#but i figured it had been too long ^^;))

[mattodore]

birthday boy 🎂

[canon-gabriel-quotes]

Transcript:

I'd like to congratulate you on getting your CPR certification.

Now remember, when you’re going in for compressions, it should sound like somebody is standing behind you with the worlds largest Dorito and cracking it open!

Go in firm and hard and snap as many ribs as you can on the way down, that means you’re doing it right.

You save that life. Good luck.

Or... Or... Or kill them, I don’t fucking care.

Audio source

[dracanboys-m]

sticker of shame on top of my head that says "i turn everything i love into a monster hunter au". some boys that bite just dropped

[erinwantstowrite]

by the way i have finally been cured of the "i need to rewrite this again"' disease so I'm hoping the next few days i can speed through this chapter like i'm a butter knife cutting through warm butter

[dykedvonte]

Do you have anything you've been thinking on but just haven't made a post about it yet? Also I'm really enjoying your fic!

I have a few things but it's likely mostly headcanons that I consider somewhat disconnected from my analysis.

Curly's parents had him old, only child, died shortly after he graduated and got the pony express position. It was the last big thing they saw him do which is a reason he stayed for so long.

Doesn't admit how much their death affected him

Jimmy has a largish family. One of the cases of too many kids to keep tract of, parent never really noticed any of them nor their behaviors

Anya lived in a lot of houses growing up, regular supportive family that just struggled to support themselves.

Became a nurse largely to avoid their financial struggles but mostly because she felt too many people weren't being cared for and advocated for in the world properly

Swansea likes high top sneakers most. Likes how snug they fit and how they shield his ankles at work

Curly has a bit of a caffeine problem since he can’t sleep. Can occasionally be found wandering the ship at “night” when he had some too late or just couldn’t sleep.

Daisuke knows a little about a lot of things. Starts conversations with “did you know” a lot but please don’t ask him deeper questions

Curly has known Jimmy longer but has worked with Anya and Swansea longer, met them during his middle years, met Jimmy shortly before college.

Swansea rents a house, Daisuke’s family lives in a big nice apartment, Curly has a condo, Anya live in a small one bedroom apartment and Jimmy has a studio.

Curly's home is very disconcerting. It's too normal to a like uncanny degree.

Anya is ambidextrous but prefers her left.

Anya and Curly are both not native English speakers so occasionally they forget words and bond over the mutual mocking they get from the rest of the crew. Daisuke knows some Japanese but is still learning, never picked it up as a kid

Only Swansea and Daisuke know how to drive, Earth in my mind is very post capitalist so only older people and like the extremely wealthy can afford cars.

It's also like walkable just due to how many businesses are in your face. Probably strict living vs shopping districts

I have more but the way that I headcanon about them is like too long.

[tangents-within-tangents]

Thinking about the song "Ship in Port" by Radical Face and clones

Thinking about the line "Farewell to the chains we were born into" and what that can mean for the clones

Thinking about how "But I have always stayed in place/Under that old illusion that it's safe" could equally describe Hunter, Echo, and (s1+2) Crosshair's complete opposite approaches to the Empire and post-war life.

The way Crosshair clings to his identity as a soldier of the Empire

And Echo as a soldier of the Republic

But Hunter puts his identity as a soldier behind him

Crosshair fights for the Empire to gain purpose

Echo fights against the Empire to save his brothers

And Hunter decides the Empire is too strong to even try to oppose

"A ship in port is a safer one"

"but it's not the reason it was made"

"So forgive me if I wander off"

"And forgive me more if I just stay"

Thinking about what The Bad Batch could have been if it had more fully explored the differences between those ideologies

(Thinking about what The Bad Batch could have been if it had dedicated more screen time to the 'reg' clones within the Empire and the underground network's fight to free them , instead of just sidelining Echo and Rex for a hypothetical clone rebellion show we might never get)

[drawnfamiliarfaces]

If you could give First Ninja a name? What would it be?

People keep asking me about First Ninja's name, but to be quite honest, I've been really struggling with picking one for him, ever since I decided to try and draw stuff for Torn Pages AU and it only got worse, since I started to ship him with Chase.

Choosing a name is really hard. I kinda wish RC9GN creators gave at least trivia at what his possible name could have been, so I had some place to start. And while I saw a couple of names that fandom seemed to give him, the most popular ones were somewhere along the lines of Satoshi, Satoru - but I really couldn't get behind those, you know? Just not vibing at all. Doesn't sound quite right to me personally.

