#crimp critic

[wtf-tfw]

I am the Crimp Critic, I watched this so you don't have to!!!

He scratches his balls counter-clockwise and not clockwise

He has a chimp (men will use this to pick up females)

He is a footballer (classic prick behavior)

He dispenses medicines from his slot.

He texts other women photographs of his beautiful mother. (phishing scam)

He is ambivalent to sauce.

Has never watched the truman show and does not plan to (which is heathen behavior)

He has read the Bible, but did not enjoy it very much and plays it down how impressive it is that he has read the Bible and doesn't really like to bring it up because he doesn't really believe in the contents of the Bible but it still manages to slip into conversation every now and then and you tend to notice it is around women when it is brought up

He is a softball coach for the elderly.

He scratches his penis clockwise and not cockwise (foolish)

[vaityadil]

a story in three parts; or, Don't Get Into Spinning, Kids, It Will Make You Untrustworthy Around All Mammals

[kittyball23]

Hi kittyball, did you read the trolls band together junior novelization? Does it include deleted scenes from the movie? I heard there was a scene cut with velvet and veneer buying yachts 😆 and another scene with velvet spraying veneer with troll without warning him.

Hi, I sure did! I do remember that there were scenes and/or little details that differentiated from what was seen in the actual movie, and I’d be happy to share them:

John Dory in the beginning was being a little more critical of Clay’s dance moves

“C’mon, Clay,” John Dory said. “They’re Funderdrawers! Underwear, but seventy-six percent more fun! Now let’s see those dance moves!”

“Fine,” Clay said with a sigh. He did a quick series of dance steps, naming them while executing them perfectly. “Rusty robot into a wiggle worm, and end on caliente puppet.”

“Not bad,” John Dory said, stroking his chin. “But your robot could be rustier. And your worm wigglier.”

Clay looked annoyed. “Don’t you want my puppet caliente-er?”

“I wasn’t going to say it,” John Dory said, “but yeah. Definitely.”

‘Bro-Time’ happened in both the beginning and the end, each brother doing a hands-in-the-middle thing

Beginning:

“If we can’t hit the Perfect Family Harmony, we aren’t perfect,” John Dory insisted. “And if we aren’t perfect, we’re NOTHING! Being nothing is definitely not an option. So just follow my lead.” He stuck his hand out, palm down. “Let’s do this!”

Each of his brothers piled their hands on top of his. Together, John Dory, Spruce, Clay, Floyd, and Baby Branch shouted, “IT’S BRO TIME!”

End:

Smiling wistfully, Floyd said, “I can’t believe we almost missed out on all this.” It had been a long time.

“We shouldn’t have let our differences break up our family,” Clay put in, joining them.

John Dory walked up. “That’s right. Because we don’t have to be perfect to be in harmony. We just have to be together.”

Branch started to point out that he had told them exactly that, but he changed his mind. “You’re right,” he said. “Good point, bro.”

Standing in a circle, the brothers each put a hand in. “On three,” Branch said. “One… two… three!”

“IT’S BRO TIME!” they all said in unison, lifting their hands.

Baby Branch was supposed to make his entrance suspended on a wire

“And making his first live appearance, the Baby!” Glitter burst over the stage, revealing Branch suspended on a wire.

“Awwww!” the whole audience said, charmed by the adorable sight.

BroZone rolled right into their first song. Cool, calm, and collected, John Dory danced up a storm. Spruce blew another kiss, and the fans went wild. Clay added a little goofy touches to the dance steps, getting lots of laughs. Floyd shed a single tear as he sang. And Branch flipped down off his wire, sticking the landing perfectly, nailing every move and every note as the five brothers came together.

As the Family Harmony started to happen, glass broke and a lightbulb shattered

The five brothers hit a chord and held it. Offstage, a water glass broke. KSHHH! Overhead, a light bulb shattered. SHHINK! The brothers looked at each other. It was happening! They were achieving the PERFECT FAMILY HARMONY!

Smead, Gristle’s Aunt, was supposed to be the officiate instead of Miss Maxine for Bridget and Gristle’s wedding

Gristle’s Aunt Smead, a tall Bergen with goggles and hair that stood straight up, was in charge of leading the happy couple through their wedding vows. She leaned over and joked, “Hey, Bridget, you still have time to run for it!”

Poppy and JD went through with the whole hug, fist-bump, and wave thing she suggested when meeting him

Poppy rushed over and introduced herself to John Dory. “Oh my gosh, I was being so rude! I’ve never met anyone from Branch’s family before. I’m Poppy. Branch’s girlfriend. Should we hug? Fist-bump? Smile and wave for now and see where the night takes us?”

“All of the above!” John Dory said, hugging her, bumping her fist with his and waving and smiling.

Crimp was supposed to be shown cleaning up the chair before Velvet and Veneer made their entrance on the Mount Rageous show ‘The Bop on Top’

In a TV studio, the pop duo’s put-upon assistant Crimp swept off a chair, making sure it was immaculate before one of her bosses sat on it. Crimp resembled the head of a straw broom, with green eyes, white glasses, and a purple hair bow scrunching a bun of papery hair on top of her head. She was much shorter than Velvet and Veneer, but was still at least three times the size of the average Troll.

Ignoring their assistant, Velvet launched herself onto the chair, squashing Crimp. FWUNK! “So,” Velvet said to Kid Ritz, “what do you wanna know? I’m an open book.”

You are correct, Velvet did spray Floyd’s essence at Veneer without him expecting it lol

Grabbing the perfume bottle, she squeezed the bulb, giving herself a big spray of Troll talent. SHHFFT! Floyd groaned as the energy was sucked out of him. Velvet tested the results, opening her mouth to sing. She let loose an impressive cascade of notes. Satisfied, she smiled and aimed the bottle’s nozzle at her brother’s mouth. SSSHHFFT! “Your turn, Veneer.”

Veneer coughed. “Ack! You’re supposed to say it before you spray it, remember?”

There’s a quick moment where Floyd sympathizes with Crimp

Rolling her eyes, Velvet said, “Ugh. I’m exhausted by this drama. Do you wanna go buy a yacht?”

“Oh, good idea!” Veneer said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s buy matching yachts!” They left the dressing room without another word.

"Can I come out of the corner yet?” Crimp asked.

Floyd looked at her with pity in his big violet eyes. “Girl, you need a new job. I should be the saddest one in this room.”

A small moment where Bruce and JD hug

Seeing an opportunity, Poppy decided to give Bruce a little encouragement. “Prove it. Prove it,” she started chanting. Bruce’s kids all joined in, balling their fists and pumping their arms in time with the chant. “PROVE IT! PROVE IT!”

Bruce took up the challenge. “Oh, I’ll prove it,” he said confidently. “I’ll prove it right now.” He took a deep breath and let it out. Then he hopped up onto the stage and stood next to John Dory.

“Yes!” John Dory cheered. “Bring it in, brother!” They hugged.

More of Velvet being a jerk

A stage manager popped her head through the dressing room door. “Knock, knock, knock – it’s ‘we’re ready for you’ o’clock!”

Velvet faked a super-sweet manner. “Look at you, making your job fun. Good for you! Just give us five minutes. We’re still working on our routine. Okay, doll?” She closed the door and muttered, “Loser.” Then she picked up Floyd’s bottle, planning to take in another spray of his Troll talent before the day’s singing began.

Veneer making a reference to a meme

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Floyd cried, holding his hands up against the inside of the diamond bottle. “Come on, it’s just dress rehearsal. You don’t need me for a dress rehearsal!”

Ignoring his protests, Velvet grabbed the golden spray bulb between her fingers and pointed the nozzle at her mouth, ready to spritz her vocal cords. Her brother spoke up. “Wait. Maybe he’s got a point. Do we even need a dress rehearsal?”

“Obviously,” Velvet said, making a face. “That’s why we’re getting dressed.”

“I’m just saying he doesn’t look so great,” Veneer pointed out. “He has, like, sad Troll face.”

Velvet shrugged it off. “He’s fine.”

Velvet’s suggestions for how to make Floyd better

But Velvet wasn’t overly concerned about Floyd’s see-through hand and overall paleness. “Oh, he just needs some blush,” she suggested. “Or is there a mini tanning bed we can jam into the bottle with him?”

More back and forth with Velvet and Veneer

Veneer paced the dressing room floor, clutching his head. “What are we going to do? We obviously can’t even rely on the Troll to get us through this dress rehearsal, let alone the Rage Dome show!”

