#best urban design practice

[spasm-design-architects]

Best Indian Architectural Practice Firm Based in Mumbai

The Best Indian Architectural Practice firm Spasm Design Architects develop Villas for AM in Alibag. These structures draw inspiration from their unique surroundings, forging a harmonious bond between architecture and the environment. Each villa is thoughtfully tailored to the site's distinctive characteristics, ensuring a timeless and symbiotic relationship with nature.

[transit-fag]

Just Finished reading Walkable City bu Jeff Speck.

I highly recommend it, it is an amazing primer on urban design and best practices with numerous examples from real life. It covers street design, housing, bikeability, trees and more!

[nimadjart]

Happy halloweeen. :)

This is the commentary track(?) to my digitober. It's just rambling, so don't expect anything too interesting.

This first picture came out on a whim, I originally didn't intend to do anything for this october. I had just arrived home from helping my mom out with something, and was in a good mood. I think this picture, as sketchy as it looks, reflects that feeling. I'm content with it - and it's halloween themed! All the better.

For the second, I tried to follow the "official inktober" list (something I'd drop quickly in the following days). I'm disastrous at making backgrounds, so I gave it a shot for practice sake. I think it's not a bad result, it almost kinda tells something of a story.

"Boots", hah. It's not terrible, but it's also missing a lot of polish. I think the idea behind it works well for a cute/sexy picture of Angewomon. Maybe some day I'll revisit it? I should put more practice into drawing the human form in the meanwhile lol.

I really dislike the fourth one. I think Lianpunmon deserves better art, so I'll definitely do it again some day. My skills are so undeveloped, it's very obvious seeing this poor hatching.

Speaking of hatching, I bit more than I can chew with this one. The composition isn't interesting enough either, and just like with Lianpunmon there's no story here. At least Angewomon seemed to be interacting with the viewer lol.

The sixth is something I liked better. It's kinda shody, but there's something of an urban fantasy thing going on.

The Vamdemon one I can see the faults: I need better line control, the shapes aren't locked in as well as they should be. Yet, I'm partial to it…

Rapidmon deserves better lol. I still really dig the idea behind this drawing, I just wish I'd have given myself the patience and time needed to render a kickass explosion.

SkullGreymon, I have little to comment. It has zero story, but it's carried by the vibes. It's the first (and arguably last lmao) time I think I was cooking with the halftones.

The tenth is arguably the peak of the entire month. It has some story, a neat composition, and acceptable execution. Strangely enough it was one of the quickest to make: I had an idea, and it came out in a few minutes (compared to some other drawings where I was fighting for my life), and it ultimately was one of the most interacted with drawings in my entire blog. Funny how that goes.

I like a lot the Piemon one, as bland as it is. It's like a design piece, more than a drawing. It helps that the perspective deformation hides my poor linework haha.

I went too hard on the Mephismon X one, to the detriment of the piece. Instead of adding texture, it just looks dirty. Damn.

The thirteenth one was my poor attempt at making a background. Originally, Bakemon was gonna have this devious, whimsical look, but as I finished drawing the stairs I thought "I'd be kinda tired after climbing a few floors", so I changed Bakemon's expression to reflect that. Just a little trivia.

The Jesmon is what I'd argue was my peak. Shapes are locked (as best as my skill lets them), values worked well, it told a story. It's my favourite of the month.

Fiftenth was made, mostly, trying to catch some Adventure buff to the ammount of interactions I'd get. I mean, I had fun drawing the characters, but the reality is that I had petty reasons. I don't dislike it though.

I know exactly what I wanted to do with the sixteenth, and I didn't achieve it. Looking back, I think I should've done it in BW, rather than grayscale, to make it pop more. Fix the composition too. It's too plain. Shame, I really like Lilithmon X's design.

Seventeenth was also one where I just phoned it in. I think the values are all over the place; though I do like the harsh light. Impmon is a lot of fun to draw, all things considered.

Greymon was fun, lots of fun to draw. But this was another piece where I went too crazy trying to use halftones, I ended up making something that lacked impact or presence. I do like, in a self deprecating way, how the background seems okay until you look at it directly and see that it's kinda bad lol.

I made Nefertimon's torso too long! I only realized when I was doing the finishing touches lol. Yet I like the whole thing a lot, I think the texture and lightning kinda sells it as a photo (the white border was an attempt at selling that further). Saw someone refer to it as "the last thing I see before I die", and that comment might stay with me forever lol.

The twentieth is another I had a clear picture in my head as to what I was actually hoping to make, but failed to. Instead of landing some sort of finish, it's on a weird gray (lol) area. Making clouds is hard y'all.

Twenty one is one where I managed to stick the landing to what I had in mind. I think the composition needed a few more minutes of baking, but overall I'm content with the result. Death-X-DORUgoramon is a complex design, so any degree of succesful translation is a win in my book.

I think I needed to draw some more background Kuramon for the twenty second. Y'know, to really sell the swarm thing. It's kinda too clean.

Before twenty three, I had never given myself the time to draw a tree shilouette. It was fun to turn off my brainfor a bit and just draw line, after line, after line, after line. I did the tree first, and then I tried to figure out how to make Shurimon. Originally, I wanted him to be hunched over more dramatically, almost as if he was climbing down the tree, but I was incapable of drawing it in a satisfactory manner. So this is what I got.

Twenty four is so bad! I think Monitamon came out fine, but the background elements are so poorly done! I'm so embarrassed! lol

Kabuterimon was really fun, very dramatic looking. I think it has some serious readability issues with the hands, but I don't dislike the idea I had at all.

Hackmon's drawing was done almost like a sibling piece to the fourteenth, Jesmon's. Like, Huckmon is somehow watching his exhausted future, yet he stands stoic. On it's own, I think it's plain. Like, it has some charm, but it's lacking in impact compared to the fourteenth. But maybe that's for the best of the story?

The Wizarmon sticker came through me realizing I wasn't practicing my lineart! So I did a sticker instead. This was actually version two, but number one was so bad I had to redo it. Despite it being a humble sticker chibi, it's overall the day I spent the most time drawing.

Twenty eight came from me realizing I hadn't done any Alphamon! So I did what I thought would look badass. As much as I like Alphamon, though, his shapes are difficult for me to grasp so it came out shoddy and weak lol.

Twenty nine, Ragna Lordmon vs Ragnamon, was hurt by me recording it. While an exciting thing to do, I felt like I wasn't allowed to do anything but move forward quickly, or to change things (I'd have moved both Ragnamon and the main Ragna Lordmon body closer to the center) that would've made the composition flow better. It's not an abject failure, and the video is fun to watch, but still…

Dorumon is a simple piece that I was a bit surprised to make. My birthday is not information I tell people, but I was just compelled to share a bit of myself. I dunno, it feels weird. I'm weird. It came out cute at least.

And at the last! Noble Pumpmon again. I'd love to tell you that I applied everything I learned throughout the month and it's my best piece and stuff, but that isn't the reality. It's a better show for a similar amount of effort compared to the October 1st drawing, but it's not some crazy good display of betterment. A bit, yes, but less than I had hoped.

If you made it this far into this silly wall of text I wrote, I thank you. I thank everyone who interacted with my drawings, it pleases me a lot to see that someone gave it a like, or a share, or a comment. I learned about myself, and my limits, through this experience. It was tiring, but setting myself the goal of "make a drawing a day" was, paradoxically, liberating. Like, now I had a reason to draw! (despite me having some comission work to do lmfao). It was nice. This was one of the most entertaining octobers in recent years. Thanks again to everyone who participated in some fashion.

[anim-ttrpgs]

The A.N.I.M. interveiw with @tinytablerpg is up! Listen to our best interview yet with, with the first-ever interview appearance of @theblackwarden, designer of the snoops!

This interview will contain major spoilers for the tiny table actual play of the Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy adventure module FORIVA: The Angel Game. We highly encourage you to listen to that before you listen to this. Here's the episodes, and here's the list of questions they're asking us in the interview!

Rules Episode

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Post-game Discussion

Questions:

Eureka wears its inspirations on its sleeves with traits like Bumbling Detective and Elementary, allowing investigators to emulate famous fictional detectives. What were the big detective and mystery inspirations for Eureka, and how did they help inform the game’s core design? Are there any that you love, but weren’t a good fit for Eureka?

2. What advice do you have to players who are new to investigative games? Mystery solving and the lateral thinking needed for it are skills not often stressed by the games that dominate the current market. What are some game-agnostic practices players can rely on to be better mystery solvers in the investigative genre of TTRPGs? What is some advice for Eureka in particular?

3. What systems inspired Eureka’s design? Which systems are anathema to Eureka’s design? What kind of direction would you like Eureka to push the TTRPG industry?

4. We’d love to hear about the process of creating a mystery scenario. How long does it take, what kind of resources do you rely on, and what does the structure of creation and playtesting look like?

5. We’d love to recommend new options for our listeners who want to run Eureka themselves and want to run something other than FORIVA after listening to it. What are some other scenarios that will be ready by the game’s release?

[mc-cookies]

Golems and Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy

I did a writeup about how a character based on the Jewish folkloric golem might work in Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy! It includes a short essay about the thematic implications of the golem, and a set of custom rules for living dolls made of unfired clay.

If you don't know what Eureka is, it's the first tabletop RPG by @anim-ttrpgs, an up-and-coming indie studio making carefully designed and rigorously playtested tabletop games outside of the D&D 5e ecosystem. Eureka is a system for stories where amateur investigators look into intricate and (sometimes deadly) mysteries, trying to get to the bottom of whatever conspiracy is at hand. It also has robust rules for a variety of supernatural phenomena that may or may not exist, letting players explore the thematic and logistical implications of people who are vampires, man-eating alien shapeshifters, supernaturally animated dolls, or a variety of other strange creatures. It's one of the best RPGs I've ever played or read, so if you're interested in finely crafted tabletop games, mystery and detective stories, social commentary on the rights of "unsavory" marginalized people, or just supernatural creatures that eat people, I'd recommend checking it out.

My writing under the cut!

(I wouldn't normally post my own long-form writing here, but I felt good about this and also couldn't pass up an opportunity to talk about Eureka. This isn't very polished, so ignore any typos or awkward wording, but feel free to check it out and give your own thoughts. Enjoy!)

Thoughts on golems in Eureka (Essay – Rules below!)

Contrary to how the word is usually used in English-language fantasy media, a golem in its original context is not just a generic term for any supernaturally animated artificial creature. (If it were, then it would be more or less synonymous with Eureka’s use of the term “living doll” to begin with!) Rather, it refers to a specific creature in Jewish folklore: a facsimile of the human form made out of clay, animated by various words of power placed in or on its body, acting as a source of protection and power for the impoverished and oppressed communities which created it. It is a servant which exists to meet a need of its community, animated by the power of God as channeled through the expertise of a meticulous member of the Jewish community. (Arguably the most notable difference from the genre fiction definition is this inherently Jewish perspective. The creation of a golem is a closed-practice, specifically Jewish tradition, and also, the tradition of Jewish mysticism implies high degrees of specialized knowledge – some written down in studied texts, and others discovered by training under a mentor or interacting with other Jewish leaders. In this way, the golem implies a degree of studiousness and community engagement on the part of its creator, both of which are heavily emphasized values in Jewish spheres.)

