#Stylus Magazine

[krjpalmer]

Macworld June 1999

Peripherals now in plenty for the take-it-or-leave-it interface of the iMacs (although some of those cased in translucent plastic might now no longer match those computers) made up the feature article in this issue.

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Blur - Coffee & TV 1999

"Coffee & TV" was written by Blur's guitarist, Graham Coxon, who also sang lead vocals rather than frontman Damon Albarn (whom later started another little band; the Gorillaz). Coxon wrote the song about his struggle from alcoholism, and how after giving up drinking he would unwind by watching television over a cup of coffee instead and writing songs. This experience also contributed to his first solo album, The Sky Is Too High. "Coffee & TV" reached #11 in the United Kingdom and #26 in Ireland. It was a major hit in Iceland, where it peaked at #2. The song's musical style is an anomaly in comparison with the rest of 13, appearing similar to Blur's earlier, Britpop days. The single edit of the song also appeared on Blur's Best Of compilation, released in 2000, and featured on the Cruel Intentions soundtrack.

The super-cute music video featured a sentient milk carton known as "Milky" searching for Coxon, who appeared as a missing person's face on its side. The video won several awards in 1999 and 2000 including Best Video at the NME Awards and the MTV Europe Awards. In 2002, the video was ranked the fourth best video of all time by VH1. In 2005, it was voted the 17th greatest pop video of all time in a poll by Channel 4. In 2006, Stylus Magazine ranked it No. 32 in their list of the Top 100 Music Videos of All Time. In a similar poll, NME ranked it the 20th greatest music video of all time. The model of Milky, as used in the video, was sold at an auction of Blur memorabilia in 1999. When Blur played at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Concert Celebration at Hyde Park, fans who bought a Blur T-shirt on the day were given a free replica milk carton of Milky. The video is seen on Season 3, Episode 11 of The Sopranos in which Anthony Jr is watching the music video on MTV. Some tumblrinas might recognize Milky as gifs from an ancient tumblr post. "Coffee & TV" received a total of 55,9% yes votes.

[thescarletnargacuga]

Art by @iamespecter

CHAPTER TEN

Caine and Pomni grow closer while making the next day's race! Caine can't deny his feelings, but Pomni is unsure! The other racers make their own mischief without a track to keep them busy!

