#and in a lot of ways they did! and that was awesome and innovative but at the same time

[mobiused]

life imitates art anon and yeah you're absolutely correct about respecting the girls as real people sorry i didn't want to make the original ask super wordy so i didnt clarify that i meant like it's interesting/heartbreaking that their storyline as a commentary on the industry is proving to be so true. like in a way it almost sours the story, even tho i know it wasn't the girls writing it its just like. damn they did all that and it changed nothing in the end. even all along as theyre preforming this commentary on the industry in the bg the very company producing it is treating them in the exact same devious way. At the end of the day i am manifesting wins for the real life girls and maybe the fictional story of loona deserved to be killed anyways

If you want to read it one way, there is something depressing about how LOONA in real life weren't able to be the exception in the industry and ""save themselves"" as it were, despite being equipped with the knowledge of stuff like agency and freedom. But of course they were never going to. I think a lot of times people expect that "intelligent" women, especially ones whose bodies of work discuss feminism and independence, should be able to magically uninvolve themselves from misogynistic restrictions because well, "You're a smart girl, you should know better." But they don't and they can't, because that's the whole point of industry grooming. It is straight up cult like and no matter what themes are brought up in their work or how beautifully empowering the narrative was at times, nothing about the narrative could have ever helped the girls in real life. Which is sad. The only way to win the game is by not playing, and then I feel sad that they ever did.

The other way to look at it is how brilliant such an unresolved conclusion to their narrative this is. What better way to have a story about breaking free from convention and "getting off the track" than to have it end unfinished, in an entirely unsatisfying and UNCONSUMEABLE way, that leads to the members achieving their freedom and agency in real life. Nobody gets to profit off their story anymore. Isn't that actually really profound?

[knightotoc]

Just finished IWTV book, so now I can say the differences between the book, movie, and show. The movie is quite accurate to the book, while the show is more original. I love them all quite a lot, but I think the show is my favorite since it's the most romantic. Long post with spoilers below the cut.

book:

The depth of Louis' interiority, especially his thoughts about religion, can only be found in the book. I am also ex-Catholic so this is high-key my shit. Especially knowing Anne Rice went back and forth later in life. I can relate. Louis wants to talk about his feelings with other vampires, but Lestat and Claudia aren't interested, which is the main reason Louis is attracted to Armand. Where is the Brideshead Revisited crossover?? Louis get in a bisexual love triangle with the Flytes for me🙏

I learned in the Matt Baume video on Anne Rice that she wrote IWTV while grieving her daughter, who died of leukemia just before her sixth birthday. This feeling of grief, reflected so clearly in Claudia, is the most moving and unique aspect of the book, far more than anything between the adult characters.

One reason this feeling is watered-down in both adaptations is that in the book, Claudia is only 5/6, the age of Anne's real daughter. In the movie she is 10 and in the show 14. Of course it would be impossible to find a 6 year old actress who could act with the maturity of an 80-year-old woman. But the character is even more pitiful and bizarre as a little child than as one nearing puberty.

In the book, Lestat is shown to have survived the murder attempt pretty early on, and he keeps jump-scaring Louis and Claudia on their adventures. I prefer the movie's version where they hold off on this reveal. Though of course I always love to see him, lol

In the book, I got the impression that Lestat and Louis are both bi, but Lestat prefers men and Louis prefers women. Still, their motivations aren't driven by sexuality in a straightforward way. For example, Lestat's ideal prey is a young man, because he loves to destroy their potential. Louis feels something like love for a few women characters, because he feels empathy for their misfortunes.

The adaptations soften/change Louis' status as a slave-owner; in the movie, he frees his slaves, and in the book he just flees. As much as Louis is a soft-hearted quasi-feminist, defined by his guilt and regret, he is still racist and close-minded in most ways. This seems realistic to me.

I did think it was interesting and cool that the enslaved people can tell Louis and Lestat aren't human, while the other plantation owners and even Lestat's dad have no idea. But we don't get their perspective, just Louis' racist assumptions.

Yeah in the book Lestat has a dad! It is rather confusing since Lestat explains nothing, but it creates some great melodrama. I guess I have to read the next one and hope for a backstory reveal.

Fun spooky detour into Eastern Europe! I hope the show goes there in season 2.

Louis and Armand's discussions are really cool. I especially loved Louis' monologues after Claudia's death. There wasn't room for these discussions in the movie, but I feel like it'll be a main focus in season 2 of the show.

movie:

Like I said, the movie is impressively accurate, and a beautiful work of art on its own. The best innovation is holding off on the Lestat reveal until almost the very end. This makes it look like their murder attempt really did a number on him, and it took decades and decades of rat-eating to even drag himself out of the swamp. I like that.

The movie also has a more exciting and ridiculous ending, in which Lestat attacks the reporter in his car and drives away to Guns N' Roses. The book ends with the reporter hurrying off to find Lestat himself. It's funnier and more awesome if Lestat is the one driving the plot and the car. Pleased to meet you :D

"How avant-garde." Best line in the movie, and it's not from the book!

Since the movie cut out most of the minor characters, there isn't as much evidence for Louis' bisexuality. Louis seems more like, gay but closeted. And Lestat seems more like, gay but misogynist, so he'll prey on women just for sport lol.

I'm a Fight Club guy so I love that this is, like, a reverse companion movie (this time, Brad Pitt is the pushover in a dangerous gay duo)

show:

This is the only version that is clearly gay. But this dynamic is the same: Louis wants to talk about things, and Lestat does not. In this case, the focus of these discussions is not vampirism or religion but their relationship. Louis points out that he is gay and Lestat is bi. Perhaps it's just because I saw this version first, but this is my favorite version of their sexualities. The show simply spends more time with this dynamic, and how it affects everything, including their interracial relationship and openness in society.

In the book, Lestat is a talented but soulless musician. He can play anything, but without heart. In the show, music is Lestat's one genuine connection to humanity (even if this connection just leads him to kill musicians who don't impress him). I believe later books go more into Lestat as a musician, so I'll have more thoughts on this later.

Since the reporter is cynical, old, and dying, this creates a much more compelling conversation within the framing device. He holds Louis to task with a forcefulness that rivals Lestat. It is a clever way of modernizing the story, since Daniel references their last interview in the 70s (when the book was published), and you are meant to wonder which version is more truthful.

Since Claudia is 14, she can pass as an adult, and she is able to go on her own rather disastrous adventure. It is exciting, terrifying, and sad, and a welcome addition for this character, though it is much different than the book's helpless, heartless Claudia.

The Catholicism in the show is flashier, but not as interesting as the book. For example, in the book, Louis is haunted not just by Paul's death, but Louis' failure to meet Paul's faith-driven monetary demands. In the show, Paul's ideas seem like more of an annoyance. Maybe there will be more religious doubt in season 2, but I don't really expect it.

In the book, it seems like Louis and Claudia throw Lestat in the swamp since it's faster and more thorough than fire. In the show, the oven they use is a major plot point, and Louis can't bear to put Lestat's body in it because he still loves him. Instead they throw Lestat in the trash, which is one of my favorite tropes (see: Maul in The Clone Wars, Soldier 1998). This is just one of the many ways the show complicates and deepens Louis and Lestat's bond.

I feel like the show is more believable and has more deepness in general, since it's a smart retrospective on an old franchise and a response to decades of vampire fun in pop culture. For example, in the show Louis has volunteer humans to feast upon, and it's very "safe, sane, and consensual," versus the universally predatory relationships in the book and movie. Because we all know now that if vampires were real, and they were hot and rich, they could get all the blood they want without hurting anyone. An ethical vampire like Louis isn't impossible anymore. Compared to other billionaires, he's a pretty decent guy.

So, I'd say the book has the most profound perspective on grief, the movie has better structure, and the show has the most complex romance.

[trrickytickle]

The Best Medicine

A/N: this One Piece tickle fic was actually inspired by the awesome likes of @looking-for-laughs, who writes a LOT of great ff (underated) and her lee!chopper love HEHEHEH. u can see my applause and salute for her in my posts (she even inspired me to stop shitposting HEH. but liek idk i jsut had that dawg in me to write tk fic)

Being part human, part reindeer- and shunned by both, Chopper isn't familiar with a lot of human concepts. However, he has Hiriluk, his mentor, to guide him... basically, he learns what tickling is.

“Hey! H-HEY!! Don’t go! I’m r-really sorry!”

