#austin powers core

[90s-2000s-barbie]

April 15, 2007

[pebblezone]

this Tylenol ain’t shit w

[misspeppermint2003]

My Barbie Selfie Generator photos (Part 4)

The third part had finished, but now I'm making the fourth part of my Barbie Selfie Generator photos.

Spud the Scarecrow from Bob the Builder

Cezary Kujawa from Servant of the People

Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders

Gordon from Thomas & Friends

Austin Powers from Austin Powers trilogy

[voyaging-too]

Austin Walker's new TTRPG is fascinating to me. Realis is built on a strange core mechanic where characters advance by becoming more specialized, and unlike in the average game where specialist skills are added on top of generic skills, here there's a serious trade-off. A weak ability to win fights grows into a medium ability to win swordfights grows into a powerful ability to win swordfights against royal guards. A weak ability to track prey grows into a medium ability to track prey at night grows into a powerful ability to track prey at night on the tundra. Austen talks about how this is partially inspired by Berserk's changes over decades, and how this will encourage players to start with simplistic, archetypal characters, and mold them over time and through play, into something more unique and specific both in gameplay and storytelling terms.

But also this game's core mechanic is literally just about aging, about the beauties and tragedies of aging and hopefully getting good at one thing but losing the chance of getting good at a hundred other things, mastering your life but letting go of other possibilities. Heavy.

[olrastrologytarot]

Chaos Magick

Chaos Magick is a modern form of occultism that defies traditional structures and dogmas, embracing a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to magical practice. Unlike conventional magical systems that adhere to specific rituals, symbols, and deities, Chaos Magick emphasizes flexibility, personal belief, and the use of any technique or symbolism that achieves the desired outcome. Originating in the late 20th century, Chaos Magick has become a significant and influential movement within the broader landscape of contemporary occultism, attracting practitioners who value creativity, experimentation, and personal empowerment. This essay explores the history, principles, practices, and significance of Chaos Magick.

History of Chaos Magick

Chaos Magick emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a response to the rigid structures of traditional ceremonial magick and the occult revival movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. The origins of Chaos Magick can be traced to the writings of occultists such as Peter J. Carroll and Ray Sherwin, who were instrumental in developing and popularizing this new approach to magic.

The Influence of Austin Osman Spare:

A significant precursor to Chaos Magick was the work of artist and occultist Austin Osman Spare (1886-1956). Spare's ideas about the subconscious mind, sigils, and the power of belief were highly influential on later Chaos Magicians. He emphasized the use of personal symbols and the manipulation of belief as tools for magical success, laying the groundwork for many of the ideas central to Chaos Magick.

The Birth of the Movement:

In the late 1970s, Peter J. Carroll and Ray Sherwin co-founded the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT), a magical order dedicated to the practice and development of Chaos Magick. Carroll’s seminal works, "Liber Null" (1978) and "Psychonaut" (1982), became foundational texts for Chaos Magicians. These books outlined the core principles of Chaos Magick, including the emphasis on belief as a tool, the use of sigils, and the concept of "paradigm shifting," where practitioners adopt different belief systems as needed.

Spread and Evolution:

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chaos Magick grew in popularity, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The movement attracted individuals interested in a more personalized and experimental approach to magic, free from the dogmatic constraints of traditional systems. As Chaos Magick evolved, it incorporated influences from psychology, science fiction, pop culture, and postmodern philosophy, reflecting its eclectic and adaptive nature.

Principles of Chaos Magick

Chaos Magick is characterized by several key principles that distinguish it from other forms of magical practice. These principles emphasize flexibility, pragmatism, and the central role of belief in achieving magical outcomes.

Belief as a Tool:

One of the core tenets of Chaos Magick is the idea that belief itself is a powerful tool in magic. Unlike traditional magical systems that require adherence to specific beliefs or deities, Chaos Magick posits that the act of believing—regardless of what is believed—is what makes magic effective. Practitioners are encouraged to adopt and discard beliefs as needed to achieve their desired results, treating belief as a flexible and dynamic tool rather than a fixed truth.

Paradigm Shifting:

Closely related to the use of belief as a tool is the concept of "paradigm shifting." In Chaos Magick, a paradigm is a framework of beliefs, symbols, and practices that a magician temporarily adopts to work a particular spell or ritual. A Chaos Magician might shift between different paradigms—such as using Kabbalistic symbols in one ritual and invoking Lovecraftian deities in another—depending on what they find most effective for their goals. This fluid approach allows practitioners to draw from a wide range of magical and cultural traditions.

Pragmatism and Results-Oriented Practice:

Chaos Magick is inherently pragmatic, focusing on what works rather than adhering to tradition or doctrine. The effectiveness of a magical practice is judged solely by the results it produces. This results-oriented approach encourages experimentation and the development of new techniques, as well as the modification or abandonment of practices that do not yield desired outcomes.

Use of Sigils:

Sigilization, a technique popularized by Austin Osman Spare, is a central practice in Chaos Magick. A sigil is a symbol created by condensing a specific intention or desire into a visual form. The practitioner then uses various methods to "charge" the sigil with energy and launch it into the subconscious mind, where it works to manifest the desired outcome. Sigils are valued for their simplicity and adaptability, making them a popular tool among Chaos Magicians.

The Gnostic State:

Achieving a state of altered consciousness, often referred to as the "Gnostic State" or "gnosis," is a key component of Chaos Magick rituals. This state of mind, in which the practitioner is highly focused and free from distractions, is believed to be crucial for the successful performance of magic. Various methods, such as meditation, chanting, visualization, or sensory deprivation, are used to induce gnosis.

Practices of Chaos Magick

Chaos Magick is known for its eclectic and innovative practices, which can vary widely from one practitioner to another. The following are some of the most common practices associated with Chaos Magick:

Sigil Magic:

As mentioned, sigil magic is a cornerstone of Chaos Magick. The process typically involves creating a sigil by writing out a statement of intent, removing duplicate letters, and arranging the remaining letters into an abstract symbol. The practitioner then enters a Gnostic State, charges the sigil with intent, and either destroys or forgets the sigil to allow it to work subconsciously.

Magical Experimentation:

Chaos Magicians often experiment with a variety of techniques, drawing from different magical traditions, religions, and even pop culture. This might include invoking gods from different pantheons, working with fictional characters as if they were real entities, or incorporating elements of modern technology into rituals. The emphasis is always on what is effective for the individual practitioner.