My analysis of the thematic role played by the golem is probably best represented in the best-known folkloric golem, the golem of Prague. In this story, a 16th century rabbi of the Prague synagogue creates a humanoid form from clay with the purpose of protecting the ghetto (in this context, the dedicated Jewish quarter of the city) from pogroms and other antisemitic attacks, animating it into a golem by inscribing holy words on its head or placing a scroll of those words in its mouth. Things go wrong in ways which vary from telling to telling, with a common version of the story stating that the golem becomes too dangerous and destructive, and the rabbi removes the inscription of the holy name to render the golem dormant (although rather than destroying his creation, he preserves it in the synagogue’s attic to be reanimated if it’s ever needed). In a fun bit of wordplay, some tellings describe the holy inscription as being the Hebrew word “emet” (“truth”), which is only one letter away from the word “met” (“dead”), with the idea that the rabbi deactivates the golem by erasing a single letter. More traditional interpretations would describe a formula consisting of various divine epithets, either instead of or alongside the previous method. In the Jewish mystical tradition, names of God are thought to be emanations of God’s own glory, and invoking their power in specific ways is seen as a way of causing things beyond the bounds of normal reality.

A few thematic points jump out at me about the golem, both from the story of the Prague golem and from the broader characteristics of the golem. One is the fact that a golem is implicitly lacking in personal identity. Golems are almost never named, and they have very little agency in their own stories – in almost every version of the golem of Prague, for instance, it is deactivated because it has gained too much autonomy. It fights the wrong people, uses too much force defending its community, or even just falls in love, and so it is too dangerous to keep around. Even the terminology being used implies this lack of identity, as it etymologically derives from a Biblical Hebrew term, used only once in the Tanakh, which describes the unfinished form of a human before God breathes life into them. A golem is not perceived as a fully formed individual, but rather as an extension of its creator, built by someone else’s will and discarded whenever it isn’t needed. To me, this has a high degree of relevance to the themes associated with Eureka’s living dolls, who often also grapple with defining their own identity and purpose in the absence of their original context. Their unique struggles evoke concepts of alienation and depersonalization, and I think a golem without a master would have to deal with all of the same issues on that front as they navigate life as a newly independent person.

Golems as a whole, and especially the story of the Prague ghetto, also raise another problem that can create thematic conflict for a character: in their attempts to defend vulnerable people in their community, they can end up making situations more dangerous, rather than helping to defuse them. When the golem of Prague rampages, in many tellings, it doesn’t fully stem the tide of antisemitic antagonism. Instead, it destroys more of the ghetto and allows the gentile population to create a post-hoc justification for their hatred of the Jewish community. In the context of Eureka, I think that this can be a powerful metaphor for how the fear of oppression can lead people to become paranoid, closed off, and destructive to themselves and others. A golem whose purpose is to protect and serve the people around them might want to do just that, but if they find themselves in a situation where superhuman strength and stamina can’t solve a problem, they may be in way over their depth, and they might accidentally harm other people when they try to navigate that. (My use of the phrase “protect and serve” here is no accident – one of many inspirations for this thematic element is people who call for increased police presence in their neighborhoods, even when those communities are more harmed by over-policing than they are by crime. Being afraid and wanting to support their community spurs them to action, but it also blinds them to approaches that don’t use force.) For example, one golem character I’ve come up with has had to flee her home and change her name because she saw someone being harassed, didn’t know her own strength, and intervened in the first way she could think of: violently. She was lucky not to be arrested.

To get a little bit more specific, this theme is most specifically inspired by my own experiences in discussions among members of the Jewish community, as the scars from millennia of marginalization, expulsion, and murder don’t fade quickly. Paranoia is a veritable norm even within our households and places of worship. In our homes, many of us keep passports readily available if there’s a need to escape or show identification, and during any prayer service at a synagogue, there will likely be armed security guards standing at the door. Many of us laugh about it, but there’s a degree of genuine fear that we can’t shake. Often, that fear is harmless, but it can get exhausting to live with, to say little of how it affects other people or how it can be weaponized by bad actors. One look at how the Israeli government seeks to justify its violence in propaganda makes clear that the generational trauma of Jewish communities can be exploited and warped as a means to justify some pretty awful things. The figure of the golem is, in a sense our communal power fantasy – it’s comforting to think that with a bit of ingenuity and some elbow grease we can design our own hero to protect us and help us thrive – but even that fantasy is not free of the reality that, like a superhero, a golem’s innate abilities just aren’t always enough to save everyone. (Indeed, this tension is part of what inspired the Jewish creators of Superman: he has superhuman abilities that he uses to protect vulnerable people, but not every problem can be solved by punching it, and with all his strength he has to be very careful not to destroy everything he loves. This has been noticed by a lot of people, and I’m far from the first to bring it up, but in particular I’d say this observation is borrowed from the excellent video essay “The Golem and the Jewish Superhero” by Jacob Geller on YouTube.) A golem being fleshed out as a character can really lean into that tension.

One more theme I want to bring up is not something I’ve come to any particular conclusions about – it’s really just a few spare thoughts I’ve had rattling around, and an invitation to look into this concept more. It comes out of my research on the development of the word “golem” in Hebrew and Yiddish, as the term has developed beyond just the connotation of a humanoid clay form. It can be a pejorative term like “fool”, but more interesting to me is its use in reference to embryos and pupas. This made me consider the transitory nature of the golem as a representative of change, which I haven’t seen explored very much in any stories out there. Not only has the word gained those connotations, but also, looking at the characteristics of the golem as a creature gives some more fuel to that fire. The fact that it’s generally made out of specifically unfired clay gives it the sense of being unfinished. Its nature of being created in its adult form from the very beginning means that it can display a childish outlook as a seeming adult learning about the world outside of its creator’s life. The story of the golem of Prague even has an ending hook entirely centered around the idea of the golem being temporarily disabled but capable of being reanimated if need be. This idea of a golem as a character with a unique capacity to adapt and change hasn’t been explored very much, but I think it could be interesting to consider.

The last thing I’ll leave here is thoughts on character creation beyond themes. In this document, I’ve included a custom set of rules to play a living doll made of unfired clay, which is the traditional material for a golem. This isn’t playtested in any way, but since Eureka doesn’t try too hard to be balanced around physical attributes, I think it should probably work fine – it’s more thematic than anything. To make a golem, the doll’s purpose should be external in some way, pushing them to help and support other people in their community, especially the most disadvantaged of them. In terms of backstory, the details of a golem’s past can be left fairly foggy if you’d like, but the one thing that can’t be skipped is that they were intentionally created by a Jewish creator invoking Jewish traditions. It’s fine to make a living doll that was animated in some other way, but the character would not be a golem in that case. It’s similar to how Eureka vampires must have some association with Christianity, not because non-Christian undead monsters can’t exist, but because outside of that context, the specific vampire mythos lacks any meaning. (Honestly, also, if you don’t have background information about Jewish life and culture, I would recommend asking someone who does to help with your portrayal.) Finally, in terms of giving a golem a hook to investigate a mystery, it could of course be anything, but there’s one aspect in particular that I would consider: in some versions of the Prague golem’s story, it protected the ghetto by looking into cases where Jews were accused of murder and finding the true culprits, thus clearing the names of the accused. Which is to say, there’s genuine historical precedent for golems investigating mysteries, and it often happens as a means of helping people who are falsely accused of a crime. That’s not mandatory, but it could be fun to keep in mind. Have fun, and if anyone ends up playing a golem investigator using these guidelines, please let me know!

Wet Clay Living Doll – Rules

A living doll made from earthenware materials that have not been hardened by firing. This variant was originally designed to represent the golem of Jewish mythology, but it could also be used to portray, for example, an unfinished art project or a proof of concept for another piece. Depending on their construction and the flexibility of the clay they are made from, they may be treated as jointed or unjointed.

Wet clay living dolls weigh more than twice as much as an average person of their size would. They cannot swim or float, and will sink to the bottom of any body of water immediately.

These living dolls take half damage from all weapons while they have at least 1 point of Superficial HP remaining. Damage from falling is unaffected. Wet clay living dolls are immune to electrical damage.

When a wet clay living doll encounters fire or high heat (in excess of about 500 ºC), their outer layer of clay is fired and becomes hard and brittle. When this happens, this living doll should be mechanically treated as an unjointed living stone statue. If another character has access to tools to chip away the outer layer and a large supply of wet clay to replace it, they can reverse this process with a Full Success on a Technology roll. Regardless of the result, this process will take 1 Tick of time and cause 1 Superficial Damage to the living doll.

Wet clay living dolls are easier to repair. Do not apply the -3 Technology penalty when restoring Penetrative HP.

Wet clay living dolls generally possess superhuman strength, but when they are hurt, they may lose chunks of clay that would otherwise generate weight and power. They have a +5 Contextual Bonus to Athletics and Close Combat, but for each point of sustained Penetrative Damage, this bonus is reduced by 1 point.

Given 1 Tick of time, appropriate tools, and a supply of clay, a wet clay living doll can alter their physical appearance and proportions. They cannot precisely change specific details such as facial features, but can make themselves larger or smaller, change their perceived distribution of fat and muscle, and change the shape of their body enough to be recognizably different. When a wet clay living doll attempts to alter their body, roll Technology.

Full Success: The living doll successfully alters their body to exact specifications. They are able to completely alter their facial features and/or specify a new height and body type, and even on close scrutiny they will not appear out of the ordinary.

Partial Success: The living doll mostly succeeds in altering their body, but they get sloppy. They take 1 Superficial Damage, and close inspection reveals that parts of their skin have abnormal marks and blemishes, but they are still able to make the changes that they hoped for.

Failure: The living doll struggles with even the most basic alterations, doing a messy and imprecise job. They take 1 Superficial Damage, and cuts and blemishes are visible across their skin. They also don't convincingly make the correct changes to their bodies, doing either too much or too little to differentiate themselves from their previous form.

[serve-271]

PART 1 - The SERVE interview.

Matt, a 25-year-old with a lean, athletic build, stood before the mirror, carefully combing his blonde hair into place. His green eyes, vibrant with a mix of excitement and nerves, studied his reflection as if searching for reassurance. This was a pivotal moment—the first interview of his new life in a bustling city far removed from the quiet monotony of his small hometown. The company he was about to face was no ordinary employer. SERVE, with its sleek chrome logo adorning countless billboards and skyscrapers, loomed large as a beacon of ambition and progress. It was a chance to escape the familiar and step into the extraordinary.

His crisp white shirt and impeccably tailored navy suit were more than just attire; they were armor for the day ahead. He took a deep breath, steadying his racing heart, and glanced out the window of his modest hotel room. The city was alive with sound and motion—car horns, distant chatter, and the hum of life weaving through the urban tapestry. It was a stark contrast to the subdued stillness he had left behind. SERVE’s motto echoed in his mind: "Where obedience is pleasure and pleasure is obedience." The phrase was enigmatic and provocative, hinting at something transformative. Matt had spent hours studying the company’s mission, culture, and reputation, preparing himself to make the best possible impression.

The clock on his phone read 8:45 AM. The interview was scheduled for 9:30. He had built in plenty of time to navigate the unfamiliar city, but the efficiency of its public transportation system had surprised him. With fifteen extra minutes to spare, he paced the small room, rehearsing answers to the inevitable questions. Why SERVE? Why you? What can you offer? His polished shoes clicked softly against the hardwood floor as he ran through his mental scripts, each question a step closer to his aspirations

The elevator ride to the hotel lobby was brief, its sleek, mirrored walls reflecting his composed exterior. When the doors opened, a rush of city sounds and movement greeted him. People streamed through the grand entrance, their purpose and pace reminding him of SERVE’s relentless drive. He paused outside, taking in the morning air—a blend of exhaust, coffee, and the faint aroma of freshly baked bread.

On the horizon, SERVE’s headquarters loomed like a monument to ambition, its chrome logo catching the early sunlight. The building radiated power, a constant reminder of the opportunity awaiting him.

Matt navigated the bustling sidewalks, his stride purposeful as the city’s energy coursed through him. The diversity of faces and stories around him was invigorating, a stark departure from the sleepy streets of his past. The SERVE building grew larger with each step, its sharp, gleaming edges embodying the cutting-edge innovation it represented. When the glass doors slid open, a wave of cool, sterile air swept over him, grounding him in the present. The lobby was a study in precision—minimalist design, sleek surfaces, and an undercurrent of quiet efficiency.