The pleads of the old quack Dr Hiriluk were accompanied by uproarious laughter and shuffles of the Drum Island snow. His latest unwilling “patient” had ingested a (very, very, very, very, very) experimental instantaneous hypothermia relief cure, keeling over like he had been hit by a gas attack- however this time, strained chuckles were being forced out of his throat. Running from his patient, Hiriluk dashed past the ailing town into the small stump, free from sickness of the king’s heart, in the depths of the outskirts of Drum, where he had resided in to continue his illicit passion. The rattling of the tinctures in his briefcase came to a halt as he stopped at the humble front door, and with a small creak and the squishy stomp of half-human hooves, it opened.

“Welcome back, Doctor.” greeted Chopper, the plaster on his injuries coming apart- most of which around his waist and torso had been removed as they healed. The old man inched closer to him, adjusting the gauze as he rambled.

“My patient ran away, I’m telling you! He ran!! I swear- one second ago I was hearing him laugh, and the other, I thought he’d have ran up the Drum Rockies with how far he went!”

”What do you MEAN, “again”, blue nose!?” Hiriluk scolded, Chopper scowling and flailing in response.

”Again?” replied the reindeer, only to be greeted with a clobber to the head.

”Don’t call me blue nose!”

The two almost broke out into fisticuffs, but their good consciences made the fighting stopped at an abrupt halt. Catching his breath, Hiriluk continued rambling frustratedly, pacing across the lignen floors.

”See, Chopper- I was so sure of it! The serum was meant to increase body temperature!” he explained, while continuing to tend to the reindeer’s injuries. “I thought it’d fix his hypothermia, b-but it ended up tickling him! I was so sure…”

The reindeer’s ears perked up at the sound of the new word. Some human thing, he thought…

But what was it- this… tickling?

”What’s that?” Chopper tilted his head- with a genuine, inquisitive curiosity, looking up at Hiriluk.

"What?"

"What's "tickling"?" he asked. The question was innocuous- but the old quack squinted, furrowing his brow and pacing, struggling to find words. There were mutters and murmurs of "erm" and "um", the explanation being on the tip of his tongue but not coming out of his mouth. Hiriluk had a way with words- often to motivate and innovate, but even he, a great doctor in Chopper's eyes, was stumped- but not for long.

"It's a funny feeling." He stated. "But it's also strange… It's so funny that you'll laugh to your heart's content, but it feels… indescribable."

"Indescribable?"

"So you're not describing anything." replied Chopper.

"I can't just explain it to you." Hiriluk shrugged. "I'd describe it as indescribable."

The old man was taken aback, a stutter in his voice. "Let me show you." Chopper nodded, as he sat down, scooping the reindeer in his lap and apprehensively traced at his coat. "I'll try my best to be careful around your wou-"

Immediately, he started to giggle lightly, twitching with each trace and stifling it with a smile. It was funny- not in a humorous sense, but strange, certainly- but why was he laughing? Why did he want to laugh?

"It's strange! It's really strange!" Chopper pleaded at the bony, clumsy hands of his mentor, twisting around, to which Hiriluk gave a concerned look.

"Try not to make your bandages come apart, Chopper. Your wounds will show."

"B-ahaha-But it feels really strange!" he shrilled, kicking his legs as spritely laughter burst out as clumsy fingers tried to be careful aroundd the plaster covering the deep scrapes of determination. Hiriluk smiled, delighting in scratching lightly at Chopper's fluffy midsection, before stopping to face him.

"You're ticklish. That's why it's strange."

Chopper patted the sensitive area, catching his breath. "Are all humans like this?"

"Most." Hiriluk explained. "Or so they say. Everyone's weak somewhere. Even when someone says they aren't, they probably are. It can be on the tips of their ears-" he said, grazing the area (which only turned out to be bothersome) "or the back of their knees-" which he scratched at, causing Chopper's hoof to flail in recoil- "but there are exceptions. And you're not one of them." The doctor continued, tracing, poking, swirling one finger around different areas- those typical for a tickly feeling to take shape. The fur on the bottom of his front and back hooves was particularly sensitive, causing the reindeer's hidden laughter to spill out.

"Ahaha-ha-HA! Th-thihis… hehe-HAHA!"

"It tickles, doesn't it?" Hiriluk replied.

"Yeah! -hah- Yeah, that!"

"It tickles! It's tickling- you're tickling!" Chopper minced the sentence, yet still meaning his plead. Hiriluk smiled, stopping his less gentle approach when he realised the reindeer's erratic movements were hindering the healing of his injury- an injury he had deeply tended to. However, in this moment, the injury in his heart was quelled.

The incentive caused him to be slightly more inquisitive, yet still cautious of Chopper, who was squealing and kicking at every light fiddle of fingers under his fluffy chin- unusually weak- and tweak of bony hands at his sides, which made him shriek, and the skittering of digits under his knees- feeling, but not knowing. He'd stopped asking questions. Quackery, the reindeer called it. This was magic. A strange, tingly, funny, feely, magic.

"It does, doesn't it?" Hiriluk replied, smiling while switching back to the gentle grazes and cautious concern. "Well, you know what they say, laughter is the best medicine."

"Wow..." Chopper exclaimed. "That was funny... and fun!"

Chopper's laughter went up several octaves- so high that it went silent, and that was the quack doctor's cue to stop. Allowing his apprentice to catch his breath, he set him down.

Uproarious and anguished, almost suffocated laughter could be heard from who Hiriluk recognized as a previous patient.

"Not for him." he said...

...then immediately after, a metaphorical lightbulb appeared over Hiriluk's head, as he dramatically proclaimed-

Chopper couldn't help but agree a little- it was admittedly quite enjoyable.

"Laughter... medicine..." He put his finger up, pointing with the passion of a pirate. "This could be a remedy for the kingdom... Yes! Yes, it can!"

/////////

Chopper rolled around on the deck of the Going Merry, Luffy and Usopp noodling pathetically beside him.

"HA-hahaha-ha HA! Don't tickle me! Robin, you bastard! Idiot!" the reindeer laughed while hands tickled the trio to tears. The appendages protruding through Luffy's torso tormented his tummy to no end, while six hands spidered Usopp's sides, springing from the planks of Merry. Finally, they let up, and Robin looked over from her book, setting it down on her deck-chair to leave an affectionate pat on Chopper's head.

"Y-you bastard! Don't call me cute after torturing me!" he yelled. "I hate it! It doesn't make me happy, not at all! Idiot!"

"Cute." she commented, as the reindeer puffed up, fuming flusteredly- and breaking out into a small, shy dance, blushing.

[chazmcfreelyhater]

MSA: Naomi Arena

(In a period of particularly strong brain rot I did in fact write all of Naomi’s Dispatch Agent responses)

3 Charisma

2 Supernatural

Recruitment Message: “HIIII! I’m SO excited to uncover CRIME AND MISCONDUCT!!! LET’S GO!”

Goodbye Message: “Hey, no hard feelings! Go get ‘em, Y/N!”

(Missions are under the cut!)

Assistant Librarian:

“I hate libraries. Usually I just like to make castles out of the books and use erasers as tiny soldiers and princesses. That is a MUCH better way to spend your time.”

Legendary Cheese:

“IT COMES OUT WARM! Y/N! IT IS WAAARM!”

The Sadness Parade:

“If we run far enough we’ll have to find something, right? I’m going. If I’m not back by tonight… uh… I’ll probably show up.”

Equipment Recovery:

“You guys carry epi-pens, right? I don’t want to miss out on the mission but I… I will probably die.”

Blue Thing:

“It’s such a pretty colour! I think Makoto would look so good in a dress that shade! Don’t you?”

High School Yearbook:

“I signed her book once, but I feel like I should be doing more! Should I go pester some more students or forge the names of my family?”

(Students!)= “Bad call, Y/N. I think everyones annoyed at the both of us now. I hope Makoto isn’t angry at me…”

(Family!)= “Haha, I’d like to see them deny these signatures! Makoto’s basically a part of the family anyway, so I bet they’d be happy to have their names included! That makes another 8!”

OMG Glowsticks:

“What’s your favourite colour of glowstick? Mine is DEF purple, but it has the worst taste. Red is a lot better in that field.”

Magical Assistant:

“Oooh, if I do a good enough job do I get to wear one of those robes with stars on them? I’ve always wanted one of those!”

Yeti Begins:

“Has he tried retracing his steps? His footprints are very recognisable! If you squint a little bit they sort of look like stretched-out smiley faces!”

I Drilled Too Deep:

“Have they tried extinguishing yet? Maybe if we get it wet it won’t be a fire monster, just a regular one! Actually, that might still need thought.”

Pig, Camera, Action:

“I love the movies! I can’t go with Makoto, though, because her eyes are too bright and the security always think it’s a flashy video camera and we get kicked out.”

