#i love learning about public transit i love talking about it i love riding it (even if it's broken half the time) incredible shit man

[thestarminstrel]

put two autistic people in a vc and they will get excited about trains in an urban planning sim

[evilbonehag]

Outlast AU: Normal Fucking People! EdVal friendship stupidity lets go-

(Warning for mentions of sexual assault for backstory reasons yk)

(Normal Fucking People is what I’ve lovingly named my slice of life Outlast AU where all the characters are haunt actors who scare people for a living)

• They bonded initially over loving horror and performance- they share details about their characters to each other that no one else knows. Their work at the Mount Massive/Temple Gate haunts originally got them talking and now they each realize how deeply their own lives and traumas affect the characters they play

• the weird kind of friendship where one of them is extremely put together and the other is always a fucking mess so it almost seems unfair (but it switches constantly because Eddie may be a homeowner but despite Val never having any money she is usually on the listening end when he’s got something to vent about and this is Often)

• Give the rancid vibes of a toxic couple (Constant gross pet names from Eddie, constant innuendos from Val, she likes to sit on his lap at parties and it weirds people out, they’re always hanging out and talking shit about people they hate etc etc)

• Really though, they’re each healing in their own way, its just a LOT. Val escaped an abusive Christian upbringing, Eddie has cpstd from childhood sexual abuse and they’ve each lived for 30-40 years and are JUST NOW trying to undo it all

• seriously Eddie didn’t even admit to himself that he was gay until a few months ago. Val suspected the whole time and definitely poked him about it and BOY would he get upset.

• meanwhile Eddie is a terrible great wingman for Val who is currently dealing with her giant gay crush on Marta. he’s just trying to learn how to not be overtly terrifying to be around (Hes WEIRDLY friendly. Marta hates this.)

• Eddie used to be visibly uncomfortable with being seen with Val in public in her goth-satanist-punk-what-have-you getup but they found the solution was not, in fact, to get Val to tone it down, but to get Eddie into wearing vintage. So now they’re getting into looking weird in public together, slowly but surely, and they’re quite the pair

•Eddie follows Val’s blog but he doesn’t have the attention span to Read All of That (Val writes essay-length blog posts and journals for fun, mostly about horror, sexuality, religion, human beings, etc.)

• Val is really well read and really good at talking. She has been able to get Eddie to listen to her musings very often when they smoke together

• it took Val a surprising amount of effort to get Eddie to be okay with getting high and he was a huge baby about it the first time they tried

• Eddie’s transition from “Can you please leave the spiked dog collar at home” to “Your tights need more holes in them, let me get the scissors-”

• Eddie has an oldies/musical theatre playlist for the car but Val hates upbeat showtunes more than anything. Eddie gives her rides everywhere so he’s been making it a challenge to find her something she’d like (“If I can imagine a kick-line to it, it’s trash, Ed”)

• The amount of crying and screaming these two do around each other. There was a period of their friendship where they were consistently talking each other down from things. Val is still grappling with shame around sexuality despite outwardly being very sex-positive, and Eddie has so much trouble trusting people and releasing control for fear of being assaulted again. They’re okay with being very raw and unfiltered around each other in ways they can’t be with anyone else

• “Did you see Rick at the haunt last night?”

“Fuck Rick.”

“Yeah, fuck Rick.”

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: Mt Fog

Photo: Rachel Bennett

Mt Fog began as a solo project for classically trained Carolyn B. but has lately expanded to include drummer Andy Sells (Afrocop, Select Level, FCS North) and bassist Casey Rosebridge (Swanderer, Crazy Eyes). Jennifer Kelly found the expanded palette a revelation on Mt Fog’s second album, Ultraviolet Heart Machine writing, “There is something magic about the way her volatile, fluttering vocal phrasings interact with the thump of bass, here played by Casey Rosebridge, or how the organic twining of her melodies sound braced by the thud of real, organic drums.”  Here are some of the albums on heavy play during the recording process.

Japan — Gentlemen Take Polaroids

I love the soundscapes and the fretless bass squiggles, and how they create this moody, mossy universe for David Sylvian’s voice.  Favorite track:  “My New Career”

Satisfact — The Third Meeting at the Third Counter

High energy, melodic at times and perfectly noisy, fueling me as I ride public transit in Seattle.

FCS North — Vocabulary

Incredible atmospheres, feels like the water of the Puget Sound washing over you. Andy Sells (drummer of Mt Fog) is a member of FCS North, active from 1998-2008 and very influential.

Talking Heads — More Songs about Buildings and Food

I saw David Byrne once at a Balkan music festival in Brooklyn, years and years ago; my friends were freaking out, and that’s how I learned about the Talking Heads. I absolutely love how David Byrne uses his voice and the particular dance-ability of this album.

Lizzy Mercier Descloux — Press Color

I discovered Lizzy Mercier Descloux this past year. What a band! And a voice with such cool attitude.

Sadhappy — Depth Charge

Seattle-area saxophonist Skerik was in this trio in the 1990s, and it’s just so funky and ridiculous at times.

Benjamin Britten — A Midsummer Night’s Dream (London Symphony 1960 recording)

My family listened to this all the time when I was a kid, as my sisters were in a production in the late 1980s. This recording is the original and so so good. I love Puck’s talk-singing. The orchestra breathes and sighs. A composition that is so synergistic between the sound and the forest setting.

Sugarcubes — Stick Around for Joy

I didn’t get into Bjork’s earlier project until about a year ago and this CD was my most listened to CD since I got it last summer. This is a band of elves, and they sound like they’re playing at the most fun festival.

The Sea and Cake — The Fawn

A reminder that simple and chill can also be emotional and powerful in its understated-ness.

Gateway — Gateway 2

When I listen to this, I am reminded that music is pure magic, that musicians cast spells with the sounds we create. SO SPECIAL.   You must listen to the whole thing but if not start with the beginning, “opening.” 

[hannah-s-city-girl-adventures]

Week 3 Urban Sociology Blog

When I was taking Septa to Center City yesterday, I thought of Hutter’s “Experiential Activity 9.4: Disobey Behavioral Norms,” in which part of the experiment is to “make direct eye contact with several different strangers while you are riding on public transit.” Needless to say, I did not conduct this experiment, knowing that if someone did it to me, I would feel very uncomfortable and maybe a bit unsafe, being a younger woman in a public place. The idea of eye contact isn’t inherently bad, but because there is a norm set in place, such as on Septa, where everyone is doing their own thing, if broken would cause alarm and social disorder. 

I was trying to find third places on my trip to Center City, but it was difficult mainly because I haven’t been here too long. At home, a third place I think of is Montrose, where all the middle schoolers would hang out after school, and high schoolers would avoid because of all the said middle schoolers there. Montrose looks vastly different from the rest of the city: it is just one street with wide sidewalks, lots of small businesses, with Christmas lights hanging on the trees year round. I would frequent the local candy store, the Froyo shop (where many peers work), and go to the park right around the corner. Being back home from college, I will without a doubt run into at least 5 people I know in just one visit. But to keep this image of a pristine and family friendly place, several measures are taken place to keep order, such as a strict curfew of 10pm, where groups of teenagers after hours will be stopped by police and sent home, or homeless people being driven to the neighboring city to keep them out of Montrose. Disorder is stopped from the very beginning.

When I think of third places on campus, several spots come to mind. Though I live in Harrison on the 7th floor, the lobby is also a third place for me, as I get to talk with Tatiana, the security guard I’m friends with. I’m also bound to run into friends in the lobby that also live in Harrison, but don't live on my floor. WilCaf is a main third place for many students, because the workers are your own peers. The people I know who work at Wilcaf very much think of the space as a second home, and their coworkers are all close knit friends. Even in the sitting area, you’ll find people talking with each other, or studying, which I would imagine would occur at independent coffee shops, not necessarily at a Starbucks. Third places disappearing, as Hutter mentions in Chapter 9 of his book, makes sense, as it is increasingly more difficult to have regulars at corporate branches of coffee shops, even more so at drive through ones.

Before reading about codes of urban behavior in Palen’s textbook, or learning about Jane Jacobs’ “Sidewalk Ballet,” I didn’t think much of this second–nature behavior of norms while even walking (such as sticking to the right side). I wouldn’t call this culture shock, but something I’ve noticed more and more coming to a more walkable city, from LA. The video we watched in class about Disneyland having these walkable streets of a stereotypical urban center made me laugh because I loved Main Street whenever I was there for this very reason. 

[what-even-is-thiss]

Hello, I was wondering if you'd mind expanding on your experience of going from car-centric travel to not having a car. I live in southern California, which I'm sure you're familiar with as being VERY car-centric and terrible at public transportation. I just recently had my license medically suspended, pending some test results to see if it's safe for me to be driving, and I will most likely lose my job if I don't get my license back (what takes 20 minutes by car is 3 hours by bus) and I'm kind of freaking out about how I'm going to adapt if my license gets permanently revoked.

I purposefully moved close enough to my job that I can get there by bus within half an hour. I know that is likely not possible for you or most people though. Here’s some stuff I’ve learned from trying to get to other far away places and talking to other people that don’t own cars though:

People are often more willing to give you a ride than you’d expect. Try asking your coworkers or friends if they’d be willing to help you out. Offer to pay for gas if that makes it more likely for them to give you a ride.

If you’re legally disabled a lot of cities have a program to drive disabled people where they want to go for either a normal fare rate or a discounted fare rate. You might have to schedule it but if you know when your shift will be you can schedule it every day and they will just come and get you.

Some metro systems just have a ride service for anyone for a slightly more expensive fare rate. See if the metro system in your area has an app or website with alternate transit options listed.

Depending on the rates where you live and how expensive your car is, sometimes taking Uber or Lyft to work can be slightly less expensive than owning a car.

If you decide to take the three hour commute you can do stuff when you’re on the bus like be on your laptop or listen to podcasts or read that you can’t do when you’re driving. So if you like that it might not be as bad as you’d expect. Some people that take transit for their hyper commute actually enjoy it from what I’ve been told because they can get a lot done. Some people hate it. Depends on what kind of person you are.

If you’re able to ride a bike, an e-bike might be a good investment. Especially if you commute to work early in the morning when it’s cool. E-bikes are way way easier to ride than regular bikes and you can go way further and faster on them with less energy. Sometimes I’ll rent an e-bike to get somewhere far away and I love those things. If you prefer e-scooters that could also be an option depending on how hilly your area is.

If you decide to ride a normal bike, you could look into buying a Dutch style bike which is made for commuting. Dutch style bikes have pedal breaks. I love those things. And if you bike, you don’t have to exercise later in the day. Kind of a time saver if you already exercise.

If you’re not afraid of strangers you can see if there’s a carpool app available in your area. These apps can connect you to people willing to give others rides. Again though, this option assumes that you’re not afraid of strangers. Along this same line of thinking, did you know that people still hitchhike? It happens.

I know firsthand how hard the transition from car living to no car living can be. Texas is just as hostile to pedestrians if not more than California in my experience. And I hope you can get your drivers license back. If you can’t though, there’s ways to get around and it is possible to get used to it. I wish you luck.

[brownsugar-dreams]

End of the Year Reflection/Saying Goodbye To Sugar Dating

I meant to post this before the year ended but dating in med school has been incredibly demanding! I had a fling with a millie (one day I will meet my billie). I actually had to retake my block 2 exam because I was so wrapped up in the money 😅 I’ll record a podcast episode about it soon but for now here’s my reflection on last year and what I’m looking forward to in the future!

