#context of visual language

[devilsskettle]

i think filmmakers really need to consider who their audience is also….. do you really think that people who like possession want it to be remade? do you think they are looking for modern filmmaking sensibilities and big name actors in the cast? do you think the people who didn’t like or wouldn’t watch the original movie are going to be interested in its remake? who is this for??????

[rigelmejo]

Something that always annoys me is the idea only 1 language learning method works. Which is not true. While it may be possible that, for a particular individual, only a few out of many study methods may work well enough for That Individual to make progress and stay motivated... that doesn't mean all the other study methods won't work for anyone else out there, or that those few methods will work for every other given person.

Obviously if you've been studying a while, then you already figured out what kinds of things work for you and don't. If you're a beginner, just wading into studying?

I would suggest you simply look for study methods that: 1. Teach you new things regularly, 2. Review and practice things you've learned, 3. Include studying things you need for your particular goals (for example if your goal is to read X book then the study materials at some point should involve reading practice and some words the book contains, if your goal is to talk about Y then the study materials should include some information about pronunciation and words you'll need to be able to say).

As you can imagine, a TON of study materials will meet these requirements. And you can study a given skill in a LOT of ways.

(Reading is my focus lol so just for reading, a beginner might: do vocabulary study with lists or conversations with native speakers or watching shows and looking words up or listening to dialogues with a transcript like in a textbook or graded readers or a picture book with word labels in the target language or a video game with labelled objects in target language, all of those things as long as your vocabulary is improving or reading practice is happening would help you make progress). So to improve reading skill as a beginner: you could study with a textbook, a podcast with transcript, a classroom or tutor with words written down in target language (like TPRS), a video game, a TV show and a translate app on your phone, a friend you talk with (who either writes words down or you look up words you hear with a translate app), a friend you text with, srs flashcards like anki (provided there's text) etc. As long as there's new words, and/or you're practicing reading, the study method may work. If it works will come down to if you can stay motivated doing it regularly, and make sure you regularly learn some new things and review/practice things you've already studied.

So consider those things when you see people selling a study method as a product (especially when it's costing you money). Consider if it teaches you NEW things, and are those new things related to your goals, and how MUCH new stuff will it teach you before you finish it? Consider if it provides review or practice, or if you can use it's materials to review on your own making up your own method, or if you'll need to do separate review/practice.

So examples:

LingQ. Can it teach you many new words? Yes, thousands, since you can import any texts you want when you get done with their provided material (I have no idea how much their beginner material covers though in terms of words... I would hope 1000-3000 words but that can be researched). Is your goal reading? It's suited to reading, so you will practice and review often with it. Cost? I think it was $12 a month when I last had it, and the price may have increased. Is it worth it? Depends on a learner's needs. I found it was wasting my money, so I chose to use free tools like Pleco and Readibu apps - since those apps are suited for Chinese learners and have better translations, Pleco has better paid graded reader material if I was going to spend money, and both Pleco and Readibu let me import texts so I can learn thousands of new words just like LingQ but free. Now that I'm not a beginner, I often use Microsoft Edge to read chinese... since I can still click-translate words easily (all my web browsers have that tool free), and Edge's TTS voice is helpful for pronunciation and sounds quite good. I read webnovels online so Edge works well. But it's translations aren't as good as Pleco or Readibu, so if I still needed translations more I would use them. So... is LingQ a good study method? Its certainly a study method marketed to buy. Well... the method is suited to improving reading skill, at least. It costs money, which is a negative, but it does offer a lot. However: everything it does regarding reading can be done free with other apps or sites or web browsers on their own. So if paying money motivates you to read... sure. LingQ does have a few word tracking features a learner may find worth the money, keeping in mind the actual read-to-learn method can be done free without lingq. (Also... while LingQ is a valid option for improving reading, if the learners goal is speaking then it would be important to think of what study activities the learner will do OUTSIDE of LingQ to improve speaking... because I've seen how LingQ is marketed as "how to learn a language" but it's only focused on some skills. It has vocabulary and grammar in some sense, since you'll read a lot and encounter new words and structures. But it doesnt have speaking or writing practice at least last time I was on it. Those activities would need to be worked on, on your own).

