#Rediscover Fusion

[homestuck-music-tournament]

Rediscover Fusion

Album: Homestuck Vol. 3 Composer: BurnedKirby Leitmotifs: Rediscover Fusion Characters: Dave Strider

You may know this from:

[S] Jade: Open FreshJamz! (Flash Broken)

[aro-culture-is]

Aro culture is I do not know how to state this plainly but

aromantic person is to amatonormativity and atheist is to religion? Like I've seen atheists question religion a lot and they seem unusually well read compared to their religious counterparts and despite knowing more about it, they also have a whole lot of questions most religious people dare not to ask or think about at all. And then there's aros! Between allos and aros, the aros are likely the ones who have read about amatonormativity and I do not think allos even know about the word at all, neither do they question (and probably challenge) it as much as we aros typically do.

Yes I am also atheist! Another A to the list of As that I am.

I'm gonna be totally real, I am leery of takes like that about "religion" because 90+% of the time in atheist spaces I've seen or heard of, it's like... only actually talking about Christianity with a smattering of other religions as viewed by a christo-centric cultural lens.

I think any time someone starts making broad claims about any group being "unusually well read" it's time to take a step back and consider your sampling bias and clustering bias. You likely specifically seek out people who are well read, and end up with sampling bias. Additionally, that sort of community often references within itself, and especially if you follow a group, you see the cluster around that group, which inflates the perceived impression.

Please note, i'm not saying you are like... 100% wronger than any person alive. I'm just saying that's not easily studied by experts, and it's actually quite hard to say anything about these types of metrics without bias.

The point you are making though, I think, may be better expressed by talking about people who leave a common belief system or never belonged to a common belief system in their life. In general, people who intentionally or unintentionally fail to comply with a commonly held opinion could be more likely to spend more time thinking about the nuances of it and related subjects. I think that is a point I could concede is generally true.

[zivazivc]

What kind of nu metal music fits Les's band?

First of all I gotta clarify that I sent this ask myself because I accidentally lost the original through constant editing and drafting. I realize I could just make a regular text post but I'm quirky like that, and a question is a nice little attention grabber for those who are interested.

Anyway...

It's hard to point at one song and say this is their sound, because A: I'm picky, B: the band's style changes over time, and C: I don't know what I'm doing lmao

This answer is very long uhh I don't seem to be able to form short responses, mi scusi 😅

Back at home the brothers' music and then also the first year on the road with Flea the band sounds like the albums Music and especially Grassroots by 311. (Grassroots is such a banger of an album, I listen to it all the time, really recommend.)

Hed's the main influence on the band's sound because he's the main vocalist, songwriter and overall the most invested in the band succeeding (Les's main concern is making ends meet, and Flea is just enjoying the ride lol). At the start Hed and Les have had basically no contact with Rock Trolls so even though they're both more metal/punk than regular rock, their "rock side" is softer at this point. Hed also grew up with hip hop because of his peers so there's a lot of rapping in his lyrics. And he also incorporates reggae into his style a lot because of his favorite uncle, Kymani (one of the guys who live with Ish) who is a Reggae Troll. Hed is pretty much a sponge when it comes to music, much like Floyd. The closest I can come to describing his genre is a fusion of Rap Metal and Reggae Rock which are both already fusion genres jskksdjsk

(The band 311 has two singers and oddly they both sound like Hed and Les to me. SA Martinez (the higher of the two voices) sounds 100%, exactly like how I've imagined Hed's voice in my head. For Les I have a different voice claim because Les's personal style of music is much different from the band, but Nick Hexum (the lead vocalist here) is still in the second place when it comes to voice alone. Imagine my enthusiastic surprise finding voices for both brothers in the same band 😄)

examples from the two albums:

...

While driving around and performing small gigs they come in contact with the alternative and nu metal scene and meet a lot of Rock Trolls (mostly various Metal Trolls) and other mixed trolls, and in the following couple of years their sound gradually becomes heavier (Hed rediscovers screamo lol) and they go from rock to metal.