When I started this blog I was a newbie in the bowl. Had no idea what sugaring really took. Didn’t even realize the difficulties I would face as a brown sugar baby. Thought it would be so easy… I’m so grateful for all the experiences good and bad because they are part of my story. This year I really wanted to take my experiences to the next level. I was able to purchase an investment property with my sugar sis, start med school, elevate my business, had a wonderful sugar daddy, start healing from past traumas & forgive myself for staying in an abusive relationships for so long (still very much a work in progress). I love counting my blessings because it reminds me of how far I’ve come and excites me about what has yet to come.

I love sharing my experiences and connecting with so many people who enjoy the same lifestyle and mental frequency. That being said, I’m saying goodbye to sugaring. I feel I’m at a point in my life where I am ready for the next chapter. Sugaring has been so helpful in getting me where I need to be but it’s time to transition. I talk about hypergamy often, and it just seems like a more appropriate setting for me now. My experiences in the sugar bowl have really taught me a lot about men and the dynamics between men + women.

I have a few upcoming trips planned where I will have the opportunity to be around affluent people with millions/billions of dollars. I’ll still continue to document my journey because I’m sure it’ll be a wild ride. If you’re interested in hearing more about my decision and the reasons behind it, check put my podcast! The season finale episode is up now.

Unfortunately I have to change the set up of my episodes. The sugar/hypergamy related episodes will be available on my public platform until the start of season 2, and then I will be moving them to a private podcast space. It will still be on Brown Sugar Doc, The Podcast but limited access. This decision was made after a few classmates bombarded me at a party about a sugar date I went on. It was very bizarre but a necessary lesson learned. So to protect my sanity I’ll be continuing to document all things hypergamy related on my private podcast. I’ll still post on my regular pod but for the hypergamy listeners, I’ll continue the journey exclusively for us.

I love everyone who has joined me at any point on this journey. More to come!

[brattyfics]

Like That

Pairing: Rio x Black!Reader

Summary: You and Rio get to know each other better. Loosely based on ‘Like That’ by Doja Cat. 

Warnings: Smut.

Word Count: 3.5K

Installments: Say So | Like That | Talk Dirty

And baby, I want it, and I'll just be honest 'Cause I just can't front when I look at you

About six weeks have passed since Rio declared himself your man, and you quickly learned he took the title very seriously.

He was busier than usual with ‘flipping his game,’ and you were busy preparing to transition your shop, but you saw each other often despite time constraints. You agreed date nights at least once a week were a must, but when you couldn’t see each other, Rio made sure to end nights with a phone call. Virtually falling asleep next to him gave you butterflies, reminding you just how exciting new relationships could be. It took prodding, but he told you made-up bedtime stories and the boring details of his day. In return, you shared things about yourself— childhood memories, the crazy things your mom did to embarrass you. He was sweet and attentive, and you found it refreshing to be with someone who was just as infatuated with you.

On your second date, he took you to his favorite restaurant, a fancy sushi place with expensive rolls. He taught you to hold chopsticks the wrong way the way he did and even fed you across the small table, a couple of unfortunate rolls falling apart due to his prodding. You tried your best to hide your amusement at the pensive look on his face. For whatever reason, Rio thought of himself as a sushi connoisseur, but it was clear to you that he was still learning.

“You’re no better than me!” He admonished when he noticed the way you held your chopsticks. Like his technique, it was incorrect, but it worked for you— sort of. “I never said I was.” You couldn’t keep the amusement off your face any longer. “You’re the one who comes here weekly. I thought you were a professional, and we’re in the same boat.” He folded his arms on top of the table as he insisted you were wrong, but secretly he found your teasing endearing. Later that night, he called and gave you a cheesy line about loving to see you smile.

The following week, you had lunch at a mom-and-pop soul food restaurant that served the best cornbread and peach cobbler in the city. The owners, an adorable older couple, Donna and Gene, and servers alike stopped by your table to meet Rio. Donna gushed over Rio, showering him with compliments and extra cornbread. “Girl, he is cute!” She told you, failing miserably at whispering. He smirked as you rolled your eyes, but he handled the attention well, being friendly and personable even when Gene kept going on and on about changes to the menu, one chef to another.

A few days later, he called you up randomly and asked you to get ready and ride with him somewhere. “What should I wear?” You asked, hoping for a hint. You could hear him smile as he said, “It doesn’t even matter, ma. You always look good.” The occasion had turned out to be ‘Foodtruck Friday.’ Barbecue, kebab, taco, ice cream, and other miscellaneous food trucks were parked in a spacious lot in Downtown Detroit. You settled at a picnic table and shared several plates of food as you discussed the possibility of your own mobile ‘Mad Batter’ shop somewhere down the line. It got you thinking about the future.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” You asked the dreaded question in between bites of a colorful Korean fusion taco. He stiffened as he considered the answer. “What is this, a job interview?” Sometimes you saw peeks of bossman Rio rather than the Christopher Castillo you were getting to know. It happened seemingly out of nowhere when you asked questions he felt were invasive.

You looked up from the panko-fried shrimp, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and tasty orange sauce wrapped up in a flour tortilla with a frown. You had two choices: respond in the way he had or make light of the situation. So, you said, “Kinda. You’re auditioning for a spot on my roster, so...”

He stopped chewing the half-eaten dumpling and swallowed hard. “That’s not funny.”

“You better start taking the interviewing part of the audition more seriously then.” You wiped your fingers on a napkin, and he gathered your hand in his own, wearing a look you couldn’t decipher. “You got it, ma.”

You played a game of mini-golf at the local arcade. Rio stood tall behind you, holding you by your hips as he corrected your stance. You purposefully arched your back, brushing against him just slightly. “Like this?” You looked over your shoulder with the most innocent look you could muster, but his eyes were glued to your ass. “Yeah, just like that.” He answered in a low tone without looking up. You giggled as you took your swing, adding a wiggle for his benefit. You pretended to care about the ball as it glided across the bright green tarp towards the hole. “How was that?” You chirped, looking down the lane.

“I can’t even lie. I don’t care about the game right now. I just wanna watch you.” Your aim was terrible, and the ball never went in the hole without several attempts, but he insisted you finish playing the course. You teased him about it for days after despite his claim that he actually enjoyed the game because it was one of Marcus’ favorites.

“Stop lying! You just wanted an excuse to openly watch my ass.”

“Why you always gotta call me out?”

You shopped a cozy health and wellness store with hundreds of cool little trinkets for sale. Neither of you had been there before, so you took your time exploring, stealing unexpected kisses from the other. Rio took full advantage of the size of the store, pulling you by the hand and holding you close to his side.

He frowned at the large collection of shiny crystals. “A rock, really? What does anybody need with a rock?”

“It’s not a rock!” You hissed, head whipping around as you hoped the owner didn’t hear him.

“What is it then? It looks like a rock to me.” He picked one up, turning it over in his hands.

“It’s a crystal!”

“What’s the difference?”

“It has healing properties...” Rio snorted but strung his arm across your shoulder and listened intently as you read the info cards to him. When it was all said and done, he bought an aventurine stone to apologize to the owner for prosperity, well-being, and good luck.

The next day, he disappeared with no warning. You had been worried sick until Mick let you know he was busy handling something. It would have only taken a minute to tell you that, so you were (understandably) pissed. He showed up at the shop several days later like nothing had ever happened. “What’s up, mama?” The greeting that usually melted you grated on your nerves. All of your feelings about the situation bubbled up to the surface. It was hard to find the right words— you were still getting to know each other, so how mad could you be? At the same time, how little did he think of you to not say anything? Finally, you settled on, “I can’t do the disappearing act.”

Rio wasn’t used to answering to anyone, not even his child’s mother, about his whereabouts, but he put his palms up in surrender when he saw the serious expression you wore.

“You’re right, mama. That’s my bad. It won’t happen again.”

And it hadn’t.

But knowing ahead of time only made it a tiny bit easier, especially when he didn’t have a set return date. You were going on day seven (the longest you had gone without seeing him since you started dating) when he called to say he made it home and wanted to see you. Your heavy heart swelled with relief. You missed him way more than you probably should have, so you insisted on a night in at your place, wanting him to feel relaxed and at home instead of on guard somewhere public.

It had been a long six weeks without sex while he romanced you with delicious food and beautiful words. It wasn’t an easy task, but you knew as soon as sex was thrown in the mix, you would be done for, either destined to be his or ruined by him. It was a scary thought, but distance had indeed made the heart grow fonder, and you cared about him enough to take a chance.

He was set to arrive within the hour, but you were still unsure of what to wear, frantically rummaging through the dresser for something cute and comfortable. You let out a frustrated groan when your phone started to ring, thinking Rio might have come early, but when you look down at your phone, you see your best friend’s name and face. You swipe quickly, accepting the FaceTime call. “Hey, girl!”

“Hey, stranger!” You pick up the phone, so you can look at her. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” She replies with just as much sass. “I haven’t talked to you in what— two weeks?”

“We talk—“

“—text.”

“Okay, fine. Text. We text every day. What are you talking about?”

“That’s not the same.” She insists even as you remind her of the ridiculous amount of time you spend trading memes and food pictures with her.

“Anyway, what are you doing?”

“I’m trying to decide what I’m going to wear between this, this, or this.” You move the camera around, showing her the different options. A black-and-white tank and short set with ‘Being cute is not a crime’ in a cute font. A fuzzy grey sweatsuit set with hearts, or a simple cream hoodie with matching shorts.

“Um, what’s the occasion?” You giggle at the look on her face, knowing she thinks none of the above are appropriate for wearing outside of the house.

“Movie night in.”

“You need help picking an outfit for movie night with yourself?” Her face scrunches up in confusion. “Wait, is it movie night with yourself?” You try to be casual about it, shrugging your shoulders in response. As usual, she sees through your bullshit and goes straight into an interrogation. “Oh, bitch. You been holding out on me!” She asks you five questions in a row without stopping to breathe before settling on one. “Who?”

You gnaw on your bottom lip. “...Rio.”

“Rio?” She frowns. “Like the guy we work for, Rio? With the eyebrows and the neck tattoo, Rio?”

“Yes, that Rio.”

“Wow.” You wince but decide it’s best to get it over with. “What? I know you, so I know there’s more where that came from.”

“I don’t know what to say! From what I can tell, he’s a decent dude, I guess, but you know what he does. You definitely know what we do for him! You don’t think that could be a problem?”

“It’s messy, for sure, and I can admit that, but I’ve been thinking about getting out anyway...” She nods. “Then, I guess there’s nothing else for me to say about that. You’re both grown, and you know what you’re doing.” She was your best friend, which meant she’d always give her honest opinion, but wouldn’t berate you about your choices. Just like that, you return to your regular discussion topics, everything from warehouse gossip (yes, even in the business of crime, there’s a rumor mill) to new music releases. Before you knew it, forty minutes had passed, and Rio was calling your phone. You promised to call her more often before hanging up.

You sing your ‘hello’ into the phone, hoping Rio can’t detect the shakiness in your voice as you clumsily pull on your bottoms.

“Hey, mama. You about ready? I know you’re sensitive about your space and all that.” He was referring to the fact that he had never been past the doorway of your home. Your home was your sacred place, so you were extra careful about who came in and what energy they brought. It was always nerve-wracking to let somebody into the space that you cherished so much.

