#also the article is just overall so delightful ���

[oldbutchdaniel]

andrew scott for interview mag, interviewed by olivia colman (x)

[felassan]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard info compilation Post 3

[Part 1] [Part 2] Post is under a cut due to length.

There is a lot of information coming out right now about DA:TV from many different sources. This post is just an effort to compile as much as I can in one place, in case that helps anyone. Sources for where the information came from have been included. Where I am linking to a social media user’s post, the person is either a dev, a Dragon Age community council member or other person who has had a sneak peek at and played the game. nb, this post is more of a ‘info that came out in snippets from articles and social media posts’ collection rather than a 'regurgitating the information on the official website or writing out what happened in the trailer/gameplay reveal’ post. The post is broken down into headings on various topics. A few points are repeated under multiple headings where relevant. Where I am speculating without a source, I have clearly demarcated this. if you notice any mistakes in this post, please tell me.

Character Creation

All armor and clothing options will scale and mesh to any body type [source]

The character creator has lots of sliders for body parts and overall shape, none of which are tied to the voice or pronouns (she/her, he/him, or they/them) that you choose [source]

"Epler took special care to show off the extensive curly and textured hair options in the game, including several versions of braids and locs, noting that increasing these options in particular was very important to the team" [source]

You can change your character’s physical appearance at any time during the game, but not their class or backstory [source]

"Each individual class has some variability, too; even the mage class has some up-close-and-personal attacks, since a mage player character could still conceivably have an assassin backstory and would therefore need to have some attacks to accommodate that sort of career path" [source]

" "We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about skin tone,” Corinne said. The character we made, a Black elf, seemed to glow in the bluish light of a nighttime scene, and under bright sunlight, I could see the richness of his color. Corinne: "We want to make sure that skin tone is reflected authentically" " [source]

" “We have dozens and dozens of hair types,” she said. “And they’re fully affected by physics.” The quality and variety of choices I saw delighted me. The rows of bouncy, luxurious-looking hair of all curl types and textures (and yes, the annoyingly ubiquitous “Killmonger cut” was among the options, what can you do?) brought the biggest smile to my face in the hour I spent with Busche and The Veilguard." [source]

Story and lore

NPCs will remember when you chuck a shopkeeper through a plate-glass window [source]

" The game’s story sees Solas intact a plot that will result in the deaths of thousands. When his justification that “people die, it’s what they do,” falls on deaf ears, you and your merry band of misfits have to stop him " [source]

" “Early in the demo and in the trailer, you’re in a part of the world you’ve never been in – Tevinter,” Epler tells me. “Tevinter is known for being a place of high magic; visually, it’s different. Obviously in Origins you’re in Ferelden, which was grubby, muddy, and very visually different and distinct. That said, it’s the first hour of the game, so we’re only seeing the prologue. As you go deeper, you’ll find that the game can be just as bloody and just as grim as Dragon Age Origins, 2, and Inquisition. For us, it’s that feeling of contrast. You get moments of higher fantasy magic coming back to the world through Solas’ ritual, but also things get pretty grim, and things get pretty dark in some spaces for sure.” " [source]

"Snappy dialogue" [source]

The game is really about each of the companions [source]

Narrative narrative narrative! [source]

The Shadow Dragons are an underground resistance that engages in guerrilla warfare against the corrupt mage rulers of the Tevinter Imperium [source]

"Varric has created the group called the Veilguards, recruiting a veritable group of weirdos to pursue Solas, who’s carved a path through the magical empire of Tevinter" [source]

"There’s intrigue to the game’s tale already, with Varric hoping he can convince Solas to stop his plan of tearing open the Veil: a wish by the dwarf to save a dear friend. There’s a fascinating relationship that's already being set up, Varric and Solas as opposing narrative forces, with your character, Rook, pulled between them" [source]

"There’s extra context to flesh out dialogue, with short descriptions that help give a vague idea of how things play out. The example we were shown was Rook trying to take down a gang leader inside a bar. We could choose to defuse the situation with either words or weapons, but the catch is you don’t know how effective those approaches will be" [source]

" Busche explained that the team wanted to give players a game where locations were imbued with just as much personality as the characters. “That meant making contrast from the areas that are dark and decaying to the areas that are illuminated with magic,” Busche said " [source]

" “This is a part of the world where magic has been embraced,” Busche said. “It is a society of mages and magic in this world is inherently colorful. So whether we’re seeing them use magic for everyday purposes like signage or using them as spells, that color really comes through.” " [source]

We will visit the Necropolis of Nevarra [source]

Gameplay, presentation, performance etc

There are dozens of abilities and spells [source]

The game has an easy mode [source]

There is a setting where your character can't die in battle [source]

"The Rogue class in our demo had a bow with recharging arrows for ranged attacks, and dual blades that could unleash a furious flurry of instantaneous blows" [source]

[☕ found this post or blog interesting or useful? my ko-fi is here if you feel inclined. thank you 🙏]

[emblazons]

Note: I am finally posting this (something that has been in my drafts for actual months) because @pinkeoni hurt my feelings talking about Will and Alan Turing). So...you can inavertently thank Robin for this LMAO

I don’t delve much into Stranger Things analysis anymore, but having just watched The Imitation Game, the biopic they made about Alan Turning in 2014—I’m thinking that maybe Will doing his presentation on the man might have an delightful (secondary) parallel to this film’s exploration of him, given Will’s burgeoning queerness + ongoing relationship with normalcy.

Throughout the film, the ongoing theme of "differences bringing about greatness/change" permeates every character, but Turing especially—something that the conversation he has with a character named Joan near the end of the film showcases well:

In this conversation, Joan is trying to encourage Turing to come out of depression and rely on her, given he is struggling immensely with physical effects of chemical castration—which he obviously resents, but feels is better than giving up the life he has and being “entirely alone” because of his sexuality / desires (sound familiar)?

This ongoing exploration of queerness as tied to greatness and/or otherness is something that is very often explored in Stranger Things as well, primarily with Will—to the point where Will has nearly the exact conversation Alan has with Joan with Jonathan in S2:

—in addition to us exploring the relationship between a lack of normalcy, queerness and even nerdiness through/by other characters like Robin, Mike & Lucas.

Now (as we all know), Will’s homosexuality has been forever and inherently linked to his otherness/lack of normalcy—whether with how he was bullied in S1-S2, his struggle to be open with his feelings for Mike in S4, or the million literal / metaphorical things in between, Will has always been encouraged not to conform, but still struggles to self-actualize enough to embrace himself fully…which most of us expect for him come S5.

Basically: the underlying theme of this film for Turning (much like the underlying themes at the heart of ST) revolves around how most people strive for normalcy, despite normalcy being undesirable if you expect to do anything great/interesting. While Turing was a homosexual man, he was also one who struggled greatly with fitting in overall—much like Will, which I think perfectly reflects how the Duffers have set up their S5 resolution + solving Will’s ongoing internal struggle with his romantic feelings for Mike + ongoing dissonance with normalcy.

(sidebar: there are articles exploring the idea of "embracing difference" in this movie that parallel Will's "Being Different." See: Embracing Difference - The Imitation Game)

Both TIG!Turing and Will exist in on the fringes on their respective worlds due to their differences and homosexuality—just as both of them are both most inspired by their (romantic) love for their male best friends....to the point that those relationships define their contributions to the story: Turing with the machine that helped the Allied powers break the Nazi Enigma code, and Will in ways I'm sure we'll be talking about in 2025.