WARNING: none!

~~~

Gangle hummed to herself cheerfully as she redesigned the paint sceme and patterns on her kart. She was feeling rosey pink today, so that's what her kart would be for tomorrow. She drew her custom designs on the control panel tablet and they appeared on her kart in real time. "Hmmm....I wonder how many white flowers I could fit..." She was so focused, she didn't notice Gummigoo standing beside her.

"Gangle-"

"EEP!" Gangle's mask went askew but she held it before it moved out of place further. "Oh, hi!"

"Uh, hey...can I talk to you?" Gummigoo looked around to make sure no one else was in earshot.

"Sure!" Gangle put down the stylus and gave him her full attention.

Gummigoo rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the scarred indents of Bubble's teeth marks. "I...I think something happened to me last night."

"A lot happened to everyone last night." Gangle giggled.

Gummigoo forced a small smile. "Yeah, look, I think something bad happened. I went to my room, blacked out and woke up standing in Pomni's room. She seemed rather freaked out by me being there."

"Oh my! I'm sorry, I didn't see you go in there. I was... preoccupied." Gangle glanced at Zooble, a light blush dusting her mask. "Have you tried talking to her today?"

"Yeah, but she brushed me off... wouldn't even look at me." His shoulders drooped. "I consider Pomni a friend, I don't think I could ever forgive myself if I had hurt her in some way...what do I do?"

Gangle put her hand on his shoulder. "Give her space for now. She'll come around when she's ready."

"What if she never is?" He couldn't handle the thought of Pomni never talking to him again.

"How about I ask her on your behalf? Maybe she'll talk to me about it. Girl to girl."

"I'd really appreciate that. You're a true friend, Gangle." Gummigoo smiled for real this time.

"Awwww, shucks. I try." Gangle waved him away bashfully. "Anyway, try not to worry too much. Pomni wanted you here in the first place. I don't think she'd change her mind overnight."

Gummigoo took a deep breath. "I'll have to take your word on that for now, but thank-"

"LOOK OUT!" Ragatha cried out.

Gummigoo turned around in time for a pb&j sandwich to smack him in the face. It slid down his stunned form, falling to the ground with a wet splat.

Jax was laughing his ass off. "I wasn't aiming for you, but I'll take it."

"What's the big idea!?" Gummigoo wiped off the smear of jelly and peanut butter over his eyes.

"I'm bored." Jax picked up a cup of yogurt from the dining table. "That's why." He chucks it at Ragatha, who ducked. The yogurt smacked the back of Kinger's head, who silently turned his head curiously. "Man, my aim is off today." Jax picked up a a mixed berry pie and aimed for Zooble, who had their back to him.

Before Jax could launch the pie, Zooble spoke. "Throw anything at me, and it'll be the last thing your arm ever does."

Jax changed the trajectory last second and threw the pie at Loo, who was hiding behind the furniture with Ragatha.

Gummigoo rushed to the packed table. The bubble chef hovered overhead, amused by the racers playing with the food. Gummigoo got a whole bowl of mashed potatoes, and dunked it on Jax's head.

"AH-MMMPHTH-!!" Jax was blinded and stumbled over a bean chair.

"Fooooood fiiiiiight!" Gangle cheered.

Everyone except Zooble scrambled for the table. They grabbed random handfuls of food and pelted Jax mercilessly. "I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!!" Jax warcried.

Zooble sat cross legged in a recliner, thumbing through a magazine. Not a spec of flying food touched them.

~

Caine and Pomni laughed hard together, out of bounds. Pomni has to brace against a colorful mushroom tree and wipe tears away as Caine held his ribs and kicked his feet mid air.

"So- so- okay-" Caine tries to talk through bouts of laughter. "So I said; why would the kart need more speed sets? It's already got three! Here, there, and GONE!"

"Oh my god..." Pomni continued to laugh. "I can't believe Kinger of all people would ask for that."

"Oh, believe it! He's more mellowed out these days, but Kinger was a real speed demon early on. Held the champion title for a record number of seasons." Caine took a steading breath, the occasional giggle escaping him.

"Could you add more speed of you wanted to?"

"Oh, definitely. The only limit is the game engine, but if I made everyone go top speed at all times, that would make the boosts and items pretty boring. Got to keep a pinch of chance mixed in with the strategy required to win a race. Keeps things interesting."

"Fair point." Pomni could finally breath normally again. She went to remove her hat to run her hand through her hair, but it didn't budge. She forgot she couldn't remove it. "Hey, um... what all can you do in the game? Are you really all-powerful?"

Caine was a bit taken aback and looked away as he cleared his voice. "I wouldn't say-....yes, I am. As the administrative AI, everything in the game is mine to do with as I please. The only exceptions are the racers. While I could certainly move you around if I wanted to, I can't control the way you act or feel or anything like that."

"Can you affect our clothes?" She tugged at her hat.

Caine looked her over, an embarrassed blush lightly displayed on the sides of his face. "...technically, yes." He wasn't sure were this was going.

"Then can you PLEASE let me take off this hat? It's a bit obtrusive."

"OH! Oh, yes, of course. Avatar changes are tricky, especially since- Nevermind, but I can help you with this." He put his hands on the sides of her hat.

Pomni leaned against the mushroom tree behind her, watching Caine curiously.

Caine focused and lifted the hat slowly. Binary code that made up Pomni's form was exposed. He ran his hand over the top of her head and the code morphed and changed color. Dark brown hair flowed from her scalp and glided between his fingers as he made it grow. The hair length stopped just below the base of her head all the way around. He smiled as he felt her soft hair slip through his fingers, his hand lingering just a bit longer than necessary near her cheek.

Pomni's eyes dilated watching Caine's expressions subtly change as he focused. Her head tingled as the hair grew. Caine's fingers brushing her cheek made her breath catch in her throat. Her digital heartbeat felt like it was trying to escape her chest.

Their eyes met, so close to one another. Caine's gaze drifted down to Pomni's lips.

"Thank you..." Pomni said quietly.

"You're welcome." Caine tried hard not to stare, but Pomni wetted her lips nervously and he shuddered.

"Hey, boss!" Bubble popped in.

Caine launched himself away from Pomni, hovering stiffly. Pomni froze in place against the mushroom tree asset.

"What!?" Caine said a bit too loud. His blush was dark red. Pomni's hat clutched tightly in one of his hands.

"The racers are destroying the garage." Bubble said with a smile.

"Good for them." Caine said, staring determinately in a random direction away from Bubble or Pomni. "Without a race, I'm sure they need something to do."

"You don't want to watch?" Bubble asked, mildly confused.

"Nope. Too busy. Lots of work left to be done on this new track if it's going to be used tomorrow."

"Okay, boss. I'm going to watch the violence." Bubble giggled giddily and popped.

Caine and Pomni both immediately relaxed when Bubble left. Pomni stepped away from the mushroom tree and looked over what she and Caine built. "You're right, there is still a lot to do. We got distracted there for a bit."

"Yeah, we did." He couldn't stop thinking about how close he had been to her. Thoughts of what could've happened if Bubble hadn't come in made his code buzz excitedly. He shook them from his mind and rejoined Pomni on the ground. "While there are still quite a few decorative assets to complete, the track itself is about finished. I'm going to sprinkle in a few jumps and maybe a tunnel for extra flavor."

"Ooh, how about a tunnel made of water?" Pomni smiled.

"I like the way you think." Caine smiled back and tossed her hat onto the same asset his coat was hanging from.

~

An entire plate of food crashed against the wall behind Kinger. He had barely managed to avoid it, moving his body back in a limbo bend. He was out of ammo and grabbed two cushions to throw back instead.

Everyone and everything in the garage was covered in food. The bubble chef kept making more appear on the table as the racers ran around upturned furniture.

Loo shielded Ragatha from an incoming jello mound. Green apple flavored gelatin went everywhere. Loo licked the jello off her lips. "Mmm, at least the food is good."

Ragatha playfully glared at Gangle, who had thrown the jello. "Take that!" She grabbed a handful of random mashed food on the wall and threw it back.

Gangle was hit square in the face, falling backwards. Her mask slipped, shattering on the floor. The sound of the breaking porcelain made everyone stop. Zooble slapped her magazine shut.

Ragatha nearly slipped on mashed food trying to get to Gangle. "Oh no! I'm so sorry! Are you okay!?"