“Yeah.” He picks up on the hesitancy in your voice. “Are you sure?” You nod your head as if he can see you before telling him yes with a giggle. “Alright, well, I’m outside. Can I come in?” You bite your lip, butterflies fluttering in your tummy. “Yeah, I’ll come unlock the door.” He whispers his thanks, and you take a moment to force yourself to relax. When you meet him at the door, you do so with an open mind and heart, taking in his appearance with a goofy grin on your face. As usual, he’s dressed in all black, wearing a well-fitted t-shirt and sweatpants. He’s casual but still so high quality and attractive.

“Hi.” You breathe out like a dork when you realize you’re staring. It helps that he seems just as mesmerized, stepping forward to envelop you in a tight, warm hug. He sways you from side to side before pulling back, his hands resting heavily on the top of your ass. He settles for a quick peck on the lips because he has something to say. “You’re as pretty as ever, darlin’.” He says earnestly, shaking his head as he steps back to look you over once more.

“Kiss me again.” His hands cup your ass as you devour each other in the open doorway. You forget your surroundings. “Damn, ma. Can I at least get inside before you jump my bones? I don’t mind giving your neighbors a show if that’s your thing, but…” You turn to hide your embarrassment, leaving him to close the door behind you as you gesture around the room as if you’re in an episode of MTV Cribs. “... here’s the living room. The kitchen’s through the arch. The bathroom’s over there...” He follows you with his red as you point.

“And the bedroom?”

You snort. “The tour stops here for now. Sit down.” Your tone leaves no room for argument. He settles into the soft couch while you grab the snack tray from the kitchen. Homemade popcorn, chocolate-covered pretzels, and dried fruit gummies are on the menu.

“All this for me?” His arms snake around your waist so that you can curl up into his side. “What we watching?” You grab the remote. “I saw a trailer this week that caught my attention. I’ll play it for you.” He didn’t care what you watched as long as he got to be close to you, so it didn’t take long for you to get the movie started. He stole glances at you when his knuckles brushed against your bare knees under the blanket. You’re embarrassed at how wet the small action makes you, so you stretch out across the couch and place your bare feet in his lap, silently planning your revenge. The movie may as well not be playing because you couldn’t be less interested in the plot as you lightly stroke him through his sweatpants with the balls of your feet.

“Ma...” He warns, watching you in the low lighting. He’s come to learn you like to tease, but he doesn’t think he can take it, not tonight. “Hmm?” You hum innocently, loving the strained look on your face. He doesn’t move even as you sit up on your haunches and kiss him. It’s slow and long in the best way. He pulls you to sit in his lap. His hands roam your body as you grind down onto him, relishing in the feeling of the soft skin on your tummy. He sighs into your mouth as one hand finds your bare breasts.

He pulls away to talk shit. “No bra? You just knew I was gonna put out, huh?” He pushes the cotton material up so he can see you properly. “Perfect.” He murmurs into your skin. You let him kiss and lick and suck on your nipples until the pressure you feel below is too much to handle. You’re a quivering mess when he finally helps you pull the cotton material up and over your head. It lands on top of the television behind you, but neither of you notice.

You nudge him until he removes his own shirt, and then he lifts his hips to help you when you begin tugging on his sweats. They puddle at his feet while you spread your legs wide, desperate to get your hands on him. “I could cry right now.” You admit honestly when you finally see him, biting your lip. He arches a brow. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing, darlin’?” His hips jerk when you take him into your hands, the cold temperature surprising him.

“It’s definitely a good thing.” You whisper excitedly, staring with wonder as he hardens in your hands. He barks out a laugh, stunned by your ability to make him laugh, even with his dick in your hands. “That’s really nice, ma. I feel real special.” Your eyes meet, and silent promises of all the filthy things you’re going to do to each other are exchanged. “You should. I’m about to change your life.” He throbs in your hands, loving that you find small ways to challenge him.

“Come on. Let’s go to bed.” He wraps his arms around you in preparation to get up, but you stop him with a shake of your head. “I don’t wanna.”

“No? What you wanna do then?”

You answer him by slipping to your knees. You spit on his dick, stroking him up and down slowly. He watches you closely as you lower your mouth, wrapping your lips around the tip. It takes a lot of restraint, but he lets you do your thing, slowly working him deeper into your throat. He closes his eyes as he concentrates on lasting, but he can’t turn his ears off, the obscene smacks painting a vivid picture for him. When you swipe your tongue across his balls, he moves to stop you, grabbing your shoulders. Fire dances in your eyes as you realize you got him where you want him. “I don’t wanna.” You repeat.

“You are a brat.”

You release him with a pop. “The biggest.” You admit, swallowing him once more. He groans, thinking he can’t believe you’re the same sweet girl who bakes in a frilly pink apron and begs him to tell her bedtime stories.

“I want you to fuck me now.” He stops you before you can bend over the couch. “Slow down. I want you on your back, darlin.”

You throw his earlier words back at him. “That’s nice. I feel really special.”

“You should.” He mocks you, instructing you to hold your legs wide. He wastes no time licking and sucking you as enthusiastically as you had done him. “You’re so pretty. I could eat this pretty pussy forever.” He compliments as you squirm in his hold. “You’d let me, huh?” You shake your head frantically. “No! You’d drive..me crazy!” Payback is a mother, especially when Rio’s the one dishing it out. “Wait, wait—“You whimper, clawing at his shoulders.

“What?” He cajoles. He almost wants to laugh at the distressed look on your face. “I want you.” You pout, trying to sweet-talk him.

“You have me.”

“Not like this. Inside.”

“Yeah? You sure?”

“Mhm.” You swallow, watching as he fumbles around with his pants searching for a condom. He opens the golden foil packet with expert fingers, positioning himself in between your spread legs. “You don’t have any pointers for me now?” He drags his tip up and down your slit, slowly pushing his way further. Teasing. You shake your head. “No. Just fuck me.”

“That ain’t polite. You gotta say please, mama.” You scowled, but he didn’t budge. “Please.” You pleaded with the sweetest tone you could muster, sighing as he gave in. You cursed at the stretch, him at the way you squeezed him. “You feel…” He couldn’t find the words, so he buried his face in your neck, trying to gain some composure. You caressed the back of his neck sweetly. “You feel good too, baby.”

His hips stuttered forward, and you gasped as he worked himself deeper. You grasp his shoulders tightly, your nails embedding themselves into the soft skin.

“Yes!” You squeal.

“Like that?” He grits out, struggling to keep his rhythm.

“Yes, just like that!” You cry, moaning as he pounds up into you. His lips find yours again, and it’s bliss. Then before you can stop yourself, you’re calling him Daddy like it’s his given name. He groans into your sweaty neck like he’s in pain.

“You’re so nasty.” Overwhelmed and breathless, you whine your protest, “You’re nasty. Look at what you’re doing to me.” His eyes shift to where you’re connected. You’re creaming all over him and leaking down onto the couch, but you can’t bring yourself to care about anything other than coming. You do just that, mewling as you make an even bigger mess between your legs. He whispers filthy things into your ear as he finishes, grunting at the way you seem to be sucking him in even deeper.

“That was—“

“—unreal.”

“Yeah.”

Neither of you can bring yourself to move. Your sweat-covered skin sticks together. You swipe your hand against your forehead while he pants.

“I wanted to ride you at least once tonight, but after that, I’ll be lucky to make it to bed.”

GENERAL TAGLIST

@woahitslucyylu @briannab1234 @sheeshgivemeabreak @breakingnewsin-no-oneasked @angelreyesgirl @blessedboo @glimmerglittergirl @apantherinmypastlife @brownsugarcoffy @marvelmaree @starrynite7114 @scuzmunkie @thewarriorprincessxo @sadeyesgf @pearlkitten33 @imanerdychubbyqueen @literaturefeen @ourlittlesecretsoveragain @everyhowlmarksthedead @yourwonkywriter @trulysuccubus @sparklemichele @luckyharley1903

RIO TAGLIST

@xsweetdellzx​

[forbidding-souda]

Mondo and korekiyo with a mtf reader?

Mondo Oowada and Korekiyo Shinguuji with a mtf S/O

yes see you have such nice taste

i've been dreaming for this

i just explained to this cis guy what tucking was so i'm using part of that expereince to write this . i'm sorry if tucking is an uncomfortable topic for some of you but i love talking about it please. shinguuji probbaly tucks for no reason at all.

this is all coming from a feminate cis gay man by the way - just for your brain

currenlty listening: lost inside by unprovoked

-Mod Souda

Mondo Oowada

❤ Dating him, or at least when you were first interested in him, was very anxiety-inducing. He's such a bro dude. You worried about your well-being.

❤ But he proved to be a genuinely open-minded guy with how he never commented on your transition, and he never asked any stupid questions. He didn't treat you as a transwoman, he treated you as a woman.

❤ He is so quick to introduce you to his gang. He is so excited to have a girlfriend. You get to sit on his lap, even on the motorcycle, and watch him boast about dating someone so pretty.

❤ Tucking tape? He always fucking finds it. Even if you shyly put it underneath a pile of socks and underwear that he'd never touch - he always sniffs it out. He asks, "Why is this hidden?"

❤ On that topic, once he learns what tucking is, he's going to want a very detailed explanation. It's his inner curious cis man that is going to need to be satisfied or he won't sleep well at night.

❤ I can imagine him saying some semi conservative things. Something like "I'm happy I have a girlfriend because it's so much easier to find you Christmas presents." or something.

❤ Motorcycle rides for hours at a time. He'll take you through the mountains, watching the sun with you, sometimes buying snacks and drinks beforehand.

❤ You're going to have to buy a bunch of shampoo because he is going to only use yours. And he uses a lot.

❤ He also uses your body wash - but he's going to lie about that. It's not something that he can hide well, either.

❤ In a more serious light, if anyone is ever rude to you regarding your transition, he and his boys will go beat their ass. It's extremely intimidating and if you are against it, sorry to say, but there is no way to convince him out of it.

.

Shinguuji Korekiyo

❤ There is no reality where he isn't completely for trans rights. There is also no reality where he won't share silicon breasts or tucking tape with you, if you need any. He just has it... laying around.

❤ He'll never tell you this, but he was initially getting prepared to kill you, deeming you a good friend for his sister. But as the dates went on, he realized perhaps the spirit of his sister had gifted you, a trans woman, to be his girlfriend. He believes you are the product of "fate."

❤ If you get misgendered a lot in public, don't even worry about it when you're with him. He is pretty gender ambiguous to the point where people won't even use pronouns for either of you. He gets more "she-he - I mean - uh" than you do.

❤ You had found his makeup stash. It's hidden in a drawer in the bathroom - which you don't understand why he felt the need to hide anything. Especially from you. You never brought it up. Using his eyeliner whenever you run out is a very common occurence, however.

❤ Brings you to the parties he gets invited to. And he has custom made dresses you for you. The parties are rather boring, all sponsors and other history nerds, but being with him as some "maid of honor" is a bit complimentary to your ideals.

❤ He knows so many thing about hair treatment. Growing out your hair? He has the best hair masks and tips. Plus, the braids he does are to die for.

❤ He doesn't hang around bigots. So you wouldn't have to worry about his friends or acquaintances not seeing you as a woman. If someone was a danger to you, there's no way they'd even get near you.

❤ What's also very satisfying is how intimidating he can be to those you don't favor. He squints, resentment palpable, and he'll use his strict voice to spring on threats and insults.

[bonvoyage-boncourage]

Jour 30: View out of part of the Casemates du Bock, Luxembourg.

I left Strasbourg early in the morning to try and get to Luxembourg, but as I was eating my breakfast in the train station, I noticed that..... my train had been canceled. This hasn’t happened yet, so I decided my only option was to go to where they sold the tickets in the station and talk to somebody. 