Looking annoyed, Velvet said, “How come I always have to come up with something?”

“Because you’re the mean one!” Veneer told her.

“I’m not mean – I’m ambitious!”

Floyd having been conscious while Velvet was shaking the bottle

Picking up Floyd’s diamond prison, she said, “Maybe we should just try shaking the bottle.” She shook it. Floyd ricocheted around inside, banging against the hard surface.

“Ow! Ouch! Ooh, my knee! My other knee!” he cried.

Lonely People having been sung later on in the movie, after Floyd makes a ‘philosophical’ statement

Floyd looked at his body, becoming more see-through by the minute. “Well,” he said philosophically. “I lived, I loved, I lost.”

To the accompaniment of gentle ukulele music, he sang quietly to himself. He looked and saw that it was Crimp who was playing the ukulele.

Bruce’s response to learning about Velvet and Veneer’s song

On an empty road that night, Bruce steered Rhonda, listening to Velvet and Veneer sing one of their pop hits on the radio. “My kids love these guys!” he said. “We’re a total Veneer household.”

“They’re the ones who are holding Floyd prisoner,” John Dory called from the back of the van.

Bruce looked shocked. “Wow, everyone’s getting canceled these days.”

A little more Clay and Viva friendship displayed

Viva put an arm around Clay’s shoulder. “Yeah, I’m the face of the operation, and Mr. Clay takes care of the boring stuff!”

“Guilty!” Clay admitted. He and Viva tapped elbows and laughed. 

Branch and Poppy having a short exchange after leaving Putt Putt Village

Heartbroken, Poppy watched as the gate closed. She leaned her scrapbook against it for Viva. Branch ran up behind her. “You were right, Branch,” Poppy said. “Family is… complicated.”

Velvet and Veneer having labeled bottles for the rest of the brothers

In Velvet and Veneer’s Rage Dome dressing room, Floyd’s diamond bottle sat on a shelf next to four empty bottles labeled Heartthrob, Fun Boy, Old One, and Baby. Floyd’s bottle was now labeled Almost Dead One.

Branch’s line about the diaper slightly differing

They tried singing one of their old songs, but John Dory soon cut them off. “Stop! Stop! Time-out. Let’s take it from the top. Spruce, I want some smolder in those eyes. Clay, you’re being too stiff. We need some sillier robot moves. Branch, maybe a smaller diaper.”

“Or some clothes not from the toddler section,” Branch grumbled.

Clay’s line about his CPA position replaced with this:

Bruce got right in his brother’s face. “This isn’t going to work if you keep being the same old John Dory.”

“Yeah,” Clay agreed. “We’ve all changed. Bruce settled down. Branch is slightly taller with zero glasses. And I’m not the guy who shoots milk out his nose and smiles through the burn!”

“Yup,” Poppy said to herself, remembering past milk blasts through her nose. “Been there.”

Crimp also confronting Velvet and Veneer when Poppy and Branch do on the red carpet

“You’re stealing BroZone’s talent because you have none of your own, you big PHONIES!” Poppy said, pointing her own accusing finger at them.

Crimp popped up out of the van. “They’re MEAN!” she shouted. “And I was their assistant, so I KNOW!”

The fans, listening to this exchange, started whispering to each other. Could what the little Trolls and the papery mop with glasses were saying possibly be true?

An extra line JD said when the talent was being sucked out of the four brothers

Velvet lowered herself back down through the sunroof and punched a button on the car’s dashboard. The roof folded back, clearing the way for a metal arm to rise out of the car, holding an entire round stage. Velvet and Veneer both hit the buttons on their shoulder pads and inhaled big whiffs of Troll talent. The four brothers winced in pain.

“Floyd, why didn’t you warn us about how uncomfortable that is?” John Dory asked.

Slightly different lines when Poppy, Branch, and Viva arrived at the yacht

When she saw Branch, Poppy, and Viva on the deck of the boat, Velvet wasn’t dismayed. On the contrary, she was delighted! “More Trolls!” she exclaimed happily. “This will last us a lifetime!”

Velvet trying to sing after she and Veneer came out of the river that they had fallen into, and Crimp calling the two out again

The yacht came to a stop, wedged diagonally across a narrow passage in the river. Velvet climbed out of the water, turned the camera on herself, and tried to sing.

She sounded awful.

The crowd gasped. “Hey, what happened to your voice?” a fan shouted.

Veneer decided it was time to come clean. “Okay, fine,” he said. “Listen up, Mount Rageous. We are FRAUDS! And we’ve been literally torturing little Trolls!”

The fans were horrified. One yelled, “My illusion of celebrity has been shattered!”

Crimp stepped in front of the pop duo. “It’s true,” she confirmed. And they’re mean. Not ambitious, but just plain MEAN!”

Veneer having put the handcuffs on Velvet instead of Crimp

“Oh, give it up, sis,” Veneer told her. He faced the cameras. “We just wanted to be famous. Honestly, my sister wanted to be famous, and truly, I was too afraid to stand up to her.”

Disgusted by her brother’s admission, Velvet said, “It’s like I don’t even know who you are.”

“Yeah, you do,” Veneer said firmly. “And you asked me to change anyway. Which isn’t okay, family or not.” He snapped a pair of handcuffs onto her slender wrists. She held them up, asking, “Veneer, what have you done?” Then she admired the shiny cuffs, saying, “Oooh, are these real silver?”

And the ending scene, in which Kismet is not mentioned, and Branch and Poppy have one last exchange

Over the loudspeaker, Crimp announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, you know ‘em, you love ‘em – give it up for the Trolls Kingdom’s very own… BROZONE!” She opened the curtains revealing the five brothers in sparkling new costumes. The crowd went wild!

In the front row, Poppy cheered along with them. Branch offered her his hand. “Poppy,” he said. “I have a small proposal. Will you – “

“Join the band?” she interrupted, bursting with excitement. “Of COURSE, I will! I thought you’d never ask!”

“You know me too well,” Branch said, grinning. “Now get up here and sing with us!”

“AAAAHH!” she squealed, leaping onto the stage. She extended a hand to her sister in the front row. “Viva! Viva, get up here! We’re in the band!”

“This is my dream life!” Viva cried, joining her and whipping out a pair of castanets.

The seven Trolls joyfully sang and danced together, and the audience absolutely loved it. The concert turned into an epic dance party. Fireworks exploded, lighting up the night sky.

Poppy turned to Branch. “I love you, Branch!”

“And I love you, Poppy!” Branch told her.

“Would it be weird if I fainted?” Poppy said. “Oh, I’m gonna faint right now.”

And she did. But Branch caught her. He would always be there to catch her when she fell, and she would do the same for him, no matter what.

Those were a majority of the main differences I could find in the junior novel. I think most of it stayed true to the movie, but some little details I would’ve liked to have made the final cut (the Cliva friendship stuff, the extra Broppy exchange and, while I understand the purpose of NSYNC’s cameo, I think the movie would’ve worked just fine without it)

[incurable-bookkl3pt0]

Yeah, I agree with you. It's not Creek betraying them that is what makes me hate him, it's how heartlessly he did so. If I were in Creek's position, I too would probably sell them out in a fit of hysteria. But that's the thing, I would be hysterical, panic attack and everything. Or at the very least, look extremely guilty. The way Creek did it, he sounded condescending, pretentious, and almost boastful and sarcastic about it. THAT'S what makes him so evil in my eyes. The lack of remorse. If we want to be biblical about it, even Judas had remorse.

That's not to say I wouldn't have liked a Creek redemption. It's just, canon has made it literally impossible for me to like his character. From the beginning, I liked his character design, but something about him felt... weird to me. The way he talked to Branch certainly didn't help either. When it got to the betrayal, I sort of felt validation that my instincts were right, but I also felt the betrayal as well. Weird feeling aside, his character design was cool, and I didn't really have a problem with him, aside from his perceived pretentiousness. His betrayal made sense after the flashback, so I wasn't too mad about it. What I was mad about was how heartless the whole ordeal was. He didn't look ashamed, or scared, or even sad. And that's when he slid from annoying-but-cool to literally-the-worst to me.