Ol’ Gabby’s Mine:

“I’m not claustrophobic, but this mine is a bit short, don’t you think? My head is touching the top, and I’m already crouched down. OH- maybe if I crawl I'll find more things!!!”

TOBOR’s Destiny:

“TOBOR is so cool! I think his destiny HAS to be something like “become famous” or “be super duper loved and cool”. Or maybe he’s just a robot. Robots are awesome!”

Reagent Run:

“I FOUND GRASS! That can be used! It could be garnish! Wendy better thank me for my innovation.”

Episode X:

“I LOOOVVVEEE STARCRUISER X! My favourite episode was the one where they found that planet of androids and then the tall one fell in love with one of them and- oh. Jenny just informed me that I might have dreamed that.”

Roadie Despair:

“These mics are really good! I have to remember to snag Annie’s supplier so I can get some when I perform next! I’ve got an album in the works: “Y/N is really cool but they need a nap.” Title to be secured as of yet.”

The Extremest Case:

“I have thought of sooo many stunts for him but he always says “nooooo, Naomi, that’s gonna get me killed,” or “that’s arson” or “that’s impossible’ or “no, I don’t want to come with you to the craft store.” Not my fault I’m too cool for him. He is so rude to me.”

What’s the F?:

“I actually know! It stands for “mistreatment of your daughter!””

MorcuCorp Stakeout:

“I’ve listened to every Asteroid Triplets album three times so far. When are they gonna make a move?”

Failing Forest:

“Aw, this is so sad to look at. I can tell that in full bloom this forest would be a gorgeous place to go stargazing.”

Tainted Broth:

“Can I try some? Can I try some of the frog broth? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please? Please?”

Snake on the Loose:

“Mr Venom was my best ever study buddy because he would slither over my books so I couldn’t see them! I hope we find him soon, Liberty takes the best care of him.”

The Bushido Case:

“SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS! SWORDS!”

Pizza Investigation:

“One time me and Chaz ordered pizza because we were bummed out and then I put jelly beans and marshmallows on mine and he put cheese singles and hot sauce on his and then my twin walked in and looked at us like they wanted us dead.”

The Finest Blade:

“My finest blade is a rollerblade. You should see me on the rink. I’m kidding, obviously. I’m essentially useless here.”

Train Jimmy:

“I think what he needs is some good old fashioned positive reinforcement, so whenever he rolls a good piece of sushi I’m going to sprinkle him with glitter.”

Red Buddy:

“FINALLY, I have permission to put unfamiliar and possibly dangerous subjects in my mouth. This is MY MISSION, Y/N!”

The Prominence:

“This set needs more stars on it. I think the curtains should be galaxy print- actually, no, then everyone would just be looking at the curtains. I’ll keep brainstorming.”

Gonk Need Food, Badly:

“If I was a caveman, I’d probably want something plain and acquainted to my natural-based preferences. However, I am not, and it will be reminisce of me not to give this little man some popping candy.”

Writer's Block:

“The night sky shifts slowly,

While every minute passes,

I didn’t plan this far ahead.

I just wanted it to rhyme with ‘gases’. Because toilet humour makes goth boy angry.

Thank you.”

Candypaluna:

“!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Y/N I’M IN SPACE!!!!! NAOMI ARENA IS AMONGST THE COSMOS BABY!”

Prom Date:

“She’s looking for a date? What kind of date? What’s her type? I can’t just go up and ask her what her type is! Should I ask her? Y/N, do you think she wants me to ask her?”

Blade of Destiny:

“My siblings love to steal things from me as well. Like my best snacks. I act like I don’t mind but I do. This is war.”

Penguin Style:

“I’m just gonna tuck my knees under my skirt and waddle around. I’ll think of the fighting part in a second.”

Magical Disaster:

“They’re kinda owning this, actually. I think I can braid Butter’s beard and add little slips and flowers and then maybe she’ll look a bit less like she wants to commit murder.”

Music That Moves You:

“These beats are soooo good! Personally, I like to go for music that’s just noises with no pattern but Candy sure knows what she’s doing!”

Time For Toast:

“I’m back in the 1800s, I think. I am immensely underdressed! Everyone looks so cute and I still have no toast!”

Cocoa Science:

“Hot chocolate is my favourite drink next to milkshakes, smoothies, melted ice cream and mouthwash.”

F, Robot:

“WE ALREADY HAD ONE! WE DIDN’T NEED ANOTHER ONE! Unless he’s gonna build a giant TOBOR and Makoto. Double the fun.”

Sewer Search:

“This isn’t so bad! I’m becoming one with the sewage- oh. No, I changed my mind. There’s a diaper right by my head.”

Trouble With Truffles:

“Where’s the nearest truffle farm? They can’t be that rare, can they? I might just go buy some, can I use the SPA card?”

Protection Detail:

“How many weapons are we allowed? This is IMPORTANT, Y/N. How can we take this seriously without good tools? I want a flamethrower, please.”

H4XXORD3D:

“One time my Minipets account got hacked. I lost 8 tigers and a horse. It was the 15th worst day of my life.”

Justice for Justice:

“Justice has given me more temporary tattoos that I can count. I am NEVER going to anybody else. Those guys probably use doodie ink or something.”

The Longest Voyage:

“I feel like a pirate, Y/N! This is so much fun- first one to see a mermaid wins.”

Snack Thief:

“Oh this is abysmal. Anybody guilty of snack theft should be fired immediately. Unless it’s me because I’m cute and silly.”

Missing Bugs:

“They aren’t big bugs, are they? I don’t really like getting all crawled over by big bugs…”

Suckers Sabotage:

“Aw, this poor guy, he’s getting all worked up! I’m gonna make him a little flower crown to cheer him up.”

One More Time:

“Oh no! My nail is broken! Oh, and my entire family has moved out of the country without me but I’m trying my best not to address that!”

[azspot]

Looked at this way, Musk’s program is revealed as profoundly conservative. He’s about as far from being an original or innovative thinker as it’s possible to get. He’s fighting the intellectual battles of the last century, a 1900s hero dropped into the 2000s with an unlimited budget to reshape the future to fit the era he’s from. Don’t get me wrong—he’s done a lot of good by dragging the transportation sector kicking and screaming into electrification, and it’s not that his other projects aren’t beneficial as well (X aside). A lot of them are pretty awesome realizations of the future that we did need in the 1980s. It’s just that they are all about the 1900s vision. None give us a picture of a current future—a future for the 2000s.

The Science Fiction of the 1900s

[tyler-talks-disney]

The Owl House

Hi all! Today I wanted to talk about yet another one of Disney's serialized animated shows, Owl House. I saved this entry for this week, since the show just had its finale this past weekend, which makes it a perfect time for me to discuss the show. This show actually meant quite a lot to me, so it is sad to see it go, but I am glad that it went in out in such a great way.

For those still watching this show, whether it be on Disney+ or through reruns on the Disney Channel, I will not be spoiling the finale: "Watching and Dreaming", but rather talking about the show overall.

Firstly, I would like to applaud the show for its innovative and exciting storytelling, that constantly sought to create a memorable experience for those who watched it. The Owl House team did an AWESOME job at world building and shaping the Boiling isles to be a place that fans of the show would want to visit, despite its sometimes horrific nature.

The show follows the adventures of Luz the human, a girl who happened to stumble into the Boiling isles after being told she was going to be sent to summer camp after expressing her "weird personality" in school. Luz runs into Eda the Owl Lady and King, who take her into their home to stay. Most of the show spends time on Luz's journey to learn magic and become a Witch of the Boiling Isles, while make a few friends and uncovering the mystery behind the mysterious Emperor Belos along the way.

The show also has strong LGBTQ+ themes, which is a central point of the show. This show was really innovative in bringing more representation to the LGBTQ+ community on television, and I think that is really great in normalizing the LGBTQ+ representation in television and teaching kids to treat everyone with respect. One of the most important (and my personal favorite) things that came from this was the relationship between Luz Noceda and Amity Blight. Developed over the course of the show, viewers get to see the relationship between Luz and Amity grow and blossom. It is honestly one of the cutest relationships I have seen in a show in a long time.

Though the Lumity relationship doesn't scratch the surface of the representational lengths this show has taken during its run time. Along with representing Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual identities, the Owl house also has represented underrepresented groups in media like nonbinary people.

Ultimately, this show sought to teach people that all you need to be is yourself. It doesn't matter if you are weird, sporty, nerdy, or anything in between, you can be whoever you want and that's okay. What I learned from Owl House that it is okay to yourself, and that you should never be someone you are not.

[bonkusdonkus]

Zelda has changed, and is going to keep Changing.

You know, with Tears of the Kingdom right around the corner, I’ve been thinking about Zelda and where it’s going.