A year into their "touring" is also around the time Hed meets and starts dating Liv and gets her to join the band. Liv's genre has the heaviest sound of all of them (Industrial/EBM), which influences Hed and the band too. And with Liv on the drums, Hed takes over DJ-ing and is also able to put more focus on the vocals, which also makes Les step down and only sing backing vocals with the rest of the band if needed.

The band in this era sounds like the album Revolution by Insolence and to some degree Introduction to Mayhem by Primer 55.

examples from the albums:

...

Two years into the bands existence is when Floyd runs into them. At first he's more just standing there, observing their practices and performances warily, because he's had bad experiences with Rock Trolls in his one year alone and metal music still kinda freaks him out at this point. But he soon starts joining in in melodic parts and then it progresses into him singing longer and longer segments because he has the strongest vocals of everyone. And once he saves enough of his earnings for a guitar he starts playing the rhythm guitar too. (The guitar he took with him when he left the Troll Tree got stolen before he met the band.)

I guess I should clarify: Flea is the lead guitarist, Les is the bassist, and Liv and Hed switch on the drums and DJ-ing depending on the track. At one point they also get a keyboard.

It's also not that long before Hed and Floyd start actively writing songs together, sharing each others notes, and they start to split the singing parts more evenly. Hed even teaches Floyd screamo techniques, because he thinks Floyd has a great voice for them (He is correct, Floyd has a mean scream 😁).

During this time the band still pretty much sounds like Revolution by Insolence but with more melodic singing parts from Floyd (and screaming/shouting lmao). I think Verge of Umbra is another good band to compare, it sounds more clean and Floydy but still Hedy. (Man, I should write scientific research papers skjdkjf)

↑↑↑ song with the lyrics from the drawing at the top

From here on out I'm a bit unsure how the band's sound develops, but I'm pretty sure Floyd would unintentionally infect them with a mild case of radio friendliness (Pop trolls can't help their in your face nature lmao 😞). So for now I'm stopping here...

This took me days of searching and writing so I would appreciate to hear any thoughts you have if you've come this far and given some of the songs a listen. :)

[sen-ya]

We rediscovered that one Lawlu steven universe fusion au and now we're curious about if you vibe with fusion stuff and if so what your take on a Lawlu fusion would be

Ya’ll this ask POSSESSED me. I haven’t thought abt Steven universe in YEARS.

[sonicandvisualsurprises]

1967

What a joy it was to rediscover Buffy Sainte-Marie after posting Codine by The Litter yesterday!

I had only ever heard one track by her through a mix tape someone made for me years ago.

I especially like this song : a fusion of blues-rock and rootsy country, tinged with soul.

Buffy's defiant voice is powerful and unforgettable.

[boinkingbattlemechs]

Locust

The Locust was one of the most common BattleMechs in existence, having been in continuous production since the design was first introduced by Bergan Industries in 2499. One of the smallest 'Mechs ever built, the Locust was designed exclusively for reconnaissance and quick strike missions, using its then-phenomenal speed to outrun most enemies. In a situation where it was unable to outrun its enemies, the 'Mech did have a light array of weapons with which to defend itself, but the Locust lacked the firepower or staying power to be a true front-line combatant and as a result few MechWarriors enjoyed piloting Locusts. Within its weight-class though, the Locust was considered an excellent 'Mech, overshadowed as a scout only by designs which mounted jump jets. Often when a Locust engaged in combat it was as a holding action until reinforcements could arrive, although when operating in groups of three they could swarm lone enemy 'Mechs that were separated from friendly support.

The main weapon of the LCT-1V Locust was a single Martell medium laser mounted in the center torso. Backing this up were two Sperry Browning machine guns, which effectively deterred infantry attacks against the Locust's vulnerable legs. These were located in either arm and fed by a one-ton ammo bin located in the center torso. Lacking hand actuators the Locust was vulnerable to other 'Mechs when engaging in close combat.

The primary asset of the Locust was its speed, using a 160-rated fusion engine to attain a cruising speed of 86.4 km/h and top speed of 129.6 km/h. This speed is necessary for the 'Mech's survival, since four tons of armor means the Locust can be quickly crippled or destroyed by direct hits. The standard engine-mounted 10 heat sinks are sufficient in most cases, although those variants which mount more energy weapons can suffer.

