#disclaimer: I am NOT from Macau

[floatyhands]

Hi! So I just felt the need to clarify the distinction between "Macanese" and "Macau person/native person from Macau", since the wording in the post might imply that those are interchangeable. (There were attempts to make them interchangeable by the government, but the wording of the post points otherwise.)

The Macanese (Cantonese: 土生葡人 or 麥境士) are a distinct multiracial ethnic group within Macau, which as the post said, have Portuguese and Chinese heritage (but also genetic traces such as Malay, Indian or even Japanese influences). They have their own (endangered) Portuguese-based creole called Patuá (which has Cantonese Malay and Sinhala influences), though almost all of them can speak Cantonese, and most know English and historically Portuguese. A lot of them are culturally Catholic. Here's a very short video about Patuá:

The average person in Macau on the other hand, is not Macanese, but instead a Macau person (澳門人). They speak Cantonese, usually consider themselves Cantonese, and typically do not culturally align themselves with Portugal.

There were attempts in 90s during the late Portuguese colonial years to redefine "Macanese" to refer to all people from Macau regardless of ethnicity, but that risks making people assume all people from Macau share the same Portuguese-Asian Creole ethnicity, or risks erasing the long cultural legacy of the Macanese ethnic group. So, I thought I'd chime in.

Day 205

Today’s Asian character is Lea Bing from Barbie!

She is Macanese.

(Thanks to the person who suggested her! In case ya’ll didn’t know, Macau is an administrative district in China, but is considered its own ethnicity due to Macanese being a mix of Portuguese and Chinese blood!)

[laesas]

Omg please tell me about daemi's kimchay and macau

Ok so - Disclaimer that this is all like 3rd hand information from twitter and chats with the mutuals (I do not have twitter and cannot read thai novels!)

TW for Suicide and Sexual Violence. (I will be putting this under a readmore just in case.)

So Macau I am more certain on - He commits suicide in front of Vegas (I think) by jumping from a building. I briefly talked about it at the time (because fan responses were getting a little too close to blaming victims and their families for suicides) and while I personally think it's an interesting choice for the character I think the way that it was handled was in poor taste.

Now I'm less sure on this and can't find a bunch of sources on it anymore so maybe it was a rumour - but apparently in another scene in the same novel, Kim rapes Porchay in a fit of jealousy.

If that is true it's like ??? Do you not have any other plot points at all??? Are neither of you capable of coming up with scenarios other than non-con for the couple who are the softest in the books and the show. You've written one character not involved in the mafia at all and another trying to escape it, why is that the narrative choice for them?? As well as being weird and ooc it's just...... uncreative? Only there for shock value. I like Kim and Chay and will *absolutely* be ignoring this characterisation if it's true lol.

I can't say I'm the biggest fan of daemi considering the content of the novels anyway. I think the show did a decent job at walking that line back to dubious consent (by having Pete and Porsche initiate) but obviously even that is not to everyone's tastes. As much as dubious-consent is the theme in the show, the novels romanticise non-con completely uncritically, which paired with the "straight until forced to have sex with a gay man" theme that novel Pete and Porsche have going on is like. Ew. Idk. I'm personally not going to be respecting their writing decisions lol.

Also another disclaimer. This isn't a Let's Hate Poi post. I don't like her writing, or her treatment of the cast, however that is in no way enough to make me believe that what has allegedly happened between her and Build isn't completely heartbreaking. I have a hard line about discussing this issue though - just for reference any asks about this will be deleted without reading, anonymous or not. It's hard to convey tone here but I don't mean this unkindly! I just very much cannot discuss it for personal reasons, but need to make it crystal clear the critique is specific to Poi's writing and I don't want to align myself with those adding to attacks on her personally.

Anyway! Not a cheery post. But hopefully that explains what I meant by disliking daemi's treatment of KimChay and Macau!

[rayfishandchips]

On that Chinese superman of DC and good representation

Summarized: Dear writers, do better or go home. Dear readers, go read spirit world, that one is real good representation for both Chinese culture and queer culture (a rare combination that we deserve more of).

Again, this is really just personal opinion on the specific topic of cultural representation in media. I'm writing this so those interested in learning about Chinese culture don't get confused by certain writers. I won't say I have the most mature and holistic view on Chinese culture either, but I can provide a chinese pov for reference.

So first as a disclaimer, I appreciate the writer's effort to make a Chinese story. But. Actual Chinese culture don't work like what you see in this Superman of China comics. Not at all.

One very surface-level thing is that we don't just grab a random guy from the streets for superheroism. Even if such a project really exist, candidates would probably be chosen from existing special forces or military schools. Those chosen for the project will also definitely be people with great skills and virtues because they will be held up as a national figure/role model like Chinese astronauts. Chinese people are serious about national projects folks, we even train all the volunteers to make sure nothing goes wrong before hosting major events like the Olympics. A random bully kid from the streets with one minor action of personal bravery? No. While this "common, flawed kid achieve great things for reasons" trope is totally possible under Chinese contexts, it wouldn't work if the said reason is being specifically selected for a national project. A more possible situation would be accidentally getting powers as the flawed common kid and growing up to be capable and responsible.

