#but i want something that isnt a video game or tv show if possible

[pepsimaxolotl]

Fully being honest I think I need a new hobby or hyperfixation or special interest or something to destress

[sobuildabeautifulcity]

not to hijack, but as a non-american whose degree was literally american studies, i can put some words to this if anyone wants to investigate more into it from an academia point of view (or alternatively, just having some good words to learn). this is just going to be a surface level explanation, theres a lot of missing nuance and detail. if i am completely wrong, please do correct me but if its just nuance please leave me be. none of this is meant in a derogatory fashion, just an academic european point of view.

if you want to skip my explaining here are the main terms: tl;dr - hegemony (through culture), soft power, (us defaultism), american exceptionalism.

im actually going to put my conclusion at the top, and put the rest under a cut because this got quite wordy. summary/conclusion - this is not something that can be solved with individual action, this is something that has been going on since at least the 1800s, externally, and long before that internally. american dominance online is an example of soft power that’s often under-noticed in the dominance of other ways it manifests. it’s hard to ignore american content when almost everything you see is american centred. i don’t know how it is for canada - i imagine it's much more dominant due to geography - but so many books, films, tv shows that are written in english are american. there isn’t a way to simply never interact with anything american again, our news media will still show stories from america. the soft power is all encompassing & has been for decades as a key part of american foreign policy. it is also worth noting (in passing) that america is a global superpower, their actions (not just culturally/news/etc but physically (economically/military etc)) directly impact many non-american countries in ways it is not possible to ignore. for example - the US has at least 600 military bases overseas, you are literally all over the world.

americans: as teaboot asks, how much time do you take to look at other cultures? at the news from other countries? is it something that might make you more of a global citizen to do so, if that’s something you want to be? perhaps you might want to learn some history about other countries that was overlooked in your education. so many countries have such a rich history and you haven’t been taught anything. its a shame.

so the first, and actually one i saw someone mentioning in the tags, is this idea of hegemony through culture. hegemony is, very basically, having control over a country (culturally/politically) without having control over territory. it’s often conflated with empires (and specifically imperialism) but its important to be clear hegemony does not automatically mean empire, as its more 'consensual' than empires tend to be. hegemony by culture is done by exporting key cultural influences - shop chains (e.g. starbucks), films, tv shows, books, video games etc.

soft power is very connected to the previous, and is the concept of co-opting rather than coercing a country, with the imported culture being seen as more desirable than the original one. probably the most relevant term to this post. the ‘top’ country imports its own ideals and morals through media, through culture. rather than legislating out a country’s culture (as the brits did in, eg, india), this is much more insidious. they work to make the ‘lower’ country’s culture unpalatable, because ‘oh look isnt ours so much nicer’. the results of this are what teaboot was talking about in the post, as well as so many others in the tags. defaulting to 911 rather than your country’s emergency number, knowing about the american political system (the idea is the ‘top’ country wants to import their version democracy as well), american stores & products being everywhere (think of starbucks, coca cola etc). it’s also, i think, worth noting that many countries redirect you to their emergency services if you call 911. this is something that has safeties built in for americanisation. (n.b. this isn’t, on its own, ‘proof’ - 112 in the UK also gets you through because thats the european number & there is an expectation for european travellers not knowing about 999). i am reasonably confident (though willing to be wrong) that if you were to dial 999 in the us, you wouldn’t get connected (info from 2014). you can, in the UK at least, get american tv channels on your tv. i can watch american documentaries, about american history or culture, any time i want.

this is a side pass into one which isn’t necessarily an academic term, which is ‘us defaultism’. this is the concept where americans assume everyone else is american, or knows as much about america as they do. it’s also built into the internet, especially google. some examples are - when asked where someone is from, they answer ‘[state]’. this isn’t actually particularly meaningful to most non- americans, while a lot of people will have heard of california & new york, they won’t know where ‘montana’ is. in contrast, a european answering ‘oh im from nantes’ is going to leave an american just as stumped - but they don’t do that, unless you ask specifically, they’ll offer ‘france’. when you search for ‘weather in georgia’ from europe (allegedly also from within georgia!) your top result is for the state, not the country - which is closer & more relevant for a european! if i search for ‘supreme court’ (as the uk has one too), all of my news results (which appear before any search results) are about the US court.

another term which ties in is american exceptionalism. it is this belief that america inhabits a special place in the world, that it is unique and its methods are always good & right. this belief is an undercurrent in all US foreign policy moves since its origin as a country. the idea of america as a ‘global policeman’ from the 1800s, as well as american attempts to ‘spread democracy’ through countries with different systems, even if it requires force, because (american) democracy is the ‘right’ political system. the united states is seen by US politicians as destined to be a world leader, because its policies are unique & exceptional, they are obviously the best way of doing things so everyone else should do it 'our' way. it’s also present in the soft power used, the cultural power. this is why americans arent told information about other countries, because why would they need to know? america is the best, they’re not going to find anywhere better! (this is slightly… jokey). its (likely!) why most americans wont have the same level of access to films from non-american countries, you’d have to search them out intentionally. because american films are made in america with america values (propaganda) so why would we show all the non-american films? it's why when americans study history, they don’t study the british civil war, but only the american civil war. there is no need to know about other country’s history, because american is more important. (n.b. this is all very simplified, there is a lot of other reasoning that holds weight i am skipping over for brevity.)

[see conclusion at the top]

-----------------------------

some articles/books that might be of interest if anything grabs you:

Jihad vs. McWorld - Benjamin R Barber, March 1992

Soft Power - Joseph S. Nye

Hegemony : The New Shape of Global Power - John A. Agnew (chapter 2, hegemony versus empire)

The New Public Diplomacy: Soft Power in International Relations - Power, Public Diplomacy, and the Pax Americana - Peter van Ham (Part II.3)

Cocacolonization - this is a wikipedia article, its best to use the cited sources than the site text, but i know that isn't always feasible for a number of reasons.

Spreading the American Dream - Emily S. Rosenberg, 1982 - ch11

I don't know if you're American or not but in my experience as a person who is not American, American events and media are so incredibly loud and visible that they tend to leech into everything.

Like I'm Canadian born and raised and can name more American presidents than I can Canadian Prime Ministers. I have Canadian friends from Canada who can accurately describe themselves as Liberals but are still sorta foggy on NDP policies. Do you know what day Canada Day is? It's July 1st. Do you know what's on my dashboard on July 1st? Early posts about July 4th.

And if you're an American reading this: Or, hell, anyone else reading this: We all know George Washington was the first American President. Do you know who the first Prime Minister of Canada was? Can you name two British political parties? What are two countries that have Monarchies, not Democracies? What was the most recent political scandal you can think of that took place outside the US? What's your favourite TV show that takes place anywhere outside of America? What are your top three favourite non-american musicians? If English is your first language, how many foreign countries can you go to where you don't speak the language, but don't have to worry about it?

I said "International America Day" as a joke, but there is a very real phenomenon in countries outside of the US where the general population becomes Americanized through the prevalent American media.

We know American current events, we know American scandals, we know about American cops and American movies and American accents and American fast food chains. We have serious opinions on the American legal system and we talk about American law and American policy and American celebrities, and many of us don't know Jack Shit about what's going on where we live.

I'm Canadian. I've heard all about 'building the wall' and ICE and Jan 6th, the intentional government distribution of narcotics in Black communities and the use of Marijuana Illegalization to persecute Black and Mexican people under the Nixon administration.

Do you know what Canada did to Chinese immigrants to build the Canadian railroad? What about the Sterilization Act? Residential Schools? Do you know what a Status Card is? Does it, or does it not cost money to ride in an ambulance? Can people with breasts legally walk around topless? What's the legal drinking age? What are our biggest cities? Who was our least-popular PM? What are our allied nations? Where does the Canadian military get deployed?

"International America Day" was a goof. But Jesus, it's a little bit serious

*edit: yeah I wrote June instead of Jan my bad

[nonbinarygerard]

this is a rant about AI generated art because I am enraged.

if you want to hear a professional artist speak on AI art more elegantly than me then I highly recommend Steven Zapata’s video. he said everything better than I ever could: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjSxFAGP9Ss&t=5s

the more i learn about AI art the more i literally believe in like 10 years or so we will somehow live in a worst capitalist dystopia where most artistic professional jobs don't exist. You pay a subscription fee to some AI company that just spits out art, movies, comics, novels etc whatever you want on mass, so fast, that art will be personalised to you as in you know how google and other companies track you everywhere on the internet well so will AI companies. they’ll know you more than you know yourself. their algorithms will be fine-tuned just to ur tastes. you won't even need to type in prompts, it will do it for you and show you hundreds, thousands, of art in your feed. You can scroll forever and the algorithm will just make more art. the AI will be so trained to keep ur retention, making ur session time longer and longer and you’ll lose more hours.

Like how many tiktoks do you actually remember? vs how many hours do you stay on the app? do you think the time you spend on tiktok is worthwhile? i use tiktok as an example bc that's only the start of how good AI algorithms can get. give them a few more years with more silicon valley companies competing to be the next big app and they’ll get smart and better in ways you can never imagine.

in the eyes of companies, humans make flaws and humans take too long to make art. it's ripe for automation. companies don't give a fuck about real art and human expression. they only care about profit, profit, profit. what all tech companies want is ur time, your attention, they want to fill all ur waking moments with their products. literally billions of dollars have already been put into AI and though some of the AI art right now might be cringe or just funny, it wont be at some point. In a few months, years, decades, who knows, it will a lot more indistinguishable from human art. that's going to be a problem. you're not going to be able to avoid it because you're not going to be able to what was made by a human and what was made by an AI.

you may think that humans will stop watching or consuming AI art that is bland and seems well AI generated but thats the thing, it will always evolve. In fact companies might just make up fake people to say it was made by and you will never know how much of it was made by humans and how much was made by AI algorithms. if you dont think at some point a bunch of big budget movies, video games, tv shows etc wont be written by AI when it's possible to create a script that doesn't seem like it's written by an AI then you’re crazy.

its going to be a lot harder to make living if you’re not one of the top artists because how the fuck do you compete again AI. you can’t and that’s the point.

its so fitting for evil capitalists that they would rather fund billions of dollars into AI that was designed to replace artists than ever pay artists fair wages.

i dont think people will stop creating art but i do think that a lot of professionals are going to find a hard time keeping their careers without serious changes. you really cant become a master of ur craft without being a professional artist, it just takes that long to gain the experience, knowledge and insight to walk in the footsteps of the masters before. thats what art is. hard work, dedication and discipline. its not something that only a divine few who have the gifts of the gods can do. anyone can become a master artist it just takes devoting ur life to pursue your craft and what a fucking insult it is for billionaires to just fund their extreme amount of money into some goddam shaddy af AI companies to replace professional artists' job, well thats their hope anyway.

this isnt the same like photography was to painting or digital was to traditional. its true that those technological innovations did destroy a lot of jobs but also created new artistic jobs, and they did have massive effects on the industry and i dont want to minimize the number of people who’s careers were destroyed bc of it. But those were massive changes in tools. They didn't actually replace the concept of artists themselves. AI is meant to do as much, if not all, of the artists work for them, so artists don't need to exist in a professional sense.

why would a games company hire concept artists if an AI can come up with hundreds of different concepts in a matter of seconds? maybe human artists might be better but when the AI is good enough a company won't give a shit.

I dont know when this change will happen or how it will occur and how people will react to it but mark my words these AI companies are going to try to make it happen while maintaining the face of just their just simply pushing human progress and this was somehow just a natural evolution of technology.

none of this was natural it was funded by billionaires.

this is not even to mention how these AI’s train on copyrighted artworks with no permission from the artists. and this process is not like how humans learning from other artists, AI’s dont think, they just copy, steal, combine artworks very fast and on mass scale in away no human could ever do. You cant compare how AI’s and how humans learn. there are not the same no matter how big shot programmers try to make them more similar, AI is a machine we could never do what it does. and it is stealing from artists every time it generates art.

I study programming and literally you dont even know the number of jobs there are in AI. its a field that's expanding every day. it's not just a few companies but every big tech company putting massive resources into it. for them, algorithms are the future of humanity.

I am not saying there isn't some actually usefulness in AI created images for example i think getting insane highly specific poses and references at the click of a button is extremely useful but that's just a by-product of what these AI companies want out of their product. they are meant to replace artists' jobs by the click of a button. that's their dream.

AI companies dont care about integrity or intention or the artistic cannon or mastering one’s craft. Companies don’t pour billions of dollars into a technology just for it to be used for meme culture or quirky images. Every time you type in a prompt you are training the AI, its how neural networks work, by releasing them for free to the public you are training the AI for them. and they will train faster than you ever thought. i cant even imagine what the AI images will look like this time next year and they will improve drastically. mark my words.

You are a fool if you dont think AI won’t have a massive and very dystopian effect on society. Capitalism is somehow killing art even more.

maybe you think I’m being dramatic and I hope I am wrong but there is no doubt that AI generated art will change commercial and professional art as we know it.

[kylie-writes-stuff]

“wife”

pairing: corpse husband x reader (female)

words: 1,714

requested?: no (send some in tho pls :) )

plot/summary: felix invites his friend, y/n, to play among us when they need an extra player. her and corpse get along well

authors note: so this isnt that good and i know a lot of corpse fics use a similar plot. i just wanted to try to write for corpse. hopefully things i write for him in the future are better. let me know what you think tho! also i really wanted reader to be best friends with karl bc i love him sm. uh every swiggly line is like a small time skip. this was written late at night btw and i didnt take much time to go over it

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

You sat up from laying down when you heard your phone ring. You looked at the caller ID.

Felix.

"What's up Felix?" You ask with a small yawn.

"Aww, how sweet," You hear in the background.

You giggle and ask, "Is that Sean? Hi Sean!"

"Yeah, we're playing Among Us and need an extra player. You down?" Felix explained.

"Sure, just give me a few minutes. See you soon, whore"

"Bitc-" You hang up before he can finish.

You got up and turned off your TV, going to get ready. 

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You quickly tweet out that you're going live and say something on your insta story as well. You start your stream and slowly watch people flood in.

"Hey everyone! How are you guys doing?" You wave and smile, reading the chat.

"Everyone doing good, awesome! And i'm sorry to anyone having a bad day. I hope i can brighten it a bit!"

"Okay, sorry i didn't give you a further notice. I didn't even know i was gonna stream. Felix invited me to play Among Us so... here we are!"

You quickly join the discord and pull up the game, putting a cover over where the code goes.

"Hello?" You ask as you join the call. A chorus of greetings came your way.

"(Y/n)?"

"Karl!" You smile brightly.