Bergan Industries built Locusts from eight different factories and supplied the Star League and its member states right through to the Amaris Civil War. During the Succession Wars the number of manufacturers increased and the design was being built in nearly a dozen factories, including ones in the Periphery. The wide variety of manufacturers meant production costs for the 'Mech were low and parts were widely available, leading to everyone from lowly pirates to corporate defense forces buying Locusts in large numbers. It also led to many different variants of the Locust, including a failed Davion version mounting a PPC, although those in the Periphery were largely limited to building the original LCT-1V model.

As the Succession Wars wound down those manufacturers within the Successor States began to experiment with new and rediscovered technology to build updated versions of the Locust. The Capellan Confederation in particular modified the Ares facility to build the LCT-1L variant of the Locust with a version of the Triple Strength Myomer that wouldn't catch on fire. Other updated variants, including the LCT-3D, LCT-3M, and LCT-3S were introduced just in time to take part in the Clan Invasion. After the war the Word of Blake approached Corean Enterprises about creating a new Locust variant for their militia, agreeing to buy the entire first production run to assuage the company's misgivings. The various Periphery powers, still largely reliant on the Locust, also began fielding updated variants of their own, although none of the Great Houses were much interested in revitalizing the line. Even into the thirty-second century though the Locust continues to be produced and used out in the Periphery.

* Manufacturers:

The following manufacturers produced the Locust at some time. Models and planets are noted where known. Vicore Industries was licensing its Locust variants to other companies by 3067.

- Bergan Industries has produced the Locust throughout its history, even licensing it to the four Periphery powers before the Amaris Coup.

- Ares: The 1V was in production from its introduction through at least 3054, by then being produced in limited numbers for triple-strength myomer testing using its 1L refit. The 1E was introduced in 2811, commissioned by the Capellan government to reduce dependence on ammunition. Production of the 1Vb was revived during the Jihad. The variant produced in 3080 was not specified. Bergan introduced its 7V during the ilClan era; the 7V2 is presumably a refit or production variant of the Bergan product.

- New Earth: The 1Vb Royal SLDF model was produced from its introduction in 2610, ceasing during the collapse of the Star League.

- Achernar BattleMechs' main facility was on New Avalon. The West Fabrication Facility on Achernar was a longtime producer of IndustrialMechs before its capture by the Word of Blake, who converted the plant to produce the Osprey; the plant was destroyed in June 3077.

- The WFF facility produced the 5W variant before its destruction.

- The New Avalon facility was producing the 3D in 3050 and 3054. They purchased the 5M license from Corean, with production starting in 3067.

- Alliance Defenders Limited: Produced the 1V in 3025, 3050, and 3054. The 3080 production model is not known.

- Bordello Military Goods, Inc. was producing an unspecified variant on Antwerp in 3080.

- Clan Ghost Bear salvaged the Locust line on Alshain after its conquest, producing the 1V by 3054.

- Corean Enterprises MacAdams-Suharno: Corean produced the 3M in its Stewart plant in 3050 and 3054. The 5M was part of the Project Phoenix revival, with the Word of Blake receiving the entire first production run during the early Jihad. The 6M was in production by 3071 and still going in 3085. The model produced in 3080 is unknown, though the 5W2 was in production by 3085.

- Defiance Industries: Defiance produced the 3S on Furillo in 3050 and 3054. The 5S was a Jihad-era design. The version produced in 3080 is not specified. Near the start of the ilClan era, they introduced the 7S.

- Diplass BattleMechs produced the 1V on Timbuktu until the SLDF invasion of the Rim Worlds Republic.

- Gibson Federated BattleMechs: FWDI produced the 3M at its Gibson facility in 3050 and 3054.

- Interstellar Armaments on Rockwellawan was producing the 1V in 3145.

- Majesty Metals and Manufacturing: MMM produced the ubiquitous 1V in 3025, 3050, and 3054. MMM was producing one or more variants on Canopus IV and Dunianshire in 3080.

- Pinard Protectorates Limited on MacLeod's Land still produced the 1V in 3050 and 3054. In 3080, PPL was producing an unspecified variant.