Then there's the justice league of China. Do some research my dear writers, we are not an unimaginative people. There's all the history, literature and mythology behind us to tap into, why would we just copy those 100% American heros with arguably dumb names? China is not a religious country, but we do have many somewhat religious practices that differ regionally. Faith depends on collective beliefs instead of religious institutions. These self-arising faiths and traditions offers great possibilities. For example, instead of "Aquaman of China", perhaps try a fisherwomen hero blessed by Mazu, a goddess of the ocean and safe sailing that is worshipped by many Southern Chinese fishermen to this day (Macau is in fact named after her). Now that is much more original.

Similar ideas apply to literature and history. There are a lot of Chinese hero storys (similar to epics, but these stories are mostly about various heros instead of one) that all Chinese people know about the way Western people would know about Hercules and Achilles. These stories also make great superhero material, because some of them are close enough to superhero stories already.

You can see the practices I suggested in the above two paragraphs in Chinese aerospace projects. We named our Mars probe after the Chinese fire god, our moon rover after a magic lunar rabbit, and our space station after the sky palace of gods. Sure I like the American names like enterprise and voyager as well (I'm a star trek fan what do you expect), but mythology-related names are a different kind of Chinese romantic.

Another problem about justice league of China is that batman. In Chinese traditions, bats actually have positive meanings such as luck and good life (“福”). In the Chinese context, a "bat" man won't really mean a "I am vengeance I am night" type. I'm seeing this as copying the JL homework on names because writers got lazy.

So in conclusion this comic is really just shoving the superman thing into a pseudo-Chinese frame WITOUT accounting for cultural differences. I would say that this is a 99% American story with a surface layer of Chinese on it for looks. If you replace all the characters with Americans it will still make perfect sense, and that shouldn't be possible if the story is really Chinese enough.

A better example will be spirit world. Sure it's not 100% accurate in mythology details, but it kept enough real Chinese elements while keeping things exciting and readable enough for audiences from all cultural backgrounds. The generally non-supportive/phobic attitude towards queers and the parent-child conflict seen in Xianthe's family are good takes on period-accurate reality. The paper burning practice is a common practice in China, and combining that with the spirit envoy concept (which is also a real thing under Chinese myth contexts) makes a creative character design that falls in the perfect zone betwen realistic and fantastic. It is rooted in cultural practices, not cliche like "oh a god blessed me with stuff". Besides, at least all the Chinese words in the background are accurate. Spirit world really did something there because it took the best of both sides instead of overriding one with the other. This is difficult, but without doing so it's impossible to achieve accurate and positive representation. Put spirit world next to that chinese superman and you kinda intuitively see the difference in quality.

Representation is always about creating narratives that belong to the represented. Shoving minorities into majority plots for the sake of it just don't do the job.

I wanted to write something about representation in our flag means death too but maybe later. It is also great because it did the job of creating original narrative. fyi "shoving minorities into majority plots" can also be known as queerbaiting :)

Oh on the other hand marvel was like "ok captain China" which is arguably just as bad if not worse.

Phew that's a lot of words. If you really read all of it you have my gratitude.

[an-aroaces-harem]

Ivy Chapter 17

DISCLAIMER: I just deepl and google translated my way through this because I wanted to know what’s going on, so there are definitely mistakes but I believe I managed the general gist of the story. Anyway, it’s just a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes. Morganatic Idol belongs to Cybird and ABC Frontier, Inc.

That week after returning from Macau. The day finally came.

The manager called me and told me that the contract would be terminated at the end of this week.

(I'm running out of time ... I have to hold another presentation soon.)

--flashback--

Ivy: … Thank you. I may not be the most reliable leader, but I’ll try my best.

Finn: Yeah. Of course!

Xeno: I’ve been saying that from the beginning. … Absolutely.

Hugh: Yeah. Good …!

Jace: We are no good without Ivy.

Ivy: Haha, I’ll be there for you. I’ll support you guys.

--flashback end--

The members of exe, who communicated with each other in Macau. That scene gave me the idea for the re-presentation.

(If the presentation is successful, I'm sure I won't have to leave Aegis ...!)

As I pondered this, Yamauchi-san approached me.

Yamauchi Kota: Cheer up. I'm sure there are plenty of other jobs out there.

Rina: Yamauchi-san ...

(It's been a long time since I've been spoken to. You've been avoiding me lately ...)

Yamauchi Kota: Hey, why don't you come to dinner with me today? Let's have a drink and blow all that shit out of the water.

Rina: ... No, thank you.

Yamauchi Kota: ... If you're refusing my advances, is it because you have a boyfriend?