Branch's reaction to him in Creek Week was my reaction exactly. Only, I wouldn't have apologized. Honestly, the fact that they made BRANCH apologize was crazy. What Branch did to Creek wasn't even nearly on the same level as what Creek did to EVERYBODY. After all, Branch was trying to prove that Creek didn't actually mean his apology, and he succeeded. Because evidently Creek didn't mean it. It was an empty apology for almost killing off his entire tribe. It may have all worked out in the end, but that was because of plot armor, and happy endings. It could have EASILY have gone wrong.

And I'm going to go out and say it. Creek only said he was sorry, but he didn't really show it. If we're going to be critical of BroZone for their lack of apologies (plus Clay's abysmal one), we should hold Creek up to the same standards and have him actually WORK for his forgiveness instead of just automatic acceptance. I get his motives, but that doesn't mean that he's exempt from apologizing not just with words but with actions. Same with the Bergens, Rock Trolls, and V&V + Crimp. With the Rock Trolls, helping rebuild what they broke was probably what they did. With the Bergens, it's trickier, but a memorial holiday could be the least they can do, instead of what TBGO did and essentially have the Trolls do all the work, and have to constantly change for the Bergens' convenience. That honestly sent a really bad message now that I think about it. V&V + Crimp is a different case, on the count that they didn't show any remorse whatsoever. Veneer only showed some semblance to it at the end, and both Velvet and Crimp didn't show an ounce of regret. I get that Crimp was treated like trash, but she never gave a motive on why she was helping them, or why she didn't report them in the first place, or at the very least TRY to either help Floyd escape or just escape herself. Trolls is terrible with accountability, and the 2 times they ever showed accountability being shown were with Creek and Chef, and V&V, and even then it was poorly done.

in Defence of Creek ( warning if your an Avid Creek Hater you may not want to read this 😂😂 )

ps. Branch will Hair strangle some guy he Barely knew who he didn't even care about for betraying them but doesn't do the same to his Jerkass Brothers who let him down his whole life 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️.

anyway onto the topic at hand 😂😂😂😂

Creek gets an unfair Rap in my opinion sure he technically betrayed the village but when you examine the story of the first film he literally had no other choice.

as there's no other scenario that didn't end with him being Horribly Eaten as soon as he was picked by Chef for Gristle Jr to eat and taken out of the cage his fate was sealed.

unlike the rest of the snack pack he didn't have the option of sitting around waiting on the off chance Poppy would Rescue them.

we see in the Betrayal scene he was literally in Gristle's mouth before he finally played the only card he could and said he'd do what ever they wanted him to do.

and from then on he was kept in Gristle's locket around his neck which I have to say was Horrible poor guy was stuffed in their with no space or light or even air given how tight it was.

and he was kept there until eventually being moved out of the locket and put into Chef's waist bag just before the snack pack got the Locket from Gristle and were then captured by Chef.

and from that point like Creek himself said there was literally nothing else he could do that wouldn't result in him being killed straight away by Chef.

this is what rubs me the wrong way about the movie trying to make him into a villain he has no real agency in the betrayal it'd be a little easier for me to Judge him.

if he was kept in the cage with the Rest of the Snack Pack so he had the option of just having faith in Poppy someone he claimed to care about.

coming to save them but instead he took the more cowardly action and offered to sell everyone out early on in order to save himself then I feel it'd work a little better.

but having him be plucked from the cage early on and literally only betray everyone when he was on the verge of being eaten just makes him a victim in my eyes.

like I'm sorry but he can't be blamed too much for anything he does at that point he's just a normal civilian who's life was put in danger by negligent leaders ( cough Peppy cough ).

he technically wasn't obligated to die then and there and the whole situation with him selling out the Village is a classic Trolley Problem sure its easy to Judge.

from the outside but when we're on the verge of being gruesomely murdered who's to say what each of us would do in the moment to stay alive.

basically its Chef's actions and she's the one to blame not Creek dude was a literal Hostage who had been kidnaped Humiliated by being shoved in a taco and sprinkled with spicy stuff.

and then nearly eaten and then crammed into a tiny locket for presumably Hours and then crammed into a waist bag like how is this guy not the victim here?

and some people do like to point to how he behaved about the whole thing telling Poppy he's doing it for her but I'm sorry that doesn't change anything in my eyes.

sure its an unusual reaction but its also an unusual situation and I see it more as him weakly attempting to justify it to himself since he does admit he wishes there was another way but is promptly reminded by Chef that there isn't.

his Reaction isn't Great but it doesn't change the situation and make him some pure evil person.

a little autistic maybe? given the weird response to an emotional situation he has but yeah it doesn't make him worse in my eyes.

basically to end things the film as well as the fandom that villainise him seem to basically be saying that he should have just laid down and accepted his gruesome fate the first time.

and the movie even ends on a cruel irony of still being eaten along with Chef.

which for Chef is ironic in a karmic way but for Creek its just kinda sad tbh so the film's saying his death was decided at the start and he's a villain for not accepting it the first time.

and as punishment he meets the same fate in the end anyway.

I thought this was a Trolls film not a Final Destination film lol.

anyway even tho its separate cannon I was Happy when he was Revealed to still be alive in TBGO sure I feel his Return could have been written way better.

but Regardless I'm Glad he's still alive he didn't deserve to die and also the movie cannon never contradicts the tv show cannon in Terms of Creek's survival.

so yeah he could very well still be alive in the movies as well sorry Haters 😅😅😅😅.

[polycraftory]

Here is our complete guide to curling a heat safe wig!

We specifically figured out this method worked best when styling this wig for my level 3 Imogen Temult cosplay. She's from campaign 3 of Critical Role. There are many other methods to curl wigs, but this is the one that got the best hold and our desired look on this particular wig! Of course, then I decided to cosplay Imogen at level 13 first and her hair is totally different so this wig is going in storage but at least we got to make a useful tutorial first.

We already have a video version of this tutorial up on our Tiktok and Youtube that we will move over to Tumblr, but honestly I struggle The Most with learning from video tutorials. I prefer things written out so we wanted to make this sort of tutorial as well for accessibility!

Additional tips & all of the products we use are under the cut. Feel free to shoot us a message if you have any questions or want more tutorials on wigs!

What We Use:

Wig: Pastel Purple Wavy Lace Front Synthetic Wig LF5110 from Wig Is Fashion. It technically comes with a curl but we straightened and recurled it differently. Whatever wig you get, just make sure you check that it's heat safe before attempting this!

Silicone Spray: Mane 'n Tail Detangler. Yes, this is technically for horses, but listen, it works SO WELL on synthetic wigs. It keeps it from getting all static-y and tangled. We've only ever used this brand but it works really well so we're def sticking with it.

Setting Spray: Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray. This makes sure the curls you spent hours making actually hold!

Crimper: SixRiver Ceramic Waver Hair Tool with 4-in-1 Flat Crimping Iron Plates. This comes with four ceramic crimping plates and Nic uses the one with the "most wiggles" on the lowest setting (320). You can probably use any crimper that goes low enough. Crimp it fast, you aren't holding it like with curls.

Curling Iron: Conair 1 Inch Curling Iron. We use this on "19", whatever that means because it doesn't actually have temperatures. Any curling iron with low enough heat settings will do, you might need to play with settings to make sure you don't melt the hair. Test it on the bottom of the lowest layer of hair where you could cut it off if you melt it. As with curls on human hair, different barrel widths will give you wildly different curl looks.

Teaser Brush & Large Tooth Comb: Honestly these probably came with one of our first hair cutting or wig styling kits so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Apparently the teaser brush is Revlon branded.

