#fallout fan celebration 2023

[falloutcaldera]

We're at day two as well by the way! Once again, look for the short person with the red hat on the rollator and the taller one in the pink dress and watermelon hat, usually pushing them!

-Ren

[ellethespaceunicorn]

2023 Character Wrapped

@geralts-yenn and @raccoon-eyed-rebel tagged me to talk about my favorite characters. And well, this is just too good not to pass up. So, join me, won't you?

Let's rank my favorite characters! (Based on # of times I have written them).

Under the cut to keep my ramblings off your dashboard...but you just know there are bunch of Henry Cavill-shaped bitches under this cut.

But, in what order??

Alright, let's get this party started with...

Walter Marshall - Night Hunter

I feel like this is absolutely no surprise that I've written the most for this grumpy bear. But, I just call him Daddy. Whether he be touch-starved, an enemy turned lover, falling in love like a love-sick puppy, taking a little "me time" for himself, or being the goodest boy as werewolf Wolfie. Even wrote a headcanon about his hobbies.

2. Clark Kent - Man of Steel, BvS, Justice League

I have loved the character of Clark Kent since I was a little thing, I'm obsessed with curly-haired nerds. Clark also is the only character I have written "fluff" for, be it praising what you think are flaws or surprising you for your birthday. I have written him as a Sub and as a Dom (in my only work that has surpassed 1k notes).

3. August Walker - Mission: Impossible - Fallout

I've never written August as the good guy, and there is a reason for that. In my head, he's the life-ruiner. He can be sweet (to you), but odds are he just killed a guy because the guy looked at you for longer than a second. I've written August as a pissed-off Dom who was sick of being interrupted, a very bad Daddy, and an Uncle who takes advantage of his nephew's girlfriend here(original) and here(director's cut).

4. Captain Syverson - Sand Castle

Oh, Syverson. My baby don't even got a dayum first name and he's popular. I've written him confronting a lover during a post-apocalyptic pregnancy realization, and as a married father-to be getting his beard trimmed and talking to his unborn daughter. He's also featured in my Werewolf!Walter Marshall story, and that's all I'll say about that. (Also, I've been referring to him as James Syverson in every iteration of the character that I have written for - I think.)

5. Mike - Hellraiser: Hellworld

My sweet baby boy. He is a guilty pleasure. I gave him a full series where he finds love and has quite the cast of characters as his family. But, technically, I only wrote the series because of what happened here and here, when his naughty Uncle slept with his girlfriend.

6. Napoleon Solo - The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

He's just so fucking sexy. I love him, your honor. He's been a suave and sexy older man wooing a young student over a good meal, and also started a series where he was falling hard for a woman in his apartment building (still in the early stages and I promise @deandoesthingstome that I will get back to this series).

7. Sherlock Holmes - Enola Holmes series

I have also loved Sherlock Holmes since I was a little kid. I thought he was the coolest person ever, but he's a curly-haired nerd so of course I loved him. I love when Sherlock is in love, whether he is ignoring his bratty wife until he takes matters into his own hands, or if he is having trouble coming to terms with new love.

8. Charles Brandon - The Tudors

This little shit. This redeeemable, sexy, fucking slut. I love him. I've only written him once, and it was a request! But, I enjoyed it. I loved writing him getting teased sexually and then taking control of the situation. So hot.

9. Humphrey - Stardust

Ok, not actually a fan of Humphrey, I've just written him. And that was all thanks to @sillyrabbit81's milestone celebration at the beginning of this year. This fic is kind of a weird egg, just, go with me though. The plot is: you and Humphrey are step-siblings who end up getting a little...involved. I'm not sorry for the title of this fic.

And to our last entry, the only non-HC character...

10. Lloyd Hansen - The Gray Man

What can I say? If I had the means, and I guess I really do but whatever, I would rank this man at #2 above Clark Kent. Because Lloyd-excuse me...Sir is one of my all-time favorites. I've included him inside larger stories as a bit player, see Bright Like the Moon (where he plays a bad man later in the series). But, I also wanted him to have his own show where he was the star, so I had him stalk and kidnap a girl and tie her up in the basement and call her Sunshine. I also wrote a little headcanon about his family, quirks, hobbies and his sleeping habits.