TL;DR: While Will still has another season to sort through what his love for his best friend means for both his rejection of normalcy and his greatness, it's fairly apparent that (much like Turing) it is the embracing of both difference and homosexuality that leads to greatness—no matter how the world feels about that overall.

(We love it when the gays learn life lessons (and when they win)).

[visit-new-york]

What are some of the popular dining options or food vendors in or around Brooklyn Bridge Park?

Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and overlooking the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers not only breathtaking views but also a diverse culinary landscape that caters to every palate. Whether you're craving a leisurely brunch, a quick snack, or a romantic dinner, the area surrounding Brooklyn Bridge Park has something for everyone. In this article, we'll explore some of the popular dining options and food vendors that enhance the overall experience of visiting this picturesque location.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream:

If you're strolling through Brooklyn Bridge Park on a warm day and craving a sweet treat, make your way to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. This artisanal ice cream shop, located nearby, is renowned for its high-quality, made-from-scratch ice creams. With a commitment to using natural and organic ingredients, Van Leeuwen offers a delectable range of flavors, from classic vanilla to unique options like honeycomb and earl grey. Enjoy a cone or cup as you take in the stunning views of the park and the surrounding waterfront. The irresistible combination of creamy textures and distinctive flavors makes Van Leeuwen a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Juliana's Pizza:

Situated just a stone's throw away from Brooklyn Bridge Park, Juliana's Pizza is a beloved establishment with a rich history. Known for its coal-fired brick oven pizzas, Juliana's serves up delicious pies with a perfect balance of crispy crust and fresh, high-quality toppings. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff make it an ideal spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a classic New York slice.

Gran Electrica:

For those seeking a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, Gran Electrica is a must-visit restaurant located near the park. With a vibrant atmosphere and a menu featuring traditional dishes prepared with a modern twist, Gran Electrica offers a unique dining experience. From flavorful tacos to handcrafted cocktails, this eatery seamlessly blends Mexican flavors with a contemporary flair.

Smorgasburg:

Food enthusiasts and adventurous eaters alike will appreciate the diverse culinary offerings at Smorgasburg. This open-air food market, located in DUMBO, features a rotating selection of food vendors offering everything from international street food to innovative and Instagram-worthy desserts. From crispy Korean fried chicken to decadent ice cream sandwiches, Smorgasburg is a food lover's paradise just a short stroll from Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria:

Another pizza gem in the vicinity, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, is known for its coal-brick oven pies with a thin crust and fresh mozzarella. This legendary pizzeria has been serving up classic New York-style pizza for decades. With its prime location under the Brooklyn Bridge, diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the scenic views of the bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

Time Out Market:

For a curated selection of the best local eats, head to Time Out Market in DUMBO. This food and cultural market features a variety of stalls offering gourmet dishes from some of the city's top chefs. Whether you're in the mood for artisanal burgers, sushi, or artisanal pastries, Time Out Market provides a one-stop culinary adventure for foodies.

Conclusion:

Brooklyn Bridge Park not only offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city but also serves as a gateway to a culinary journey through some of Brooklyn's finest dining establishments. From historic pizzerias to modern food markets, the area around the park presents a diverse array of flavors and experiences for locals and visitors alike. So, the next time you find yourself in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, be sure to explore the gastronomic delights that make this waterfront neighborhood a true epicurean destination.

[twwcs]

POOR BABY

this was made by me for me.

Miguel O’hara x fem!reader

Summary : no underwear+unwanted jeans combo

Warnings : suggestive content, dry ass humor, hurt because of clothing, OOC Miguel, typos

an : i don’t know what is this, just want miguel to comfort me, hell even this reader get better treatment than me

Ever since you know that one guy who was written by a woman in your life you almost threw away all your underwear except for that one time of the month—which is rare because you fell into that one category of woman who don’t get period that often but the medical check up result was fine, anyway—that guy, Miguel O’hara, that dammed guy who solidified your worries of the possible stuff you’d get and a matter of convenient of not wearing underwear on daily basis. So you don’t use it.

First of all there’s bunch of research of the benefit of not wearing underwear and so on, but this guy—mind you he’s Miguel O’hara in case you forgot—was delighted with your little ‘dirty secret’. So of course because of that you’re not only not wearing underwear on auto-pilot but also you’re more sensitive on article of clothing you’ve wore for the day.

Long story short after all the chaos around you, you managed to worn all your go to clothes and there’s only limited option to go through. And so there’s this one black jeans which actually you kinda of hate because you’ve grown out of it and the length is questionable with an inch above your ankle which made you look kinda funny and not to be taken seriously but it is what is it and that’s the only clean pants you have right now so be it. Through out the day was fine, nothing was out of the ordinary. But the shit show just gotta wait until you think it’s over right? Right. The unwanted jeans and no underwear plus lots of walking through out the day was hell of a combination. You got your ass burned because of the friction and it’s only get worse when you finally got time to relax. And your discomfort was not unnoticeable by Miguel—ah there he is—so after he walked in to your shared bed he cocked his left eyebrow, eyeing you and calculating whatever he had in his mind.

“Are you hurt my love?” His worried eyes met yours once he got his hand around your shoulder. You just got out of the bathroom after applying some ointment that meant for babies ass and it might not applied in the right place due to the position and you can’t see the damage your dammed jeans made

“Remind me to burn that jeans, it’s fucking hurt” his eyes wander to the hampers next to the bathroom door, a sly smile came out not long after “the jeans you wore today? Why? Your ass looks nice in it” a warm hand cupped your left cheek, meeting his eyes in the process and not once you let go of your annoyed facial. He seemed to get it though even it takes quite a bit “uhm don’t give me that look, i know that look, honey you looked great, i don’t care if you’re gonna say it doesn’t look good because it’s been a long time but trust me you’re still the most gorgeous woman” well that seemed to came out of no where.

“That’s not the problem Mig, that dammed jeans made a fucking burn on my ass and now i can’t even sit comfortably” your voice sounded hurt and his palm that was in your cheek it’s now gently massaging your scalp. “Shit i’m sorry i thought you were upset because it doesn’t fit you the way you expected but, what? Your ass burned? Let me see it” without questioning it you let go of the towel that wrapped around your chest “turn around, on four, let me check” he said casually and you do it even more casually. So you get on four and felt his warm hands not long after right on your ass cheeks.

“Oh baby that must’ve been hurt, is it hurt when i touch you here?” You yelp in pain, answering his question in progress “Mig it’s hurt i did apply some ointment but i think it’s not even in the right place”

“Poor baby, let me grab that thing, stay here” as much as your current position turns him on but your overall comfort and the evident marks left by yours truly dammed jeans he put his need aside and quickly grab that what he thought was ointment right by the sink. After confirming what it was he put some of it in his fingers and kinda warming it up even though he didn’t have to and stride his way to you.

Speaking of you, your current position made your ass cheeks separate and not scrubbing on each other so the pain subside for a bit, and it was made better with the warm liquid you felt on the right side of your cheek “oh it hurts but also soothing, wonder if that spot i missed” Miguel hums in agreement, quietly applying the ointment and carefully not adding any pain to your cheek.