Gangle lightly sniffed, gingerly picking up the pieces of her comedy mask. "Been... awhile since...this happened. I knew I should have...secured it better today." Her voice lulled slowly with a heavy rasp.

Zooble scooped up the pieces easily, then helped Gangle to her feet. They stood between Gangle and the others, not letting them see her tragic face. "Come on, there's extra glue in my room." They leave together to go upstairs

"Way to go, Ragatha. Now the mood is ruined." Jax complained.

"I didn't mean to hit her in the face! I really am sorry!" Ragatha called up after Gangle as the door to Zooble's room shut.

Loo placed a comforting hand on Ragatha. "I'm sure she knows it was an accident."

Ragatha didn't say anything as she brushed food off her dress.

Gummigoo shook mush off his tail, looking around. "Crikey, I think we got carried away." A bit of food fell from the ceiling and splattered on his snoot. He groaned.

"Without a race to reset the garage, we'll need Caine if we want this cleaned up." Kinger commented as he wiped undistinguishable food off his robe. He looked mournfully at the messed up cushions, no pillow forts could be made with messy cushions.

"Hey, chef?" Ragatha addressed the bubble in the room. "Would you mind asking Caine to pop over real quick and help us out?"

"No can do." The bubble shook in reply. "He's busy working on tomorrow's track with Pomni."

"They left?" Regatha looked out the window with it's blinds open.

"You didn't see them leave? You should pay attention more." Kinger said poignantly.

Ragatha didn't comment. She turned back to the bubble chef. "Come on, he can do it in less than a second. It wouldn't take much of his time."

"Nuh-uh." Bubble said with an even wider grin. "He's so focused he even has Pomni against a tree for comparison."

Ragatha blinked and looked to the others, everyone shrugged.

"...and taking off her clothing assets." Bubble announced.

Ragatha clapped her hands over her mouth. Everyone else struggles to pretend they didn't just hear that.

Jax picked up a plate and threw it like a frisbee it at the chef. The unhelpful bubble pops and the plate smashes against the wall. "Useless assistants."

~

Caine finished rendering a new spiral launch and took a breather. "That's the last of the track. This is going to be spectacular, Pomni! Thanks especially to you."

Pomni waved off his praise. "Oh, come on, all I've done is talk. You're the one doing all the work."

"My dear, creative brainstorming is a big part of what I do! The fact that you came up with most of this on your own, I'm impressed. What inspired you?"

Pomni looked around at the dark light colors and soft lighting. "I think I just like pretty things that shine in the dark."

"How poetic." Caine smirked.

Pomni smiled bashfully. "Maybe this is what I liked on the outside..."

Caine watched her carefully. "...how much do you remember?"

"Not a lot. I remember snippets and I dream, but nothing solid. Like, I can't remember where I'm from...where I grew up....if I had a family..."

"I'm sorry." Caine said quietly. "If the exit wasn't the way it is, I'd let you go back in a snap, but for what it's worth...I'm glad you're here."

Pomni wiped away a tear that tried to sneak out. "It's not all bad. The others are fun to be around, and you've... made me feel pretty welcome."

"It's what I do." He took off his hat and bowed dramatically. "Caine, Race Host Extraordinaire, at your service."

Pomni giggled. Before she could speak further, a large asset started blinking some distance behind Caine. Pomni saw it shudder and glitch, her eyes widened.

Caine got up from his bow and saw Pomni staring into the distance. "Something wrong?" He goes to turn around but Pomni grabs his wrist.

"No! Nothing! Sorry! I just, uh- had an idea! Yeah! We haven't made insects for this track yet. Kinger would be disappointed if we forgot." She quickly glanced behind Caine, the asset was normal again.

"Gadzooks, you're right! What an oversight! I know just the thing for a track like this, but I'll need your help." He slid his wrist out of her grasp to hold her hand.

"What could I do? I can't create things out of thin air."

"Not alone you can't, but with a little bit of administrative access..." He snapped his fingers and his hand holding hers glowed a dim gold.

Pomni's palm felt warm and tingly. Her gloved hand buzzed and pixelated a little before going back to normal.

"...if you can conceive it, you can achieve it. Now, visualize in your mind what you want to appear."

Pomni closed her eyes to focus. She thought hard on picturing a moth. It's what was on the top of her head. Suddenly something fluttered in between her hand and Caine's. She gasped and pulled away from him. A black light green and blue moth flew free, coming to rest on the trunk of the mushroom tree. She looked at her hand. "Oh my god..."

"Neat, right? Now, imagine... having that power with absolutely everything! The world is yours to command at a single snap." Caine snapped his fingers and every asset they worked on that day levitated for a second before going back down. "Go on, give it a try."

Pomni looked for the smallest asset. A pebble. She thought to herself: jump! She snapped. The pebble jumped several inches off the ground. "WOAH!"

"You learn quickly." Caine beamed. "This access will allow you to help me more in the future. However, it will only work out of bounds. Can't have you snapping things around active tracks all willy-nilly."

"Aw, and here I wanted to snap Jax into the nearest dumpster."

Caine chuckled. "As tempting as that is some days, it's important to show restraint. Yet another lesson I've learned the hard way." His eyes became distant for a moment, then he cleared his voice. "Anyway, would you like to keep making more?"

"I would." She held out her hand to him.

Caine gladly accepted it. "My power is yours. Show me what that beautiful mind can create."

Pomni could not get used to Caine complimenting her, as nice as it felt, the fluster made it hard to focus. All she could think of were "colorful night bugs". She snapped. A flurry of multicolor moths and fireflies and beetles flew from her hand out on to the new track.

Caine watched her with soft eyes. The way she looked in the colorful low light was truly something to behold. He ran his thumb subtly over her knuckles, wanting nothing more than to pull her in and kiss her breathless. For now, at least, she seemed very happy with her gift. There was real joy in her smile. That was enough for him.

~

It was late before Pomni and Caine popped back into the garage, right outside her room door. All was quiet, the other racers already settled in their rooms for the night. Pomni had her hat tucked under an arm, still wanting to enjoy her head's new found freedom. "Thanks for spending time with me, today. I had fun." She gave him a genuine smile.

Caine's code skipped a beat. He placed a light kiss to the top of her hand. "Trust me when I say, it's been my absolute pleasure. I should have you around out of bounds more often. Who knows what kind of trouble we could get into." He winks.

Pomni internally screams from romantic panic. Her face felt as hot as the sun. "That- that- would be nice! We could make a date of it! ...again." This time, nothing felt like just a nice gesture. This time, it felt meaningful. That maybe pursuing a romantic relationship with a gaming AI wasn't that crazy after all.

Caine could explode into butterflies and confetti. She wanted to make it another date! "Just let me know when. Give your fingers a snap, and I'll be right there." He held both her hands in his. "I'm so happy, Pomni. I'm so very happy to have you around. You're not just another racer, you're special to me."

Pomni didn't know what to say. She was happy too, but at the same time, this was still a crazy situation to find herself in. Part of her wanted to launch herself into Caine's embrace and never let go, the other wanted to run. She awkwardly swung her arms with his. "I... you're becoming something special to me too. I still have... reservations. I'm sorry if that wasn't what you wanted to hear, I just...need to go slow." She looked down and away.

Caine gently squeezes her hands. "My dear, we can take this as slow as we need to. We can save the high speed pursuits for the track. Rest well, I look forward to tomorrow."

"Me too." Pomni gave him one last smile as she shut her room door.

Caine hovered near the ceiling, looking down at the travesty that was the garage. "Racers." He chuckles and snaps. The place instantly became spotless and tidy. He teleported away.

~

Pomni immediately checked her room for Abel. Relieved to find herself alone, she flopped on her bed and screamed confused emotions into her pillow. "What am I doing!? I can't actually be falling for him?? I want to leave but he's so- so- AAAAH!! Is he really interested or is it an act?? Abel said-... And why ME of all people!? I'm not- HE- uuuuuuuuugh..." She relaxed face down on the bed, eventually drifting off to sleep.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