TL;DR: Walter Marshall is Daddy, Lloyd Hansen is Sir. And I need to finish one series before starting another. Maybe I will work on that. *snort*

I have written for a lot of characters, and I'm not gonna stop. I really wanna write so much more and my WIP folder is literally overflowing with things. I just started a new fic like the day I posted the most recent chapter of THiCC. What am I doing??

No pressure tags: @cardierreh15 @milknhonies @halfofmysoulsblog @xblackreader @xsapphirescrollsx

[roamwithahungryheart]

Having a cry over Klopp's last match so I'm posting this again:

BBC SPORT - May 31st 2023

Lasso leaves Richmond, tells fans ‘don’t stop believing’

By Clive Ingram

Chief football writer

AFC Richmond fans are in a state of mourning after coach Ted Lasso announced his shock departure today. It comes at a tumultuous time for the club, hot on the heels of their dramatic face-off against West Ham that saw them finish second overall in the Premier League. However, Lasso’s infectious optimism shone through in his final press conference.

When pressed for the name of his successor, he replied “I don’t know who’s going to take over the team, but I do know this - he’s one lucky son of a gun.”

Since their promotion in 2021, AFC Richmond have had their fair share of controversies - from the fallout of Rupert Mannion’s bitter divorce battle with ex-wife and current owner Rebecca Welton (who recently sold 49% of the club’s shares to the fans), to the unfortunate death of their canine mascot, Earl Greyhound - but under Lasso’s leadership, they have learned to make the best of a bad situation.

Over the course of his tenure, a close friendship with Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp led many to notice the similarities in their heart-on-their-sleeve approach. In one of his earliest press conferences, Lasso recalled Klopp’s advice after a rocky reception to his initiation: “it is not what people think of you when you arrive, it is what people think of you when they leave.”

The Lasso Way will undoubtedly go down in football history as one of its most pleasant surprises. Ted Lasso transformed the game into something even more beautiful—not only one full of grit and determination, but also a game with heart.

Read the statement in full below:

“First off, I’d like to address the rumour that I decided to quit this job. That’s false. I don’t quit things. There’s a difference between leaving and quitting. You don’t ‘decide’ to quit - that’s a choice. It means you’re giving up on something, and I’m not giving up on this team.

I love these guys. I love this city. Taking this job was one of the craziest, greatest decisions of my life. Do I feel good about leaving? Heck no. But sometimes there ain’t no such thing as a good answer. Only the right answer.

I may not know who’s about to take over, but I do know this - he’s one lucky son of a gun. This right here is the hardest-working bunch of fellas in the league. Now, I know you’re probably going to try and give me all the credit for that, but I’m not going to take it, because it’s not about me. It never was. Success is about teamwork. That’s what makes the dream work, right?

The way I see it, if two people can choose a movie to watch in less than two minutes, anything is possible. Don't stop believing.”

Richmond’s joyful celebration on the pitch after their final match of the season is all the more bittersweet in hindsight, and if the outpouring of love on social media is anything to go by, Ted Lasso’s legacy will leave a mustache-shaped hole in the sport that’s going to be difficult, if not impossible to fill.

Keep your eyes peeled folks I'm crawling back to this story in a pool of tears (read the story so far here)

[richincolor]

Everyone Wants to Know by Kelly Loy Gilbert

Review Copy: ARC via publisher Availability: 6/13/2023

This ripped-from-the-tabloids young adult drama by the critically acclaimed author Kelly Loy Gilbert about a girl’s famous-for-being-famous family fracturing from within as their dirty laundry gets exposed.

The Lo family sticks together. That’s what Honor has been told her whole life while growing up in the glare of the public eye on Lo and Behold , the reality show about her, her four siblings, and their parents. Their show may be off the air, but the Lo family members still live in the spotlight as influencers churning out podcasts, bestselling books, and brand partnerships. So when Honor’s father announces that he’s moving out of their northern California home to rent an apartment in Brooklyn, Honor’s personal upset becomes the internet’s trending B-list celebrity trainwreck—threatening the aspirational image the Los’ brand (and livelihood) depends on.