You can do that kind of cost/benefit contemplating with any study method material you see being sold. Amother example: there's a beginner Mandarin course called Mandarin Blueprint. It teaches like 800 words. Thats all. It may be worthwhile for a beginner... who still needs to learn 800 common words. But if you already know a few hundred words, the benefit of the course is less, you'll need to find a new material to teach you more new stuff soon. And the price was like a few hundred for the course... which for me personally was too much to spend, when I had already learned 800 hanzi from a book that cost me 12 dollars and 2000 words from a free user made memrise deck. The course claimed to get a person speaking, competent, but anyone not a beginner would say speaking basically with 800 words is nowhere near the level of working in Chinese or just doing a lot of daily life stuff, or reading/listening to media. (Although for the motivated beginner if you're learning 800 words on your own like I was, its definitely close to the point of jumping to learn more words and start reading kids and teenager books, and watching easier shows if you're willing to look new words up). So to me... Mandarin Blueprint felt like overselling some basic beginner materials. (Again when I know several other things that teach beginner stuff either more in depth so HSK test prep classes, and college courses, or that teach beginner stuff to the same depth as Mandarin Blueprint but free).

Some study materials aren't going to act like they teach everything. I've seen chinese courses just for learning to speak tones better and general pronunciation - probably worthwhile if your goal is to improve speaking and a teacher could help improve the issues your having. But a learner needs to be aware for that course that they'll need to study vocabulary on their own, its JUST a pronunciation improvement course.

[adhd-languages]

how to keep motivation when language learning? i always lose interest a couple weeks after picking up a new language and i feel that starting to happen with my current one too

I try and find low-key ways to keep up the language until I’m feeling more motivated, and also try to incorporate my interests into the language learning.

For example, I’ve not been very motivated with Japanese recently. But I listen to a Japanese podcast to fall asleep, and I’ve been really into Sky : Children of the Light, so I’ve been looking for videos in Japanese about the game. I’ve also been playing stardew valley in Japanese.

I’ve kind of just accepted my interest in actively studying will ebb and flow, and it’s fine if I just learn a bit slower (taking breaks and then coming back to it).

I also find following lots of langblrs or studyblrs can help. Its a pretty supportive community and seeing other peoples excitement makes me more motivated.

Sorry if the answer isn’t super helpful 🙏 it’s super difficult to keep motivated studying for me as well.

[shitpostingkats]

You ever draw your character in an outfit that absolutely slays and then sit back and go

"Shit. The allos might read this the wrong way."

[misskamelie]

What do you know, my understanding of this foreign language is improving even if I'm not there to listen to it and use it, that's pretty good news :)

[heywriters]

Details That Convey Intimacy

Developing fictional relationships that feel authentic takes more than dialogue and grand gestures. Every detail below can be used to show platonic, familial, agape, or romantic love depending on context.

cooking a meal for someone, bringing them food, or spontaneously sharing a snack

sharing body heat/warming someone with outerwear like jackets and scarves

fanning them with something if overheated

getting a cold/hot drink for them

offering to carry something, whether it's heavy or just a jacket, to lighten someone's load or free up their hands

more below the click!

changing the subject of a group conversation that will be personally discomforting to someone in the group

making sure to include someone in a group conversation, especially if it's a topic they have special knowledge of

waiting for someone to catch up when the rest of the group has walked ahead

remembering preferences/allergies ahead of time when preparing/ordering food

planning trips, whether in a pair or as a group, that provide something positive for every individual to enjoy

procuring personal healthcare items like sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, pain relievers, or a snack and keeping them on hand for that friend who frequently needs them

making room for someone in a crowded vehicle or on public transit

making room for someone under an awning or in another limited space to help them avoid bad weather

warning or wordlessly covering for someone with a wardrobe/cosmetic malfunction

remembering a small luxury someone mentioned they enjoy, and getting it for them the next time it's convenient

running an errand for someone to make their day easier ('importance of errand : depth of relationship' ratio should be explored)

escorting someone to safety in a sudden unsettling event

escorting someone who is drunk, sick, infirm, injured, or emotionally compromised

asking if light, noise, or other sensory factors are bothering someone and taking steps to make them more comfortable

getting gag gifts for someone to show you reciprocate their sense of humor or quirky self-expression (not everyone does this, not everyone appreciates it, and some people predominantly express love through humor and gag gifts; works well with some characters more than others)

holding someone's hand or arm as reassurance, especially when they are afraid*

using their body to block someone from wind, rain, or heat

picking up a dropped item, or carrying a train or other dragging garment for someone else

returning a recognizable possession to someone who may have lost it

This is an inexhaustible list as humans have many ways of showing love for each other. If you are writing spec fic with non-human characters, you can play with variations on these by remembering three core values the "lover" has to consider:

physical comfort of others

emotional comfort of others

social reputation of others

I'd add "sensory comfort" though I think it's tied to physical and emotional comfort.