We aren't sponsored by anyone, this is just what we use! Feel free to substitute in anything that you have / know works well with wigs. We hope this helps! Please let us know what other cosplay or crafting tutorials you'd like to see <3

[dailyanarchistposts]

Queer autonomous zones and participatory publics

Bobby Noble points to ‘the simultaneity of the relations between gendered embodi- ment, sex play, and racialization inside homonormative communities, neighbour- hoods and venues for cultural production’ (Noble, 2009). Similar critiques of the queer community have been taken up by Gay Shame anarchist activists organizing in the late 1990s. In That’s Revolting! Matt/Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore docu- ments their personal experience in Gay Shame collectives in San Francisco and New York City. ‘Gay Shame emerged to create a radical alternative to the confor- mity of gay neighbourhoods, bars, and institutions – most clearly symbolized by Gay Pride’ (Sycamore, 2004: 238). Gay Shame is ‘mostly anarchist leaning’ (2004: 239), and organizes gatherings, events and direct action protests against capitalism and intersecting oppressions. A San Francisco flyer asks, ‘Are you choking on the vomit of consumerist ‘gay pride’?’ (2004: 239). Another poster entitled ‘Gay pride, my ass: It’s all about gay shame’ (2004: 240) announces an ‘autonomous space’ (2004: 240) outdoors on Tire Beach with performances, art-making, bands, instal- lations, DJs, food, kidspace, and ‘politics and play’ (2004: 240). The event hosted ‘speakers on issues including San Francisco gentrification and the US colonization of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, as well as prison, youth, and trans activism’ (2004: 241). The range of issues and events in the ‘autonomous space’ point to a very different kind of sprawling, engaged public than Berlant and Warner’s indoor, circumscribed, queer counterpublic. ‘We encouraged people to participate in cre- ating their own radical queer space, and people argued about political issues, painted, poured concrete and made a mosaic, dyed hair, and mudwrestled naked’ (Sycamore, 2004: 241). Participation is a key element in the formation of a ‘Queer autonomous space’ (2004: 237) or zone, as are multiplicities of political focus (Puerto Rico, kids, youth, prisons, trans people, art production, gentrifica- tion and so on) and an over-arching anti-capitalist practice that includes free entrance, barter and trade, dressing to ‘ragged excess’ (2004: 240), and the provi- sion of ‘free food, T-shirts and various other gifts’ (2004: 241).

Queer autonomous zones thus are open-ended spaces in which participation of all comers is encouraged through a direct (rather than liberal) democracy model. They are facilitated via engagement with a multiplicity of intersectional anti- oppression politics. Interactions in queer autonomous spaces develop sustainable social relations and value-practices, based on mutual respect, consent, sexual lib- eration, and non-normativity, in which people engage in open-ended processes of developing alternative ways of being, feeling, thinking, engaging, acting and becoming-liberated. The question is – what’s next? How do we continue to expand our movements and theorizing to extend the becoming-liberated of queer?

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank the reviewers for their helpful comments, Jamie Heckert for encour- agement and patience with my process, and Sydney Neuman for engaged proofreading.

References

Berlant L and Freeman E (1992) Queer nationality. Boundary 2 19(1): 149–180.

Berlant L and Warner M (2000) Sex in public. In: Berlant L (ed.) Intimacy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 311–330.

Bordo S (1990) Reading the slender body. In: Jacobus M, Fox Keller E, Shuttleworth S (eds) Body/Politics: Women and the Discourses of Science. New York: Routledge, 83–112. Castiglia C (2000) Sex panics, sex publics, sex memories. Boundary 2 27(2): 149–175. Corber RJ, Valocchi S (eds) (2003) Queer Studies: An Interdisciplinary Reader. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Crimp D (2002) Mario montez, for shame. In: Barber SM, Clark DL (eds) Regarding Sedgwick: Essays on Queer Culture and Critical Theory. New York: Routledge, 57–70.

Deleuze G and Guattari F (1983) Anti-Oedipus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia Vol. 1. 1972. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

DeLuca KM (1999) Unruly arguments: The body rhetoric of EarthFirst!, act up, and queer nation. Argumentation and Advocacy 36(Summer): 9–21.

Duncan N (1996) Renegotiating gender and sexuality in public and private spaces. In: Duncan N (ed.) Body Space: Destabilizing Geographies of Gender and Sexuality. New York: Routledge, 125–143.

Dyer R (2006) Stereotyping. In: Durham MG, Kellner DM (eds) Media and Cultural Studies KeyWorks. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 353–365.

Heckert J (2004) Sexuality/identity/politics. In: Purkis J, Bowen J (eds) Changing Anarchism. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 101–116.

Hennessy R (1994–95) Queer visibility in commodity culture. Cultural Critique 29(Winter): 31–76.

Jeppesen S and Visser L (Leahfish) (1996) Projectile: Stories about Puking. Toronto: self- published.

Les Panthe‘ res Roses (2004) Operation ‘‘Pepto-bismol SVP!’’ URL (accessed 12 July 2008): http:/lespantheresroses.org.

McCall L (2005) The complexity of intersectionality. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society 30(3): 1771–1800.

Noble B (2009) Trans-Culture in the (White) City: Taking a Pass on a Queer Neighbourhood. URL (accessed 8 May 2009): http:/nomorepotlucks.org/article/ego/ trans-culture-white-city-taking-pass-queer-neighbourhood.

Sullivan N (2003) A Critical Introduction to Queer Theory. New York: New York University Press.

Sycamore M, Berstein M (eds) (2004) That’s Revolting! Queer Strategies for Resisting Assimilation. Brooklyn, NY: Soft Skull.

Vade D (2005) Expanding gender and expanding the law: Toward a social and legal con- ceptualization of gender that is more inclusive of transgender people. Michigan Journal of Gender and Law 11: 253–316.

Warner M (2002) Publics and Counterpublics. New York: Zone Books.

On the Author

Sandra Jeppesen is an activist, writer, and Assistant Professor in Communication Studies at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Her research is in guerrilla texts and autonomous media, including analysis of discourses produced through anti-poverty activism, anti-colonial no-border activism, radical feminist and queer collectives, anti-racist pedagogies, and other social movement texts. Address: Communication Studies Department, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, CJ 3.230, 3rd Floor, Montreal, Canada H4B 1R6.

[1] Following Vade’s important article (2005) advocating the ‘Gender Galaxy’ which reveals the falsity of the gender/sex divide and the negative legal impact of this distinction on trans people, I am using the term ‘gender’ to be comprehensive.

[2] In the USA this is particularly true. In Canada same-sex marriage and human rights are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and immigration processes are begin- ning to include same-sex partners in sponsorship claims, as well as considering persecution for sexuality as a basis for refugee claims. These processes however remain heteronorma- tive. I’d like to thank Melissa White for sharing her insights and research on this issue.

[rollthehighlightswiththelowlifes]

Details I love from Trolls 3

The shakey cam after the failed Brozone performance, like a documentary being made about the band falling apart

Poppy’s shocked face when John Dory spanks Branch

John Dory’s impressed nod at Branch’s falsetto made of gold

How completely bored Floyd looks the second John Dory starts trying to recognize him

The little faces Gristle & Bridget make in the background

The glitter on Branch after Ronda appears

Venner’s one earring

The ‘I got a New Car’ song by Jay Bee

The way Veneer tries to mimic Velvet’s posture

The photo of kid John Dory being chased by Spruce & Clay during Floyd’s song

Poppy’s amused fondness on Branch’s complete disinterest when Tiny Diamond first appears

The complete LACK of a splash when Ronda hits the water

Also the orbeez water

Pool noodle/inflatable jungle

Branch’s confusion when John Dory says Branch wrote that song

Also incredibly hot of Dreamworks to take a character who was the ‘heart throb’ with a six pack, give him a six pack, and never mention it

Brandy’s Hair

Bruce’s reluctant acceptance when he learns Floyd’s in a Diamond prison

Brandy’s fond nod for Bruce to prove himself to his kids

Floyd’s hair starts turning white after he’s put in the shoulder pad for the first time (the movie never makes it obvious, but you can see it while he’s still in there)

Branch’s ‘wtf’ look when Bruce says it’ll be hard to separate the art from the artist

Somehow John Dory is the most put together of Brozone (only has slight fraying to his pants, Bruce’s is worse, Clay’s crazy hair, Floyd’s dying, and Branch’s pants are patch-worked)

Poppy & Viva have the same freckles

Clay’s delight for Viva when her & Poppy realize they’re sisters

Viva using a golf tee like a walking stick

The way Clay IMMEDIATELY drags John Dory away when he takes over from Branch

When Poppy & Viva are stargazing you can see the scrapbook and camera they used earlier in the song

The concerned look Bruce and John Dory share when Clay says they won’t be able to bring Poppy

Clay’s amazed/surprised look when Poppy says the Bergens have stopped eating them

Bruce’s smile gradually fading in the background when Branch talks to Viva about living in the bunker

Branch waiting in the background for Poppy while she tries to convince Viva to come

The repeated sibling relationship of ‘making up little dances’ and the difference in response between Poppy and Velvet

The fact Branch had to AGREE to putting on a diaper in front of his GIRLFRIEND

The immediate annoyance from Clay & Bruce when John Dory starts criticizing

Branch’s alarmed face at Clay’s “I’m A Licensed CPA!”