The receptionist, a composed man with a practiced smile, acknowledged Matt’s arrival with a nod. After confirming his appointment, he gestured toward a row of plush seats. Matt joined a small group of hopeful candidates, each lost in their own thoughts. The air buzzed with a mixture of determination and unease, their faces betraying traces of the same excitement Matt felt. He couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversation—whispers about SERVE’s groundbreaking projects and the mysterious fate of employees who excelled.

The walls of the lobby were adorned with striking images of SERVE employees clad in sleek, branded latex suits, interacting seamlessly with drones. The scenes were captivating, equal parts aspirational and uncanny. Matt had read about the conversion process, the transformation of employees into drones—a melding of humanity and technology. Now, faced with the visual reality of it, the allure was undeniable. There was power in surrendering individuality to become part of something greater, something transcendent.

As he sat, Matt’s excitement grew. SERVE wasn’t just a job; it was a gateway to transformation, a chance to be part of a world where obedience wasn’t just expected—it was celebrated. He straightened his tie, his resolve solidifying as the minutes ticked by. This was his moment, and he was ready to embrace it.

At 9:25 AM, the doors to the inner sanctum of SERVE’s headquarters parted, and a middle-aged man with a gleaming bald head emerged. He was dressed impeccably in a form-fitting latex shirt and trousers that reflected the lobby’s artificial light, the material stretching tightly over his muscular frame. Despite the air-conditioned chill, beads of sweat glistened on his forehead and the back of his neck. His shoes, a mirror to his attire, clicked sharply against the marble floor as he approached. His tie, also made of the same shiny material, fluttered slightly with each step, the only indication that he was, indeed, human.

Matt's eyes followed the man as he approached, the clack of his shoes punctuating the silence like a metronome. The man’s gaze swept over the candidates before settling on him, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he had found what he was looking for. The man’s expression was unreadable. But something in his posture—the way his shoulders squared and his chest puffed—conveyed authority and confidence.

The latex-clad figure offered a firm handshake. "Good morning, Matthew," he said, his voice a low purr that seemed to resonate through the very fabric of the lobby. "I'm Alex, your interviewer for today. You must be quite the eager bee to arrive so early."

Matt felt a rush of heat to his cheeks at the compliment. He took Alex's hand, noticing the strength behind the man's grip. "Just eager to make a good impression," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. Alex's attire was indeed striking—his latex ensemble fitting like a second skin, emphasizing his toned physique. The way the material shimmered in the light made him seem almost superhuman, a living embodiment of SERVE's ethos of power and efficiency.

They walked side by side down the corridor, the sound of their shoes a rhythmic echo. The latex against the marble was a symphony of squeaks and taps, a sensual soundtrack to the otherwise clinical environment. Alex's stride was fluid, his hips rolling with an allure that was difficult to ignore. His confidence was palpable, and it was clear that he reveled in the attention his outfit drew from both the interviewees and the staff that passed by. The other candidates couldn't help but glance up, their curiosity piqued by the interplay of sex appeal and authority.

The interview room was stark white, with chrome fixtures and a single round table in the center. Alex gestured for Matt to sit in the ergonomic chair across from him. The room felt smaller than it should have, the walls seeming to close in as the door slid shut with a hiss. The chair was cold, and the room was calming.

Alex leaned back, his latex outfit whispering against the chair, his arms folded over his chest. "So, Matthew," he began, his voice like gravel, "why do you want to work for SERVE?"

Matt took a deep breath, his heart racing. This was his chance to articulate his dreams and ambitions. "I've always been fascinated by the integration of human and machine," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "The idea of becoming a drone, a cog in the wheel of something so much larger than myself, it's… intoxicating."

Alex's expression remained unchanged, his eyes piercing as he studied Matt intently. "You understand that the process of becoming a drone is not for the faint of heart," he said, his voice a low rumble. "It's a journey of dedication, discipline, and ultimately, transformation. The path to conversion is not one that can be rushed or taken lightly."

Matt nodded, his throat dry. "I'm aware of the commitment required," he managed to say, his voice a tad shakier than he'd have liked. "I've read about the training, the conditioning, and the final procedure. I'm ready for whatever it takes to serve the hive."

Alex leaned forward, his elbows on the table, his hands steepled in front of him. The latex of his shirt stretched, outlining the contours of his biceps. "What is it that draws you to this life?" he asked, his eyes searching. "What do you seek to leave behind?"

Matt swallowed, his palms slick with anticipation. "My hometown," he began, "was a place of stagnation, a pond where ideas and dreams went to die. I crave the rush of innovation, the thrill of being part of something that shapes the future." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "And…I want to be part of something so much larger than myself, to feel that unity of purpose."

Alex nodded thoughtfully. "Your desire to escape your past is commendable, Matthew," he said, his voice like a gentle caress. "But to truly serve the hive, you must be willing to shed the last vestiges of your old life. Your family, your friends, your past… they will become irrelevant. Tell me, have you ever felt truly alone?"

Matt's gaze drifted to the floor as he considered the question. "I was abandoned by my family when I was 18," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "They couldn't accept who I was." The words hung in the air, a silent confession of pain and rejection. "I've been on my own since then, supporting myself through university. I've learned to survive, but I crave more than mere existence."

Alex leaned in slightly, his expression a mix of empathy and curiosity. "Abandonment is a powerful motivator," he said, his eyes never leaving Matt's. "It can either break you or forge you into something stronger. Tell me, what did it do to you?"

Matt took a moment to gather his thoughts. The memory of his family's rejection was a raw wound, but it had also been the catalyst for his relentless drive. "It made me self-reliant," he said, his voice gaining strength. "It taught me that if I wanted to succeed, I had to do it on my own terms. I worked multiple jobs to put myself through university. I studied hard, graduated with honors. But most importantly, it made me crave belonging, to be part of something where I could truly make a difference."

Alex's smile grew, a knowing glint in his eye. "Ah, the sweet taste of potential," he murmured, his gaze lingering on Matt's face. "We do appreciate ambition here at SERVE." He leaned back in his chair, his latex shirt creaking as he folded his arms over his chest. "Very well, I can see that you're eager to prove yourself. We'll start you on a probationary period. You'll begin as a janitor, but if you show promise, the hive will embrace you and guide you toward your true calling."

Matt's stomach plummeted. A janitor? That wasn't what he had envisioned when he thought about joining SERVE. But he knew he couldn't let this setback deter him. He nodded, forcing a smile. "I'm ready for whatever it takes," he said, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

Alex's smile grew broader, a gleam of amusement in his eyes. "Excellent," he said, his tone warm and approving. "Your dedication is commendable. Be here at 6 AM sharp on Monday. You'll be provided with your uniform then. And remember, Matthew, once you're in the uniform, you are a part of the hive. You will only wear it here, even during breaks. It is a symbol of your commitment to SERVE. Do you understand the gravity of this?"

Matt nodded, trying to suppress his apprehension. "I understand," he said firmly. "I'll be here."

[smallgodseries]

They are best-beloved of the young, when they must compete with a host of other divinities for attention, with small gods of plush toys and fashion dolls, of cartoons and new experiences, of fear and joy and novelty.  They are never powerful in the eyes of their youngest applicants, although they are sometimes leant additional strength by the allure of the forbidden.  They don’t make kids hyper.  That’s an urban legend, bolstered by the natural excitement born of getting something rare and nice, and the occasional child whose system is wired to respond to a burst of energy by burning it off immediately.  Still, they receive credit—or perhaps blame—for any number of hijinks, for broken windows and woken infants, for the natural exuberance of childhood, and they don’t deny it, because they are not a small god of childhood nutrition or the like.

They are small, and simple, and content to be what they are.  Bright, colorful, cartoonish, and implicitly extraterrestrial, even though there is more of Boise than Betelgeuse in their list of ingredients.  Their boxes are designed to be inviting, and they can make any kitchen their cathedral with a minimum of preparation and but a single invitation to arrive.  With cleverly clipped coupons, they will come virtually for free, and they like it that way.  It allows them better access to their adherents.

And of course, there are always those who will continue their worship into adulthood, those for whom marshmallow sweetness and color-changing milk are reminders of a childhood spent sweetly, or proof that they are finally secure, finally free from the ownership of parents who put their own preferences at the head of the line, finally able to live their own lives.  Those will not always be the people you assume.  The judge in her solemn black robes eats a bowl of Frostie-Os before she proceeds to the courthouse, the accountant in linen and wool enjoys Fruity Sugar Dreams every morning before he turns to his spreadsheets.  They turn none away.

They do not cause tooth decay when proper dental hygiene is practiced; they are not solely responsible for poor nutrition or any other ill.  They are only here to bring us light and joy and to serve as part of a balanced breakfast.

They are a neutral god, and we would do well to treat them as such.

[hirocimacruiser]

Honda Civic brochure pages.

CIVIC

The Super Civic was a new trend car with economy and dynamic performance suited to the 1980s.

1300 S

1500 SC

It perfectly combines the best fuel economy in the 1500cc class with powerful driving performance.

Resource and energy conservation are common themes around the world. The new CIVIC is available with a new engine system that takes advantage of the excellent combustion efficiency of the lean burn method, which is the greatest advantage of the CVCC engine. It offers not only excellent fuel economy, but also low maintenance costs and a low price.

10 mode driving, Ministry of Transport inspection value

1500CE model E-SR 18 km/l

60km/h constant speed test value

28km/l 1500CE, GF (5 door) Model E/SR, Model E-ST

And yet, it still has the powerful driving feel of a sports car. It's truly a Super Civic.

For example, the new cliff-cut panel in front of the passenger seat provides enough space that there is no need to push the seat back.

An aerodynamic body that provides a smooth ride.

The styling minimizes air resistance and is focused on practical aerodynamics. It is agile in urban areas and stable and smooth on the highway. The new suspension grips the road firmly.

The springs of the front and rear suspensions have been offset to provide a more comfortable ride. The rear also uses a new Honda-style strut system, a world first, to ensure sufficient compliance. The suspension is much tighter.

1300・5-door LX

A new instrument panel.

The functions necessary for driving are concentrated around the driver. The centralized target meter () that places the speedometer and tachometer in one view, as well as the newly designed rotary channel radio, are also standard equipment. The design is easy to see and use.

A large, international-sized interior designed for the world.

Compared to conventional 5-door vehicles, the interior length is 25 mm longer and the interior width is 35 mm wider. Furthermore, the clever use of each space has resulted in an amazingly efficient interior.

All models are fully open hatchbacks.

It is a big opening that opens to the full width of the body from a low position, that is, just above the bumper. Moreover, the interior floor is low and flat. Large and wide objects can be easily loaded. The three-stage variable rear seat is extremely practical. It is a design that prioritizes ease of use.

1500 3door CX

Wild ride. CX

1500 3door CE

CIVIC

1500 5door CF

1300・3-door SE Model E-SL Engine model EJ ●CVCC・1,335cm2・Water-cooled inline 4-cylinder horizontally mounted OHC-68 horsepower ●Fuel economy 22km/ℓ(60km/h・flat road test value)●Front-wheel drive●Overall length 3,760mmOverall width 1,580mm ●Strut-type four-wheel independent suspension●Front-wheel disc brakes ●4-speed

1500, 3-door CE, Model E-SR, Engine model EM CVCC-1.488cm2, water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder, horizontally mounted, OHC-80 horsepower, Fuel economy 28km/ℓ (60km/h, constant speed test value), 18km/ℓ (10 mode running, Ministry of Transport review value), Front-wheel drive, Overall length 3,760mm, Overall width 1,580mm, Strut-type four-wheel independent suspension, Front wheels, Disc brakes with servo, 5-row

*1500-3 door SE is made to order.

