 80s vibe to it and the two songs feel very much connected in my mind. The lyrics talk about standing in a lover’s way. Preventing them from leaving you and closing that chapter of their life.

I am still in your way

This lyric that appears later in the song shows that after everything that happened to them in season 4, they are still in each other’s way. They can’t forget about each other even after actively pursuing other people.

 After analyzing so many songs, I really have to give credit to the show. Most of these were chosen so carefully to fit certain moments. You can really tell the show was made with a lot of intention and love, at least soundtrack wise.

 As far as proving who the main couple (endgame couple, whatever you wanna call it) in season 4 is, to me that is pretty obvious even without the support of the soundtrack. I’m very curious about the songs we’ll get to hear in the new season and I also wonder if we will hear some old ones again.

Let me know what you think!

[beardedmrbean]

So there we have it. Laid bare for all to see, the pernicious effect of our national fixation with “diversity, equality and inclusion” (DEI). Aviva’s chief executive Amanda Blanc this week told MPs on the Treasury Select Committee that there is no senior “non-diverse” (white male) hire made at the company without her personal approval. There is no need, she implicitly admitted, to sign off on the appointments of non-white people and women. Most people would call that clear evidence of discrimination.

But don’t expect the Left-wing mob, usually so vocal in its condemnation of racism and sexism in all its ugly forms, to sharpen its pitchforks this time. Social media is not awash with calls for Blanc’s resignation, nor have demands for a boycott been issued. Others have suffered obloquy for far less: advertisers refused to be associated with GB News due to concerns over “bias”. McDonald’s was targeted after a location offered free food for the Israeli military.

Performative progressivism, as has long been suspected, doesn’t extend to campaigning against discrimination against white people or men. Perhaps we should thank the exquisitely named Blanc for giving the game away: rarely is the true purpose of DEI – not to, rightly, fight against hateful racism and sexism, but to position us all on an intersectional pyramid of victimhood, white men placed bottom – put so bluntly.

We have been drip-fed stories about “values” and “diversity”, when really those espousing it mean “conformity” with a particular worldview. Underpinned by the Equality Act, arguably one of the worst pieces of legislation foisted on the British public, DEI has marched through our institutions, stifling freedom of expression and stymieing economic growth along the way. Entire sections of annual reports are now devoted towards these activities: HS2’s 2022 statement was 52 pages long, much of it keenly explaining how many men had been excluded from the doomed project.

And make no mistake: the DEI industry is doing all it can to avoid becoming a victim of its own success. Thus, despite the clear evidence of the massive progress made in recent decades, we are warned ad nauseam that the country has never been so bigoted: English cricket is systemically racist, along with constabularies, the fire brigade, our criminal justice system and virtually any other area of public life. Women are still widely described as victims of the patriarchy.

Often, this is based on demonstrably false assumptions. Feminist activists noisily complain that the gender pay gap is widening, while other groups try to steal their oxygen with such absurdities as the “gender obesity penalty gap”, the “gender sleep gap” and the “gender play gap”.

Anyone who bothered to look at the gender pay gap data would observe that it is now negligible for those aged 22-39, with men pulling away later in life largely because of compensating differentials and free choice. Some women go part-time when they become mothers, many opt for less dangerous work, which is why workplace injuries are suffered overwhelmingly by men.

The average male life expectancy is 79 years, compared to 82.6 years for women. Less than 5 per cent of those in prison in the UK are female. When Tory MP Ben Bradley tried to ask an “equalities” question about white working-class boys in Parliament in 2020, he was warned that it may be turned down because it did not appear to be a question about protected characteristics. Yet this group are more likely than any of their peers to achieve less in school, less likely to go on to higher or further education and less likely to secure a well-paid career.

And now we discover that those who do buck the trend might not make it past the filters of the Diversity Queen at Aviva. This isn’t to argue that we should extend equality legislation to take in ever-wider groups, though the DEI gang are certainly trying, with “neuro-diversity” and “social class” their newest frontiers. Rather to insist that companies stop the smug virtue signalling and focus on the bottom line.

One could ask whether such granular involvement in recruitment is the best use of Blanc’s time, as boss of a FTSE 100 company. Is this the level of commitment to shareholder returns they were expecting, given there is little evidence of a causal link between diversity and profit?

Neither skin colour nor reproductive organs determine business acumen. Bosses should hire the best people for the role, irrespective of identity. Those who don’t are in the wrong job.

[liviavanrouge]

Alive AU: Missing

Trey: Cherry, Ben, come-

Trey: *Stares in shock, finding the room empty, his siblings nowhere in sight* GUYS!!

Cater: Trey?