“Do you feel better now?” Was the thing he finally said after minutes of comfortable silence.

“Yeah thank you honey, also this position helps, i hope i don’t turn you on because hell was the thing i felt with this burn on my ass” he chuckle lowly and so do you.

“First of all you always turns me on, and no, don’t worry about me your comfort is my number one priority, beside this edging make the final time sweeter don’t you think?”

“Oh so you’re into edging now Mr.O’hara?” Playful glee in your sound made him tickle your under thigh “What are you gonna kink shame me?” The tickles continues and conveniently his finger glazed accidentally in your cunt and a low moan was heard.

“Don’t tell me you’re into pain now miss”

“Uhm maybe? Who knows” he tried to control his lust truly but when you wiggle you ass like that who wouldn’t fell?

“You’re asking for a good time or a bad time?”

“Why can’t we have both?”

[makuzume]

Genshin Men Texting Their s/o Headcannons (Part 2)

Characters: Alhaitam, Zhongli, Cyno, Thoma, Lyney

Content: Gn! Reader; Genshin AU; established relationship

[Masterlist] [Part 1]

💚Alhaitam💚

Surprisingly, he's not as cold and distant as how he's often made out to be. In texts, his feelings and exact thoughts (positive or negative) are always expressed clearly and straightforward. 'I surprisingly found it really fun, we can go back again next time' or 'it could've been better, but I honestly didn't mind. We can try somewhere else you like next time' Still, he's not much of a texter in general, so he doesn't message much, though he always replies with his full attention when you send him a text.

His replies always come to you within just a few minutes: not too quick to respond but not long too either, just the right amount of time.

Alhaitam isn't one to talk much about his day in texts, he's just not much of a fan of texting in general and he mostly focuses on work during his office hours.

He most definitely prefers to talk in person once he comes home to you, so he can see/hear you express your thoughts better and more efficiently. Though if he can't see you that night, he would still let you know about his day through texts after work or, preferably, a call.

If you send him some video links you'd have to wait by the end of the day/during his break before he goes back to it. Alhaitam would prefer to view the things you send him when he's in his 'relaxed mode'. He also takes mental notes on the things you send as a reference to understanding more about the things you like or things you'd find interesting.

Though, he might get a bit overwhelmed if you send your entire feed of 100 links a day, so make sure to not send too many at a time.

Alhaitam can easily pick up on your texting patterns and know when you're feeling down. He'll ask about what's wrong right away 'is there something wrong? It seems like your mood's a little down. You can tell me, what's been bothering you?' though if you just say 'it's nothing' after he kept asking, he'll just say 'okay, I'll see you later when I get home then.' But then he'll find the time to leave work early to take you to your favorite food place, saying that it's because he didn't want you to have an upset feeling before you sleep.

🧡Zhongli🧡

He texts in the exact same way on how you would expect him to speak in person: refined but friendly. Though, when it comes to you, of course there would be a touch of sweetness to his tone when he messages you. (only you) Actually a bit of a boomer in texting.

Though there's nothing special that he specifically does to his messages, there just seems to always be this delightful tone when you read his texts. You don't know how to describe it, it's just his overall vibe.

He absolutely enjoys reading your messages as you endlessly babble about practically anything. Zhongli would definitely find anything you do to be endearing.

Though if you're less on the chatty side, don't worry, Zhongli can definitely pack up endless stories for you. Ranging from mundane events to grand, historical ones- Zhongli would know which ones you would definitely find interesting. (And would know the right amount to share which wouldn't feel too intimidating or overwhelming for you)

Typically replies quickly since he's taking it easy in the retired life, now only working as a simple consultant. (He has all day)

If you send him links to videos, memes, and articles, he would be very much excited to engage a conversation with the things you sent him. It doesn't matter how much you send, Zhongli would find them very interesting and enthusiastically respond with his thoughts on every single one of it. 'A picnic by the lake sounds like a splendid idea indeed, my dearest. I'll prepare the necessary arrangements needed for a trip to the mountains. And you needn't worry about the snacks, my expertise don't just simply lie within understanding history and antiques.' Afterall, these are things that describe you and your interests.

💜Cyno💜

Only one way to describe this man: a millenial dad with broken humor. He will text with you a lot of his dad jokes, and sometimes, he takes it so far as to planning exactly when he'll send you that text.

His texts look dry and serious, but don't get him wrong, he absolutely loves it when you text him, you're his favorite person to talk and listen to. He is just naturally monotone-sounding. He's actually not even serious at all. (More unserious than any of these men)

Random texting about things he's up to, gossip, or random facts he learned about practically anything. (Similar to Itto but a different flavor)

Might use emojis every now and then but they don't match his statement. It's amusing to read though, as it sort of matches the spontaneous personality he has under that serious facade 'im hungry and craving tacos so much that i will resort to eating my own hand by 1pm🦧'

When it comes to explaining some lore from a series or mechanics about a game (basically anything he could geek about) expect the longest paragraphs you'll ever recieve from anyone, ever. I'm talking about an in-depth thesis essay about why his deck of Sucrose, Mona, and Jean are the best for his TCG tournament and how he will use them during battle- all sent into a single message. (It took him an hour to reply because of this)

Easily picks up if you're not in high spirits and instantly gives you all of his attention and concern. Will ask how you feel and comfort you, asking what he can do to help make you feel better.

When this happens, he will be texting you the entire time, listening to you and comforting you as you talk, but then all of a sudden you get a random reply from him 'you locked your door. I mean thats a good thing that you do but can you please open it. Its raining really hard right now im soaked.' You open the door to see him drenched with a straight face on, holding a plastic bag 'I got you some chips'

He sends you memes a lot. His instict is to immediately send you anything he finds remotely funny.

In random times of the day, you'll get an out of context message that confuses you, only to realize it was actually a joke.

'Where are you?'

'I'm at home, why?'

'Theres a poster of you here and i thought someone reported you missing'

'Huh?? I'm not? I'm where you last saw me. What poster??

*sends you his low quality drawing*

'I'm blocking you.'

'You get it? Its hillarious right? You see i purposefully held back from explaining my first statement right away so that it would leave you in a state of confusion. Then after that i further timed to-'

❤️Thoma❤️

Absolutely expressive in texts. Definitely screaming golden retriever vibes. Even calls you all sorts of cute pet names. The sweetest cutie-patotie.

He often uses emojis, exclamation marks, stickers, and even loves customizing your nicknames and chat backgrounds.

Loves to type verbal expressions like 'awww' 'hehe' 'huhu'. Definitely expressive in how he feels.

Always a man of reassurance and feeding you with constant words of affirmation about his affection and appreciation towards you. And it's not just hollow words, he expresses them through his actions too.

Thoma bookmarks everything you send to him and will think it would be a good idea to do for the future. (For your birthday, christmas, monthsary, or any special ocassion) and he actually keeps everything you mentioned you like or mention in his notes app (he doesn't let you take a peep at it, but you just know it's more organized than anything in your drawer)

The type to always be ready to send you a long, sweet message at 12:00 AM when it's a special date for you/the both of you.

Always asks how you're doing and checking in on your well-being. The sweetest boy to have ever existed.

Eventually develops the same texting pattern and humor as you overtime. Especially based on the memes and other things you send him.