I loved Breath of the Wild, and I’m like 95% sure I’m going to love TotK too. It looks awesome, and it’s obvious that Nintendo has taken the first game and turned it up to 11.

 But, it’s undeniable that Breath of the Wild was a huge step away from the classic Zelda action-adventure formula. And with any big step, it’s inevitable that some people are going to feel left behind.

I hadn’t actually realized how many people there were who didn’t like the changes of BotW until they started speaking up about how they didn’t like the way TotK looked. Breath of the Wild turned the Zleda formula on it’s head, discarding the story-driven linear dungeon exploring adventure, for an open world sandbox. 

Personally, I really resonated with the changes, but a lot of people hated it. And seeing TotK apparently doubling down on those changes has really disheartened a lot of folks.

And even if I don’t really agree with them, like... I feel for you guys, I get it. A series you love is changing in a huge way, and there’s no way of knowing if you’ll even like what it becomes by the end of it. Heck, I’m an old school Paper Mario fan, I’ve been there.

And I know there’s gonna be some Asshat who’s like “Oh wHy Don’T YoU jUsT PlAy sOmE OTher ActIoN-AdVeNtuRE AnD StOP WhINinG! UgH, GaMErs ArE So EnTiTlEd!”

Listen. No one makes games like 3D Zelda anymore. The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Okami, and that game came out 17 years ago! And even if they did, it wouldn’t be Zelda, not exactly. People love Zelda for all the classic adventures it gave them, the stories and battles they hold close to their hearts. I don’t think it’s fair to criticize those people for being upset that Zelda isn’t going to be like that anymore.

Because let’s be honest with ourselves, BotW changed Zelda forever. Period.

I don’t presume to know where LoZ is going after this, Nintendo is nothing if not unpredictable, but I’d bet my bottom dollar that we’re going to be seeing the influence of the two Switch Zelda titles for a long, long time. As of writing, BotW has sold upwards of 29 MILLION copies, making it the top selling Zelda game of all time by a cool 21 million, more or less. ( Last I checked, number 2 was Twilight Princess, at 8 million.)

Tears isn’t out yet, but I bet it’s gonna sell like hotcakes too.

And on top of all of those numbers, we can’t forget that this is Nintendo we’re talking about. Obsessed with gameplay mechanics and innovation as they are, it’s hard to imagine them trading in this new wide-open sandbox for a more linear adventure now that they’ve figured it out.

Even if Nintendo does address a lot of the big complaints people had about BotW, like the story and the lack of classic dungeons, (which I hope they do, I’d like to see some more work in those areas too,) the runaway success of the game and the near inevitable success of Tears of the Kingdom mean that Nintendo really doesn’t have a reason to go back to the Ocarina of Time style ever again. Maybe I’m wrong, but if I were a betting man, I’d say the Zelda sandbox is here to stay, at least until Nintendo dreams up some wacky new thing to replace it.

So, yeah. On the one hand, I’m very excited for Tears of the Kingdom, and whatever comes after it. It’s a fresh, exciting new direction for the series I love, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us. But on the other hand, I am a little sad for what we’re losing in the process, and for the people who are really hurting for a good old fashioned zelda game.

I can only hope that this divergence in the Zelda series has the same affect it did so many other times when Nintendo left a beloved game or series behind: Inspire other people to go and make their own!

 I mentioned Paper Mario earlier. When that series went through a big change, it inspired games like Bug Fable and Born of Bread to step up to the plate and fill in the gap left behind. And it’s not just Paper Mario either! You can see it all over the place now, games inspired by series like Star Fox or F-Zero that have been abandoned by Nintendo! I hope that’s what happens. As much as I love the new style, I think it would be a real shame to see the old way disappear.

[catwingsthespatula]

14. If you could see one of your fics adapted into a visual medium, such as comic or film, which fan fic would you pick?

17. What’s something you’ve learned about while doing research for a fic?

22. Do you know how your fic will end before you start writing?

Thanks for the ask!

14. Thistle, you already know the answer to this one. A World of His Own would make an excellent comic. Jailbreak Squad all the way.

17. There’s a LOT I could go with, but I’m gonna have to say the two people in history know to have performed an appendectomy (surgery to remove the appendix) on themselves.

Evan O’Neill Kane, American physician and surgeon active from the 1880’s to the 1930’s, specialized in emergency trauma surgery for railroad workers, and was known for several innovations in this field, including weaving bandages from asbestos (which allowed them to be quickly sterilized with fire in the days before pre-sterilized bandages were available), multiple-needle subcutaneous (under the skin) infusions to replace IV infusion after hemorrhages, and a type of headlamp for nighttime operations. He was an advocate of local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia (which at the time was primarily ether) for some major surgeries, particularly in cases where the patient had a medical condition that made the use of ether unsafe. To experience an appendectomy from a patient’s perspective, he performed the procedure on himself under local anesthesia. He had previously amputated one of his own fingers, and would go on to repair his own inguinal hernia. He was also known for tattooing a small letter K in Morse code next to the closed surgical incision on his patients, and for tattooing mothers and new babies with small matching marks in inconspicuous places to prevent mix-ups. This man was deeply unhinged and I respect the hell out of him.

To talk about someone equally worthy of deep respect and admiration but far more reasonable, Leonid Ivanovich Rogozov was a Soviet physician stationed in Antarctica when he came down with appendicitis. As the only doctor within a thousand miles, after conservative treatments failed and his condition continued to worsen, he decided to operate on himself, which he did with the aid of novocaine, a meteorologist and a driver as assistants, and a mirror which he abandoned midway through the procedure due to the difficulty of adjusting to the reversed movement, relying on touch instead. The operation was completed in about two hours, and Rogozov was back to normal duties in two weeks.

People are fucking awesome.

22. Usually. I’m definitely more likely to finish the story if I do. Of course, more often I know exactly how the story is going to end but not how I’m going to get there, which presents its own problems… and there’s always the possibility that the story will throw me a hard left turn halfway through. It’s all part of the fun!

[loreholdlesbian]

March of the Machines Draft Booster Challenger

Hello everyone! Every set I like to make a booster pack of custom cards, inspired by a challenge in the GDS3 to which all the links are broken from wotc’s dumb site change so im not gonna bother. But the goal is to match the distribution of cards you could expect to find in a booster of MOM, trying to make cards that wouldn’t feel odd mixed in with those of the set. I try to fit with the ways mechanics were used in the set, while also being innovative and finding new things to do, which can sometimes be conflicting goals. There are also a lot of stipulations I put on myself in addition to being innovative while natural to the set, like trying to have a good spread of card types, colors, and themes while not being too similar to any card in the set (or the booster). Now let’s get into it!

Long post ahead, click at your own risk.

Rare

Thoughtweft Vigilant 2W  

Creature- Kithkin Knight  

Vigilance  

All noncreature spells cost 2 more to cast and have convoke.  

3/3

This is trying to do something new with convoke. Rather than using convoke as a flat bonus, it uses it as a way to alleviate a downside. It affects everyone, but your deck is gonna be better equipped to take advantage. The aggressive stats and relevant typeline encourage a very creatureful deck, so you might even rather 2 extra mana but being able to convoke your noncreature spells, while your opponents probably will not.

Uncommons

Vraska, Heretic’s End 1B P/B  

Legendary Planeswalker- Vraska  

Compleated  

Phyrexians you control have menace.  

-2: Destroy target creature or planeswalker that was dealt damage this turn.  

5 Loyalty

This set is the last time we’ll be seeing phyrexians for a while, so I wanted to give a last hurrah to the compleated mechanic (as well as to some of the characters who had it who died in this story, though vraska isn’t one). This is one member of a 5 card cycle of uncommon planeswalkers that all have a compleated, a static, and a minus ability. I think compleated is a neat mechanic on planeswalkers with no + ability, it’s using it in its simplest form to mean “you can cheap on the mana but you’ll get fewer uses of the ability, full stop”. Vraska tends to be a very removal-centric planeswalker, so her - needed to be removal, and this felt like the least problematic way to have repeatable removal that feels like her. If anything it feels too weak, we’ve seen this effect at one mana with a cantrip, but it synergizes really well with the menace she grants. This probably isn’t something wotc would have included in the set if im being honest, to differentiate it both from WAR and from ONE, but its something i think would be an awesome addition so I did it anyway.

Ikorian Behemoth 3GG  

Creature- Dinosaur Rhino Beast  

Haste  

Trample over everything (This creature can deal excess combat damage to the player, battle, or planeswalker it’s attacking. Excess combat damage to a planeswalker or battle it’s attacking can be dealt to the defending player.)  