Karl Jacobs was a good friend of yours. You would play on the Dream SMP sometimes. When you would, it would mostly be you being stupid with Karl and Alex, also known as Quackity. You were even a well know citizen of El Rapids.

"LET'S GOOOOO!" He yelled, making you laugh.

"Hey (Y/n), do you know everyone here?" Sean asks you.

"Um," You quickly scan through the names, "no, i don't think so."

You recognized names but you only personally knew Felix, Sean, Karl, and Ethan.

"Oh my god! Your voice is so cute!" Pokimane exclaims.

You giggle softly, "Thank you Poki!"

You're voice wasn't high pitched or anything like that, you just always spoke very softly and calmly. You were also a bit quiet.

Felix introduces you to those that you didn't know.

"There's one more person we're waiting for," He says.

While everyone waits, you and Karl run around each other's little characters and make jokes between yourselves. You mute yourself to read donations every once in a while.

You hear the discord chime, signaling that someone joined the call.

"WAIT CORPSE! DON'T SPEAK YET!" Felix yelled. "We have a new player. This is my friend (Y/n), say hi to her"

"Hello (Y/n)," Corpse said. You were taken aback by how deep his voice was but you didn't show it.

"Hi Corpse! Nice to meet you!" You said happily.

"Okay, how is she not freaking out?" Bretman said, making everyone laugh.

"Uh, (Y/n), do you mind letting me have black? It's cool if not.." Corpse asked gently.

"O-oh sure, no problem." You were usually black with the pink flamingo hat, but you ran over to the little computer and changed your color.

"Simp," Ethan mumbled, knowing you never switch from black.

"Thank you," He said, then the game started.

The word “Imposter” appeared on your screen in red, yours and Corpse's characters underneath.

As the game started, you thought no one could hear you so you spoke to your chat. "His voice was so deep, what the fuck? Holy shit that was hot, i'm gonna-"

"(Y/n)," Rae laughed, "You know we're playing proximity chat, right."

You blushed as you realized and said "Ha, anyways..." and ran to start faking tasks.

You ended up in electrical with Karl. "(Y/n)! My good friend, my buddy, you would never kill me right? Haha..." He said.

"Of course not, Karl! My good friend, my buddy. Why, I'm not even imposter," I said as i quickly dipped into the vent and back out, making him laugh.

I decided to show him because I knew Karl wouldn't say anything, and it's funny.

"Oh that's good then. Are you sure you're not imposter?"

"Mhm, pretty sure," You said, going back in. As you came out, Sykkuno walked in and froze.

"Uh, (Y/n)?"

"Fuck... Karl run! Go!" You said, Karl starting to leave. You walked closer and quickly killed Sykkuno then vented to security.

"That was close..." You told your chat.

You saw Corpse as you made your way around the map and walked into navigation.

"Hey, Corpse, how ya doing?"

"Ah you know, good. Just being crewmate and all."

You stifled a laugh, "Oh yeah I feel that, buddy."

"Yeah because there's no way that i'm imposter. No way i could be faking tasks and there's no possible way you could be the other imposter" He said quickly.

"For sure. Hypothetically speaking, though, if you were imposter, how many people would you have killed by now?"

"I would say probably around two."

"Interesting," You said right before a body was reported. It was Sykkuno's. Felix and Rae were also dead.

"WHAT!" Corpse yelled.

"Where was the body at?" Sean laughed.

"Uh I found it in electrical," Bretman said.

"I'm pretty sure Karl was in there earlier."

You calmly said, "It's not Karl, I was with him for most of the round."

"How do we know the two of you aren't imposters?" Sean asked.

"I was alone with him, he would have taken the chance to kill me."

"No, he's your best friend."

"He's also ruthless,"

"TRUE! SO TRUE!" Karl yelled.

"So skip?" Corpse asked.

Everyone agreed and the voting was skipped.

The next round, I spent with Ethan. He was pretending to be mad at me because Sean said Karl was my best friend.

"What happened to Blue Boi Buddies, huh?!" He exclaimed.

"Neither of our hair is even blue anymore!" You argued back.

You were in reactor with him when Corpse and Poki walked in. He hit the lights and you took it as a sign to double kill. He killed Poki, you killed Ethan, and the two of you made your way to electrical to help fix lights.

You and Corpse went the opposite direction of reactor after the lights were fixed, Karl going with you.

Poki's body was reported. That double kill only left you, Corpse, Sean, Karl and Bretman. You only needed two more kills.

"I still think it's Karl and (Y/n)," Sean said quickly.

"I was with (Y/n) the whole time," Corpse said, "In fact, I think it's you."

"That does make sense. Why so quick to accuse others, Sean?" You ask.

"It's not me!" He yelled.

"I actually agree with Corpse and (Y/n)," Bretman said.

"I was with you!"

We all voted for Sean, him voting for Karl. Sean was ejected.

When you load into spawn, you wait for the kill cool down and kill Bretman, saving Karl.

"Victory" appeared on your screen.

"God damn it!" Sean yelled.

"Good job, (Y/n)," Corpse said lowly.

You smiled, a slight blush on your cheeks, "You too Corpse."

"Their voices go together and they're a fuckin dream team? What have i done...," Felix sighed.

⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒

A few more games went by. Most of them you and Corpse spent together, whether you were both crewmates or if one of you was imposter.

You really enjoyed his company and you actually got along with him pretty well.

⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒

"(Y/n), before we get serious, I have one question to ask you." Corpse said as both of your characters stopped.

"What's that?" You giggled.

"Do you know Bingus?"

"Bingus? As in, our lord and savior, Bingus?"

You could hear the smile in his voice, "It's settled, you're my wife now."

This made both of you laugh and your chat go crazy.

⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒

Eventually, people had to start leaving. You said your goodbyes to everyone and left the discord call and the game.

You set stream to where it was just your face cam.

"Guys, what should we do now?"

You saw some people asking what time it was for you.

"It's 3 AM right now... I’m not tired though.” You had been streaming for a few hours; You never even noticed how late it got.

People in chat were yelling at you to go to sleep, making you chuckle.

“How about we do a quick QnA, then at 3:30 I go to bed. Deal?”

You watched as the chat filled with questions. They obviously seemed to like the idea.

“‘Who is your best friend? Karl or Ethan?’ Neither, Alex Quackity. Next question.” You answered quickly.

You laughed, “I’d like to clarify that that’s a joke, i love all my friends equally.”

You answered more questions. Some were from new viewers asking basic questions, some were about future streams and videos. 

“‘How do you feel about people shipping you and Corpse?’“ People are already shipping us?” You laughed, “I’ve said before that I’m okay with shipping, as long as the other person is too. I think it’s funny.”

You continued to read chat. “Wait, we’re trending?”

You checked Twitter and “#(your and corpse’s ship name)” was trending in the US.

You laughed as you scrolled through the tag, “Oh this is so funny.”

“Fanart already?! You guys are so talented!”

You read chat, looking for more questions. You saw people telling you that it’s 3:30.

“Okay fine, a deal’s a deal. I hope you all have, or had, a great day and I’ll see you guys later. Depending on what time it is for you, you should also get some sleep. Stay hydrated, love you!” You ended stream.

⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒⌒

You scrolled through Twitter as you laid in bed, liking fanart and dumb memes. Also replying to a few of your friends’ tweets.

karl :) @/KarlJacobs_

@/(your username) what the honk ?

*clip of you saying Quackity was your best friend*           

You liked the tweet and replied, “karl no,,, look away,,,”

You continued scrolling, feeling your eyes get droopy. Your eyes fell closed but quickly opened when your phone vibrated. It was a DM. 

From Corpse.

You two had followed each other earlier.

Corpse: hey (y/n), just wanted to say you’re really cool and i’d love to play again with you soon 

You smiled, a light blush spreading across your cheeks, and replied.

You: i’d love to, corpse

Corpse: ok, see you soon ‘wife’

You: back at ya, ‘husband”

Corpse: :)

You: :)

[storysofmyown]

Seven stages of love Chapter 7, Epilogue: Philutia

Summary: Ever since the Celestial War, since they all fell, Asmodeus has  dedicated himself to his sin. Not caring about anything else, but  drowning himself in the pleasure and ecstasy of it all. But not anymore,  now he cant even handle the idea of it. But, what else is there to want? After so long of having indulged in his sin, what is there than  Asmodeus is looking for, something that will fill him, and that wont  drive him to destruction? Perhaps his brothers can help him with that. Warnings will appear in each chapter.  

Read on ao3

Word Count: 1818

Trigger Warning: None that I can think of. If you find any feel free to let me know so I can add them!

The house of lamentation was in an absolute uproar. Noises coming from every room in the house. Lucifer had his classical music on an all time high, his own way to shut away the noises that were coming from the kitchen, as Belphegor and Beel attempted to make some horrific concoction that went against Solomon's own cooking. As well as Mammon’s music that was blaring from his room, apparently having entered a context where the louder he listened to music, the more opportunity he had to win, meanwhile Leviathan was showing Satan an anime, the music of the intro being able to be heard through the entire house as it fought with that of his brothers. Except from one demon, who although had been having a messy head, who's words and screams were louder than all the noises in the house, was now oddly quiet. As he smiled at himself in the mirror.

Asmodeus placed the perfume bottle down, picking up the earrings Mammon had given him in exchange for having sold his designer shoes. They were quite pretty, for having been a gift from Mammon. The demon let out chuckle, it was...odd. Being able to look at himself in the mirror once more, gone the feeling disgust. A few days ago, he would have been to the point we're if he caught a glance of himself in the mirror, it would have been broken in a million pieces, accompanied by the blood that would have been pouring from his wounds. But now...now he was once more able to smile at the demon reflected in the mirror. A real smile, not like the ones be had given for so many years in order to fool himself and convince the corroded carcass of a demon to go out into the world.

Now, he was able to see himself. The real Asmodeus, the one that had been locked away from all that pain and all those desires, the one that wasn't controlled by the feeling of lust and the sin that had place a chain around his wrists and a leash on his neck. Finally allowing himself to breath the perfume of roses that lingered in his room, instead of the despair that came from his mind. Now he was ready to go out into the world again. But the world that he wanted to go out to, wasn't the same as the one he thought he needed. And he just hoped they would like the new Asmodeus, along with what he had to say, and how he wanted to say it.

"Asmo?"

Belphegor’s voice made Beel stop mid bite, looking in the direction his brother was. He had just entered the kitchen and was looking at the two with curiosity, not only that but he had adorned himself in the usual clothes he would wear to go out. Although, those were less...loud.

"Hi!" He spoke in his usual cherry tone, making the twins look at each other.

"You look nice." Beel spoke, food still in his mouth before he finished the bite.

"Are you going out?" The youngest leaned against the counter, fluffing the pillow in his hands slightly before his eyes fell on the older brother, who was ravaging the cabinets searching for all kinds of things.

"Nope! I was actually thinking of doing a movie night." The click of the bowl as it was set down on the table, and the crinkling of the bags, made Beel hungry, but aside from that, it attracted some other demon into the kitchen, who had been avoiding finding the eldest all afternoon.

"Yo, y'all cooking something?"

"Mammon! Perfect timing~" The fifth eldest grabbed onto the Avatar of greed's arm, pulling him into the kitchen and proceeding to place the bowl on his hands, already full. "Here, see that Beel doesn't eat them yet." As he spoke, he started taking cups out if the cabinets, and ice from the fridge.

"Oi, hold on. You can't just grab me and pull me like that-, Beel!" Mammon glared at his younger brother, who’s hand was almost already inside the bowl, mumbling an apology as he retracted it. "What are you even doing?"

"He's doing a movie night." Belphegor spoke, although none of the demons in the room knew if he was awake of asleep.

"We are making a movie night! None of you are escaping." Asmo stated, placing the cups, already full, in a tray. "Here, Belphie, you take this to the room. Beel, would you be a dear and search for some more food? We know it won't be nearly enough for all of us. I'll go get the others! You three wait for me in the living room~"

After searching through his home for the remaining of his brothers, two of them being more reluctant to participate, as he had expected. He and Lucifer went to the twin’s room and came back with an array of pillows and blankets to get comfortable all over the floor, at which Levi complained, only to be quickly shut up as they reminded him the position he took to play. Asmo finally managed to get all of them into the living room just in time to catch Beel almost eating from the bowl he had entrusted Mammon to protect. After a couple of more complaints, and a silent glare from Lucifer, Asmodeus finally managed to have all his brothers sit down.

"...ok, so you have us all here. Now what?" Leviathan asked, a little annoyed at having had his game taken away from him, just when he was about to beat a hard level.

"Now, we obviously watch a movie, dummy~" Asmo spoke from his position as he set up a DVD player, making Satan frown.

"I didn't know we still owned one of those."

"Hold on, isnt that-"

"Yes, Levi, this is yours. I think you saved it a long time ago in the attic." Asmo said, turning the device on and place a DVD inside the player, quickly hooking it up to the tv and sitting between him brothers, shoving Belphie to the side, effectively waking him up. "Now, get cozy, we are spending the whole night together~" he chuckles, only for some of his brothers to groan, although, none of them tried to get away from him and just smiled as the movie started.

It had been a few hours, and the known Avatar of Lust, along with the rest of his family, had went on to go on with their movie night. Well, movie night was to put it highly, in fact, they were watching some videos. This was what the Avatar of Lust truly wanted to do, spend time with his family, as he remembered how important they were. Videos from all the years they had spent together. Recorded in old cameras that at the time where the best technology possible. Old phones and pictures, them all sharing their own thoughts and stories behind all the images that flashed by. At first, they all seemed to be surprised that those were the 'movies' Asmodeus was referring too. But after a while, they grew fond of the idea, basking in the old memories and even sharing even older ones from the time they fell and fond times they remembered from the celestial realm, telling Satan all about them. Although, a certain older demon noticed how the young Avatar or Lust got slightly increasingly nervous each time it moved to another section. Until it got to a video, the quality as of the D.D. D’s they used now, and it showed Asmo, in his room, alone.

"...uh, hi?" The Asmo in the video spoke. By his state, they all could tell he had been obviously tired when recording this. "So, I'm...making this to put my thoughts in order, I guess?" He looked directly into the camera. "...but as I pressed the button I realized that...all I have in mind and all that I truly want to say is...thank you..."

The audio paused for a moment, an obvious distressed Asmo taking a moment to collect himself, the brothers all looked at the Asmodeus that was currently sitting between them all. Wide eyes in shock. The demon could feel the eyes on him, making a light pink come to his cheeks as he watched himself in the video. A slight feeling of shame, no, perhaps embarrassment at having decided to approach the situation in such a way.

“Asmo what is-” Lucifer was cut off by the video finishing, the screen turning dark. All brothers looking confused at Asmodeus, who could barely muster the courage to look at any of them, so, instead, he kept his sight glued to the floor, before speaking.