The gradual despair on Branch’s face as the fight goes on

John Dory holding up five fingers when he says ‘four little brothers’

John Dory visibly taking a breath to calm himself

Gristle checking himself when Bridget asks if he smells something

‘Gristle, I didn’t think we’d both be tied up on this honey moon’ WTF

Tiny Diamonds worried expression when Poppy says she doesn’t know what she’s doing in the vent

Floyd going limp when Velvet and Veneer enter to not give away Branch

Gristle’s pouty face in the corner as Bridget and Viva talk

Veneer hiding behind Velvet when Rhonda shows up

Gristle coming in clutch and managing to throw Rhonda onto the boat

The way Viva just kicks Veneers ass in half a second

The way Velvet really looks like a Cuphead character when she suggests and encore

Crimp’s ukulele doesn’t have actual strings/looks like a toy

Props to Bridget for throwing Gristle & Rhonda onto a MOVING boat. She caught them back up to that thing!!

All the brothers having different colors around them when they hit the harmony

Branch looking up when he asks what happened

John Dory reading Clay’s sad book in the background when Clay & Branch are talking

The matching Kismet outfits

Branch’s brothers dancing together in the front

[spacefrog1984]

Crim's awesome, and this ↑ is definitive proof of that. Check out Crim's YouTube channel where you'll get entertaining videos/streams and highly analytical and nuanced discussions of media:

Let's get Crim to 10K subs by Canadian Thanksgiving!

Bonus for the foot enthusiasts* out there: Critter Grippers™ are always on display:

*This is not an admission of anything on my part, I just know a good marketing angle when I see one!

say you've never interacted with the trans community without saying you've never interacted with the trans community. This is one of the words *we* use against pigs that simp for trans people and act like violent dip shits and horndogs on their behalf.

(also missing the fact that Sabine came in and started calling Sai a fat cow in this conversation. That's tranny chaser behaviour.)

[shikonstar]

Here’s a snippet from The Fixer. I posted a bit from this story here, and this scene comes soon (but not directly) after that one.

Professional relationship guru and relationship fixer Kagome Higurashi is at the peak of her game, but everything threatens to come crashing down when she runs into an old flame. What’s worse than setting up the love of your life with someone else?

Having to do it twice.

@heynikkiyousofine @elkonigin @mustardyellowsunshine @lavendertwilight89 @hahaalaine @ruddcatha @liz8080 @kawaiichan67

Inuyasha paused in the entryway, surprised by the interior. From the outside, the building appeared to be a large warehouse, but inside it was more like an upscale department store. There were clothes and accessories everywhere, and his nose scrunched at the mixed scents of makeup and hair products that hung in the air. Kagome didn’t bat an eye and instead strolled in like this was a second home.

“Jakotsu! I need you to work your magic!” She called out, craning her neck to see if she had missed him behind any of the displays.

“Kagome! My light, my treasure—please tell me you’ve come to relieve my boredom!”

Inuyasha hung back, watching as Kagome trotted forward to meet a man scurrying from the back room. He was slim but well-muscled, his crimped hair tossed up in a calculatedly messy bun. He wore a loose lavender linen jacket with the sleeves rolled up to display his forearms. On the right was a delicate tattoo of a cherry blossom branch, although Inuyasha’s keen eyesight picked up the droplets of blood sprinkled throughout the flowers. 

Kagome exchanged air kisses with Jakotsu, allowing his excitable energy to dispel some of her low mood. “We’ve got a job—this one will be a difficult sell, so I’ll need you to pull out all the stops.”

“Oh, honey, you know I love a challenge!” Jakotsu laughed before catching sight of Inuyasha over Kagome’s shoulder. “Oooooh, it looks like this is going to be a delicious assignment,” he crooned, his smokey eyes dragging up and down the hanyou’s form. 

Inuyasha shot Kagome a helpless glance as Jakotsu glided up to him and took his hand. “Hello, gorgeous. The pleasure is all mine, but I might be willing to send some your way with the proper motivation.”

“What, I—waitaminute—” Inuyasha spluttered, flushing a deep red. He had never been comfortable with people coming onto him.

“Down, boy,” Kagome teased, snapping her fingers at Jakotsu to get his attention. “This is a client, so let’s pretend to be professional.”

Jakotsu cast a critical eye over Inuyasha, looking for the catch. Finding none, he turned his attention back to Kagome. “He’s having trouble getting attention? Is the woman dead?” 

Kagome had spotted several outfits on a nearby rack that seemed to call to her, but she steeled herself to ignore them. They were nothing like the wardrobe she would have to wear for the foreseeable future, so she might as well not even bother. With a small pout, she tried to focus on what Jakotsu was saying.

“It’s....complicated,” she said evasively, not really wanting to explain the whole situation with Inuyasha standing there--his ears were pricked forward in a way she knew meant he wouldn't miss any detail. “Just start pulling together a type 3, with occasional warm accents.”

Distaste curdled Jakotsu’s face. “Ugh. Not my favorite way to style you, but I suppose you know what you’re doing. Do you have time to start on your hair? It’s grown out a bit since last time,” he asked her, getting down to business. 

“Yeah, just something basic for today--I don't plan on going back out. And can you pull an outfit? I’d like to wear one home to start getting the feel for it. The last job was more casual.”

Jakotsu was already rifling through the racks and gave her a wave that was both acknowledgment and dismissal. 

“Let me get you to fill out some paperwork while you wait,” Kagome said to Inuyasha, who had been staring at them both like they were speaking in an unfamiliar language. 

“What kind of paperwork?” He asked as he followed her to a desk in a tucked-away nook. “Wasn't the payment all you needed?”

Reaching into the middle drawer, Kagome pulled out a small stack of papers that had been stapled together. “This will help me do my job more effectively. Just fill out the questions referring to Kikyo--I still remember all of your information,” she told him, keeping her voice cheerful as she shoved the papers and a pen in his direction. “How’s it going over there, Jakotsu?” Kagome called, ignoring how her heart clenched at Inuyasha’s puppylike expression.

Keep it together. This is just a job.

“I think I--hold on, let me check this,” Jakotsu said from behind one of the counters, pulling his phone out of his slacks. 

“Uh, Kagome? I don't think I’m gonna be able to answer about half of these,” Inuyasha muttered, skimming through the pages.

She gave a short huff of exasperation. “How long did you two date? Good grief, Inuyasha! Just answer as best as you can--if I have to do some online stalking later, I will.”

Jakotsu, who had been smiling down at his phone, suddenly began to frown--an expression that became darker at the same pace as his eyes following the words that rapidly appeared on the screen. By the time he was done, he was practically radiating a negative aura.

He looked up, a sharp smile cutting across his face. “That was Sango. She had a veeeeerry interesting story to tell. Care to guess what it was about?”

Kagome’s spine stiffened, but she didn't dare glance at Inuyasha, who had come to stand close behind her at Jakotsu’s tone.

“It’s not a big deal. You know how she can exaggerate.”

“Oh, no, Boss Lady. This is a very, very big deal,” Jakotsu said, the softness of his voice in no way matching his eyes. “And we’re going to have a long, long talk about this later. I’m not going to sit back and watch you end up like--”

“It’s not going to be like that!” Kagome cut in, jerking her eyes to the side to let Jakotsu know that now was not the time. “I promise. Look, we can discuss this at our Tuesday brunch, okay?”

For several long, tense moments, the room was silent. Inuyasha had no idea what was going on or how a guy in a lavender suit and teal eyeliner could scream yakuza, but he was poised to fling himself into the situation if things went sideways. Why the hell did Kagome have a guy like this working for her?

After having worked with her for so long, Jakotsu knew exactly how stubborn Kagome could be. He agreed with Sango; this was a bad fucking idea. Like, tequila on an empty stomach after a devastating breakup level of bad. Unfortunately, he didn't think Kagome was going to be able to puke this out of her system. He couldn't stop her from doing this, but he would be watching. Watching very closely. 

He had been such a good boy....it would be a shame if he were forced to revert back to his old, wicked ways. 

“Fine. We can bitch about it over mimosas,” he said with a half smile. “Now, come on, I need to see if I’m going to have to make any alterations to this dress.”