Deconstructing and Reconstructing Beliefs:

Chaos Magicians regularly engage in the practice of deconstructing and reconstructing their beliefs. By deliberately adopting different belief systems, even those they do not inherently believe in, they explore the effects of belief on reality. This practice often leads to a deeper understanding of the fluid nature of reality and the power of the mind in shaping experience.

Use of Pop Culture and Modern Symbols:

One of the more unique aspects of Chaos Magick is its embrace of contemporary symbols and icons from pop culture. Practitioners might use characters from movies, comic books, or video games as symbols in their rituals, treating these figures as modern-day deities or archetypes. This reflects Chaos Magick's adaptability and its focus on personal relevance over tradition.

Psychological Techniques:

Many Chaos Magicians incorporate psychological techniques into their practice, drawing from fields such as cognitive psychology, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and hypnosis. These techniques are used to alter consciousness, influence perception, and reinforce the practitioner’s intent. The integration of psychological methods underscores Chaos Magick's pragmatic and results-driven approach.

Significance and Influence of Chaos Magick

Chaos Magick has had a profound impact on modern occultism, influencing both magical practice and the broader cultural understanding of magic. Its emphasis on flexibility, innovation, and personal empowerment has resonated with a new generation of practitioners who seek a more individualized and adaptive approach to magic.

Democratization of Magic:

One of the most significant contributions of Chaos Magick is the democratization of magical practice. By rejecting rigid hierarchies, dogmas, and the need for formal initiation, Chaos Magick has made occult practices more accessible to a wider audience. Anyone can become a Chaos Magician, regardless of background or experience, as long as they are willing to experiment and learn.

Cultural Impact:

Chaos Magick has also influenced popular culture, particularly in areas related to the occult, science fiction, and the countercultural movements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Concepts from Chaos Magick, such as paradigm shifting and the use of pop culture symbols, have found their way into literature, movies, and art, reflecting the movement's broad cultural reach.

Challenges to Traditional Magic:

Chaos Magick challenges the conventional understanding of magic by questioning the necessity of belief in any particular system or deity. This has led to debates within the occult community about the nature of magic, the role of belief, and the effectiveness of traditional practices. Chaos Magick's focus on results over tradition has encouraged many practitioners to rethink their approach to magic.

Influence on Postmodern Thought:

Chaos Magick is often associated with postmodernism, particularly its skepticism of grand narratives and its emphasis on individual experience. The movement’s fluid approach to reality, belief, and identity aligns with postmodern ideas about the constructed nature of reality and the multiplicity of truths. This has made Chaos Magick particularly appealing to those who resonate with postmodern philosophy.

Conclusion

Chaos Magick represents a radical departure from traditional magical systems, offering a flexible, pragmatic, and highly individualized approach to occult practice. By emphasizing the power of belief, the importance of personal experience, and the value of experimentation, Chaos Magick has redefined what it means to practice magic in the modern world. Its influence extends beyond the occult community, challenging cultural and philosophical assumptions about reality, belief, and the nature of power. As a living, evolving tradition, Chaos Magick continues to inspire and empower those who seek to explore the mysteries of existence on their own terms.

[levon]

austin powers core for The Graduate (1967) graduation party

[socialistexan]

Love (derogatory) that people keep moving to Austin because of its "culture" and "personality" and "weird vibes" and then do everything in their power to erase the personality and culture and vibes of the city to make it into another soulless cookie-cutter dreck of a city like the shit they left to come here.

This isn't quite as bad, but is reminiscent of when developers wanted to demolish Austin's historic gay bars to put up luxury condos and office buildings, and when people came out en masse to protest, they said they would make a facade that "resembled" the bars.

Fuck offffffff

Modern city planning and development is antithetical to human life and culture to its very core.

[eugenedebs1920]

Pennsylvania Lt. Governor, Austin Adam’s, “The election was free and fair in 2016 when he (Trump) won, it was free and fair in 2020 when he lost, and it will be free and fair in 2024.”

As a previous sports player I can tell you. You can’t just love the game when you win. You are not going to always win. Losses are part of the experience. They’re part of life. Sportsmanship is a life lesson. You win some, you lose some. Either way, you’ll be out on the field ready to go next chance you get.

That is where Trump fails as an adult, as a role model, a politician and a leader. Being gracious in defeat. Defeat is inevitable, doesn’t mean it has to be often, but it is inevitable. To do that takes humility. A trait Trump lacks.

You can’t just love your country when you win. You can’t just be the president of the people who voted for you. You can’t say you’re American, then do all you can to tear down the core of our nation.

This is why anyone with moderate knowledge of history and/or political science would call Donald Trump a fascist. He claims every news organization is “fake news”, except which ones? OAN, NewsMax, and a branch of his campaign, Fox News. That gives away the game right there! So the press is fine as long as they aren’t critical of you? Your policies and actions are fine to be covered, as long as they’re not controversial. That’s part of a fascist political stance. Ask any of those reporters Putin had thrown out a window!

If you have any background studying nineteenth century through twentieth century Europe and Asia it’s clear to see the similarities in the rhetoric, the perceived problems, and the way to fix them. For too long, centuries, fear has been used as a tool to subdue the masses. Whether that’s fear of a military or police state, fear of invasion from a foreign enemy, fear of higher taxes, fear of immigrants. Fear is a powerful emotion. It grips your chest to where it’s hard to breathe but you could jump over a small building at the same time. It’s a natural instinct. All things feel fear at one point or another. It’s a survival tactic. Fascists, and many politicians, use fear as a tool to sway their population or voters towards them. Using such a raw and visceral human instinct.

That fear is often about a thing, a movement or a group. Far too often in modern society this fear, which transmutes into anger, is directed at those different than the majority of the population. Mostly directed at immigrants. From WWII to the genocides in Africa. An enemy is created for the people to extrapolate their anger upon. Donald Trump is a master at this. This is fascism

Before a single vote was cast in 2016, Trump was telling his supporters at rallies that, “The only way we’re going to lose, is if they cheat”. Coincidently he did win, and no fuss was made, no recounts ordered, no lawsuits filed. In 2020, when he botched the pandemic response, made an ass of himself, and us, on the  world stage, when he wouldn’t condemn racism or white supremacist groups and told them to “stand back and stand by”, when he had added nearly $8 trillion to the deficit, when he had broken every rule, every norm, all etiquette and ethics, there was no way he would “win in a landslide”, as it was said.