A blue digital countdown flashed before Pomni's eyes. It scared her. She tried to run from it. The numbers got bigger, the blue glow getting brighter behind her. More lights ahead. Two high beam gold headlights. The roar of an engine. Tires screeching. She tries to run to the side, but feels sluggish, her running stride slowing no matter how fast she tries to go.

Both sets of lights get closer to her. A panicked heart beat booms in her ear. The red door with the C&A logo appears between the lights. She throws herself through it as the lights collide.

Beyond the door was an office, but not the same as she's seen before. It looked like a home office. More modern. Papers and files stacked everywhere. Photos of faceless people pinned to a corkboard. Red string connected them. The C&A logo centered on the board with multiple red circles drawn over it.

The flat screen monitors came to life with red letters. P W P I. Again and again. "Pomni..." A feminine disembodied voice called out. "Pomni..." It came from a wall that was entirely made of mirror.

Pomni stared into it, not seeing herself, but the woman in the brown jacket. The strange woman put her hand against the mirror. Pomni felt inclined to do the same. When their hands touched, the mirror cracked violently. The reflection became fragments of visions that meant nothing to Pomni.

The mirror wall fell apart, revealing a black abyss beyond. One large green and orange eye opens, staring directly at Pomni. She couldn't move. Her body defied any instinct to run. The eye rushes her.

Pomni jolts awake with a shout, falling off her bed. "Ow..." She holds her aching head. She didn't feel like going back to bed. None of her dreams have made it worth it. She opened her door to find sunlight peeking in through the blinds on the main floor. It was morning already.

Pomni tiredly requested coffee from the bubble chef. She was the first up, having the lounge to herself. It was the first bit of peace and quiet she actually had in a while. Her mind was exhausted. Swinging wildly from one emotion to another, and dreaming about...whatever the heck all that was, had her drained. Her peace was broken by Zooble and Gangle being the next ones down.

"Good morning!" Gangle cheerfully greeted as she sat next to Pomni. Zooble sat next to Gangle with an arm over the back of the couch.

Pomni internally cringed at Gangle's tone this early in the morning, but kept a neutral face. "Morning..." She sipped her coffee.

"Are you feeling better after spending time with Caine? You were a bit out of sorts yesterday."

Pomni slowly blinked, trying to remember what Gangle was referring to. "Oh...yeah, I am. We had fun."

"That's great! Because Gummigoo seemed pretty upset that you wouldn't talk to him."

"I didn't want to talk to anyone." Pomni said defensively.

"I know, but he was REALLY worried that he had done something wrong."

Pomni focused on her coffee. "He didn't. Just...wrong place, wrong time."

Gangle looked to Zooble in a silent plea. Zooble shrugged. Gangle nervously tapped her ribbon hands together. "Maybe you should talk to him? Tell him things are okay? He cares about how you feel about him."

Pomni stared at her reflection in the black bean water. "I'll talk to him." She'd have to at some point. Abel would be back any time.

~

Pomni caught Gummigoo the moment he left his room. "Hey, can we talk?"

"Sure thing." Gummigoo felt an icepick of fear in his code but went with her anyway. He needed to know what he'd done.

They sat together in the stands, away from prying ears in the garage. Another perfect digital day made the quiet environment easy to enjoy. Gummigoo nervously held his hands together, leaning forward to brace his elbows on his knees to keep them from shaking.

Pomni sat back with her arms crossed. "Nothing happened the other night. You walked in. We talked a bit. You came around. I helped you find your way out. That was it."

"...that doesn't explain how scared you looked. You acted like I was about to literally bite your head off. Then you wouldn't even look at me the next day. I'm sorry, but I don't believe you." Gummigoo said quietly but firmly.

Pomni took a moment to answer. "The conversation got heated. You're kind of scary when you're angry. I'm glad you came to when you did." The memory of Abel's cold fury directed to Caine made her head hurt.

"What did I say? I really don't remember...I'm sorry." Gummigoo sulked.

"Don't worry about it. People do weird things under the influence. I still consider you a friend."

"Really?"

"Mmhm."

Gummigoo sat up straight. "That's a relief. I would've been devo if I couldn't muck about on the track with you anymore." He smirked.

Pomni smiled back. "Things would've gotten boring so fast."

~

Caine appeared right on time in full race host uniform. Fairy lights sparkle, falling around him. "Hello, my fabulous fantastical friends! I have a very special treat for you all today! A brand new track designed from the very mind of our own Pomni!"

"Oh, this oughta be good." Jax huffed.

"It's more than that! It's excellent!" Caine excitedly flew over to Pomni and held out his cane to her.

She looked at it with confusion. "Uh...what-"

"This is your track, Pomni. You should be the one to introduce it to the other racers." Caine motioned for her to take his cane.

"Ooo! How exciting!" Ragatha clapped. "Go on, Pomni. You can tell us about what you made."

Pomni slowly took the cane, trying not to look at all the eyes on her. "Uh..." Microphone feedback from the cane's topper made an ear splitting ring echo through the garage. She held the cane out at arms length. "Sorry."

"Already off to a great start." Jax muttered sarcastically.

"Um, the track today is..." She just realized they never agreed on a name. She had to come up with one on the spot. She spied the sparkling lights Caine had made part of his entrance and rolled with it. "Uh...the Fairylight Forrest."

As if on cue, Caine snapped and the race track title appeared in shiny, colorful letters overhead. They had way too much pizzazz for Pomni's lackluster announcement.

Everyone but Jax politely clapped. Pomni wanted to fall through the floor. She tried giving Caine his cane back.

"Not yet! They need to see it! Come on everyone! Lead the way, Pomni!"

The embarrassment was going to kill her.

Caine opened the door for her and the racers. The outside was gorgeous. A dark Forrest bathed in pale moonlight surrounded the startling line. The track disappeared into the iridescent woodland, small lights lining the sides. Bioluminescent mushrooms as tall as the trees gave off blacklight glow. Moths and fireflies flitted about.

The racers all gave whispered gasps and comments of astonishment. This was one of the most serene tracks any of them had even seen. Ragatha nudged Pomni with her elbow. "Good job, this is way more mellow than anything Caine's every made."

Pomni smirked mischievously. "You haven't seen the track yet." She raised her voice confidently, seeing how genuinely impressed everyone was. "Welcome to the Fairlyight Forest! Don't be fooled by it's appearance! It's as dangerous as it is beautiful!"

Caine lounged back in the air with his arms crossed, a proud smile on his face.

Pomni raised the cane to her lips. "This track is packed with harrowing hairpin turns, sickening spirals and mind-blowing multi-tiered jumps!"

Caine was falling in love all over again.

"Be amazed! Be astounded! But don't be caught unaware! For a great beast roams these woods, and it's hunger for racers is never saited! Can you make it to the final lap in one piece? Let's find out. Racers! To your karts!" A roaring applause came from the themed stands behind her. She jerked her head around to the crowd, like she had forgotten it existed. NPCs where on their feet, going wild for the announcement. The others excitedly ran to their karts as Pomni held the cane close to her chest. She was rather surprised with herself.

"You're amazing." Caine said from behind her.

Pomni smiled bashfully and held out the cane to him. "I learn from the best."

He took it, going out of his way to make sure his fingers brush hers. "Have fun out there, my fairy queen."

"Always." Pomni smiled all the way out to her kart, jumping in.

Caine twirled his cane. "Racers! Start! Your! Engines!!"

Bubble appeared with translucent fairy wings on their back and stuck out their tongue to start the countdown.

First light...

Pomni couldn't take her eye off Caine. He was looking at her so longingly that her heart skipped a beat.

Second light...

She winked at him, reving her engine.

Third light...

She could swear Caine fainted.

GREEN!!

She takes off with the group into the forest.

~

Blue static crackled along the bounds of the game, moving with purpose. Every asset touched by it blinked and glitched subtly. The static came to the portion of the forest where the antagonistic beast lied dormant, awaiting the racers to trigger it's pursuit. The static leapt into the eyes of the beast. It's cold silver eyes turned bright blue.