“I know��I have been difficult lately, and that you all have had a hard time dealing with me and…and all my questions. But…after speaking with every single one of you…” A small smile comes to his lips as he remembered the conversations, and what they had meant to him. They way they had opened his eyes to the world he had been missing, and to the one he had submerged himself in so deep there was no light anymore. “…I realized what it is that I was lacking. So, thank you, my dear brothers and…”

He pauses again, letting the silent set in his words to his brothers. It had been a long journey. And at first, he had felt so lost…like there was no way he could ever truly understand what was missing, or where to even beginning searching. But thanks to his brothers, and without even realizing it, he had been actually searching what it was missing. And he now understands. He understood better than anything else, better than even his own sin and his own mind and buddy, that the answer for what he needed laid right inside of the house of lamentation. Within himself, and one of the few ways he could start learning and reconnecting with who he was, was right around him.

With his family. With his big, stupid, loud, noisy family. The one that had watched him crumble and instead of mocking him had helped him get back up slowly. And now he was taking the first step after having been rebuilt slowly, the first step of the journey he had yet to complete. But that he wasn’t worried about, because he had his family. And to grasp and fully understand the thing he needed; the Avatar of Lust wouldn’t need to go anymore. And for him that was more than okay, because that meant he could stay close to those who had helped him trough it all. To those who would keep helping him. And to the six demons he only had one thing to say, and it the same thing he had to say to himself.

“I love you all”

Philutia: Self love

******

Hi, well, here we are, at the end. I am honestly surprised I managed to finish this in time, but hey, here it is! I really, really hope you all had enjoyed this fan fiction as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I guess I will see you all on my next fic obey me fic XD

Take care!

Previous chapter

Other works

[holydrawerart]

What If..

Theres a way where some people get affected by Creepypasta 'Curse'. Like being into one of them.

[Dark Content.]

My drunked points:

First on those Curse. Curses are more like "become into a Demon/Monster/Ghost/Error/Entity..

Idk if this is a HC. Just Thinking.

Relate Life about the cursed. Literally they end badly. Like, if the true Creepypastas have a game when they can make copies in different/paralel Universes, choosing people, Can be just for fun, or evil issues.

What Weird Freaks and misterious entities want of Us? Why y happens..? Are they watching us?.. Where they come from?.

Symptoms, like a Devil Disease.

Isnt cool. Just imagine you would get "Ender Curse" . No funny. Your body will change, your face deleted. Mind, Thoughts, those black tentacles shouting up your back. Any of them, and youre just a lil human, weak, it kills and you feel it.

Offenderman Point: Sexual Life will rotten you. You're inside a custom. Weakly faster your body shocked and then your "human mind" just figure the atrozz acts youve made. Nobody loves freaks anyway.

Mistake. Ending like a Science Project. Doctors said that youre so pretty kind of necessary to do "it/that"/ , then they fucked your Life as worst could happen.

Other Entities: Dimensional Freaks. Someone is watching the TV. Little hostage, you Dont know the hands of Him is satisfied by a Show he invented. Laughing. You're the clown tonight.

Rake Point: IDK where he could from.. But sees too sad be a lonely nonsensed monster. Humans like tonInvestigates and catch.

People having some Proxy stuff. Not by Slenderman. Things made by Toby, for example; you will understand what kind of pain he has. He wont needs you in the team, fuck u. Just get a littlebit "Living Dead".

I cant figure hows could be Smiledog curse.. Be sorrounded by a red Husky... Hm, maybe just.. Idk soeownf.

Laughing Jack? [Possibly you be the Witness of a lot of Children Murders by LJ. And Clownshitty].

Respecting Sally: See her.

Ben Drowned: Ok. I like a lot his Creepypasta and how at many ways you can.. Be a Video Game Ghost. So, you live somethings to finally ends inna way to "Play the Shit". Ben turns you like a Pawn. You're the Ben Drowned but just him has the "Control" by your acts like a Game Avatar. (In this, your Home/House/City/World is affected, turned into a Virtual Simulation. Infernal Loops. Bloody Ways to participate with your friends at Madness Tours.

Ben: Theres a Lot of players overhere. Wonder, what can u do with a new ruled enviro.

'Cria Cuervos' Points: I have to say i made the-HC-done Origin of him. This Entity usually stole or "vanish" Children, usually; Girls. "Nobody know where the children are or what he did. If he harms them, eats them. They, dissapeared after he cames at the room on night, looking them. Getting closer.. Showing his flaming eyes and Skully Distorted Face.

Maybe hes looking for Margaret.. but, shes gone. Where? [I have an idea about It on my HC.] — Whatever, you wont be a Scarecrow, but you can fatigue with his trauma. Crows Over. He tell them what to do. Eyes Out. Be aware. This Entity isnt the same. Before be caughted by Frederick, usually children have nightmares when some "thing" sorround.

I Dont know exactly his thoughts now. But, he used to be a sad man who people hate. Margaret make him feel loved and "normal". He was too depressed, i guess. His older Brother, Santiago De Mendoza was the worst fuck on that Spanish "tale". Santiago hated Margaret's presence/company at their old house. He decided "something" about what to do with the House Debts, he "have to take out that stupid little girl. He doesnt care about.

Eventually, his actions and, he.. Killed Frederick and turned him inna Scarecrow which Margaret could saw by the window on kitchen. It was outside hanging..

What If: Creepypastas Analizyng. Scent.

A Way to be what usually we degree.

Fear Study. Human Behaviour. How humans affords problems? Can the fkn World save itself of It?. What about Apocalypse?.

God.[Wichever you believe for]. No, can not save World. This is a Lesson, lets learn mdkfs.

FREAÆKS DO YÖÜ‽. Oh. Yes. Humans HATES A LOT OF "MONSTERS". Not all, but theres a way to see Freak Points.

Guillermo del Toro knows. We know.

//Will post some ideas and a Headcanon called CTHW. I rlly want to work in some story about Pastas.//

[If you want, ask]

[nightmaretyrantvantas]

 Ok guys its finally finished!!

Introducing the last two main families in my anxciet au!

Please meet the princes

The Prince family

( from left to right)

Rebecca Prince

The boys’s Mother, goes by the names Mother, Ma, and Bec-bec

Her and Diana have been married for 7 years at this point, and been together for about 10(they met and started dating on and off since high school until they got back together permanently during college)

Punk mom punk mom punk mom punk mom punk mom-

She raised roman on her own for his first year before remus was born, in which she started dating Diana again more seriously

She majored in nursing and later in  sociology in college before dropping out to take care of her boys and raise them right

Shes currently going back to school for the sociology degree inbetween her current job

She works as nurse and receptionist at a doctors office in town

Shes in her mid forties current time( where roman is 22, remus is 21, and kingley is 14)

Shes a pretty tough love kinda parent, and doesnt mind rough housing with her boys when they get too out of line and rowdy( they all enjoy the playfullness of it)

But compared to Diana she is not the scary when angry parent, and she can actually be pretty lenient with the boys depending on the situation

She also tends to be the one who gives into their requests and in kingley’s case, puppy eyes, though she puts on a tough front when she does

Rebecca is such a softie for her family I just i cant she loves them so much

She makes dad jokes just to annoy and embarrass her sons, but only makes either classic dad jokes or purposely really bad ones

100% supportive of her older boys’s relationships, and loves to tease Roman about Patton all the time

She also enjoys building things, and helped build the play structure and treehouse that are in the backyard.

Shes probably the reason Remus has no filter, as she has little filter herself

Her hair is naturally honey brown but she dyed it recently to make a statement to a shitty coworker so currently her hair is purple blue and pink

Shes usually pretty reserved around anyone thats not her family, so its a bit of a shock when people see her playful and rowdy compared to her reserved, professional front

Remus prince

The middle child at 21 but hey he can (legally) drink!

Wild feral trash man no matter what, but now hes got a switchblade and two brothers hed fucking kill for( though he wont admit it about roman)

Hes dating Logan and shows a slightly softer side to him only, and hes ride or die with his boyfriend

He tried college but it didnt suit him, so he ended up dropping out and instead getting two part time jobs: one as a vet assistant and one as a bartender, both located near his current apartment

Hes been best friends with Ethen for as long as he can remember, they grew up together and he considers Ethen a brother practically, and remus would probably be in a bad place without him and Remus recognizes this

He has a love for theater and acting that he shares with his older brother Roman and was in pretty much every school performance growing up, and even majored in theater for a bit when he was in college

He also writes alot of original short horror stories 

Hes an adrenaline junkie and loves doing reckless things for the fun of it( usually dragging Ethen or Logan along with him)

He doesnt have a youtube channel of his own but he pops up frequently enough on Ethen’s channel when joining him for explorations that Ethen’s subscribers know him well, and love seeing him in videos

Hes only got two filter and their names are Logan and Ethen 

He wants to get a snakes as pets just as much as Ethen but Their apartment has strict rules 

That did not however stop him from bringing home a in rehabilitation small fresh water turtle home from work one day, and its the only exception to the no pets rule because Remus fought tooth and nail over the fact it was part of his JOB DAMMIT HES KEPPING THE TURTLE IT NEEDS CONSTANT CARE--

ahem. anyway the turtles name is Sir snappy and he adores her

He LOVES teasing both his brothers, even if it means getting teased back he can usually take what he dishes out

usually.

He also has a drivers license but does not currently have a car as he is trying to save up to buy a motorcycle 

Kingley “King” Prince

The youngest of the family!! The also the shortest!!

He goes by the nickname “ King” and has for a couple years now

Hes fourteen and hes very upbeat and cheerful!

Hes also one of Andy’s best friends( He isnt crushing on andy dont listen to remus) and theyve been friends since second grade

Did I mention that they have sleepovers as often as they can? Because they try to. Usually King, andy, and Liam are nearly glued to the hips unless they cant be

Hes got a wild imagination and lots of ideas that he loves to share and try to put out as songs, stories, drawings, etc

He has severe ADHD and takes medication to help him narrow his focus more, as well as to keep his energy levels more consistent so he wouldnt be hugely energetic in the morning and dull and falling asleep by noon. But the medication doesnt effect his creativity sometimes it even helps boost it because he can focus better on his ideas instead of getting too many ideas at once to focus on and work on

His hair has blonde highlights in the winter and looks nearly fully blonde in the summer

Hes got his mama’s caramel brown eyes and tanner skin, as apposed to his ma’s more peachy skin and green eyes

This boy loves to wrestle and roughhouse, hes got alot of energy that needs to be ran out by bedtime and what better way then wrestling his older brothers for the tv remote when they visit? Or playing games at the park or in the backyard until the sun goes down 

He also loves to sing and draw, he can usually be caught humming and you can find doodles all over his homework and school assignments

He also got braces when he was 12 and he loves them and always gets new colors for them as often as he can convinces his parents to agree to

Roman Prince

The eldest brother at 22!

He works at the local theater as a theater tech and assistant director and also performs in a good chunk of the plays put on as well

He loves his job, especially when they put on musicals

He has a college degree in directing and one in music composing

Hes known his boyfriend patton since they were kids since their families are really close, 

He also writes his own short plays and stories that are sometimes performed at his work!!

Oh and this boy our boy roman can cook, hes learned all his cooking from his parents and absolutely loves cooking and learning new recipes and experimenting with old recipes! He also brings extra food into work to share with his coworkers and the actors in case someone doesnt have food with them or the money to buy something( as some of the workers there are broke college students or high schools trying to get experience) He and Patton share this hobby and sometimes have playful cooking competitions in their kitchen!!

Hes got a huge dvd collection that fills tree shelves of a bookshelf in their apartment 

He also holds some acting lessons to younger workers at the theater in the case someone is struggling with a role or performace

Roman is also a very smooth motherfucker in the romace department when he wants to be. Hes romantic and pays alot of to little details and goes all out for date nights, whether theyre at home dates or going out dates he tries to make it as perfect to you as possible

Also he speaks spanish and likes to sing to Patton in spanish to swoon him on a bad day

Diana Prince

The boys’s other mother! Goes by Mama, Mum, and baba

Shes in her late thirties early fourties

did I mention theyve been married for years? I did? Good good

Diana is a blunt sweetheart with a bubbly, snappy personallity and a fiery temper

Shes really good with kids and has a degree in child psychology and works as a guidance counselor at the local high school

She also helps out at their neighborhood’s church with events and sometimes helps with services as an organ player

She plays piano and has been since she was young, she can also play the guitar

She absolutely adores her family but watch out if they break a rule or get themselves into trouble she is the stern one and does not let them get out of trouble. Puppy eyes are wasted on her you do the crime you do the time and the extra chores no arguing.

That is not to say that she wont listen and hear her boys out though, its just normally after hearing them out theyre still in the wrong( pray for remus is he ever got arrested for anything cough cough the homecoming incident cough cough)

Shes been friends with Emile since high school and sees his boys almost like her own, and cares for them as such. 

She speaks spanish and told Roman and the others from a young age, but Roman is the only one who kept with it strongly, Remus only uses it when he angry and King is still learning

Shes an amazing cook, on par or even better than Emile( a statement that has been yet to be confirmed)

She is also a confirmed lover of making big meals 

She loves being outdoors and playing with her kids

She also enjoys doing embroidery as a relaxing hobby

And lastly introducing...

The Daniel family!!

(from left to right)

Olivia Daniels

Logan and Liam’s mom! Shes a psychology professor at the local college! 

Shes been going by the name Olivia for about 16 almost 17 years now and shes never been happier!

Olivia is technically their step mother, as she joined the family after Logan and Liam were born, but very early in their lives( Logan was 10 and Liam was three)

shes in her mid thirties

Her and richard have been married for 12 years and are still going strong!!

olivia is more of a gentle soul kinda person, shes peppy and softer spoken and has a very soothing and trusting presence to her. Shes easy to make laugh and loves making people smile

She also enjoys bringing treats to her classes for her overworking students

Shes not much of a cook but she does try dammit

Looks super sweet but shes a force to be reckoned with if you fuck with her children let me tell you

She wouldve made an excellent therapist had she gone into that field, shes good at listening and offering solutions

She also paints in her spare time!! And sells her paintings at local art shows!!

Shes got the worst sweet tooth ever Richard has to hide sweets in the house

She also works at the same college Logan attends, same with his father

Shes the only blonde in the family with green eyes

 Logan Daniels

Out sassy skeptic! He’s 20 years old and currently attending college with a biology major and a astrology minor!