Please do not try and force any of these into the mold of the misogyny-based "Love Language" trend. Human emotions and expressions of love are diverse and endless.

*While hand holding can be construed as romantic, in reality it varies. Some cultures do not see this as romantic, and some individuals only mean it as a sign of support or compassion. Same goes for long embraces and kissing, both can be done platonically and of course naturally between close family members or friends.

---

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[blueheartbooks]

"Bridging the Mystical Realm: Exploring 'The Illustrated Key To The Tarot' by L. W. de Laurence"

L. W. de Laurence's "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination" stands as a classic work that has guided countless enthusiasts through the intricate tapestry of the tarot. From the moment one embarks on this journey through the pages of de Laurence's comprehensive guide, it becomes evident that the author possesses a deep and nuanced understanding of the mystical world of divination.

The title itself, "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot," alludes to the invaluable resource that lies within these pages. De Laurence's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making this work suitable for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the world of tarot. The inclusion of illustrations enhances the learning experience, providing visual cues that complement the detailed explanations of each card's symbolism, meaning, and potential interpretations.

The book serves as a masterful introduction to the tarot, elucidating the origins of this ancient system and its evolution over the centuries. De Laurence navigates through the symbolism of the major and minor arcana with clarity, unraveling the threads of esoteric wisdom that connect each card. The historical context and cultural influences that have shaped the tarot are meticulously explored, providing readers with a holistic understanding of this divinatory art.

What sets "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot" apart is its practical approach to divination. De Laurence not only unveils the symbolic language of the tarot but also offers guidance on how to conduct readings. The inclusion of spreads, interpretations, and examples ensures that readers can immediately begin applying their newfound knowledge. This blend of theory and practical application makes the book a valuable tool for those seeking to deepen their tarot practice.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the controversial nature of L. W. de Laurence, a figure whose contributions to occult literature have been both praised and criticized. His influence on the dissemination of esoteric knowledge is undeniable, yet his methods and business practices have sparked debates within the occult community. Readers approaching this work should be aware of the historical context surrounding the author and approach the material with discernment.

In conclusion, "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination" by L. W. de Laurence stands as a timeless guide to the mystical art of tarot reading. Whether one is a novice seeking an entry point into the world of divination or an experienced practitioner aiming to deepen their understanding, this book provides a rich tapestry of knowledge and insight. De Laurence's meticulous exploration of the tarot's symbolism, coupled with practical applications, ensures that this work remains a valuable resource for those who wish to unlock the secrets veiled within the cards.

L. W. de Laurence's "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination" is available in Amazon in paperback 13.99$ and hardcover 21.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 277

Language: English

Rating: 8/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[blueheartbookclub]

"Bridging the Mystical Realm: Exploring 'The Illustrated Key To The Tarot' by L. W. de Laurence"

L. W. de Laurence's "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination" stands as a classic work that has guided countless enthusiasts through the intricate tapestry of the tarot. From the moment one embarks on this journey through the pages of de Laurence's comprehensive guide, it becomes evident that the author possesses a deep and nuanced understanding of the mystical world of divination.

The title itself, "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot," alludes to the invaluable resource that lies within these pages. De Laurence's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making this work suitable for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the world of tarot. The inclusion of illustrations enhances the learning experience, providing visual cues that complement the detailed explanations of each card's symbolism, meaning, and potential interpretations.

The book serves as a masterful introduction to the tarot, elucidating the origins of this ancient system and its evolution over the centuries. De Laurence navigates through the symbolism of the major and minor arcana with clarity, unraveling the threads of esoteric wisdom that connect each card. The historical context and cultural influences that have shaped the tarot are meticulously explored, providing readers with a holistic understanding of this divinatory art.

What sets "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot" apart is its practical approach to divination. De Laurence not only unveils the symbolic language of the tarot but also offers guidance on how to conduct readings. The inclusion of spreads, interpretations, and examples ensures that readers can immediately begin applying their newfound knowledge. This blend of theory and practical application makes the book a valuable tool for those seeking to deepen their tarot practice.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the controversial nature of L. W. de Laurence, a figure whose contributions to occult literature have been both praised and criticized. His influence on the dissemination of esoteric knowledge is undeniable, yet his methods and business practices have sparked debates within the occult community. Readers approaching this work should be aware of the historical context surrounding the author and approach the material with discernment.

In conclusion, "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination" by L. W. de Laurence stands as a timeless guide to the mystical art of tarot reading. Whether one is a novice seeking an entry point into the world of divination or an experienced practitioner aiming to deepen their understanding, this book provides a rich tapestry of knowledge and insight. De Laurence's meticulous exploration of the tarot's symbolism, coupled with practical applications, ensures that this work remains a valuable resource for those who wish to unlock the secrets veiled within the cards.