Trey: THEY'RE GONE!!

Che'Nya: Nyah!! What!??

~~~

Riddle: *Carries his pitchfork, walking back to the base*

Vil and Rook: *Drags a man and woman's body after him*

Riddle: *Stares, finding the others ransacking the place*

Deuce, Rollo, Leona and Floyd: *Throws stuff around, letting out hissing and growling noises*

Riddle: Li...vi...a?

Leona: *Looks at Riddle* Go...ne...

Riddle: *Grips his pitchfork, rushing out*

Leona: *Grabs a pitchfork, the others rushing out after him with their own pitchforks*

Riddle: *Stares at the town below* Ki..ll..all, fi...nd....her...

Leona, Vil, Rook, Riddle, Deuce, Rollo, and Floyd: *Runs off in different directions, going on a murder spree*

@queen-of-twisted @yukii0nna @zexal-club

[calebwittebane]

btw i had a dream a movey had come out that was a comedy where the main characters were clearly meant to be ben shapiro and jordan b peterson except with slightly changed names, and they were getting into rly stupid situations and proving themselves to be absolute losers and succumbing to their own hubris in increasingly convoluted ways. like i rember there was this part where jbp ended up in like, a small belarussian village, and he managed to anger everyone and mess everything up so badly that he got chased away with pitchforks even though my understanding is that he had found the village after wandering alone for days and this big family there took him in and everyone was very welcoming at first. he cried a bunch obviously he was like crying 24/7. idk the movie was fun and everyone liked it but ben shapiro decided to sue the producers. dont remember the outcome of the court case

[walker-extended-universe]

We Go Down Together, Chapter 4

Relationship(s): Cassie Perez & Cordell Walker, Ben Perez & Cassie Perez

Tags/Warnings: Trauma, Aftermath of Torture, PTSD, Breakdown, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

Summary: In which Cordell tries to connect and Cassie tries to explain and nothing goes right

Written for @whumpuary prompt 14- Breakdown

Taglist: @theladywyn, @ihavepointysticks, @klaatu51, @itsjessiegirl1, @neptunium134

------

Adjusting after all that time in captivity had been rough. Cordell was more than ready to put all this behind him and get back to normal. But life wasn’t that simple, unfortunately.

He was required to take the time off work and attend mandated therapy sessions. He appreciated the theory behind it. Being a ranger was serious business and they needed to make sure everyone wearing the badge was of sound mind and it was fair to say that anyone who had been kidnapped and tortured was probably more than a little shaken.

But in practice, what Cordell really needed was to get back to normal. He wouldn’t feel right until he was back in the office, doing what he did best.

Regardless of his needs, there were rules to follow, paper trails to lay, i’s to dot and t’s to cross and all that. So he went to his mandated therapist's office and gave all the right answers to his questions and did the homework and the breathing exercises like a good ranger should. And every week he heard that he was making great progress and would probably be going back to work soon and his chest felt less tight at the end of it.

And if he saw his family’s eyes brightening every time he came home from a successful therapy session, that was just a nice bonus.

Honestly, the thing he was struggling the most with was Cassie. He tried to talk to her. He did. He texted her almost every day (because she never answered his calls) and struggled to get more than one-word answers out of her. He tried to set up times for them to meet and catch up, but she always seemed to have other plans. He’d tried talking to Ben about it but he was just as tight lipped.

“Do you think you can talk to him?” he asked Liam one day while they were shoveling out the stalls.

“In general? Yes. About the issue you’re having with Cassie? No.”

“But-”

“Cordi.” Liam set his pitchfork against the side of the stall and crossed his arms over the top of the wall between them. “I get that you’re worried about Cassie. I am too. But me pestering Ben on your behalf isn’t going to make her better. From what you’ve told me, it sounds like her healing journey just doesn’t involve you and you need to respect that.”

“I get that,” Cordell said, even though he didn’t. “But how does getting a coffee with me interrupt her healing journey? I just want to have a conversation with her before we get back into things, that’s all.”

Liam sighed. “Look, I know your big solution to getting past your trauma is to just get back to normal. And that’s fine and valid and it works for you. But Cassie isn’t you and this is her first time dealing with something like this. It’s only natural that her needs are going to be different than yours. Maybe what she needs is a little distance to sort things out on her own. For all you know, her therapist recommended it. I’m not saying you have to be happy about it but if that’s how she wants to handle it, then you’ll have to accept it.”