Rina: ? What do you ...

(Why are you asking me that?)

Rina: I'm not in the mood for that right now. I'm sorry.

Although I was concerned abou Yamauchi-san's subtle expression, my mind was occupied with the impending termination of the contract.

And that night.

Ivy: Rina-chan, I'm home. What's wrong? You look so serious. Did something happen?

Rina: Welcome back, Ivy-san. In fact, I have a favor to ask you.

I waited for Ivy-san when he came home from work, and I began to talk to him.

Rina: Would you be willing to present the Essence perfume project again?

Ivy: ... Well, you finally got your plan together.

Rina: Yes. I'm sure I can make a presentation now that you will be satisfied with.

The recent unification of exe inspired me to make a re-presentation.

(If we put this idea together, I am sure we can come up with something good.)

(Now if I can just get a chance to present again ...!)

Rina: Please. I will never disappoint you!

Ivy: I was thinking about how you were thinking while helping me with my work. You're really good at what you do.

Ivy: I'm glad you asked me to help you with your re-presentation. I'll talk to the others right away

Rina: Thank you very much!

Ivy: I'll adjust my schedule. Can you let me know when would work best for you?

Rina: I'll check back soon.

The moment I opened my phone ... a message arrived on the messenger app.

Rina: !

Startled, I refexively open it.

(Who in the world sent me a ... eh, Yamauchi-san!?)

(I didn't give him my contact information. How?)

Ivy: ... What's wrong?

Ivy-san asked but ...

Rina: Oh, umm, I got a call about that job.

I lied to him. I promised not to hide anything, so I felt guilty, but ...

(I don't want to be misunderstood in a wrong way ...)

Rina: It's nothing, so don't worry about it.

Ivy: ... Really? Then it's all right.

Rina: Yes. I'm sorry, I'm in the middle of something. Here's the schedule for the re-presentation ...

I told him a few convenient days.

Ivy: I'll tell everyone. Just leave it to me.

I was delighted to see Ivy-san smiling at me.

Rina: Thank you very much! I'll make sure I give a presentation that will convince everyone!

(I'm glad I consulted Ivy-san! I'll finish the documents today.)

I clenched my hands together in a surge of enthusiasm.

Ivy: ... By the way, Rina-chan. Changing the subject, I actually have a present for you.

Rina: Eh?

Ivy: This ...

He presented me with a leather notebook. It had a classy design, and the quality of the notebook was obvious.

Rina: ! Oh no, I can't take it.

Ivy: Don't say that. Take it. I really appreciate everything you did for me the other day.

Ivy: Without you, I'd still be struggling with the feeling of inferiority to my fellow team members.

Rina: Of course I'll take action. Because if it's a concern for you, it's important for me too.

Ivy: Rina-chan ...

Ivy: Thank you. I'm very happy to hear you say that.

Rina: But ... I really feel bad about that. I always get things from you, Ivy-san.

Ivy: No, don't. You've given me so much.

Ivy: In fact, this present isn't even worth what you gave me.

Ivy: I can't let my feelings get the better of me if I don't do something. So I thought you'd help me out ... right?

Rina: Ivy-san ...

(I can't believe you think so much of me ...)

Rina: ... I will take good care of it. Thank you very much.

Ivy: Yeah, do that.

Then I received the notebook, he smiled happily.

Ivy: I'm glad. I wanted to thank you somehow.

Ivy: I was very happy that you solved my problems, but I was also very happy that you promised not to hide things from me.

His words made my heart ache.

(I promised you, but I hid Yamauchi-san from you earlier ...)

I wondered if I should still tell you about it ...

Ivy: I don't want you to be shy with me. If you have any problems in the future, please let me know.

Rina: ... Yes.

(I can't be bothered with this little thing any more when I'm relying on you for the re-presentation.)

(And ... I don't want to be misunderstood too much.)

... I felt guilty, but in the end, I couldn't talk about it.

exe gets into their car after recording a music program.

Sakura Eito: Next we're shooting at a studio in Minato.

Jace: I'm tired. But didn't it feel great?

Xeno: Yes. We performed as planned, if not better.

Hugh: Yeah ... was fun ... and the talk too ...

Ivy: Hugh was more active in the conversation today than usual. He usually looks like he's sleepy.

Jace: Xeno was quite involved in the conversation, if you ask me.

Jace: Usually, it's just me and Ivy, and sometimes Finn, too.

Finn: Yeah. I think it was the first time we've had that much fun during a talk corner.

Xeno: ... Maybe so.

Sakura Eito: The program director was also happy, He said that he was able to capture exe in a more harmonious and friendly atmosphere than usual.

Sakura Eito: It was a good vibe from my point of view, and it still is.

Ivy: Even now?

Sakura Eito: Because in the past, these travel times were spent either in silence or doing whatever you wanted to do.

Ivy: I guess it's true what you say.