Hes pretty reserved at first glance, being the calm and common sense to both his best friend Virgil and his boyfriend Remus

But hes such a dork when you get to know him. He could go on for hours and hours about his interests(something Remus loves listening to)

He lives in a single person dorm on campus and works in the student union as well as does tutoring sessions for high schools for extra credits

Hes been dating Remus for a good four almost five years , and they met in freshman year of high school

His dorm room is covered in various posters for astrology and bands he enjoys, as well as a few old theater posters from Remus’s old performances

He was  goddamn punk during high school, and Virgil loves to bring this up to embarrass him

He likes to always wear business casual unless hes staying in, and even then sometimes he keeps to his fashion habits a little too hard

Hes a decent cook, but he doesnt refuse the offer of someone else cooking for him either( or even going out to eat now and then) 

Hes a very large and firm skeptic and greatly enjoys debating with virgil different aspects of his beliefs and paranormal experiences, and functions as the one between them to reason away happenings with logic as a way to ease Virgils nerves. 

But he IS willing to see his best friends side of things if he is provided solid proof. 

He also makes plenty of appearances on Virgil’s channel for a variety of reasons, and his fanbase really likes him

Hes also a very protective older brother, and is not afraid to verbal destroy anyone who hurts his little brother(much to Liams angsty horror) 

He does have a car that he put Remus on his insurance for, so if his boyfriend ever DID need to drive it he would without complications

Logan also does join the boys on explorations, though this is a more rare occurance as he’d rather help them edit the videos and put them out in a timely manner

Hes pretty good at managing his student budget, but he has those moments of splurging randomly for things( as we all do sometimes)

Hes got a really REALLY nice laugh that not too many people outside his inner circle have heard

His eyes are a dark blue just like his dads, and he keeps his dark brown hair messy but practical

Liam Daniels

Logan’s baby brother! Our boy is 13 years old!!

Hes andy’s other best friend, and the final link to their little trio

Hes the more stoic of the three, as he is entering his rebellious angsty teen years a couple years early. 

He loves space and the ocean, and wants to be a marine biologist someday.

Hes not the best at being social, thats why hes got King as their talker and hes the snarky fighter

This boi is alot fiestier than he looks but only his friends and family know that, and he will throw down if you even just look at his loved ones the wrong way( despite his height)

He doesnt always get social cues either which makes him come off kinda rude in situations but I promise he doesnt mean it 

Someone got his mothers sweet tooth but cant have too much sugar because it messes with his body too much

like when he crashes from a sugar high he crashes hard and its BAD

Hes the shortest of his friends, just barely half an inch shorter than Andy

He always looks half tired and like he needs coffee but he cant have coffee so...

he loves to read and his room is filled with so many books!!

He also has a stuffed animal collection but shush about that its a secret

Hes also a spicy food lover( at least to a point, nothing too extreme) 

He likes baggier clothes because theyre more comfortable, and he prefers comfort of fashion

His eyes are a brighter blue and he keeps his hair alot neater than his brother’s

Hes also very snappy, with a comeback for almost everything

Richard Daniels

The dad!! He works as a chemistry professor at the college and a part time physics teacher at the local high school( switching days)

Hes very tall at 6′2(compared to the rest of his family)

He looks really strict but hes surprisingly laid back about alot of things( though rules and discipline are NOT one of those things) 

He is in his early fourties

He took care of the boys on his own for logans first ten years and Liams three before he met Olivia

Hes got the scolding parent look and The Tone mastered and sometimes even uses both on his students to get them to behave, with wildly successful results

Hes very logical and skeptical of things “unrealistic”

Was a stressed out stick in the mud before he met his wife, as he was a new single father trying to secure tennure in a teacher job

Hes the cook in the house, and is really good at it.

hes a more silent understood supporter of his children, as he is much more reserved than his wife

But he as the biggest soft spot for her 

He always tries to raise his boys with a strong balanced set of values and manners

He also can play lacrosse, and was considered the best player back in school

He doesnt have a good relationship with his family aside from his mother, so the boys have only met their grandma on that side, as he doesnt want any toxic mindsets or ideals influencing his children( especially Liam)

compared to Olivia  he isnt soft spoken at all but he would rather dissolve issues with communication and clarification, not anger or violence( yeah LIAM)

He also enjoys watching documentaries and doing casual photography from time to time

And its finally done!! All for families are complete and posted!!

Im really proud of these!! Especially the prince family photo! It took me days to figure out the poses...

All art referenced is credited to @aimasup @underdog-arts and @fangirltothefullest !!

Anyway i hope you guys enjoy! And hopefully soon ill be posting some writings for this au too! And posting more drawings! Enjoy!!

Taglist

@phantommoonpeople

@sweetsweetemo

@leesacrakon

@amazable01

@starbucks-remy

@jemthebookworm

@max-is-tired

@seriously-a-dragon

@sar-kasstic

@soupspam

@strawberryjellystuff

@aimasup

@unsocialchapeau

@underdog-arts

@fangirltothefullest

[ace-pervert]

Ive finished watching eleven seasons of rupauls drag race and now feel I am ready to briefly review each season

S1: A good start though it must be said, ONGINA WAS ROBBED! Also there was favoritism.

S2: Not a bad season but at least somewhat ruined by Rupauls rather overt favoritism towards Tyra and dislike of Pandora. While I didnt like Tyra on the show his callout of the entire drag community after leaving drag has given me massive respect for him and feels like karma for RuPauls rather blatant self promotion and attempts to turn himself into some kind of rolemodel. But aside from the callout and Jujube, and Pandora the season is unmemorable.

S3: The top three were all highly skilled and the winner seemed to deserve it though that was later put into doubt after it came to light that Raja had worked with RuPaul before the show aired, and lets be honest Manilla Luzon was much more talented.

S4: One of the best seasons in drag race history, has the best music video, and Sharron Needles is hands down the most influential and versatile queen in drag race history. The only bad part, aside from the editing against phi phi, is Latrice Royal, who, and I feel this needs to be said, wouldnt have been in the top four had Willam stayed, and certainly wouldnt have made top five if Alaska had been allowed to join, mostly because she kept showing a similar outfit, her not being a particularly good actor, being thrown off really easily, and quickly relying on a shtick.

S5: Good season, but I feel that Roxxxy really did end up in the top three only because Visage and Ru love drama and the Jersey Shore look that was at the time Roxxxy Andrews trademark look, and the Coco Alyssa drama was really dull, neither deserved to be as high as ended up, and ultimately both queens are unmemorable.

S6: Not a bad season but i'm not a fan of Courtney Act or miss Lake, mostly because I think they both get away with looks that really they shouldnt have gotten away with, though arguable so did Bendelacreme. Though it was nice that there wasnt any drama, and Bianca del Rio is really funny.

S7: Ive tried to come up with words to describe this season, I cant, its just that bad. No not bad just dull, really dull and awkward, and the worst part is that its not the queens who drag the season down, the queens themselves are fine and Pearl stands out as being a particularly interresting person when not on drag race, its RuPaul being a tool off camera and coming up with challenges that play to the queens weaknesses rather strengths.

S8: Unfortunately I found Bob the Drag Queen so attractive out of drag that I stopped caring about what he looked like in drag with the end result being that I have no idea if hes a good drag queen. But ignoring the moments where I was drooling over Bob it was a good season with some truly great outfits,and a good Snatch Game, that wether for good or bad did very quickly become the Bob the drag queen and Kim Chi show, making it in hindsight the second most plann

S9: The season started off with an appearance by Lady Gaga , whose reviews of the outfits consisted of little more than name dropping and not much else, unintentionally setting the tone for a dull and awkward season with a cheerleading challenge that causes one person to crack a rib and another to almost permanently lose their ability to dance, a Reality Star Rusical that is well just dull, painfully bad lipsinks, uninterresting outfits, and perhaps the blandest wierd drag queen in the history of the competition. Its also in this season that introduced the lipsink for the crown format that I personally despise as it takes the power away from the viewers and puts it back in Rupauls hand.

S10: Solid season, mostly focused on returning contestant Eureka but the other contestants are given enough focus that it feels natural. The challenges are interresting to watch, the snatchgame is funny, and the dresses are well made. The top four are all stars in their right and the winner of that season could have easily been any of them, making this the only season where a lipsink for the crown made sense.

S11: Starts off strong with people like Miss Vanjie, Brooke Lynne Hytes, Nina West and Yvie Oddly revealing a high degree of skill both as actors and as dress makers. Unfortunately the blatant favoritism of Rupaul, the judges, and the producers towards Silky Nutmeg Ganache (honestly they seem like a nice person in real life, but on the show they just seem like a tool), unimaginative challenges, distracting and irritating cameos by former drag race contestants including by Bianca whos dull and unentertaining appearance shows exactly why contestants shouldnt return at all, a rusical so god cringeworthy you'll pray for death (Trump the Rusical), the worst snatch game in drag race history, and painfully predictable twists result in a terrible season, with the only interresting things being the romance between Vanjie and Brooke (they broke up four months after the last episode before the reunion due to conflicting schedules), Miss Vanjie being well himself, Nina Wests acting, and Yvie Oddly's outfits .

S12: Havent seen it, but lets be honest this season is the one where the star is a sex offender. By now many fans have analysed the season and its become clear that the person who was intended to be the focal point and possible winner was Sherry Pie, which means that editing them out for very well known reasons also makes them the focal point just in a different way than intended. Hell it wouldnt surprise me if this season becomes known as the one with Sherry Pie, not the one where the winner won. Though it might also be the last season that RuPauls on, as there are rumors that hes stopping with drag race.

The Christmass Special: To short for a christmass special, to much like the other episodes to be special, to blatantly commercial to be Christmass, and to scripted, even by drag race standards, to be drag race.

And now for a review of the Judges themselves

RuPaul: On the outside a warm, outspoken, well meaning person whose done things which are truly groundbreaking. But beneath that warm exterior beats the stone cold heart of a businessman. He's calculating, manipulative, greedy, has no qualms about setting queens up for failure, and ultimately hasnt done much that could be seen as groundbreaking. Perhaps the worst part is that its clear that in terms of humor , mentality and fashion hes never left the 70s, which combined with his callous way of treating the enviroment (as shown by his fracking empire) and his history of transpobia, makes him a liability to the show. Even if you manage to ignore all of that, the show is ultimately about the drag queens, not about Rupaul, and Rupauls attemps to make it about him really drag the show down

Michelle Visage: Shes a mother of two teenagers with a stay at home husband pretending to be a bitchy whore on a tv show about drag queens, yeah thats her career. Now in truth thats not the biggest issue, the biggest issue is that shes got hangups and makes the same jokes over over again and that after being on the show for ten years she hasnt developed as a judge so the routine, to paphrase miss Visage herself, has been done to death. In truth the show needs something other than the same damn shtick and same damn comments all the time, and if she cant do it then she should quite so someone else can do it for her. Ok maybe thats the second biggest issue, the biggest is that she kisses RuPaul's ass untill it shines brighter than a mirror.

Valentino Rice: Good judge, and had great chemistry with the other judges.

Ross Mathews: Cute guy, wierdly charming, and interacts well with the others.

Carson Kressley: He comes across as a very tired, very frail, very gay but very very very dull ninety year old man, which makes sense given the fact that his entire career is based on being gay, and hes, well old. Ok hes not really old, hes 50, but on camera he looks and acts closer to 150. And the issue isnt that hes gay, its that hes doing a shtick, a very dull and fairly offensive shtick. Possibly the worst choice for a judge, and the show jumps in quality whenever hes not there.

Now for a few things that just bug me.

Favoritism: Unfortunately one of the biggest issues of the show is that seasons tend to be structured around Queens who are intended to be the winner, or at least the hero, from the get go, which has the advantage of allowing the creators of the show to change the structure and challenges from season to season, but also makes it hard to watch if the season is blatant in its favoritism, if the intended winner isnt that good, or if the winner gets eliminated for one reason or another.

Cameos by former contestants: Cameos are a great way to get people to say "I know that person" which is great in a tv show because you know that the cast wont change in the next episode, but not great in a competition where all it does is take away screentime from competitors and giving it to competitors who most likely did not do well enough to win in their own drag race, and even if they did, the show is not about them, but about the current contestants. As such if Ru wants them to return he should put them in All Stars.

Cameos by celebrities: Add nothing. Its drag race not the red carpet, i'm watching for the up and coming drag queens not famous people trying to boost their careers.

Adding politics to the show: No, just no. Dont do things like Trump the Rusical, dont have steven colbert do a voiceover, theres no way that can go well and it comes accross as virtue signaling. If Ru wants to do something good he should double the prize money and have half of the money go to a charity of the winners choosing, or stop fracking.

Adding politics outside of the Show: Drag queens are celebrities and entertainers, as such are constantly in the public eye and dependent on being in it for their income which means that anything they say in public, wether its gossiping, or discussing politics, needs to be viewed as being some form of self promotion. Now this might make things difficult for them, but it is a well known part of being an entertainer so it can be assumed that they were well aware of this before they joined Drag Race. If they do want to talk about politics without being viewed as self promoting, they are free to make an anonymous account on one of the many sites, like tumblr, where its assumed that no one knows who the other people are.

Family Friendly Drag: Lets be honest its men shoving their cocks up their own asses while dressing up as women, and naking refferences to sex, for the sake of entertainment. Thers nothing family friendly about it. Nor should there be as part of the appeal of drag is that its something that is restricted to adults. Likewise they arent heroes, they are entertainers, not doctors, not construction workers, entertainers no more worthy of praise then a person on a sitcom.

Drama outside of Drag Race: While drama on the show is to be expected and is part of what makes it entertaining, drama outside of the show is different its more personal and something that in truth should not be shared. However by presenting it as gossip on various shows they are saying its part of the show, which is unhealthy at best.

Final note.

While I am critising the Drag Race, I am not doing it because I dislike the show, I am infact a big fan of the show but at the same time I want to get my thoughts out there see how others view these topics.

[heathertalks]

Audience Analysis Blog #6: Interpreting and Decoding Mass Media Texts

Over the past few blogs, I have talked about how our roles as audience members go from individuals who simply view selected content to ratings contributors to being active users of media. There is another I would add to the list in the form of interpreters and decoders. Now, I bet you are all wondering what does figuring out codes have anything to do with how we view content. For one thing, it is related to our opinions as we use them to make our interpretations of what content that people view. We wonder about audiences’ acknowledgements in media content. If there are similarities, what are the patterns of audiences when it comes to reactions. What I am going to talk about is audience interpretations in media as several terms would be explained such as semiotics, signs, ideology and encoding / decoding.

