#if Martin has some extra cash

[littlecrittereli]

Getting off the late shift

I haven't drawn in like 4 months be nice to me please

Guardianship au...... oh guardianship au......

he's planning on just resting his eyes so he can go finish his homework (he is falling asleep and waking up unable to move his neck)

[krikeymate]

I have a weird idea I can't seem to get out of my head for some reason I'd though I'd share it with you. For the most part, people with mental illnesses are usually more creative or have more creative outlets, right? So what if when Sam left, she was on a mission to get better not just for herself but for Tara as well. She knew she needed help she started seeing things years ago, but Christina was no help. (She might have even thought it was a good thing because it made her like Billy. I can even imagine that after she found out, she started leaving her alcohol in plain sight to see if she would drink to quiet the voices like Billy did.) Thankfully, Deputy Hicks and Mrs. Meeks-Martin said they would look after Tara, and both told her to keep in touch and that they would be there if she needed them.

Sam struggled through getting sober and finding help for her mental health, but she managed to keep going. One of the things that she found she loved through it was art she loved escaping into different worlds anywhere that wasn't where she was. It helped her escape and forget how hard things where.

Someone notices her drawings and asks her if she could draw his dnd character or someone from a story he was working on she does because she's broke, and he said he would pay her. He loves it and posts it. A few other people ask for similar drawings. Eventually, she falls into a creative crowd that introduces her to a bunch of people working on different things. She learns to make illustrations for smaller indie media, and it's a nice hobby and way to make extra cash. One day, she gets a message from someone who said they say a few of her drawings and asked if she would be willing to make a few different covers for a story. Not thinking much of it, she said yes, next thing she's getting contacted by a large publisher asking to use one for the cover of a new book series. She ends up being asked to design more covers and illustrations from different publishers and can finally start saving up for when she went back home.

She becomes a popular freelance artist. Sam even has a few fans from a comic she worked on with friends. She uses the artist named Sam Soto since part of her is scared Christina would find her and ruin everything, and because her grandmother was her favorite person after Tara, so she used her last name to remember her. She's thankfully for that choice after all the theories start gaining traction.

Just before the attacks She was getting ready to reach out to Tara she finally felt stable and safe. Just needed to gather her courage and find the right moment. In the last 5 years, Sam learned that not everything she touched was going to get hurt or destroyed like she was always told she could also create things that where beutiful and made people happy.

Of course, after the GF attacks, Sam feels guilty. She almost lost her sister and the twins, and she did lose Wes and Judy Hicks. She threw herself at taking care of Tara, and when they moved to NY, she did make the smallest room and make it to her office/studio, and she didn't let anyone in. She found something that she loved that let her escape, but she had to leave Tara behind to find it. It made her afraid Tara would hate her art or think Sam was better off without her. What if she thought Sam was doing great and chose never to go back until she had to? How do you explain that she worked hard to get better for her but was to scared to go back when she did? It leads her to just brush off questions about the time she was gone, saying she just worked freelance and did some projects here and there.

Tara does hate it she knows Sam isn't being honest, but she's back she's here with her, and she promised never to leave again. After a fight, she storms into the studio and finds everything, even a print of a cover for the book she was reading, signed by Sam Soto. Looking around, the main thing that catches her eye is a framed drawing it's an old and worn-out drawing of her when she was younger. It's not as good as the rest of the drawing around the room, but you could tell it was the most well loved.

My friend this isn't a weird idea, this is LOVELY. I LOVE it, I LOVE you. I think saying "people with mental illnesses are usually more creative or have more creative outlets" is probably... not great, but I think you mean well. Happy to discuss that more in private if you message me off-anon (no judgement involved, I'll keep it all to myself, just wanna talk about it).

I think I've mentioned this before, but I 100% believe that when Sam left, she did it to recover - something she wouldn't be able to do in Woodsboro - and to get better, for herself and for her sister. The idea that Christina started leaving alcohol out to see if Sam would start drinking like she did is incredible, we all hate that woman, we only make her worse every time we talk about her.

Artist!Sam. Her using her grandmother's name as a pseudonym, being ready to reach out to her sister when life does it for her. All amazing. The way she learns through art that she is not destined for destruction, but that she can bring life and love into the world, heartbreaking.