Sakura Eito: Hm? I haven't seen you guys talk to each other in such a soft atmosphere since you were formed.

Sakura Eito: Exspecially Ivy has changed. I feel that you lost your self-consciousness.

Ivy: ... Hm. I feel much better than before.

Finn: I guess that whole Macau thing must have worked, huh?

Jace: I think it's thanks to Aegis-chan that we were able to do this. If we had been on our own, we wouldn't have even noticed Ivy's problems.

Xeno: Without her work, we certainly wouldn't be where we are today.

Hugh: Housekeeper-san ... awasome ...

Ivy: Yes. I can't thank her enough.

Sakura Eito: I was very impressed by what she said. It was a good decision to invite her to the aprtment.

Sakura Eito: The members are getting to know each better, and Kawanaga-chan is doing an excellent job. I can't say enough good things about her.

Sakura Eito: Even before the presentation, I knew she was different from the others.

Finn: I'm thinking it's about time we heard a re-presentation of the situation.

Ivy: !

The members, oblivious to the wide-eyed Ivy, are all in favor of the idea.

Jace: That's good, isn't it? I'm sure Aegis-chan will come up with a better idea than the last one.

Hugh: Yes. Housekeeper-san knows us very well ..

Xeno: I'm sure she'll do a great job. I'm interested to see what she'll do with the re-presentation.

Finn: I know. Don't you think so too, Ivy?

Ivy: Yeah ... I guess so.

Ivy: ... I was so impressed with the way she was able to change the atmosphere of the room. Is this her power, too ...?

Finn: Ivy? What's wrong?

Ivy: ... I've been just asked by Rina-chan to help her with the re-presentation.

... And so.

All members were in agreement, and a date was set for the re-presentation.

... A few days later.

With all the members gathered, it was time for my re-presentation.

(Ivy-san made this chance for me. I will do my best and grab it!)

Rina: Well then, everyone, please take a look at this document first ...

... I put everything I had into the presentation.

For the new project, I further expanded on the idea of personifying jewels.

exe, who has become more human through the perfume, clash and struggle with each other.

Through this process, trust is born in them ... and they change.

The members listened intently, sometimes interrupting with pointed questions. And then ...

Xeno: ... It's a novel idea. I think exe deserves to take it on.

Finn: Yeah, I'm in.

Jace: Sounds like fun!

Hugh: I agree ... I'd like to try it ...

Ivy: ... I'm with you. I thought your idea was great.

They all accepted my presentation and gave me a pass.

Rina: Thank you very much ...!

The joy welled up in my heart, and I couldn't help but burst into tears.

(You all recognized me, we can make the CM. I'm so happy ...!)

(I'm sure I won't have to quit my job now ...)

Rina: Really ... thank you so much ...

Finn: What are you crying about, you idiot? That's the part where you laugh.

Rina: Huh!?

Finn-san starts to stir my head, and then everyone joins in ...

Jace: I'm happy for you, Aegis-chan. You did a great job preparing for the presentation.

Xeno: It was a good presentation, but don't get carried away. The hard part is just beginning.

Rina: Of course!

Hugh: Yeah, good luck ...

With a warm smile or a soft look in their eyes, the members encouraged me.

(Oh, I have to thank Ivy-san as well.)

(I'm grateful to Ivy-san, who has supported me throughout the entire process, for helping me achieve this result.)

... I turned my head and saw a scene I had never imagined.

Ivy: ...

(Huh ...?)

There was Ivy-san, who looked at me with the coldest eyes I've ever seen ...

⤷ next chapter

[fishy-xp]

Macau Theerapanyakul - a character study (pt.2)

A study of Macau’s closet because what I would give to have his funky lil sweater collection (I will get to Macau circa Ep 6, 7 and 9 I swear)

Disclaimer: I have zero knowledge in fashion/fashion history and I am merely talking out of my assssss 

Macau’s Ep 2 outfit is quite different from the other two main outfits we’ve seen him in (ignoring his school uniform). The green varsity jacket, giant shorts and high-rised socks are incredibly boyish and scream hyper-masculinity, wealth and status. It’s the pinnacle of what a cool and suave boy should look like, someone sure of himself and his position as a Theerapanyakul (which from pt.1, I suggest he is anything but poor baby). This is what he wears in the house of the main family, this is a facade. His clothes are a protective layer that hides all his insecurities within that giant jacket. He appears larger than life, trying to literally fit into shoes that are too big for him. Also, the very obvious green of the jacket has consistently appeared amongst the minor family and is used to symbolise envy and jealously towards the major family. The major family compound makes him feel uncomfortable and entirely not himself. He doesn’t want to be here and has to put up an act of who he should be. His outfit is extravagant, pompous and a statement that pulls away from the lost child wearing the clothes.