On a related note, someone in rc9gn tag pointed out that 'Norisu' is not really a proper Japanese surename, but variations of it actually exist! I think they actually settled on 'Norisawa', but I preferred 'Norisugi' - which is a pretty rare last name, but not so rare that I couldn't find a Wiki commons media entry on one Kazu Norisugi - a Japanese government official and educator around 1900s (link). It seemed very appropriate that it belonged to a teacher! And the rarity of the surname, could tie into the lore of Norisugi Clan/Name becoming rare after they left Japan and were pretty much eradicated during their journey. And aside from that, linguistically speaking - over the 800 years 'Norisugi' is more likely to morph and change from 'Norisugi Village' to 'Norrisville', which is a thought I enjoyed very much! ;D

When it comes to first name itself, I've been kinda trying to pick something that is a variation for First or Ninja on Japanese (because I am not very imaginative at all, xD), and it became a list of similar sounding names that I can't decide on, if only because etymology behind the kanji are all so very interesting. And all that information comes from japanese names site i found.

So I decided to share my top 11 picks in poll format, just to gauge's others opinions! ;3 (not that it would really influence my choice in the end, but i just really wanted to make a poll xD)

Names Propoganda underneath or aka kanji meanings that make me unable to choose a name more fitting for First. xD

[Ichi-to] - Kanjis for [Ichi] could contain meanings such as One, Alone, Single, First, Primary, or even Run, Escape, Let Go. [To] has a lot of variations, including Tiger, Fierce, Brave, Soar, Fly, Humanity, Benevolence, Kindness, Samurai, Warrior, Gentleman, Cross, Pass Over, Climb, Ascend, Way, Road, Journey.

[Ichi-ya] - [Ichi] as One, Alone, Single, First, Primary. [Ya] can mean an indication of strong emotions or emphasis, but also can mean Dart, Arrow, Night, Evening, Sun, Sunlight, Positive, and also it could mean eight (8) as in kanji 八 - 8 (which was one of the biggest draws for this name to me, because ya know Ichi 1 + Ya 8 = 9th Norisugi sibling lol).

[Ik-kou] - [I(k)] is usually written with the same kanji 一 as [Ichi] sometimes so the meaning is in similar vein of One, Single, Alone. [Kou] has a lot of meanings, including Light, Radiance, Further, Change, Improve, Happiness, Good Fortune, Luck, Voyage, Sail, Navigation, Public, Official, Prince, Achievement, Merit, Success, Direction, Orientation, Grand, Vast and Respect for Parents/Ancestors.

[Is-sei] - [I(s)] is similar to [I(k)] where its written in kanji 一 that means One, Single, Alone. [Sei] can have meanings such as Pure, Clean, Star, Sincerity, Honesty, Astute, Shrewd, to Become, to Accomplish, to Succeed, Power, Force, Expedition, Conquest, Equality, Uniformness or Life, Essense, Spirit, Holy, Sacred, Vow, Pledge.

[Is-shin] - [I(s)] can be written with similar kanjis with meanings One, Single, Alone, but also First, Primary. [Shin] can mean Humanity, Benevolence, Truth, Reality, Heart, Mind, Spirit, Core, Essense, Center, Extend, Stretch, Faith, Belief, Discretion, Caution, to Advance, to Acend.

[I-tsuki] - [I] can mean One, Single, Alone, First Primary, but also can mean That One and in certain Kanji variations can mean Dependent, Rely on, Trust in or Authority, Power, Dignity. [(Ts)uki] - has a lot of meanings including Moon, Month, Precious, Valuable, Honorable, Rare and Hope.

[Kei-ichi] - [Kei] includes meanings such as Blessing, Favor, Grace, Excellent, Beautiful, Good, Enlightenment, Wisdom, Celebration, Joy, Happiness, Open, Begin but also Jade Tablet, Square Jewel (which really made me snort, because of First's square lil face lol). And [Ichi] as One, Alone, Single, First, Primary.

[Kou-k-ichi] - [Kou(k)] can have such meanings as Like, Fond of, Respect for Parents and Ancestors, Good luck, Fortune, Constant, Always, Cultivate, Prosperity, Success, Smooth Sailing, Light, Radiance, Public, Official, Prince, Achievement, Merit, Success, Direction, Orientation, Grand, Vast, Work, Sky, Brilliance, Brightess, Further, Change, Improve, Armour, First (in a sequence of items), Consider, Think, Navigation, Sail, Voyage and many more. The second part of the name is actually traditionally written ine one specific kanji 吉 that has a meaning of Good Luck, Fortune, Auspiciousness.