The idea that Sam hides her art, terrified that Tara will hate her for leaving her and building this whole new world for herself is so so real. Because of course, what else could Tara think? Sam left and she made a name for herself and she found something that made her happy, because her sister just wasn't enough. And Sam only came back because Tara got hurt, because she felt guilty. Why wouldn't she assume that Sam was just going to stay away with her new name and her new life and her happiness? But Tara wants that for Sam, she wants her to be happy (she wishes she could have that for herself), so she feels guilty, because she's dragged Sam back into all this pain into her life and she's stuck here in New York looking after her fucked up little sister.

They're having an argument. Sam's trying to tell her she can't go to a party as if she has any say in what Tara can and can't do. "How am I supposed to focus on my work when I don't know where you are or whether you're safe," Sam screams at her. Tara screams back, "WHAT WORK SAM? YOU WON'T TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO BUT YOU EXPECT TO CONTROL EVERYTHING ABOUT MY LIFE."

The words cut at Sam deep. Because she's right. She won't tell Tara anything about her life, but she wants to know every part of hers. The truth hurts and she doesn't know what to say, how to react. She just turns and walks away back to her room. But Tara isn't done, she's too worked up, she storms after her, pushing the door open before Sam can close it.(A part of Sam wonders whether she wanted her to see. She's so much stronger, she could have held the door closed, she could have stopped her).

Tara takes in the room. The desk with the tablet and computer, the sketchbooks, the pens and the pencils, the canvases and the paints in one corner. She framed prints on the wall, the sketch of herself framed above Sam's bed. She takes it all in and thinks Sam didn't want to share this with me, and walks away, locking her door behind her.

She doesn't go to the party that night.

[my-chaos-radio]

Release: October 14, 2005

Lyrics:

Don't blame your daughter

That's just sentimental

And don't blame your mum

For all that you've done wrong

Your daddy's is not guilty

You came out a little faulty

And the factory closed

So you can't hold them liable

You come from an island

You're cutting diamonds

With a rubber knife

Your autograph's is worthless

So don't send me letters

And don't mail me cash

'Cause your money is no good

What's left in your mattress

Is holes and lack of love left

Some hair from a horse

And none of it is yours, man

You come from an island

You're cutting diamonds

With a rubbery knife

And the song you sing today

Wasn't always in your head

The words you try to say

Are the ones you should've said

They're glistening like diamonds

Go out and find them

But don't blame your daughter

Read me your tombstone

Tell me you're sorry

Fax me your will

You owe me something still

Blood is like water

The bath that you poured me

Has drained and is gone

Don't blame it on your son

And the song you sing today

Wasn't always in your head

The words you try to say

Are the ones you should've said

They're glistening like diamonds

Go out and find them, boy!

Songwriter:  Nathan Larson

The world is full of diamonds

Go out and find them

But don't blame your daughter

SongFacts:

"Don't Blame Your Daughter (Diamonds)" is a rock song by The Cardigans. It was released in October 2005 as the second single from their sixth album Super Extra Gravity.

The music video was directed by the Renck brothers: Johan Renck, who also directed Madonna's "Hung Up" video, and Martin Renck. It begins with a scene in which a woman sits at an old table and opens a music box. When she looks inside, a crystal ball can be seen on the table with an image of a séance with five people holding hands at the table. The next scene shows Nina Persson sitting at the table with a blonde, a redhead, a brunette and a black-haired woman in unusual clothing. The scene switches to the woman from the beginning (the brunette) carrying furniture through a forest. Back at the table, she disappears and is replaced by a male band member wearing similar clothing to her. As the video continues, the blonde can be seen driving through the forest in a carriage driven by a figure dressed in black with a hood, also disappearing from the table and being replaced by a band member in similar clothing. The same thing happens with the redhead, who is shown tied up like algae underwater, and with the black-haired woman, who appears to be in a small boat in a lake, calling for someone. The video ends with Persson sitting at the table with the rest of the band, all now male and the women gone, holding hands.