In contrast, the sweater vests we see him wear in Ep 6 and 9 are a lot more comfortable and laidback. He has nothing to hide under a large statement jacket. What ties these outfits together is that Macau is with Vegas both times, they are alone with no bodyguards around looming over them. His brother makes him feel comfortable and a lot more like himself. These clothes fit but they’re not constricting. They compliment his body type and are leisurely. This is Macau, a boy who is comfortable in his own skin. 

 Furthermore, the horizontal stripe pattern of his vests layered over a plain white shirt can be interpreted in a few ways. Horizontal stripes (according to an amateur Google search and this is a Westernized interpretation) is often reminscent of convicts/prisoners and symbolises deviance and simultaneously freedom. So Macau’s choice of outfits can indicate that there is a deviance to him, a playful mischief and, as indicated by the colours, there is still a youthful innocence to him. However, there is the potential for that mischief to change into something much more sinister (if we see Macau move away from colours to more monochrome clothing, I will lose my shit). Alternatively, the stripes may indicate that Macau is trying to emulate his brother, who is percieved as the other, the evil one, the bad one (and let’s be honest, Vegas is batshit crazy and his behaviour? yuckydisgusting) or whatever negative perception the major family have of them but underneath it all, Macau is just an innocent child who doesn’t know any better. That’s the white shirt underneath (the white shirt is also present in his Ep 2 outfit), it represents his purity and most importantly, his moldability because any other colour can corrupt white all too easily. It’s too early to tell how Macau will turn out when he becomes an adult. He’s still trying on new things until he can figure out who he wants to be. 

I absolutely cannot prove it but I know in my heart that Macau and Vegas have matching necklaces. Whilst Vegas wears his main large rectangle chain necklace, he also wears another one that has more chains tightly looped together which is similar to one that Macau wears. But even working with the fact that Vegas wears his signature chain, it represents the brothers very well. Not only physically, Vegas being older and bigger than Macau, but also Vegas’ chains are open and loosely interlinked which showcases his out and proud personality. Vegas is overwhelmingly confident in almost everything he does and his jewellery reflects that, especially when he wears our favourite slutty open button down shirts that always show his necklace. In contrast, Macau’s chains are tightly wounded, he is still closed off and requires a lot more stability and surety than his older brother who is frankly a loose canon. His necklace is always hidden and obscured, sometimes we don’t even know if he’s wearing it underneath his clothes, even though Macau may be an attention seeker, who he really is, the person he begs for attention for, is not truly him. He is hiding a lot of himself still, maybe he doesn’t even know what he’s hiding and he’s still figuring it out. He is, after all, only a child.  

The brothers both wear a matching chain bracelet and this I can prove lmao (I promise the Vegas photo proof was actually the best photo I could get of the bracelet, trust me I rewatched literally all the Vegas scenes to try and get a good look). Vegas’ one seems to have a plaque for some sort of engraving which I assume Macau’s one also has. I think whilst it’d be adorable if their engravings were dedicated to each other, I think it’s more likely that it’s a tribute to their late mother. 

Macau also has a tattoo (Ta’s actual tattoo) which is a boat that I have just noticed and not read into yet, BUT BELIEVE ME I WILL IF I JUST STEW ABOUT IT 

[Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7]

[berestweys]

Kinnporsche Rewatch - Episode 11

Summary: Boy discovers to his horror that honesty actually IS real, bitch. 

Disclaimer: Just so those of you who’ve been reading along are fully informed, from here on out, these are definitely tl;dr any time Pete, Vegas, or VegasPete is made mention. I tried editing myself for the sake of length but I’m incapable. And fuck it, they're the ones who made me too insane to move on from this show. Everything about them is important data for this study. EVERYTHING. So I’m going to yell about it.  ... Enjoy?

Favorite Line: “You know, I raised my two brothers and they turned out well. Next it’s you I’ll be raising.”

Porsche’s Wacky Antics: Chooses the the weirdest hodgepodge of  candidates to replace him as Kinn’s bodyguard (The miniature Taekwondo champion makes me snort-laugh). Blows Kinn in a helicopter. A helicopter. There’s no privacy in a fucking helicopter, but that’s where Porsche chooses to join the mile high club. I support it.

Why is Chay crying? Two reasons. First, how could Porsche do this job? He and Chay only have each other! If something happened to Porsche, what’s Chay supposed to do? Second, Kim knew he was Porsche’s brother all along. How could he??? Did he ever love Chay? (Kid, he told you he wanted breakfast when you confessed your love.) He’s losing it and he’s doing it in Valet Parking again, in front of the security guard’s salad.

Woe is Big: Big is dead and I have spotted zero mourners. Poor Big.

Tankhun Highlight: Play-slaps and kicks Kinn over his announcement that he loves Porsche and wants to be his boyfriend & Tankhun is so cute.

A Woman Speaks: Hula-hooping Female Taekwondo Champion says “Hai! Hai! Hai!” I love her I want a show about her. Yok calls Porsche her baby and teases Kinn about making Porsche his love slave. Kinn calls her his mother-in-law.