To start off, let us define semiotics as it is “the systematic study of signs and their significance in society.” (Sullivan, pp 168) Understanding semiotics helps us learn about interpretation in the process of communicating ideas. Ferdinand de Saussure, a French linguist, was a prominent figure in semiotics as he developed an interest in language’s building blocks and meaning. He explained the concepts of signs as a key to communication among people. No matter what the text is like, whether it is words, images or acts, signs are essential in communication between at least two people. Signs come in different forms such as simple or straightforward, like this blog for instance, or complex, like the code or programming / web design language to create the blog. Signs can be demonstrated as things that they are not. They play a role as markers that have important information about a referred object or experience. Signs consist of two elements: the signifier, the sign’s form and the signified, the signifier’s representation.

Ideology is a concept that I would like to talk a little bit about as it shares a connection with mass media. When people think of ideology, they would think of it as a set of beliefs and opinions that are shared on the basis of social and / or political views. Scholars would study ideology in figuring out how meaning and power intersect and attempt to understand the meaning of people’s ways. In the 1930s, the Frankfurt School, a research group that consisted of German scholars, was formed to examine the media’s role from the view of Marxism. They pointed out that the media was responsible in convincing citizens into accepting the economic status quo. (Sullivan, 170) They coined the term ‘culture industry’ as it is defined as the development of dominant ideologies. One example of ideology is news sites. Within the past four years, there have been debates on whether the news is trying to push a certain agenda, for example, liberal vs conservative. There are news sites out there that try to balance sides, giving them equal coverage however, there are some that focus on one particular political side. For example, the left would have NPR and Mother Jones while the right would have Fox News and Breitbart.

The next thing is the discussion of encoding and decoding messages. In an essay, Stuart Hall, discusses the encoding and decoding processes in a communication exchange. The processes are seen as moments in how intervention of a text’s meaning was conveyed, resulting in power relations. Encoding the message is the first determining moment as the message is created by someone such as a journalist, a podcaster, or in this case, a blogger. The content’s creator is responsible for putting out a text that audiences would understand. In a case, such as television news, a ‘story’ is formed through an event before it can go through the process of being a communicative event. This results in language systems, professional codes of production and conventions of message production working together. (Sullivan, 172) When the news is broadcast, standard practices occur in determining what events would be considered news, along with how to present them to audiences.

In decoding, audience members utilize cognitive and associative resources in deconstructing a message while at the same time, be acknowledged of structures with the likes of language and conventions in culture. (Sullivan, 172) For the audience to be affected by a text or message, they need to decode it. In other words, after receiving an encoded message, the audience offer their own unique interpretations from their contexts.

One key aspect in communication and our media experiences is intertextuality. In this concept, we take experiences and what we know about media texts and utilize them in our viewing of our film and television programs. We connect texts such as films, TV shows, video games, books and connect them with other media. Sullivan states that “we create meanings out of our media universe by relating specific messages to others that we have seen or heard.” (193) Intertextuality is everywhere in today’s media, for example, when I am on Facebook, I would spot pictures of movies that would offer their own spin on what is going on in the world. There are several examples of intertextuality in today’s TV shows and movies as The CW have several TV shows that are based on comic books, such as The Flash and Riverdale, along with popular fictional character like Nancy Drew. In terms of movies, during the summer, blockbusters would be shown as some would be based on comic books, reboots of series, etc.

At this point, you are probably thinking ‘those terms are nice but why are they related to mass media and our role as an audience?’ The answer be sound complex without these terms, but they are worth learning about. Everyday, we consume a good amount of content and media. Some of us would start our day watching the news and / or sports. During the day, we would go on social media, listen to music or even stream our favourite TV shows. What we do not realize is the number of texts and messages that we are exposed to. When we see headlines in the news or sports, we become enticed to click on the links to help decode the messages and understand what is going on. However, not all links to news sites are reliable. Some sites try to frame certain stories in an effort for audiences to click and offer their own spin on the story. One site that I visit often is Palmer Report, a blog that focuses on political stories and how they decode what the media is showing. One thing that the site would explain is how the media would insist that Trump’s fanbase was everything. They wanted the base front and center so people would tune in to get a rise. Palmer explained why the base is irrelevant to his re-election chances. Why am I talking about this? Because I wanted to give out an example of how news sites would encode messages to present to the mass audience while an alternative news site like Palmer Report helps the same audience decode the message. One example of Palmer Report decoding a message is the rumor of Trump possibly running in 2024. https://www.palmerreport.com/analysis/no-donald-trump-isnt-running-in-2024/34369/ Originally, one of Trump’s former campaign members Steve Bannon suggested that he could run in 2024, causing the media to go into a frenzy.

Another example of how we use signs and attempt to decode messages is how we figure out certain things in the form of guessing. We all play games in which we try to guess something on the basis of clues. The clues are considered signs and we use the signifiers and the signified to determine what the clues mean as well as attempt to decode the message or guess what that thing is that we are trying to identify. Although I do not watch the show, I would like to use the reality series, The Masked Singer, as an example as it relates to this. In the program, a celebrity puts on an outrageous costume and sings, all while a group of panelists try to determine who that person is. There is a clue video to help the panelists guess who is really behind the mask. What I am going to show is a sample of the show from the first season with the performances, clues and reveal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7r3seBU9VE The reason for me showing this is to demonstrate how different people (the panelists) offer their own interpretations (or decoding) into who could be the performer with the clues (or signs) that are provided.

One other thing that would be worth talking about is the Showtime television series, Dexter. In case you have never heard of the series, it is a crime drama that ran from 2006 to 2013 and starred Michael C. Hall as the title character, a forensic technician for the Miami police department who specializes in blood strain analysis. He leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer who hunts down other serial killers. The show gained notoriety for its controversial ending. How it connects with the blog’s topic is how audiences examine the text and offers their own take on the show and its premise. Dexter uses the Code of Harry to see criminals who managed to slip through the cracks of the legal system. If they meet the code, then they will be punished. (Granelli, pp 5056) Critics have often questioned the moral complexity of the show and the effect it has on an audience. Granelli explained that the show causes the audience to “question concepts inherent to the genre.” (5057) Psychologists have examined the way audiences have interpreted texts, especially media that demonstrates morally reprehensible actions. Shows like Dexter, who tend to play the anti-hero are nothing new as works such as Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul and Sons of Anarchy have demonstrated codes that break morally of everyday citizens. I always felt that these shows are popular because the main characters break away from the ideologies and codes of morality and do what they can to obtain their own personal goals. In a study by Granelli, participants believe that Dexter Morgan is one of four things: 1) A justified vigilante in an ‘eye for an eye’ justice 2) Psychological puzzle that demonstrates human complexity. You do not always know who people really are 3) Gratuitous murder as it glorifies murder and 4) Deviant escapism as people consider it to be stirring, emotional and entertaining. I added this in the blog because of how media, one that depicts over-the-top violence, creates different reactions for viewers and allows them to offer unique opinions on certain codes and moralities. The last two things on the list, gratuitous murder and deviant escapism, shows people’s general opinions on some cable programs that have a certain amount of violence and explains that programs on certain networks are not for everyone while at the same time, these same programs are for people who do not like the restrictions of broadcast television in terms of content.

While this blog is a little long, I wanted to explain general terms that help in examining messages from the media and decoding them. Several examples were used to help explain interpreting and decoding signs, messages and texts better for audiences. In addition, many texts or messages can have several meanings, or be polysemic. Our roles as audience members help us understand certain messages and convey with our peers into figuring out what some texts really mean. We consume texts to become entertained and we do not realize that we do more than just watching our favourite content. Overtime, we view texts to understand their meanings and why we continue to watch.

Sources:

1) Sullivan, J.L. (2020). Media Audiences: Effects, Users, Institutions and Power. 2nd Ed. 163-205.

2) Granelli, S., & Zenor, J. (2016) Decoding “The Code”: Reception Theory and Moral Judgment of Dexter. International Journal of Communication. 10. 5056-5078.

[emsartwork]

ask dump! Separated loosely by topic 

Questions and Comments

1. is this a homestuck thing. this is a homestuck thing isnt it  2. lol i love doing both!!! i love world building but i also like trying my hand at redesigning the mess that is canon fashion. @theoretical-artist​ 3. thank you!!! oritel and marion are in this post! 4. ayyyyy inginio hit me up (thank you lol) 5. Thank you! 6. maybe? i’ll see if i get around to it, i still have a few characters to get to so the school fairies and the last two selkies might show up with them 7. probably not.... it would be super fun but unless it was a commission i don’t feel like i have time haha 8. I’ve seen their blog around!! i can’t remember if i follow or not but i know who ur talking about and they cool @winxy-writing @winxys-written-world

Character and Worlbuilding

1. My brilliant nerd daughter!!! She sometimes gets so into coding or a video game she forgets to eat or drink so the girls watch out for her. She’s prone to dissociating, especially if the situation is emotional. Her hair is really soft. she actually loves sappy romantic things but has trouble accepting them or vocalizing that she wants them because they’re impractical/illogical. she discovered romcoms when she got to alfea and they are her ultimate guilty pleasure(only flora knows abt this and is always slipping recs to her) 2. They’re weirdly one of my fav couples??? like maybe its because i relate to and have projected onto both of them lmao. but any ways. Daphne and Thoren actually met when they were kids, but didn’t spend much time together because it was at a formal event. Daphne is technically 20 years older than Thoren(only a few years older than Sky), but they’re the same physical age because Daphne spent so long as a spirit. They probably wouldn’t get married as quickly in my version, especially with Daphne’s trauma. Daphne will have nightmares sometimes and Thoren has a whole routine for comforting her and helping her feel safe and grounded. Thoren gets anxious easily, and Daphne will use her magic to subtly change the environment so he feels more comfortable. they like to watch reality tv together and yell at dramatic people. 3. omg yes. this was the most frustrating thing i was watching through winx with my dad like a month ago and every time bloom called her adoptive parents by their first names i yelled at her lol. she would call Vanessa mama and Mike daddy(if you make a kink joke i will eat your liver). She would call Marion and Oritel mom and dad.  4. Yeah kind of! part of her exhaustion in Dowlland was the fact that she had been in fairy mode for so long, hiking underground, and tossed around in a river like??? anybody would need a pick me up after that. She (and all solarians) do have to live where there’s a lot of natural light as they require a high amount of vitamin d(or the equivalent of it for solarians). short trips usually aren’t a problem, Stella is just hella unlucky in the second season lmao. @moonpeachblossom 5. the short answer as to why she’s a blond (scottish??? in one of the dubs???) in an asian inspired culture/planet is because racism (or not so short bcus its a lot to unpack honestly). the answer in my version however is a pretty simple fix. She bleaches her hair. she’s paler than musa but she aint white.  6. I haven’t really yet!! Helia is struggling with his two fairly opposed cultural influences, trying to figure what he wants and whats right for him. He was raised on Lynphea but had frequent trips to Vaonaa. Lynphea is very grounded, they’re slow and steady and stubborn. Vaonaa is much more flexible, they’re flighty and spontaneous and easily adaptable. Helia’s dads love eachother and helia very much but they are VERY different people and both want different things from Helia(they try not to pressure too much but the expectations are still there). Helia’s Vaonaaj dad wants him to pursue magic, specifically wind or air magic. Helia’s Lynphean dad wants him to become a warrior. Helia feels like he’s kind of a misfit in both Vaonaaj and Lynphean culture. It took a while, but he did finally confide his feelings in Flora and she encouraged him to talk with his dads about finding his niche.  7. oooooooh fun fun relationshipsssss Bloom and Sky: so bloom and sky aren’t the most stable couple, and in my version it would take bloom a little longer to be ok with dating a prince. Bloom is fairly insecure in her relationships because of self worth issues, and tend to run away from problems instead of dealing with them. Sky on the other hand is confident but doesn’t really know how to handle people’s feelings and tends to push confrontation. I do believe that with better writing Sky and bloom could be a dope couple but as is in canon they’re VERY problematic.  Stella and Brandon: babies. they love each other so much its the best omg. Stella finds her worth in her appearance but she always seems to take brandon’s complements in a less.... arrogant way? if that makes sense? like she truly appreciates them and wants his support. i wish we knew more about Brandon but he’s legit such a good boyfriend. I think they fight mostly when Stella is being a little selfish, or when Brandon is too busy to meet her emotional needs. Flora and Helia: MORE BABIES. so Helia is more of a drama queen in the comics but we’ll ignore that for right now lol. Flora and Helia are probably the least problematic couple in the entire show. They met. Flirted a little. Confessed. and started dating with out any major problems. if i can remember correctly they don’t even really fight??? unless icy has frozen helia’s heart or something lol. I think both Helia and Flora’s love language is quality time so they’re fairly low key and just like to be in the same space and each other.   Musa and Riven: boy oh boy. Ok so, ignoring the several times Riven was LITERALLY MIND CONTROLLED his character is still difficult to deal with. I think Musa and Riven are both very intense people, and while that can be super fun and develop into a good relationship, it can also lead to LOTS of problems. I think my major problem with how they broke up was that Musa didn’t support Riven’s training? like i understand being upset you can’t see ur person often, or if they’re really busy, but Riven supported Musa’s music several times in the previous seasons it just seemed weird Musa was so unfairly demanding of him? Tecna and Timmy: nerd babies. They’re super cute honestly. I think Timmy was probably the one to instigate the relationship and bonded with Tecna over technology since she wasn’t super emotionally available at first. They have issues when Tecna is unable to voice her emotions and timmy needs to know what she’s feeling mostly, but after the first few times they’ve both learned to give the other space to figure their stuff out. Aisha and Nabu: ugh perfect couple. minus the kind of sketchy beginning lol. Aisha and Nabu generally don’t fight once they get used to each other. Nabu is a focal point that aisha is kind of bungee corded to if that makes sense? like obvi not in a restricting way. its just Aisha is hella active and needs her own space to explore and grow, but Nabu is her solid ground that she relies on.  Aisha and Nex: i actually don’t hate nex as much as the rest of the fandom lol. so like i said Aisha is an active, independent woman, and if Nabu was a separate, stationary, focal point for her, I think Nex is related, moving, counter point. So like Nex can actually keep up with Aisha, and push her and challenge her. Which isn’t a bad thing in relationships so long as a mutual respect is there.   8. well. canon is a little..... messy. My version of the girls definitely retain their individualism. for other differences... they’re just a little more fleshed out? i guess? like Bloom’s moody behavior in the show i think is because of her insecurity issues, so that plays a part in how i draw her and think of her.  9. ok wow this is gonna be tough well here we go Sky: I think sky is an ESTJ he’s not super emotional(inf Fe) but can lean toward controlling(dom Te). he seems to like tradition and think social promises are important(Si). Brandon: ESFJ. Brandon is the mom friend of the boys ok. He goes along with sky’s crazy plans, tries to subtly set Riven up with musa(season 1 i think?), some how managed to land a social butterfly like Stella and seems to just navigate social situations REALLY easily(dom Fe). he also seems to hate being disrespected or taken for granted(Si) stella does this occasionally.  Timmy: ISFJ???? thats the vibe i get hear me out ok so in season 2 Timmy gets tecna the exact computer part she needs because 1. He knows they both like things to be practical(Si) 2. He knows and remembered the part she was talking about and filed it away in his brain(Ti) and 3. He and Tecna bonded over tech (Fe) Riven: honestly he’s a tough one.... Maybe a really stunted and angry ISFJ? (speaking from personal experience i am an ISFJ) i don’t have a real reason why but riven’s behavior is really confusing in the show so it makes typing tough..... possibly INTJ as well....... Helia: ISFP. Lmao I might be basing this entirely off of stereotypes but helia has a strong pacifist belief and can be moody(Fi, and more in the comics lol) is attuned to his surroundings(Se) seems pretty focused??(Ni) and i can’t think of his Te showing up be it is an inferior  Nabu: ISTJ weirdly a good fit with Aisha(ESTP) tho?? even though he’s an Si dom, he doesn’t go along with the arranged marriage because its not what he believes(Fi) and he’s stubborn about it(Te). Roy: ENFJ honestly just a cutie. He’s personable(Fe), focused for the most part(Ni), and is comfortable in his environment(Se).  Nex: ENTP? maybe?? He’s pretty impulsive and has that “work around” mentality I associate with ENTPs.... idk this one doesn’t seem to fit super well...  Thoren: Maybe INFJ?? i mean thoren honestly doesn’t have a lot of screen time but he’s attentive(Ni), and tries to take care of people(Fe). most of the infj’s i know are fun but weird lol, but i think thoren has anxiety so that could play into him being less “out there” in his behavior.  if any of yall have input on this feel free to let me know. 10. ooooooh good question. So I’m basing these on their parent’s name and the names of people from their planet. Bloom: Hestia or Enya, i also think she got sent to earth with an article of clothing or a blanket that had her name on it, which is why her name is the same lmao Stella: Stella is actually named pretty appropriately considering the other names we have are Luna, Radius, Nova, Chimera, and Casandra, all of those are fairly latin/roman based names.  but she could also be called Clara, Aura, Venus etc. Musa: Her mom and dad have very asian sounding names but the princess of melody is named Galatea, so honestly anything is on the table. Aulos, Hee-Young, Jia Li, Kaida, etc. Tecna: lol everybody on Zenith has ridiculous names so im just loosely basing them off of sciencey stuff. Nobelia, Xenon, Titania. Aisha: I actually really like Aisha’s name! Ayize, Sizani, Mehrbano would work tho. Flora: what even is the naming system of Lynphea i don’t understand it. Im gonna make them vaguely naturey and European-ish?? Calla, Terra, Rowan, Willow, I could go on and on there are so many plant names. 11. Hmmm yeah, so basically in my world a person with TOO MUCH magic gets overwhelmed and kinda goes a little crazy(the ancestral witches) the same thing happens with tritannus when he gets the emperor's throne power. He’s loyal to icy and she to him until he looses his ability to think clearly and turns on icy, icy gets freaked out and leaves with her sisters when they swoop in to rescue her. they don’t so much “break up” as they are “broken up” by the circumstances. In general Tritannus does really like Icy, hes attracted to her ambition and powerful personality. Icy started out just manipulating Tritannus but caught feelings oops 12. Yeah so, humans in general can withstand a lot of wild magic as their body “metabolizes” it quickly. Kalshara(the cat lady you don’t know the name of) used extremely concentrated samples, combined with other spells to keep the wild magic in her body permanently. If a human with out a properly developed magic biome (a lot of earthians only have a low functioning one) get exposed to a wild magic source they would probably gain some aspects of fairy animals, probably not like, fur, or anything but eye and hair color changes, maybe some patterns on the skin. but there’s also the chance that they would just.... die..... cus that happens with animals too lmao sry. @weirdghostly