L. W. de Laurence's "The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination" is available in Amazon in paperback 13.99$ and hardcover 21.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 277

Language: English

Rating: 8/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[writer-logbook]

How I improved my writing style... without actually writing.

Intro : It's just a clickbait title to talk about theory and side techniques - before actually practicing, of course.

LINGUISTIC ISN'T GRAMMAR - AND IT'S BETTER TO KNOW ABOUT BOTH. It's useful for writing impactful dialogue and giving your characters depth. Your characters' language should (ideally) take into account: their social position (rich or poor), the locality (local expressions?) and sometimes their age (different cultural references). And this is best transcribed with linguistic knowledge. In short: linguistics is descriptive, grammar is prescriptive.

The areas of linguistic analysis are syntax (rules governing the structure of sentences),  semantics (meaning),  morphology (structure of words), phonetics (speech sounds and equivalent gestures in sign languages), phonology (the abstract sound system of a particular language, and analogous systems of sign languages), and pragmatics (how the context of use contributes to meaning). (Linguistics, Wikipedia)

Literary theory isn't as boring as it sounds. Learn more about internal criteria of the text (figure of speech, style, aesthetic...) and external criteria of the text (the author's persona and responsability, the role of the reader and what is left to interpretation...). I refer you to the French Wikipedia page, which you can translate directly via your browser in case you need more information. (Make sure you translate the page not switch language, because the content isn't the same).

Listening to Youtube Video about the analysis of film sequences and/or scenario. Remember when I told you to read historical fiction to learn how to describe a castle properly ? Same vibe.

Novel adaptations of movies. = when the movie exists before the book, and not the other way around. e.g : The Shape of Water ; Pan's Labyrinth. In line with tip n°3, it allows us to see how emotions, scenes and descriptions have been translated into writing - and thus to better visualize concepts that may have been abstract.

Read books about authors' writing experiences. e.g : Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Everyone's different, but they can provide some insightful tips not only on the act of writing itself, but on the environment conducive to writing, planning… Comparing completely different authors' experience could also be fun (this video of King and Martin is actually one of my fav)

Ah and many thanks for your ❤ and reblogs on my latest post ! UwU

[terapsina]

Flow is a masterpiece of visual storytelling.

Even as just screencaps the emotions of the animals are so clear like...

...you know exactly what it is that's happening, and how the coexisting on this single boat is going for them, how their individual animal instincts are getting triggered...

...as well as the terror and the awe of being a small bean in a huge universe where everything is out of your control and just so, so big...

...and the always constant threat of danger that makes them cling to that little bit of safety they've found on this boat.

It's... simply put, a beautiful animated movie with a stunning visual language wrapped in a story about a cat that finds unlikely friendships on a boat surrounded by water in a post apocalyptic world.

It's a movie where the dialogue is absent... because it is entirely unnecessary.

(and the fact they managed it on a ~3.7 million budget is just mind-boggingly impressive (for context The Wild Robot had a budget of 78 million), this movie deserves all the awards it's been collecting all over the place)

[rigelmejo]

I hope the posts I make about comprehensible input are useful and help people understand things.

I see soany people confused on language learning forums about comprehensible input. Asking about what it is, if they have to use it to learn a language, if it's "better," if it's 70% or 98% or if it's about reading or lessons.

It's just a term. A term that people confuse for more than it is, since it's used in many contexts.

Comprehensible input is input (so listening, reading, watching) that you understand the meaning of. That's all.

In reading, many classes refer to 95-98% comprehensible input (aka reading material with only 2-5 unknown words out of 100) as ideal extensive reading material. Extensive reading material is reading material where you read and can easily guess new words from context - it's a big activity we did to learn to read in our native languages. Ideal intensive reading material in classes is usually 90-95% comprehensible (as in you don't know 5-10 words out of 100 on the page), and usually in classes and learning material the unknown words will be provided in a glossary or vocabulary list so you can comprehend 98-100% with the help of using the glossary/vocabulary list/looking up the meaning of unknown words. That is how comprehensible input as a term is used in literature classes, in foreign language teaching discussions about intensive and extensive reading. It's about specifically how many words you comprehend (understand) in the reading material, and then if that makes it better as extensive reading material where you can simply guess the unknown words from context, or if you need to read it intensively (look up words) in order to make it more comprehensible (understandable).