Will ask you where you are every now and then before lunch time saying: 'Hey love, where are you right now? I brought you some lunch, i hope I'm not late, am I?? You haven't gone out to eat yet? Huhu. I cooked you a bento meal filled with your favoritess~😊❤️'

❤️Lyney❤️

Always cheerful and enthusiastic. He definitely always has a bit of a flirty tone when he texts you, hoping to make you smile and giddy because of him.

Even though he often uses his charismatic facade to charm everybody (since it's common for a magician), you know his flirtatious tone towards you is Lyney actually being flirty with you. Genuinely. He loves being all romantic with you.

Often talks about his siblings either like a proud or concerned father. (They are practically the same age)

Likes to send you some tricks that can be done through the phone/over a call since he can't perform new magic tricks for you in person, that time.

Lyney loves showing off his charm to woo you, it makes him feel happy to know if his efforts to make you giddy are successful, so please acknowledge it, and don't tell him it's not working or it's cringe through texts (it's harder for him to read your tone and expression), it'll make him really embarassed and lose his confidence, might make the poor thing a tiny bit insecure.

Once you mention you're feeling down or if you encounter a problem, he'd immeditely turn into concern and drop everything he's doing, only being able to think about you and how to help you. Though he tries not to show it, his concern for you grows big enough as if it became even his problem. (Sometimes it ended up that Lyney became the one who was more worried). He just grew up having to strongly care about his family, and to him, you are like family too (a partner sort of family)

'Where are you right now?? Do you still feel a bit upset??'

'Don't worry, I'll come to you right away. Please just give me a few minutes, I promise I'll be quick.'

'Do you want some ice cream or some snacks? I'll buy some on the way'

'Nevermind, I just bought both of it and a few other things you might want. I hope you're alright over there.'

'Hey, I'm sorry I'm taking so long, the road was blocked so I took the other way, I'm hurrying right now.'

'I know it's only been 10 minutes but I can't help but worry for you okay? I'm really close by now. I'll see you in a bit.'

[Note: Slowly, my works are finally escaping the drafts >:D]

Check out my other works [Masterlist]

[nevermore-ocs]

Lucy Ragnulf x chubby fem reader headcanons!

-Seemingly being a common occurrence for the Ragnulfs, Lucy ALSO deeply loves herself a plus-sized, big, chubby woman

-You are the utter definition of eye candy to her, and does she ever have the insatiable sweet tooth

-She loves to silently watch, to witness, to wordlessly marvel at even the tiniest things about you, she's been like this ever since the two of y'all first met and it really came to fruition when you made it official

-Fabric of certain pieces of your apparel stretching over your hips, your belly, your chest, wondering to herself what other certain articles of clothing would look like on your body due to this and end up flustering herself in the process when her thoughts traverse the more sensual side of things

-Another thing that Lucy's able to effortlessly capitalize on thanks to her masterful people watching absolutely is that, nothing can really just fly past under her radar, certainly nothing that you attempt to get away with. At first, you'll believe that your attempt to conceal over a bevy of stretch marks striped over your belly, maybe by pulling a certain shirt down just that little bit further, or maybe even fully reconsidering in dressing up in something entirely different even if its in opposition of how much delight the overall outfit brings you

-Then you'll feel the thing that halts you

-One of Lucy's hands silently sneaking forward from her side after she had crept up behind you, she takes pride in just how soundless her steps can be too for such occasions like this

-Her clawed fingers will just inch upward and hook themselves around the edge of whatever blockade you had instilled to cover up your frame, and begin to ease the cloth back down and off of you

-"You don't have to do that, y'know? The fact alone that humanity literally layered on this, I guess second hand shame, to kinda, say it easier that you need to wear 6 different fucking things just to walk outside with, anyone, not just me, makes me wanna heel stomp teeth down fucking throats in your honor, if I'm being honest-"

-She was, no different in her own manner, the onyx colored cloth mask she had tugged upwards over her nose and mouth was a clear indicator of her hypocrisy, she knew, full-heartedly

-She takes a hold of the edge of your shirt to give a little tug as this indicator for you to direct your attention to your attire

-"Who bought this?"

-"Uh, I did, yeah, but what does that have to do with-"

-"Then wear it, you bought it, you own it, wear what's yours, baby, please. I'd rather have you exactly the way that you are, of course, and as, fucking happy as I can get you, then for you to be as fucking skin, bone ass thin, like what they think is hot up there just to please a bunch of other people who give you the time of day to their oh so important thoughts for like, 5 seconds."

-You had a feeling of what she was going to come back with, but despite it, you blinked your stare up to her face and brought it up

-"And what do I do if someone says something about it? About me?"

-She's silent for a moment or so before her own blood ruby eyes cast down onto you in return and with a softened hum petering through her voice

-"Then you'll only need to stop for lunch for yourself today, after all."

-You couldn't see it, but you could practically feel Lucy's tongue swipe over one of her elongated fangs primed within her mouth thanks to the hauntingly entrancing sight of a bloodied iridescent glint shimmering over her eyes

[moviemunchies]

I’m struggling to come up with a coherent review, but I’m going to do my best!

You guys probably know by now that I’m a big fan of animation that pushes itself out of the usual styles. And while it’s been ages since I read the original comic, I was eager to see it adapted into animated form.

In a science-fantasy kingdom, run by the Institute, Ballister Boldhart, a commoner who would be a knight, is framed for murder and is branded a villain by the media. He only wants to clear his name and get back with the kingdom’s champion, but the young (or is she?!?) shapeshifter Nimona attaches herself to him as his villainous sidekick. Together they uncover the conspiracy to frame him, as well as reveal more of Nimona’s own history and how it ties to the history of the kingdom.

The film has gotten a lot of attention for its queer content. See, it was originally being produced by Blue Sky Studios (and employees of the studio are listed in the credits), which was owned by Fox. Which was then bought by Disney. They shut down the studio, deciding that having ANOTHER animation studio open wouldn’t be worth the effort and money, and eventually shut down production on this movie, despite it being over halfway done. Annapurna Pictures picked it up and finished the movie, keeping a lot of the already-completed work. More than one source from Blue Sky claims that Disney’s executives were very hard on this movie for featuring a same-sex kiss and LGBT themes, so they locked it down.

Welp it released on Netflix anyway!

I’ve seen quite a few sites and articles refer to Nimona as having “queer subtext.” I suppose that’s not wrong, but in this case I’d argue that the subtext is so heavy it might as well just be considered text. I mean yes, there’s the fact that Ballister is in love with a man, and his happy ending is getting together with him, but that’s just kind of the tip of the iceberg. Nimona’s a shapeshifter, who says she doesn’t feel alive if she can’t change her shape, she refuses to answer the question of “What are you?” other than with “I’m Nimona,” and has an entire society label her an unnatural monster. Heck, the villain declares that she is “a threat to our way of life.” 

It doesn’t really get more heavy-handed than that. I want to be clear that “heavy-handed” doesn’t mean “bad”; I wouldn’t say it’s bad here. “Heavy-handed” is only bad when it’s badly done. But any adult watching the film is going to pick up on what the movie’s saying. It’s not subtle. In a world though that seems to have increasing calls for violence by political players towards people they hate, I think the message of “Don’t demonize people and call for their execution for being different,” is an okay thing for a movie to be preaching.