What’s Pete eating, and who prepared it for him? Well. He refuses to eat some kind of soup in a pet food bowl and gets his face shoved in it by Vegas as a result. Gets told he should “eat what his owner gives him.” Listen, he’s not Choosing not to eat. He’s just Not Eating, okay. Later he continues to refuse to eat a salad Vegas prepared because Vegas “made it too long ago and it doesn’t look fresh.” This exchange happens after their talk about abuse and I am losing my mind at how everything they say to each other is in code. Pete’s very excited when Vegas responds to his complaint by making him fresh noodles. They’ve Talked and Learned and Know each other better.  He eagerly digs in, after Vegas takes a big bite to prove it’s not poisoned, of course. Pete goes from demanding death to remarkably ready to stay alive in the span of one episode. Too bad about the noodles on the bedspread though.

Vegas Report: He’s entertained by Pete’s screaming until Gun shows up and ruins things. First all his plans are spoiled and now Dad’s mad at him AND wants to take away his new toy. Vegas will not have it! He texts Kinn on Pete’s phone to secure him a vacation, but the really fun part is when he calls Grandma and makes Pete tell her they’re taking a trip together and not to worry. He’s absolutely gleeful at his great luck taking Pete away & breaking him all in one go. He actually giggles. He thinks he’s won, boy howdy, and off they go to one of the coolest houses I’ve ever seen and no joke I want to live in the safehouse. Too many chains in the guest bungalow for my tastes, but otherwise this place is my dream. Vegas gets upbraided repeatedly by Gun who is apparently driving out to the country every day just so he can yell at Vegas and smack him around. Such a peach, Gun is – he even insults Macau. Vegas just wants to read his little books and hang out with his little pets, why can’t he have a moment’s peace? By the end of the episode he’s feeling mysteriously better about enduring his father’s treatment. Gee, wonder what changed?

Shipping Activities

KinnPorsche: Oh no! Kinn remembered what he forgot: Pete! Porsche says no no don’t worry about Pete I’m sure he’s fine come back to bed and cuddle me. I cannot wait for Tankhun to yell at these idiots. Kinn calls a special family meeting to announce he loves Porsche and Porsche loves him and they’re in love. Korn has Chan loom over Porsche, gun drawn, as he begrudgingly assents to Porsche taking up the position of Beloved. I enjoy it. Kinn is smug at Porsche’s jealousy of anyone who has the nerve to guard Kinn’s body besides him. Porsche dries Kinn’s hair and it’s so sweet and nice. I hear this hair drying thing is a common BL trope and I can see why. 

VegasPete: My memory did not account for the fact that SO MUCH happens in the SAME episode. Vegas whacks Pete with a bat, thinks Pete is “interesting” when he suffers and is a lot of fun to play with. He makes Pete crack open by threatening the only thing that matters to him: his family. Pete gives up, he gives up, Vegas! Vegas smiles his biggest smile to date, and Pete... goes feral. His smile is gone. At the safehouse Pete’s unsure whether Vegas is talking to him or the hedgehog and I am amused. Vegas asks him if he really thinks he gets to choose and Pete informs him he’s not choosing. He’s simply. not. eating. (He’s not making a choice because Vegas hasn’t offered him one! He hasn’t granted Pete any space to make a choice! akfffgffhjjjjgkjk) This earns him a strapping for being “an untamed pet.” (Is this where I start waxing poetic about VP and The Little Prince or is it too soon? Too much blood still? Too many pus-filled lacerations? Fine. We’ll revisit my fever dreams at a later date.) There’s a pattern of violence following visits from Gun, Pete’s wounds fester, Vegas panics and delivers tender wound treatment and gives medicine straight from his mouth to Pete’s. “You must suffer until I’m satisfied,” he says gently after gently tending to Pete. They have a shockingly calm discussion about Vegas’ need to compete with Kinn, and Pete’s history of paternal abuse. Pete tells him their dads hurt them not because Vegas or Pete are fuckups, but because their dads are. Pete accepts food once Vegas has listened to him and Pete’s listened in turn. Vegas grins, pleased, once Pete starts eating comfortably. 

Do I care about KimChay yet? No. Kim sucks and Chay is crying on the sidewalk.

# of KimChay scenes in this episode: 1

# of KimChay scenes I watched without skipping through: 1

Kisses: Porsche kisses Kinn on top of his sweet head. Kinn kisses Porsche’s cheek when Tay and Time wake them up in the morning. Kinn and Porsche kiss in a helicopter. Vegas gives Pete mouth to mouth antibiotics. (Mouths touched means it’s a kiss, okay.)

Tits Out: Porsche & Kinn in bed. Pete strung up from the ceiling in the safehouse. Porsche in the pool talking with Chay about his future career path, & later while drying Kinn’s hair.