In learner forums, comprehensible input often vaguely means "anything you can comprehend the main idea of with or without tools". So a graded reader for your language level would be comprehensible input as it is (as you'd kmow enough words to understand the main idea with no tools), a textbook dialogue with a vocabulary list would be comprehensible input (where the tool of the vocavulary list helps make the dialogue comprehensible), a show where you look up every unknown word until you undersrand the main idea would be comprehensible input (by intensively looking up unknown words with a translation tool). Comprehensible Input lessons for learners are (usually) a video or classroom where teachers use visuals like gestures, objects, pictures, and expressions to make the main idea of what they're communicating very comprehensible even if you don't know any words they're saying. Comprehensible input lessons made for intermediate students tend to use more of words they expect learners to know, and less visuals, more like graded readers and learner podcasts.

Learners refer to ALL of those things as comprehensible input. Even though they're different! Even though some would require tools to comprehend! If you comprehemd the main idea, it's comprehensible to you. If you can't comprehend the main ideas, you can use tools to Make a material comprehensible by looking up enough unknown items to understand the main idea.

If you comprehend input enough to understand the main idea of something, then you can guess some more details from context - and gradually learn more stuff from the material just from context. So if you make it so you comprehend input, then you can further learn more words and details and grammar from the context of the portions you understand. So if you use a Comprehensible Input Lesson for beginners, and understand the main idea using visual images, the idea is you'll learn some words you're hearing by guessing/understanding based on the context of the images (which you understand). If you use a graded reader and there's 1 unknown word in 100 words you don't know, the idea is you can guess or infer the meaning of that 1 unknown word in context. If you read a news article and look up enough key words to understand the main idea of the article, chances are you'll be able to guess a few additional words in that article from context (without having to look all the words up). If you watch Peppa Pig in a target language, and can follow the main idea using the visuals of the objects on screen, chances are you can guess a rough meaning of some of the words they're saying (maybe they're holding an apple and keep saying a word so you eventually guess that means apple).

Some people say they comprehend as low as 50% of something, and where those kind of guesses come from is probably visual media more. Maybe they comprehend 50% of the actual words in Peppa Pig, but they understand most of the main ideas that are going on in the story thanks to the visuals. People might say they comprehend as little as 20% of a Super Beginner Dreaming Spanish video if say they learned few words, but thanks to the visuals explaining everything visually they understand 90% of the actual main ideas.

My way of deciding if a material is comprehensible enough to start learning some things from context, is if I can follow the main idea. Whether that's a learner podcast and I just happen to know most of the words so I can follow the main idea, or a novel and I look up enough keywords while I read (use a tool) to understand the main idea, or I watch a cartoon where I know few words but visually can understand the main idea going on.

It is comprehensible input, if you comprehend the main idea. That's all. Use tools if you need to, or don't if you understand the main idea without tools.

Learning material designed specifically to be comprehensible to learners tends to be labelled "comprehensible input." I think confusion here comes when someone is studying using ALG or Dreaming Spanish method, and then tells someone else "comprehensible input" is the name of the METHOD they're learning through and it involves no textbooks or classes. The method they're studying with is a specific method. The Dreaming Spanish method, or the ALG method. The method involves using a specific kind of comprehensible input - lessons made for learners, then materials designed for learners to use extensively (as in understandable without tools), then materials for native speakers. But ALL language learning methods utilize various types of comprehensible input. These study methods (ALG, Dreaming Spanish) just specifically use "comprehensible input learner materials" and recommend not using study materials which require tools (by which I mean lookups, translations, explanations in another language, any intensive kinds of study where you look up explanations and translations).

On the other end of the spectrum, some learners call all immersion comprehensible input. And by that they tend to mean, they ARE using tools (anki decks, translation apps, grammar guides) to look up enough words in material to comprehend the main idea. So they are using tools to understand some materials, and perhaps also using comprehensible input made for learners (such as comprehensible input lessons and learner podcasts), and eventually material made for native speakers Is comprehensible enough to them without tools to follow the main idea. This would be Refold method, and some other learners who use the term "comprehensible input" to mean immersion, learner podcasts, CI lessons, broadly.

Textbooks are comprehensible input, designed to have the tools BUILT in to make it comprehensible (vocabulary glossaries with translations, grammar explanations). Language/Target Language sentence audio like Pimsleur and Glossika are comprehensible input - they make it comprehensible by giving you the translation so you understand the input.