This was nerve-wracking because I have always just bought my tickets over the internet to avoid having to try and explain myself to someone in person. When I got in there and explained, the woman hastily told me that I should take a bus that was running in about 20 minutes to Saverne, a small city. She told me that the same ticket would work, but I honestly didn’t believe her. A train ticket for a bus? But I followed her instructions, and found out that plenty of people on the bus had also been on the same train! So I was actually in the right place.

From Saverne, there was a train leaving for Nancy (a bigger city) pretty much as soon as we arrived; I talked to a man at the train station who told me that from Nancy I could definitely get to Luxembourg. Well, I’d been relying on the word and kindness of strangers the entire trip... I might as well have relied on him. And the guy was actually super nice in that he called the train conductor and had them actually hold up the train for about two minutes so me and a couple of other passengers could board! Just like in the U.S, the people in the smaller cities are always so kind.

The other two passengers had been travelling with me since Strasbourg; it was a mother and her young daughter, Ava. I talked with them the entire train ride, and actually these were the first French friends I made the entire trip! Ava was very cute and she loved to sing, and I learned that lots of French children’s songs are the same as English ones but with different lyrics, like Jingle Bells and Old MacDonald. I ended up teaching her You Are My Sunshine. Her mom told me that they were trying to get to a birthday party, but because of the train situation, they’d just missed the party and spent the entire day on the train and then would have to return home. That... is so awful. I felt so bad for them.

Because I was getting into Luxembourg at around 15h, I ended up just cancelling and rebooking my train tickets back to Dijon; I would leave in the afternoon instead of the morning so I could spend more time in Luxembourg. This is very important. You’ll see why tomorrow.

From Nancy, I ended up parting ways with Ava and her mom and getting on the train to Luxembourg, which was uneventful, except I could’ve sworn that there was blood on my window. Those high speed trains aren’t screwing around, I guess; I felt bad for the poor bird.

From the Luxembourg train station I searched for the bus that would take me to my hostel, but realized there was strangely nowhere for me to buy a ticket; I found a bus driver and asked him, and he told me that public transit in Luxembourg is free! Cool!

When I went to check in to the hostel, I told the man my name and he immediately asked if I was Irish. I said “No, but my family is!” And then from then on we spoke an absolutely wonderful Franglais. I love Franglais, I already loved Luxembourg. He said it was funny that I was American with an Irish last name but spoke French.

Wow. Luxembourg is. CRAZY. I wasn’t planning on going outside of the capital city, but it was enough. The city is split into a part that’s up on a huge hill and another part that’s below the hill. I climbed up the hill after putting my stuff in the hostel, and let me tell you, it was not easy. At the top, I climbed around for a while in the outer parts of the casemates du Bock, which you can see here. They’re a series of defensive tunnels built directly into the hill, and they’re cool as hell. I guess they had a majority of them closed for the moment, but I was super impressed with even the section I got to walk around. Again, Tara’s Climbing Urge was satisfied.

I found a tabac-esque store and bought a candy bar to feed myself, a sticker of course, and, would you believe it, a music box of “La Marseillaise,” France’s national anthem! I said yesterday I collect music boxes, and this was definitely a worthy addition. They had Germany and the UK and some others, but interestingly, no Luxembourg. Huh.

I was really impressed with the cashier once I realized what she was doing. Luxembourg is really a completely multilingual country; the cashier was waiting for the customer to say “Hello” to her in their language and then she would finish the rest of the transaction in that language. The man in front of me said “Hello” in German, so she did the transaction in German; I said “Bonjour” so she did the transaction in French; the woman behind me said “Hello” so she did the transaction in English. Sorry, I know I get excited about the stupidest things, but I really was excited about that.

After eating my candy bar, I wandered into the main “tourist” area of the city, toured a church, then somehow managed to walk all the way back to the train station. It was getting cold, and I hadn’t made any friends that day... I was getting kind of lonely. I called my best friend and talked to her for a while as I walked back to the touristy part of the city, found a restaurant, and went inside.

I was seated but immediately noticed the men next to me speaking English; it was only another few seconds before they invited me to sit with them. They pegged me as American right away; I asked if they were Australian, and they all shook their heads and gave me a hard time. Yup, they were Kiwi. I felt bad but they told me it was really common.

There was also one Frenchman, Laurent, among them. I had dinner with them for the night, and when everyone went to the bathroom, Laurent and I talked to each other in French. Which was nice. Gosh, I’m getting so confident! He told me my French was actually very very passable. Like, to the point that when I was first ordering my food, he’d thought that I was French. Woo!!!

We ended up going to a bar styled like a speakeasy, which was very funny because I’ve never heard of a speakeasy bar in the U.S. even though the entire concept of speakeasy’s is exclusively American. We had a very good conversation there; I was glad I found some friends. By the time we left, it was 1:30 in the morning! Luckily, Luxembourg has essentially no crime; I walked all the way back down the hill to my hostel and didn’t see another person the entire time. It was very peaceful, and it was the safest I’ve ever felt in a city at night.

That’s it for this first day in Luxembourg, but... just you wait for day 2.

Bon voyage, bon courage !

[not-wholly-unheroic]

Viewing Disney’s Peter Pan Through the Eyes of an Adult

Recently, I’ve seen several posts floating around talking about how Disney’s Hook is difficult for people to take seriously and is much too comical for what Barrie had intended. I grew up with Disney’s Hook. He was my first introduction to the character and the reason why I became interested in reading classic literature, writing fanfic, and seriously delving into the analysis of complex villainous/antagonistic characters, so he has a very special place in my heart and I’m prone to be quick to defend him. Rather than writing a long-winded reply to these individual posts, I decided to just make my own explaining why Disney’s Hook can be viewed as just as tragic and sympathetic as any other version. (You can also read some of my earlier posts defending Disney’s Hook here and here.)

*takes a deep breath* *cracks knuckles* Buckle up kiddos! You’re in for a long ride!

My view of Disney’s Hook as a tragic character lies primarily in my sympathy for him when he switches from a proud, elegant, dangerous character to a shivering mess of a man when the crocodile comes around. Let me attempt to elaborate--but first, a bit of a necessary digression.

Every film/book/play, etc. can be viewed from several perspectives. Typically, there is one character that we are meant to like and who becomes the primary focus of the story. Anyone who opposes that character is automatically an antagonist, if not a villain. Usually, even if the point of view is omniscient, we can still tell that it is not, perhaps, entirely objective in its portrayal of certain characters. This sort of situation happens all the time on the evening news--the interviewer is, in theory, supposed to be a neutral reporter on an incident, but it is often obvious that they favor one side of an issue over another, and as a result, the public's view of the situation and those involved is skewed. The lens through which we view a certain character tends to do the same thing. For instance, in Les Miserables (another favorite story of mine), Javert is viewed as an antagonist because the book is primarily concerned with the redemption story of Valjean; however, if the story was flipped and instead focused on the inspector's character and his transition from a strict legalist to a man so broken by the idea of morality that he commits suicide, he would, perhaps, be viewed instead as a tragic HERO instead of a tragic ANTAGONIST. Javert likely does many GOOD things in the name of the law as well during his career, but we don't see most of them because he isn't the main focus of the book. Similarly, I think Disney’s Hook can be more greatly appreciated as TRAGIC instead of COMICAL when we consider the lens through which we are viewing him.

Disney has always been geared toward children, so naturally, when they tell a story, they want the material to be attractive to a younger audience. This means not only that certain more frightening or upsetting elements of a story may be left out, edited, or altogether changed, but also that WE VIEW THE CHARACTERS THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD. (For example, in The Little Mermaid, King Triton's opposition to Ariel going to the surface world is presented in such a way that he seems extremely harsh when, in reality, he is father trying to keep his daughter safe. True, he DOES overreact, but remember, Ariel is only sixteen--not even LEGALLY an adult--and wants to run off with some guy she hasn’t even had a conversation with. But kids can relate to overbearing parents who, in a moment of disagreement, seem like they are being "mean," so that is how the audience sees Triton.) Peter Pan, especially, with its protagonist(s) as a child/children, really magnifies this perspective to the point where, unfortunately, some of the characters become almost caricatures of themselves. When children are legitimately afraid of something, they react one of two ways: Either they run from it/avoid it altogether, or they make-believe that whatever is frightening them is actually a lot less terrifying than it is so that they appear brave. I remember when I was younger, I used to be TERRIFIED of Monstro, the whale from Pinocchio. I couldn't watch the film without getting nightmares. But I didn't want to be afraid of watching the movie, so with my overactive imagination, I decided that I could fix that by turning him into a less scary version of himself and making him into an imaginary friend who more closely resembled Willy the anthropomorphic opera-singing whale from Make Mine Music than the terrifying creature we see in Pinocchio. Anyway, getting back to the point--I overcame my fear of the character by choosing to imagine that he was less scary than he was. This is what a lot of children do, and I think it's why Disney's Hook comes off as being comical.

The first time we see Disney Hook on screen, he actually comes across as pretty terrifying. He literally shoots his own crew member just because he didn't like the guy's singing! Rarely do we actually see Disney villains successfully kill another character on screen, but Hook does not even five minutes into his introduction. Immediately, we get the impression (or at least, a child should get the impression), that Hook is a genuinely dangerous guy. He also seems to regard his loss of a hand as "a childish prank," which further gives us the impression that he apparently has a pretty high pain tolerance and isn't afraid to do horrible, gruesome things to his enemies. If chopping someone's hand off is "childish," then what sort of serious damage does he inflict on his victims? However, this is Disney, and rather than having Hook gut someone or do something else which might scar a kid for life, we soon see he has a weakness...the crocodile. At this point, the Darling kids have been watching Hook for several minutes from their perch up on the cloud and are, probably, starting to have some second thoughts about fighting real pirates when they seem so scary...so what do they do? They do the same thing I did and turn him into a less-scary version of himself. They find his weakness and latch onto it. And since we're viewing things primarily from their perspective, that's how WE start to see Hook too. Hook's fear of the crocodile becomes comical for the audience because the Darling kids are trying to focus on that aspect of him so that they are can forget how terrifying he really is. We see this more frightening side of Hook come out a few more times, such as when he plans to blow up Pan's hideout...and at this point, we even catch a brief glimpse of the more sinister part of Smee when he asks Hook if it wouldn't be more humane for them to slit his throat...AND THIS IS SMEE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE!!! The LEAST frightening of the pirates in ANY version. But I think Disney throws this in just to remind us that Smee is still a pirate, and if HE'S willing to do something THAT bad, Hook is a thousand times worse. However, for the most part, Hook still remains a rather softened, comical version of himself because we are viewing him through the child-lens. Remove that lens, though, and things become more complicated.