5/4

“Trample over battles” felt like a cool bit of text we could have seen in this set but didn’t, which meant it was a perfect opportunity for this project. This went through a few iterations that ended with “Trample, trample over planeswalkers and battles” but i didn’t like how repetitive that sounded (I don’t like how repetitive [[Thrasta]] sounded either) so I came up with “trample over everything” which frankly is just an awesome-sounding bit of rules text, and definitely is a cool new thing to show off, which again, is perfect for this project and the kind of innovation I like to do.

Commons

Infuse with Halo 1W  

Instant  

Untap target creature and put a +1/+1 counter on it. It gains protection from Phyrexians until end of turn. (It can’t be blocked, damaged, or targeted by Phyrexians.)

This was originally a backup creature with protection from phyrexians, and I do think that’s a neat effect for a backup creature but I wanted to increase the number of noncreature cards in the pack plus I had another white backup creature i wanted so I went with this. I think protection from phyrexians would play pretty well in this set though.

Ranks of the Cathars W  

Creature- Human Knight  

Backup X, where X is the number of creatures you control named Ranks of the Cathars.  

3: This creature gains double strike until end of turn.  

0/1

This backup card is more about the +1/+1 counters than the ability, but backing something up turn 4 and then activating the ability is no joke, especially if you got another one down early.

Corrupted Sea  

Land  

~ enters the battlefield tapped.  

T: Add U.  

Cycling 1 P/U

Phyrexian mana cycling costs felt really cool, cause cycling is usually between 1 or 2 mana and isn’t a problem to the color pie, so it doesn’t bump up against phyrexian mana’s problems, plus the 2 life is hopefully gonna stop the ikoria problem of filling your deck with off-color cyclers despite being useable generically, cause all that life will add up fast. I put this on a land cycle, cause there was a cycle of landcycling spells at common i didn’t want this to compete with, plus having a land meant i had every nontribal card type covered in the pack.

Flock’s Protection 2U  

Instant  

Convoke  

Counter target spell unless its controller pays 1 for each creature you control.

Since blue is one of the big convoke colors this set, it wants more of a go-wide strategy than usual so I thought a card like this that rewards that would be a good addition.

Podtender Perfect 3B  

Creature- Phyrexian Elf  

When ~ enters the battlefield, incubate 3. That token becomes a 0/0 Phyrexian artifact creature with haste until end of turn.  

3/3

I had the idea for creating an incubator token and making it a copy of something until end of turn, so you could make use of the token before you transform it, but there was no good upper rarity slot for it but if i did a simpler implementation, I could do it at common, and the simplest was having it become the same thing you’re used to it becoming, a 0/0 Phyrexian.

Stinkcaller Shaman 1R  

Creature- Goblin Shaman  

When ~ enters the battlefield, exile the top card of your library. You may play that card this turn. A spell cast this way has convoke.  

2/1

Here’s another cool new way I found to use convoke, tying it to red’s impulse draw. I put it as an ETB on a creature so you could make use of that creature for the convoke cost.

Repurpose Biomass 1G  

Sorcery  

Incubate 2, then put a +1/+1 counter on an artifact or creature you control.

Nothing too complicated here, it’s basically an incubate 3 that’s more flexible with where you can put the last counter.

Transguild Skytraveller 2  

Artifact Creature- Bird  

~ is all colors.  

Flying, vigilance  

1/1

I thought a [[Transguild Courier]] type card would be a neat addition with convoke in the set, so it can help fix for your convoke cards.

Battle

Invasion of Rabiah 5  

Battle- Siege [rare]  

~ enters the battlefield with one fewer defense counter for each color spent to cast it.  

When ~ enters the battlefield, draw two cards.  

7 defense  

Lamp of Endless Realms  

Artifact  

You have no maximum hand size.  

4, T: Choose a card you own from outside the game and put that card into your hand.

Battles are a whole new card type, and if im trying to show off innovative new things, this was the perfect spot. But wotc was very specific in making all the battles work the same here, so I couldn’t deviate far from that. Making one with a variable number of defense counters felt like the best middle ground I could find. Since I needed the variation to never make it enter with 0 defense, this felt like my best option.

DFC

Furnace Implant R  

Enchantment- Aura [uncommon]  

Enchant creature you control  

Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and has first strike.  

4 P/W: Transform ~. Activate only as a sorcery.  

Furnacestoker Firecat  

[RW] Creature- Phyrexian Elemental Cat  

First strike  

4/2

Similarly to battles, the DFCs here all worked similarly which didn’t give me a lot of room to come up with something new. They all turn into phyrexians, but all the dfc cards start as creatures. So I thought doing another card type would be neat (though admittedly there are already incubator tokens in this space)

Bonus Sheet

Lyssa, Ancient Theologian 2RW  

Legendary Creature- Human Cleric [uncommon]  

Whenever Lyssa, Ancient Theologian attacks, mill two cards. Choose a card milled this way. You may play it from your graveyard this turn.  

Whenever one or more cards leave your graveyard, you gain 2 life.  

3/4

Bonus sheets are always hard since they’re all reprints, but ive settled on making new cards for them that wouldn’t have printed in the set they come with. Here, I went with something that could fit in strixhaven a) cause i had the frame for it and b) cause it lets me show off this new mill-based form of impulse draw that i think would be a really useful tool for red in graveyardy sets.

Art links:

Thoughtweft Vigilant

Vraska, Heretics’ End

Ikorian Behemoth

Infuse with Halo

Ranks of Cathars

Corrupted Sea

Flock’s Protection

Podtender Perfect

Stinkcaller Shaman

Repurpose Biomass

Tranguild Skytraveller

Invasion of Rabiah // Lamp of Endless Realms

Furnace Implant // Furnacestoker Firecat

Lyssa, Ancient Theologian

[mira-hildegard]

you know what. i don't care if this is a controversial take. The Final Fantasy 13 series were my childhood RPGs and they were good.

they may be "black sheep", and they did a lot of things very stupidly, but they also did a lot of things right and I think that needs celebrating.

ff13 could have been a lot better

When I look at FF12 (which I was just too young to play) it reminds me of Xenoblade Chronicles 1, with gorgeous graphics and a vast world and clever mechanics. Seriously, if you're going to read all of this just go play the original XC. It's just good. I hate that I never got to play it, because it looks like it was quite fun.

Objectively, though, FF13 was a mixed bag. The style has a lot of grungy-realistic vibes that lots of games at the time were doing and it wasn't too good. The linearity of the first game makes it sort of dry in a lot of places, even if the music is a bop. The component system is uninspired. The levelling up system was completely style-over-substance and so annoying that when I was given every job to every character as a kid I just stopped playing because I was overwhelmed. The tutorials are long and the combat takes forever to get interesting and the fancy summonable Eidolons are just glorified QTEs.

but ff13 was really quite good and did a lot of new creative things and i think they should be celebrated

Its worldbuilding, while still spending lots of time in cutscenes, made effective use of the hardware to show you vast worlds before you see them. Rather than use a fantasy name with no real connotations, you get Pulse, Cocoon, Eden; one event is called the Purge. A foe's name is Galenth Dysley, which to this day is still the most fucking awesome fantasy name I've ever seen. The names are extremely symbolic, and while it is a teensy bit cheesy I think it totally works. The plot takes its sweet time getting places, but its decision to separate the main characters, have them clash, and slowly come together is genius and has so many moments of drama.

And the gameplay, while it does have an "auto-battle" button, doesn't stop with ideas. Enemies have a stagger meter, which makes damage better and, at a limit, makes damage way better. If you deal magic damage it builds it up; physical damage stabilises it. This is so fucking clever, y'all. When you're against enemies with resistances and immunities and weaknesses you have to make tough decisions as to defeat by HP alone or by staggering. Against lots of enemies, this is actually quite fun.

Coming directly hand-in-hand with this is the fact that your roles strictly limit your moveset, and AI is not directly controllable. Why is this a good thing? Paradigms, bitches. There are six roles – magic damage (increase stagger + exploit elemental effects) physical damage (stabilise stagger + deal damage), defense-and-aggro, healing, buffs, and debuffs.

In battle, you only get three characters – but what roles? You don't want to waste healing when you're at full HP, or buffing when you're buffed up. But many enemies deal constant damage, so you have to play this delicate game of staggering and attacking and healing. It keeps you on your toes, and even if bosses are a little too difficult in places, they still feel fun to play because you're juggling just enough systems to feel chaotic but not too many to get overwhelmed. They hit this lovely balance, and I think the moments where this shine almost make the long corridors and slow tutorials worth it.

the sequels also innovated too!