All immersion you understand the main idea of, is comprehensible input. Which all learners will do EVENTUALLY when they one day read, listen, watch, speak with someone, write back and forth with someone in the language. All learners get comprehensible input in some form, usually multiple forms. Sometimes comprehensible input you just understand the main idea from context alone. Sometimes you make something into comprehensible input by using tools to understand the main idea. As long as you understand the main idea (however you can), then you can learn additional bits of language from the context of the parts you do understand.

I hope that makes sense.

[tossawary]

One piece of acting advice that has stayed with me for years in regards to both writing and drawing as well is: "Don't use the body to act what the character is saying. Act what the character is THINKING."

Like, as a very, very basic example: a character is apologizing by saying, "I'm sorry." But that line is going to look and sound different depending on what the character is thinking. Crossed arms and a sullen tone can mean that a character is actually thinking: "I don't mean it and also I hate you." A pleading tone and reaching out to take the other character's arm can mean: "Please don't leave me." A tired voice and slumped shoulders within context could mean: "I did what I had to do."

This is one way to begin to do "Show, Don't Tell" in storytelling. It is trusting your audience to see the depth and to catch on to the things you leave unsaid. It's fun to let the audience be observant and clever. It is also reflective of real life, where people are often scared of being vulnerable, or don't necessarily even understand their own emotions, or can't articulate their own thoughts, or have difficulty identifying the true feelings of the people around them, and so don't say very much.

There are exceptions to this advice, of course. In writing especially, rather than in a visual medium, some POV characters are very good at reading emotions from body language and others are not, and their observations in the narration may reflect this skill. Some characters will assume everyone around them is always angry with them or simply not pay attention to other people's moods at all, personalities which can also be subtly communicated to the audience and later used in the story in some interesting way.

Some characters have excellent control over their body language and tone of voice, because they are on-guard, highly trained in some fashion, or a very good liar. They will not easily communicate their true thoughts through their body language or their actions. Their lie can be so good that it can be slipped past the audience as nothing important to the plot until it comes back to bite. Their oddly perfect control over their body in a tense situation can instead maybe be used to indicate to the POV character and/or the audience: "Oh, there's something up with this person."

Body language will also change by culture and class and disability and so on. This clash can cause communication problems between characters, as a character's affectionate pat on the shoulder of another might be intended as casual comfort, but be received as overly intimate condescension. Different cultures / people can even have very different opinions on what level of eye contact and overlapping speech is rude.

This advice was originally given to me in the context of illustration and animation, in which it is very common for inexperienced artists to act out the words that the character is saying in mime-like gesture. In media for young children, we might choose to keep things very simple, as toddlers struggle to learn what it looks like and feels like to be angry or happy. But past that? People don't really behave this way. What we say and what we really mean are not always synchronized, and we can use the body to communicate this.

[prokopetz]

"Oh, great, another game falls prey to Yellow Paint Syndrome" well, gee, my guy, maybe if we didn't demand hyper-photorealism in every game regardless of context, modern platformers might be able to develop a visual language that doesn't require painting a sign on every single interactable feature to render it distinguishable from the clutter.

[oflights]

helpful sites for writers

i have a little collection of websites i tend to use for coming up with ideas, naming people or places, keeping clear visuals or logistics, writing basics about places i've never been to, and so on. i tend to do a lot of research, but sometimes you just need quick references, right? so i thought i'd share some of them!

Behind the Name; good for name meanings but also just random name ideas, regardless of meanings.

Fantasy Name Generator; this link goes to the town name generator, which i use most, but there are lots of silly/fun/good inspo generators on there!

Age Calculator; for remembering how old characters are in Y month in Z year. i use this constantly.

Height Comparison; i love this for the height visuals; does character A come up to character B's shoulder? are they a head taller? what does that look like, height-wise? the chart feature is great!

Child Development Guide; what can a (neurotypical, average) 5-year-old do at that age? this is a super handy quickguide for that, with the obviously huge caveat that children develop at different paces and this is not comprehensive or accurate for every child ever. i like it as a starting point, though!

Weather Spark; good for average temperatures and weather checking!

Green's Dictionary of Slang; good for looking up "would x say this?" or "what does this phrase mean in this context?" i love the timeline because it shows when the phrase was historically in use. this is english only, though; i dig a little harder for resources like this in other languages.

[lover-of-mine]

Welcome to a guide to all basketball references around Buck's character so far written by the crazy color theory girlie who happens to be a former basketball player and might get too excited writing this!

Okay, first time we encounter a basketball in Buck's journey is actually in 301. The ball is there when Eddie drops Chris off but we do not get an angle of that table in 303, so it's unclear if it's still there.

But I can tell you it's no longer there the next time we see that table. And pretty much every other time we are in that area.