If you're looking for a Civic, visit your local Honda dealer.

CIVIC VAN

Gentle on luggage and gentle on people. The capable Civic Van is born.

The luggage compartment is 1,520mm long (with two occupants), 1,270mm wide at its widest point, and 805mm high, making it spacious and easy to handle. Highly refined quality. Powerful and robust dynamic performance. Extremely quiet and safe, this is the birth of a reliable business car that pursues a high level of harmony between passengers and business.

1300-5 door SV, LV model J-VC Engine model EN 1,335cm * Water-cooled inline 4-cylinder horizontal OHC, 70 horsepower ● Fuel economy 18.5km/(60km/h, constant speed test value) ● Front wheel drive ● Overall length 3,995mm, overall width 1,580m, overall height 1,385mm ● Front wheel servo disc brakes ● 4-speed

[eretzyisrael]

by Joel Margolis

Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip comply with international humanitarian law in part by guiding civilians away from the urban battlefields that arise ad hoc during the war. Yet astonishingly, some observers have mischaracterized these public safety protocols as violations of law.

Human Rights Watch has called Israel’s relocations of civilians in Gaza “displacements” that amount to the odious crime of “ethnic cleansing,” a displacement to make a community ethnically homogeneous.

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) have echoed the false ethnic-cleansing charge, as have certain other self-described congressional progressives. But under international humanitarian law, the removals are valid “evacuations,” not displacements, a difference with enormous legal and moral significance.

The international humanitarian law’s rule of evacuation requires—to the extent feasible for civilian safety—that an army evacuate civilians temporarily from the vicinity of a military operation before attacking area combatants. For example, an evacuation order may relocate civilians from a neighborhood targeted for a bombing raid on an enemy rocket-firing position. By contrast, the rule of displacement prohibits the permanent removal of civilians from an entire occupied territory or country unless required for the security of the civilians involved or for imperative military reasons.

Evacuation orders issued by the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza have consistently followed the rule of evacuation. Virtually every order has repositioned civilians from a military sector to a safer area before an IDF military mission; no order has moved civilians permanently or pushed them outside of Gaza. Moreover, the IDF has enhanced civilian safety by preparing evacuation routes, establishing humanitarian zones for the evacuees, communicating escape routes through multiple modes of communication and providing reasonable prior notice of the plans. These actions have mitigated the unfortunate, but inevitable difficulties faced by families that must temporarily leave their homes.

The success of IDF evacuations is especially impressive considering the machinations of Hamas to frustrate these protective measures. Hamas embeds military personnel and ordinance in homes, schools, hospitals and mosques, and then blocks the residents of those neighborhoods from obeying evacuation orders. The militants attack IDF soldiers who prepare humanitarian zones for temporary habitation. And the terrorists steal truckloads of humanitarian aid meant for evacuees. Those cruel acts are egregious abuses of the human shield rule as outlined under international humanitarian law.

Evacuations of Gazans from combat areas happen even when the practice hampers the IDF’s military progress by sacrificing the element of surprise. Hamas terrorists who flee the site of an imminent IDF strike can and do blend into the evacuating population and launch attacks from the designated humanitarian zone. That terror tactic illegally creates a new batch of human shields and often compels additional evacuations. It has forced many of Gaza’s residents to uproot themselves multiple times.

Top military experts have lauded Israel for the professionalism of its evacuations. One such assessment was delivered by the renowned authority, John Spencer, chair of Urban Warfare Studies at Modern Warfare Institute at the U.S. Military Academy a West Point. Similar praise was extended by other military experts as well.

Different military commanders may disagree about the best way to evacuate civilians during the chaos and peril of war. An evacuation can be extremely arduous, especially when the action must be repeated due to enemy interference. But even a burdensome or repeated evacuation is evidence of proper compliance with international humanitarian law, not a sign of displacement or any other wrongdoing.

[bluenpjm]

CLOUD9 AGENCY ☁ JJK X OC

Ⓒ bluenpjm — all rights reserved. do not repost, translate or claim as your own.

synopsis.  faced with decisions that can change the course of her career, the art director of the cloud9 agency decides it is time to act and reignite the flame she had once lost. and all because of an intern… genre.  non-idol au ; slice of life au ; intern!jungkook ◦ fluff ◦ angst ◦ smut  pairing.  JJK x OC rating.  M wordcount. 4.8K warnings.  foul words, violent thoughts, sad vibes and life not making sense, drinking, arguing, just a lot of different feelings!  a/n.  a really really late birthday gift to my #1 supporter of this story. happy late birthday lulu, you're the best! 🥺💛🌻 chapters. 3 — 4 — 5

It hadn’t been the first time someone had disappointed Carolina. It had been, however, the first time she had allowed someone to get too close too quickly. And that was a mistake she wouldn’t be committing again anytime soon. After all, you learn from your mistakes. At least you should.

She storms towards the elevator, her anger seething within her. 

Carolina doesn’t care to collect any of her belongings that stay laid in her office—and for the sake of everyone in that entire building, it would be best that her little purple troll with neon green hair would be in the box with her stuff the next day. Horace—the troll—had been her companion throughout the most challenging moments of trite; that, and her camera. Cassandra never bothered to replace the agency’s old one that, for the entire time Carolina had been with Cloud9, had been broken and merely acting as yet another item in her glass office to be left to collect dust. 

Already inside the elevator, she faces the crowd for the seconds it takes the doors to close—some people had already started whispering, others dispersed once faced with Cassandra, while the one intern that she cared about didn’t move; her eyes are on him and she doesn’t look away until the doors close. As she begins its descent, she’s met with her reflection in the steel doors. She wants to scream and punch someone. Wholeheartedly, she wouldn’t mind punching both Jungkook and Cassandra straight in the face. “Stupid Jungkook,” she mutters under her breath, hands falling to her hips. “Fuck you and your meaningless empty words.”

Her chest keeps rising and falling as she crouches on the floor, practicing her breathing exercises to calm her racing nerves, as the box keeps on dinging, signaling that she is closer and closer to the ground level. 

Stepping out of the tall building that had been her workplace for the last couple of years, Carolina stood on the bustling sidewalk, the busy street teeming with people despite the hour. She hated early meetings. In fact, she hated all sorts of meetings. There was no need to have an entire team stop their days so that they could waste 45 minutes of their busy schedules to speak about something that could easily be an email. 

Her work day was managed according to her own will. The team that worked closely with the creative director was used to her being offline in the morning and extremely active during night hours. Her brain became electric after midnight and they had all been able to coordinate a pretty balanced work schedule so they could communicate effectively. 

With its modern design, the towering building loomed above her. Car horns, the hurried footsteps, and the chatter of pedestrians created a symphony of urban chaos that served as background noise for the audio message she was recording for her best friends, trying her best to veil her frustration and disappointment as she recounted the situation. She knew she didn’t have to lie; in fact, it only worried her that her friends would jump Cassandra in the street or key her car. It wasn’t like her to openly discuss her feelings. Instead, she made some jokes.

“But yeah—” She pauses briefly, phone momentarily touching her lips. “I’ll be seeing you guys at 8 pm. As usual. Peace out!” 

She hits the green button, sending her audio through, before immediately typing a quick message so they don’t rush to listen to her recording. 15 entire minutes of her ranting about her day so early in the morning would definitely alarm them. 

Her ride finally arrives and she lets out a sigh of relief as she climbs into the backseat. The added feature of no conversation was a blessing as her mind throbbed with frustration. Leaning back against the comfortable leather seats, Carolina closes her eyes and lets the soothing melodies of the music playing on the radio wash over her. As the car began its journey, the towering buildings of the city gradually faded into the background, replaced by the familiar sights of her own neighborhood. The streets became lined with quaint houses and small local businesses. 

From time to time, she would open her eyes, checking that the normal-looking guy who was driving her home didn’t have a little bit of Joe Goldberg in him and took a detour to his secret layer where he would try to murder her. She had been devouring true crime podcasts and it had quickly taken over her mind—whichever situation she found herself in could be the perfect crime scene. Sometimes she even found herself looking for ways to leave clues behind so that the investigative team could find her body. 

But as her paranoid mind came to ease, she couldn’t help but appreciate the contrast between the hectic city and the peacefulness of her neighborhood. The cool breeze gently brushed against her face as she peered out of the window, and her home was just around the corner. She longed for a cold shower, a chance to wash away the stress and frustrations that had been weighing on her shoulders. 

Successfully arriving home without being kidnapped, Carolina takes the stairs up to the third floor. The elevator in her building had been making weird noises and after getting stuck there twice, she decided not to put her luck to the test any longer. The angels were probably worrying about someone else because she was having one hell of a day.

She feels exhausted and defeated. As she closes the door behind her, one of her shoes is already flying as she swiftly takes it off. The other follows suit. Tossing her keys on top of her bag that had also been thrown to the floor, she moved with automatic precision toward the bathroom. 

The soothing sound of running water fills the room as Carolina turns the faucet, letting it pour into the bathtub. The cold shower is replaced by a warm bath that would hopefully serve as a place to unwind and let go of the stress that had accumulated throughout her morning. The day had barely started and she was feeling drained. 

Stepping into the warm water, she lets out a sigh of relief as it caresses her skin, the tension in her muscles slowly melting away. But the feeling of betrayal kept lingering in her mind, as she could still vividly picture Jungkook’s doe eyes stuck to the floor, the question of why he hadn’t backed her up as he promised haunting her. Closing her eyes, Carolina submerges herself in the water, wanting nothing more than the world surrounding her to fade away. 

By the time Carolina left her bathroom, she was surprised to find her living room dimly lit, washed in tones of orange as the sun had already begun to set. She fetched her phone and wasn't surprised by the thousands of messages her friends had sent her, both on their group but also in the private chat. She was expecting them to explode by the news—that, and that they were going to kill her because of the lack of communication. 

Her wrinkly fingers wouldn't allow her to leave a fingerprint behind, making it impossible to unlock her phone. Her attention fell on the time displayed on the screen instead and she knew she had to hurry if she didn't want to be yet again late to their dinner date. 

Carolina’s encounter with her friends that evening was based on venting frustrations and only after she had some drinks and shared some laughs, they discussed her situation with Cassandra and Jungkook. As she had expected, the two girls immediately began a plan to make the lives of the two people who were tormenting her friend’s mind a living hell. 

As the evening drew to a close, Carolina managed to put her friends in their respective cars, calling one for herself while feeling grateful for them. She knew that with the two she would never be alone in her struggles and that they would always be there for her. But as she arrived home, she couldn’t help but check her phone for any missed messages. Despite still being upset with Jungkook, deep down she craved to have something from him—some sort of explanation for his reaction earlier. Scrolling through her social media, the feelings only grew inside her and she decided it was time to call it a day. Setting her phone down, the silence in her room is deafening and it feels like it’s spinning. She just wanted to close her eyes and forget this day ever happened. 

As days turned into weeks, Carolina’s rage faded down. 

After quitting her job, her days settled into a monotonous rhythm. Her once bustling schedule was now a simple sequence of actions that played out in the confined space of her house. The path she treaded between her bed, the fridge, and the bathroom would soon start to feel worn, like a well-trodden trail that could be found in the woods. 

During the initial days of her newfound routine, Carolina found a peculiar comfort in the limited space, as if the world beyond was too vast and too overwhelming to face. Deep down, she had been craving this alone time; this silence—a relief. The constant ringing of her phone, which had once been a constant reminder of work-related stress, was now replaced by a soothing quietness. For the first time in a while, she was able to breathe in the stillness of her surroundings. 