~~~

CH 1 PREV NEXT

[utilitycaster]

@theee-j really it boiled down to "pop music is fun and makes me happy and I'm not really interested in whether internet randoms think I'm boring or a sellout because this is my top ten list, not theirs."

just realized that a long-defunct online music magazine's defense of pop music explains a lot of my thoughts on TTRPGs. formative media experience.

[signiorbenedickofpadua]

Risk and Reward on AO3

I got so excited about my own fic that I re-learned GIMP and awoke the dormant fanartist within me! It was great fun to finally pick up the stylus again, and I'm sure I'll keep returning to it more frequently in future.

Drawing is based on early 1800s fashion plates from the French fashion magazine Journal des dames et des modes. Clean version without texture, background and frame under cut.

[ideasarestuckinmyhead]

what about a story where Alphonse’s listener has always had dark hair and one day they decided to surprise Al and so without telling him they go to a salon and get their hair dyed the same color as him, then when they come home and see him again they say “ now we are both bubble gum!” 🩷

this has always been a thought in the back of my mind

Bubble gum couple.

I think I'd do this right but I think I yapped too much-

Boo smiled to themselves as they walked into the salon, smiling at their stylus they always go too. The older woman, Sherald, greeting them with a warm smile and began chatting about gossip she gathered.

"Remember how I told you there was a new girl in town? Turns out she's been seeing Lidia's nephew! Awe they are SO cute. Reminds me a bit of you and your candy man!" Giggling, Sherald picked up some scissors and a comb.

"Really? Well I'm actually here to do a little surprise for him! Remember how I was talking about dying my hair a different color? I was thinking about doing the same as his!" Excitedly saying Boo showed a picture to Lidia. The older woman nodded and turned to a counter grabbing pink and purple. Then grabbing other materials to prep your hair with to dye your hair that nice pink.

"Awe! You and sugar man are so cute! Ugh, your the couple I wanna be like. Sadly no man can hold me down! Haha!" Laughing at herself Lidia put the apron on you to cover your shirt. Grabbing the bleach to began the process of doing your hair.

"Yeah we know Lidia! Your a strong headed woman. No man in this town would try getting with you!" Another stylus said giggling as she finished a blow out for a woman. The one who made the witty comment was Kris, who was Lidia's sister.

"Oh hush you! These men in this town have weak spines with someone who will argue back." Huffing as she waved her hand without a care, then turned to Boo with a bog smile. "Now sweetie, we know this'll take all morning so you got a clear schedule right?"

Boo nodded smiling listening to the two sisters argue over the older ones personality. Closing their eyes Boo felt comfort as the gray haired woman started parting their hair.

Chatting was heard around the salon as more woman came in. Adding into the conversation that started on about one of the older woman finally admitting she cheated. Who could blame her? The man she was shackled too was a dick.

Boo flipped through a magazine as they waited for their hair to dry in the big hairdryer. So far the process had been long but seeing Alphonse's reaction will be worth it. And speak of the devil, the door bell chimes as the pastel pink waled through.

"Oh? And what do I owe the pleasure of the candy man being in my salon?" Giggling Lidia opened her arms and shared a quick hug. Alphonse laughed and smiled at her before asking.

"Have you seen Boo? They haven't texted me back in a while and I kno- Oh! Boo there you are!" Happily saying Alphonse walked to where Boo sat. Looking at the hairdryer and then his partner with a confused look. "You gettin' your hair done?"

Boo nodded as they closed the magazine and heard Lidia chime that they can get off of the hairdryer. Smiling as Kris who helped get their head wrap off. Shaking their hair a bit, Boo turned and smiled at Alphonse.

"What do you think? Now were both bubble gum!" Giggling Boo saw Alphonse smile widely and opened his mouth.