Cordell huffed and went back to mucking the stall. If Liam wasn’t going to be helpful, he’d just have to find another way.

A few weeks later, when he was given the stamp of approval to go back to work, he found his opening. Smiling as he exited his therapist’s office, he texted the family he’d be late coming home and went to the store for some of Cassie’s favorite snacks.

It was time to celebrate.

—----

“Hey, Cass….” Ben’s hand landed lightly on her shoulder. She tried not to flinch when she felt it. “Walker’s at the door. He wants to talk to you.”

Walker. She hadn’t talked to him in a while. They exchanged texts but apart from that, she hadn’t seen or heard anything from him for the past few months. She wasn’t trying to avoid him, exactly. She just didn’t feel like they had much to talk about. Cordell was off living his life, slowly getting better and better, and Cassie….

Cassie wasn’t doing much of anything.

Sure, she went to her therapist appointments. She tried to do them right, being honest enough to not get in trouble but not so honest that she’d get her badge taken away. She went out for a daily walk with Ben in the mornings before the parks got too busy. She ate at least once a day, when she could stomach it. She tried about a billion different breathing techniques to scare off the panic attacks and random flashbacks.

She just felt stuck.

And, okay, maybe she was avoiding Walker a bit because it hurt to see him doing so much better without even trying. Maybe it was easier to avoid those dangerous comparisons her therapist warned her about if she kept him at arm's length. And maybe part of her was pissed at him for his shitty advice.

But now he was here. And she wasn’t sure if she wanted that.

“I can tell him to leave if you want,” Ben said.

Cassie sighed. “No, it’s fine. He can come in.”

“Are you sure? I can-”

“It’s fine,” she insisted. “You know he’ll only try harder if you scare him away,” she joked.

Ben chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. Just let me know if you want me to kick him out.”

Cassie smiled for real for the first time that day.

Walker came into her apartment, smiling, carrying a full paper grocery bag. Cassie could see a bag of her favorite chips peeking out of the top. He brought a peace offering. Good start.

“Hey, Cass! You ready to celebrate?”

Less good start. “Celebrate what?” she asked cautiously.

“Getting back in the game! I got the stamp of approval to put the badge on earlier today. Have you had that talk with your shrink yet?”

“Oh. Uh, yeah, we- we talked about that.” Clearly they’d had a different version of that conversation. “We talked yesterday, actually. But-”

Walker’s smile got bigger. “That’s great! So, when are you back in the office?”

“Uh, I’m not-”

“Oh, it’s probably the same day I go back. I wonder if James missed us while we were out. It was probably boring without us. So-”

“She’s not going back,” Ben said coldly, glaring at Walker from the other side of the kitchen island. “Her therapist recommended she take some more time off, which Cassie would’ve already told you if you didn’t just steamroll over her.”

Walker looked between her and Ben. “Cassie?”

She shrugged. “She doesn’t think I’m ready to go back yet. And… I agree. This whole thing has been…. A little rough on me.”

“A little- Cassie, you’re one of the strongest people I know. I know what happened to us was crazy but that’s no reason for you not to get back in the field.”

“Walker, that’s not-” Cassie tugged on the end of her braid and tried to think of the words. “Look, I’m not a trained marine like you. I’ve never had to deal with something like this before. It’s not so easy for me to just bounce back, you know.”

“I get that, I do, but-”

A spark of anger flared up in her. “Do you? I don’t think you do, Walker. If you did, you wouldn’t have barged in here ready to celebrate.”

Walker’s eyes widened and he held his hands up defensively. “Okay, I’m sorry. I just thought-”

“Well, you thought wrong,” she snapped. “I’m not like you. I can’t just shove all my feelings down and wait for my trauma to go away. I’m glad it worked out for you though.”

Walker balked at that. “Woah, Cass, I- I’m sorry this is tough for you but I don’t get-”

“You know what I don’t get?” she said, her voice breaking. “I don’t get how you’re so okay. I-I can’t understand that. Because I am the furthest fucking thing from okay. I barely get sleep because every time I close my eyes, I have nightmares. I can’t take sleeping pills because I still have nightmares but then I can’t wake up from them. I can’t eat food that comes out of a bag because it reminds me of the food they gave us and I just throw it up later. I flinch every time someone comes within two feet of me. I have to ask my brother to check if the shower water is the right temperature because touching cold water gives me a panic attack. I had to change all my alarm sounds because they reminded me too much of the ones they used when they-.” She shook her head and furiously wiped away her tears. “I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do. I go to the damn therapy sessions, I do the homework, I’ve tried every coping technique I can find. But nothing- It never works! I just- How the fuck are you so okay? And why am I still a fucking mess?”