[nancypullen]

The Ides of January

I'm supposed to start work tomorrow. A new start, a new job, hopefully the turning point in this lonely slog that has been our move to Maryland. I'm nervous, the way you are before the first day of school - not dreading it, knowing everything will be fine, but butterflies in my stomach over all of the unknowns. Will everyone be nice? Will I do/say something stupid on my first day? I know that I'm perfectly capable of doing this job, but I'm probably a bit rusty. Am I too old to do this? I'm no spring chicken. I spent all morning beating myself up mentally and then the universe took pity on me and sent... *s*n*o*w*. This was a peek out the back door around lunch time.

It's been steadily snowing ever since. It's 8:20 pm now and it's a marshmallow world out there (extra points if you can hear Dean Martin singing that). So, aside from the calming effect of watching those beautiful flakes drift down and make the world beautiful, my first day on the job might be a snow day! If you've known me for any amount of time, you understand how excited I get about snow days. It started when we moved from Alaska to Tennessee. I'd never heard of snow days. Our only rule in North Pole was when temps were colder than -65 (yes, 65 degrees below zero) school was optional. Our first winter in Tennessee saw a couple of snows, they didn't amount to much. After the first snow I woke the boys up for school, fed them breakfast, got them bundled up, and drove to the school. When we drove up the place looked deserted and I wondered if there'd been a bomb threat or something crazy. As I pulled up to the school I saw the director of the before/after school daycare program standing outside waving me off. I rolled my window down and asked what had happened and she looked at me like I was a lunatic and said, "It SNOWED, go home!" That was how I learned about snow days. To say we were delighted is an understatement. Unafraid of the weather, we went right to the grocery store for some snacks and then stopped at Blockbuster (yes, I'm that old) for games and a movie. My little guys weren't impressed with the dusting of snow, not enough to sled on or build a fort, but we felt like we had the run of the town that day. Once that happened we became weather hawks, just waiting for a hint of flurries or an icy patch on the road that might cancel school. We embraced all of the southern superstitions - flushing ice cubes, going to bed with our jammies on inside out, putting a spoon under a pillow, and of course, doing a snow dance. Even after my kids grew up and away, while I was still with the school district no one wished harder for snow days. Is it possible that I've just gotten my first Maryland snow day? I couldn't be more tickled. The assistant director emailed me this afternoon and said that closing for weather is a possibility and that he'd let me know in the morning. Guess who's flushing ice cubes and sleeping with her jammies inside out? I'm not alone in my joy over the snow. My sweet grandgirl heard that snow was on the way and put on her snow pants and went to the backyard to hunt snowflakes.

Her daddy snapped that through a window. I wonder if she caught any? She has a birthday in just 23 days. She'll be SIX. How did that happen? She's loving kindergarten, reading like a champ, and still on track to win an Oscar someday. Here's another snap I love, just browsing in the library.

Ball gown, warm pants underneath, high heels...I need to remember to tell her that this made me think of Belle in the Beast's library.

Okay, that's from the book shop in her village - same idea.

And this photo cracked me up. Her parents purchased a new vehicle, and you know how time consuming that is - even if you walk up with a bag of cash it seems to take forever. She waited patiently in full snow queen regalia. She loves that gold sequined "shawl" that I haven't told her was a holiday table runner.

Lest you think she only identifies as a princess, rest assured that she spends the bulk of her play time as special agent Carmen Sandiego.

She asked Santa for that outfit and he delivered. She loves it. She's solving crimes and catching bad guys while looking fabulous. Anyywayyyyy, I've drifted (see what I did there?) from snow days to costume changes. I suppose I should go upstairs and pick out a first day at work outfit just in case my ice cubes and jammies don't do the trick. I think I'll just close my eyes and reach into the closet. Nothing looks good anyway. I'll be tidy and I'll wear comfy shoes. I've got a lunch box and new water bottle, just like a kindergartner. I usually buy water by the case and guzzle it. After reading about all of the microplastics I'm drinking I decided to just get a Brita bottle with a filter and fill it with tap water. Of course I put a sticker on it so no one mistakes it for their bottle.