(and now to obvious Ninja variations lol)

[Nintoku] - seems like a rare name, with only 1 variation that I found so far. First Kanji 仁 - means Humanity, Benevolence, Kindness and Second 徳 means Virtue, Morality, Goodness.

[Nin-ga] - 仁雅 [ninga]- variation is considered a Classical Zen/Bushido name, where first part 仁 [nin] - means Humanity, Benevolence, Kindness and Second 雅 [ga] means Elegance, Refinement and Grace. 2nd variation 忍我 [ninga] means 忍 [nin] - Endure, Bear, Persevere, Conceal, Hide, Sneak and Second 我[ga] means Ego, Self, I.

[Nin'Ya] - is another rare, with only 1 variation of 忍也 [Nin'Ya] consisting of 忍 [nin] - Endure, Bear, Persevere, Conceal, Hide, Sneak and 也 [ya] that means Also, Too, Likewise.

I admit, Nin'Ya is probably the weakest (more jokey lol) choice in this line up, but i just couldn't resist the idea of calling First Ninja, Nin'ya in my head, in that stupid voice like in that goddamn meme "Opennenyoor" xD

(You can find all the names here on Japanese Names, if you want more information btw. )

If you notice, in general I liked the idea of having One, in some form in his name, which not only adresses his eventual modern nickname 'First' but also because it would be like a prediction of his dark future - that he would be left as a solitary survivor of Norisugi Clan. AND a third secret meaning - is that he is the One - the Primary concern of his siblings. Which leads to other meanings I enjoy for various reasons - like Blessing, Hope or Prince to reflect on how he is a cherished youngest sibling (basically an youngest heir) of other 8, born as a blessing during time of turmoil. Journey, Sail, Voyage to refer to his life-long hunt for Sorcerer which would take him over land and sea (and I headcanon that he enjoys sailing). A lot more traits and characteristics like Brave, Kind, Benevolent, Shrewd and etc, to reflect how smart and resilient he had to become in order to survive. A lot of references to Mind, Spirit, Core, Essence and to Ascend, Change, Persevere are about his eventual ascension into Higher Spiritual state in Ninjanomicon. There are also several obvious ones, like Warrior, Samurai or even Work and School somewhere in the long lists.

But yes, this is basically my dilemma. I still have no solid single idea, but so far its all I've got in choice department lol. I would not mind some opinions or ideas or just thoughts about names I guess, if you have any, so feel free to drop them on the post or in asks btw. ✌️

[raticalshoez]

i'm having hyperfixation drought so i did what i did best and created a crossover episode

[wonder-worker]

Wild how we know that Elizabeth Woodville was officially appointed to royal councils in her own right during her husband’s reign and fortified the Tower of London in preparation of a siege while 8-months pregnant and had forces gathering at Westminster “in the queen’s name” in 1483 – only for NONE of these things to be even included, let alone explored, in the vast majority of scholarship and historical novels involving her.

[dapg-otmebytheballs]

There are SIX SONGS in the season finale?? Let's goooo

[tsfennec]

A lynx gryphon, inspired by @scarvenartist's Ganrok. :D

[insertsomthinawesome]

- Out of Place - UH SO, INTRODUCING ALTAIR!!! :D :D :D My Yuu from Twisted Wonderland!! I actually meant to post this ages ago... but I fell down the Trigun hole before I did xD But since several requests I recieved Requested I draw Yuu... Whelp. SO HERE HE IS. MY SON. :D

[the-shrine-to-deified-heroes]

Hello travelers, guests, and visitors, I am writing this and putting this before you as an official Apology.

First of all, so we can clear the air and provide the clearest explanation of what is happening, my name is either Camila or Neptune--I go by both--and I am the main "Host"/Maintainer of this Temple--The Temple of Deified Heroes. I created this space not too long ago--a few months, maybe--to provide a space for the "lesser known" aspects of Hellenic Paganism, that you can Worship, Devote, and Work with the Greek Heroes. I was and still am new to Paganism in the public space--I have been practicing privately through my knowledge of religion and Ancient Practices for over a year at this point--but I only started looking at what is going on in the public recently (also a few months ago).