Walker’s face softened and he reached out to her. She really tried not to flinch. “Cass, I-”

“I think it’s time for you to go,” Ben said sternly.

“I really am sorry. I didn’t mean-”

“Doesn’t matter. Thank you for the snacks, but you need to go now.”

Walker looked like he had more rebuttals but wisely kept them to himself. “I- Right. Sorry for bothering you. Bye, Cassie.”

Ben marched him out of her apartment, slamming the door behind him. Then, he rushed over to the couch. “Cass? Are you-”

“No, I’m not fucking okay,” she muttered, still wiping away tears. “I’m sorry, I just-”

“You don’t need to apologize,” he said gently. “Do you want me to turn on Hawk’s Shadow?”

She shook her head. “I think I’m just gonna take a nap. Maybe later.”

“Okay. Whatever you need.”

She smiled weakly and shuffled to her bedroom for a fitful rest.

She was starting to wonder if she would ever be okay again.

[dendre]

Pitchfork Annual Tippmix 2023

Ahogyan az már régi hagyomány, dallista után, albumlista előtt szánt szándékkal eltalálom a könnyen belőhető, pontosan mégsem meghatározható év végi picsfork top 10-et.

Még sose sikerült 10/10-re (a top 10-ben lévő lemezeket kell eltalálni, nem a pontos helyezéseket), mert bármennyire is kiszámítható az internetek zenemagazinja, azért mindig van egy kis csavar. 

Idén folytatódott az elmúlt években szokásos gyalázatos lemaradásom (lemezhallgatás, zenei világ követés, tippelési hatékonyság). És szinte sorminta, hogy annyi dolgom van, hogy szinte véletlenül veszem észre, hogy megint kikerült a kislemezes lista, tippelni kell. Jó, azért idén is ránéztem néhány naponta az új megjelenések miatt a Pitchforkra, és azért hallottam is ezt-azt. De nagyon hasraütésszerűen fogok tippelni, őszintén szólva fel is merült, hogy hagyom a fenébe.

A lista:

Noname: Sundial

billy woods & Kenny Segal: Maps

L’Rain: I Killed Your Dog

Sufjan Stevens: Javelin

SZA: SOS

Caroline Polachek: Desire, I Want To Turn Into You

ANOHNI and the Johnsons: My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross

Wednesday: Rat Saw God

Lana Del Rey: Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd

Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS

Az utolsó kettő elég random tipp, ha a kislemezlistán nem úgy szerepelne Rey, ahogyan, nem jutott volna eszembe, meg Rodrigo több helyezése is lehet megtévesztő, és csak a slágereket emelték ki, a lemez meg 39. lesz. Leginkább André 3000: New Blue Sunján gondolkoztam még, hogy az top 10-es lesz nekik, lehet ki is kéne cserélni Rodrigóval. Ááá, nem tudom. Ha Rodrigo nem lesz és Andre lesz top 10-es, azt fél pontnak számolom. Vagy negyednek.

Top 10 esélyek még: Amaarae: Fountain Baby Joanna Sternberg: I’ve Got Me Fever Ray: Radical Romantics boygenius: the record (se pontszámban, se dallistán nem kiemelkedő, de pont olyan középút, amit sokan top 10-be tesznek és végén itt is kijön ez a matek).

Ja és idén nem vertek át, tudom hogy ér 2022-es decemberi lemez is, szóval SZA ott lesz.

Amúgy viszont idén tényleg nem izgat, már az 5/10 is oké eredmény lesz, de ez az újság tényleg annyira kiszámítható, hogy 5/10-nél kevesebbet elérni is nehéz.

Hogy milyen volt 2023 új zenékben? Azt nem annyira tőlem kell kérdezni, a Slowdive szeretete nem hiszem, hogy túl releváns, se PJ Harveyé. Laurel Halo, Kali Uchis, Sofia Kourtesis, Universal Harmonies & Frequencies, Speakers Corner Quartet, Nourished By Time, Inward Cirlcles, még valamelyik bar italia is tetszett, ilyesmik, de inkább már nem is mondok semmit. Viszont ehelyett abban biztos lettem, hogy a leginkább alulértékelt magyar elektronikuszenei lemez a Sonic Age máig szuper house The Albuma 1998-ból. És Mikrofunk senki által nem ismert 2000-es lemeze is alaplemez magyar elektronikában, de erről később sokkal többet, nem olyan sokára.

Ja, még 2023: a Lankum elsöprő kritikai sikerére természetesen én sem tudom a magyarázatot. Nincs.

Tippeljen más is, ha van kedve!

Az előzmények:

a 2022-es tipp és a végeredmény (6/10)

a 2021-es tipp és a végeredmény (6/10)

a 2020-as tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2019-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2018-as tipp és a végeredmény (7/10)

a 2017-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2016-os tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2015-ös tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2014-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2013-as tipp és a végeredmény (7/10)

a 2012-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2011-es tipp és a végeredmény (6/10)