Although she knew she wasn't off the hook completely, she was relieved that Jakotsu was at least going to keep his mouth shut while Inuyasha was around. Which was good because a quick look told her that he was starting to think of Jakotsu as a threat to her and was getting into what she referred to as his Classic Alpha Protective pose. 

Which she considered utterly unfair and damned misleading, but at least this time, she knew better than to read anything into it. 

“Go ahead and finish that up--there’s a couch where you can wait,” she said, grabbing her purse and heading back to the changing room.

Jakotsu paused at the concerned expression that flitted over the hanyou’s face, and he didn't miss the way his hand had reached for Kagome’s shoulder as she turned away, only to let it fall to his side. Hm. If he hadn't gotten that text, he would think.....he made a few mental calculations and came to a very interesting conclusion, one that he would keep to himself for the time being. He turned to follow Kagome.

Mama was right. The hot and stupid ones are too much damn trouble.

[baravaggio]

just curious but why are you so into st sebastian? like ive been following you for long enough to know your interests in the classical and in eroticism vary far and wide (as a true connoisseur's should 🫡) but why return to that particular iteration over and over

Hmmm this was a harder question to answer than I thought it would be! I think I initially became interested in the various depictions because I noticed how they have been and continue to be reiterated in all types of media, not just the visual arts....artists of all sorts do this with religious motifs, but Sebastian's historical associations with homosexuality (and his role as a plague saint) make those depictions particularly fascinating to me.

It's difficult for me to write a coherent analysis on this, but some aspects of his gay icon status I find really interesting - quotes are pulled from the fantastic article "Losing his religion - Saint Sebastian as contemporary gay martyr" by Richard A. Kaye:

That he is primarily depicted as a solitary figure, something that might seem at odds with the way even classical representations of him are read as gay or sexually ambiguous

A great quote about the above: "The martyr's self-absorbed detachment of visual affect is a fundamental aspect of his intricate mythology, for an archetypal image of an ecstatically self-preoccupied nude male would seem to grant erotic permission to nobody, and, yet, paradoxically to every viewer. In rough psychoanalytic terms, then, the martyr provides the opportunity for an unobstructed, unmediated erotization [...] As with the solitary youth depicted in Michelangelo's David or Hippolyte Flandrin's Jeune homme nu assis au bord de la mer [...], Sebastian's basic narcissism provides for what might be terms a polymorphously perverse response on the part of the viewer." (p.90)

Depictions are so frequently located at the intersection of alternative modes of male eroticism (the erotic as a solo activity, an invitation to freely regard the vulnerable exposed body, the "feminized" posing typical to some St. Sebastian art) and death, lending themselves to associations with gay sexuality and sadomasochism. The facts that 1) in the Bible, Sebastian continue to survive after being shot full of arrows, and 2) is so often depicted responding to penetration with either an expression of calm acceptance or with facial & body language that straddle the line between pleasure and pain, lend themselves to associations of voluntary participation in alternative, marginalized forms of pleasure.

There is some interesting scholarship on the way St. Sebastian's association with gayness track onto the medicalization of homosexuality - early sexologists like Hirschfeld actually explicitly identified images of St. Sebastian as ones that "inverts" tend to be drawn to.

The politicization of Sebastian imagery post-Stonewall and AIDS is something not often talked about (on here at least), but is really fascinating. Some people soured on him post-Stonewall, seeing him as too passive an icon for the politically charged moment.

With AIDS, "Sebastian the historic soldier comes to represent the militant, newly politicized homosexual, beautifully exposed to his fate but non-passively [...] In the late 1980s and early 1990s, one witnesses a double transformation of Saint Sebastian: first, as a saint invoked to ward off the plague [...] and, second, as a politically charged figure signifying not so much sado-masochism as government neglect and social hostility. As such, Saint Sebastian symbolically encapsulates (and partly resolves) what the critic Douglas Crimp has identified as two vital, supposedly irreconcilable, components of gay culture in the age of AIDS: the labour of mourning and the work of political activism." (p.98)

Something I haven't seen discussed in the scholarship on Saint Sebastian and AIDs is an analysis of Sebastian being tended by Saint Irene imagery...not sure if it's unexplored or if I just haven't found it yet, but I think of this a lot in association with lesbian blood drives, as well as a group of nuns & a female pastor I know who have shared stories with me about caring for men with AIDS (and eventually arranging their funerals and burials) when their families would not show up.

Anyway...you get the idea! I love the way the eroticism of Sebastian imagery has been received and richly interpreted in so many ways across history, the explicit tie ins to issues of gay self-identity and politics definitely make him of special interest to me! 🏹

[aclaywrites]

Oh Lordy this is a saga. For a super duper long time I didn’t care and just wore whatever. Jeans and t-shirts , it was the 70s and early 80s. I remember a pair jeans I had with rainbows on the back pockets, and a long sleeved ocean pacific shirt that everyone made fun of because they said it was a knockoff and not a real OP but it totally was. I had long hair that I didn’t cut and didn’t even pull back and it just hung around my face like Carrie. In 8th grade I got totally into wearing headbands and had 4 or 5 including one that was puffy and red like a ring of Saturn around my forehead. I can only assume this is the costume of a girl who isn’t interested in getting boys to like her, though it wasn’t that conscious in my mind just yet.

The last time I switched schools was 1985, just before my junior year. That’s also the summer I met Jessie and saw the Hunger, so it was time for a change. We went goth/punk 1980s Oklahoma style. I remember three wardrobe standouts: a pair of ballet flats with hieroglyphs on them, a black sweatshirt I cut the collar off, flash dance style and would wear over everything, and a tight, short skirt that was one continuous print of that 50s photo of people watching a 3D movie. I wore that until all the elastic went out and I couldn’t keep it on my ass any more 😂

Jessie and I split up when i went to college. I stopped dying and crimping my hair and let it grow out long again over the course of some years. I stopped trying to hard to be alternative looking, but I still liked black clothes, lots of ruffles and layers. Legit I had a black velvet cloak I wore when it was cold. I had a barrette shaped like a bat and used it to pull my hair back, on the days I didn’t braid it and pin it up Masterpiece Theater style. Dress like this and go sit in a tree and read Jane Eyre with zero irony. WHY DONT LESBIANS WANT TO DATE ME?!! 🤣🤣🤣

When I started teaching in the early 90s I had to go to the (thrift) store and buy adult looking clothes. Lots of jumpers (American meaning) and cardigans. This evolved into dresses and cardigans, I liked short waists, big skirts, no buttons, and a pair of Birkenstock Mary Jane’s which I still own. My off work style was kind of similar. Dresses and skirts and cardigans. I started wearing more colors, but it was still boho chic. Linen, velvet, the occasional Indian find with mirrors embroidered onto it. I cut my hair into the curly bob I wore for the next 20something years and continued to have very few dates.

After my kid was born and I was a stay at home mom, I let my hair grow again and plan to keep it long. It’s easiest for me, and I like the way it looks. I still prefer dresses and skirts, natural fabrics. I still only shop at thrift stores, and am interested only in pleasing myself, so I love to find odd pieces. I started wearing scarves around 2007 and now they’re a part of my look to an almost ridiculous degree (my kid was teasing me about thrift shopping the other day and said ‘yeah you gotta go to every one! What if you miss a scarf!) but I don’t care because they’re gorgeous and warm and dress up an outfit and frame my face while hiding my old-lady wattle 😂

One of the moms on car duty the other day was dropping off her daughter and gave me a long appraising look, then said critically “What does your husband have to say about the way you dress?” I was so shocked all I could say is “Mr Frizzle loves it.”

[weaversweek]

Perfect Pop 3 - Tiffany

"Kids buy kids."

Tiffany's management didn't know how to market their young singer. Club performances didn't work - she was just 16, couldn't really be there. An A&R guy who was at the shopping mall with his kids one day and looked around and said, "What about singing in a mall?"

And that turned out to be Tiffany's unique selling point, something to make her stand out from all the other young women. She's singing in your space, in your local shopping centre. There's a big oral history of Tiffany's mall tour.

Tiffany was someone just like you. Dressed in clothes that are affordable and accessible - jean jacket, crimped hair, earrings. Anyone can follow that fashion, however little budget, however little fashion sense.

I first came across Tiffany when the single came out here. “I think we're alone now" was bright and breezy, a vaguely familiar song reinterpreted by someone who sounds like she could mean it. And, during a weak January sale, it rose to the very top.