After one of her best friends leaks their private conversation to a gossip site, bruised and betrayed Honor pours all her energy into reuniting her family. With her parents 3,000 miles apart, her siblings torn into factions, and all of them under claustrophobic public scrutiny, this is easier said than done. Just when Honor feels at her lowest, a guarded yet vulnerable boy named Caden comes into her life and makes her want something beyond the tight Lo inner circle for the first time. But is it fair to open her heart to someone new when the people she loves are teetering on the edge of ruin?

As increasingly terrible secrets come to light about the people Honor thought she knew best in the world, she’s forced to choose between loyalty to her family and fighting for the life she wants.

Review: I've been a fan of Kelly Loy Gilbert's writing ever since I picked up Picture Us in the Light and realized that it was set at Monta Vista, a school in the area that I grew up. It was the first time I felt so seen in fiction, and I ended up convincing more than a few childhood friends to read it. So given all that, you know I was very, very excited for Gilbert's latest book, Everyone Wants to Know.

Gilbert's latest is a razor sharp look at an all-too-relevant topic at the moment: influencer culture and particularly influencer families. If you pay any attention at all to this space, you may have seen recent discussions, articles, etc regarding children who were raised by influencer parents and didn't consent to becoming influencer content. In Everyone Wants to Know, the influencer family is the Lo family, a family who once starred in a reality show before spawning an influencer empire. The narrator, Honor, must grapple with the fallout when her father announces that he's leaving the family and secrets are uncovered.

People who follow influencer culture will find Everyone Wants to Know propulsive and compelling. The level of detail is incredible -- it reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians. At times, I found the amount of detail and cascade of event after event somewhat overwhelming, but overall, I found that it meaningfully contributed to a gripping tale of family drama.

My favorite part was Honor's reflections on family and cultural heritage. I loved the historical and cultural tie-in to where Honor's parents and grandparents came from. An Asian American take on influencer family drama resonated with me.

For people who are interested in influencer culture, this is an absolute must-read and came out at just the right time in this cultural moment. I definitely recommend checking it out if it sounds intriguing to you! (And please, please read Picture Us in the Light!)

Recommendation: Get it soon!

[unsocial-parasocial123]

Decoding the Dynamics: A Journey into Parasocial Relationships

Decoding the Dynamics: Navigating the World of Parasocial Relationships

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, our exploration today delves into the intricate realm of parasocial relationships. I am Ajmaanie Andre, a sophomore student in ENC1102, and I’m here to guide you on your metaphorical “highway to hell”. Or in this case, handling the terror that is social media.

Understanding Parasocial Relationships

Parasocial relationships, a term gaining traction in our world, involve forming connections with individuals we've never met - celebrities, TV characters, or social media influencers. It's a unique and intriguing facet of our digital existence. In the contemporary digital landscape, the phenomenon of parasocial relationships has emerged as a complex and intriguing aspect of our interconnected society. As we navigate this intricate web of one-sided connections with celebrities, fictional characters, and social media influencers, it becomes imperative to unravel the dynamics and implications of these relationships. This report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of parasocial relationships, exploring both their positive and negative aspects, delving into their impact on mental health, examining real-life case studies, and offering practical strategies for individuals to navigate the digital realm responsibly.

The Positives and Negatives

As we embark on this exploration, let's consider the dual nature of parasocial relationships. On one hand, they offer a sense of connection, companionship, and even inspiration. On the other hand, these connections can lead to unrealistic expectations, emotional distress, and a distorted sense of reality.

Parasocial relationships, characterized by connections formed with media personalities without reciprocal interaction, have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age. To comprehend the dynamics of parasocial relationships, it is crucial to explore the conceptual framework that underpins these one-sided connections. As highlighted by Gleason et al. (2017), parasocial relationships involve a unique form of social interaction where individuals develop a sense of connection and intimacy with media figures despite the absence of direct communication. Beyond their external manifestations, parasocial relationships have profound psychological implications. As individuals invest time and emotions into these one-sided connections, the impact on mental well-being becomes a subject of paramount importance. Research from Gleason et al. (2017) suggests that in early adolescence, when individuals are navigating their identities, parasocial interactions can serve as a coping mechanism, offering a sense of companionship and understanding. However, the potential pitfalls are equally significant. The work of Wyland (2023) sheds light on the negatives, emphasizing how the blurred lines between reality and mediated personas can contribute to unrealistic expectations and social isolation.