a 2010-es tipp és a végeredmény (8/10)

a 2009-es tipp és a végeredmény (9/10)

a 2008-as tipp és a végeredmény (9/10)

a 2007-es tipp és a végeredmény (7/10)

meg volt a 2010-es évek tipp és végeredmény (5/10) :(

meg volt ez a félévtizedes hülyeség, ami ilyen lett (7/10)

meg volt a hatvanas évek, ami ilyen lett (7/10)

és volt az utólagos 1998, ami ilyen lett (6/10).

[adamwatchesmovies]

Little Monsters (1989)

While I didn't enjoy this film, that doesn't mean you won't. No matter what I say, the people involved in this project did it: they actually made a movie. That's something to be applauded. With that established...

I can’t believe this is the third time I’ve seen Little Monsters. The first time was in 2012. I didn't like it but my review was too short so I re-watched it AGAIN in 2016. I didn’t like it then either. In fact, I gave it a 0 score. Is the third time the charm?

After moving to a new house and new school, Brian (Fred Savage) is miserable. His parents (Margaret Whitton and Daniel Stern) are always fighting, he’s getting blamed for every random thing that happens around the house and his brother Eric (Ben Savage) keeps bugging him about monsters living under his bed. Then, Brian discovers there IS a monster living under the bed. His name is Maurice (Howie Mandel) and he loves to pull pranks.

The worst part of this movie is Howie Mandel. His character is so annoying you’ll reach for your torch and pitchfork seconds after he appears. He’s always talking, always trying to make you laugh, always moving and gesticulating. I won’t blame the actor. I’ll blame director Richard Alan Greenberg, along with writers Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott. The mantra must’ve been “If someone isn’t talking, the audience won’t be laughing”. They couldn’t have been more wrong. This film only contains one funny joke and to give credit where credit is due, it’s from Mandel. Nonetheless, you can’t stand him. He’s playing this imitation Beetlejuice - one of many we saw starting in 1989. I’ve only ever seen two fast-talking outlandish supernatural sidekicks that worked - The Genie from Aladdin and the aforementioned ghost with the most. Everyone else you want to beat to a pulp with a shovel before burying them in the backyard.

With the main draw being as pleasant as a dental exam, Little Monsters was instantaneously doomed but the problems don't stop there. This film is so mean-spirited you’ll wind up cheering for the villains and hating the heroes. Case and point is an extended scene in which Brian and Maurice travel from one house to another, pulling pranks on children while they sleep. They paint the walls, put plastic wrap on toilets, peanut butter on phones, etc. That doesn’t sound so bad but they shave a cat off-screen and then take revenge upon Ronnie (Devin Ratray), a bully who tormented Brian and his brother earlier. They put cat food in his lunch and replace his apple juice with urine. I know kids pretend that any yellow liquid is piss all the time. The difference is that in this movie, we see Maurice gulp down all Ronnie's juice so he can turn around (away from the camera) pull out his blue monster dick and fill Ronnie’s bottle. the movie goes too far, particularly since we get to see Ronnie attempt to wash down the taste of the cat food with it the next day.

Speaking of Ronnie, I feel like doing a bit of nitpicking. I mean, why not? This movie is mean. It deserves a bit of its own medicine. Here’s how his introduction works. Brian and his little brother are on the bus. After an argument (related to the mysterious pranks around the house), Brian tosses Eric's lunch out the window. That's when Ronnie enters. The lunch hit him in the head. Ronnie threatens Eric, Brian defends his little brother and after a quick verbal back-and-forth, Ronnie is humiliated and gets off the bus. Wait. What happened? Was Ronnie part of the route? Like was he supposed to be picked up by the sassy bus driver? Or did she just let him hop on randomly? Either way, I guess he walked the rest of the way. Eventually, the character returns for the final act when he is recruited as one of Brian’s allies against Boy (Frank Whaley), the monster world’s evil ruler. I know what the movie is trying to do. The idea is that Brian and his bully are setting aside their differences for the greater good. Maybe they’ll even become friends. Inside the movie though, this alliance means nothing. Ronnie doesn’t know Brian was responsible for the cat food and piss in his lunch. He's not "forgiving" anything.

I've become more invested than I should in a movie that doesn’t deserve to be remembered. Little Monsters is mean, gross and ugly. The monsters are unappealing and not even in a “they’re monsters, they should be kind of scary” kind of way. One look and you'll “No thanks”. In fact, you can skip the look. Just say “No thanks” to Little Monsters. (February 10, 2023)