- Protectorate Military Industries on Erod's Escape was producing an unspecified variant in 3145.

- Rim Motors on Otisberg was producing an unspecified variant in 3145.

- Taurus Territorial Industries on Taurus was producing the 1V in 3050 and 3054. In 3080, TTI produced an unspecified variant.

The site or even producer is not always known or specified in available documents:

- The Marian Hegemony was fielding the 1V2 by 3067, though its source was unknown.

- The Magistracy of Canopus and Taurian Concordat were producing the 5V by 3067.

- The "Periphery-born" 5T was in use by the Capellans by 3085. The use of a machine gun array implies a Taurian origin.

(okay, holiday break is over, back to posting polls!)

[thats-the-teen-spirit]

I've been wondering why do I unknowingly listen to HIM a lot lately

Then I realized my two favorite bands are Ghost and Sleep Token right now

HIM is basically the fusion of the both but 20 years earlier.

We got the Scandinavian edginess with a lot of Satan and Hell metaphors (Ghost) and the super down bad lovemaking metal (Sleep Token) in one band.

Honestly it's been great rediscovering them even though the lyrical meaning of the songs have been the most distant for me for like 10 years

[astrxlfinale]

Seeing Lamboo's own rare, frantic brand of stress found itself to be as rare as Zarina encountering such. In the small ways, he could see that the extended time together certainly rubbed more fond traits off onto the other. It certainly hadn't been enough to turn him away from the primary view however, the sight of her exacting a price to help extend her own mobility. For the Champion, there was just an innate difference of this hazy line on and off the battlefield.

He wouldn't hide that it's merely tough to see these actions in what could be considered an 'aftermath time'. Nonetheless, the chief's resilience shine's through.

More high grade prosthetics, serums that manipulate muscle matter, he was no stranger to the outright large strides the medical fields have made. There was a good reason that humanity could push as far as it can into the Hollows, and it's these results here, a fusion between the Old Civilization's glories and the modern pause to rediscover, recontextualize that made this all possible. Tempted as he was to mode by her resting area to assist, there was her pride to take into consideration.

Thus he stands, being as much of a witness as Zarina was as she successfully got herself back on the move.

Once she began to actively list the sheer scale of uses this was for. Lighter could be seen in the background, raising a gloved finger for each activity. What was five became ten, and what was ten elevated up to fifthteen and this was just being a modest round off. Granted, people who found themselves in Hollow work often had a wide berth of skills they introduced to the forefront. 'Huh. Someone likes keeping not just some cards, but a full deck.' It prompts a small huff from him, leaving those shaded eyes to study her rhythm.

Rhythm that.. Had no sound? There's been only a small handful of rare cases where he witnessed this firsthand, either those roused in a more assassin or spy oriented background. They were an organization's blades, made to be swift and decisive. it would be a sweet mercy to be met with a 'ghost's' loving but fatal touch. Towards Lamboo's offer, he motioned at his body, a sign that the tea could come later, no need to be too gluttonous on his end.

"You dance?" His voice couldn't hide that lingering curiosity. Even as the water bottle if gratefully accepted, for an instant he imagined those form fit legs of her's guiding music to her step more than anything else.

Drawing the kindness to his lips, he'd find himself sighing against the bottle as the rush of crystal cold water made his body want to melt in a bundle of gratitude. Drawing it back, that note about why her retirement had to be ensued caused his brow to quirk in a sense of potential wonder. "Don't worry. You just got my metaphorical band-aid ripped that much earlier. If we're gonna be working together, s'good to know."

Wait, wouldn't it be weird if his eyes just lingered upon those pristine legs? He quickly catches himself, jolting that look back up towards her face, that collective focus grounding itself there. "One card might've been laid down, but you sure keep yourself busy. Your work with the Hollows has been making trips a lot smoother."

"Sides, I have my own preparations." Lighter adds in, tapping his pinky to the golden rim of his glasses. "If only these were for fashion alone. My eyes are atrocious when it comes to bright lights like the sun's gaze. It's the aftermath of an old injury I sustained in the ring."

@zorkaya

[pitchburgh]

Hi friends! It's Black History Month, and I'm celebrating Black music. I'm spending February checking out Black artists I haven't heard before and rediscovering old favorites.