What’s Gun wearing? He’s still in his suit from his visit to Korn when he arrives to knock Vegas around in the torture basement. The shoulders of his jacket have what’s almost a bloused-out little ruffle at the shoulder. Lovely. When he comes to the safehouse the first time, he’s sporting a sage green and red plaid suit, green and red diamond checked shirt, red vest, black & white patterned scarf, and dark loafers no socks. What a man.

Serious Observations of Various Sorts: The bodyguards all watching Porsche from the door as he goes to face the family and declare his love for Kinn is simply the bestest. We all yell together when Korn announces Porsche is released from bodyguard duty and drafted into boyfriend duty. Yay! Also why are Tay and Time only in a few scenes I want so much more of them.

Have I calmed down? I am frothing at the mouth. I am a small, furry, growling woodland creature. I took a page and a half of tightly-spaced, neatly written notes about everything VegasPete that matters to me in this episode.

* 

Episode 1/ Episode 2/ Episode 3/ Episode 4/ Episode 5/ Episode 6/ Episode 7/ Episode 8/ Episode 9/ Episode 10/ Episode 12

[sciencespies]

Best Solar Eclipse Photos And YouTube Videos Of The ‘Solstice Ring Of Fire’ From Around The World

https://sciencespies.com/news/best-solar-eclipse-photos-and-youtube-videos-of-the-solstice-ring-of-fire-from-around-the-world/

Best Solar Eclipse Photos And YouTube Videos Of The ‘Solstice Ring Of Fire’ From Around The World

The moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse as seen through clouds from New … [+] Delhi on June 21, 2020. (Photo by Jewel Samad / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Early on Sunday morning as much as 99.4% of the Sun was covered by the Moon for less than a minute as seen from parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Although few international eclipse-chasers could travel to witness the event, and many living near the 27 miles-wide path of the Moon’s shadow were also thwarted by COVID-19 travel restrictions, amateur astronomers were out in force for this rare annular solar eclipse.

The path of today’s eclipse began in Africa and crossed into the Arabian Peninsula.

GreatAmericanEclipse.com/Michael Zeiler

This special kind of partial solar eclipse was visible for just under six hours between 03:45 UTC and 09:34 UTC, from the Republic of Congo in Central Africa to Guam in the Pacific Ocean. From everywhere along the track solar eclipse glasses had to be worn.

Ethiopia was where some of the first images came from; here’s an image from the iconic Lalibela in Ethiopia, which is famous for its rock-hewn monolithic churches:

Here’s a great video from Ethiopia (scan to 23 minutes for the “ring of fire”):

And another from Oman (scan to 1 hour 43 minutes for the “ring of fire”):

While a massive swathe of the eastern hemisphere saw a partial solar eclipse, that delicate ring around the Moon was visible for between 38 and 82 seconds only from a narrow path through the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, India, Tibet, China and Taiwan.

Here’s that “perfect circle” moment from Quriyat, Oman:

Minutes later, it was Pakistan’s turn:

Here’s what was going on in Ahmedabad, India, which experienced a maximum 77% partial solar eclipse:

Meanwhile, a “ring of fire” was visible in northern Rajasthan, India, from along that narrow full eclipse path:

Can you see those “broken rings” on the images above? Those are “Baily’s beads”. These beads of light are the Sun’s light coming through the mountains of the Moon. They were only visible for a few seconds before and after the “ring of fire.”

The path of today’s annular solar eclipse.

GreatAmericanEclipse.com/Michael Zeiler

From Dehradun, India the spectacle of Baily’s beads was also visible:

To the south, New Delhi, India saw a 93% partial solar eclipse:

The moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse as seen from New Delhi on June … [+] 21, 2020. (Photo by Jewel Samad / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

The word annular comes from annulus, a Latin word for “little ring”. An annular solar eclipse is caused when a New Moon is further away from Earth on its slightly elliptical orbit, so not big enough in our sky to cover the whole of the Sun.

After leaving India across the Himalayas, the “ring of fire” then crossed Tibet and China, with the last views of the ring—for about a minute—in Xiamen, China and southern Taiwan.

Nearby, Macau saw an 84% partial solar eclipse. Here’s a great amateur video of it, which demonstrates just how useful cloud can sometimes be for eclipse-viewing:

Don’t confuse an annular solar eclipse with a total solar eclipse, which occurs when a New Moon covers 100% or more of the Sun. The next total solar eclipse will happen next on December 14, 2020 as seen from a narrow “path of totality” through Chile and Argentina.

This combination of pictures created on June 21, 2020 shows the moon moving in front of the sun … [+] during an annular solar eclipse as seen from New Delhi on June 21, 2020. (Photo by Jewel Samad / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

The next annular solar eclipse will occur on June 10, 2021 and be visible from Canada, Greenland and Russia. It will be the first of three solar eclipses of some kind in North America inside just four years.