Forget, for a moment, that we are supposed to be rooting for the Darling children and Pan, and look again--not as a frightened child who is trying to laugh in the face of danger but as an adult who can feel Hook's pain. I remember one time when I was driving back from the airport in a busy city in the dark and the road was icy...I'm not used to driving in ice, and I'm a naturally nervous driver...At one point, I skidded into the next lane... I literally spent about the next hour hyperventilating, practically rocking myself back and forth, praying, and trying not to cry because I knew if I did I wouldn't be able to see the road. It was horrible... Take that sort of feeling, and I believe it's what Disney Hook is experiencing when the crocodile shows up. Through the "child-lens" it may be funny to see a frightening character in a vulnerable situation, but viewing it as an adult who understands just HOW helpless and terrified one feels in such a situation, you can't help but empathize with Hook. Every move he makes, every tremble in his voice, every look of absolute horror in his eyes tells you that he is not mentally or physically really functioning at the moment. He's on autopilot--he's in survival mode like a wild animal that freezes in hopes that it won't be seen by the approaching predator. Take away the crocodile's obviously silly "theme-music" and Hook's slightly overdone expressions, and you're left with something similar to what we see Hook experience in the novel near the end of the chapter, "The Pirate Ship." ("Very frightful was it to see the change that came over him. It was as if he had been clipped at every joint. He fell in a little heap...he crawled on his knees along the deck as far from the sound that he could go...'Hide me,' he cried hoarsely.") Now we can start appreciating him for the tragic villain that he is supposed to be.

Viewed through the eyes of the Darling children, Hook represents all that is frightening and bad about the grown-up world. If Peter is ice cream parties and summer vacations and catching fireflies in the dark, then Hook is cancer and broken dreams and being worried about being able to make enough money to put food on the table. Barrie, however, tells us that there is much more to both characters than that. Peter has a dark side--a selfish streak that forgets all pain at the cost of never learning from the past, never growing from his experiences and becoming a better person. He is stagnant not only in physically growing up but also in mentally facing reality, which is just as damaging as Hook's attitude of regretting a childhood apparently gone too soon. Hook, too, has a lighter side that loves soft music and flowers and other such things (representative of the good things about being an adult--falling in love, pursuing one's passions in a professional sense, having children of one's own). Disney, of course, doesn't quite do this to the same extent as Barrie since we're given a skewed view of the characters, but it DOES still make a few points which, when stripped of the "child-lens" effect, gives off a similar impression. Peter, for instance, brags to the mermaids at one point about cutting off Hook's hand and feeding it to the crocodile. Though we never get to hear him finish the tale, it is rather unsettling to think that Disney's Pan is capable of such horror. (Personally, no matter WHAT the circumstances of the situation were, I think any real-life child who took such great pleasure in slicing off a body part of another person and then having the presence of mind to feed said body part to a dangerous wild animal would probably be considered a psychopath in need of some SERIOUS counseling.) Disney, of course, glosses over this little inconvenience by having Hook show up before he can really get any further into the story. Again, the child-lens is going up; Wendy doesn't want to see this side of Peter, and neither does the child-based audience, so they choose to look away. However, we see a brief glimpse of this side of Pan again at Skull Rock. First, we see it resurface when he hands Smee a gun and then flies up directly in front of Hook--knowing that he can move out of the way in time. Again, through the child-lens of the audience, it seems funny to watch Smee doing his best (and failing terribly) to aim at Pan...but when you think about it from an adult's perspective, it's actually pretty disturbing. Peter legitimately wants Hook dead and doesn't care if it happens to be at the hand of one of his own crewmen (and arguably, in the Disney universe, Hook's only real friend). When Hook "dies," Peter simply takes the hat and says nonchalantly, "What a pity, Mr. Smee. I'm afraid we've lost the dear captain." It doesn't even phase him that a man might have just died and poor Smee is probably feeling absolutely HORRIBLE because it was (sort of) his fault. Even Wendy's child-lens falters a little here... While Peter is celebrating Hook's death, she at least, has enough of an adult's heart to have compassion on their fallen enemy and turn her face away with an, "Oh, how dreadful!" It happens again a few moments later when Peter is getting ready to kick Hook's hook off the ledge so that he falls into the waiting jaws of the crocodile. (The captain, at this point, is of course, squirming like--to use Peter's phrasing--"a codfish on a hook.") Again, Pan has no sympathy, but Wendy, who is starting to gradually open up her eyes to the truth that maybe staying a child forever isn't all it's cracked up to be and maybe adulthood isn't entirely bad, is losing her "child-lens." Not entirely. Not to the point where she doesn't continue to view Hook as comical to keep from being afraid. But enough to know that what Peter is about to do is wrong. She expresses this verbally when she shouts, "Oh, Peter, NO!"

It is at this point, shortly after the crocodile chase, that we start to see Hook become more of a legitimate threat (and a legitimately sympathetic character) again. Why? Because Wendy, as the protagonist and the one whose eyes we are looking through even more so than Pan, is starting to grow up and face reality for what it is--scary or not. As she sings "Your Mother and Mine" and tells her brothers that they NEED a mother--that Neverland has been fun but they NEED to go home--Hook is throwing Tinkerbelle in a lantern and planning to kidnap the kids and blow Pan to smithereens. And then we get the "slit his throat" reminder (mentioned above)... Also, as a side note, when Hook is ill after the crocodile chase, we hear him lamenting how Pan has made him look like a fool yet again. This is also something that I think we can appreciate more as adults. All Hook's crew wants is to go back to haunting the Spanish Main, but Hook refuses to leave Neverland because he feels that he has to remain there until he can regain his pride...which in and of itself is admirable, since many people who have been played the fool simply hang their head and walk away in shame. Here's this guy who has been bested by a child no more than twelve or thirteen--and possibly much younger... How must that feel? I have been in an emotionally abusive relationship where I was constantly reminded how I couldn’t do anything right, and it felt SO degrading. I literally just wanted to go hide away in my room and cry because I felt so incompetent and useless and just plain stupid. So how does Hook feel? Probably the same way. But he doesn't give up. If there's one thing we can say for sure about Disney Hook, he's a fighter. So, I guess you could say that, in part, one reason I find Disney Hook so sympathetic and tragic is because I can identify with him in his crippling reaction to fear and admire him for his bold attempts to reclaim his pride.

Anyway, getting back on track with the storyline... As we near the end of the film, Hook once again appears to lose face at the final showdown. At first, this doesn't seem to make sense if Wendy is, in fact, beginning to lose the child-lens. However, although Hook is defeated, we are never actually shown that he dies (and obviously, from the second film, in the Disney universe, he doesn't). I remember reading somewhere that when they were originally working on Peter Pan, Walt Disney chose to keep Hook alive and just have him "going like hell" rather than actually dying because, "the audience will get to liking Hook." And by this point, we have...those of us still looking through the child-lens love to hate him as a character we can laugh at, and those of us who are more grown-up love him for being just like us--an adult who is STILL growing up, in some ways, who is STILL afraid of certain things and hasn't always learned his lessons and isn't perfect but also isn't willing to give up even when everything is against him and everyone is laughing at him and nothing seems to go right.

Now, I said that at first, it doesn't seem to make sense for us to view Hook in a comical light in this scene if we are viewing the movie primarily through the eyes of the Darling children--particularly Wendy, who is starting to grow up and realize that adults are supposed to feel things like compassion for one's enemies. However, Wendy is still a child. She IS still afraid of growing up. In fact, she's terrified. And that comes out when the kids are all mocking Hook. He's still frightening to them. They still need the security blanket of pretend sometimes, of focusing on his more comical, vulnerable side...but they don't defeat Hook by killing him in this version, and I think that's significant. As representative primarily of the "scary" parts of growing up, Hook is temporarily cast aside and shoved to the back of their minds, but he IS NOT DEAD. The kids (and even Pan) know he may come back. They know he isn't gone for good. One day, they will have to face adulthood. One day, Hook--in the guise of mortgages and taxes and wars and sickly older parents--will return. But for now, they have defeated him...not just by pretending but by choosing to accept the responsibility of growing up eventually, in their own good time. Even Peter starts to reflect this theme by beating Hook, "man to man" without the use of flight. Wendy, who wants to be the good grown-up but who isn't quite ready to let go of childhood, warns Peter against it, thinking that it may be a trap. She even goes so far as to shout at him to fly when he has the chance even though he has promised not to. But Disney Pan is a bit more mature than some (maybe Wendy's better judgment is wearing off on him), and he keeps his word. He beats Hook "like a man" NOT like a boy. Pan's victory here symbolically reflects the Darling children's decision to face adulthood by going back to London. Thus, Hook is defeated because adulthood is no longer an obstacle which causes a fear is so crippling that the kids can't face it. When Wendy returns home, we get one last glimpse of this truth in Mr. Darling--the real-world representative of all things frightening and frustrating about growing up and, as I'm sure you know, also (significantly) voiced by Conried--who has done some "growing up" himself. Mr. Darling, it seems, is willing to allow Wendy a bit more time to enjoy life as a child, remembering his own childhood fondly, even as Wendy has chosen to accept the responsibility of growing up. Mr. Darling, who much like Hook, was viewed previously by the kids (and by extension, the audience) as a bit of a bully and an object of ridicule, is now the object of Wendy's affection as a mutual understanding is reached. Adulthood is frightening in many ways, but Wendy has also come to realize that it is necessary to take responsibility for one's actions and feel compassion for others just as Mr. Darling has realized that sometimes, it's okay for kids to be kids and enjoy the moment. Essentially, what I'm saying is--borrowing the idea that Hook and Mr. Darling are two sides of the same coin--Hook in Neverland, chased away by the crocodile, appears as comical in the last scene only because he effectively gets one last serious scene through his London counterpart, staring wistfully out the window with a loving wife and child by his side. Wendy isn't quite yet grown up, so she still sees through the child-lens on occasion, but she is learning, gradually, to embrace that which she once feared. She no longer needs Hook, an imaginary figure, to personify that fear. She now has her father back, and though she now RESPECTS what he stands for, she is no longer so terrified of growing up that she can't appreciate the GOOD side of the future (such as having a husband and a family of her own someday) and look forward to it.

[365days365movies]

April 8, 2021: Swiss Army Man (2016) (Recap: Part One)

Don’t think about the Boy who Lived.

Daniel Radcliffe is a talented actor with a wider range than he’s given credit for. He’s been working since childhood, and has picked up quite a lot over time. While most famous for...a certain role that will go unnamed...he famously started his stage career in 2007 with the musical Equus, and that later progressed to How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Endgame.

Meanwhile, he also made appearances of television in varied roles, live-action and animated. He started his career in an adaptation of David Copperfield in 1999, voiced a character on The Simpsons three separate times, hosted Saturday Night Live in 2012, and also currently has an excellent role in the anthology series Miracle Workers.

And MEANWHILE, he also had quite the robust film career, especially after...the role which shall not be named. There were a few films made during that time period, like December Boys and The Woman in Black, but most of his time was understandably taken up, as was his public image. That, of course, ends in 2011. The first time I saw him in a role outside he who shall not be named was in the film Kill Your Darlings, about the collegiate career and romance in the life of famous gay poet Allen Ginsburg. It was very good!

The same year, 2013, he starred in Horns, a unique fantasy film that I considered watching for Fantasy March. His film career would be full of ups (The F Word, Trainwreck, Lost in London) and downs (Victor Frankenstein, Now You See Me 2, Playmobil: the Movie oh God REALLY JESUS). And right in the middle of those came one of his most famous weird roles. And that’s today’s focus. And I’ve been wanting to watch it for YEARS. And while we’re talking about him, let’s talk about this film’s other star: Paul Dano.

Dano’s career also began young, and in the opposite way to Radcliffe’s: in theatre first. After a stint on Broadway at the age of 12 (GODDAMN) in Inherit the Wind, as well as several other productions, he transitioned to film in 2000, around the same time that Radcliffe started as well. Eventually, he gained acclaim with his role in Little Miss Sunshine, and then...anybody else in the mood for a milkshake right about now?