(Doesn't that sound fun?? It's been great so far. Everybody should join me!)

i would love additional music recommendations. any genre, any year. A few simple guidelines I've set for myself:

Of course, I'm mainly looking for Black American artists! It's okay if a band includes people of other races, as long as Black members are making significant contributions.

This project is mainly for studio albums, although I'm open to compilations or live albums if they come highly recommended. I'm skipping singles, for now.

I'm especially interested in lesser-known artists; but as a white kid from rural Pennsylvania, I have an admittedly inadequate knowledge Black music. So mainstream suggestions are welcome, too!

My favorite genres are synthpop (anything electric really), jazz fusion, and psychedelic rock - but I'll try anything!

Obviously I'm gonna give priority to suggestions from Black mutuals, but everyone is welcome to reply or send suggestions 💜💜💜

[steddieunderdogfics]

For time loop and travel weekend, I'd like to rec two of my favorites:

Right Where You Belong by WabiSabiPapi, a thoughtful and extremely well plotted Time Traveler's Wife AU with a tender love story and great humor

and

Echo by CaptainHoney. Thrilling, engrossing and sometimes brutal, this is a wild ride of a fic, as Eddie is trapped in a time loop on his last day on earth. The rare story where jumps in character perspective totally work as we jump from loop to loop.

Right Where You Belong by WabiSabiPapi

@arimakes

Rating: Explicit

32,826 words, 4/4 chapters

Archive Warning: No Warnings

Tags: Alternate Universe - No Upside Down (Stranger Things), Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Car Accident, Family Member Death, Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Drug Use, A small helping of selfcest, Time Travel, Inspired by The Time Traveler's Wife, Happy Ending, Gay Eddie Munson, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Librarian Eddie Munson, First Meetings, like there's a couple first meetings, Getting Together, Alternate Universe - The Time Traveler's Wife Fusion, Self-Worth Issues, HAPPY ENDING I REPEAT HAPPY ENDING

Summary:

“...Eddie?” the guy chokes out. Huh. Interesting. He maintains a strict no name policy out in the wild. Sharing it is bad practice with the crime and trying to cover his tracks and all. “Uh, that’s me,” he offers an uncertain smile and a slow nod. “Anything I can help you find?” “You look so young. Your hair. I—” The guy shakes his head. Seemingly astonished. “I can’t believe you’re really here.” Eddie and Steve find one another at different stages of their lives. At very different points in time. A story about discovering and rediscovering, falling in love, and healing childhood wounds.

echo by CaptainHoney

@grandmastattoo

Rating: Explicit

30,342 words, 1/1 chapters

Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death

Tags: Time Loop, Heavy Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, character study through a funhouse mirror, content warnings for pretty much everything, Violence, Blood, Suicide, Murder, Murder-Suicide, Drug Use, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, non-graphic drug overdose, implied eating disorder, Henry Creel | One | Vecna is His Own Warning, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, time loops should count as their own warning, eddie is trapped in a time loop, Multiple Perspectives, Non-Linear Narrative, he may be trapped in a timeloop but he's still horny, hitting the ground running with this one, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, a really rank blowjob, Gore, overuse of the word 'viscera', the return of steve's strawberry scented lube, death death so much death, Bisexual Eddie Munson, Bisexual Steve Harrington, apologies in advance

Summary:

Loop 6 - Steve Eddie bleeds out in his arms. Loop 27 - Steve Eddie bleeds out in his arms. Loop 304 - Steve Eddie bleeds out in his arms. Loop 368 - Steve Eddie bleeds out in his arms.

Thanks for the recs!

These recs are a part of Theme Weekend. The theme this weekend is Time Loops & Time Travel.

Know a fic that deserves extra love? Submit through our asks or the submission box!