Solar eclipses are predicted using an ephemeris that accurately plots where the Sun and Moon are, with respect to Earth, where the Moon’s shadow is in space, and when it’s going to strike Earth’s surface. Spherical trigonometry has been used to plot how the Moon-shadow moves across the surface in 3D.

Science aside, you owe yourself a trip to see a solar eclipse—but make sure it’s a total solar eclipse you travel to. Annular solar eclipses make great photos—as demonstrated here—but they’re not a patch on the experience of “totality.”

Disclaimer: I am editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

#News

[101percentindia]

Poor Decisions Are The Biggest Cause Of Man-Made Disasters

I moved to Goa to run away from the city but realised karma follows you.

India’s smallest state, Goa, is one of the few very diverse lands. It has something for everyone - whether you like to party till the wee hours or you’re looking for a quiet isolated retreat. The warm and welcoming vibe attracts a diverse set of people from all over the world. The biggest asset of the state however, is its phenomenal green cover with palm trees and paddy fields on almost every block and village. My reason for moving to the state was singular - to run away from the din of the city. I love the fact that when I want I can live the urban life meeting and greeting people, but I can also switch off to a quiet reserve. This indeed becomes a big selling point when you are an independent writer.

Catching the sunrise at Dona Paula Jetty

The first time I visited Goa I was 11. My memory was of the Dona Paula Jetty. The endless sea coloured in myriad shades of green and blue, the horizon almost in line with my vision, the waves crashing on the dark rocks and the incessant cool breeze. 15 years later I went to revisit it, and found it almost unrecognisable. Litter everywhere, crowds of people, it’s a virtual mess. On the lookout for a more peaceful spot, I ended up at Miramar Beach.

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The many shades of water at Miramar

Miramar is near the capital of the state, Panaji, and is surprisingly one of the quietest and cleanest beaches despite the proximity to a denser population. It attracts people in broadly three categories - tourists, locals walking and exercising, and fishermen with their boats. There are no shacks on it but outside it, which is probably one of the reasons for it being unspoilt.

An illustration of the current state of affairs

In late July, however, beach bums like me were in for a surprise. Near the end of the beach that lies closer to river Mandovi, there came floating a pale green and white vessel named MV Lucky Seven. The river is home to Goa’s well known and frequented offshore casinos which the Chief Minister has been working towards removing since 2012, in order to give the overcrowded river a much needed breather. Seeing the Lucky Seven from a distance initially was an exciting prospect, inviting Goans from everywhere to come and view the site and take selfies. The vessel is owned by Golden Globe Hotels, a subsidiary company of former Haryana minister, Gopal Goyal Kanda, who was arrested in a case of abetment of suicide back in 2014. The company had the license for a casino, but laxity in paying taxes ended the lease. Early this year, despite talks of doing away with offshore casinos, GGHPL received a license to operate Goa’s 6th offshore casino, which would have been the Lucky Seven. The 35-year-old vessel was towed to Mormugao shipyard and without authorization brought to the Mandovi river, without complying with the mandatory fitness certificate.

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The site - or sight - of horror

The reason that it ended up on the beach was because it hit a sandbar while being towed and is now damaged. Monsoon is known to cause the sand on the beach to erode, but the impatient decision to set the ship going despite choppy seas has further pushed the beach back by two meters. Sand on the shoreline has been excavated to keep it afloat since, making the beach even smaller. While the vessel continues sinking on one end under its own weight. The water and sand inside its engine room isn’t helping either.

In July I remember reading that the CM, known for his political will, condemned this situation and directed Kanda to remove the vessel within two weeks. Monsoon, low tides and now an elusive Gopal Kanda, (who had initially ridiculed scientists’ claims that no environmental damage would be caused by this) has delayed the process further.

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The state of the beach

Each time I pass the beach, I find myself more sad than angry. Till recently, looking at litter thrown here and there or even hearing about any act that damages the immediate environment, I would be angry in a self righteous way. Yet feel helpless that climate change is an event out of human control. This incident and a recent art installation called Carpet of Joy by Dr Subodh Kerkar changed the way I look. Kerkar’s installation had a total of 1,50,000 plastic bottles thrown around on the streets in a village called Saligao in Goa. The installation, the flooding in Guwahati, Macau, Mumbai, Houston and this impending disaster of the stranded vessel have brought one fact to light - climate change is a reality (yes Trump it is). And the decision to salvage what is left of the environment or even make amends to avert the damage done lies solely in our hands. We can decide the extent to which a disaster - natural or manmade - destroys things.

I may have run away from big city issues. But I realise issues are everywhere. They’re just different. So here I am, trying to resolve this one. I’m not going anywhere this time. 

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are independent views solely of the author(s) expressed in their private capacity and do not in any way represent or reflect the views of 101india.com

By Shivranjana Rathore Photographs by Shivranjana Rathore