Moving on to the problem I am apologizing for. My intentions of creating this space were entirely pure--if very uneducated. I knew the role I was stepping into would be a big one--I would unconsciously become an "authority figure," simply by being the one to create this space, much less how I put myself out there--but I was ready to do my research and step into it. I wanted to use this space to both learn and teach what I love--both in my practices and in the Mythology--but, unfortunately, I could not keep my promises. I have tried many times to keep up with this space and do my duties in learning and spreading knowledge such as deep dives and providing information many probably weren't even thinking about asking, but each time I have truly and utterly failed. I will stop lying to myself now, because it's really only harming people: I cannot keep up with the promises I signed up for making this space.

Thank you to @hyakinthou-naos and @khaire-traveler along with another poster that I unfortunately did not grab before writing this for educating me on this subject--of how big of a space I am trying and failing to fill. I do not know if they were directed at me or as a collective, but the message was heard anyway. Yes, I am embarrassed and truly and utterly sorry for doing this, but I know how to admit defeat and move on. Doing anything other than making this post would be wrong of me. Their posts, to everyone out there that may want to or need to gain the same information I did, will be linked at the end of this one as resources so we may all know more going forward.

What is the future of this space now? Well, I have spent many hours thinking about this along with our Discord Server, but I have decided this Temple will stay up because, despite my failings, it did do some good to the people it was meant to provide for and maybe putting up this apology will allow people to realize what truly goes on behind the scenes of these Temples. As for myself, I will be converting to a Digital Shrine so that people may continue to come by and offer things but it will be more of my space and very much less formal. I do still want to "showcase" my Deities (for the lack of a better word), but I have realized that this is not the space for it.

Thank you, again, everyone else, for allowing me to realize the severity of my situation. I realize the role that I was trying to assume and I am now finally taking responsibility of my wrong-doings for it. I hope you all can forgive me in some capacity and I hope this post will bring education toward other people who may need it. May all our roads be amusing, pretty, or at least rewarding in the long run, and may we all move forward knowing what is going on and accepting it as we need to.

-Camila/Neptune, Devotee of Lord Perseus

Resources, As Promised:

Digital Temples are really lovely, and I adore the fact that all these temples are suddenly popping up - by @khaire-traveler

Temples, Clergy, and Hellenic Faith - by @hyakinthou-naos

[sysig]

Growing closer than expected (Patreon)

[thelaurenshippen]

open ai made a little post about how they chose their chatbot voices and two things stood out to me:

a) I am genuinely pleased and surprised that the voices come from specific real people that they hired and paid, rather than being built off of all of the data open ai has scraped. the voice for siri did one job for one company 20 years ago and now she is literally everywhere without ever being compensated by apple or even acknowledged as the voice. there's simply no way she was paid enough in that original job. whereas, open ai says "each actor receives compensation above top-of-market rates, and this will continue for as long as their voices are used in our products." this could mean literally anything (what market rate are we going above? does continue mean they get residuals or get paid for doing more sessions?) but, christ, at least the actors are doing it with full knowledge of what their voices are being used for and can decide for themselves if the compensation is enough

b) the post talks about working with "award-winning casting directors" to get the voices. first of all, yay for paying casting directors! we love to see it. but they also say the CDs received over 400 submissions in a week and they state that like a big number and it's just...not at all. and look, without knowing the intricacies of the casting process, it's hard to know what approach the CDs took - it's very possible they were selective from the jump and 400 is a lot from the pool they were tapping. 400 would be a lot if you were going to the agencies directly and asking for names, but there's just no way in hell open ai went after big stars for this. so it would've been a pool of unknowns. in which case, 400 is laughably small. even if you're not using the big casting sites like actorsaccess, I've worked on projects with CDs and their own internal systems where we've gotten over 100 submissions for a single role. I've posted roles on casting sites and received literally thousands of submissions in just a few days

look, I have a very limited perspective on this - I am not a casting director (imo, one of the most important and undervalued jobs in hollywood) and I, in fact, hate the process of casting with a passion. but 400 just seemed like such a tiny pool to pull from and, idk, it heartens me! it's heartening to think that there's very little interest from actors and agents to be doing this kind of stuff. and absolutely no shade to the actors who did--I want actors to get their bag however they want as long as it's, like, safe sane and consensual, you know? but there's something encouraging about thinking that open ai hired some big casting agency to get their foot into the voice acting door and people didn't come running

[demiesop]

little rabbit