[homestuck-music-tournament]

Rediscover Fusion Remix vs Stoke the Forge

Rediscover Fusion Remix From Homestuck Vol. 3 By Bill Bolin Propaganda: "Literally the only, singular remix of Rediscover Fusion! Seriously! and It's removed too so what a shame, as it leaves Rediscover Fusion by its lonesome. you can absolutely dance to this. i don't know the moves. or what dance would even work for this; it's just so energetic I LOVE IT"

Stoke the Forge From Genesis Frog By Alex Rosetti Propaganda: None submitted

[trick-questions]

Character Bible: 

James Montgomery Jesse, born Giovanni Giuseppe, is the only child of travelling circus acrobats, born in Nowheresville, Iowa (not a real place), on the 23rd of March circa 30 years ago. He was raised in the circus, and has no formal education, but is a self-taught supergenius, knowledgeable in as many fields as can be stuck up a rubber chicken’s butt. Afraid of heights, James devised special boots as a child that would allow him to walk on air, keeping him from falling, he proceeded to use these in a string of daring robberies, only to be thwarted by the Flash. 

Now striving to annoy the Flash as much as possible, he joined the Flash’s Rogues Gallery with a number of like-minded individuals and formed a family of sorts. 

Headcanons and Miscellaneous: 

Raised Catholic, lapsed, but rapidly rediscovered religion due to personally pissing off the Devil. 

Closeted Homosexual 

His father may or may not be his real father, who his real father could possibly be is unknown. Truly no one will be able to guess. 

Second Generation Italian Immigrant. 

Known crushes on other men: Another circus boy, Barry Allen, Dan Cassidy, Hartley Rathaway and Leonard Snart (others can be added later) 

Picky about what aspects of Rebirth canon I will accept, accept that Warden Wolfe tortured James in prison but wish to ignore 99% of the Williamson run, a “fusion Trickster in the Adams run was supposed to be James” believer. 

[thelightningstreak]

New Trigun Fanfic - Love and Violence

Read it here on AO3!

Summary: A town of humans accidentally rehabilitate a floundering, injured Knives after his deadly battle with Vash. Canon divergent gen fic.

Rated: T

Characters:

Millions Knives (Trigun)

Vash the Stampede (Trigun)

Meryl Stryfe

Original Human Character(s)

Additional Tags:

Redemption arc!Knives

Injured!Knives in a Plant tank

A fusion of 1998, Trimax, and Tristamp concepts

Knives rediscovers his heart and realizes his circular logic

Interdimensional being connects with humans

Some Knives and Meryl friendship if you squint

Brief depictions of blood and violence

Brief depictions of suicidal thoughts and abuse

Knives finally lives forgotten childhood dreams about old Westerns, but in an eldritch horror sort of way

Who even knows what Plants are idk

[lahore2toronto]

Rediscovering Punjab: Beyond the Myths and Menus of the Western Lens

By Qaisar Iqbal Janjua

For much of the world, “Punjab” conjures up images of bright turbans, butter chicken, bhangra beats, and overflowing plates of “tandoori” dishes. This packaged version of Punjab is colorful—but ultimately one-dimensional, built largely on the migration stories of Indian Sikh communities who reached Western shores earlier and carved out visible diasporic identities.

What gets lost in this narrative is the real Punjab: a vast, complex, and rich civilization whose cultural heart today beats in Pakistan, not in Bollywood music videos or in the spice aisle of Western supermarkets.

The “Ghost Pepper” That Was Never a Ghost

Let’s start with the now-famous ghost pepper—a chili branded in Western culinary circles as one of the hottest in the world. Known in the global market as “Bhut Jolokia,” it was supposedly “discovered” in Assam, India. The name, often translated as “ghost chili,” evokes a sense of danger, mystery, and exoticism. But to most Punjabis, especially those in rural and southern Pakistan, this pepper isn’t exotic at all—it’s simply mirch.

In regions like Multan, Bahawalpur, Okara and Sialkot, ultra-hot chilies have been a staple for generations. They’re crushed, dried, fried in ghee, used in pickles and everyday curries—without anyone needing a warning label. The ghost pepper wasn’t a novelty; it was lunch. The labeling of such ingredients as rare or extreme reflects how Western narratives often exoticize what’s routine in the Global South, especially when that narrative is filtered through a narrow lens.