"Holy shit Boo! You look so good!" Complementing, Alphonse giggled at the comment Boo made about both of you being bubble gum.

Thanking Lidia and then pating the both of you walked out the salon. Boo then gasped before explaining all the drama they heard during their appointment. With their boyfriend enjoying every second of it as they both ate the bit of candy be brought.

[brothermouse]

Sunday Doodles 2/25/24

Forgot my stylus so not technically a doodle today. Did a digital collage using some church magazines.

[tomyo]

Today I got a keitai haul of not all but most of these phones!

What we got:

Docomo Eggy (internet camera???)

Q Pot Collab Smartphone (Q Pot is a high end kawaoi jewelery brand)

Popteen Smartphone (Popteen is a fashion magazine)

Aquos W61SH, I see this swivel Flip a lot but green in somewhat uncommon in my experience!

Tamagotchi Phone

LG Dlite (technically not a keitai but it is the western version of the Korean Lollipop which had a huge marketing campaign)

Cocolulu Phone (From a collab with 3 gyaru brands. I would die for a complete set of this one which includes a bag and stylus)

Pinky Girls Phone (From the same Collab but I wasn't worried as much about getting this one in pristine condition)

Mamorino children's phone

SH903iTV (Konata's phone in Lucky Star, this phone literally was what started my obsession with swivel flip phones Japan had. This one probably doesn't work but it was v cheap)

I'm pretty happy with this collection though my bank account is in pain from the shipping costs. I'll probably hold off for a while but down the road there's a few I'm on the hunt for. There's quite a few orange phones that come from iconic lines, I feel like it's just mandatory to get the final from the gyaru brand collabs although that one is surprisingly expensive so probably not for a while, the Nicola everyone gets one also feels obligatory, there are some qpot flip phones I'm interested in, but I think the ones I really will try for are the sweets seriess and if I'm lucky the SuperGals collab phone for kids.

[scribbles97]

WIP Wednesday

I have a day off and for once have something new to share! From the Left Behind AU

The sun had been low in the sky when Virgil and Gordon had finally returned, the older grinning as he ruffled the blonde’s hair. 

“You like her.”

“Gerroff!” Gordon protested, ducking out from Virgil’s reach, “I do not.”

Lucy wondered if the two boys noticed Val closing her magazine and sitting straighter. 

Setting her own stylus down she rested her chin on her hand, “What’s this?”

“Gordon’s got a crush.” Virgil chuckled, nudging his brother again. 

She couldn’t help her grin as the tips of Gordon’s ears coloured red. His face showed anger but there was a brightness in his eyes that betrayed him. If anything it only confirmed what Lucy had assumed earlier. 

“Shut up.” The younger pouted, “I do not.”

“Virgil, don’t wind your brother up.” Lucy scolded gently. 

Val snorted, “I’m sure we’ll all get to see how much he likes her at his Passing Out next month.”

Lucy straightened, looking to Gordon, “Speaking of which,”

He stilled instantly, straightening with wide worried eyes. The jovial smile was gone, fallen to a slight frown as he watched her. Passing Out meant everything to Gordon, for years the swimmer had been trying to catch up to his older brothers and prove his capabilities in the field. It was the same drive that had seen him to the Olympics. College had never been the thing for him, written exams the bane of his life. It was why she had talked the Board into bringing in the less academic route into IR. 

[therecordchanger62279]

File this one under "Museum Pieces." Once upon a time when vinyl records were the musical currency, music, and audiofile magazines wanted to find ways to provide readers a sort of audio supplement to go along with the visual experience their publication provided. So the "flexi-disc" was invented. What is a flexi-disc? Wikipedia defines it this way:

The flexi disc  is a phonograph record made of a thin, flexible vinyl sheet with a molded-in spiral stylus groove, and is designed to be playable on a normal phonograph turntable.

And they worked, too. My favorites were a series of 27 titles to be found in subscriber-only issues of Trouser Press magazine, debuting in issue #69, dated January 1982. Adam Ant was the cover boy, and the first disc was by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark. They're collectibles now, and, who knows? With the resurgence of vinyl, who's to say we won't one day see the flexi-disc return? Assuming, of course, that there are any magazines left in which to put them.

Here's the complete list of Trouser Press flexi-discs:

#1   1. New Stone Age 2. Bunker Soldiers – Orchestral Manoeuvres in The Dark

#2   1. Poster Boy 2. Medley: I Wanna Go Home/Miles Away/Tell That Girl To Shut Up – Holly & The Italians

#3   Life Without Buildings – Japan

#4   1. Blame The Weather 2. Tissue Tigers (The Arguers) – XTC

#5   1. Fade Away 2. On TV – Buggles

#6   1. Doll Hospital 2. Some Fun Now – John Hiatt

#7   1. Who’s Landing In My Hangar? 2. Saturday’s Girl – Human Switchboard b/w 1. Grey Turns To Black 2. P Spell – Alex Gibson

#8   See Those Eyes – Altered Images b/w Daytime Logic – Peter Baumann

#9   Personality Crisis – David Johansen

#10 1. Get Up and Go 2. End In Tears – Positive Noise

#11 1. L5 2. Public Places – Fools Face b/w 1. Happy Boy 2. Fun Type – Gleaming Spires

#12 Wolves, Lower – R.E.M. b/w Russian Roulette – The Lords of the New Church

#13 Masquerade – Berlin

#14 Jimmy Jimmy – Ric Ocasek

#15 1. Boys In Town 2. Science Fiction – Divinyls

#16 The Walls Came Down – The Call

#17 1. Pockets of Pleasure 2. A Space Traveler’s Manifesto – Phil ‘N’ The Blanks b/w 1. Istanbul 2. Iron Hand – The Wild Stares

#18 1. Sing 2. Harmonax – The Pool b/w In Your Head – Moev

#19 Excerpts from his album Fighter Pilot – Barry Diamond

#20 Barricade Beach – Insect Surfers / Workin’ On A Dream – The Source

#21 Whispering Your Name – Jules Shear

#22 Coney Island Whitefish – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

#23 In A Big Country – Big Country

#24 Barbarella (Live) – Bongos / Passion Killer – One The Juggler

#25 Forgive & Forget – Blue Zoo

>Note: #24 & #25 are on the same Flexi-Disc

#26 Acceleration – Bill Nelson

#27 Boy’s Life – TV Toy / Not Even For A Minute - Design

[krjpalmer]

PC Magazine November 4, 1997

on Google Books

[audio-luddite]

Results?