The American people were sick, broke, couldn’t work, dying by the thousands, stuck at home, frustrated. For him and his supporters to have the slightest doubt that he had the chance of losing is preposterous! Of course he had a chance! He dropped the damn ball numerous times!

His continued lies about the election system is the most damaging thing a “leader” has ever done to our democracy. He has sown seeds of doubt, that, just like weeds, will take a long time to eradicate. For over 200 years we have been the symbol for free and fair elections, the model for the peaceful transfer of power. Now, because Trump lost, we’re all the sudden not!? We’re a 3rd world country!? Or as Trump puts it, we’re the world’s garbage can!? That’s fascism too!

Na tho! It’s him that is garbage. It’s him who can’t be trusted. It’s him that is poisoning the blood of our nation. It’s him who is thin skinned, yet always putting others down. And it’s us.

It’s us who are going to show the world that we still are the America we portray ourselves to be. Leaders! Thinkers! Good, honest people! Kind! Compassionate! Empathetic! Strong.

Let’s show this wanna be dictator and the rest of the world who we are! Let’s show our dignity and self determination. Let’s vote Kamala Harris as the President of the United States of America!🇺🇸



[siremasterlawrence]

Hijacked: Brothers

Ben, Austin and Tom are proud to be mine in no way would they ever want to be released from me and are sworn to serve me for life in this world.Apparently his entire gang has occupied a huge area surrounding the full area of the wooden forest because it is a wondrous kingdom. I step onto scene as everyone slept leaving me a bit perplex as I hope to God this is not a cult of anything like that but soon enough we stood infront of his home.He kicks the door to the side lifting me up in his arms carrying me into his own personal thrown room and then leaves me for a bit to set it all up.What I did not expect is to see the home is built like a mansion in the woods with giant a mass of rooms to fit many people and I knew it is why I think it is. He smirks a bit returning with a glass of cold beer, the bottle to boot in his hand as he is in a sweet mood and the sensation is over taking him. Kneeling right in front of him he holds his cup up in excitement lifting it for me as he prepares to give me a speech and it is awesome. He gives me a cheer as we click glasses up together is that we are working together in a symbiosis of what we will build together for life. I take a sip as I can see him fantasize being in my mouth, wanting all of the action I am able to provide and he wish to taste every inch of my body. “Oh my Master!” He is into swearing to design to serve me for a lifetime of happiness and craving to submit to me for a lifetime.

Every member of the gangs rolls out at my slaves announcement of me become the new leader of this gang and how we would revolutionize this. They all hate me instantly snapping both of my fingers in the air as it collects swooping the entire area and with that leaving all of them shook to the core. Tom has had enough of this bullshit walking toward the man asshole antagonizing the tough rebellion and he grabs Chris yanking him to the side. Chris is disbelief as Tom in his glorious ways punches him in the gut laying him down and beating tar out of himand looks at me with love as the air swoops into their noses. Chris can’t help himself doing his best to be able to match me on my every move getting ever closer to me with such intensity and very soon it is upon me. He freezes in time unable to do anything but be at my whim as I walk downward to him as stand right in front of him and peer deep into his eyes. His breath is so sweet filling both of my odd enhanced nostrils picking it up sensing he will be a great addition and begin to place my hand on his chest. Immediately he came back to life with an inherent lengthy breath as he blows it out heavily relinquishing all of his control to me forever. Blowing air into his air following it up with a kiss siding down to his neck as he fell under my powers and he succumb so easily barely putting up a fight.

“Can you comprehend my power?”

“I’m at your will”

“Explain”

“Command me sire”

“Go on”

“I am at your will”

“Kneel before me “

“I hate this”

“That’s a lie”

“No!”

“I can detect your bullshit “

“Liar! I am not responding to it”

“Yet! Your back betrays you”

“You are pure evil”

“Am I?”

“Stop lying”

“I am your man”

“No…I…I…love…you”

“So much better”

“Why do I feel so relieved?”

“Because you have no worries “

“You are my property “

“Yes my king”

“Sir Yes Sir”

“My eyes are your focal point “

“Yours are the soul to the window “

“You know I am right “

“Accept it”

“Surrender to it”

“You have fallen it’s over “

“Why is my brother kissing you?”

“Fuck off bro!”

“WHAT?”

“Back Off!”

“Dad would be…”

“Zip it!”

“May I?”

“Please!”

“Bro…noooo”

“Release me”

“You will submit!”

“PLEASE! HELP ME!”

“Tie him up”

“What are you designing me?”

“Mwahahahahaha “

“Leave us be”

“Of course “

“I am taking you over “

“Don’t touch me”

“Sssshhh”

“I do as I want “

“Fuck you “

“Take my hand “

“Now feel and watch your mind begin to change.”

“My god”

“My world”

“My love “

“Uuuugghhh”

“I love you “

“No worries boi”

“Luke…sssssh”

“Sleep”

“Yes Master!

The end

[soapyoapy]

BTS Members as Austin Moon Songs

Putting all of my Austin and Ally stan and ARMY power into this post. After Jungkook released his album, I realized how much he reminded me so much of Austin Moon from Austin and Ally. My dad and I got to talking about what songs from the show we'd want them to cover and I started listing off the songs I could hear each member singing in my head. I now present to you, a BTS x Austin Moon setlist:

Namjoon: Heard it on the Radio; less profound than Joon’s regular music but i think it would be fun.

Jin: Steal Your Heart; listen to it and imagine Jin singing the chorus, I can't unhear it now

Yoongi: A Billion Hits; kind of rap-like in the verses and flexing how hard he works and how successful he is but in an accurate way instead of a braggy way (also just kind of silly goofy to imagine)

Hobi: Upside Down; it's so happy and upbeat!! Also I can see him doing the dance from the episode. I feel like out of all the members, Hobi could do the theme song the best justice. like the full version of the theme song.

Jimin: Superhero; comfort song ❤️❤️ this song is basically Closer Than This but with a superhero metaphor

Tae: Chasing the Beat of My Heart; a smooth, yearning lover core song that kind of reminds me of Fri[end]s. Though it's hard to imagine Tae doing such a poppy song as a solo, i think it works. especially the bridge.