The “Tandoori” Misnomer

“Tandoori chicken.” “Tandoori naan.” “Tandoori flavor.” If you’re in the West, you’ve likely seen this word attached to countless menu items. But ask a Punjabi from Pakistan what a tandoor is, and they’ll tell you: it’s not a spice—it’s an oven.

In Pakistani Punjab, the tandoor is a humble, almost sacred part of domestic and street life. It’s where fresh rotis are baked, chargha is slow-roasted, and families gather with steel thalis and clay bowls. There’s no such thing as “tandoori spice”—that’s a Western culinary invention. For Punjabis, cooking in a tandoor is not a cuisine category; it’s survival and tradition in a brutally hot climate where open-stove cooking is unbearable.

What’s been marketed globally as “tandoori flavor” is often a mix of red food coloring, yogurt, and chili powder—bearing little resemblance to the flavorful smokiness and natural charring that comes from real tandoor cooking.

Punjab: The Land of Civilizations, Not Just Stereotypes

Punjab, meaning “Land of Five Rivers,” has always been more than a food trend. It was once the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization, home to ancient cities like Harappa. It gave birth to poets like Warith Shah, mystics like Bulleh Shah, and philosophers like Allama Iqbal. It is the soil of sufi shrines, green wheat fields, and salt mines older than Rome.

Yet this Punjab—the Pakistan Punjab—is almost entirely absent from the global stage.

Western media, influenced by the Indian diaspora, often conflates “Punjabi” culture with the cultural practices of a specific minority: Sikh Punjabis from India, who understandably preserved and promoted their identity in exile, often under duress. Their stories matter. But so do the stories of the 110 million Punjabis in Pakistan—Muslim, majority, secure in identity, and not seeking Western validation.

From the Soil to the Plate: Real Punjabi Cuisine

While restaurant menus abroad offer a predictable mix of “butter chicken” and “chana masala,” real Punjabi cuisine is deeply seasonal, agricultural, and regional.

In rural Punjab, people still eat:

   •   Saag with hand-churned butter

   •   Makki di roti fresh from the tandoor

   •   Kunna gosht slow-cooked in clay pots

   •   Achars made with raw mangoes and red-hot chilies

   •   Desi ghee parathas that feed farmers at dawn

There’s no “fusion” here—just food that evolved naturally from the land and the labor of those who till it.

Dresses, Not Costumes

Even in fashion, the westernization of Punjab has led to confusion. Shalwar kameez, a national dress worn in Pakistan, is now often seen in the West as an “ethnic costume” worn at weddings or festivals. In Pakistan, it’s just Tuesday. Whether you’re a lawyer in Lahore or a shopkeeper in Jhelum, it’s what you wear because it makes sense: breathable, modest, elegant.

Colorful turbans and embroidered kurtas—often highlighted in Western portrayals—represent ceremonial or northern styles, not daily wear. The real Punjab, especially outside cities, remains practical, grounded, and understated.

Why the World Knows One Punjab and Not the Other

The short answer: migration, trauma, and media access.

Indian Punjabis, particularly Sikhs, were often the first Punjabis to migrate to Canada, the UK, and the US in large numbers—partly due to partition displacement, and later, persecution post-1984. They built diasporic hubs, opened restaurants, and became highly visible.

Pakistani Punjabis, by contrast, didn’t migrate en masse with the same urgency. And those who did, blended more quietly into broader Muslim communities in Western countries, often choosing not to project a distinct “Punjabi” identity.

In a world that rewards branding, this meant the Punjabi Muslim story faded from view.

✨ But Here’s the Good News

The world is ready to listen again. In a time where authenticity matters more than hashtags, real stories from real places are finding their way into global conversations. And Pakistani Punjab has a story to tell:

   •   Of flavors that need no artificial coloring

   •   Of poetry that doesn’t need translation

   •   Of communities that don’t need rescuing, just recognition

A Call to Rediscover the Real Punjab

It’s time to move past the tourist-brochure version of Punjab. It’s time to recognize that the center of Punjabi culture today beats strongest in Pakistan, not just in Toronto strip malls or British curry houses.

Punjab is not a spice. It’s not a costume. It’s not a festival.

It’s a civilization. It’s a home. It’s a heritage.