[bookishtickles]

Ranking all of the movies and books of Harry Potter. I genuinely enjoy all of these I just enjoy some more than others

1) Deathly Hallows book

I can't praise this book more than I already have. This book shows what masterful storytelling the whole series had, and, the best part imo, it shows us why Harry had these random little out of character moments throughout the other books where he had the feeling he "lost control" or got "taken over", it's in this book I realized why Harry had such a big and beautiful patronus (Ron literally says Harry had the most beautiful patronus he's ever seen), and, the best even in the best, we learn why Dumbledore has a "flicker of triumph" in goblet of fire after he learns Voldemort took Harry's blood. And "Forest Again" is the best chapter in any book I have ever read. Harry's walk is unlike anything I have ever read and it evokes emotion in me that nothing else in fiction ever has (in any medium, no movie, no tv show, no book, no video game). Battle of Hogwarts is amazing as well, and it gave me actually anxiety. Actually this whole book achieved that tbh. It's just absolutely amazing

2) Goblet of Fire book

When I hear people talk about Harry Potter, this is the first book I think of. It's the first truly dark book in the series, and I adore it. It's such a perfect mix of fun, and the magic, and darkness, and it all leads up to the moment Harry gets kidnapped by Voldemort, and he is forced to watch Voldemort ride back to power. That entire chapter gave me actually anxiety after I read it. First chapter in the series to do that. And the way the book is written too where you know something is going in and don't know what and you can't help the feeling Harry is in trouble (which obviously turned out to be true) even though everything bad happening has nothing to do with him. This book also has 2 of my favorite scenes in the whole series, which is Mr Crouch acting like a madman in the woods because he's been tortured by Voldemort to the brink of insanity, and the hospital scene where we see unlikely allies and Mrs Weasley hugs Harry

3) Order of the Phoenix movie

With all the criticisms I have for the movies, no one is more surprised than me that a movie is in my top 3, and above the book at that. But the reason the movie is so high is entirely because of Daniel Radcliffe and the lady that plays Umbridge. This movie would have either failed or thrived based in their performance and it thrives. Umbridge is perfect, and she truly is the character in the books so much so that I see her reading the book, which I can't say for any of the other actors. I would be able to say the same for Daniel had they kept his stuff as it is in the book like in this movie because he radiates book Harry energy in this movie in every single scene. He plays the trauma exactly, he plays the shy perfectly where in the other movies it's just awkward rather than cute like in the books but here he is adorable, the kindness and gentleness (Daniel has such a soft voice, it's perfect), and he plays the part so well you can tell when it is Harry and when it is not. When he attempts Crucio on Bellatrix, it was clever to have him hear Voldemort in his head because obviously they can not say Harry "lost control" *wink wink* in the movie, and in a way hearing the horcrux trying to get him to do it is more effective. And I also love how he had that little head thing to show Voldemort is inside him. Also, Daniel's scream when Sirius dies was so raw, so real, so distressing, so horrible that it made the entire cast cry, the crew cry, jk Rowling cry, but they cut it so they did not traumatize kids. If it was that upsetting, Daniel did a fucking good job. The movies only missteps are cutting the scene where the trio see Neville in the hospital with his parents, and cutting out the first half of Harry in Dumbledore's office when he has a breakdown, screams at Dumbledore and breaks some of his things. The second half of it where Harry is calm again but still horrified and upset are extremely well done I just wish they kept the first too, especially because Daniel probably would have absolutely nailed it. And last thing, thank fuck that they kept it that it is still Harry's pure heart and having too much love for Voldemort to bear be the reason Voldemort flees from his body and didn't do some Movie Harry bullshit (oh don't worry, you'll know what I mean by the end)

4) Prisoner of Azkaban book

Very good. The dementors and the patronus charm are good. The reveals are all good. Quidditch is amazing in this book. The time travel was a bit.... long to read. All in all, very good though

5) Order of the Phoenix book

I don't really have to say anything I didn't say for the movie in some way, but the deep dive in Harry's trauma from goblet of fire is chilling and seeing him cope with it is so sad as he wonders why everyone is cutting him out, than purposely isolates himself, than comes back around just to have Hogwarts be controlled by Umbitch

6) Prisoner of Azkaban movie

This would be a perfect adaptation if they included quidditch and didn't have Harry want to give Pettigrew to the dementors. Who thought that was a good idea, I have no idea. The start of what I like to call, "Movie Harry" because movie Harry is Harry but with an edge. But you can't judge a whole movie from a 2 second line so it's still high

7) Philosophers stone book

This book is so cute and such a good intro to the world and the characters that it just makes me smile

8) Half blood prince book

This was originally my least favorite book, but I think I was too hard on it. Harry's lack of trauma is a problem, but the rest of the book is great so I guess I can ignore it and Harry's trauma is back at the end of the book, I just don't understand why Harry, save for like, 4 scenes, is just normal again and not traumatized

9) sorcerers stone movie

It bothers me that this is called sorcerers stone, yeah I'm American so we say sorcerer but this takes place in England so Americans should get over it, but it's a very good adaptation. Nothing was drastically changed, the kid actors are cute and do a good job, and it's solid, except that Movie Harry kills Quirrell. Not what happens in the book

10) chamber of secrets book

Still good, it's just not my favorite 🤷‍♀️ I don't have any big criticisms, just that it's not as good as the others

11) chamber of secrets movie

Just like the book, I have no big criticisms. Just like the book, very good, only criticism is that it has pretty uninspired cinematography, it kinda makes it feel like a stage show

12) deathly hallows 1

Nothing wrong with this adaptation on a surface level, but things aren't as developed as they could be because they got neglected in other movies, like Dobby. Also another appearance of "Movie Harry" because Harry is somehow a badass who rlly tries to fight Nagini the snake, when in the book he freezes in fear and than gets attacked

13) deathly hallows 2

Battle of Hogwarts -> underwhelming

Gringotts break in -> underwhelming

Harry's walk -> underwhelming and comes no where near the book (especially that forced scene where Harry talks to Ron and Hermione that doesn't happen in the book)

Final battle between Harry and Voldemort -> can't be anything really cause it doesn't happen in the book. It's All "Movie Harry". The book is just Harry trying to make Voldemort understand what he's done wrong and trying to get him to feel remorse and than Voldemort tried to kill him and Harry disarms him, and the killing curse bounces back on Voldemort cause the wand he's using sees Harry as it's master cause reasons, read the books. The movie they have this long and weird duel where Harry is suddenly an action hero? That's why we call him Movie Harry. It's really weird and they don't even mention the protective spell his sacrifice cast or the fact voldenort has a chance of redemption cause he took Harry's blood, or have Harry try to save him. Do it turns out that Harry's pure heart and the amount of love Harry has ISNT really his "power the Dark Lord knows not", in the movies it's.... disarming people? I don't know though but by taking out the fact Harry tried to save Voldemort and his sacrifice didn't trigger the protective charm (which can only be cast by true and untainted love), it certainly isn't love like in the books which is very disappointing cause it's what made and makes Harry such a special character

14) half blood prince movie

I can't explain it, this movie just has such a weird energy. Daniels acting is so awkward and bizarre, and coming off of order, it's really disappointing. And no only that, but the fact they cut 99% of the Voldemort backstory is terrible. They also slaughtered Harry and Ginny. And took out one of Harry's best lines in the whole series when Snape gets irritated at Harry and corrects Harry by repeating his sentence and saying "sir" at the end and Harry says "there's no need to call me sir professor". Daniel, throughout the movies, was so good at Harry's deadpan snark lines that's bizarre they cut it. And yet another appearance of Movie Harry when they have Harry be brave during the horcrux Hunt when in reality Harry wanted to leave as soon as possible. That's the thing these movies do that's really weird, Harry is either uncharacteristically badass with an edge or unbearingly awkward. They also cut out one of Ron's best lines when Snape asks Harry to explain the difference between a soul and Inferi and Harry doesn't know the answer and awakardly says "Ghosts are transparent" and Snape says "inferi is a body controlled by dark magic and a ghost is the mark of a departed soul, and as Potter so wisely tells us, are transparent" and embarrassed Harry in front of the whole class and Ron, being the protective friend he is, says "well that's helpful! See a ghost we're gonna notice it's transparent, we're not gonna say "excuse me, are you the mark of a departed soul?" Two gold lines they cut for some reason. And of course, I'll never forgive hem for cutting "I'm not worried, Harry. I'm with you," THEY EVEN FILMED IT AND JUST CHOSE NOT TO INCLUDE IT WHAT WHY WTF, that for not including Hermione telling Harry "you said there would come a time where whether Ron and I could go back if we wanted (from order of the Phoenix), well, we've had time, haven't we" and Ron says "we're with you, whatever happens". The two lines that show how much Harry is loved and they cut them

15) goblet of fire movie

This movie is an insult to anyone who has read the book. And of course, Movie Harry does it again when he, like a true badass, saves himself by ascending from the water during the second task. And Movie Harry suddenly becomes an extrovert just got one scene where he loves the attention he gets from the crowd after the first task. When has Harry ever been an extrovert? When has Harry ever liked all that attention? All the character development got cut, all the quiet moments got cut, Dumbledore screams "HARRY DIDJA PUT YA NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIYAH", and Voldemort's return/Harry's kidnap is mediocre at best. Remember the book when Voldemort hit Harry with Crucio while he was tied up? Well here he just touches his scar. Remember the book where Harry sees Dobby in the kitchens when Hermione brings him down there and Dobby frequently visits Harry cause he never forgot how Harry saved him from the Malfoys? Well Dobby ain't in the movie. Remember Hagrid being a half giant? Glossed over a lot. Remember Crouch being mad and the hospital scene, aka two of the best scenes in the whole series, they're not here either. And this movie has a weird habit of making things up, like when they say a kid went in the department of mysteries and than never came out. They made that up

So yee

[andremarcusburky]

Thumbs up - A.B

A/N: so here’s to the caps going to finals and burky scoring two goals. 

Plot: Just some sweet fluff with a media intern and burky wanting a date

masterlist

Everything ran smoothly, surprisingly enough. You’d been so nervous when you first came to the capital one arena, the first day of your internship. But everyone had been so sweet, they guided you through everything and the first week flew by.

Of course you watched hockey, that’s why you’d wanted the internship so bad. But you weren’t ever starstruck or anything when you met the players. Perhaps Ovi and Backy, just a little bit. You got to join in when they did some simple interviews for a youtube special, asking the players questions about things like favorite movies and what made them cry. Most of them didn’t even realize you were in the room, but Ovi immediately went up to you to say hi.

One player in particular caught your eye. He wasn’t new to you or anything, and it wasn’t a surprise that he was cute. But watching him on TV in a game isnt the same as seeing him in person. He was tall with the most gorgeous smile. Even though he looked attractive when he’s all sweaty in games, it can’t compare to what he’s like off the ice, in person. Burakovsky was a treat.