Annnnd I just realized that he looks like he's raising middle fingers. Oh no. He's not, I swear he's not. He's got his index and pinky fingers raised which can mean a couple of things. It's sign language for I love you, or it means he's rocking out at a concert. Good grief, why didn't I just put a flower sicker on it, or write my name in Sharpie? Maybe I could draw mittens on him. Now I'm nervous again. Pray for a snow day, y'all. I'm not ready. On that note, I'll bid you goodnight. Here's hoping that this new venture provides me with friendly interactions, interesting conversations, work that keeps me busy, plenty of blogging material, and let's not forget that tasty paycheck. It's all good, right? Right. Wherever you are I hope that you're toasty and warm. Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[defensefilms]

NFL Divisional Round Review

Kansas City Chiefs def Houston Texans 23-14

I am no conspiracy theorist, but I'll be damned if another game is played and I don't see some of the funkiest penalty calls amounting to lost yardage against the Chiefs opponents.

The Chiefs won, but at this point, the memes alluding to the ref favoring the Chiefs, are warranted.

Houston's defense started the game really well. They held the Chiefs to field goals on at least two trips to the red zone in the first quarter, and that's why it didn't look as bad as it could have been.

The 2nd quarter is where the Chiefs scored their first TD through Kareem Hunt and they lead for the rest of the game.

Houston's best drive came in the 3rd quarter, capped off by Joe Mixon's 13 yard td run, and it would have evened the score had Fairbairn not missed the extra point, and that wasn't the only kick attempt Fairbairn didn't cash.

And then, like every Chiefs game, the Chiefs had a 13 play, 81-yard drive in the 4th quarter, and the touchdown pass by an under pressure Mahomes to Travis Kelce in the end-zone, was incredible.

To make things worse, you have the Chiefs defense with 8 sacks for the game, and 5 different players getting a sack on CJ Stroud.

To attempt to evaluate this via the stats would be misleading, Houston were better in every offensive category and it doesn't matter because they only scored 1 touchdown and 14 total points.

Chiefs win.

2. Washington Commanders def. Detroit Lions 45-31

Arguably the biggest upset from the weekend, and it's a real punch to the gut for Detroit Lions fans. A sad ending to what was a memorable season.

I had mentioned the importance of offensive execution in my preview, and that's what really allowed Washington to separate today. The Lions committed 4 turnovers as a team, and 3 of them were Jared Goff interceptions. Goff never looked settled, and the Commanders were up big by the time the Lions did establish a rhythm.

That first half was every bit the shootout I thought it would be with each team scoring 3 touchdowns. The difference was Goff's pick six returned by Quan Martin, and then followed by another interception as we approached halftime with Washington up 31-21.

The Lions were intent on getting back though, and a Jahmyr Gibbs td-run ended an 11-play drive to start the comeback. However, Washington kept their foot on their necks after the Lions gave away a silly penalty on a 4th and 2 at the 3 yard line to make it first and goal and allowing Bijan Robinson to get a td-run to keep Washington in a strong lead.

The Lions got antsy on their next drive. They tried a pass with wide receiver, Jameson Williams that resulted in an interception and when Jayden Daniels got back on the field, and after drawing some crucial penalties, completed the drive with a Jeremy McNichols td-run, effectively ending the game.

Washington have been a great story and that quarterback has the makings of a great player but hopefully their ride ends this coming weekend because.....

3. Philadelphia Eagles def. Los Angelese Rams 28-22

An outstanding game by the Philadelphia Eagles here.

The Eagles looked dominant here and that's even with the miscues like missed extra point attempts, Jalen Hurts getting injured and only going 6-15 on 3rd down, the Eagles were dominant.

What started with Jalen Hurts' early touchdown run, culminated in an avalanche of rushing, Saquon Barkley pouring it on with 206 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.

The real reason the Eagles won, is that their defense was able to replicate the week 12 win by pressuring Mathew Stafford and notching 5 sacks. Stafford went 26-44 on pass attempts, and that's a very "yikes" stat, compounded by that fumble by Kyren Williams early in the 4th quarter.

Reading through the Eagles defense's tackle stats just brings all types of joy to my soul. Everybody hitting something, notching 10 tackles for loss, 6 QB hits and 42 solo tackles total as a team.

Overall a great team performance from Philly.

4. Buffalo Bills def. Baltimore Ravens 27-25

Did you see that?