Jungkook: Heartbeat; this song just is Yes and No so it's not that different for him. I literally could've chosen any song and it would work. (if you don't like this choice see also I Got that Rock and Roll, Double Take, or Better Together)

Vmin Duet: I Think About You; not in a shippy way but like they're both singing to ARMY. I just REALLY love their harmonies. Imagine them singing the bridge 😵😵

Namgikook Duet: What We’re About; Joon and Yoongi doing the verses and Jungkook doing the chorus. it’s a very leader vibes song. like hyping everyone up (also has a rap vibe in the verses)

Jinhope Duet: Better Than This; this has the best rap verse of any of Austin’s songs and it already kind of sounds like Hobi. Jin singing the chorus.

OT7:

Illusion; one of the only Austin Moon songs where I can hear boyband-style harmonies and just straight up the best song from that whole show. Also I saw a TikTok talking about this song and that's what started this whole thought process.

Can You Feel It; this was basically Austin's Butter. The song that made him super famous. Also I can see a good choreo for it.

You Can Come to Me; great Magic Shop/Mikrokosmos style song for them to sing to ARMY together. also it’s just such an important song for the show and i personally love it so much so it deserved to be here. great opportunity for adlibs at the end and a whole lot of harmonies.

Joon and Yoongi were so hard to pick a song for. If you have other ideas, let me know!!! I wanna find more ARMY/Austin and Ally fans!!!! It can't just be me.

[cooknumber3]

Luffy and the sign of Taurus (Part 1)

Normally, when it comes to authors assigning zodiac signs, they tend to do it in a very surface-level way. Most of the time, it would actually be more accurate for the audience to analyze and assign the signs themselves.

I don’t know why I mentioned that because it’s not what we will be doing today. In part 1, let’s take a look at the correlation between Luffy and the decan of Taurus and see how well it translates. In part 2, I will focus more on the personality traits of Taurus and how they show in Luffy as a character.

First, since there’s no specific birth time for Luffy that would allow us to check his entire birth chart, we can find specificity in the decans, which divide each sign into three parts. Luffy was born on May 5th, making him the second decan of Taurus. When it comes to decans, I will be referring a lot to Austin Coppock’s book 36 Faces, which is an awesome read.

The second decan of Taurus is represented by a man holding a key, symbolizing success and achievement. Its Tarot card is the Six of Pentacles, which shows a rich man holding scales to distribute wealth fairly, symbolizing generosity and justice. This card also represents charity—giving to those in need. When this card appears for you, it suggests that you don’t really need to work hard; simply ask, and you shall receive what you want. This is such a fantastic reflection of Luffy liberating countries simply because people who gave him food or whom he likes ask him to.

This Tarot card also represents not just material wealth but also the wisdom of how success is achieved through a harmonious combination of passion and disciplined effort. This can be seen more in Luffy post-timeskip—not that he’s more disciplined exactly, but he no longer operates purely on idealism and heart. He has faced the reality of the new era, and to achieve his dream, he needs to be sharper and more discerning in his own way, which he actually does.

After facing the crushing reality that he wasn’t strong enough yet in Amazon Lily, he regroups, refocuses, and adapts. He grows stronger and sharper, but of course, this doesn’t change his core as a character. Simply put, he has now grown strong enough to be completely himself, more than he ever could before.

The first decan of Taurus is associated with fears of poverty and the need to work hard on the land. But in the second decan, the focus shifts to a different and much more powerful idea—it speaks of the rewards that come from practicing good virtues consistently over time. This applies to Luffy as well. After repeatedly doing right by people and himself, he gains a crew with the kind of bond that most envy, crewmates who are strong enough to stand on their own and protect him, an almost unprecedented reputation, and later even a pirate fleet of his own, whether he wants it or not.

This decan is linked to the time of year between the spring equinox and summer solstice, celebrated during festivals like Beltane or May Day. I find it very interesting that there’s a strong emphasis on the Sun and the Earth in this decan, since these festivals celebrate their union.

While earlier depictions openly displayed themes of fertility and sexual union, later images toned down these elements, focusing instead on more refined virtues like justice and success. Luffy has almost always succeeded in what he does, and his idea of “justice”—or more accurately, his idea of right and wrong and what it means to be a pirate—is world-defining. He’s so successful that the world has to rearrange itself around his own ideas.

This decan is also called a linga-yoni. The term "linga-yoni" is deeply rooted in the idea of complementary forces coming together to generate life and maintain cosmic harmony.

Now, let's relate this concept to Luffy:

Union of Opposing Forces: I think this is shown more clearly in what he does to others around him, with him uniting contrasting qualities in others.

He has the ability to work with others and win them over without necessarily making them his subordinates—look at Kid and Law, for example. They can work together and complement each other, even changing the trajectory of each other's lives, but they never stop being on the same level and having their own battles to conquer.

Within his own crew, the most incredible strength comes from the absolutely beautiful union of a volatile combination—his wings—Zoro and Sanji.

Creation and Renewal: Just as the linga-yoni represents creation, Luffy is often a catalyst for change and renewal. He challenges the status quo, liberates oppressed people, and brings about a new beginning.

Sometimes, when it comes to Tarot, I think another card that encapsulates him well is the Tower, a card that destroys only what doesn’t have a good foundation. Luffy only destroys things that no longer make him or his people happy.

Connection to the World: Luffy’s Gear 5, which draws on mythical and natural elements, symbolizes the culmination of this balance and his ultimate connection to the world around him; he can now affect the world on a physical level, making anything he touches turn to rubber.

In summary, Luffy in One Piece can be seen as a living embodiment of the linga-yoni, symbolizing the balance of opposing forces, the power of creation and renewal, and the importance of unity—working together, not alone—in achieving greatness.

[brandnulife]

RIP, Shannen Doherty (1971-2024)

"Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen. She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time." - Jason Priestley

"I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long-time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known. Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration. She was courageous, passionate, determined, and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie." - Jennie Garth

"Shan. My sister… You loved me through everything. You were a big part of my understanding of love. I’ll miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you." - Brian Austin Green

"Fuck them… is what Shan would say if I told her I felt pressure to have to summarize via social media a 36-year relationship and the grief I feel for a fire who’s flame went out too soon.