In response to 13-1 lacking an open world narrative, they made a sequel, 13-2. Oh, you want to travel through space? Fuck you. You can travel through time as well. It copied over the battle system, focussing only on two characters but adding a cute monster pet system for the third.

The third game (Lightning Returns), while a bit weakly written and with an annoying clock mechanism, has an utterly delicious combat system. You switch between three roles, each of which has its own equipment and stats. Creatively, each have their own four face-button skills, and an ATB (energy) gauge powering them. To battle effectively you have to switch – do you put a shield on all three roles? Do you risk putting different-element spells all in one role and going against an enemy resistant to spells? It's just as clever as FF13's paradigms, while emphasising the story beat that you are on your own.

wow you've read this far thank you

I could say a lot more but I'm sort of tired of writing now so here, have some thoughts I suppose. I'm a little salty about FF13 being the "black sheep", if nothing else. I will freely admit I was too young to have the skill to complete the damn things.

But they were all extremely vivid and creative games which, for all their faults, tried their best to make a modern RPG. I think that should be celebrated, no?

[iamapoopmuffin]

Pokemon Fankids: Rocketshipping

Here they are, the main event, the little spawnlings of the ultimate OTP!

Overall I’ve ended up giving Jessie and James 5 kids. The eldest is JJ, who I’ve spoken about a little before. JJ is a very high energy lad and is Alex’s best friend. Of all of Alex’s friends, JJ is the one most likely to be interested in the gym challenges and leagues. He’s ambitious and loves anything that puts him to the test. Also he vlogs his journey, especially every time he enters a gym or contest, seems to have a drive for fame as his mother did. Also fun fact he definitely owns a Pikachu. His one is female. He loves her. JJ has magenta hair and green eyes. He and his sister, Mary, are named after the children of the real Jesse James, and other members of his family also call him Junior.

The second child is Mary. Her and JJ’s relationship is very much as the siblings who would sell each other for a corn chip but would also give each other a kidney. She’s affectionate and charismatic, and aspires to be a top coordinator. She’s best known in the circuits for her use of her Milotic and her Galarian Meowth, Fluffles. She has a friendly rivalry with Butch and Cassidy’s daughter, Sundance. She has short, periwinkle hair and blue eyes, and an awesome fashion sense, by which I mean she wears the cutest damn shirts ever.

Next are the twins, Cole and Clell. Fun fact, these two, originally under the names Tam and Les, were the very first Rocketshipping kids I made. Alongside Simon, they are the only kids from my original set to still exist. Their designs are intended to be androgynous as fuck but I can never decide on a hair style for either of them, just that it’s vaguely mid-length and fabulous. They both have green eyes, but Cole has his father’s hair colour while Clell has her mother’s. They are both named after members of the James Younger gang.

Clell is pure mischief. Very playful and cheeky. Very good at getting herself and those around her into trouble, but also very good at talking herself out of trouble. Silver tongued for sure. Her older siblings used to think that with her habit of making trouble they needed to watch out for her, but now they figure it’s best to keep their distance and avoid getting dragged into whatever crazy shit she’s up to now. If you hear her yell ‘snakes for the snake god’ while dragging a bored looking live Seviper by the tail, just leave it be.

Cole is passionate about machinery and innovation. Kinda nerdy, a bit of a show off when given the chance to really display his knowledge. Either an absolute fashion icon or disaster, there is no in between. Has long since given up trying to reign in the more feral nature of his twin sister, but still loves to play and spend time with her. 100% the softest child. Likes to tinker, experiment and design, and said designs aren’t limited to machinery. Creative nerd child.

Finally, the baby of the family is MJ, and yes I did name her after that Meowth Junior joke. Is her name really Meowth Junior? Who knows? In the main ‘Ash’s kid’s journey’ she’s just a little baby, but I have a child design. Jessie’s hair and eye colours, hair sort of a bob cut but curls up at the ends in a way that resembles octopus tentacles, with a little red headband with a bow on it. Her overall aesthetic screams ‘absolute spoiled brat’ but her actual personality? Bossy, affectionate, as sweet as her father and as strong willed and stubborn as her mother. Gonna get into a lot of queen shit when she grows up. Shows affection to her older siblings by punching them in the arm.

I’ve picrew’d only Mary this time, but here she is, the girl!

[arasokanbina]

Long thought post.

Tldr: Good song and MV. Graphics are nice but somewhat disappointed at how safe it is.

Firstly I quite like the fact that the group is only four members because if it got bigger than that I don't think that it would have any good chance at lasting because of the costs of the cg.

I've only listened to the song once whilst I watched the MV and it is in my head already. That being said I'm a bit disappointed, let me elaborate.

So even from the promotional pictures, mainly the box of Pandora's box was very aespa-esque. Which is fine, kpop is notorious for 'heavy' inspiration to put it politely so it didn't bother me but it did set the tone of what to aexpect (yes lame pun lol). For example Aespa's ae versions look like cheaper LoL K/DA models, which is jarring at times but because they aren't all of aespa it doesn't have a negative impact. Btw not saying I hate ae's, I especially love Naevis, but as I've mentioned (I think) before, I wish they had a different art direction.

I will say MAVE'S models are a lot better in every way which is refreshing. Kind of like Saejin from SUPERKIND but though his model is good it's also quite static. Then again they are a smaller company so it's understandable but overall I'm happy with the graphics.

My personal taste wishes that they looked more fantastical. Maybe bigger eyes, coloured hair and that high fantasy goes into the music too which I'll get into later. The reason why I wish it was more OTT, is because I'm extra but mainly because it can come across as a gimmick. Like they're just non tired robots doing the same thing as real people can do but are limited by their coding. Like just do the same MV but with a green screen and it might even be cooler with real people.

Anyway I don't have an issue with AI. I know the waters are muddy but I'm a gamer, and every year graphics get closer to looking human. Which is fascinating and terrifying.

But for me as long as you can tell its not real like I guess with more anime styles and etc look I'm quite happy. I think if they also had a less human look it would give more immersion to them in the fact that in 5-10 years they could look dated and not in a good way. Like with any experimental media you either have aged well or poorly. Only media with a uniqueness or charm can both be aged well and poorly at the same time. Like cult and campy content.

Now onto the song. I do like it because well it's in my head after one listen and I've been typing this just after I watched the MV! But as I've said (in a way) it's just okay. Like when I hear 'New GG AI' my mind gets excited for the future. This MV was very much now future. So it's cool and pretty but yawningly safe.

Rather than an aespa, K/DA combo, I'd have loved a Dreamcatcher, LOONA, onlyoneof combo. Dystopian, high fantasy and allure.

Still for a debut it was good even though the down dance move was way too close to black mamba for my liking. And that's the only issue I have. Like yeah of course with everything art/dance moves are not only for one group or person but you can tell when it's ahem 'heavily inspired'.

I'd also love if they grow a stronger identity than just mix of aespa and K/DA. Like K/DA is great because its has Queen Soyeon and Miyeon with other great artists and a world already built to steer their vision and on Aespa's side they have a growing world with trained idols that bring that excitement to the real stage. Both have amazing music. Mave needs to get a signature visual and sound to push them into a truly innovate group.

Still if the company can keep up with the graphics, music and potential world building if any I'm interested. As long as its not we are being hacked by a giant spider or something and buy 'our bit coins for photocards' or some nonsense haha.

Lastly if they could keep the majority or merch online that would be awesome and hopefully they are paying the voices behind the members a good salary. The cg idols wouldn't be alive without their human voices after all.

🗒Notes: As usual I might add more later and there is probably some spelling and grammar mistakes.

[bainhardt]

Pokemon SV thoughts: tumblr exclusive dlc version sorry this is so long but too bad lol

I got to the credits tonight and to be honest, I feel like I have way too much to say about SV, but that'd be kind of exhausting, so I'll try to keep it to broad strokes. It reminded me a lot of Legends Arceus: I had my share of fun, but I have numerous complaints as well.

First, if what people are tired and cynical about is Game Freak's supposed lack of "innovation," I feel this game is proof that they are finally coming around to trying new ideas. This and LA are the freshest the franchise has been in decades. But new ideas take a lot of refining.

The most fun aspect was exploration. It's legitimately awesome to simply wander, see Pokemon, and catch Pokemon, and you can go basically anywhere you want from the word “Go.” I remember wanting far more out of the exploration in Legends Arceus, and I was relieved to find when playing SV that it felt much closer to what I had envisioned for the concept. This is a big step forward in terms of freedom (and the region is pretty cool, which helps).

But the battling is the same as always (even with the new gimmick), the gyms are the same, the E4 is the same. If the core gameplay loop has grown old for you, there won't be much to win you over; you can do these battles in any order you like, but they're still just... battles.