That’s a brave TOTP performance. A chunky cardigan, far too big for her; not going to get into Legs & Co. Live vocals, because Tiffany is at her best when she’s singing live. Different vocal line from the single, almost as if she’s distancing herself from it. Tiffany’s better than this? Too right!

For about six weeks, I was very interested in Tiffany. Hello, hormones. Hello, "yeah, would like to pop over and help with your maths homework, look after your plants. See the all-white bedroom, get something in black."

There’s childhood crushes that never go further, and there’s another act on that week's TOTP. David Van Day of Dollar fell head-over-heels with young Tiff. Sent her red roses, and his number, and a note saying how she was his “forever girl”. How utterly spewsome! The pervgusting Van Day (31) was told where to go by the management of Tiffany (16).

Traffic chaos in London, where huge crowds turned out and blocked the Euston Road. "Come and see Tiffany" said Capital Radio presenters Pat and Mick, and the rest was a mess.

"She's the next Barbra Streisand," said Elsie Gummer of Bromley. Maybe she'd heard the second single, the heartbreaking song Could've been.

"It's about the end of a relationship that doesn't quite work out, one that improves your life and you wouldn't go back on it."

Written by Lois Blaisch, the song turned out to be one Tiffany could convincingly sing, and one that fitted her vocal style. With the benefit of hindsight, we file it as a neighbour of Duncan Laurence's "Arcade".

A cover of The Beatles' "I saw him standing there" gave Tiffany a third top ten hit, but follow-up "Feelings of forever" failed to trouble the top 40. Behind the scenes, Tiffany had sought to cut ties with her mother, there were disagreements in her management, and it showed.

Second album Hold an Old Friend's Hand came out for Christmas 1988, new product for while there was still a decent fanbase. The lead single was "Radio romance", promoted with an appearance on Going Live.

"It's happened so fast... it's been my dream come true."

Tiffany's career on the top 40 lasted exactly one year: 1988. "Radio romance" fell out after Gift Token Week, follow-ups "All this time" and "Hold an old friend's hand" stalled.

Stateside, Tiffany started a tour supported by New Kids On The Block; by the final date, it was New Kids On The Block supported by Tiffany. When she was the voice of Judy in The Jetsons Movie in 1990, we thought, "Good grief, remember Tiffany?"

Freed from the pressure of making hit records, Tiffany was able to follow her own path, and actually write some songs of her own. 2000's album The Color of Silence was praised by critics, there was some dance singles, reality shows, support for the LGBTQ+ fans because we stood solidly by her, nostalgia tours with New Kids on the Block and Salt-n-Pepa, and much more.

And in 2022, Tiffany released a new album, Shadows. Here's "I like the rain", a "sarcastic and fun song about chaos, owning your mistakes, rebelling and not caring what people think but making adjustments as you go along in life to another season."

Tiffany's only turned into Stevie Nicks! Who'd have thunk that the little denim-clad gal at the mall would turn out to be a closet rock chick?!

Now, how’s the maths homework going?

[byneddiedingo]

Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura in Drunken Angel (Akira Kurosawa, 1948) Cast: Takashi Shimura, Toshiro Mifune, Reizaburo Yamamoto, Michiyo Kogure, Chieko Nakakita, Noriko Sengoko, Shizuko Kasagi, Eitaro Shindo, Masao Shimizu. Screenplay: Keinosuke Uekasa, Akira Kurosawa. Cinematography: Takeo Ito. Production design: Takashi Matsuyama. Film editing: Akikazu Kono. Music: Fumio Hayasaka. Drunken Angel has been called Akira Kurosawa's Stagecoach, because just as John Ford established a director-actor team with John Wayne in his 1939 Western, in this movie Kurosawa launched a brilliant collaboration with Toshiro Mifune that lasted for 16 films. But to my mind just as important, Drunken Angel marked the first time Kurosawa directed Mifune with the great character actor Takashi Shimura. The two actors had appeared together in Senkichi Taniguchi's Snow Trail (1947) for which Kurosawa wrote the screenplay. Kurosawa saw the potential of the team, in which Shimura's low-key steadfastness serves as a foil for Mifune's volatility. He reteamed them in 1949 for two films, The Quiet Duel and Stray Dog, but their most memorable work together would come in Seven Samurai (1954), in which Shimura's wise and wily Kambei Shimada plays off beautifully against Mifune's madly unpredictable Kikuchiyo. In Drunken Angel, Shimura has the title role: an alcoholic doctor laboring in the slums of a postwar Japanese city. His clinic fronts a festering lake of sewage and his clientele comes largely from the neighboring nightclubs and brothels. Mifune plays Matsunaga, a swaggering young gangster with tuberculosis, who comes to Dr. Sanada hoping for a cure that won't put a crimp in his lifestyle. The screenplay by Kurosawa and Keinosuke Uekusa makes both characters into complex figures: Sanada's bitterness about his poverty and lack of status feeds his alcoholism, but he persists in trying to help his patients, even when, like Matsunaga, they resist his efforts, sometimes violently. Still, there's a bond between the two men in a recognition that they are both caught in traps they didn't make. What makes Drunken Angel more than just a clever reworking of film noir tropes -- another instance of Kurosawa's fascination with American movies -- is that it's a veiled commentary on the wounded Japan, in which the militaristic violence has been turned inward. Yesterday's soldier has become today's yakuza, still carrying on about honor and saving face. Kurosawa's film delivers an incisive criticism of some of the root problems facing his country. Made during the American occupation, when censorship was at its strictest, especially in depicting violence, Kurosawa nevertheless stages some vivid and intense fight scenes, using Mifune's physicality to great effect. That much of it occurs against a background of Western-style pop music only heightens its boldness.  

[byneddiedingo]

Drunken Angel has been called Akira Kurosawa's Stagecoach, because just as John Ford established a fruitful director-actor team with John Wayne in his 1939 Western, in this movie Kurosawa launched a brilliant collaboration with Toshiro Mifune that lasted for 16 films. But to my mind, just as important, Drunken Angel teamed Mifune with the great character actor Takashi Shimura. Kurosawa saw how Shimura's low-key steadfastness serves as a foil for Mifune's volatility and reteamed them in 1949 for two films, The Quiet Duel and Stray Dog, but their most memorable work together would come in Seven Samurai (1954), in which Shimura's wise and wily Kambei Shimada plays off beautifully against Mifune's madly unpredictable Kikuchiyo. In Drunken Angel, Shimura has the title role: an alcoholic doctor laboring in the slums of a postwar Japanese city. His clinic fronts a festering lake of sewage and his clientele comes largely from the neighboring nightclubs and brothels. Mifune plays Matsunaga, a swaggering young gangster with tuberculosis, who comes to Dr. Sanada hoping for a cure that won't put a crimp in his lifestyle. The screenplay by Kurosawa and Keinosuke Uekusa makes both characters into complex figures: Sanada's bitterness about his poverty and lack of status feeds his alcoholism, but he persists in trying to help his patients, even when, like Matsunaga, they resist his efforts, sometimes violently. Still, there's a bond between the two men in a recognition that they are both caught in traps they didn't make. What makes Drunken Angel more than just a clever reworking of film noir tropes -- another instance of Kurosawa's fascination with American movies -- is that it's a veiled commentary on the wounded Japan, in which the militaristic violence has been turned inward. Yesterday's soldier has become today's yakuza, still carrying on about honor and saving face. Kurosawa's film delivers an incisive criticism of some of the root problems facing his country. Made during the American occupation, when censorship was at its strictest, especially in depicting violence, Kurosawa nevertheless stages some vivid and intense fight scenes, using Mifune's physicality to great effect. That much of it occurs against a background of Western-style pop music only heightens its boldness.  

三船敏郎 // MIFUNE TOSHIRO 醉いどれ天使 // Drunken Angel (1948)

[muhammad-hamza-o7]

How to Install a Mirror Cam with Parking Assistance in Minutes

Installing a mirror cam with parking assistance can significantly enhance your driving experience by improving visibility and safety. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you set up your device quickly and efficiently. With just a few tools and some basic steps, you’ll have your mirror cam ready in no time. Whether you’re using an HD car mirror cam or a rear view mirror camera, the installation process is straightforward and user-friendly. Let’s dive into the steps to help you get started and enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology.