I was 15 when Shan and I met. I was the boss’s daughter with no voice and she was the star with a big voice. She took me under her wing. She gave me the belief I had a voice and was worthy. We became fast best friends. We were each others wing women, true confidantes, support systems navigating bad relationships, roommates of sorts at times, travel buddies, and so much more. She always stuck up for me. Always had my back. Always believed in me when I didn’t or couldn’t believe in myself. We were young. We let a lot of outside and inside influences influence our friendship. In a world where we often don’t get to make up with the childhood friendships that formed so much of the adult you become, we got that chance. I’m grateful @theshando and I got to go back in time as adult friends and remember why we truly loved each other to begin with. To reminisce. And, to iconically laugh again like we used to. No one could make me laugh like that. Core laughs!

She was a rebel in an era when most women didn’t feel comfortable being strong. She never tried she just was. She empowered sexiness, strength, 2 fucks given, empathy, and all topped off with wicked humor! Her sardonic humor was one of my faves. And, no one made a frito pie like Shan!

Shan… I’ll carry the torch on. Take on my power! And, I’ll stay rebellious for you. Love you with all my heart. Always. 🖤💔" - Tori Spelling

"Shannon was so young and so courageous. By sharing her journey she has helped so many. My heart goes out to her family and I know that Luke is welcoming her with open arms." - Gabrielle Carteris

"Shocked and saddened by news of Shannon Doherty’s death. What a journey she has been on! Gone too soon. Throughout, she stayed true to herself and gave us an example of courage and perseverance in facing her own death. May she rest in peace." - Carol Potter

"It’s no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of. She was a talented actress, beloved by many, and the world is less without her. My condolences to all who loved her." - Alyssa Milano

"Shannen Doherty had the heart of a lion. Passion for craft is often mislabeled as trouble. Shannen was passion. I met her in the ’90s and was awed. Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift. This woman fought to live. Shannen knew how to be a star because she was one since childhood. Her work ethic inspiring to the end. Shannen’s great love for directing, for acting, Holly, her friends, her parents, dog and her beloved fans was legendary. Our lives had been intertwined in a unique way. We laughed at dark forces who wanted us to hate each other, instead we chose love and respect. A soft-hearted badass as there ever was. A force of energy that will live forever in hearts. May angels and God carry her to the holy kingdom where she is healthy, young, and wild forever. Rest now warrior, we will never forget you, dear sister." - Rose McGowan

"Beautiful Shannen. What a warrior. Fierce talent, passionate actor, friend, advocate. She fought. My heart goes out to her family, her beloved mama, her doggy, her friends who loved her equally fiercely as she loved them. God, I’m sorry for this loss…. Rest in peace, Shannen. - Finola Hughes

"We created a special television couple for the ages. My heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace, Shannen, rest in peace." - Ted King

Very sad to hear about the passing of #ShannenDoherty. I watched and was a huge fan of 90210. And, of course, I’ll always love #Charmed, @cw_charmed both the original and reboot. My thoughts are with her family…." - Rupert Evans

"RIP, Shannen Doherty. I met her during the Full House days. She was lovely and had a beautiful smile. Today, I’ll also think about the women in my life who all succumbed to cancer - my mom, my sister, Sharon, and my niece, Shannon, who all were so strong and so beautiful. #RIPShannenDoherty #RIP" - Dave Coulier

"You showed me what strength is. You taught me to be fearless and live with purpose. To know your value and stick to your determinations. Forever loved! Truly heartbroken." - Brian Krause

"Crushed💔 I will miss you, Shannen. I got you, Sis. We just got each other. I am so glad we were cast together for a pilot back in 2004. We hit it off right away and friends since then…I was supposed to do your podcast… I was so looking forward to that… You fought so hard babe, and now it’s time for you to rest. I know you’re dancing in the sky." - Holly Robinson Peete

"RIP, Shannen Doherty. Grew up watching you in so many iconic, meaningful movies and shows. Was beyond honored and humbled and grateful that you were a part of our most special episode of #Riverdale ever. Thank you forever.💔😰💔😰🚀" - Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

"@theshando 💔🙏" - Antonio Sabato Jr.

"My better half of 31 years. There is a hollow in my chest and I can’t seem to catch my breath. A part of me is missing even though I know exactly what you would say to me right now. I know exactly what you would tell me to do right now. I know your undying spirit will live in me and my kids who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride. They will be truthful and stand up for what is right. No matter what and zero fucks given. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed ones you helped raise. A fierce fighter till the end. My most ardent champion. My loyal protector. My best friend. You taught me the meaning of family. You were and will be forevermore my sister. I love you." - Holly Marie Combs

"How do you possibly find the right words to sum up 30 years of friendship? I keep reminding myself it only hurts this much because there was so much love. Thank you, for all your kind words and support. I love all the messages about how @theshando was important to you. So let’s honor her. More than anything, Shan loves animals, especially dogs. In her memory let’s support our favorite animal charities. Whether that’s donating money , stopping by your local shelter and just offering cuddles and walks to animals housed there or even just tagging them in the comments so other people can learn about their work. I know that would make our girl happy (and illicit that deep-throaty laugh we all loved) 💔 💔💔" - Sarah Michelle Gellar

"This is the first photo I ever took of Shannen and the last photo she sent to me of us. I’ll never be able to fully articulate our relationship or what she meant to me in a social media post so I’m not going to bother trying... I can say I will miss her laugh, her wicked sense of humor and fiery spirit most of all. I’m truly heartbroken but will continue to honor her by living as she lived - with passion beyond measure, with unwavering loyalty to family and friends and most importantly, with bravery, no matter how insurmountable the challenge or obstacle appears to be.