However, a sense of emptiness began to creep into her life. Despite the wanted freedom, an undeniable void had emerged. Her phone became a reminder and creator of chaos in her mind. Whenever it chimed, her heart would skip a beat, anticipation rising in her chest. Her thoughts darted between who could be the culprit behind the sensation of the mini heart attack she suffered with each buzz. Most times, it would be her friends. But those weren’t the calls or messages that she craved; her mind darted to the possibility of it being him. 

Jungkook crossed her mind endless times per day. The man who, somehow, had vanished from her life. His absence, although appreciated at first, started to gnaw at her, the frustration and anger that had been her initial response giving way to more complex emotions. She started feeling helpless. The more shows she binged, the more she started to realize that her life, in that moment, was stripped of sense. 

Carolina’s thoughts seemed to gravitate towards Jungkook with every passing day. She would catch herself wondering where he was, what he was doing, and whether he was thinking about her as much as she thought of him. And every time, she would end up feeling ridiculous by occupying her mind with someone whom she believed she didn’t mean half as much to. 

“So,” At the sound of her friend’s voice, Carolina’s gaze left the blurry images that were displayed on her screen to face the girl sitting on the other end of the couch. 

“Oh no…” She sighed, fighting the urge to massage her temples. “what is it this time?” 

“How’s that portfolio coming along?” Deo eyed Carolina through her eyebrows as she sipped on the noodles that were fuming from the cup in her hand. 

“It’s coming.” The short answer was an easy indicator of the lack of interest regarding the topic. “Ya’ know.” 

The friend hummed and Carolina pursed her lips together. Her friends had been bugging her for the past week so that she would get some work done. Deep down, she knew that this was their attempt at making her leave the somewhat depressing state she had allowed her body to grow into. She wasn’t like this—the type to back down; cross her arms while the world revolved and she remained still. She was a force of nature to be reckoned with. And so, it was odd to see her so defeated.

That night, however, after saying goodbye to her friend, she didn’t go to bed. She didn’t slouch on her couch either, as usual, Netflix playing on the screen of the TV with the most recent drama until she either finished it, the sun rose or she fell asleep. Instead, she managed to take all the clothes that laid on her desk’s chair and moved them to her bed, allowing her to sit in front of her laptop for the first time in weeks. 

The first couple of times she hit the power button, it wouldn’t turn on, completely drained of power. So, Carolina lost a couple more minutes looking for the charger. 

It took some minutes for the machine to reboot and for the screen to make her dark eyes glow. Opening the first drawer of her desk, she fetched an old dotted notebook and started to outline a strategy. In her mind, it wasn’t that clear yet, but Carolina had started to define, step by step, how she was going to get control of her life again and make it incredible.

The visual identity of her very own agency wasn’t done that night. The sun rose and she continued glued to her screen. And after a couple of days, she contacted previous clients, explained her new situation, and offered her services. She planned to start her very own agency, offering her creative mind to those in need. A modern-day superhero, if one could say.

The first couple of months were hard—harder than Carolina had anticipated. Regardless, she was in a good place. After a long day, her mind didn’t wander back to Jungkook; she didn’t think of him at all. He had become a wound that healed—a thought that she managed to wipe completely from her mind. 

Someone once said that the most beautiful parts of life were in the small things. Carolina’s small thing lately was the group of people who acted as her employees—some freelancers that she hired to help out on her projects. The group worked weirdly in sync together and they had been a constant in her life in the last weeks. 

Lu, a photographer with a keen eye for art and amazing drawing skills, had become a close friend. The other girl in the group was Sarah, a writer who would often pitch in Carolina’s social media strategies. The three girls were walking to the bar after hitting the dance floor of a club for the past thirty minutes. 

“Are you official, yet?” Sarah nudged Carolina on her side, head tilting to a table where 5 guys were sitting. The latter’s eyes followed and landed on the one who was trying to vent some air through his black shirt. Jae. Carolina laughed. “Exclusive, then?” 

“We’re playing a dangerous game already,” Carolina turned her back to the table, viewing the ludicrous wall of liquor. “Giving it a label will only make it more complicated.” 

“Those big round eyes—he looks just like a lost puppy,” Lu’s speech is slurred. 

“Getting strays off the streets is more your scene. How’s Lucious?” Carolina joked wittedly, remembering that just last week the girl had sent her a photo of a stray cat that she rescued from the streets. It would be kitty number four now and she was certain that the it’s just temporary—until I find someone to take him talk was a big fat lie.

As the conversation develops between the other two girls, Carolina’s eyes fall on the subject of their previous conversation. If anyone had asked her about him, she would most likely say he's nobody—better yet, a work colleague; someone that she hired now and then to help her out on her gigs. But when her friends asked, it had become quite evident that their little rendezvous after work, which usually resulted in her doing a walk of shame back to her apartment the next morning and ignoring his texts for the next couple of days until work brought them together had become more and more common and Carolina was trying her best so that people wouldn’t notice how he messed with her head and heart. Their eyes meet and Jae gives Carolina a giant smile, which she shyly reciprocates before turning around to face the bar yet again. 

People-watching was one of Carolina’s favorite hobbies. Her creative mind would go wild, creating stories according to the faces of the people in her sight, sometimes even roaming into the dialogues they were having. Lucky for her, the area is packed. 

A woman, not much older than her—or at least she guessed—playfully twirled her hair between her fingers, a radiant smile on her lips as she talked to a guy next to her. He had the puffiest lips Carolina had seen that night and it was evident by his body language that he hadn’t kissed or been kissed enough that night. 

Another man sat not so far away and, in contrast to the people next to him, he was gloomy. Head was swinging up and down as his focus was on catching the attention of the barman to ask him for another drink. That one certainly would have a hard time finding a taxi home. And that is of course if he wouldn’t end up sleeping on one of the benches outside of the club. 

The barman that the gloom wanted to attract was busy taking the orders of a young man over the loud noise of the music. The man was leaning his whole body on the counter in a kind of boyish manner, trying his best to speak clearly despite his eyes already appearing somewhat foggy. As he finally finishes, the barman gives him an assertive nod and the man smiles. And suddenly it clicks… that smile. It sends Carolina down a spiral and she has to control the pulsating need that rushes through her body. 

“Hey, you’re feeling ok?” Lu rapidly asks but gets no response. “Are you going to throw up?”

Carolina focuses on the man’s movements and sees how he licks his lips as his back hits the counter, attention dispersing to something—or someone—in the crowd. His silhouette was unmistakable amidst the sea of gyrating bodies now that she had found him. Her eyes dart from his profile to the back of his head and it’s like she has laser vision and it’s starting to burn a hole in his head as his hand comes to caress the area. It’s at that moment that their eyes meet for brief seconds.

“I’ll be right back,” Carolina speaks through gritted teeth, not noticing the man taking a double look at her. 

“Where are you going?” Sarah’s concern is palpable in her voice as she watches Carolina dart through the crowd. 

The pulsating bass of the music reverberated through the dimly lit club, creating a rhythmic throb that seemed to synchronize with Carolina’s racing heartbeat. The air had suddenly become dense with laughter, chatter, and the occasional clink of glasses. 

Carolina’s eyes finally meet the man’s surprised ones again. Determination fueled her steps as she pushed through the tightly packed room, navigating the ocean of people that ebbed and flowed around the bar. Each step felt heavy, like a battle against a roaring sea, the tide pushing her back in the shape of warm bodies that added to the suffocating atmosphere. The scent of perfume, sweat, and spilled drinks mingled in the air; it felt nauseating, the surge of emotions of seeing him after so long threatening to spill over. 

Her breaths came in shallow gasps as emotions threatened to consume her, and yet, the determination to confront the man she had managed to extinguish from her mind propelled her forward. Carolina stands before him, hands resting on her hips as her eyes lock into his. The world seemed to quiet for a moment, the surrounding chaos fading into the background as she prepared to unleash the torrent of emotions that had simmered within her. 

“Carolina, I—” And as her name rolls out of the man’s tongue, she almost crumbles, getting hit by sudden nostalgia. His shaky eyes scan her entirely and she restrains her body from moving. Jungkook is only steps away from her and where she thought hurt would lay, a sense of antipathy is born. 

"Cat got your tongue?" 

Yet again, they were face to face. Had she been completely honest, Carolina was terrified. Her life was decent—good, even. She was healthy, and happy, and enjoyed what she was doing. She was proud of her projects. She would even wake up some mornings and go for a jog. But encountering Jungkook at the club and being with him in the intoxicating setting such as his car, with all those memories and all those emotions, made her swing back and forth between maintaining her cool and ignoring the feelings that hadn’t been dealt with and, instead, shoved deep down into her core. 

“I am sorry.” He paced slightly from the end of the couch he was sitting on to the window. For a few seconds, he stared outside. And then he noticed she hadn’t even blinked. “I am.” 

A long sigh escaped Carolina’s puffy lips. She wondered if he was trying to make her believe his words or if he was trying to realize if he meant them. “So you’ve said.” 

“I mean it.” Jungkook sat back down on the couch. He stared intensely deep into her eyes, trying to reach the warmth of her soul, sincerity pouring through his, while she gazed at him back, void of emotion. “I really do.” 

“Can’t exactly say your word means much.” She reclined back into the armchair. While Jungkook was sitting on her couch, she had decided to take aid in the singleness of her armchair, far enough that he couldn’t reach her. “You say a lot of stuff, but it doesn’t seem to have much meaning.” 

Carolina knew that her harsh words and unfiltered sincerity were one of the things that bothered Jungkook. It was probably one of the things that always made him feel like he was walking on eggshells around her. He was the complete opposite. Politically correct, even. His expressions could fail him—although rarely—but he would always say the nice thing, or not say anything at all. Carolina would be truthful if regarding something she was passionate about, even if it meant saying something the other person wouldn’t enjoy.

“I know what I did to you—the way I acted,” Jungkook stopped mid-sentence, almost as if trying to collect his words, afraid that if he said the wrong thing, Carolina would throw him out of the window. She had already pictured that scenario only minutes after he had entered her apartment. “it was wrong, and you deserved better.” 

“And yet…” She gesticulates with her hands, emphasizing their position. “here we are.” 

He just wasn’t saying the right thing. And if Carolina could be honest, she wasn’t sure there was a right thing to say. Maybe there was nothing that he could say to make up for the heartache she felt. For the humiliation. And seeing him hide his face between his hands as his head hung heavy between his legs, just made her want him gone. And almost as if reading her mind, Jungkook asked “What do you want me to say? I am really really sorry and I haven’t stopped thinking about it and you ever since.” 

And that last sentence was like a punch to the gut. “Ya’ know what? I forgive you!” Almost as if Carolina had been suddenly hit with a wave of good spirits, she gets up from her armchair, her tone chipper. “You are forgiven for being an absolute asshole and a liar. I am completely over the fact that you betrayed my confidence.” Her hands fell to her hips and Jungkook’s eyebrows furrowed. “So, please, leave. We don’t have anything else to discuss.” 

Grabbing him by the arm, Carolina almost hauls Jungkook from his seat. “Wait,” his manifests are in vain though, because only when he enforces his stance she stops. “I think I loved you,” Jungkook’s eyes are glued to the floor. “and that freaked me out.” 

“Oh, give me a fucking break.” Arms in the air, Carolina turns to face her wall. She takes a deep breath. “You loved me so you played me and then never spoke to me again. Can’t imagine what kind of father you’d be!” 

He ignores her comeback, “I wanted to be with you every second of my day. I wanted to stay until late in the cloud room with you just noticing how the colors made you look more and more beautiful. You were messing with my mind and I was allowing myself to fall for you, even though it wasn’t appropriate.”

Carolina’s hand doesn’t move from the front door’s handle and she has to strain the laugh that threatens to leave her lips. Jungkook’s stance is incredulous as he doesn’t dare to look her in the eye as he professes what seems to be his undying love for the girl. 