Parasocial relationships offer both positive and negative experiences for individuals engaging in these connections. On the positive side, they provide a sense of companionship, inspiration, and connection to a broader community of fans. However, as discussed by Wyland (2023), these relationships can also lead to unrealistic expectations, emotional distress, and a distorted perception of reality. For example, the concept of "parasocial breakup" introduces a unique psychological challenge. When a viewer feels a parasocial relationship has ended, voluntarily or involuntarily, the emotional fallout can resemble the grief experienced in real-life breakups (Maltby et al., 2010). Parasocial relationships, akin to traditional face-to-face connections, can serve as sources of social support. For individuals experiencing loneliness or social isolation, the perceived connection with a content creator can provide a sense of companionship and understanding. This emotional resonance can be a coping mechanism, particularly in the absence of offline social networks. On the flip side, the potential for parasocial relationships to become parasitic is a noteworthy consideration. Unhealthy attachments, obsession, and dependency on digital personalities have been documented, raising concerns about the blurred boundaries between genuine connection and over-reliance on mediated interactions. Researchers argue for a nuanced understanding of these dynamics to develop strategies for fostering healthy digital engagement. This dual perspective emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the impact of parasocial relationships on individuals' lives.

Impact on Mental Health

Delving deeper, research suggests a significant impact on mental health. These one-sided connections can influence our emotions, behaviors, and even contribute to feelings of loneliness. Understanding the psychological aspects of parasocial relationships is crucial in navigating the digital landscape.

An often overlooked aspect of parasocial relationships is their intersectionality with broader social issues. The power dynamics embedded in these digital connections can perpetuate and amplify existing inequalities. Recent works by Wyland (2023) delve into the disparities in the formation of parasocial relationships, emphasizing how individuals from marginalized communities may experience different levels of representation and connection in the digital realm.

The impact of parasocial relationships on mental health is not uniform across diverse demographic groups. Research indicates that individuals from marginalized backgrounds, already navigating societal challenges, may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of parasocial interactions (Gleason et al., 2017). Understanding this intersectionality prompts a critical examination of the role digital spaces play in either reinforcing or challenging existing power structures.

Case Studies

Real-life stories provide a compelling lens through which to examine the power of parasocial relationships. From heartwarming connections that transcend screens to unexpected twists in the narrative, these case studies offer a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play.

The landscape of parasocial relationships has evolved significantly with the advancement of digital platforms. The immediacy and accessibility of social media have intensified the formation of these connections. A study posted to KQED (2001) illuminates how individuals, particularly the younger demographic, are prone to forming parasocial bonds through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The continuous scroll of curated content blurs the boundaries between the personal and the performative, contributing to the cultivation of parasocial relationships at an unprecedented scale. the symbiotic relationship between influencers and their audience highlights the intricate dance of expectations and content delivery. This relationship is not merely a byproduct of modernity but a strategic outcome of the digital age. Influencers consciously craft personas that resonate with their target audience, fostering a sense of relatability and authenticity (Marwick & Lewis, 2017). This deliberate construction of identity in the digital sphere has redefined the dynamics of parasocial relationships, intertwining elements of reality and performance in a complex dance of influence and connection. Recognizing the potential challenges posed by parasocial relationships, practical strategies are essential for individuals to maintain a healthy and balanced digital existence.

How to Navigate the Digital Realm

The ethical dimensions of parasocial relationships extend beyond issues of representation and cultural appropriation. Content creators, particularly influencers with substantial followings, wield considerable influence over their audience. The ethical responsibilities accompanying this influence are complex, involving considerations of transparency, authenticity, and the potential impact on vulnerable viewers.