🖤 LOVE YOU FOREVER, SHANNEN 🖤" - Drew Fuller

"Dear brave beautiful friend, may you rest in the peace of God 🕊️ We are heartbroken by the news of your passing … My deepest condolences to your beloved Mom and to Chris . All of us who were fortunate enough to know you and love you and call you friend will miss you terribly . You were a bright light in all our lives. Rest in Peace, dear Shannen 🕊️ 🙏#shannendoherty" - Roma Downey

"I worked with Shannon a few years ago on a film called The Fortress directed by my friend @jamescullenb I didn’t know her well. She was humble, funny, and professional. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. She was a talent and a fighter. May she rest in peace." - Sean Kanan

"FOX mourns the loss of our friend Shannen Doherty. We're grateful for the talent and light she brought to FOX, especially through her role in Beverly Hills, 90210, which cemented her place among television royalty. Shannen's legacy will be remembered and celebrated forever." - FOX Television Network

"Deeply saddened to hear of Shannen’s passing. I treasure my time working with her on 90210. She always brought her huge talent, her wicked sense of humor, and her big heart to every moment. My heart goes out to her wonderful family and friends. She will be sorely missed." - Jim Eckhouse

"I am absolutely heartbroken over the passing of Shannen Doherty. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I remembered how she bravely let the world into her journey and I reached out to her. We became instant friends- which I honestly couldn’t comprehend at times because watching her on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ was everything to me when I was 10. (Shannen Doherty as Brenda Walsh is and was and will always be an icon.)

We bonded through a shared battle and a desire to help other women. Looking back on the last text she sent me just a couple months ago, she asked how I was doing and if she could do anything for me…. True to form, Shannen was offering her support even though she was in the final stage of fighting this horrific disease.

Cancer is really fucking scary and Shannen faced it with such dignity, strength and grace.

I’m sending all of my love to her mother who was her best friend, hero and champion every step of the way.

Fly so high, my friend. 💔💔💔💔" - Olivia Munn

"I grew up watching Shannen Doherty, and years later I got the amazing chance to work with her in Mallrats and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Loved her in Charmed, a favorite of mine. Truly sad that she is now gone, may you rest in peace 💔" - Jason Mewes

"Long before any other pop culture figure “broke the internet” @theshando singlehandedly shattered it in the early 90’s. This is an incredible accomplishment considering the internet as we know it didn’t even exist yet. I (and the rest of the known universe) used to watch “the girl from #heathers” every week on @beverlyhills90210. I usually did so while jockeying the register at @quickstopgroceries - so it was ironic that the film I’d eventually make there would lead to #shannendoherty. @malcolm.ingram is most responsible for Shannen being in #mallrats. When I told him my next flick was essentially “Clerks in a Mall”, Malcolm insisted “Then you gotta cast Doherty! She’s an American icon!” That she was, and so much more. Shannen was a true talent and she became a good friend, but lest anyone forget, she was the only reason Mallrats got green-lit in 1995. That’s because Shannen was one of the most famous people on the planet - and the fact that she picked Mallrats as her first follow-up to 90210 *made* that movie happen. I cherish the memories of Shannen walking her German Shepherd around the @edenprairiecenter every morning, or whenever she’d gossip and giggle between takes. At the junket for Rats, we established a ritual we kept up for years, where she wrote “dick” over my half of our @filmthreat cover while I wrote “bitch” over her pic. But while Shannen was no shrinking violet and she gave as good as she got (particularly to the paparazzi), she was never anything but sweet to me. I told her back in December when I was on her podcast that I felt like the girl I used to watch on TV at Quick Stop was there to welcome me when I got into show business. Fuck… She’s died way too soon. I already miss you, Do-Do. Thank you for going to the Mall with me - and for thirty years of friendship. My Canadian pal was right: you are (and always will be) an American icon. #KevinSmith - Kevin Smith

"Gone too soon! I didn't know Shannen, but I knew a lot of her friends and I was a huge fan growing up. From Heathers to 90210, she had my respect for her talent and choices. She will be missed but her influence will carry on. Rest well!" - Melissa Joan Hart

"I had the great pleasure of working with Shannen Doherty a few years ago in Canada- she was smart and funny, and super talented. Then later I happened to run into her on a night I received some of the worst news of my life and she was there for me like a rock. I also consulted her on dog rescue issues. She was a strong, beautiful human being and I am thankful for the times we shared on this earth. Rest in Peace." - Mira Sorvino

"RIP @theshando��🕊️💔

When I first booked 90210, I remember walking on set on the first day and feeling a bit nervous, especially during the drug scenes. But Shannen was always so supportive and encouraging, instantly putting me at ease. She made the experience truly special. ❤️ Working with her was such a gift." - Jessica Lowndes

"We lost a beautiful soul and member of the Lifetime family today. Shannen Doherty’s legacy of strength and resilience will forever inspire us. Rest in peace." - Lifetime Television Network

"Shannen, I was a huge fan of yours before we worked together, and an even bigger fan of yours after. I’m so happy to have had that time with you and still have this sweet note you wrote me. Now you rest. Condolences to your friends and family. This ICON will be truly missed🙏🏽🕊️ #ShannenDoherty" - Reagan Gomez

"She was a warrior and inspired us all. She taught us how to be brave in the face of fear, and how to start a new life, even when the end was in sight.

I was inspired by #shannendoherty when we met while I was still hosting @thetalkcbs. She had a peace in her eyes that I admired. She never gave up living or fighting for her life, even though you could see she had come to terms with her own mortality. The courage it takes to be able to see your own ending while living your life with passion and your warrior spirit front and center is not easy… I wish her eternal peace, that she rests easy now, knowing she inspired so many of us.

Rest in Peace. #ripshannendoherty Thank you for your courage and for sharing that strength with us all. @theshando" - Carrie Ann Inaba

"Very sad about the passing of Shannen Doherty. She was an extremely cool gal and a force. Really enjoyed getting to work together. She was a total pro. And, in our conversations, I always felt the fighter she was and showed herself to be in the years after. Very admirably so.

I hadn’t seen her in a handful of years, but, when we ran into each other last, we reflected on the unique adventure we had filming in New Zealand. We shot there for over a month on a film called Kiss Me Deadly. It was the first gay spy film, and we had a great time doing it. (I also remember, as a big Indiana Jones fan, geeking out that we were working with John Rhys Davies. I can’t recall now whether it was as impactful for Shannen. :))

There were plenty of fun facts and moments, but my one of my favorites was discovering her secret passion for World of Warcraft. (It’s been mentioned out there in the world at this point.) It was a hugely popular online interactive role-play game at the time. I remember being impressed that she brought her separate gaming computer all the way to NZ to play it. She was leading a mission with a team of folks from around the world who had no idea that it was actually @theshando leading them because she was using her online handle. Although she said she suspected that some might be cluing in. Among her many other qualities, it was a unique, fun, and little known aspect that I found really endearing. (Especially as a fellow fantasy fiction and role play gaming aficionado.)