I had a few more hours with the space heating CL60. I find myself in an anxious state of mind. Is it working OK? Is that sound I think I am hearing real? I gotta relax.

I played the Loreena McKennitt album that had an issue a couple days ago. It is fine now. I guess it was the cartridge tracking force. The extra 0.2 gram made a difference. That cut on side one of Ancient Muse is really really complex.

After that I played an old (most of my LPs are really old) Linda Ronstadt Lush life album. Some of the character I found last time was missing. Hmmm. More burn in time?

Generally I am getting used to the voice of the CL60 with fresh glass. It is different.

The owner of UPSCALE AUDIO does videos about stuff. I remember one on how long tubes last. He basically said tubes change over time, and they may sound really nice after a while and even when almost spent may not need changing if you like the sound. California attitude summed up right there.

The old Stereophile review of the CL60 from 1995 mentioned that the sound was a bit off until he left the machine running straight through for a couple days! Talk about warming up the hardware.

(for your reference)

Leaving a tube amp on 24 hours a day means you will hit 2000 hours in 83 days. 4 tube sets a year is just crazy. Oh to be a magazine employed golden ear. Its all a business expense.

I am not so fortunate financially. Oh and in 1995 tubes cost a LOT LESS.

From my biasing exercise I know that the electrical values change over an hour to 90 minutes as everything gets happy. So I play streams of stuff while eating dinner before I get serious.

I can say that early in my session the sound was a bit hard in the treble. Harder than the Franken-Amp. What is hard? Err, I think it is a bit of peaking or extra distortion on certain treble bits. I think I am hearing what the reviewer described in his take. So I got real ARC Factory sound? Is this what they mean by cold, and clinical?

Later it tamed a bit or was it the different albums I played?

It may also have been the AT440 stylus on the AT7 body. The AT440 was thought as a hot one. This is when I think I should pop in the Grado or the old AT7 Stylus. That could tame it a bit. My hearing is only good for about 12khz.

See you can fiddle with all sorts of bits of the system to adjust the voice. Is that a good or a bad thing?

Aside from the "cold" sound I got lots of wonderful effects. Great sound stage and depth. The cool organic textures the old CL60 painted over things are there, but more restrained. I hear the skin of a drum, and the wood of the stick, but not as prominent.

I wonder if it is the tubes needing to burn in more. I am about 10 hours worth of time on the set. I will check the bias in a week or two. It is easy with my external test points. I don't even have to pull it from the rack to test. I do to adjust though. That is a pain still. That bias pot is in a bad spot. (I wonder if I could move it?)

So the adventure continues.

I read an interesting thing about Scotch Whisky (that's how you spell it dammit). A renowned expert, who is Scottish or course, said there is no best whisky. There is good Whisky, and there is better Whisky. Sounds familiar that.

On duty:

AT7V cartridge with ATN440ML stylus. Phase Linear 8000 series 2 turntable. ARC SP14 preamp with Russian EH 6H23Pi tube. ARC Cl60 amplifier with 8 new EH 6550s. My invisible speakers.

[lboogie1906]

Leighla Frances Whipper (September 22, 1913 - May 2, 2008) author, songwriter, and restaurateur, was born in Athens, Georgia. She was the daughter of the noted Hollywood actor Leigh Whipper and Virginia Eva Wheeler, a talented dancer in the chorus lines of Harlem. She was the niece of Dr. Ionia Rollin Whipper, founder of the Ionia Rollin Whipper Home.

Her grandmother, author Frances Anne Rollin, was the author of the earliest published diary by a Black southern woman, and the author of the first full-length biography, The Life and Public Services of Martin R. Delaney.

She was a graduate of Howard University and a member of the Stylus Club. She moved to New York City where she worked as a journalist and literary editor for The People’s Voice and other periodicals. Subjects among her memorable interviews in DC and New York City were actors Mary Pickford and Lon Chaney, dancer Josephine Baker, and spiritual leader Father Divine.

She married prominent sociologist Hylan G. Lewis (1935-43). The couple had one child. She married restaurateur Norman Ford (1950) but was widowed in 1961.

She published several mystery stories in The Saint Mystery Magazine and the Madrid anthology series, Ojo Del Lynx (Eye of the Lynx). Her memoir, entitled The Pretty Way Home, was published.

Whipper, a member of the American Association of Composers, Authors, and Publishers wrote tropical songs with haunting lyrics, creating many folios that are widely distributed today throughout the world. Her songs included Back Down to the Tropics, Don’t Tell Me I’m Missing the Boat, and A Pretty Girl Will Turn You Anyway but Loose.

She was the co-proprietor with her mother of the popular Spuyten Duyvil Restaurant of Saratoga Springs, New York.

She spent considerable time in Europe and then settled in Mexico City. She divided her time between homes in the Mexican capital and Saratoga Springs. While in Mexico City, she was an aficionado of the Corrida and the founder of the Saratoga Peña. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[milesquicksilver]

I am so stoked that I was asked by a gearhead in Texas to draw her Supra. This brings to me a warm feeling because when I was little I used to draw cars with and for my dad. I told him when I was 7 that I wanted to draw cars for Hot Rod Magazine- I wasn’t sure how that was going to work out but this seems like a moment.

This seems like the time to say it. Yes you know this fine woman if you know cars at all. This is Faye Hadley of All Girls Garage and her YouTube channel “pistons and pixie dust”. I watched her videos when they were on MotorTrend. This is exciting to me because MT…. Yes it’s the parent company of Hot Rod. Now Faye isn’t the only person I have done art for, but it makes me giddy still to see their posts online.