Preparing Your Tools and Equipment

Before starting, gather the necessary tools such as screwdrivers, wire strippers, and zip ties. Your mirror cam package should include mounting brackets, a power cable, and user instructions. Ensure you have a clean workspace to avoid losing small components. Preparation is crucial for a smooth installation process. If your device supports parking assistance, verify that the necessary accessories, like the rear camera, are included. This step ensures that you’re fully equipped to complete the installation without interruptions or delays.

Choosing the Best Mounting Position

Selecting the right spot for your mirror cam is vital for optimal performance. Most mirror cams are designed to replace or attach to your existing rearview mirror. Ensure the device is centered and does not obstruct your view of the road. Proper positioning also enhances the parking assistance feature, providing clear visuals of your surroundings. Test the camera angle by sitting in the driver’s seat and making adjustments if necessary. A well-placed mirror cam ensures safety and convenience while driving.

Attaching the Mirror Cam to the Rearview Mirror

To secure the mirror cam, use the provided mounting brackets or straps. These are typically designed to fit snugly over your existing mirror. Align the device carefully and fasten it tightly to prevent vibrations or movement. If the mirror cam includes parking assistance, ensure the screen is easily visible but does not distract you while driving. Double-check the stability of the attachment to avoid issues during use. Once attached, you’re ready to move on to the wiring process.

Wiring the Front Camera

Start by connecting the power cable to the front camera. Most mirror cams come with a power adapter that plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or a hardwiring kit for a cleaner setup. Run the cable along the edges of the windshield, tucking it under the trim for a neat appearance. Ensure the cable does not obstruct airbags or other essential components. Secure it with zip ties or adhesive clips to keep it in place. This step is essential for powering the device and ensuring continuous operation.

Installing the Rear Camera

The rear camera is a critical component for parking assistance. Mount it near your vehicle’s license plate or rear windshield, depending on the design. Use screws or adhesive pads for secure attachment. Connect the rear camera to the mirror cam using the provided cable, routing it through your vehicle’s interior. This may involve removing trim panels or carpets. Ensure the cable is properly secured and does not interfere with other systems. Once installed, test the camera angle to ensure it captures a clear view of the rear.

Connecting the Parking Assistance Feature

To enable parking assistance, you’ll need to connect the rear camera to your vehicle’s reverse light. Locate the reverse light wiring, usually accessible from the trunk or under the rear bumper. Use wire strippers to expose the wires and connect them using crimp connectors or electrical tape. This connection ensures that the parking guidelines appear on the mirror cam screen whenever you shift into reverse. Test the feature to confirm that it activates correctly and provides accurate guidance.

Testing the Video Feed

After completing the wiring, power on the mirror cam to check the video feed from both the front and rear cameras. Adjust the angles if necessary to ensure optimal visibility. The parking assistance feature should display guidelines when the vehicle is in reverse. If the feed is not clear, troubleshoot the connections or consult the user manual. A successful test confirms that your installation is functional and ready for use. This step is essential for ensuring safety and reliability.

Adjusting Camera Settings

Most mirror cams come with customizable settings for brightness, contrast, and parking assistance. Access the menu to fine-tune these settings according to your preferences. Adjust the parking guidelines to align with your vehicle’s dimensions for accurate assistance. Some devices also offer options for recording resolution and loop intervals. For HD car mirror cam users, select the highest resolution for the clearest visuals. These adjustments enhance your experience and ensure the device functions optimally in various conditions.

Securing Loose Wires

Once you’ve tested the device, secure any loose wires to prevent them from hanging or getting in the way. Use zip ties or clips to keep them organized and tucked away. Pay extra attention to areas near moving parts like pedals or doors. A clean wiring setup not only looks professional but also prevents potential hazards. This final step ensures a safe and tidy installation, allowing you to focus on the road without distractions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your mirror cam does not work as expected, check the power connections and ensure all cables are properly plugged in. Verify that the rear camera is securely mounted and positioned correctly. If the parking assistance guidelines are misaligned, adjust the camera angle or recalibrate the settings. For more complex issues, consult the user manual or contact customer support. Troubleshooting helps resolve problems efficiently, ensuring your device operates smoothly.

Regular Maintenance and Care

To keep your mirror cam in excellent condition, clean the camera lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth. Check the wiring periodically to ensure it remains secure and undamaged. Update the device firmware if updates are available, as they often improve performance and fix bugs. For rear view mirror camera users, these maintenance practices ensure longevity and optimal functionality. Taking care of your device enhances your driving experience and protects your investment.

Enhancing Driving Safety with Mirror Cams

A properly installed mirror cam with parking assistance can transform your driving experience. By providing a clear view of your surroundings, these devices help prevent accidents and make parking effortless. They are especially useful for larger vehicles or tight parking spaces. The added convenience and safety make mirror cams an invaluable addition to any vehicle. With regular use and maintenance, you’ll enjoy the benefits of advanced technology every time you drive.

Can I Install a Mirror Cam Without Professional Help?

Yes, most mirror cams are designed for DIY installation. Follow the instructions provided in the user manual, and you can complete the process in minutes. However, if you’re unsure about wiring, consider seeking professional assistance.

Is Parking Assistance Accurate with Mirror Cams?

When properly installed, parking assistance on mirror cams is highly accurate. Ensure the rear camera is aligned correctly and that the guidelines are calibrated to match your vehicle’s dimensions for the best results.

What Should I Do If My Mirror Cam Stops Working?

If your mirror cam malfunctions, check the power source, wiring connections, and camera settings. For persistent issues, refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer’s support team for troubleshooting assistance.

[juvenasind]

Why Is Consulting a Hair Specialist in Gorakhpur Important for Maintaining Healthy Hair and Using the Right Hair Care Kit?

Sustaining healthy hair demands more than merely ordinary washing & conditioning. It includes taking proper care of your scalp, utilizing the accurate products, & addressing particular issues such as hair fall, thinning, or dandruff. This is where consulting a hair specialist in Gorakhpur becomes important. But why should you seek expert assistance, & what role do products like a hair care kit or anti-ageing kit play in your beauty regime?

The Role of a Hair Specialist in Gorakhpur

Hair specialists are experts who have comprehensive knowledge about several hair & scalp conditions. Either you are tackling hair loss, dandruff, or damaged hair, a hair specialist in Gorakhpur can provide customized solutions based on your particular requirements. 

Consulting an expert assists you in eliminating common mistakes, like utilizing products that may not accommodate your hair type or over utilizing chemicals that can induce long-standing damage. A hair expert in Gorakhpur can also suggest a customized hair care kit, which includes everything you require to sustain healthy, shiny, & solid hair. 

Why Choosing the Right Salon in Gorakhpur Matters

While home hair care routines are essential, expert treatments provided by a reliable salon in Gorakhpur can give your hair the extra care it requires. Salons provide a broad variety of facilities, from haircuts & colouring to in depth conditioning treatments & scalp massages. 

Furthermore, a salon in Gorakhpur offers admittance to superior products that are frequently not accessible in stores. These top notch products, combined with proficient care, can assist enhance the texture, well being, & appearance of your hair.

Utilizing a Hair Attention Kit for Daily Hair Upkeep

A virtuous hair care kit is essential for someone critical about sustaining healthy hair. These kits usually involve shampoos, conditioners, & treatments made to address normal hair issues like dryness, crimp, or impairment. When selecting a hair care kit, it’s important to choose one that suits your particular hair type & issues. 

Advantages of Massage Cream for Body

While hair care is important, taking care of your skin is equally essential. Constant massages with massage cream for body not only calm down your muscles but also enhance circulation & the flexibility of your skin. Body massage creams are made to humidify in depth, leaving your skin smooth, slick, & moisturized. 

Acne Lotion for Clear Skin

Tackling with acne can be annoying, but utilizing an efficient acne lotion can assist manage breakouts & eliminate future ones. Acne lotions are developed with elements such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, & tea tree oil that aim the germs resulting in acne. 

Anti-Ageing Kit for Youthful Skin

Watching out of your skin becomes significant as you age, which is why an anti ageing kit can be a worthwhile addition to your beauty regimen. These kits frequently involve serums, moisturizers, & creams particularly made to decrease the aspect of fine lines, wrinkles, & blemishes. An anti-ageing kit works best when utilized constantly, offering sustenance to the skin & safeguarding it from environmental damage. Including the appropriate products & consulting a hair specialist in Gorakhpur or reaching out to a salon in Gorakhpur can improve your beauty routine, confirming your hair as well as skin remain in peak condition.