Rest in peace, Shannen. And thank you for sharing your journey so openly with the world. You made it better for doing so." - Robert Gant

[yonemurishiroku]

https://www.tumblr.com/yonemurishiroku/726171882461724672/i-have-excellent-news-for-you?source=share

What r some of ur hcs about this ship?

Ok. I usually don’t spill the beans about what I plan to write (mainly bc I need to keep up the motivation), but this would be an exception bc I always make exception for rarepairs.

Anw. About Clovis and Nico.

I have many jumbling thoughts about them but Ig it all comes down to two things:

1/ Their stories

2/ Their powers, down to their very core.

When I say the stories, here’s the thing

Nico has a lot of history, whereas Clovis does not. Obviously. Nico has been around as the deuteragonist since book 3, whereas Clovis barely makes an appearance. The difference in their screen time is abyssal.

But look at it in the normal way. If Nico was to play a character, what does that make Clovis?

An observer.

Why? Because Clovis, as it turns out, has the potential to be the one who knows the most, seeing as the Hypnos’ cabin is literally the central station of the highway through which all dreams must pass through.

And dreams, essentially, are just fragments of one’s life stories.

So look at it this way. Nico is a character. Clovis is the observer, and from that, a story teller.

- He is frankly a stranger but he may know a lot more about Nico than a mere stranger would. Isn’t that romantic? (A little creepy but let’s not delve on that)

- Nico wouldn’t be alone. He might think he’s alone, but if we take in the assumption that Clovis knows about his struggles, he might offer silent help without prying too much.

Think of it this way. You’re struggling and you’re just so tired but every way you look at is a dead-end. And then suddenly someone comes and takes your hand and opens a new door and you just collapse in their arms crying as they tell you “It’s gonna by okay”

- Clovis is a son of the Underworld too. What does it mean? It means the “ppl don’t like children of hades” doesn’t mean shit. Clovis would be the exception to whatever Nico has had to deal with from CHB.

- Rick makes Nico an insomnia and I’m monopolizing it for Clovico bc not letting Clovis in this is obviously Clovis-erasure. The potential is hitting me in the face. I’m sending Nico off to Hynpos’ cabin at every chance I get.

- Sleep dates every night bc I SAID SO. Nico getting over his touch-fright thanks to piling up in pillows and blankets with the Hypnos children so much.

- Clovis falling asleep during meetings bc he has Nico relaying everything to him later. Bonus point if he is actually laying on Nico’s shoulders and everyone’s like “shouldn’t we address that” but Nico’s like “Shhh” 😭😭😭

- Brewing tea and warming milk for each other!

- Morning routine: opening eyes - “Do u feel like up and shining?” - “Nah” - proceeds to return to sleep until Austin comes rapping on the door

- “We have a date” and all ppl see them doing is just sleeping. JOKE’S ON THEM tho bc they’re having the best dates ever in the dreamland

Which brings us to the second point vvvv

Their powers overlap in one thing, and that is the dreams.

Throughout the series, we have been shown: Olympus, Erebus, Tartarus, Atlantis (idk ab that tho). You know what we haven’t touched?

The dreamscape.

No, not the misleading nightmares/ illusions of Epiales in TSATS. I mean the dreamscape. The land of one’s living mind.

It’s literally a new world right there.

And oh would you look at that. Who could enter this realm? Oh right! Children of Hades and Hypnos.

Nico and Clovis (and other children of Hypnos Morpheus ofc) have a whole world to themselves, no shit.

- Here’s a thing I like ab what Rick did in HOO: Through the dreams, Nico could connect with the Hypnos cabin in general and Clovis in specifics, thousands of miles away from them.

So what does this mean? It means that, no matter where Nico is, he can always find his way to Clovis.

Just fall asleep and then let his dream lead him.

Isn’t that romantic - that the one you love would always be there, behind your eyelids? 🫶🥰 And you can always see them just by closing your eyes?

Nico could be at the other side of the globe and they’d still be seeing, touching each other every day/night. Look me in the eyes and tell me another couple who could do it.

- The whole thing about death being a big, undisturbed sleep. But it’s 1:30 am i don’t have th willpower

- I have a whole thing which is Alice in Wonderland AU but again i have nothing

[hiswordsarekisses]

“I know this is difficult to hear when our Sunday songs and sermons continuously force feed us lines about breakthrough; but us getting what we want at the last minute is not the gospel.

Yet, many songwriters and teachers read their bibles and walk away with this as the overarching theme.

Our western "breakthrough theology" has diluted the authentic miracle working power that exists in the good news of Jesus.

Without a doubt, God has the supernatural power to change our circumstances, but that is a significant sub plot to the core message of the gospel, which is that God has the power to supernaturally change US.

We'd like to think that Christ always shows up at the last minute. I wish that were the case. In fact, He's kind of known for being late!

So much so that the body of Lazarus started to smell.

The televangelist will tell you "He's always right on time" and remind you that Lazarus was raised.

But where was Christ when Stephen was being stoned to death? I'll tell you. Christ was right there filling Stephen with His spirit, empowering Him to utter his final words "Lord, don't blame them for what they have done."

It's a rarity we consider this moment a miracle, but it's one of my favorites.

When a man in chains can rejoice in His suffering, that is a breakthrough.

Where was Christ when I was beaten, thrown down the stairs, and drug across the floor by my hair? He was there, using what the enemy meant for evil as His pruning sheers to bear much fruit in my life.

I've met some people with stories of suffering that make mine look like a walk in the park, yet they are some of the greatest image bearers of Christ that I know.

Keep praying for the instantaneous. Keep praying for physical healing. Keep praying for "and suddenly" moments. God DOES move in this way in the natural realm, but when He does not, let's remember that He is still working miracles deeply inside of us.”

~ Austin Ludwig

[uses-for-fics]

Do I make you randy?

Anders Holmvik x reader

A/n: guys it's my first time writing smut. Please go easy on me 😭 also this part of the podcast? No way did he mean it as a joke!!!

Word count: 1076

“Anders hurry up!!!” you yelled from the living room. You had finally gotten Ander's laptop connected to his living room TV. It had only taken 20 minutes but hey, were you excited for today’s movie night. It was your turn to pick the film so you decided to rewatch your favorite film of all time, ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery’. You didn’t know what you liked most about the film. Austin’s goofiness, the costumes, or his overly horrible British accent that just made your stomach flip.