Recent controversies, such as the promotion of harmful products without adequate disclosure, underscore the need for ethical guidelines in the realm of parasocial relationships (Marwick & Lewis, 2017). The evolving nature of digital interactions necessitates constant reassessment of ethical standards to ensure the well-being of the audience. Furthermore, the use of algorithms to curate content and facilitate connections introduces ethical concerns regarding privacy and consent. As platforms increasingly rely on data-driven algorithms to personalize user experiences, questions arise about the extent to which users are aware of, and consent to, the mechanisms shaping their digital interactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of parasocial relationships reveals a fascinating intersection of the digital and personal realms. The findings from this report, informed by the scholarly insights of Gleason et al. (2017) and Wyland (2023), emphasize the need for a mindful approach to digital connections. As individuals continue to navigate the complexities of parasocial relationships, staying curious, connected, and mindful becomes paramount for harmonious coexistence in the digital era. As we navigate the complex web of parasocial relationships, it becomes evident that this phenomenon is not a fleeting trend but a fundamental aspect of contemporary social dynamics. Acknowledging the psychological effects, the evolving nature in the digital age, and the responsibilities of both creators and consumers allows us to approach parasocial relationships with nuance and understanding. Balancing the benefits of connection with the potential drawbacks requires a collective effort to foster digital literacy and promote mindful engagement.

Whether you've found resonance in the tales of others or pondered the intricacies of your own digital connections, our exploration today has shed light on the multifaceted nature of parasocial relationships. As we continue to decode the dynamics, remember to stay curious, connected, and mindful in the digital realm.

[frozendoorgaming]

Morning Mist #50

Announcements, Releases, Trailers

Fortnite Chapter 2 Leaked Via App Store

Europeans will be able to train their brain on Switch early next year

Luigi's Mansion Japanese overview trailer features six minutes of ghoulish action

Starbreeze says it will release Payday 3 in 2022-2023

MediEvil video series offers guidance to surviving Gallowmere

A new trailer for The 13th Doll showcases some very '90s FMV acting

Chorus is a musical murder mystery from Dragon Age writer David Gaider

The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature Lurching Its Way To Switch

You can get a feel for Doraemon Story of Seasons with the Switch demo

This box set is the only Mega Man collection you'll ever need on Switch

Sega is remixing old Sonic Adventure music, so people think a remake is coming

Milestones, Industry

Hi-Rez Studios Joins Epic Games In Expressing Support For Free Speech

As the fallout from #BoycottBlizzard continues, video game companies plead with players and staff to keep politics private

After a week of protests, Blizzard issues statement on pro-Hong Kong Hearthstone player ban

Anonymous Blizzard employee cites lack of internal communication: ‘It’s pulling our teams apart at the seams’

Riot Games sues esports organzation Riot Squad over trademark infringement

Mark Kern didn’t just quit WoW Classic: He accused his old Firefall studio of corruption

Daybreak Games makes multiple layoffs, including on Planetside Arena team

Deals, Freeware

This Steam game from Ittle Dew devs Ludosity is free to keep this weekend

World War 2 shooter Hell Let Loose is free for the weekend

Save $150 on this budget gaming laptop from Best Buy

This case will make your PC look like a Mac, if that’s your thing

Rounding up the retro mini console deals

Humble Store Call Of Duty Weekend Now Live

Information

Microsoft Flight Simulator alpha testing begins soon

GWENT iOS Beta Arriving on First Come First Serve Basis

TF2 turns twelve, celebrates with Scream Fortress XI

Apex Legends' Charge Rifle will be nerfed soon

First look at Apex Legends Firing Range training area coming in Season 3

Path of Exile promises a new metagame and ‘risk vs. reward’ in its upcoming expansion

The next Fallout 76 event is Halloween related, please clap

Dungeons and Dragons Online’s Night Revels Halloween event returns (with a pretty large bug)

Daemon x Machina update brings PvP combat, Duel mode and bug fixes

Destiny 2 reduces heavy ammo spawns in PVP, Iron Banner coming next week

New Final Fantasy XIV site shows us what New Game+ looks like

Star Citizen is going spelunking

Five More Games Join Apple Arcade

Etc

Mega Man is getting a six-disc vinyl soundtrack collection

Believe It Or Not, A Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Halloween Costume Exists

This fan-made character creator for Untitled Goose Game lets the goose be a detective

The math behind predictable projectiles in games

Blizzard Forcibly Changes Gay World of Warcraft Guild Name

The island where you can't play Pokémon Go