Yeah, I haven’t seen that movie, but I really should this year. Consider it on my list...at some point. I’ll figure it out. Anyway, Dano’s role in There Will Be Blood only increased his acclaim, and found him acting in a number of indie films. Dano’s definitely not a blockbuster guy, but that’s not to say that he completely avoids them either. He’s been in Knight and Day, Cowboys and Aliens, and Looper, which all fall under that category. And except for the last one...they aren’t especially good, either. 

But again, he was also in 12 Years a Slave, Okja, Wildlife, Where the Wild Things Are, and Meek’s Cutoff, and all of those were critically acclaimed, and some almost reached blockbuster status themselves. So I don’t really know how to feel about his upcoming role as...the Riddler.

Yeah, we’ll see, but I’m holding my breath. Dano’s great, and I love the Riddler, but...I dunno. Like I said, we’ll see. But in the meantime, that’s enough navel-gazing. Let’s watch Swiss Army Man! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap (1/2)

We begin at sea. If you have thalassophobia, this is already terrifying for you. After seeing many plastics floating on the ocean, covered in written messages, we make our way to a deserted island, where Hank Thompson (Paul Dano) is committing suicide after being stranded there for so long.

However, as he does, he spies someone lying on the beach. The rope snaps, and Hank runs over to greet the body, hoping that he isn’t dead. Unfortunately, after a very loud burst of flatulence, it’s pretty damn clear that this is a dead body. And yes, this is Daniel Radcliffe, but I’ll introduce him formerly when the time comes.

Hank’s sad that the guy isn’t alive, but still speaks to him about his hopes and dreams in the past. He’d always wanted a life of parties and friends and love, and imagined that he’d see that kind of life in a flash before he died. Instead, he only saw the body, who responds with yet another fart. But with that, Hank goes back to trying to hang himself. 

And as he does...the body keeps interrupting with its INSANE gas. Like, it’s so bad that the body keeps shaking as if it were alive. The body washes into the sea, and its flatulence begins to propel it away from the shore. Hank sees this, and he uses the humming he was doing to make the Intro Song, which is strangely mesmerizing? Like, literally soundtrack-worthy, I’m not kidding. He also grabs a piece of his noose, uses it to grab onto the body, and rides it as the farts propel them both far away from the beach. It’s absolutely absurd...and kind of great. And then the titles play.

Hank wakes up on the short of a different island, or possible a larger land mass, and is overjoyed by the change in scenery. He shouts his name to the world, and credits the body with his rescue. No longer stranded in the Pacific, as far as we know, he tries to use his phone, to no avail. He decides to head out and look for help, grabbing a bag of Cheetos that washed up alongside them, bids the body farewell...and then comes back for it.

Carrying the farting body on his back (and kind of treating him as if he’s alive), he wanders through the forest to find help. He wonders if the gas is the result of decomposition (likely, if excessive), or if its the body’s soul leaving it. Either way, the trudge forward. They settle in a cave for the night, as it rains heavily outside. As Hank is want to do, he hums to himself, and shares more of his personal life with the body, as he sings to it. And yeah, I’ve been linking to these songs, because the soundtrack is genuinely fascinating to me.

Morning comes, and Hank awakes to a raccoon prying at the body, which he subsequently chases for food. In his desperation for food and water, he’s once again about to leave the body in the cave, but notices it leaking copious amounts of water from its mouth, which it had collected from the cave walls overnight. And yes...he drinks it. Which is absolutely disgusting when you think about it, which I now choose NOT to.

In the process, Hank squeezes the body for more water, and air escapes his mouth in such a way that it sounds like it’s speaking a name: Manny (Daniel Radcliffe). From that, Hank gets the body to speak his name and a simple greeting, but grows frustrated from the inability of the body to speak properly. This leads to him being a bit abusive towards him, reminding him unfavorably of his own father. Ooh, character revelations, me like.

Anyway, he apologizes to Manny for treating him that way...and Manny responds. Which FREAKS HANK THE FUCK OUT, understandably, and he punches Manny and flees the cave. As he comes back, Manny is indeed speaking outright, which is either a miracle or Hank just straight-up hallucinating. Either way, Hank asks Manny to try and remember his past life, but all he can get is the vague recollection of the Jurassic Park theme song. But Manny can’t remember the movie itself, which is when Hank says the most correct line ever said in all of film.

You’re goddamn right. Anyway, from, there, Hank tries to teach Manny about the ways of the world, and the nature of life and death. And the resulting conversation is absolutely fuckin’ ridiculous, and I love it all. Through the process, Manny learns about the world, and Hank asks him to help get home.

In the process, Manny inadvertently insults Hank, causing to walk off and once again look for help, only to eat poison berries and throw up for a sec. The two reunite, and their conversation turns to the topic of sex. See, there are some magazines in the cave that they’re in, which prompts some questions about women, sex, and love. To both of their surprise, this conversation causes Manny’s heart to beat! Spurred on, Hank continues, and Manny’s heart appears to reawaken...as does his penis. That’s a link to the soundtrack, I promise.

Hank and Manny both freak out, as his little Manny seems to have a mind (and motility) of its own. But in the ever absurd nature of this movie’s premise, this too has a secondary function: it’s a compass. Yup. And that prompts the next step of their journey, which is full of a conversation about fetishes and masturbation. Yeah, Hank’s surprised about that, too.

This leads to a conversation about his parents, as well as somewhat traumatic parts of his childhood, including his mother’s premature death. This makes Hank upset, and he lashes out at Manny, who briefly returns to being dead until Hank apologizes. As they go on, however, they encounter another denizen of the forest: a bear. This causes the two to fall off a cliff, and causes Hank’s phone to fall out of his pocket and turn on, allowing Manny to see the picture of a girl on his background.

Manny’s enraptured by the picture, and constantly asks to see her again, as Hank continues to struggle for food. The problem is that Hank needs to conserve the power on the phone, but Manny asks if Hank can dress up as the girl in order to help him remember, and bring him back to life to help save them both. He does so reluctantly, but Manny calls him beautiful, to which Hank reacts positively. This not only helps Manny come to life a little more, but also leads Hank to shave to look more convincing for Manny...and possibly for Hank, too.

As these two engage on a fake date and create a fake bus (while Manny listens to a fake self-sung cover of Cotton Eye Joe that I’m putting on my playlist), this is a good time to mention the one thing I know about this movie...maybe. I don’t quite remember where I heard this, but I have heard that this film is possibly a commentary on the transgender experience, or at the very least that Hank is transgender, but hasn’t come to terms with that as of yet. Now, I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I have heard that, and I’m definitely interested to see if that’s the direction this goes. This scene definitely seems to somewhat confirm this theory. Also, I will say (as I have said before when watching The Danish Girl), I’m a straight dude of the cissexual sort, so this is in NO WAY in my wheelhouse, but I still figured I’d mention it.

We’re also at the halfway point now, so this would seem like a good time to pause for Part 2! See you there!

[inkabelledesigns]

Vibrance the Hedgehog: Reflecting on a Decade of being a Sonic Fan and an Artist

Today is Sonic’s 30th anniversary, and it has me feeling all kinds of sentimental. So today I want to talk about it. A lot of you probably don’t know I’m a Sonic fan unless you follow me on the voice acting side of things. I’ve been Rouge the Bat in a ton of fan projects for years now, and especially with Adrenaline Dubs, a lot of people recognize my voice from the work I’ve done as her. 

But believe it or not, Sonic is what started me down my path as an artist. I originally started drawing because a friend of mine did cool Sonic fan art back in 2010, and I wanted to be a part of that. My friends were super into the series, and even though most of us drifted away from it, I held on and hopped from group to group for years. Most treated me like garbage, but there were a few diamonds in the rough that I’ve reconnected with over the years. I got hurt badly enough that I stopped drawing Sonic fan art, I just couldn’t look at it without feeling this sickness in my gut. But last night, I got reminded of a video from like seven years ago where it was just a catchy song and a rapid-fire showcase of Sonic fan characters, and I was compelled to go and doodle the one that meant the most to me. I’m not gonna show it here, because it was late and not a great sketch, but I did want to pull up her original artwork.

This is Vibrance, from May of 2014. At one point in my life, she was my whole world. I had a lot of FCs before her, but she was the one that stood out the most. She was the coolest, this audiokinetic teenager who looked up to Sonic and wanted to be a hero like he was (and had a goal of challenging him to a breakdancing battle, that was a thing). This is the only digital version I have, and it’s pulled from my old DA page. I remember being so proud of this picture, my best friend helped me with it during tech class our junior year of high school (we always finished our work early, and the teacher would let us draw when we did). She did the pants wrinkles, but everything else was mine. I loved this drawing so much that when I went to get my senior photos taken, I posed with it. Drawing this stuff was my entire identity back then (and it wasn’t healthy). I wanted people to see me as a skilled artist, I thought that if I could prove myself in my craft, that I’d have the respect I wanted from people, but the groups I was with were mostly filled with these self righteous donkeys that were more interested in making fun of me than helping me improve. 

But that didn’t stop me from improving. Vibe was with me through it all. I transitioned into learning digital art when I reached my last year of high school, mostly because I got my first pen tablet (which I still use to this day). These are some of the pieces I was proud of from 2017. I entered Vibrance into the first annual Pageant Mobius competition, and while I got burnt out and couldn’t keep going, I’m still glad I expanded my horizons and tried new things with these. As I got further into college, got emotionally destroyed in a few relationships, and just had more doubts about my art, I gave up doing Sonic stuff. The last piece I did was this piece of Zonic for my friend Trev, as payment for a favor. That was in 2018, same year I graduated.

I haven’t touched Sonic in a long time, not for art or for pleasure. I joined up with AD mostly because of my friends in the VA scene. If they hadn’t wanted me to stick around, I probably wouldn’t be voice acting for Sonic stuff still. I feel like most people don’t realize I’m an artist these days, given I don’t draw as much, much less post it. They hear my voice, and that’s the thing they want from me. And you know what? Most of the time, I can be okay with that. I get immense joy from voicing characters, be it ones you’re familiar with or personal OCs, hearing people squeal and get excited over having something they love come to life is satisfying. 

That’s the thing I always craved with my art and never got, I wanted to share my excitement, and no one wanted to share it with me. And it wasn’t just visual art, it was my stories too. I was a writer long before I ever drew, like I was still learning cursive when I started making up my own stories. Nobody wanted to hear what I had to share, I was just kind of forgotten. I’m still in some places where I’m left out, no matter how much dedication I show in trying to support others, but I’ve finally found places that do want to listen and interact with what I have, where I’m happy to do the same back. Most of those places are tied to Bendy and nutcracker stuff, and it makes me so gosh darn happy to share those things with people. It’s nice to have a space where I finally feel valued.

So now that I have an outlet that gives me that, I think I’m more content with my drawings. I think I’m happier not worrying about what other people think of my art. Sure, I still worry a little bit, I’ve got a lot of great friends who are so skilled at what they do, I don’t want to look bad next to them, and I’m motivated to keep practicing and trying new things in that way. But at the same time, it ultimately doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, I’m having fun creating, and that’s something I missed a lot.