“You’re different and you’re weird and you have a funky taste and it scares the living shit out of me. You made me feel. When you smiled at me. When you trusted me with assignments…” Completely ignoring the girl’s wishes for his departure, Jungkook sits back on the couch again, this time on the armrest, his body facing her. “And then I get to the office, late as fuck, already freaking out, and see that scene. I was shocked. And when I finally came to my senses, I felt too embarrassed to reach out to you.” He speaks fast and his lisp is noticeable. Carolina sees how truthful his words are, his tongue poking the inside of his mouth as he faces the empty wall. “I was ashamed that I let you go like that, let you go through that situation with everyone looking at you and I didn’t stand my ground immediately like I should have.” 

Jungkook stands up and Carolina’s grip on the handle falls. “So, you have every right to hate me. You can even punch me if you’d like if that would make you less hurt…” he walks closer to her, stopping only a couple of inches away, somewhat afraid that she would take on the offer. He gives her a small smile. “although I would prefer you wouldn’t. You look like you have a mean hook.” 

She finally lets out a dry laugh, focusing everywhere but on the man in front of her. She’s trying to remain defensive, fighting the urge from her body to give in to his speech, to believe that he’s saying the truth, that maybe—maybe—this time, things can take a different turn. “So… past tense, huh?” 

He ignores her sarcasm completely, as if switching roles and him being the serious one. Jungkook wants to take her hand that hangs mindlessly in the air but restrains himself from doing so. He fights the urge to run his hands through her fluffy hair like he had done so the previous night in his car. His brain can still recall how soft it felt on his fingers and how it smelled of lavender. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I know it’s my fault and I just want you to know that I feel like garbage for hurting someone who meant—means—so much to me.” 

Carolina purses her lips together, focusing on the dirt that stained the white of his Converse. 

“Can we start over? Friends?” Her eyes land on his extended hand and travel all the way up to his face. He’s hopeful and she can’t wait to touch his skin again, so she shakes it. He smiles radiantly as if a little kid who just won the biggest fluffiest teddy bear at a fair. “I’ll text you tomorrow.” Jungkook wants to sound certain but Carolina senses the shakiness in his voice. 

“Just don’t spam me.” Carolina rolls her eyes while they finally let go of each other’s hands. Jungkook gives her one last look, providing her with a silent chance to change her mind and as she doesn’t, he nods, pleased, before leaving. 

Carolina’s hands fly to her head, fingers massaging her temples as she is dazed by the event she has just lived. She closes her door, back hitting it for support and her focus relies on outside her window, how the sun had already set and the night had taken over instead, the sky painted dark navy blue while some stars shone in the distance. 

There’s a knock on her door and she rushes back to open it, reason completely out of her mind, “Jun—” She stops mid-word. “Jae! I was not expecting you.” 

“In my defense, I did text you. Not my fault you don’t look at the thing.” As he makes his way inside, chuckling, he gives her a small peck on the cheek. “Brought food.” 

“Great!” Before closing the door, Carolina glanced at the empty corridor, trying to shake the weird feeling that left her stomach turning. It doesn’t go away, not even after she ate the ramen Jae brought. And so she takes this sudden unwell state to send him off. The drawers inside her mind were all messy; she had some organizing to do.

[ chapter 5 ]

☁ want to be tagged in the next part? comment below or send me an ask!

[angeliqueiguess]

Focus! (Character Endings) Pt.2

(must read after reading the fic)

Ten Lee

After the success and growth of NeoMagazine, Ten decided to return to his home country, Thailand. There, he spent some time sharing his knowledge and passion by offering professional makeup courses. During this period, an unexpected opportunity transformed his life: the creation of his own makeup line, "Chitta Cosmetics." The brand became a reflection of his artistic vision and deep connection to his roots. It didn’t take long for Chitta Cosmetics to gain recognition, and soon, Ten found himself competing and collaborating with industry giants like Maybelline, solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the beauty world.

On a personal level, Ten never lost touch with his best friend, Y/n, whom he cherished deeply. Despite their busy schedules and the changes in their lives, he always made time to celebrate her successes, proud to see her thriving, happy, and healthy. Though the dynamics had shifted since the days when they all worked together, Ten treasured every moment they spent together. He never forgot where he came from or the value of the friendships that shaped him. Humility and loyalty remained central to who he was, even as he achieved remarkable things.

Mark Lee

After the growth of NeoMagazine, Mark let his creativity run wild in the urban fashion scene, creating not just innovative outfits but also collaborating with designers and producing pieces so exceptional they could have been displayed in a museum. His brand, "127", quickly gained traction, and soon, big-name rappers and music artists became his clients, rocking his designs at major events and on stage.

On a personal note, Mark kept uploading his freestyles and original songs to his secret SoundCloud, where he shared his music without the pressure of fame. For a while, his music career felt more like a side project, but everything changed when one of his followers went viral with one of his early mixtapes. This boosted his visibility, and soon millions of people were asking for a full album. Mark eventually delivered on that demand, launching his debut album, which became a major success. Now, Mark was rubbing shoulders with top rappers and artists worldwide, forming important partnerships in both music and fashion. He not only solidified himself as a rising star in the music industry but also became one of the few rappers creating 100% custom designer pieces. By blending his love for fashion and rap, he carved out a unique and successful niche for himself.

Nakamoto Yuta

After NeoMagazine’s growth, Yuta focused his efforts on further expanding the magazine and other ventures in his native Japan. His expertise and vision led him to teach business and statistics, not only in Japan but across various countries in Asia. Through these classes, he inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs. His practical approach and ability to connect with people earned him a reputation as a trusted leader in the business world.

On a personal level, while Yuta had firmly established himself as a successful businessman, life had unexpected plans for him. His charisma and natural presence landed him a supporting role in a Japanese film—a project he initially saw as a fun new challenge. However, his performance caught the attention of a well-known director who stumbled upon the movie by chance. Impressed by Yuta’s talent, the director offered him a lead role in his next feature film. Balancing both worlds, Yuta discovered a newfound passion for acting without stepping away from his business pursuits. His debut as a leading actor was a hit, propelling him into the spotlight of the film industry. Now, Yuta is not only a respected businessman but also a rising actor, proving that embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to extraordinary paths.

—-

Focus Masterlist // Main Masterlist

prev // next

Taglist: @apolloxxivmin @aerivrs @chan-yeoldelling @livingdoll-hara @cryingforjae @heavenjae @milanco @sibwol @neocupidd @minkyuncutie @miniature-tragedy @kukkurookkoo @kodasity @injunnie-lemon @thegracerammy @hahaechans @illitzen @pandagirl753 @flamingi

[spasm-design-architects]

Best Indian Architecture Firms Build a Gomati Home in Lonavala

Spasm Design Architects the Best Indian Architecture Firms based in Mumbai, India. We build a Gomati Home in Lonavala. The aim was to provide a vessel for the family to enjoy a life under the skies and enjoy the rain and wet breezes.

[gattnk]

Only Dolce's saccharine nature could counter Kabalè's acrid attitude.

Probably one of my best pairs in terms of contrast, hands down! I'm really proud of how they came out :D Let's go over them design notes:

While Kabalè gave me a lot of room for exploration between her two canon designs, Dolce was pretty straightforward in terms of source material, since she's a series-exclusive character.

I wanted to keep Dolce as part of the main cast because I noticed some animosity from the fandom towards her back in the day, particularly over how "dumb" and stereotypically girly she was. There should be room for ultra-feminine characters in girl-focused media, because I know a lot of girls and women love them and look up to them, and who am I to deny them their fun?

My position regarding Dolce pretty much defined what I would do with Kabalè. If Dolce got to be unapologetically feminine in the traditional sense, why, Kabale HAD to be feminine in a transgressive sense! Those familiar with Ever After High know what I'm talking about: the "opposite" figure to the pink goodie-goodie princess is the purple rebellious evil witch.

My decision to make Kabalè more tanned than her canon counterparts stemmed from the same place as Mefisto and Gabi's changes: it matched her new design much better in terms of color contrast, and adding a bit more variety to the devils wouldn't hurt. I also wanted to pay homage to her hair in both iterations by making her blonde with a high ponytail and a streak.

I studied Dolce's key traits and focused on them for her new design: hearts, pink contrasted with blue and white, and puffy hair. I actually increased the amount of pink but used less saturated hues so they wouldn't clash or feel like too much, and used cyan and off-white accessories to visually segment her body by her joints, similar to an articulated doll.

For Kabalè I chose to mix her "spooky-chic" colors from the series with her comic design, and then I focused on modernizing said design! Not gonna lie, I had a lot of fun looking at current urban fashion and playing around with Kabalè's purple palette, it's not too common apparently (outside of Gengar apparel, lol).

Dolce's mascot, a blushing phantom butterfly, is right atop her hairband to represent how Dolce is the most emotionally mature of the group, since she's also naturally open-minded and focused on positive self-growth. Meanwhile, Kabalè's badger bat perches inside her jacket's inner pocket, symbolizing how Kabalè's polarizing nature often isolates her from the world around her.

Honestly I'm glad these two came out as well as they did, for the longest time I was stuck with them until some good friends of mine gave me a crucial helping hand (my most special thanks go to @fairy-of-the-black-willow). To put it bluntly, I wanted them to look grand but my sense of fashion is a bit too practical... all my pants are denim and I only wear grayscale t-shirts :V

I'll Fly With You (rewrite fic) Art masterpost

[clare141312]

MHA X READER WITH ATOM EVE´S POWERS

Words: 1,338

Chapter 2

It’s the day of the Entrance Exam, and despite all my preparation, I can’t shake my nerves. I feel like laughing. I’ve spent an entire year getting ready for this moment, so logically, there’s no reason for me to feel this anxious. But maybe it’s just human nature to feel this way when faced with something that could shape your entire future. I applied for the General Studies course as well as the Hero Course, just in case things don’t go as planned.

It’s a good thing I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to prepare. It’s now 7:30, and I’ve already finished my morning workout, had breakfast, and squeezed in some extra studying. Factoring in the time it takes to walk, potential train delays, and any unexpected incidents, now is the perfect moment to leave. I grab my bag packed with my workout clothes and take one last glance in the mirror to adjust my school uniform before heading out.

“Sayuri, are you sure you have everything?” my grandmother calls from across the house.

“Yes, Grandma. Bye!” I reply as I step out the door.

Thankfully, everything goes according to plan, and I’m now sitting on the train, set to arrive early. As I scroll through my phone, passing the time until my stop, a man steps on my foot without so much as an apology. I wish I could kill him, but obviously, that’s not an option—I’m not going to risk prison over something so trivial. So, for the rest of the ride, I spend my time, imagining all the ways I could get even, until my stop arrives.

Standing in front of UA High, I feel really intimidated. I take a moment to look around, amazed by the grand entrance as I step inside. After finding the bulletin board, I check where I need to go for the written exam and make my way to Exam Room B. I complete the written exam quickly and with relative ease. Then was present mics speech about the exam in the auditorium. I sit in my assigned seat.

“What´s up UA Candidates thanks for tuning in to me your school DJ. Come on let me hear you” Present Mic shouts but everyone remains silent. I am so Excited. Pro Heros as our teachers. School will be so much fun. “Keeping it mellow huh, that’s fine I´ll skip straight to the main show. Let’s talk about how this practical exam is going to go down.”

“Like your application said, today you rocking boys and girls will be out there conducting mock battles in super hip urban settings. Alright my friend, after I drop my mic here you´ll head to your designated battle center sound good? Okay.” Present mic says and everyone stats to pick up their cards. Battle center H alright I can do this.