He didnt notice you at first, but halfway through the interview you caught his eye and he smiled sweetly. Once they were done he shook your hand and introduced himself, a crooked smile playing on his lips. Andre’s grip was somewhat smooth, but still hard. It was clear he could probably crush your hand if he wanted to, but soft because he wouldn’t.

The next week went by even faster. More players noticed your presence and introduced themselves, everytime you walked by one of them they’d always greet you. Ovi and Kuzy once sat down at your table for lunch, that was probably the best day you’d had yet. You may have also learned a few nasty words in Russian.

Andre didn’t often greet you, yet you always caught his eye. He’d smile at you, everytime. Once when you walked pass Ovi and him, Ovi had stopped you and asked if you’d met yet. You’d both said ‘yes’ and Andre had given you that crooked smile again, teeth showing. Then Nicklas walked by and that’s when Ovi decided to take it further.

“Nicky! Nicky! Don’t you think she be great for andre!” and god Andre blushed so hard. Nicklas laughed and told Ovi to ‘leave the kids alone’, but Ovi had simply winked at you. “Eh? what do you think?”

Not knowing what to do, you laughed and exchanged yet another smile with a very red-faced Burakovsky before walking off to do your job.

Another week and it was time for your first real task. It was time for another video with the players and you were going to ask all the questions, one being the ‘celebrity crush’ one. Most people had no answer, or the same answer. Only one player said Beyonce, much to your surprise (and disappointment).

Then came Andre. He greeted you and sat down, looking calm and relaxed as ever. Meanwhile, your heartbeat was going through the roof. God he looked good.

“So who’s your celebrity crush, Andre?” at first he looked taken back by the question, before a smile spread on his lips. “Do you have a look-a-like celebrity?” he asked you.

Not really knowing where he was going with this, you took a few seconds to think before answering. “No.. I dont think so, why?”

“Well if you find a celebrity that looks like you then that’s my celebrity crush” he said, proudly may I add. A few whistles were heard in the room along with surprised laughs. Andre looked you dead in the eye with a big smile, while you must’ve looked like a tomato. Breaking eye-contact, you looked down at your papers while trying to gather yourself. You laughed lowly and glanced up at the still brightly smiling Burakovsky before speaking.

“Okay, then. I’ll take that as an answer” you, too, were smiling now. Trying to keep it professional, you kept asking your questions. Andre smiled at you the whole time, but gave proper answers. Once done, you said ‘thanks’ and he shook your hand. “My pleasure”

Now, every time you walked by each other he’d say ‘hi’ and you’d do everything you possibly could in order not to blush, each time you’d fail.

The next time you talked was in the break room. You tried to work the vending machine as it wouldn’t give you your bar. Then once you finally got it working, the fucking bar got stuck.

“Need help with that?” the voice startled you. Behind you was a very tall, very handsome Burakovsky. “Uh, yeah. I guess?” you answered.

He grabbed the machine shook it harshly, it only took one try and the bar fell down. A slight giggle left your lips at the lack of struggle he had. Andre smiled at you and gave you your bar. “You know those taste awful, right?”

You let out an exaggerated gasp at his remark. “They do not. These are what makes life worth living”

Andre laughed and turned back to the machine to use himself. “I wouldn’t eat one of those if my life depended on it” he said. He picked a different bar and payed. “I’m not sure if I can be friends with someone who despises my favorite bars that much” you joked.

Andre smiled widely as he took his bar from the machine. He turned back to you with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Good thing i have no intention of being your friend, then” he winked at you and walked away. You were left standing there, trying to decipher what he just said.

The day after you ran into Carlson who immediately stopped you to talk. You were a bit confused by it, he’s always greeted you but you’ve never really held a conversation before. But it didnt take long before you realized the conversation wasn’t just going to be simple small-talk. “So, quick question. What’s your view on burky?” you couldn’t help but smile widely at the unexpected topic and John smirked widely at you. “He’s a real good guy, seriously. I mean he’d get you flowers and everything, I know he would”

“Okay, John. Note taken. Have a good day” you said and walked away. “You, too!” he yelled after you.

The next day you got to join in as the team had practice. Some of the players were mic’d up so you’d catch every interesting conversation that might be fun for the fans. There were headphones to wear so you’d hear the conversations, which were occupied by your supervisor.

Andre was one of the players who were mic’d up. He didnt notice you as you walked into the rink, but once you’d sat down by your crew you’d caught his eye immediately. He smiled to himself and tried to play it cool, but his teammates started teasing the boy. “Hey, Y/N!” you heard Kuzy shout. He gave you a big wave and a few other players joined in, welcoming you.

Andre only smiled at the ice and went to take a few shots, most of them went in. A few minutes later you saw him grab his jersey to bring the mic closer to his mouth. He said something and glanced towards you as your supervisor tapped you on the shoulder. “Y/N, can you take over? I have to go to the restroom”

You nodded slowly and put the headphones on. Andre went to take a few more shots before skating up to the bench. He leaned against the boards, watching you. “You look really pretty today, you know” you heard through your headphones. A blush quickly spread over your cheeks as you realized what he was doing. “I meant what I said. I don’t want to be your friend”

You were sitting on the other side of the ice, making the distance between you far enough for it all to look incredibly innocent. No one else realized he was talking to you.

“I wanna take you out. Like, on a date.” his offer startled you. Sure, he was cute and all, and he had shown interest. But you didn’t think some nhl millionaire was going to ask you out.

“And I mean I proper date, I’m serious about this. We can get dinner, maybe catch a movie if you want? You can pick whatever movie you like” he said, still keeping his eyes on you. You were pretty sure some of his teammates were catching up to his act by now. He grabbed the mic and held it to his mouth, eyes trained on you. Meanwhile, you sat at the other side of the rink with headphones. It wasn’t that hard to figure out.

“I'll be real nice, I promise” his voice was really soft now, he almost sounded nervous.

“Say yes, Y/N!” John shouted. You could see Andre smiling into his mic, the rest of the team now turning to watch you. “Thumbs up if you say yes” Andre said.

You laughed slightly at his stupid behavior before sighing and putting your hand up, signaling a thumbs up. Next thing you knew, you heard a loud groan in your headphones as Andre was tackled by several of his teammates.

Practice ended shortly and you returned the headphones to your supervisor. She smiled knowingly and walked away. When you turned around you were met by a very broad chest, almost making you jump in surprise. “Hey”

“Hey” you answered, smiling brightly. Andre was leaning onto his hockey stick. He was sweaty with his face flushed, but he looked as pretty as ever. “So, is tonight good? I can pick you up at 6?” he grinned widely.

[butterscotch-brigade]

h...honeycarrot... (i hope this isn't being sent by everyone)

ahhhhh i love you babe!!!!!! thank you so much!!!!

who hogs the duvet - lily, totally. her definition of being Cozy is taking up as much space as possible and it annoys the hell outta gumi but they Love Each Other so its ok

who texts/rings to check how their day is going - both of em do!!!! they both get worried about each other a lot so they like to check in to see how the other is doin!!!

who’s the most creative when it comes to gifts - gumi!!! she puts a lot of thought into the gifts she wants to give her Geef and lily usually ends up panicking and worrying that her gift isnt as nice (it usually is tho)

who gets up first in the morning - gumi again. she gets up early naturally bc her biological clock has been Wired to work on Anxiety Scheduling. lily can sometimes convince her to sleep in and snuggle tho!!!!

who suggests new things in bed - you wouldnt believe it but......gumi.....shes really shy about it tho so it usually takes her like 10 minutes to make a simple request bc shes not Used to having sex

who cries at movies - lily.......she may act like a Big Strong Butch but deep down shes got a Soft Heart and WILL cry at the slightest occurrence that goes wrong for a movie protagonist. she likes to watch a lot of cartoons as a result bc those are usually happier

who gives unprompted massages - lily does most of the time, but sometimes gumi does too!!! lily likes to give gumi massages bc she likes takin care of her Delicate Femme gf, while gumi likes givin lily massages bc she likes to a.) look at all her back tattoos and b.) feel her Rippling Muscles

who fusses over the other when they’re sick - omg GUMI, poor gal gets so nervous whenever lily has the smallest cold!!!! she p much NEVER leaves lilys side whenever shes sick and basically has to force her to take medicine bc she hates takin medicine

who gets jealous easiest - none of em really get jealous?? ig when they were in high school lily was jealous of gakupo bc before gumi realized she was gay she dated him bc of Compulsory Heterosexuality but thats about it

who has the most embarrassing taste in music - both of em do tbh....lily for the most part is a Hardcore Punk Rock Chick but occasionally shell secretly listen to like. avril lavignes hello kitty or the barbie girl song. meanwhile gumi really likes video game music and electronica but she also enjoys super sappy cliche love songs

who collects something unusual - gumi collects gundams which isnt that unusual but she also likes to collect little machine parts and ESPECIALLY watches bc she likes seein how they......tick........get it........im so Funny

who takes the longest to get ready - lily.....she is what i like to call a Lazybian bc shes lazy AND a lesbian and gumi usually has to rush her whenever they have an important outing

who is the most tidy and organised - GUMI OFC, but ironically she doesnt tidy up her own things a lot of the time.....she will clean literally anything but if you even SUGGEST that she should pick up all the spare shit she has on her side of the room she will Refuse

who gets most excited about the holidays - lily!!!! gumi gets really nervous around holidays bc theres always a lot of planning to do so lily tries her best to cheer her up!!!!

who is the big spoon/little spoon - OBVS lily is the big spoon and gumi is the lil spoon........butches were Made for giving warm hugs and gumi feels so safe in her arms all the time ahhhhhhh I LOVE THEM THEYRE SO CUTE

who gets most competitive when playing games and/or sports - gumi surprisingly!!!! she really REALLY likes to win so as a result she HATES to lose, which leads to a lot of teasing on lilys part lol

who starts the most arguments - lily but thats mostly bc shes kinda stubborn and set in her ways a lot of the time......yknow that part in undertale where papyrus asks sans to pick up his sock and he just. picks it up and puts it back??? thats how most of lily and gumis arguments go

who suggests that they buy a pet - it was actually a mutual decision!!! they both decided that they needed an Animal Friend to have around the house so they went out and adopted a golden retriever from a local shelter!!! her name is honey bc lily was the one who picked her out so she got to name it

what couple traditions they have - they like to play smash melee with each other on their days off, go out for lil walks if the weather is nice, and drink hot chocolate together on cold winter days!!!!

what tv shows they watch together - gumi really likes gundam and gurren lagen (is that how you spell it idk) so they watch that a lot but lily really likes Soft childrens shows like crayon shin chan so sometimes they watch that together too!!!!

what other couple they hang out with - yuuma and yohio!!!! theyre wlw and mlm solidarity!!!! aside from that tho they also like to hang with miku and rin, flower and maika, and yukari and ia

how they spend time together as a couple - it depends!!!! sometimes they like to stay inside and snuggle, sometimes they like to go out and go on cute carnival dates or go to the park!!! they find lots of ways to be Cute Geefs!!!!!

who made the first move - teeeechnically it was gumi bc she ended up confessing first but that was during an anxiety attack and she just ended up accidentally blurting it out but then lily kissed her sooooo maybe lily??? idk but it was Gay

who brings flowers home - both of em do!!!!! they like givin each other lil surprises (tho gumi has to restrain herself from getting lily lilies All The Time bc its just. too easy)

who is the best cook - gumi, but theyre both p good actually!!! gumi likes to bake desserts while lily prefers to cook meals, but they help each other out whenever they can!!!

[justanotherprowrestlingblog]

Greatest Royal Rumble: Review

Friday 27 April, from the King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Triple H vs John Cena:[***]

The show kicks off with a match you wouldn't expect as an opener and  it was an actually good overall match: not their best match ever but actually watchable. They worked a smart match where they kept working the crowd as they were chanting for both but Triple H made sure he would get them to boo him which at the end he did. Cena picks up a rebound victory after he lost at WrestleMania as expected and now goes back being a part timer unless WWE needs him for something, while Hunter goes back doing behind the scene stuff. Solid opening.

Cruiserweight Championship: Kalisto vs Cedric Alexender:[***1/2]

This is weird to say but actually the cruiser did a better job than on the mania Kick-off and i wasn't expecting anything from this match. While the crowd did not give a fuck about the match, which it really sucks, i feel both guys delivered a really good and fun match that almost made us believe Kalisto could pick up a win but at the end of the day Alexander  won with his lumbar check outta nowhere and it looked as cool as kalisto's springboard spanish fly. I would have loved the crowd to go more behind the cruiserweights, but still it was really a little surprising match, because as i said before, on paper it looked like a filler but it was actually one of the best matches of the night. Alexander now can fully move on with Murphy and they'll probably square off at Backlash.

Raw Tag Team Championship:  Woken Matt Hardy&Bray Wyatt vs The Bar:[**]

I personally lost interest in this match after the Shake Up not because i thougth it was gonna be a bad  match but because the result was very predictable: with it being the Raw Tag team titles, the title couldn't change brand like the IC or US title could and so it was clear that Bray and Matt would have won the match and the belts. The match itself was ok and there is not much to say about it. It will be very interesting to see how long will the team of Wyatt and Hardy last on Raw and also what's gonna happen to the Bar on tuesday nights because of how the tag team division on SD is quite stacked at the moment.

Us Championship: Jinder Mahal vs Jeff Hardy: [*]

Good god what an horrible match it was. It was really painful to watch even tho it leasted only 6 minutes and in this six minutes jinder even sold air after Jeff Hardy did not hit him with his twist of fate. Slow, boring, predictable, easy finish. It was really bad and even i wouldn't advise you to watch it even if you have the whole time in the world to fully watch this show.

Smackdown Tag Team Championship: Usos vs Bludgeon Brothers: [**]

This match had the same effects on me as the other tag team match did: it was ok but there isnt much to say about it. It also feels again like they could have done much better, and in the past they already did, but they were limited to do this and couldn't do much about it. Bludgeon Brother looks even more dominating after this win as they are going towards a possible showdown with Sanity, which at the moment are the only real threat to the BB title reign.