When I look at Sonic, I’m enveloped by this childish wonder. I’m reminded of my first home console game, Sonic Colors, and how much fun I had with it (you can imagine I’m super excited for the remaster this year, that makes me so happy). I’m reminded of my long car rides trying to beat Sonic Rush Adventure, or sharing the Winter Olympics with my friends and sisters. I laugh at stupid inside jokes with some of my friends, the FCs we made, the roleplays we had. I smile when I remember the hype over Mania, or the joy I had going to see the Sonic movie in the theater with my sister (the last public outing I had before the pandemic hit, and it was magical for every moment). When I look at Sonic, I’m reminded of the fact that I had a lot of fun with him. His series was my favorite, because it made me feel like I could be anything I wanted to be. He was brave, charming, and confident in himself, and he was fast, oh gosh was he fast. I needed to see that as a kid, someone who wasn’t afraid to stand up and do the right thing. Every year on his anniversary, I take a moment to celebrate quietly to myself, usually by popping in an old game and playing a level or two. No clue how I’m gonna celebrate this year, but I know this much: even with all the bad things that happened, nothing can take away how much I love this hedgehog, or how important this franchise was to my journey as a creative, and in becoming a better person. You may not see me share much of that nowadays, but I don’t need to be active in the fandom to be a fan. I’ll still hold Sonic close to my heart, even if no one else ever knows about it. Not gonna lie, I’ve cried a few times in writing this post, but I’m glad I said it. 

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for listening to my artistic ramblings, for supporting me when I have something to share, for being around when I want to geek out. No matter what you come to my page for, I’m glad I have this blog, along with so many lovely people who fill my heart with so much joy. Happy Birthday Sonic, keep on running. 

[stranger-who-writes-fiction]

♫ Surfing on a soundwave, Swinging through the stars, Take a left at your intestine, Take your second right past mars!

On the Magic School smelly space bus! ♫

SPOILERS for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #2!

This is a comic where, the longer I sit with a particular issue, the more I’m like, ‘yeah. Yeah. YEAH.’

It’s dense in a way that invites the reader to go through it multiple times, and rewards additional readthroughs.

Also, it helps that the art is FREAKING AMAZING.

Seriously. Evely and Lopes should draw and color everything, forever, always.

(I will honestly be shocked if they don’t get an Eisner nom for this book.)

Anyways, all of this to say: Another issue that I enjoyed. It has one of the most genuinely sweet Supergirl moments I’ve seen in the comics in a good long while.

So, if you’re looking for a quick thumbs up/thumbs down rating, thumbs up!

If you’d like some SPECIFICS, though...

THE STORY

King is an evil genius because we don’t pick up where we left off--rather, we start in the midst of the Space Bus journey.

There is technically a Big Action Scene, but I was honestly surprised by how...casually? the story progressed.

Essentially: Kara and Ruthye are forced to travel by bus because 1.) Krem stole Kara’s rocket and 2.) this corner of the universe doesn’t have the right stars, so Kara’s still recovering from being under a red sun for an extended period of time.

The bus makes occasional stops; they encounter a space dragon; Kara takes some Red Kryptonite and saves the day; they eventually arrive on a planet with a yellow sun. 

And again, all of this occurs with a kind of...breezy ease that I was not expecting at all.

I assumed that the space dragon fight would make up the final moments of the issue, after having built up the problem to a point where Kara needed to intervene.

But, noooope. The space dragon happens somewhere in the middle, which helps sell the central idea that this is simply Kara’s life. She’s been there, done that. She’s a badass who takes it all in stride.

But! Important to note! Ruthye still marvels at the sight of Kara taking out the space dragon, as well she should, because:

OH MY GOD. THE aRT.

There’s only so many times I can say, ‘it’s phenomenal, it’s gorgeous, it’s stunning’ before sounding like a broken record.

But it is. It truly is. This is the prettiest monthly book on the stands right now.

(Realizing I’ve been spelling Ruthye wrong this entire time, maybe? IDK. Apologies if I have.)

It’s in the final moments of the book that we learn what transpired after Krem shot Kara and Krypto and fled: Kara managed to get Krypto and Ruthye to a healer, and then passed out for a week. 

Ruthye and Kara recovered, buuuuut...

Krypto is still very near death because the arrow was poisoned.

The healer can’t treat him until he has a sample of the poison.

Which Krem has.

(See where this is going?)

So! Kara regains her powers! Ruthye has a super on her side! KRYPTO’S LIFE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!

Gimme. Issue. 3. STAT.

THE CHARACTERS

Very much enjoyed Ruthye in this issue!

There’s a really tricky balancing act you gotta pull off when writing child characters; you don’t want to just write them as tiny adults, but you also don’t want to be obnoxious or cloying in trying to write ‘true-to-age.’

King gives himself a bit of a cheat, by setting her up as a rock farmer from a...what would you call it. An old-fashioned planet? And thus the kind of character who had to ‘grow up fast’ and behaves more maturely than your typical pre-teen might.

BUT! IMPORTANTLY! This is tempered by placing Ruthye in situations where her (understandable) ignorance is challenged/put to the test. Like, yes, she is mature, and well-spoken, and utterly tenacious, but she’s also out of her depth, and still in need of help and guidance.

(Which is how we get to The Best Scene which I’ll get to in just a sec.)

TL;DR - this issue has really sold me on Ruthye as our POV character and I am officially Invested in the relationship between her and Kara.

Speaking of...

It’s KARA-CTERIZATION TIME!

So, okay. There’s some ‘eh’ stuff in this one, but, BUT!

We got the goods again.

And by ‘goods’ I mean this:

Whatever other nitpicks I have (and I do! Have one! Which I’ll get to!) THIS. This right here! This is Supergirl. This is Kara.

And what a beautiful line to introduce this moment:

“And it began--as most things begin when you’re dealing with Supergirl--with a moment of kindness.”

It’s the same gentle concern we saw in the previous issue, where Kara knelt down to address Ruthye eye-to-eye. 

Here, Kara’s facial expression, and the way she takes Ruthye’s hands and shows her what to do...

It’s just. SO SWEET.

Ahhhhh it’s so good. :D

So good! In fact! That the above scene offsets my one complaint, which is that Kara came off as harsh, IMO, when addressing the bus passengers, looking for Red K. 

Other good stuff from this particular portion of the book: we get Kryptonese (maybe? I think?) And a mention of Kara’s mother being strict about certain things, which is in keeping with the 2000s series version of Alura.

Ruthye also asks if Kara ever tried to avenge the death of her family/culture and she says no; Ruthye says that she heard a lifetime of regret in Kara’s response, which I suppose could be read one of two ways:

1.) That she regrets her choice not to avenge them, or 2.) that she regrets not having the option to avenge them, as there was no one person to punch, no single action that could rectify the destruction of the entire planet.

I personally prefer the second reading.

Which I suppose contradicts the recent-ish “Killers of Krypton” arc, but who knows what is and isn’t canon anymore, honestly. XD

As for the rest of the issue! I found myself thinking of a Grant Morrison interview, actually.

Morrison apparently met a Superman cosplayer at a con and that’s when the character clicked for them: “[The superman cosplayer] was so in the character, but what really got me was the way he was sitting. It was this absolutely relaxed pose with one knee up and the arm bent over, and that’s what broke Superman for me. Suddenly I realized that Superman wouldn’t be a poser, he wouldn’t be a Muscle Beach steroid guy; he’d actually be completely relaxed because nothing could hurt him. He could be so open and friendly to everyone because no one can punch him or hurt him. He can’t get a cold, or be damaged by anything you’re carrying or wearing. For me that was the power of that, whether you want to frame it as magical or not, it actually informed the stories I wanted to write. I felt I understood him in a way I hadn’t until that moment.”

That’s always stuck with me, the idea that Clark would be the most at-ease, chill guy you'd ever talk to.

And THAT, I think, is what we’re seeing here with Kara. That at-ease-ness.

But in a way that is distinct from Clark! In the above quote, it’s clear that Morrison thinks it’s Clark’s powers that are the reason he can be so relaxed and at ease.

But Kara is de-powered here. So why is she so chill?

Because Kara is an alien.

Kara’s in her element, here. She’s used to space travel, she knows the ins-and-outs, she’s not shocked by any of the weird stuff they encounter on their journey. 

Love it. LOVE. IT.

I am SO GLAD that King decided to go with Kara being the wizened mentor, as opposed to the naïve kid learning to be tough. It’s a much more interesting angle, IMO.

Also NO MENTION OF RIVALRY BETWEEN KARA AND CLARK. WOO. LET’S KEEP THIS ROLLIN’.

Alright, last, but certainly not least:

THE GOOD BOY! KRYPTO!

When I tell you I stress-read this entire comic first thing in the morning...XD

And I am STILL stressed. And a little sad that Krypto doesn’t get to go on another space adventure but! This is MIGHTY PREFERABLE to what I *thought* was going to happen, which is that Krypto would die from his injuries, and Kara would likewise be out for revenge. 

Fortunately, that is not the case! 

So like, the stakes?!?! Suddenly sky high. Find that dirtbag Krem and GET THAT POISON BACK TO THE HEALER!!

ART and MISC. STUFF THAT I LOVE

I generally don’t like to post entire pages of a comic, or panels without context, but the...reach? of this blog is extremely limited so. I think we’ll be okay. XD

So, alright! Some moments that I particularly enjoyed!

One of the panels that Mat Lopes shared early on! 

I want this lettered version on a mug.

(Also she looks very ’Grace Kelly-ish’ here.)

Love Kara’s facial expression and her line about space travel being more fun when you can fly.

From the same portion of the book--such a neat detail that Kara keeps her cash in her sleeve!

Another set of panels that I think Tom King shared a few months back.

Love Kara’s little smirk, and the, “I’m wearing a big yellow S on my chest, and a very fashionable red skirt.”

It IS fashionable. WE SUPPORT THE SKIRT, IN THIS HOUSE.

Also the slrrrrrrp. XD

It’s good.

Okay, 1.) VERY COOL SCI-FI DESIGN and 2.) that line is great. “Can you feel it, Ruthye? We’re getting closer. The stars are changing.”

Mmmm, them good cosmic Kara vibes.

Kara’s attitude about the Red K here is fun, like, ‘WELP, sometimes you turn into a monster, sometimes you don’t!’ but again, the line is what gets me.

“Did my hair move?”

“I do not believe so.”

XD

Honestly? I could post the whole comic here. Evely’s vision of ‘public transit, but space’ is just so immediately...not ‘real’, necessarily, because there’s such a fantastical element to it all, but it is fully realized. I think I used the phrase ‘lived-in’ and that’s it--this world feels like it has always existed; every grimy nook and cranny, every rando space bus traveler.

And Mat Lopes’ colors!

There are like, five distinct color palettes at work in this issue, and Lopes handles them all masterfully.

I think my favorite is the...I’ll call it ‘ethereal space aquarium’ lighting in the bus as they view the space dragon.

The glow and the shadows and the blues and pinks...

GGGGGGGGAAAHHHHHHHHHH so goooooooood

So, yeah. :D

I am very much enjoying this weird, wild ride with small, precocious Ruthye and wizened, crusty Kara. XD There’s some stuff that I don’t *love* but my goodness, it could be a lot worse!

Let us end on the beautiful title page:

[shutterbugkw]

Module 1 Blog Assignment - Why creating a niche is important to your brand.

Screenshot # 1: How to make a Photography Portfolio.

Originally posted by Adorama.