“Three different types of faux villains are stationed in each battle center. You earn points for each of them based on their level of difficulty so choose wisely. Your goal, dear listeners, is to use your Quirks to earn points by shredding the foe villains like a wicked guitar solo. Of course, attacking other examinees is a no, no you dig.”  I listen intently as he speaks. But then some guy with glasses stands up raising his hand. Excuse me sir, but I have a question." the guy said.

"Hit me," Present Mic said pointing at the boy and a spotlight hit the boy.

"On the printout you've listed four types of villains not three. With all respect, if this is an error on official UA materials it is shameful. We are exemplary students. We expect the best from Japan's most notable school. A mistake such as this won't do. Additionally, you with the unkempt hair" the guy said and then pointed at a green haired boy, "You've been muttering this whole time. Stop that, if you can't bother to take this seriously then leave. You're distracting the rest of us." the guy said, and the boy covered his mouth muttering sorry. What an Asshole that glasses guy could have been nicer.

"Alright, alright. Examinee number 7111. Thank for calling in with your request. The fourth villain type is worth zone points. That guy's just an obstacle we'll be throwing in your way. There's one in every battle centre. Think of it as a hurdle you should try to avoid. It's not that it can't be beaten, but there's kinda no point. I recommend my listeners try to ignore it and focus on the one's top of the chart." Present Mic said and the guy bowed.

"Thank you very much. Please continue," he said sitting down.

"That's all I got for you today. I'll sign off with a little present a sample of our school motto as General Napoleon Bonaparte once laid down a true hero is one who overcomes lives misfortunes. Mmmm now that's a tasty sound bite. You ready to go beyond? Let's hear a plus ultra. Good luck. Hope you practised hitting more than just books." Present Mic finished.

Now I’m standing at the gate, feeling incredibly nervous. Everyone around me is talking, and I feel like I might throw up. Suddenly, Present Mic’s voice echoes, “Alright, let’s get started! There are no countdowns in real battles, so run, run, run!” The crowd surges forward, and I start running too. I quickly remember that I can fly but decide against using it. I know I can succeed without flying, and it’s better to keep that ability hidden for now. If I make it in, keeping my flight ability, a secret could give me an edge during the sports festival as my hidden weapon.

As I move further in, I start blasting every robot I see while charging ahead. Suddenly, I notice someone in danger of being struck by a robot. Instinctively, I create a shield around them and blast the robot away, sending it flying. I rush over to check on the person, only to see a set of floating clothes. A voice speaks, and I realize it’s a girl with an invisibility quirk. After making sure she’s okay, I return to blasting robots.

When the exam is finally announced as over, I take a seat and let myself rest. As soon as I go home, I´m going to eat everything I can see, I think to myself while turning the air into a bottle of water and taking a drink.

1 Week later:

I jog down the road, counting the days since the UA entrance exams—it's been a week, and I’ve been anxiously waiting for the results. As I return home, my grandmother rushes toward me, a letter in hand. “Sayuri! The letter from UA has arrived!” she exclaims excitedly. My eyes widen, and I snatch the letter from her hands before dashing to my room to open it. I sit at my desk and carefully peel open the envelope, and a circular metal thing fell out and it projected a screen.

"I am here." All Might appeared on the screen, " Sayuri Kuramoto you did extremely well on your written exam. You are probably wondering why I'm giving you your results, well it's because starting this term I am the newest teacher at U.A. high school haha. You Sayuri Kuramoto also did well on your practical exam and managed to get 40 attack points, but that is not all here at U.A. We like to take into account what really makes a hero and that is protecting people and so we had a panel of judges watch from behind the scenes and they would give out points to whoever they saw perform a heroic attack and give you rescue points you 15 rescue points putting you in 4th place getting you into U.A.'s Class 1 A hero course. Welcome you have made it."

As soon as I hear All Might say that, I dash outside to share the news with my grandmother. The moment I tell her, she embraces me tightly, overwhelmed with joy.

[adobe-outdesign]

now with [SPOILERS] a new evo announced, can you review duraludon and its upcoming Urban Expansion?

I'll be honest, I've never been the biggest Duraludon fan. I do think the idea of a kaiju-mon that's basically the building that kaiju normally knock over is extremely fun, and it being able to drop down to basically become a laser cannon is also pretty neat.

However, it's just always been way too stiff for my tastes. I feel like being able to imagine how a Pokemon lives in its environment and functions is important, but with this design it's straight-up impossible to picture how it even moves. It's mostly just the body being a singular unit, combined with the legs having no joints, that really does it for me.

(Pictured: Duraludon, in the middle of realizing there's no way it can actually eat that plate of food)

Visually, it's alright—the zig-zag down its side is neat, the dark blue accents are nice, and the head shape is interesting. However, I do feel like it's hard to figure out what it's going for at first, and the random bit of red above the head adds nothing.

Admittedly, the g-max form is pretty fun. Obviously the stiffness thing is still an issue, arguably even more so, but at least the building theme's a lot clearer now. Not only is it a skyscraper, it seems to be The Shard specially, the tallest building in the UK:

Which makes sense thematically for a g-max, given that the entire idea is that it's a "bigger" version of the original both conceptually and literally.

Visually, I like the addition of the light blue accents, and how the stomach gains kind of a glass window-like look instead of the entire body. It's also neat how the head becomes a helicopter pad. I do think the dark blue areas on the hands should've become lighter blue to match, but still, this is an effective albeit silly improvement over the original.

Duraludon was kind of a weird choice for an evo, given that it was already pretty strong as-is, but I guess they wanted to compensate for it looking it's g-max form. And, thankfully, we did get a pretty good design out of it.

Archaludon's still too stiff for my tastes, but I do like it more than Duraludon and its g-max. It feels like a good blend between the two, wherein it has more of the subtly present with Duraludon but a clearer theme more like the g-max form.

First, it can form a bridge when it drops down onto all fours. This is a neat practical element that's fairly clear even in the base design. It's also neat because The Shard is also known as, to quote Wikipedia, "the Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower".

The additions of blue and red along the front really make the design pop more, and feel like a good continuation of Duraludon's more subdued palette. This color expansion, along with the forked tail, head spikes, and exaggerated limbs, do make it look stronger than it's pre-evo. Also, the little gold tips on the limbs compliment the eyes and are nice touches, while the strange arm shape now serves a clear purpose in the design. It's still not my favorite thing in the world, but Archaludon's definitely my favorite design out of the three, and the line as a whole feels a lot more complete now.

Anyway, overall: Duraludon has a fun concept, but is a bit too stiff and vague for its own good. The g-max is a bit over-the-top but is much clearer thematically, and Archaludon is the best out of the bunch.

[urbanthreads]

The Evolution of Style: A Deep Dive into Men's Urban Clothing and Fashion

Introduction

The world of men's urban clothing is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape where style meets the streets, and culture shapes fashion. In this extensive exploration, we delve into the essence of men's dressing style, highlighting the best men clothing websites and the latest trends in young men's clothing, particularly focusing on urban wear for men.

The Historical Context of Men's Urban Fashion

The tapestry of men's urban fashion is rich and varied, woven with threads of cultural, musical, and socio-political influences. Its roots can be traced back to the bustling streets of New York City in the 1970s and 80s, where a revolutionary movement was brewing. This was not just a fashion trend but a powerful cultural expression that resonated across generations and continents.

The Birth of a Movement

In the 1970s, New York City was a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and artistic expressions. Amongst this vibrant chaos, the hip-hop scene emerged, not just as a genre of music but as a lifestyle that encompassed a unique way of dressing. The attire of this era was more than mere clothing; it was a form of identity, a bold statement of presence and resistance. Early hip-hop fashion was characterized by oversized silhouettes, sports apparel, leather bomber jackets, and flashy accessories, embodying the gritty and raw energy of the streets.

Art and Fashion Intertwine

Graffiti, an integral part of the hip-hop culture, played a significant role in shaping urban fashion. The bold colors, graphic lines, and rebellious nature of graffiti art found their way onto clothing, making fashion a canvas for self-expression. Brands that embraced this art form quickly became synonymous with urban wear, creating a visual language that spoke of defiance, creativity, and individuality.

Influences from Music and Dance

Music and dance were pivotal in propelling men's urban fashion forward. Breakdancing, with its athletic and acrobatic style, demanded clothing that was not only stylish but functional. Tracksuits, athletic shoes, and caps weren't just practical; they were integral to the dancer's persona. Similarly, rappers and DJs donned outfits that would amplify their presence on stage, often incorporating bright colors, bold prints, and oversized jewelry.

Socio-Political Statements

Urban fashion was never isolated from the socio-political environment. In the 80s and 90s, as hip-hop began to address social issues like racism, poverty, and police brutality, fashion became a tool for activism. Clothing with messages, symbolic colors, and designs that reflected cultural heritage became mediums to express solidarity and raise awareness. This era saw the rise of brands that specifically catered to the urban community, creating fashion that was not only trendy but also carried a deeper socio-cultural significance.

The Evolution into a Global Phenomenon

As hip-hop culture spread globally, so did its fashion. By the late 90s and early 2000s, urban wear was no longer confined to a particular group or locale. It had infiltrated mainstream fashion, with designers and high-end brands incorporating elements of street style into their collections. This fusion brought about a new era of urban fashion, one that blended the authenticity of the streets with the sophistication of high fashion.

The Contemporary Urban Style

Today, men's urban fashion is a diverse and dynamic field. It continues to be influenced by music, art, and current events, adapting and evolving with the times. Modern urban wear pays homage to its roots while continuously pushing the boundaries of style and self-expression. From the resurgence of vintage styles to the incorporation of sustainable materials, urban fashion remains a symbol of innovation, resilience, and identity.

In essence, the historical context of men's urban fashion is a story of transformation and empowerment. It's a narrative that speaks of the streets, the struggles, and the spirit of a culture that has profoundly shaped the way young men dress and express themselves today.

Defining Elements of Urban Style

Urban style, a term synonymous with individuality and cultural expression, stands out for its unique elements that have continuously evolved over the years. This expanded section delves into the specific fashion elements that constitute men's urban wear, highlighting the innovations by designers and brands that have made certain styles iconic within this genre. We'll explore the role of color, fabric, and design, each contributing to the distinctiveness of urban fashion.

The Significance of Color in Urban Wear

Color plays a pivotal role in urban fashion. It's not just a matter of aesthetics; color choices often reflect cultural, social, and personal narratives. Early urban styles were influenced heavily by vibrant hues and bold prints, mirroring the energy and dynamism of the streets. Designers have used color to make statements, with black often symbolizing strength and rebellion, while brighter tones like red, blue, and yellow represent vibrancy and vitality. The use of color blocking and the juxtaposition of unexpected colors have become trademarks of modern urban wear, allowing wearers to make bold statements through their attire.

Fabric: Blending Functionality with Style

The choice of fabric in urban fashion is a careful balance between functionality and style. Initially, durable materials like denim and leather were popular due to their longevity and ability to withstand the rigors of street life. As urban fashion evolved, there was a shift towards more versatile and comfortable materials. Cotton, especially in its heavier forms, became a staple for t-shirts and hoodies, offering both comfort and a suitable canvas for graphic prints. The introduction of athletic materials like polyester and Lycra catered to the needs of those who sought clothing that was not only stylish but also adaptable to an active lifestyle.

Design Innovations in Urban Wear

Design in urban wear is where creativity knows no bounds. Oversized garments, a hallmark of urban fashion, are not just a style choice but also a nod to the hip-hop influences where larger-than-life attire symbolized presence and power. Designers have innovated by introducing asymmetrical cuts, layering, and unconventional silhouettes that challenge traditional fashion norms.

Brands have also embraced the fusion of streetwear with luxury fashion, creating pieces that are both opulent and street-ready. This blend has led to the creation of unique items like high-end sneakers, designer graphic tees, and luxury sportswear. Collaborations between leading fashion houses and streetwear brands have further pushed the boundaries, leading to collections that are culturally relevant and fashion-forward.