Fatal 4 way Ladder Match for the IC Championship: Seth Rollins vs Samoa Joe vs The Miz vs Finn Balor: [***3/4]

This match is easily the best match of the whole event. It wasn't a ladder match for the ages but in this event it is enough to be the match of the night. It lacked same drama as to be fair Rollins winning was very predictable, unless you had Miz retaining, but then you had him to win again next sunday with Finn and maybe it wasn't to much for WWE to book and we know how heels get booked. It was a cool match but it kinda lacked some spots to remember but it's ok since they have another PPV next week and they don't need to go all out and risk their body for a “special event”. The finish was actually smart because protected the loser and made Rollins look smart, as babyface usually aren't booked as smart guys and for once it's cool and also it sets up Balor nicely as the next challenger after Rollins gets rid of Miz who is gonna get his head kicked by Bryan

WWE Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura vs AJ Styles: [***]

So i came into this match with the mindset that they were gonna do a better match than mania but even this time, the match didn't lived up the hype. It was a little bit better than the mania one but the mania one had a better finish. I was really enjoying the match because they were telling a story that was well fitting with the whole build  up and it was showing why they went with Nakamura turning heel, which for me is really a great idea, but the finish killed the momentum for me. And now they set a rematch for Backlash and i hope this match will have a stipulation with no count-outs (it would make sense since how this one ended) and also with no DQ's (it would also made sense why Nakamura going always for the low blow), unless this time they want to have Styles losing by DQ because he low blowed Nakamura and set up another match for the next event, which if i'm not wrong, it's gonna be MITB. Let's see what's gonna happen on SD live and also what will happen on Backlash, hoping finally for a really great match between Styles and Nakamura

Casket Match: Undertaker vs Rusev: [*1/2]

Good lord. I was expecting a bad match but it was even worse than i thought. It was really really slow and Undertaker look really bad as he isn't even at 30%. They tried to deliver an Ok match but it felt too long and pretty much useless and never in a milion year Rusev would have won. Also i hope English didn't got seriously injuried because that tombstone piledriver looked really nasty. What's gonna happen next for the Dead Man? Hopefully he won't show up untill summerslam because he need really a long rest if he is gonna wrestle again.

Steel Cage for the Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar: [*]

Well...another really really bad match between those two and to be fair in some aspects this one is even worse then their match at wrestlemania. It was just a really disconnected finisher matches just like those on older wwe videogames where both wrestler started with 3 or 5 finsihers. And then a real trainwreck of a finish as Roman speared brock through the cage and his feet touched the ground first but Brock still won. If this was a football game (soccer for my american readers), it would be a great spot pro VAR (video assisting referee), but since it's not, it just a really bad botch and WWE had to find a way to justify it to not ruin the plans. Now, whats gonna happen next? Roman will complain, beat Joe and probably get one more match and maybe beat Lesnar for title, but still it feels like they are waiting and waiting and waiting too much to move on with a new Universal champ.

First ever 50 men royal rumble:[***]

Let's finally talk about the reason we had this event: many people loved it, many people didn't liked it and then there's me standing in the middle between them. It was a good rumble, not great but still watchable and in some aspects really enjoyable and i'm not talking about Titus O'neil sliding under the ring (best royal rumble moment ever). The thing i hated about this match is how they used the surprise, because it makes no sense that a guy that has yet to make his debut on WWE nxt TV, gets a chance to perform in the biggest rumble ever. Or why in the fucking hell should we care about a sumo wrestler, than the majority of us didn't knew nothing about, being in the squared circle. Why instead not using more 205 live guys or even some returning legends(better than hornswoggle) or even some people that actually wrestled previous in the night or wrestle regularly on NXT. Braun wins and makes the new record for most eliminations in a single rumble as Bryan makes the new record for being the wrestler that was in the match for the most time. Also Cass eliminating Bryan makes sense for their match on Backlash. So i'd say it was a good experiment even tho if they doing it again, i hope next time they'll pick the spots in the match more wisely and a great spot also for Botchamania, because between Lashley, Cass, Dawson eliminating himself and Titus doing a Shockmaster is full of stuff for Botchamania

Overall: so what to say about the greatest royal rumble ever? For me it's an ok event that had some good matches, some ok stuff and some shocklingly bad stuff. If you're short on time, just watch the cruiserweight match, HHH vs Cena and the ladder match, if not you can watch also the rumble and Nakamura vs Styles. The rest is not worthy unless you have 6 hours of spare time. The event felt important even tho the result didn't felt as important, but still an Ok experiment if they are gonna do another similar event, even with the time zone being different (praise the gods for giving me an event that ended at 11PM and not at 5AM...i live in italy so usually WWE PPVs start at 2AM for us) in the future. [6]

[iameverything]

A Conversation: Kid Karate

“Kid Karate are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The trio, consisting of Kevin Breen on vocals and guitar, Ian McFarlane on bass, and Steven Gannon on drums, combine a cacophony of influences to create music that is simultaneously familiar yet unlike anything else.”

First off, for people who dont know, who is Kid Karate? Kid Karate are a 3 piece punk/rock band from dublin ireland, it’s members are Kevin Breen guitar and vocals, Ian McFarlane bass and Oisin Trench drums

The first time Iv heard of you guys was in a couple shows called The Royals and Banshee, and also a video game called Far Cry 5. Did you guys ever intentionally picture your music being featured in TV shows and video games? Not in the slightest, sure the royals ad was played during the superbowl, 'like holy shit man' ya know? Never in our wildest dreams did we think we'd be doing any of this. Touring America multiple times, going around America with a film crew for the vice thing link: https://youtu.be/10sTK4vqjJo. Having our songs in tv shows and games is wild, I had totally forgotten about the far cry 5 one and i was playing the game and the song came on, for a second i got a little freaked out...

How is that process anyway? Does the royalties pay off? To me it seems like magic, write a song send it sometimes just receive an email asking permission, its wild.

When I first heard your music on those shows, I instantly downloaded your 2016 compilations album and it was magnificent. You guys have since put out an ep and a couple singles. How has the writing process been for the upcoming album? Thank you. We've a group of songs we just recorded and plan to release real soon maybe we will put them out one by one. The song "the neck" is quite different but has me excited, it is kind of a mix of lightening bolt and john cooper Clarke. Ive also just purchased a bunch of synths and with all this self isolation I might have to produce something solo, could be fun. I live in my studio so lots of down time could be good for my music. Watch this space or follow me @kevinbreen or @kidkaratemusic

What can fans expect from the upcoming album? Will it have a different direction musically? More synths hahaha

When I think of your music and the feel of it, I than think of groups like Death From Above 1979 and Royal Blood. Do those bands or bands alike inspire you guys? Death from above are one of my all time favourite bands and the reason i started a band, royal blood not so much...

Lets talk Kid Karate the origin story. You guys hail from Dublin, Ireland. What was that like starting a rock band there and how many road bumps were hit to get to where you guys are today? Nobody tells you what to do, what path to go down, how to be successful or make a living. There's no industry for music in Ireland like in the states so for most people it is hard to see a full time career making music as something that is possible. We're lucky we've gotten to work with so man great people in America and if we didn't go to America when we did, we probably wouldn't be a band now, probably nobody would've ever heard about us.

What advice do you give bands or even individuals that are overlooked and told no, even if their craft is immaculate? Just keep trying and trying and trying. Theres a million talented musicians on YouTube, persistence is key!

What is one thing that is often overlooked as a band that you guys have found a struggle? Mental health problems that rise out of the uncertainty of working in music

You guys released a single called Fake News (Flat Earth) in 2018 from your ep Newspeak. How has this 'Fake News' society changed your mindset on the world today? And what do you think of 'Flat Earthers'? Fake news is more about the total Sensory overload of media and conspiracy theory's on YouTube that its hard to know what's really going on, but that's how 'they' want you to feel. Flat Earthers are just confused people that have been let down by society.

Side note: Do 'Flat Earthers think just the earth is flat? Or all the planets are flat too? Lol

Speaking of singles, the recent singles you guys put out was 'Hate' and I have to say I definitely dont hate it at all ahah. What does that song mean to you guys? How did it come to be? Glad you like. But im not one for getting into song meanings, the artist is only 50% of the work the listener the other 50%, it means what ever you need it to mean for you in that moment.

One of my favourite questions I like to ask bands is; If someone was unfamiliar with Kid Karate what song would you guys recommend out of your catalogue of amazing songs, that would sum up exactly whom Kid Karate is musically? I think 'two times' is a good all rounder but my new favorite song is 'i feel so free' because shit just hits different

Lastly I am going to ask 5 rapid fire questions, give the answer that comes to mind first If you were not called Kid Karate what else would you want to be called? Fu kung Best City to play in? New York Guilty Pleasure? I don't know what this means Best underrated artist? Death Grips Favorite song that isnt your own? Physco killer

[strawberryspeachy]

Also im sick of obnoxious japanese eaters

Things ive found out are myths here

1) everyones nice.

No. Everyone smiles hard to cover up whatever assholery theyre doing - if theyre supposed to be nice to you. Public people are the same as usual... except theres alot more shoving

2) everything about school

They don’t pay for school. Its free. Just like ours. Except private school. Just like ours

They are not MORE overworked in school nor do they study more. Their rules are much loser. And just like the states, teachers have no real authority- but unlike the states - the students do not fear repercussions. They can be touched though but thats more because japanese people think its fine to touch each other a lot - ya know. Just dont hug as an adult - but all other invading of some kind of private bubble is fine

3) SLURPING No thats not just a “it shows you love the food!” Bs. Just like the states, the people you hear disgustingly slurping just eat loud and are gross... imo... people here dont seem to think its gross but far more people eat like civilized humans and dont slurp everything from solids to actual liquids.

K like every time the past two days ive had to be near people slurping their fucking food and as a person who HATES hearing people eat... its why im bitching here. LETTUCE DOES NOT NEED SLURPED

4) just anything they call “culture” they used a pretty word to cover for “thats just the dumb thing we do here” its literally like if we said aggressively speed driving and cutting people off is new yorkers culture

Japan has a lot of history and traditions. But mostly they have a lot of bs that theyre just too stubborn to acknowledge and change so they lable it culture. Any changes they make are pretty much like when my great grandmother got a cell phone.

She only turned it on to charge it and make a phone call - leave a voicemail saying that she called - and then would turn it back off. It wasnt ever even on long enough for her to need to charge it.

But in her mind no one could complain that she didnt have one. And the only emergency in her mind was her needing to call you - not vice versa. She wouldnt use it for any other purpose and generally resented its existence. She hated watching anyone else use their cell phones to check the time or take pictures or play games or have lenthy conversations.

Yea. Thats basiclly japan with everything new. They have it. But they dont use it , and its possibilities scare them so the old ppl say its not allowed to be used unless the old people need to use it

Sorry man i hate everywhere i am. My aparment is next to a bar that looks permanently closed during the day. I had no clue it was there till after i moved in and the loud karaoke blared into my window every damn night

My train line is a nightmare and if you wanna see the worst japanese people can be. Ride the train during rush hours

My post office is far away and they refuse to ring my doorbell when i have a delivery and instead just leave slip - if you dont hike over in their made up time period they throw your stuff away

No one will actually help you with serious stuff. They just smile and say sorry and run away — customer service. Yea. Not customer service. They could just as easily be a manican with a smiley face - itd serve the same purpose.

Theres too much paperwork constantly all the time about everything

Nothing is online

Another thing that prompted me for this “this is japanese chocolate”

Cool. I got that its japanese. Im in japan. Everything people point out for me “its japanese____” fucking imagine if we felt the need to point out every damn item as “american” in the states. Why? What is the meaning of this?

They gave me a table to sit at at this school. A table. That they make lunch on and put all their supplies on. A dude just kicked my chair as he came over for some shit. Why am i sitting at a table? Very very few japanese people ive worked with dont make me feel like an adopted pet dog that theyre not sure if itll bite. Dog. Not new person. They literlly have the children fetch me...

And ive grown so so very tired of being asked questions with the intention of having me overhype japan while maintaining that im so stupid that i know absolutely nothing about the country

98% of japanese people assume that you think of japan like youve never even heard of their country before arriving and that you just arrived two days ago

Also. Maybe they think their test scores and clases are so much more difficult because they cant seem to fathom that most other countries schools function the same way as theirs

Yesterday a teacher said “ah theyre so overworked. They have alot to remember” i thought she was about to tell me how many units were on their exam or something... no “english, japanese, science, math, history, pe, food class, art! Too many things. Theyre very overworked”

..... are you for real? Im pretty sure every fucking school has those subjects if you switch out japanese for the countries native language.... this is NORMAL

Im sorry. I know the reason anyone talking to me like this might not like me. Cause im not gonna go WOWWW SUGEII?!?!? So much stuff!! Poor them!

No. Yeah? Thats school...

Look im not an asshole to my kids. If they can manage to tell me any information about their life in english or simple japanese i can translate - i act surprised/ or am if their english is super good.

But adults... no man. Learn some stuff about the outside world. Youre not specifical

Also dating boys here is just like back home except they wont block you and they respond less

Instead of getting “nice” “oh” “idk” and “maybe” as there fading messages - they just leave you on read. Or give you some random information that you didnt ask about that has no relevance to the ‘convo’

Also also. “Speak slow” they dont say this in a ‘my english is not good so speak slower’ way. They say this in a ‘i felt really good about my english until you spoke at a normal pace and my classes and ass-kissing white dudes have taught me that enlgish is spoken slow and percisely so if you dont speak with a japanese accent, your fast english is wrong’

Whatever but like... could you return the favor by speaking japanese slowly. Speak it the way you want me to speak english....

Telling them to speak slow results in something like

... nihon..de〜 nan mabdnshsnabsjsnjsbshssnbsjsbsjshsh ka?

Woah ok... something in Japan... couldnt catch the rest of that

Id be more understanding of this. Its hard to speak slow. Lets both acknowledge this and not - teachers compalining to principals and boys... (1) sending me a fucking video on how to speak my own damn language properly

Also. Do you know how upsetting it is to listen to a student say something perfectly but before i get to praise them - have the japanese teacher jump in and “correct” them...... no no dude please. I know youll have a fucking meltdown if i say no your ways wrong. But now this student is so confused desperately staring at me positive theyre correct and all ive come up with to do is smiling and nodding at them while repeating the way they said hoping the japanese teacher wont notice/get offended

Also togo food... if its not american fast food... generally you cant take it to go... its sad. I have no friends. I just wanna take this home to eat in front of my tv. This isnt serious. Its just a minior inconvenience

Also joking... my japanese isnt good enough to joke. And... idk how... cant explain. The other day a student asked whats my favorite food

And another went hamburger?!? Mcdonalds!!?

I wanted to comment.. but. At least elementary students understand sarcasm. Their teachers dont. And whether the middle schoolers understand and just dont care is up in the air.

Oh! And. I was right last week when i didnt trust my teachers saying that the obvious bullying was just a misunderstanding and the obvious targets fault. Another straight up teacher said some kids have left the school because of bullying and theyre really awful when left alone in the rooms... i told him thats why we cant go unsupervised in america. Japan says the students are just perfect upstanding citizens, so much more caring and mature than other students. Nope. Middle schoolers will be middle schoolers no matter what country.