Your thoughts of the goofy spy got interrupted by your boyfriend walking into the living room. “You ready?” He set down the snacks he brought, onto the coffee table. “I’ve been waiting on you, ya goof.” You smiled and picked a spot on the couch. He playfully rolled his eyes and pressed play on his laptop. He took the spot next to you and covered yourselves with his blanket. “So, what film did you pick?”

Just as you were going to answer, the film's colorful title sequence started and you couldn’t help but smile sheepishly at Anders. He sighed. “No way.” You giggled. “What?”

“Babe! You choose this film every time! What’s so special about it?” Anders whined. You just smiled and patted his arm, curling into his side. “Oh come on, you know it’s just a silly goofy film I like.” Anders huffed. “Fine fine, only cause you like it, plus Mike Myers is pretty funny, but I get to choose the next two films.” You just shook your head and snuggled him tighter.

You guys got comfortable and snacked as the film played on. You couldn’t resist throwing your leg over anders leg in a way to get comfortable. Your leg twitching everytime Austin said ‘baby.’ You seriously couldn’t understand what it was about the ridiculous fictional Brit but oh did your stomach feel like it was turning into knots. You could only hope Anders didn’t notice, preferring not to look over at him when you’d twitch.

What you didn’t expect was Anders to playfully mimic Austin Powers' outlandish British accent. With a twinkle in his eye, he adopted the exaggerated tone, much to your amusement. “Do I make you Randy, baby~~?” Your face flushed. “What?” You giggled.

He continued. “Do I make you horny?” He repeated with that godawful accent. You twitched again. Anders placed his hand on your thigh that was over his leg. “What’s wrong, is my voice too distracting?” He smiled. Your face was turning redder by the second. His hand kept moving higher. “Anders.” You whispered. “It’s Anders powers to you.” He winked after using that ridiculous accent again. He got a grip on your waistband and fiddled with it. “Did you think I didn’t notice every time you’d hump my leg when he’d make a sultry comment?” Anders whispered next to your ear, dropping the accent. You sucked in your breath. He smirked and began to kiss your neck, nibbling and sucking on spots he knew you liked. You let out a soft sigh, letting his arm finally slip into your shorts. His hand slowly moves closer to your core. “Oh my.” You breathed out quietly. He massaged your clit for a bit until he stopped abruptly. You turned to look at him.

“Is everything ok?” Your eyes looked over his face and he just stared at you. Eyes scanning you. Finally, he just smiled and leaned til he was close to kissing you. “Can I taste you?” He used the stupid accent again. You couldn’t help but just shake your head a little too quickly. Anders wasted no time on laying you on your back. “Ack! Anders!” He climbed over you and started kissing your chest down to your belly. He gripped onto your shorts, slipping them off quickly with your underwear, tossing them god know where into the living room. That would be a problem for future you to deal with right now you just wanted this man to go crazy.

Anders sighed. He kissed your inner thighs. “This might be the most shaggadelic thing I’ve ever seen.” You couldn’t help but burst into laughter from the accent. “No way you just called my vagina, ‘shaggadelic’?” He blushed. “You’re laughing now but just you wait.” Anders got off the couch and onto his knees. He did work on his shirt and pulled your legs over his shoulders. He started with a slow stripe up. You let out a low moan, not expecting it to be so effective. Anders smiled at that. He did it again. You moved your hands down to his hair. He continued to just lap at your clit, putting one finger first. You gripped onto his hair. He started moving his finger in and out, going a bit faster on his tongue work. You tugged on his hair every time you felt a twitch. Anders took this as a sign to insert another digit. This time he started going faster and faster only getting encouragement every time he felt you twitch. You had started moaning loudly, not caring if Adam or Blake walked in or heard any of your lewd sounds. “Anders!” You panted. “I-I—don’t know—how much longer I can hold on.” You huffed in between words. Your legs have started to twitch. Anders placed his hand on your lower belly, this made you feel a whole new kind of pressure, pushing you over the edge. Your moans sounded almost pornographic as you came undone. Your hands let go of Ander's hair. He tried lapping up most of your juice, coming up to look at your panting figure after he felt everything come out. He smiled at you half lid, his mouth and chin covered in slick. “You feeling shaggadelic now?”

You huffed, still trying to regain your breathe. “I can’t with you sometimes.” Anders climbed onto the couch with you. “We have to definitely watch this movie more often.” You threw your head back and closed you eyes. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it.” You giggled. Anders just sighed and laid his head on your heaving chest.

Now, whenever Ders slips into that ridiculous accent, it serves as a potent aphrodisiac, instantly sparking desire in you. What started as a lighthearted joke during a movie night has evolved into a tantalizing game of seduction, adding a playful twist to your guy's intimate moments and keeping the flames of passion burning bright.

[chamerionwrites]

Absolutely living for this drag of one of my least favorite TCW episodes (and arguably by extension the whole show, since I would argue it's a continuing pattern):

"There’s a core metaphor for Clone Wars, right? This is the thing we’ve talked about so many times - and for the prequels. Lucas is not afraid of this. The Galactic Republic is the United States of America, slipping towards authoritarianism and fascism. It is a republic that has failed to serve its constituency, it has failed to serve the people that live there, it is filled with corrupt bureaucrats and moneyed interests, and - it’s unfortunate but the fact is that powerful people here can slowly push this even further towards the kind of centralized control under the hands of a few people who are absolutely politically and morally repugnant, until it gets transformed into what ends up being an empire. Right? That is the thing that happens in the prequel movies. But, here, the signifiers of the American empire - Agent Orange, napalm, the ways in which homes are searched in the beginning - are not deployed by the Republic. They’re deployed by the Republic’s enemies! It’s similar, in some ways, to the way that recent Call of Duty re-used the Highway of Death, rubbed America’s name off of it, and put Russia’s name on it. Obviously there’s a difference here, we're not literally talking about America and Russia, but that’s the same sort of like - we want to play with these ideas, but it doesn’t work if the Republic is the occupying force in this story (they say to themselves). Instead, let’s make it the Separatists who are our cartoonish bad guys. But when the bad guys are so cartoonish as to be identical to the boogeymen that the actual empire in our real world cooks up so that they can justify their imperial attitudes and actions, then the metaphor unravels."

--Austin Walker, A More Civilized Age (Episode 8)