Graphic Designs and Logos

Graphic designs and logos are integral to urban fashion, often serving as symbols of brand identity and cultural affiliation. From bold statement prints to subtle logo placements, these elements add character and distinction to urban wear. Street art and graffiti have been significant influences, with many designs featuring intricate artworks that tell stories or convey messages.

Accessorizing in Urban Fashion

Accessories are not mere additions in urban style; they are essential components that complete the look. Snapbacks, beanies, oversized chains, and statement watches are more than just fashion pieces; they are part of the urban identity. Footwear, particularly sneakers, holds a place of reverence in urban fashion. The rise of sneaker culture has seen collaborations between artists, celebrities, and brands, turning sneakers into coveted items of fashion and collectibles.

The Role of Cultural and Social Influences

Urban fashion is deeply intertwined with cultural and social influences. It's a reflection of the wearer's background, beliefs, and experiences. Designers and brands have recognized this, often incorporating cultural motifs and social messages into their designs. This aspect of urban fashion not only adds depth and meaning to the clothing but also connects wearers with broader cultural and social narratives.

The Digital Revolution: Men's Clothing Websites

The landscape of men’s fashion, particularly urban wear, has undergone a dramatic transformation in the digital era. The advent of online shopping has not just made fashion more accessible; it has revolutionized how men interact with fashion. This section delves into the nuances of digital marketing, online retail trends, customer behavior, and the overarching impact of social media in the realm of men’s urban clothing.

The Emergence of Online Fashion Retail

The early 2000s marked the beginning of a new era in fashion retail. E-commerce platforms began to emerge, offering a variety of clothing options that were previously limited to brick-and-mortar stores. Men’s urban clothing found a new avenue, with websites dedicated solely to this genre. These platforms offered a wider range of sizes, styles, and designs, catering to a diverse audience. The convenience of shopping from anywhere and the ability to compare products and prices quickly became appealing aspects for the modern shopper.

Digital Marketing and Its Impact

Digital marketing has played a pivotal role in shaping men's urban clothing trends. Through targeted advertising, fashion brands have been able to reach their ideal audience more effectively. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have become crucial for brand promotion, enabling labels to showcase their latest collections, share lookbooks, and even directly engage with customers. Influencer marketing, where fashion brands collaborate with social media influencers, has emerged as a powerful tool in driving brand awareness and sales.

Online Retail Trends in Men’s Urban Clothing

The trends in online retail for men’s urban clothing have seen a shift towards a more personalized shopping experience. Websites now use data analytics to understand customer preferences and offer tailored recommendations. Limited-edition releases, exclusive online drops, and pre-order options have become common strategies to create hype and exclusivity around products. Furthermore, the rise of mobile shopping has prompted websites to optimize their platforms for mobile users, offering seamless and user-friendly experiences.

Customer Behavior in the Digital Space

Customer behavior in the context of men’s urban clothing has evolved with the digital age. Shoppers are more informed and have higher expectations. They seek authenticity, quality, and exclusivity in their purchases. Online reviews and customer feedback have become significant influencers in purchasing decisions. Consumers often rely on these reviews as a source of trusted information, impacting the popularity and sales of specific items.

Curation of Collections on Online Platforms

Men’s clothing websites carefully curate their collections to align with current trends and customer preferences. This curation is not just about selecting items; it's about creating a narrative that resonates with the target audience. Websites often collaborate with designers, artists, and influencers to curate exclusive collections. Seasonal trends, cultural events, and even political and social movements can influence these collections, making them relevant and timely.

The Role of Social Media Influencers

Social media influencers have become integral to the fashion industry, especially in urban wear. Their ability to influence public opinion and trends is undeniable. Influencers often partner with clothing brands to showcase new collections, share outfit inspirations, and offer exclusive discounts to their followers. Their endorsement can significantly boost a brand's visibility and credibility.

The Impact of Online Reviews

Online reviews have become a powerful tool in the fashion industry. Positive reviews can enhance a brand's reputation and increase sales, while negative feedback can lead to a decline in customer trust. Men's clothing websites often encourage customers to leave reviews, as these serve as valuable feedback for both the brand and potential customers.

Youth Fashion: Pioneers of Urban Trends

The world of youth fashion, particularly in the urban landscape, is a continuously evolving tapestry of style, culture, and expression. Young men, especially, are not just consumers of fashion; they are trendsetters and pioneers, significantly influencing the direction of urban style. In this expanded section, we delve deeper into what drives trends in young men's fashion, incorporating insights from interviews and quotes from young fashion influencers, designers, and stylists. We also examine the impact of global events and shifts in popular culture on these trends.

The Voice of Influencers and Designers

"Young people are looking for authenticity in their fashion choices," says Jordan Lee, a noted fashion influencer. "They want clothes that tell a story, that resonate with their personal journey and the culture they are part of." This sentiment is echoed by Mia Wang, an up-and-coming urban wear designer, who adds, "Today's youth are blending traditional elements with modern cuts. They're not afraid to mix and match, creating a style that's uniquely theirs."

Renowned stylist Elijah James comments on the practical aspects, noting, "Functionality has become as important as aesthetics. Young men want fashion that suits their active, on-the-go lifestyle but also makes a bold statement."

Influence of Global Events

Global events have a profound impact on youth fashion. The recent pandemic, for instance, has seen a surge in the popularity of comfortable yet stylish home wear, with an emphasis on versatility. "The lockdowns led to the rise of ‘Zoom fashion’, where the focus is on waist-up dressing. It's all about striking a balance between comfort and presentability," observes fashion blogger Emma Liu.

Environmental concerns are also shaping fashion choices. "There's a growing demand for sustainable fashion among the youth," says sustainable fashion advocate, Ryan Gomez. "Young people are more conscious about the environment and are seeking brands that align with their eco-friendly values."

The Role of Popular Culture

Popular culture, particularly music and movies, has always had a significant influence on youth fashion. The rise of K-pop, for instance, has introduced a whole new aesthetic into the urban fashion scene. "K-pop stars are not just music icons; they're fashion icons. Their unique sense of style has a huge fan following worldwide," states music and fashion journalist, Sophia Kim.

Social media, especially platforms like Instagram and TikTok, have become a showcase for youth fashion. Influencers and ordinary young men alike use these platforms to display their fashion choices, often setting trends in the process. "Social media has democratized fashion. Now, everyone can be a trendsetter," says digital marketing expert, Tyler Chen.

The Future of Youth Fashion

Looking ahead, youth fashion is poised to become even more diverse and inclusive. "We're moving towards a more inclusive fashion world, where there are no rigid gender norms or rules. It's all about self-expression," predicts gender-neutral fashion designer, Alex Parker.

Exploring Current Trends in Young Men's Fashion

- Athleisure Evolved: Sportswear and casual wear merge to create a comfortable yet stylish trend.

- Retro and Vintage: The resurgence of vintage styles and their reinterpretation by today's youth.

- Eco-Fashion: The growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced clothing among young consumers.

The Future of Urban Fashion

As we gaze into the horizon of men’s urban fashion, the future promises an exciting amalgamation of technological innovation, sustainability, and evolving consumer trends. This expanded section offers a deep dive into the anticipated future trends, spotlighting emerging designers, cutting-edge fashion technologies, and the shifting paradigms of consumer behavior. Additionally, we will delve into the growing significance of sustainability and ethical practices in the urban fashion sphere.

Emergence of New Designers and Aesthetics

The urban fashion landscape is continually refreshed by the influx of new designers who bring with them innovative ideas and unique aesthetics. These emerging talents are redefining the boundaries of urban style, infusing traditional elements with futuristic designs. "We are witnessing a renaissance in urban fashion, where new designers are daring to challenge the norm, blending cultural heritage with modern design," notes fashion critic Lara Edmunds. These designers are not just creating clothes; they are crafting narratives that resonate with the modern urban dweller, often drawing inspiration from global cultures, street art, and contemporary issues.

Technological Advancements in Fashion

Technology is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of men's urban fashion. Wearable technology, smart fabrics, and digital customization are areas ripe for exploration. Tech-infused clothing that can change color, regulate temperature, or even display dynamic graphics is on the horizon. "Imagine a jacket that adapts to the weather or a t-shirt that reflects your mood through dynamic designs. These are not far-off concepts anymore," states tech-fashion innovator, Raj Patel. The integration of virtual and augmented reality in fashion retail is also transforming how consumers interact with clothing, offering virtual fitting rooms and immersive shopping experiences.

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

The urban fashion consumer of the future is expected to be more informed, discerning, and value-driven. There's a growing emphasis on personal style over blind trend-following. "Future consumers will look for fashion that aligns with their personal identity and values," explains consumer behavior analyst, Mia Zhang. They are likely to favor brands that offer customization, personalization, and a strong narrative.

Sustainability and Ethical Fashion

Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity in the future of fashion. Young consumers, in particular, are increasingly conscious of the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices. "Sustainable practices will define the future of urban fashion. We're seeing a shift towards eco-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and circular fashion models," notes sustainable fashion expert, Oliver Greene.

This movement towards sustainability is driving innovation in materials, with the emergence of biodegradable fabrics, recycled textiles, and plant-based leathers. The concept of circular fashion, where clothes are designed with their end-of-life in mind, is gaining traction. This approach not only minimizes waste but also encourages practices like recycling and upcycling.

Ethical Practices in the Fashion Industry

Ethical practices in the fashion industry are becoming a significant factor in brand perception and consumer choice. Transparency in manufacturing processes, fair labor practices, and support for local communities are aspects that modern consumers are increasingly prioritizing. "Brands that are committed to ethical practices are not just doing good; they are building trust and loyalty with their customers," states fashion industry analyst, Sarah Kim.

Conclusion

As we culminate this comprehensive exploration of men’s urban clothing, it becomes evident that this style transcends the boundaries of mere fashion. Urban wear is not just about the clothes we don; it's a powerful medium of personal expression and a reflection of a lifestyle deeply ingrained in modern culture. Throughout this blog post, we have navigated the rich and multifaceted landscape of men's urban style, uncovering the layers that compose its vibrant history, distinctive elements, and progressive future.

From its historical roots in the bustling streets of New York City, echoing the beats of hip-hop and the vibrancy of street art, to its current status as a global fashion phenomenon, men's urban clothing has consistently been a mirror reflecting societal changes and cultural trends. It's a style that tells a story, one of rebellion, innovation, and resilience. The defining elements of urban fashion - bold colors, innovative designs, and statement accessories - are more than fashion choices; they are symbols of individuality and creativity.

The digital revolution has significantly transformed how urban fashion is consumed and perceived. With the rise of online shopping, men's urban wear has become more accessible and diverse than ever before. Digital platforms have not only changed the shopping experience but also revolutionized marketing strategies, creating a new paradigm in the fashion industry. This evolution is a testament to the adaptability and forward-thinking nature of urban fashion.

Youth fashion, particularly in urban wear, continues to be a driving force behind emerging trends. Young men are not mere followers of fashion; they are pioneers, constantly pushing the boundaries and setting new standards. Their choices are a reflection of their identities, beliefs, and the world they inhabit. This dynamic nature of youth fashion ensures that men's urban clothing remains fresh, relevant, and exciting.

Looking ahead, the future of men's urban clothing is bright and promising. With the advent of sustainable practices, ethical fashion, and technological innovations, urban wear is set to evolve in ways that are not only stylistically groundbreaking but also socially and environmentally responsible. The integration of personal values with fashion choices marks a new era in the urban clothing narrative.

In conclusion, men's urban clothing is much more than a trend. It's a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the essence of modern urban life. Its ability to adapt, reflect, and influence makes it a significant part of the fashion industry. As we move forward, it will continue to be a fascinating area of study and appreciation for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion, culture, and personal expression.