One thing (if I remember correctly) about the comic I found a bit jarring (but not bad) was the tone shift in the story. It’s fairly light, a parody of superhero/villain stories, until we get to the end and Nimona’s backstory, where it feels very, VERY dark. The movie has a similar tone shift, but I think it handles it better overall. This does not mean the movie’s better than the comic, settle down People Angry About the Idea of Adaptation. I just mean that I think this one aspect is handled better.

I do also like the resolution better! But I don’t want to spoil it. So I’ll leave it at that.

The animation here is an absolute delight. It seems like Into the Spider-Verse opened the floodgates for all kinds of different styles to be tried out in movies. It’s colorful, but limited to a certain range. It’s memorable, and sticks out from other animated movies. Characters can look like cartoons but not look like the same cartoons that we see in a bunch of animated films. It’s fantastic. I know I always bang on about how much I love unique animation but I still love seeing it.

The voice cast is outstanding. Riz Ahmed is able to wring a ton of emotion out of the role of Ballister, while also having fun with him playing the straight man (comedy term! I know Ballister’s not straight) against Nimona. Ahmed’s clearly not having anywhere near as much fun as Chloe Grace-Moretz. Yeah, she gives a great, emotional performance at times, but she’s having an absolute blast in the moments when Nimona is causing havoc in the kingdom. 

I will admit that I was a little disappointed that the “I’m a shark!” line didn’t get more mileage in the movie; it was a running joke in the comic, and I would have liked to have seen it used more here.

Nimona is, overall, very good. Part of me is just happy to see that this finally made it to being a movie, after so many setbacks. If you’re interested in animation, you’ll probably love seeing how this one plays out. You’ll also enjoy this if you’re a fan of the comic, though I suppose there might be someone more familiar than me objects to the changes made in adaptation. I don’t think it’ll present too much of a stumbling block, though.

[themswritinwords]

The Hundred Fifty Seven Deaths of the Immortal Ethan Ellis: Cast profiles: Ethan Ellis

The man himself (Ethan) - he/him; 24 years old biologically, 310 years old chronologically; Quietly Depressed Optimist in Desperate Need of a Hug and a Nap

Depressed, traumatized, self-sacrificial, dysfunctional, exhausted--what's not to relate to love?

Just woke up during his own autopsy. That's definitely not going to unearth any poorly-buried Issues!

What do you mean endless gallows humor and self deprecation aren't healthy coping mechanisms?

*slaps bruised and blood-stained noggin* This bad boy can fit so much mental illness and metaphor in him.

The result of a necromancer-wannabe's attempts at immortality; ex-human-guinea-pig with all of the attendant moral, philosophical, and psychological conundrums that come with death being a temporary condition.

One of three "successful" experiments. The other two adjusted pretty well, all things considered. Ethan did not.

Alas, they didn't have therapy in colonial America. You know what they did have, though? An abundance of dangerous life paths and causes worth dying for. That's not gonna reinforce any dangerous thought patterns or unhealthy mental states, I'm sure!

Longest streak between deaths has been just shy of 4 years. All but one of them has been his own dang fault. He is fully aware of this, but in a deeper sense, he is entirely unaware of this.

Always cared more about others than himself. This got infinitely worse when he realized he could die without consequences (supposedly).

Animals hate him! and no that is not just the start of a clickbait article. Every animal he's met since getting immortal'd has tried to put him back in the ground. He used to be a cat person, though.

Chronically friendless and self-isolated. People don't handle the dead guy coming back to life very well, and he's gotten more than one witness in life-ruining trouble by reviving in front of them. He finds it easier to just stay away from people on all but a surface level. (Again, I can't imagine that's going to cause problems down the line....)

Travels like an overripe peach, which is to say he is the King of Motion Sickness

Repeated resurrection has turned the man into a caloric dumpster. Over the course of a day and a half he consumes ~30 chicken nuggets, four burgers, a large fry, a medium bag of chips, a popsicle, and half a cup of ice and he's still desperately hungry.

Flip flops between annoying little brother energy and annoyed big brother energy depending on who he's arguing with at the time.

Wants: Everyone and Everything to leave him tf alone (also a shower)

Needs: One good reason to live and way fewer reasons to get himself killed

Immediate goals: Keep his only friends from getting dragged down with him and all his issues

Long term goals: None, and that's rather the point (not that this is a recurring theme in my characters or anything....)

Character arc can best be described as: that quote that's like "Dying is easy, living is hard;" the shift from hope, caring, and love as passive traits to hope, caring, and love as active choices worth making

Favorite things about writing him

The Catharsis. There's a reason so many of my OCs end up with mental illnesses and unhealthy patterns of thought. Ethan is just the most explicit of these self-inserts.

The snarcasm and humor were both challenging and so fun. I'm not a witty person by nature, so it took a bit of perspective shift to get right. I think I got better a dialogue overall by writing him.

He's a very internal and thought-ful person, and it was an interesting balance to write. He always thinks more than he says and feels more than he thinks.

Not to toot my own horn, but his third act breakdown and "Oh Sh*t" moment were a delight to write and some of my strongest writing moments.

His voice is very informal and sarcastic, and it was fun to write genuine horror in a goofball, this-might-as-well-happen sort of way.

[madtomedgar]

Books Read in July:

All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism: I had tried to read this book and bounced off it a few times for personal reasons that had nothing to do with the content of the book, because someone who knew I was getting annoyed about being treated like the Disabled Person who Talked About Disability Things because I was Disabled gave it to me because we'd recently had a conversation about my Autism situation, and it was in a gift-giving situation where the other people getting presents got like. Books about skills and history and other intellectual stuff, and I got. The Disabled Book about Disability for the Disabled Person. Which turned me off of it for a while. I also have mild personal beef with one of the editors. I'm glad I finally made myself read it. There are a couple of good essays in it. Unfortunately, like all anthologies, it's very hit or miss, and this one, sadly, was more miss for me. Part of it, I think, is that the vast majority of the essays focused on the contributors' bad experiences growing up and in school with social alienation and peer and adult harassment. There's definitely a time and a place for these kinds of narratives! It's important to shine a light on the unique experiences that autistic children of color have, and the unique struggles they face. However, a lot of these essays felt more like I was reading someone's therapy journal or tumblr post than like. An essay in a published anthology, and, because the focus was so heavy on the growing up/school experience, I felt like I didn't get any real sense of the lives, joys, struggles, frustrations, etc of Autistic adults of color, beyond the few who talked about being mothers of also-autistic children. And personally, I'm so tired of all the focus being on the pre-22 experience and existence! Also, I understand the logic behind the like... everyone welcome, come as you are approach that a lot of disability justice types have adopted in terms of contributions for published works and public shows, but I disagree with it. I think the lack of editorial eye, rigor, and curation makes us look childish, sloppy, and less-than, and in doing so creates a shanda fur di goyim. And like. Idk. Maybe that's reactionary of me? But the other Autism anthology I've read, Loud Hands, had, I thought, a wonderful balance between scholarly articles, very well written personal essays, more lay confessional type things, and pieces that wouldn't be considered for other types of publications, but nevertheless in context were moving, insightful, and delightful. Like I said, there were a couple good essays, and I think if I'd read it when I was a good deal younger I would have gotten more out of it, but overall, not the book I was hoping for.