Art can save the world. Even if it’s your own world. It makes the world beautiful. Some people do it with a crayon, pencil, stylus, some people do it with a wrench, a saw a tig welder. Art is a medium for a thought its another word for passion. So when I see other people doing their art that is the awesomest thing to me. That is what makes the world great.

Go do your art today. Make the world beautiful.

[victorckk]

I have a stomach bug so no art until I start feeling better. But for now, here’s some more art tips as a sequel to my first post.

I’m not a professional and these tips may not work for everyone, but I wanna share them in case other people might wanna try them out.

My favorite piece of art advice: DRAW IN PEN!!!! Literally, I will always recommend this tip. I LOVE drawing in pen so I’m a bit biased, but it teaches you how to make things without going back and perfecting everything. You learn to accept the mistakes you make. It’s even better when it’s colored ink (red, purple, etc.) instead of the usual blue and black.

Use highlighters to your advantage. You can use that shit for shading and coloring. It makes your art pop.

I know the first page of a sketchbook is usually pretty scary, so skip to the second or even third page. Or, you could make a collage on the first page instead of actually drawing anything. It’s a trick I learned from my art class in high school where we made a collage using various photos in magazines and books that caught our attention. I might be able to find the sketchbook that has the page, if I still have it.

For the last few pages, try out various art supplies and label them. That way you can tell how they look without having to tear out any pages at the beginning.

I personally use part of a plastic ziploc bag that I cut, but always put something under the page you’re working on when using alcohol markers (if your paper isn’t thick enough). While some people use a piece of other paper underneath, I found that plastic sheets work better

You don’t have to actually draw everyday to get better. I noticed that it’s a trend to do so, but trust me. It’ll only lead to art block and burn out, especially if you’re the type to get exhausted easily. If you have the motivation and energy, then go ahead. But don’t forget to TAKE BREAKS.

If you have the supplies, paint the cover of your sketchbook. I���ve seen a lot of people with crazy beautiful sketchbook covers that they’ve painted and ngl, it’s really inspiring (I have no idea how to paint though)

Always keep the art supplies you use the most on hand. Any pencil case will do, unless you have a whole stash that you use the most. I think large pencil cases exist, but you’d have to find the size that works best for you.

Last but not least, no. The art supplies you use ≠ talent and skill. I used to think this way when I first started out, but now I just use my finger and ibisPaint (occasionally a dollar store stylus if my wrist is cramping or locking up). You have to put in the time and effort to actually get the results you need, and even the professionals that have the most expensive equipment are STILL always improving as they go.

[coconutsplit]

Artistic visual literary journaling is a powerful way to document your creative process, thoughts, and inspirations in a multidimensional format. Here are some tips to help you get started and make the most of your journaling practice:

1. Choose Your Medium

Physical Journal: Use a high-quality notebook or sketchbook with thick pages to accommodate various media.

Digital Journal: Consider using apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, or GoodNotes for a digital approach.

2. Gather Supplies

Writing Tools: Pens, pencils, markers, and highlighters.

Art Supplies: Watercolors, acrylics, colored pencils, pastels, and charcoal.

Collage Materials: Magazines, newspapers, printed photos, stickers, and washi tape.

Digital Tools: Stylus, tablet, digital brushes, and image-editing software.

3. Create a Comfortable Space

Workspace: Set up a dedicated space for journaling with good lighting and minimal distractions.

Organization: Keep your supplies organized and within easy reach to facilitate spontaneous creativity.

4. Incorporate Different Elements

Writing: Include diary entries, poetry, quotes, and song lyrics. Write about your day, dreams, goals, and creative ideas.

Drawing and Painting: Add sketches, doodles, abstract art, and detailed illustrations. Experiment with different styles and techniques.

Collage: Incorporate mixed media by adding photos, magazine clippings, fabric scraps, and other materials.

Photography: Print and paste your photos or use Polaroids to document moments and inspirations.

5. Develop a Routine

Regular Practice: Set aside regular time for journaling, whether daily, weekly, or whenever inspiration strikes.

Prompt Yourself: Use prompts to kickstart your creativity. For example, "Describe a dream you had," "Sketch your surroundings," or "Collage a mood board for your next project."

6. Embrace Imperfection

Let Go of Perfection: Allow yourself to make mistakes and create imperfect pages. The journal is a space for exploration and growth.

Experiment: Try new techniques and materials without worrying about the outcome. This can lead to unexpected discoveries and breakthroughs.

7. Reflect and Review

Revisit Pages: Regularly go back and review your journal. Reflect on your growth, recurring themes, and any new insights.

Annotate: Add notes and thoughts to previous entries. This can provide a deeper understanding of your creative process and personal evolution.

8. Find Inspiration

Art Books and Exhibitions: Visit galleries, museums, and art libraries to find inspiration.

Nature and Travel: Draw inspiration from your environment, whether it's a walk in the park or a trip to a new city.

Online Communities: Join online groups and forums where people share their journaling practices and creations.

9. Themes and Projects

Thematic Journals: Create journals dedicated to specific themes, like travel, dreams, personal growth, or creative projects.

Ongoing Projects: Document long-term projects from inception to completion, including brainstorming, planning, and progress updates.

10. Personal Touches

Handwriting: Use your own handwriting to give your journal a personal touch.

Quotes and Lyrics: Include your favorite quotes, song lyrics, and book excerpts that resonate with you.

Daily Snapshots: Capture moments from your day with quick sketches or photographs.

Examples of Techniques

Layering: Combine different media on one page, like watercolor background with ink drawings and collaged elements.

Mind Maps: Use mind maps to brainstorm and connect ideas visually.

Mood Boards: Create mood boards for projects or to capture the essence of a particular feeling or theme.

Timelines: Document events or project timelines with illustrations and notes.

Resources and Tools

Books: "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, "Wreck This Journal" by Keri Smith, "Creative Journal Writing" by Stephanie Dowrick.

Online Tutorials: YouTube, Skillshare, and CreativeLive offer tutorials on various journaling techniques.

Apps: Procreate, Notability, GoodNotes, Adobe Fresco.

By integrating these tips into your journaling practice, you can create a rich, multidimensional record of your creative journey that blends visual art, writing, and personal reflection.