So the ball is only there for the beginning of Buck figuring out he loves Chris like a parent, not enough to create a pattern, BUT, it is the beginning of a major arc for Buck. So something to look out for.

The next time basketball comes up in relation to Buck doesn't really involve Buck. It is during 404 when Chim and Albert are discussing the Daniel secret and the way Buck is unaware of this big secret that shaped his whole life. In the episode he finds that out. So, look, another major event in Buck's life having basketball smacked in the middle.

Once is an instance, twice is a coincidence, so let's keep going.

Next time we see a basketball is in 608. When Buck is babysitting Jee while madney house-hunts.

608 is not a particularly eventful episode for Buck, but the house-hunting leads to the Buckley visiting, which ends up being a key part of his coma dream, a bit of a stretch, but I'll keep it here for further consideration.

Then we get to 704. 608 might be a stretch, but this sure ain't. So basketballs seem to be tied world-altering arcs beginning for Buck somehow.

704 first references basketball when Buck mentions the pickup basketball game Eddie is going to with Tommy. That's not the beginning of Buck's jealousy, but it is the first time he says he's upset he's being "excluded" even tho Eddie keeps inviting him. But that is what starts Buck's escalation.

Which then leads us to the scene everyone misunderstood.

We still don't know who Eddie was talking to, since who is talking to is fully irrelevant, but it is kinda funny that Buck is desperately trying to get Eddie's attention.

The thing here is that the dialogue "I was thinking we should, we should get a hoop, huh?" is easy to misinterpret as Buck trying to invite himself to the game and not knowing the proper language for it, since "shoot some hoops" is a casual way to invite someone to play basketball. But we establish that Buck has a standing invitation, he just keeps saying no because he doesn't like it. He hates in fact, as stated twice in the show. Buck wants to get an actual hoop for the station so that Eddie doesn't have to go with Tommy to play it. Buck already has a ball, we saw it in the loft twice. He got a ball for the station and he wants to add a hoop to the recreational area of the station. They have pool tables, and ping pong tables, and the gym, not that far fetched to have a hoop too.

But that does not work in getting Eddie's attention, so Buck decides to ask Chim to go to the game with him, so he won't just show up.

That leads us to the actual basketball game.

I think the actual game is choreographed in a very fun way. Buck is getting really frustrated, but for me, it has 3 key points.

Buck slamming into Tommy.

This line.

And Buck slamming into Eddie. (I'm not gonna add a gif, I don't like to look at that particular event)

The thing that's interesting that Buck slamming into Tommy, is that Tommy doesn't move. Buck gets all the impact. It adds to the way Tommy is unbending. Tommy is not presented to us as someone who compromises, and that makes that visual of Buck ricocheting from his chest something that catches my eye. I feel like even 811 adds to it, because he only decided to come back when he thought that he had won by default.

"You ain't getting past me" is just one of the many crazy wording lines we've gotten since s7 started. It is true within the context of the scene, Buck in fact loses possession of the ball to Eddie, so he doesn't get past him, but in the overall picture of their relationship, there is no getting past Eddie for Buck. Eddie is it. And Buck can pout, and lie, and distract himself, and pretend to be fine all he wants, he can't fill Eddie's space in his life with something else.

Obviously, we then have the too aggressive block that makes them believe Buck broke Eddie('s leg). This part is interesting because it takes Buck a while to react. This is a person who clawed at the dirt for Eddie, who ran into gunfire for Eddie. The fact that he freezes says a lot. His emotions get away from him and his immediate reaction is to hide. He only reacts when they determine that Eddie's leg might, in fact, be broken and he offers to be the one to drive him, but he doesn't push once Tommy tells him not to. He gives into the instinct to hide. And that ultimately is the thing that triggers the biggest change in Buck's character arc, the bisexuality once Tommy shows up in his house. But interesting enough there aren't references to the actual game during that conversation.

But we are not done with the basketball of it all in 704. Because we have the conversation with Maddie.

Up to that point everyone is interpreting what happened as an accident. Trust me, as someone who's dislocated a couple of fingers and has permanent damage on my ankle and knee because of basketball, it's ridiculously easy to injure yourself or someone else on a basketball court. But that's the moment Buck admits he is jealous and acting out. That scene is important because Buck admits to it being about Eddie, before Tommy offers him an explanation that's easier to live with and allows him to project that into somewhere safe. But that scene is also important because we find out that Buck didn't actually break Eddie('s leg), he's just scared that his big feelings scared Eddie away. But ultimately we know that Eddie is physically unable to hold anything against Buck so that turns out fine. He always going to be able to come back from his acting out, as also shown in 809.