Link: https://www.adorama.com/alc/how-to-make-a-photography-portfolio/

Screenshot #2

Originally posted by: Swipe Town

Link: https://blog.swipetown.com/how-to-choose-a-niche-for-your-social-media-content/

Like most people, I have a love / hate relationship with digital media. Without a doubt, it makes my life easier every day. I would check the weather to decide if I should ride my bike or the public transit to work. While I'm getting ready, I listen / watch something from my phone while making coffee and preparing my lunch. I always pick the same YouTube channel or podcast. Someone who is familiar and very likeable. That is where the personal brand is vital to their followers. I don't have time to browse and pay a lot of attention while I'm brewing my coffee or making my smoothie. The YouTube channel or podcast that I'm listening to is focused on one thing, and they do it well. I would normally listen to Stephen Colbert or Seth Meyers for approximately 10 - 13 minutes which is my timer to brew my coffee, blend my smoothie and pack my lunch. They use the same approach for their monologues, different news but familiar enough that you can laugh at their punchlines even when you're not watching them. One of the keys to their success is having a niche as a talk show host. Sure, they made some changes to their segments, but they listened to their audience to what works for the flow of the show. Stick to what works and give what your audience wants. It reminded me of when I started photography. I learned that the best way to learn how to use a new DSLR is to go to the dog park. Make sure you bring your own dog as your main subject. When my nephew was about to turn 2, I decided to take his photos while babysitting him. When I started posting photos on my website, my sister asked me why I didn't post any photos of my nephew. I didn't post photos of dogs. The main reason is I don't want to confuse my audiences. As much as I love toddlers and dogs, I don't want to be a pet or baby photographer. I focused on portraits and weddings, so I posted pictures of my friends who were braved enough to be my models. As I learn how to use social media, I am observing how successful photographers and artist manage their content and what they provide to their followers. I believe that you can change your brand or style but make sure that you are developing or evolving to something better. I have a lot to learn as a consumer of digital media. My goal is to attract possible clients as a freelance photographer while keeping my 9-5 job. I have to be true to myself and enjoy what I do, but I have to remind myself that there are other people watching, that I need to find the balance to satisfy both sides.

[awenvs3000w21]

We Humans our own worst Enemy

Nature underpins our economy, society and our very existence. Our forests, rivers oceans and soils provide us with the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink and irrigate our crops with. Nature is free and for that reason, we often undervalue the impact it has on our very lives. Without nature and life around us, we would cease to exist.

I want you to think back to a time you can remember that made you feel happy. Most likely you will think of something where you were outdoors enjoying nature. For me, it would be on a family vacation to Mexico where my brothers and I were riding the waves into shore while sand coats our light blonde hair. We giggled and looked at one another as the waves scooped us up and crashed us back to shore. I always have been amazed at nature and especially bodies of water. Even now I love to ride the waves while surfing and always have to stick my hand in the water when I see it to feel its cool embrace. Even when I was a baby I was nicknamed “fish” because I never wanted to get out of the water once I got in. Doesn’t help that I am a Pisces!

Retrieved from: https://www.nps.gov/im/medn/sandy-beaches-lagoons.htm

As research has proven time and time again nature makes humans happy, less irritable and more creative (Mayer et al, 2009). I think my love for nature started when I was a child. I loved discovering the world in my very own backyard and am very grateful that my parents gave me the freedom to do so. I grew tadpoles, identified trees and played in the river and there was never a time where I was happier. Even now I love to go for nature walks, am an avid gardener who took on growing cannabis plants this summer and plan on doing it again this year. I also grow vegetables and have developed an obsession with houseplants. I think quarantine has given me more time to develop hobbies, I want to know if you have found any pastimes to do over the lockdown?

Photo from: my indica GDP plant I grew this summer. Photo taken 10/10/20 right before harvest.

As a future early childhood educator, I believe I have a personal ethical duty to provide my students with a rich understanding of our world. Children love to explore the outside world and offering them time and resources to expand their knowledge about the ecosphere is one of the most beneficial things we can do for their development (Kruger et al, 2010). Nature can provide countless opportunities for discovery, creativity and problem-solving. Exploring the natural world allows children to learn through play and experimentation because it allows children to think the question and make hypotheses developing inquisitive minds. Spending time in nature is also essential for cognitive development and executive function (Kruger et al, 2010). Children will also develop a sense of love for their world and want to continue to be stewards of the earth by protecting it when they grow up. We know climate change is the biggest issue humanity currently faces and we need to make a change NOW to avoid irreversible damage for not only the future inhabitants but are. It is probable that in our lifetimes we will see even more devastating effects of climate change so it is up to us and future generations to make a change right now.

Teaching future leaders and citizens about the planet I have a responsibility to allow scholars to explore nature in their own way to build their sense of place. By exposing children to nature early it will help imprint a love for the natural world, which is increasingly more important as the earth is dying. Humanity is barrelling towards a ghastly future of mass extinctions, climate crisis, health issues and more. Events that can only be prevented if world leaders take environmental threats more seriously. From forest fires, oil spills, overfishing, deforestation, overhunting, gas emissions to massive garbage piles, increased use of fossil fuels etc. these are all human-made creations that are killing a planet that has thrived for over 4 billion years. It is only in the past century that we have begun experiencing this crisis fuelled by the industrial revolution breeding greedy capitalistic ideologies.

Amazing video by 16yo Greta Thunberg that explains the importance of acting NOW for climate change.

Retrieved from: https://www.ted.com/talks/greta_thunberg_the_disarming_case_to_act_right_now_on_climate_change/up-next?language=en

Although it may not be appropriate to talk to children about how humanity is going towards the path of extinction it is important to teach them about climate change and what we can do to help. If we want to make a change it has to start now, scientists predict that by the year 2050 the global population will reach 9.7 billion, which is 2 billion more than today (Kossin et al, 2020). New historical climate data project the earth's temperature will cross a threshold for dangerous warming (+1.5C) between 2027 and 2042 if climate change efforts are not in place to reverse the damage humans have caused (Kossin et al, 2020).

Retrieved from: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/your-guide-talking-kids-all-ages-about-climate-change

Researchers predict the best path to limiting warming involved cutting net human carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050 if we want to stop the damage we have caused. In order to do this, we all need to work together, when possible walk or ride your bike to avoid carbon emissions, carpool and use public transit, drive low carbon vehicles if possible. Other ways to reduce CO2 emissions include taking fewer and longer aviation vacations, fly economy, don’t fly on private jets, insulate and seal your home, make energy-efficient a primary consideration when choosing a new furnace, AC unit, dishwasher, or fridge (ensure an energy star label), turn off lights when not using, add solar panels to the roof of your home, don’t set the thermostat too high or low, eat local food decrease beef and dairy consumption, be conservative of water usage and reduce reuse and recycle. High-temperature extremeness, heavy precipitation, glacier and snow and shrinking and sea ice are retreating. Seas are warming, rising and becoming more acidic. All this leads to an imbalance between earth and the live that inhabitants it

Overall, the world is an amazing place full of wonder but in recent years we have let the planet down. A once thriving full of live biospehere is now dying because of habitat destruction, distribution of invasive species, hunting climate change and overall humans. I want to educate the future by instilling a sense of wonder and lust for nature and a need to protect its beauty. I hope humanity finally learns we are our own greatest enemy and are able to come together to make changes before our untimely demise.

Work cited

Kossin, J. P., Knapp, K. R., Olander, T. L., & Velden, C. S. (2020). Global increase in major tropical cyclone exceedance probability over the past four decades. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(22), 11975-11980.

Kruger, J., Nelson, K., Klein, P., McCurdy, L. E., Pride, P., & Carrier Ady, J. (2010). Building on partnerships: Reconnecting kids with nature for health benefits. Health promotion practice, 11(3), 340-346.

Mayer, F. S., Frantz, C. M., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., & Dolliver, K. (2009). Why is nature beneficial? The role of connectedness to nature. Environment and behavior, 41(5), 607-643.bye

[virtchandmoir]

TESSA VIRTUE ON HOW SHE OVERCAME HER SPORT’S TOXIC CULTURE

Our favourite Olympian breaks down the decade’s trials and triumphs

December 18, 2019

The 2010s were wild. As the decade careens to a close, we spotlight what mattered: bralettes and jade eggs, Celine and Keanu, royals and Rihanna, Rihanna, Rihanna. This is how we dressed, what we gossiped about, who we shipped—and what it all means.

Tessa Virtue is walking into the next decade as a 30-year-old with a blank slate. Here’s what the Canadian Olympian champion tells us she will remember most about the past 10 years.

THE OLYMPIC DREAM

“In 2010, I was 20 and Scott [Moir] and I were at our first Olympics. After Vancouver, we were thrust into the public eye. Before that, we didn’t have any sponsors, very few media outlets wanted to talk to us. We were naive about a lot of that. I wish there had been a community of support for girls and women—I think I was really lacking that. Especially in my sport, as a female, it’s a toxic environment when you’re competing against one another. That’s a part of our culture, to be pitted against other women—it’s like the Britney/Christina thing. It was a lonely time.

The power of the Olympics is that Canadians truly rally behind their athletes. We feel so connected to our athletes’ stories. What struck me most at this past Olympics was the notion that we got to represent the country in a bigger way, as far as what it stands for: diversity and inclusion. Every time we wore those jackets that said Canada on the back, it’s not something we took lightly.”

WALKING AWAY

“There was once a time when I could have told you, seven years from now on December 22 at 2:30 p.m., this is what I’ll be doing. I knew I wouldn’t see the benefits of the workouts I was putting in for four or five years down the road. Everything was building toward something greater.

I’m going through such a transition now. I’m stepping away from not just competitive skating, but skating altogether. After Pyeongchang, Scott and I committed to two more years of skating together and said we’d re-evaluate, and when we did we felt exactly the same, which was that it was the right time to pursue other projects. I’m so glad we had that final tour to really let it digest and just be on the ice, enjoy performing for the last time. It doesn’t get any better than that as an athlete; being able to walk away on your own terms is so powerful. It’ll be interesting to see how I fill that void.”

FROM 20 TO 30

“It’s been a really formative decade for me personally. I don’t feel like I had my 20s in the way other people might have—there were sacrifices made in pursuit of my career. But I knew that I wanted something out of the ordinary for my life. I learned so much through skating: setting goals, taking failures, finding my power and using my voice. I’m coming out of it more self-aware, a lot kinder to myself.

A lot of my career, I felt like everyone would figure out I was faking it, like I wasn’t a real athlete. I think that’s pretty common. I always saw Scott as a superhero athlete and I was just kind of along for the ride.

In your early 20s, there’s just so much pressure. You’re finding who you are and what matters to you, what really sparks a certain fire. When you know that, it’s easier to give yourself a break and realize, I’m okay exactly how I am.”

LESSONS LEARNED

“I’m a bit of an extremist. Learning to find balance within that and prioritize the things that fulfill me has been a big lesson. Learning to be present and really connected to the people I care about with undivided attention and quality time together is a real priority. Striving for excellence rather than perfection, and understanding energy expenditure—knowing that I have a certain quota for every week, how do I manage that?

A big focus at the end of our career was recovery. If I’m applying that to my life now, it’s scheduling. I’m a really good over-scheduler and finding time for self-care is important—I know that’s a bit of a buzz-phrase, but it is important.”

WHAT’S NEXT

“As I enter 2020, it’s a clean slate and a fresh start. It’s a little daunting in some ways because whatever I take on next, I won’t be the best in the world at. I was in a niche, specialized job. But I do think those skills are so transferable. I have quite an entrepreneurial spirit—I was my own boss as an athlete, and Scott and I were training like we were the CEOs of our own company.

Since the Vancouver games, I stepped into the business world and I love negotiating, I love contracts and strategies. I have a lot of experience working with brands, such as RW&Co., and I’m excited for the academic challenge of studying for an MBA. It’s fun to think of the opportunities that are out there and what new challenges I can tackle.” —as told to Rani Sheen

—The Kit