Stuff like this, is why I say Lamar is great no matter what, because he can throw the perfect pass, but how is Mark Andrews fumbling the ball and then dropping the pass for the game winning pass, a fault on Lamar Jackson's part?

I had mentioned how the Buffalo Bills had committed the least turnovers of any team remaining in the playoffs, and that really is the most important stat of the game.

Lamar Jackson's only mistakes of the game were that interception to Taylor Rapp, and the bobbled snap that resulted in a fumble early in the 2nd quarter.

Even with those errors and the Ravens scoring first on Lamar's touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, Lamar's offense still managed to bring them back to within 2 points in the 3rd quarter, with a lot of help from Derrick Henry. The failed 2-point conversion right after, was a harbinger of things to come.

After the Mark Andrews' fumble, the Ravens defense would pull off a brave red zone stand and hold the Bills to a field goal to put the score at 27-19.

Lamar Jackson then leads arguably the best Ravens drive in the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter, completed with a td pass to Isiah Likely and the Ravens wisely opt to go for the 2-pt conversion, take the lead and likely win the game.

But at the goal line, with the offense motioning to the right, Lamar attempts a pass to Mark Andrews, and Andrews drops it to lose the game.

Fair play and well done to the Bills, but it' going to be a bitter offseason in Baltimore.

[fmlfpl]

Final Wildcard Musings - Day 5 - Post 6 - Saturday, Dec. 30th at 5:40am (20 minutes to GW20 Deadline)

well i made my keeper flow chart and it resulted in…………………. NETO, my guy, let’s go.

backup unclear if i’ll keep dubrav or cash in or try and find some cheeky doubler or something.. shoutout ben martins who told me that if liverpool beat fulham over two legs in the caribao cup then luton will have two doubles.. maybe it’s kaminski backup if i have extra $?? might lead to me bench boosting if both neto and kaminski double, sure sounds good enough to me.

i sorta loosely did a captaincy matrix type of thing, it didn’t really inform me of that much aside from reaffirming that ollie is definitely in, dom is definitely in, bowen should probably be in, and there’s a shout for a man united attacker (as you see above rashford in my last tinker, very rogue, purely gut feeling, eye test, and a history of him being a streaky player).

i can’t seem to quit foden lately. who will slot right in on the above tinker instead of rashford. i just feel really good about him. another strong eye test guy who has been cooking lately, but also with the banger fixtures, no haaland, probably no kev in sight. and even if haaland is back for home burnley in GW22, i still don’t expect kevin to be back and therefore i’d expect all three of alvarez haaland and foden to start so… i like that.

first time mo is playing a match and isn’t in my fpl team since GW25 last season i think LOL fuck me.

should i be trusting palmer as my start most weeks 7th attacker or would it be better to just spend more money there go like rich or jota or ode or kai or something not sure? whatever. going with palmer and some weeks garnacho and some weeks (like this week) a defender over him.

anyway… the moment you’ve been waiting for… here’s my team with 8.1 milli in the bank:

[topreviewin]