Basketball is then not brought up again until 806, the anniversary dinner that leads to Buck and Tommy breaking up.

Hey, look, another subtle what got Buck together with someone is part of what breaks them up.

Anyway, Buck hates basketball. Interesting to think that Tommy would think that's something Buck would enjoy, since it is an established fact that he doesn't like it. But this dinner ends up the beginning of the end. Again, basketball is involved in a major life change, since the breakup ends up extended in 811 and we get confirmation on who Tommy thinks is Buck's last. Interesting, right?

We then get Buck holding a basketball as he goes crazy on the potential renters in 809.

The ball appears at a very interesting point in the conversation because when confronted with a mother and her kids, it almost makes it seem like he is "guarding" Christopher's room. And he only has the ball when talking to the mother, the one person that he feels threatened the most. Almost as if the idea of another family there is the thing that bothers him the most.

It is also what triggers Eddie telling him to leave, which makes him overhear Eddie, which makes him act out, which makes him take over the lease which creates all the problems from 811 that will probably definitely eventually lead to Buck's feeling realization. Yay for basketballs present in Buck's triggers.

But if you think I'm reaching on blaming 809 for the events of 811. Fear not because that's not where the basketball ends.

But Buck can't sleep in the house, so Maddie tells Buck to make new friends and Buck, bless his heart, tries to make friends by bringing up stuff Eddie likes because what he likes is Eddie.

But hell, basketball is present when he asks Ravi for drinks and it all leads to Ravi leaving him with Tommy and Tommy calling him out on possibly having feelings for Eddie that definitely won't lead to Buck figuring out any big thing about himself, right? 👀

And we also get a possible confirmation of the fact that Buck did in fact take Eddie to that Lakers game. Because if there's one thing Evan Buckley will do is yap about Eddie.

Why are they using something Buck hates in these triggers? Well, that's the part I haven't figured out yet, but it is something that is present, so I will be on the lookout for it to come up again lol

That's all for today, if you read this I love you.

[unladielike]

    "Ah, good! Then I guess I don't have to hurry too much. And about that... I use, 'spoons', as like a disability metaphor, but basically in English, it's another word for disabled people that describes the amount of mental and physical energy they have available to do every day tasks. This, of course, can range from brushing one's teeth to cooking," Vivian goes on to patiently explain. ...Though, considering her disability in question happened to be an invisible one, most might not immediately suspect there was something 'wrong' with her right away.

    Granted, they may get the impression she was slightly eccentric and a bit sensitive to the environment depending on either the weather conditions or noise levels, but outwardly, Vivian appeared to be your ordinary able-bodied girl. Still, before she could even contemplate on whether or not she felt like telling Mizumachi what her disability was, the kettle would soon whistle, causing her to immediately rush forward to turn it off. Then, with a spoon, she would grab the kettle and mosey her way over to his mug, before pouring the water in.

    Once enough water had been emptied from the kettle, Vivian eventually sets it aside on the counter top and begins stirring away until the hot water, milk, and hot chocolate mix were properly mixed together. Afterwards, she'll then yawn, slowly make her way back over towards where Mizumachi sat, and lay it next to the plate of waffles she had given him. "There you go! One extremely low effort hot chocolate, ready for your consumption," Vivian declares and without another moment's pause, she'll proceed to slide into the chair next to his. "To be honest, I think I might just buy myself coffee later; after all, I still have lots of spare change left in my wallet and I simply can't be bothered to grind beans today. So with that being said, I'll continue being your conversation partner!"

[水]

“Ohhh I like spicy foods sometimes, so if you ever make too much, I can help ya out.”

Ah? That was the thing about lingo, there were some things that just didn’t translate over well, and Mizumachi was still learning some things. He looks at Vivian with confusion, misunderstanding that she didn’t have enough spoons to cook.

“Are all the spoons dirty? Couldn’t you cook with a fork or something? Do you eat mapo tofu with a fork?”

If she didn’t have the spoons to cook it, then she certainly didn’t have the spoons to eat with. Unless she had a strict distinction between cooking spoons and eating spoons? Mizumachi was losing himself in some weird tangent all because he didn’t understand the lingo.

He takes a seat in the chair she pulled out for him and he patiently waits for her to finish in the kitchen. He’d wait for her to sit down as well before he dug in. You know, to be polite and all that.

“It’s all good, I can wait.”

She’s being nice enough to prepare something for him, so he can be patient and wait. He was enjoying the chat anyways, so he didn’t mind any. He was a sociable guy, so he was having fun!