Hagseed, Margaret Atwood: A very fun book! The narrative voice was just the right side of cynically arch. It's maybe the first like. "Non-Theater People (or self-conscious theater-people) Write About Theater" book that I didn't feel was making fun of theater and like. Grotesquely exaggerating things on purpose to make theater look ridiculous. It captured the puffed-up silly self-importance of Serious Theater Types while also understanding that they really are brilliant artists, and that brilliant artistry sometimes means doing out-there things that don't always pan out. So that was nice. I thought it worked very well as a story based on the Tempest. My only criticisms are that, at times, I thought the commitment of sticking to the plot of Tempest hemmed it in a little, and that, while I know she said she did a lot of research, I question Atwood's cynicism and assumptions around the inmates' condoning of Caliban's attempted rape of Miranda. In my experience with an admittedly narrow subset of the types of guys who wind up in minimum and medium security prisons, there's a Type who is very attached to a like. Working-class chivalry that justifies his particular brand of misogyny by vocally condemning things like violent rape and wife-beating. So that rang, as I said, a little cynical. Otherwise, incredibly fun read.

Memorial, Bryan Washington: Not a bad book, and I'd be interested to read his short stories, but not for me. I thought he very effectively captured an inured depression that thinks of itself as merely clear-eyed incredibly well. I loved the way Houston felt like a character in its own right. I thought it was an unsentimental and quietly heartbreaking portrait of what happens in the aftermath of a family breaking apart, and of a kind of cold, cynical, detached mode of pre-emptively cutting oneself off from emotions, experiences, and connections that can develop in environments that alternate between cold repression and explosive violence. I also thought it did a good job of portraying a couple who are mostly together anymore out of habit and fear of abandonment/loneliness/being unmoored, but who have different levels of understanding around this, and I liked the way it ended for Mike and Ben. That felt organic, earned, and satisfyingly unresolved. What didn't work for me was the extreme sparseness of the prose. The author avoided adverbs, adjectives, and interiority to an extent that I found disorienting and confusing. Reading the conversations between characters in person felt no different than reading their conversations over text. Because of this, I found it hard to understand the reactions they had to each other. I would be reading a conversaton as closed and hostile, and then everyone would start laughing companionably, or I'd think the conversation was a happy, kind of joking one, and then someone burst into rage or tears. It was kind of like when I meet a new person and haven't developed a baseline for their body language, moods, facial expressions, tones, etc, and so I am never quite sure what they're feeling in a conversation, but taken to such an extreme. I found this style compelling in Yiyun Li's Where Reasons End because of the conceit of that book, but it didn't work for me in this one. Often there would be a conversation of "he said '[neutral sounding] words,' i said '[neutral sounding] words.' we both understood that what we'd said was a step too far. i left to get away from that nastiness." And like. I don't get what happened! Maybe I am stupid, maybe Houston-southern is like. More advanced than Western NC or Eastern VA southern. But it was like they were speaking in a code I didn't have the information to crack. I don't think that makes the book bad, but it does make it not for me.

My Journey to Appalachia: A Year at the Folk School, Ellie Lambert Wilson: So I am not reviewing this like usual because my reason for reading this is I know Ellie Wilson. I would go to singing and dancing nights at the Folk School as a little kid. It was kind of cool getting to read the history of where I grew up and people I know, or people I know's grandparents. Is it like. A great memoir with wonderful insight into the Human Condition? Absolutely not. But I did enjoy seeing old pictures of Keith House and reading about the great-aunt of the neighbor I got a Beagle puppy from when I was a kid.

Eileen, Otessa Moshfegh: I love that there now exists a corollary of Dostoyevsky's Underground Man but this time it's a nasty little rat girl. A lot of the narrator's neuroses around her body were pretty familiar to me, as were her neuroses around the conviction that she was Uniquely Evil when she was just like. Depressed, miserable, and undernourished, and outwardly was just a vaguely off-putting but perfectly normal and straight-laced person. I loved the twists. I loved the way the author blended repulsion with sympathy, for the main character, for her horrible alcoholic father, and for the mother of the juvenile inmate. I wouldn't say I enjoyed how gross the book was, but I did appreciate it, especially the way the narrator's repulsion and obsession with sex led to her describing all body functions and all little indignities of the flesh in this half-grotesque, quasi-erotic way. I very much enjoyed this book but it is very much not for everyone.

The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood: Frustrating. The poetry and more experimental or theatrical prose sections dealing with the 12 maids hanged by Odysseus and Telemachus were fantastic. However, the Penelope sections were not my cup of tea. I find her decision to use the conceit of Penelope telling this story from Hades after having been dead for a couple thousand years, as a way to allow her a narrative voice most comparable to an embittered, cynical, middle aged, upper-middle-class suburban wife who didn't divorce her cheating husband but really should have, boring and lazy. I don't think we gain anything by remaking Penelope in Carmela Soprano's image. I also didn't appreciate how the author used this conceit to make Penelope relatably cynical and arch about things from ancient sources that modern readers find slightly ridiculous, like the feasting and the focus on material treasure. I found the choice to imply that the adventures described in the Odyssey were fish stories, and a convenient cover for the wayward husband whoring and drinking his way across the Aegean, obnoxious. I tend to find people who pick some atrocity out of the corner of a well-worn myth or legend and demand that it be given its due, not glossed or excused or swept aside to focus on "important" things, compelling and interesting. So I very much liked her doing that with the 12 hanged maids, a footnote, and an atrocity. I don't care for it when people try to make a mythical or legendary woman "more" "interesting" by deciding that she "must" have "secretly" had "something more" going on. And in this case I found that drive on the author's part to be in unproductive tension with the demands that the maids be acknowledged as full human beings with just as much right to exist and speak as Odysseus, and therefore just as necessary to mourn.

Company of Moths, Michael Palmer: I loved it, but I have nothing intelligent to say about it. Wish I was better at reading poetry, though.

[bakerstreetbabble]

Granada TV Series Review: "The Sign of Four"

Finally, here it is! My review of the 1987 Granada TV adaptation of The Sign of Four...enjoy!

First of all, one could give this installment in the series a two-word review: mostly faithful. That is, the adaptation follows very closely all the main plot points of its source material, with a few little tweaks here and there. I shall mention some of the most obvious changes as I go along. It may be best to begin with the title: Arthur Conan Doyle's novella was originally published in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine as The Sign of the Four (1890), but many subsequent editions omitted the second definite article and were released as The Sign of Four. Granada chose to go with the latter. In the novella, of course, Jonathan Small's calling card reads, "the sign of the four." 

As I said, the adaptation is nothing if not faithful to its source. This can be a bit problematic, as it means the last twenty minutes or so of the film are told in flashback by Jonathan Small, which strikes me as a bit anticlimactic for the flow of the story. However, if one were to place the past events told in flashback at the beginning of the film, one would be faced with a Sherlock Holmes story in which the detective doesn't show up until well into the story. Either way, it's a difficult problem for the writers. Overall, I think they did a very good job, despite some of the inherent problem of somewhat slow pacing.

Jeremy Brett is in excellent form throughout the film, despite the fact that he was beginning to struggle with his bipolar disorder around this same time. Perhaps this explains the unusual decision towards the beginning of the film, in which Holmes displays some rather unusual behavior as Mary Morstan tells her story. He complains of the messiness of the flat at 221B and begins to brush lint from his suit as she talks. His reaction ends up coming off as boorish and eccentric. Holmes in the book shows no such odd behavior. Still, Brett is mostly excellent in the adaptation, and Edward Hardwicke had clearly become quite comfortable in the role by this time, so the chemistry between Holmes and Watson works quite well.