And it’s alive—smoking chillies in a clay tandoor, echoing in Sufi qawwalis, soaking in the wheat fields of Gujranwala and the stories of grandmothers in Bahawalpur.

The world deserves to know that Punjab.

And Punjab deserves to be known—fully, fairly, and finally.

[celestiall0tus]

Bloody Bug - Power Upgrades

I've gone over the unifications and other aspects of Bloody Bug that differ from canon, but one I've neglected is the power upgrades for the holders. Where the show had the temp power-ups like Aqua and Ice forms, it works so much differently in Bloody Bug. So, let's get into it.

Summary:

This system is a mix of the concept from Miraculous AU where the team gets stronger as they get closer to their kwamis and use their powers more, along with Salvation's Avatars in term of power scaling and means of acquiring. To move up through the stages, a holder must consume a special elixir that attunes them to the kwamis, making them stronger and unlocking new abilities.

There are four known stages with a secret fifth and sixth. I'm going to break them down here and highlight what each stage offers.

Sage 1:

These are the most basic holder and what you'd find in canon, minus the ability to unify. As of season 3, these holders include Harlequin, Pom Pom, and Outlaw. Hawkmoth is technically here too, but no one cares about him.

Stage 2:

This is the first big upgrade that offers that ability to unify up to 3 kwamis. It also unlocks passive powers based on the animal of the kwami. As some examples:

Bomb Bee can hover, walk on walls and ceilings much like a bug, and can't be exhausted or fatigued while transformed

Death Noire can scale walls and cling to ceilings using claws, has further enhanced jump, speed, and agility, and see in the dark

Porcelet has incredible smell, fantastic memory, and enhanced hearing.

Gallic Chick can glide, use her heels as spurs for another weapon, and can crow

These holders are also stronger than the basic holder in terms of general strength, with certain animals giving them more of an edge, like the cat and the pig in terms of enhancements.

Stage 3:

Next tier offers the Amalgamation unifications, which is technically a 5 kwami fusion, but also grants access to 4 kwami fusions too. This is the tier where the enhanced strength, speed, etc. carries over to their de-transformed selves. Even as civilians, they superhuman at this stage.

This is also when they gain more passive abilities but based on their concept rather than the animals. Examples of this include:

Taureau possessing an indomitable will (which, yes, would negate the peacock's control over him), fear immunity, and hope empowerment.

Bloody Bug able to create small, permanent charms and items like LB in canon with her warding charms, being a source of raw creative energy inspiring all around her, and utilize creation based attacks.

Stage 4:

Stage 4 is considered the highest by the Order of the Guardians (though they be wrong) and used only for Guardians themselves and Enforcers. Wang Fu would be a Guardian while Su-Han is an Enforcer. This stage again makes them strong both transformed and civilian. It's also the stage where a holder truly starts becoming one with their kwami, getting incredible powers. It is also when a holder can use their powers without limited uses.

The first of these is Primal forms. This can be done with any kwami, but is taking on the holder unless done with a kwami they are close to. So, for Wang Fu, transforming into a Fox Primal was taxing on him opposed to if he used Wayzz instead.

This also provides special benefits to the holder if they possess a deep bond with the kwami. Like Wang Fu and Wayzz, which grants Wang Fu long life and makes him resistant to attacks.

Stage 5:

One of the lost stages recently rediscovered by the holder known as Mayura. This tier is unknown to the benefits it offers save for this one fact:

This is one of the final steps to becoming fully-attuned to the kwamis and a step towards the final step of godhood.

[un-disco-por-dia]

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"Buenos Hermanos" / Ibrahim Ferrer

Year: 2003

Country: 🇨🇺 (Cuba)

Genre: Son cubano / Bolero / Guaracha

"Buenos Hermanos" is Ibrahim Ferrer's second solo album following the international success of Buena Vista Social Clubes. It gracefully balances the past and the new in Cuban music, with Ferrer's golden voice guiding every beat. A classic album, full of nostalgia, rhythm and style, perfect for rediscovering the essence of Cuba through one of its greats. Ideal for those who love traditional Cuban music enriched with contemporary influences and genuine fusions.

Fave song ⭐: "Buenos Hermanos"