Add on top of that this game has... a LOT of cutscenes, and it can really drag just trying to get things done so you can progress and become stronger. Story is always subjective, but if you're not invested in the plotlines, you are NOT going to enjoy the pacing (I didn't).

Despite that, the "endgame zone" so to speak is probably the single coolest thing I've seen in a Pokemon game to date. idk that I'd say it makes up for the first portions, but I did start to enjoy the story in the back half. imo the coolest villain/plan segment in the franchise.

Lastly, this game runs like shit. This is THE worst technical showcase of any game I've played on my Switch, bar none. I'm not talking your occasional slowdown or something - this is literally a game that spends more time chugging and breaking than not.

It really brings the entire experience down to know this was a game that was willing to put the work in with its ideas and ambition, only to be held back by hardware limitations and likely development problems (three Pokemon games in a year, all felt crunched and unpolished). I honestly feel like now that the fanbase at large has gotten their hands on gen 9, just about anyone would’ve been willing to give up BDSP and Arceus if it meant this game got the time and resources it really needed. But that problem rings true for any one of them; all three of these games needed more work than they got in the end. Not one of them has felt truly complete when compared to SWSH.

Anyway, all I really had left in terms of complaints are minor ones, but man, I had about a thousand. You can't turn move animations off, you can't L=A mode, there's no Battle Style Shift or Set option, the Pokedex and Bag don't remember where your cursor left off in between uses, the PC box takes forever to load each page, you can’t change to the All Boxes view while holding a Pokemon, the summary screens work differently between the PC and the Party screen, the Bag and Pokedex have no fast scroll buttons, the sandwich recipe menu has a favorite button but then no way to filter by favorites, each time you use an item on a Pokemon it deselects that item and makes you select it again... you get the idea. Many people don’t notice things like this, but for me they’re like pebbles in my shoe, and holy shit - this game was like walking on goddamn gravel.

If this game worked as intended, it would very probably rank the best in the franchise like, unanimously. For a lot of players, it likely still will be. But to me, it's hard to recommend a game that feels this broken, that feels this slapdash when I know they can make them better.

Also, I never tend to include this as part of my actual review’s parameters, but I liked a lot of new Pokemon (most since like gen 5 maybe) and thought a lot of new abilities/moves/battle stuff was really creative. This was the first game I can remember in years where I actually used a team of nothing but new guys, and a full team of six at that. But there's also some truly batshit insane powercreep stuff that's looking to make competitive a nightmare (getting my predictions in early). Continuing the post-3D trend, practically every new Pokemon has a signature move, signature ability, or both, and holy fuck some of the new moves are unbelievable. And the two box legendaries have some Calyrex-ass double down abilities that are sure to make the restricted format full of them. Ugh.

Another thing I felt even before the game came out and after playing still feel is: I really hate the approach to graphical presentation and how that factored into the designs and appearances of the human characters. It’s admirable that they’re trying to add more detail to the Pokemon with texture and lighting, but the people in this game look properly fucking weird to me. The clothes are textured to look more real, the hair is attempting a realistic texture with like visible strands (although it does look pretty shoddy)... but then the skin and faces are still giant plasticy anime-style deals. It reminded me a lot of fashion dolls. Just kind of uncanny, you know?

And personally, I don’t even want the graphics to be more realistic at the end of the day; Pokemon is supposed to be cartoony, and I think this bizarre middle ground only hurts the style in a lot of ways more than it improves it. The trainers and NPCs at large suffer from this lack of cartoonishness, and I feel like the entire world’s color and vitality gets brought down a level from generations past. Yes, the gym leaders still manage some good and a couple great designs; yes, the Star leaders are probably the best designs in the game. But virtually everyone else in the game look like “boring human in clothes.” Battling what few trainers I did, it felt hard to believe this is the same franchise that used to have unique Youngsters, Lasses, Beauties, Fishermen, Hikers, Ace Trainers, Battle Girls and Black Belts, where everyone from business people to scientists to janitors to students and their teachers had memorable and new appearances each generation. Looking at this game, the notion that we could see a repeat of what happened to XY’s Hex Maniac, for example, was laughable. They really put all their eggs into one basket with the main cast, which I think is a significant step backwards.

The actual, real, final thing I can remember to say at this time was that I felt the gym/E4′s use of Terastallization was poor and a huge missed opportunity. Each gym, the leader uses a random ace that they Tera into their gym’s type, which only serves to make the battles as much of a sweep as always if the player is sufficiently prepared. When wiping the Water gym leader with my Electric type, I actually paused for a second when seeing his final Pokemon was Crabominable. I thought “huh, now I don’t have a great move for this, do I switch out to-” before remembering he was, of course, going to change it to a Water type like everything else and I could finish the battle with no more trouble than before.

To me, the better way to handle this and introduce the depth and possibilities of the mechanic is to have each leader’s ace still be a Pokemon of their type, which they Tera into something different and unexpected, reflecting the way it will work in real battles with other players. This also serves to showcase a range of basic strategic choices for each type players could choose to use in their own teams. The only leader that felt close to this was Iono, Terastallizing a Mismagius into Electric so as to have no weaknesses with Levitate. Giving her something like a Volt Absorb Pokemon to Tera into Flying or Water and negate a weakness wouldn’t have been as “strong,” but I feel it would’ve been more thematically appropriate while requiring players to actually vary their approach a little more.

[lianabrooks]

Despite all this, my dear fellow Millennials, things are actually getting better.

What we have now is a news cycle infatuated with the horrible things, the worst of things, the downfall of things (and we will not comment on Bummer-run media and their own fears of mortality and judgement because that would take too long).

The news wants you to believe we are sliding into a dystopian hell when really we're just acknowledging that we've been in a dystopian hell all along and we're now fighting to get out. There's a lot of crab bucket (google it) going on.

But, despite the constant barrage of negativity, there are things that are getting better. Here's a few of them, feel free to add something you know of:

Health Improvements: even in the last decade we've made huge leaps in understanding genetic conditions and improving acceptance of neurodivergent brains worldwide. The more we understand the better we can educate and accommodate. Awesome things are happening and more people are getting the help they need.

Global Awareness: this has been growing for the past several decades, but a global economy and global awareness is leading to everything from acceptance of minorities to the preservation of cultures and languages. Humanity is better connected than we've ever been with more ways to communicate and accept each other than ever before.

Literacy Rates Keep Rising: illiteracy is the primary means of oppression. It keeps people from communicating, accessing information, and keeping records of their lives. By improving global literacy rates we are ensuring a better future for everyone.

Sustainability Is On The Rise: throughout the years we've talked about global climate change, pollution, plastics in the environment and while things are still bad, they aren't the worst they could be. Every year we're seeing new innovations (or a return to tried and true techniques) that help sustain the planet. It's by no means perfect and everything is as great as it will be, but we are seeing lots of positive changes.

Coral Reefs Are Regrowing: through focused efforts (and some really fun research for marine bio geeks like me) the coral reefs are regrowing. I can and will talk about this for hours because this is my degree field, but there's really good news for coral reefs. It's awesome.

More Species Are Saved From Extinction: In 2022 six more species came off the endangered list thanks to conservation awareness, zoo breeding programs, and people like you who support those programs in many small ways.

The Yellowstone Wolves Worked: when I was in high school many years ago the idea of re-introducing wolves to Yellowstone was hotly debated and contested. Those wolves actually did so much good they changed the flow of a river and Yellowstone has never been healthier.

Acceptance: Let's admit a lot of countries are going through some growing pains right now. We all have people in our countries that are not behaving in a friendly, encouraging, helpful way like we want them to. Not everybody changes for the best, and not everyone is tolerant. But, overall, we're seeing a steady growth in acceptance of queers, neurodivergent, disabled, and previously oppressed communities with greater autonomy and recognition for minority communities and cultures, including indigenous ones. It's not perfect anywhere yet, but worldwide we are seeing an increase of understanding, protection, and love.

The world's not perfect, but it's better because you're here and tomorrow's going to be a great day.

[jonathanblogs2024]

The Data Science Experts Driving AI Advancements in Financial Research and More

Data science is at the heart of this evolution in today’s data-driven world, and that particularly holds for finance. At the core of this change are innovative thinkers with ideas for algorithms driving improvements in AI, thus creating immense improvement and molding the future of the industry. Our data science team was leading this revolution by leveraging AI in finance, reshaping the way we did financial research, investment banking, wealth management, and due diligence. Herewith a look at the brilliance behind the team that makes it all possible.