I'm afraid Jenny Seagrove's portrayal of Mary Morstan struck me as a bit bland and uninteresting. I was at a loss to understand exactly why Watson seemed so charmed by her (apart from the fact that it's a fairly major subplot point in the book). She's adequate in the role, but I found her quite unimpressive. In contrast, I thought Ronald Lacey (better known as the creepy Toht in Raiders of the Lost Ark) was delightful as Thaddeus and Bartholomew Sholto. He's eccentric, funny, and just a bit unsettling at times. Really, an almost perfect portrayal of the unusual character. Emrys James as Inspector Athelney Jones was also quite entertaining, serving as a pompous, comical foil to Holmes's far more intelligent investigation. Brett and James do a fabulous job in the scene in which Jones is presenting his theory of the murder of Bartholomew Sholto, with Holmes wryly responding, "On which the dead man very considerately got up and locked the door on the inside." (A marvelous line, straight from the original novella.)

As often happens in some of the Granada adaptations, the director makes several unusual visual choices, displaying a fondness for shots that show Holmes in mirrors or shots that are obscured by objects in the foreground. A few of those choices work fairly well, though. A couple that I thought were interesting: shortly after Holmes climbs down from the roof of Pondicherry Lodge, there's a brief segment of dialogue in which the camera focuses on the characters' shadows on the brick wall; a particularly effective shot is when Holmes is reading about "the aborigines of the Andaman Islands," and the camera slowly zooms in on him as he smokes, surrounded by stacks of books. Less successful were several shots during the river chase scene, where the view of the steamboats was obscured by various objects in the foreground. Very odd.

Of course, what would a Sherlock Holmes adaptation be without at least one scene where Holmes remains in disguise just to mess with Watson? Jeremy Brett always seemed to take a special delight in such scenes, as displayed in this film, when he shows up at 221B dressed as an old mariner and completely fools both Watson and Inspector Jones. It does require a bit of suspension of disbelief to accept that neither man would see through such an obvious disguise. Still, it's quite entertaining.

One unpleasant detail that I can't help finding cringe-inducing is, of course, the portrayal of Tonga. There's really no way to get around the inherent racism of Doyle's portrayal of other races, which was not at all unusual for the late 19th century English culture. But it is particularly uncomfortable in this day and age to see the obvious blackface makeup applied to actor Kiran Shah, who would later do quite notable work in The Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. And the prosthetic teeth are just badly done. It also doesn't help that, right towards the end of the film, we're given a really tacky shot of Tonga sinking into the Thames as gold coins splash around him (another Jonathan Small flashback, telling how he disposed of the Agra treasure).

A good decision made by the writers was the decision to move the revelation of the empty treasure box to occur after Jonathan Small's story has been told. I've always been confused by Doyle's decision to have that moment (as well as Watson's profession of love to Mary) happen before Small is allowed to recount his entire story. I still find myself wondering, however, how no one who lugged that treasure chest all the way across town (to Mary's employer's house in the book, and to 221B in the film) could tell that it was empty! I imagine many viewers have been disappointed that Watson's declaration of love and his subsequent proposal to Mary have been omitted. I can only guess that the writers for the Granada series were not interested in having Mary become a recurring character, and that they preferred to keep Watson and Holmes a couple of bachelors. Thus, we are only given a few longing looks from Watson as Mary goes her merry way. (See what I did there?)

I mustn't forget one of the most enjoyable moments in the film: the appearance of the famous Baker Street Irregulars. Although these little ragamuffins don't appear all that often in the canon, they certainly have earned the affection of Sherlock Holmes fans that probably ranks right up there with Sherlockians' fascination with Irene Adler (another fairly minor character who has achieved great fame). The scene where the Irregulars arrive at 221B, much to Mrs. Hudson's consternation, is done perfectly, and Jeremy Brett seems to be having a lot of fun at this point.

I have to say, overall, I enjoyed this particular adaptation of The Sign of Four. I found it engaging, despite just a bit of slow pacing here and there. Faithful to its source material, the film is a credit to its production team and cast. Brett and Hardwicke were quite comfortable in their roles, and the level of production value was still quite high at this point in the Granada series. As their first attempt at more long-form storytelling, it seems to have been a success, one that was not repeated with their adaptation of the most popular Holmes tale, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Ah, but that's a story for another time...

[catchycourtfoods]

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[iantimony]

this week we tuesdayposting

i havent the past 2 weeks because of Busy but ill tuesdaypost today and maybe return to shabbosposting this weekend..we'll see...gonna put a Hold on the delights for now though and replace with general wildcard Update Section

listening: my bf is into citypop/early jpop and he has some very chill playlists and he put this song on for me the other day, plus also been diving back into my old liked songs

reading: wikipedia articles, specifically bouncing around from puyi (last emperor of china) as a starting point, what a fuckwild period of history

watching: nothing but i want to start white lotus tonight :eyes:

playing: my partner got me nier: automata for switch as a holiday gift so i started playing that and i am SO bad at video games goddamn but i want to get the story so i'm looking forward to getting more into that!

making: nothing this week beyond working on quantumshawl snzzz

BONUS: no longer doing what delights have i experienced, instead just miscellaneous stuff that i think deserves mentioning (walking around, exercise, hangouts, special food...)

before coming back to school i spent a day in NYC with my mom and we had mediterranean-style food at a cafe that was SO good, ive never had such good tomato soup and falafel. 10/10. (it's called bite and it's on west 22nd and 6th ave if people are interested)

we went on a nice lil stroll and ended up at a sculpture and adjacent-art supply store which was super super cool

pics from art supply store, from least to Most cursed:

im also counting my workout efforts as walking around. im gonna get so buff. muscles that i didn't even know existed are sore.

the bf stayed with me for a week which was so nice. he made kimchi soup and it is so healing, and he made gyudon twice...he cooked dinner a lot now that im thinking about it oops. he also drank an entire gallon of milk and ate two dozen eggs while he was here. egg boy (affectionate)

start of the semester overall going well though. fingers crossed it keeps being good :)

[sonic-adventure-3]

i’ve now finished playing riders zero gravity’s story mode! insane how zg took me all of 2 sessions to beat, one per story, maybe 5 hours total within a week or so? yet riders took me at least 8 sessions, over 25 hours, across just about 4 months.

opinions under the cut

overall i think i like riders more than zero gravity, in that i like it’s complex mechanics and the euphoria of finally clearing a story race was unmatched by anything in zero gravity. however, in everything but mechanics and challenge i think zero gravity is the better game. it’s a not an excruciating experience since the story races are way more forgiving, there’s actually a tutorial, the plot is more interesting, the voice acting is better, there’s more interesting non-story content (from what i’ve seen), the gear parts mechanic it adds is really interesting, silver and blaze are unlockable characters, the gear in the shop add genuinely really interesting ways to play the game, and the graphics are better. i said interesting way too many times there but anyway zero gravity is really quite good! but i think i like riders better. the air mechanics, the trick system, the malleable and useful drift and dash… it’s just. more satisfying; meatier.

i think the stage design in zero gravity is better overall, however it’s soured again by it’s mechanics. the gravity dive and gravity control kill your momentum for a few seconds which make them feel like ass to use, and despite the speed, power, and fly shortcuts being for the most part de-janked, the wall ride shortcuts add a new layer of jank. gravity control just does not work at times. the stages are a bit longer by about 30 seconds on average a far as i can tell, but since the gravity dive and gravity control are so situational and contained to a small few sections, there just feels like there’s more places where there’s absolutely nothing to do. the stages are less jank overall which is nice—though fuck snow kingdom or whatever the fuck it’s called that stage fucking sucks—and 80s/90s boulevard are absolutely delightful.

i really quite like the whole y2k-esque visual design zero gravity has going on. meteor city or whats-it-called looks dope as hell the tube roads are cool. i also quite like the redesigned gear but also fuck all the new gear types i hate the fucking air rides and wheels and fucking yachts. why do they exist at all. boards and skates and bikes make sense, those are all extreme sports, and though i don’t like them out of principle i can understand the ethos of air rides, but yachts? wheels? come on. they look lame. also screaming crying how they diminished skate type gear even MORE. there’s an ungodly amount of gear in the game and maybe 5 are skate type. SHADOW DOESNT EVEN HAVE SKATES AS HIS DEFAULT GEAR WHATS THE FUCKING POINT. also on the sonic fandom wiki article for extreme gear it says skate type gear appears to be based on roller skates and it links to the wikipedia article for roller skates. but they’re inline skates. they’re fully inline skates. they’re aggressive inline skates. yknow. the same extreme sport that inspired shadow’s normal shoes. INSPIRED SOAP SHOES. SA2 WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT INLINE SKATING—

i need to cause immense amounts of property damage right this fucking second.

anyway. zero gravity is fun and good. but i like riders a little more. i really wish the riders series got another entry that blended the gear part mechanics, the stage design, and the qol stuff of zero gravity with the air and trick mechanics of riders. too bad sonic free riders exists instead of that :| like hell i wanna play fucking free riders. goddamn.

[certainstarlightstarlight]

The Real Cost of CoolSculpting in Midland, TX

Introduction

Are you bored with managing stubborn fat that just shouldn't seem to be to move away in spite of how a lot you practice or food plan? If so, CoolSculpting should be would becould very well be the answer you could have been hunting for. This non-invasive manner has received reputation in latest https://americanlasermedspa.com/old-midland/ years as a reliable and robust approach to do away with unwanted fats cells with out surgical operation. But what's the real price of CoolSculpting in Midland, TX? In this article, we will be able to discover the whole lot you need to realize approximately the expense, blessings, and outcomes of CoolSculpting in Midland, TX.

The Real Cost of CoolSculpting in Midland, TX: Understanding the Pricing

When all for any cosmetic technique, charge is normally an awesome point to take into account. The rate of CoolSculpting can fluctuate depending on various factors along with the healing enviornment and the variety of sessions required. On overall, the cost of a single CoolSculpting session in Midland, TX degrees from $six hundred to $1,000. However, it can be fantastic to notice that multiple periods may well be quintessential to gain your desired results.

Factors Affecting the Cost of CoolSculpting Treatment Area

The length and situation of the healing neighborhood can considerably impression the fee of your CoolSculpting process. Smaller spaces reminiscent of the chin or higher arms can even require fewer applicators and for that reason have a minimize fee in contrast to greater areas like the stomach or thighs.

Number of Sessions

The number of periods needed to attain optimal outcomes can even impression the entire settlement. Some humans may also most effective require one session at the same time others may also need a number of sessions spaced numerous weeks aside.

Clinic Location

The place of the sanatorium where you receive your CoolSculpting therapy could also outcome the money. Procedures performed in main towns or spaces with a greater fee of living can be more steeply-priced compared to these completed in smaller towns or rural areas.

CoolSculpting Near Me: Finding a Provider in Midland, TX

When when you consider that CoolSculpting, it really is tremendous to discover a legit company in Midland, TX. Here are a few steps that you may take to find a qualified CoolSculpting medical institution near you:

Research on-line: Start by way of seek "CoolSculpting companies in Midland, TX" on everyday serps. Look for clinics which have victorious reviews and scores from outdated clients.

Read opinions: Take the time to study reports from different persons who've gone through CoolSculpting options on the clinics you're fascinated about. This will offer you an idea of the total affected person delight and the quality of results.

Schedule consultations: Once you've got you have got narrowed down your alternatives, time table consultations with each one hospital to talk about your dreams and expectations. This will also offer you an possibility to invite questions on pricing and financing possibilities.

Consider certifications and qualifications: Make sure that the sanatorium you decide on has qualified CoolSculpting prone who have passed through right coaching and have event performing the manner.

CoolSculpting Cost: Is it Worth It?

Now that we have coate

[love-karens-style]

School of Style – Preppy Princess: 3 Fast Facts

(source: © pintrest.com)

“If you want a man to notice you, just wear red lipstick.” –Monica Bellucci

1. Lipstick Love – Ladies, I’d like to open this article, if I may, by talking about the model’s fantastic and feminine red lip colour. The Red Lip, as well as pulling the model’s look together, is also both ‘girlie’ and ‘glamorous,’ in my view. In addition ladies, it is definitely delightful to see that the model’s eyes have been kept subtle and simple, as you may have noticed. In the beauty industry, it is often advised that you should aim to choose one feature to emphasise: either the eyes or the lips, when it comes to everyday make-up application. Therefore ladies, I’m grateful to see that the model’s lip colour, is the ‘standalone’ facial feature in this frame. In her book, Ooh La La! Perfect Makeup, Susie Galvez rightfully reminded me that, “Lipstick has the power to transform our faces.” Ladies, please do always remember to check for lipstick on your teeth, especially red lipstick, before you leave the house.

2. Black Beret – In second place ladies, The Beret, which has historically been associated with French chic, adds fun and flair to the model’s overall outfit, in my opinion. Not only that ladies, but hats are a wonderful winter warmer, as you already know. Ladies, I’m sure that you are also aware, that hats are also cool for concealing a ‘Bad Hair Day.’ In her book, 1001 Little Ways to Look Younger: Anti-Ageing Tactics and Treatments for Lifelong Beauty, Emma Baxter-Wright superbly suggested that “If your roots are showing a little too much or your hair is lifeless and flat, or you simply haven’t had time to look after it properly, solve the problem by donning a stylish hat.” Ladies, I also absolutely appreciate the fact that The Black Beret, ties in with the model’s Houndstooth (also known as Dogstooth) high-waisted mini skirt, so that The Black Beret does not look ‘random.’

3. Winning Watch – To close and conclude ladies, I am confident that you may have noticed that there is quite a lot to talk about, with the model’s outfit. Her amazing attire, is indeed interesting, from my personal perspective. Therefore, it gives me great joy to share with you, that the model’s only real visible jewellery, is a watch on her right wrist. Based on my experience, excess jewellery is not always necessary, unless you’re wearing a neutral colour(s), such as black. The Red Coat is a sophisticated style statement in itself, without the need for additional jewellery, to ‘cramp her style.’ Because, as Coco Chanel once said, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

Love, KF X                                                                                            

Happy to help: karensworldofstyle@live.co.uk or karens_style on X (Twitter)

This article was researched, written, edited, produced & published by Karen, on 4th September 2024