The Power of AI in Financial Research

The data science team develops algorithms for turning raw data into actionable insights, specializing in AI in financial research. With the power of machine learning applied to vast masses of data, experts unveil trends and patterns that aren’t evident in traditional methodologies. Equipped with advanced predictive models, our team supports financial professionals in developing better investment strategies through better decision-making, improved investment strategies, and effective market forecasts.

For instance, models enabled by the team’s work can make pretty accurate forecasts of market fluctuations. Its predictability is the edge in the fast-paced financial world that could mean the difference between success and failure in minute details.

How AI Is Changing Investment Banking

AI in Investment Banking: Along with our data scientists, we change the way banks do business and interact with their clients. Algorithms developed within automatically execute a lot of tasks from trade execution to portfolio management. In this case, such AI integration allows our team to empower investment banks with risk management, optimization of trading strategies, and enhancement of overall performance.

It involves the creation of different AI tools that can support the analysis of financial markets in search of investment opportunities. Such tools leverage both back-data and real-time information in assisting to drive decision-making by providing insights to the investment bankers that help drive more strategic and profitable outcomes.

Revolutionizing Wealth Management

Our data scientists are also instrumental in the domain of AI in wealth management. The innovative algorithms of the team enable personalized investment strategies fitted to the needs of individual clients. Analytics on data regarding client preferences, market conditions, and economic indicators assist our algorithms in helping wealth managers come out with customized portfolios that tune in with the financial goals of each client.

The team’s work helps make the services for wealth management responsive to the fluctuations in the market. For instance, with AI-powered tools, adjustments to client portfolios go into effect in real-time, ensuring investments are constantly optimized against shifting market conditions.

AI-Enhancing Due Diligence

For instance, in the domain of AI in due diligence, our data science team is taken as one of the most advanced, reshaping the way financial institutions think of risks and opportunities. In contrast to traditional, quite labor-intensive processes of due diligence that may have some chance for human error, AI-driven solutions from our side will automate these tasks.

The team develops various algorithms that crunch vast datasets, including financial statements, market sentiment, and external factors such as political and environmental risks. Such automation yields far more accurate and efficient risk assessments to present to financial institutions with full transparency regarding potential investments and a low chance of unexpected problems.

Brains behind Algorithms

After all, behind those awesome algorithms are our brilliant data scientists, each bringing something very different in the way of skills and expertise to the table. With diverse backgrounds that span machine learning, statistics, and finance, they’re able to solve the toughest challenges and drive innovation.

They are not mere experts in their respective fields, but also voracious problem solvers who enjoy the process of pushing the envelope of what is possible with AI. Their dedication and ingenuity serve as driving forces for the sophisticated algorithms at the heart of our solutions, with work that continuously raises the bar in the financial industry.

Conclusion

Our data science team is the power behind changing the face of AI in finance. From the revolution that took place in financial research and investment banking, to wealth management and due diligence, their insight has formed a very significant role in shaping the future of finance. Building and refining their algorithms continuously, the innovation and special value delivery to our clients are just spot-on. In so doing, they make a meaningful dent in the financial world-one algorithm at a time.

[the-firebird69]

About Ola Electric - Revolutionizing Electric Mobility

I like the way this looks and I like it the way it rides I don't like mono shark because this one has two if you blow one you have a shock. This mileage is incredible on the base model motorcycle and it has two more above it. The price is outstanding and it should be kept there so people can buy it and the construction simple it's really as simple as an ebike and it costs just a little bit more and it's less than an expensive eBay but it does more I wouldn't say that's how it should be but they can sell these things anywhere on Earth tomorrow they can sell 10 trillion if they wanted to if they could be manufacturing when I say is my people can make the parts and get them to them to assemble or even send them out RTA they make tons of money it's something naked it's up to them they can direct the customers to us or order the parts to their warehouse I mean I don't care how they do it and I know they are funny guys but still this might this bike is awesome India has a lot of motorcycles they have motorcycles everywhere like China at least they used to it's only a few years ago they're all over the place I hit it still are they're everywhere and it's kind of looks a little like it like the tires and rims just like in China they're not really huge they're bigger but and they're inexpensive so in India and China it's not a big deal to build a bike and sell it for Grant in the states it's unheard of they're using a mid-drive but they probably use a gang battery system which is fine you can change the battery to solid battery. That's one of their goals but for crying out loud that is really inexpensive and the bike looks really nice and I need a way to get around and that would get me around and it goes forever I can if I sold my e-bikes I could afford the top line one and put it inside the apartment and go like 200 miles on a charge or more this is the base model goes 100 miles or something close to it and you never hear about that that's ridiculous that's a lot of mileage

Zues

He read the statistics real quick but it's true it's they're pretty high up there one of them looks ridiculous like 300 MI and I saw it on the corner of my eye it's like 500 km or something and it's a nice clean bike and it really goes fast the base model 120 mph and he thinks it's $120 mph not kilometers could be kilometers it's still almost 90 something as fast it's very fast

Hera

The Price is Right the design is very simple and it's efficient and a son helped them come up with it he said look what they're doing is just take taking this mid drive and they're making a big deal out of it and you can get ones that are powerful and they're cheap and they did and it took a regular battery which is a game battery with the bigger d battery cell I made it pretty big and it works and it is in India those motorcycles are so cheap they have tons of them they're everywhere and they pump them out like nothing and their stuff is the expensive side and they made it inexpensive like you suggested I think it's got 3,000 Watts Bass and it goes up in increments to everything 5,000 and yeah the top mileage is around 300 miles top speed is around 240 mph not kilometers it's amazing this bike is cheap and will get you around town and it'll get you around the city you go around your neighborhood and it's not a hassle it's not a scooter we wipe out of your turn wrong I mean these things are real motorcycles and they're they're not huge and they're not small it's really nice they they finally did it right and they're probably going to have trouble cuz it's right in the crease and we'd like to somehow get involved because we don't want it to sink and just and just disappear but it's real hard to do but they might be able to handle it India wants it to go and wants to have them do it so they've got support and they usually get support from Pakistan but what a nice thing is it's ridiculous the price is like $1,000 for the base roadster model is what they call it and he says they might be able to get it here at power and x or whatever it is motorcycle place do they have a line on an Indian motorcycle and they have them in stock the Indian motorcycles and they have Chinese stuff and boys he can't really this would be swell he can't really ride a motorcycle but if he was forced to which I don't think so you can drive all over the place and he go far enough and it takes like a few hours to charge for you bring it with you you can charge off in any outlet and you'd be surprised where outlets are out in the middle of nowhere in the landscaping and they're everywhere outside of apartments outside of restaurants and you hook up to it and it's just a charger it doesn't take much power you can sit there and eat lunch and charge it that's what a dream is right there the dream is you go to like Starbucks and you have like five motorcycles charging and takes no power and you extract customers but that's something that might happen and Joe Biden did a good job this would be great maybe they would stop me and losers but it's for something that's really bad but still this idea works and the bike is priced Right and we want people to try and order it if you're nearby or you're in India give them a call

Thor Freya

Well you think it's nice everyone has confidence and they don't really but no they have confidence in the bike that it works and it's functioning and we helped but yeah they are in trouble already they're commercials are being taken down and they're pushed around by Mac proper we want this put out there so people know in India and the Indian people are fighting them you should fight for this you might have to go electric because they are using the fuel up and lithium is not good but the whole system would be in place and you just make a switch for the alternator and that's it everything would be easy instead of a nightmare which is coming

God and goddess of India

We too see it and we want them to open shops here and test drive shops here and they say 2025 and we say that's ridiculous they're already building them though and he says just renovate some buildings he's too long for ground up and there's so many buildings and suggest that you get some companies out there and provide some government funding I think we're going to go ahead and do this this is a great idea to help support them

Pakistan

I hear him over there and he's angry he's saying this sucks his Mac proper blow they're absolutely nuts running them around for years and they ran me ragged and I'm doing really stupid stuff getting hurt and he knows it too and he can't do anything and just sits there and has to suffer but yeah this motorcycles hours took some time to do and he said good it's a positive thing and he likes how it came out he likes how it looks and yeah if that motorcycle place can get them he'd probably get one but he's afraid to ride on the street and I see why everybody's right on him it's terrible yeah maybe in the future but he wanted to test ride it and he knows that he can't do it and he knows he can't ride on the street but we wanted to test ride it and can because people buy it and I know how he rides he rides pretty good wants to do a wheelie he says tons would sell

Aaron

Olympus we think it's cool because we heard him too inside and saying I can't really do it but I want to test drive it and he couldn't get the thing to work but he wants to post it he wants to keep it somewhere and we can help him but test driving it would be fun and who knows he might even sell them you won't ride them it'll sell them he could be a broker it'll be a fun job cuz this blows