Annual mobile phone upgrades are in total minimal, and the soar from the Pixel 7 to Pixel 8 isn't any exception. Google's novel entry-stage Pixel mobile phone has a recent processor, extra AI recommendations to help with photograph edits, macro photography mode and a a little bit of improved digicam. Taken together, these changes underscore Google's elevated focal point on synthetic intelligence, extra signaling the technology will play a worthy role in future Pixel devices. But must you are appropriate shopping for a official novel mobile phone with a medium-sized conceal conceal and a blinding digicam, that that you would possibly possibly also very neatly be questioning if it be rate buying the $699 Pixel 8 or closing Twelve months's Pixel 7, which is $100 more inexpensive at $599. The reply is tricky. Although I loved the Pixel 7 when I reviewed it closing Twelve months, there are better selections in Google's lineup. The pricier Pixel 8 can also fair now no longer be very diverse from the Pixel 7, however Google guarantees machine updates for seven years. That's a worthy deal because it methodology the Pixel 8 shouldn't if truth be told feel old sort till 2030 since this can continue to procure novel Android version updates, safety updates and special Pixel updates that Google calls "feature drops" till then. Whenever you happen to're already spending hundreds of bucks on a brand novel mobile phone, it be a blinding thought to make investments within the person that will closing longer. But must you take a gape to keep some distance off from wasting cash, whisk for the $499 Pixel 7A as a substitute of the Pixel 7. It has plenty in popular with the Pixel 7 by offering the similar processor and a identical digicam, however for $100 much less. Right here is a better gape at how the Pixel 8 compares to the Pixel 7. Quiz this: Overview: We Tested the Google Pixel 8 and Its AI Parts 10:48 Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7: Kill, insist and machine The Pixel 8 James Martin/CNET The Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 gape and if truth be told feel identical, with every that features a radiant help form and a matte aluminum physique with a bar-fashioned digicam module that runs horizontally right thru the machine. However the Pixel 8 has flatter edges and weighs much less, which at the side of its extra compact size procure it more straightforward to preserve and exhaust with one hand. The Pixel 7 is on hand in lemongrass (yellow), snow (white) and obsidian (dim) color alternate recommendations, whereas the more recent Pixel 8 is accessible in hazel (gray), obsidian (dim) and rose (crimson) selections. Both devices are rated for IP68 dust and water resistance, meaning they wants to be dust-tight and in a situation to withstand a few water immersion. The build the Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 originate up to change is in their displays. The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-dash insist, so it be a little bit of smaller than the 6.3-dash Pixel 7. The Pixel 8's dimensions are additionally physically smaller than the Pixel 7's, making it a extra absolute top different for these seeking out a little mobile phone. The Pixel 8's conceal conceal is additionally brighter because it must top at 2,000 nits of brightness when put next with the Pixel 7's 1,400 nits. As neatly as, the Pixel 8 can enhance its refresh price up to 120Hz when put next with the Pixel 7's 90Hz insist, though the variation can also fair now no longer be noticeable and relies upon on what you are doing for your mobile phone. The Pixel 7 pictured subsequent to the Pixel Quiz Andrew Lanxon/CNET Both phones bustle on Android 14, essentially the most modern version of Google's mobile operating machine. The Pixel 8 comes preloaded with Android 14, and it be on hand for the Pixel 7 as an increase. But as mentioned above, the Pixel 8 will get seven years of most modern Android variations, novel Pixel aspects and safety updates. Whenever you happen

to love to agree with a mobile phone that that you would possibly possibly also preserve onto for years but to approach, the Pixel 8 is the easier different. The Pixel 7 will only procure novel Android updates for 3 years following its delivery, meaning it would possibly possibly possibly most likely possibly discontinue getting novel variations of Android after October 2025. That by myself affords the Pixel 8 a worthy edge over the Pixel 7. Whereas the machine experience is largely the similar, the Pixel 8 has some novel AI-powered aspects -- rather a few that are photography-linked. The Pixel 8's Google Assistant is smarter and can also summarize net sites. It additionally sounds extra natural when screening incoming requires your behalf. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7: Camera On paper, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 agree with identical digicam methods. They every agree with a 50-megapixel vital digicam and a 12-megapixel ultra wide digicam, however the Pixel 8 additionally has a macro photography mode and a extra recent sensor that's extra sensitive to light. The distinction is noticeable; shots involved about the Pixel 8's vital digicam in total regarded a little bit brighter than these shot on the Pixel 7. And some pictures regarded extra colourful too. In the photography of my colleague Bridget Carey under, which I shot the utilization of Night Mode in a dimly lit room within the CNET locations of work, the Pixel 8 did a better job at taking pictures the purple lighting extra accurately. Nonetheless, her face does gape a little bit noisy within the Pixel 8's photograph. Pixel 8 A photograph of CNET's Bridget Carey taken on the Pixel 8. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Pixel 7 A photograph of Bridget taken on the Pixel 7 Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Whereas shots in total regarded the similar between every phones, the Pixel 8's photography ceaselessly regarded a little bit of extra colourful. Snatch a gape at the shots of the fish market in Wegmans under, and you are going to glance the reddish color within the fish's scales appears to be like to be a little bit bolder, especially within the tail. Pixel 8 A photograph of fish at a market taken on the Pixel 8 Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Pixel 7 A photograph of fish at a market taken on the Pixel 7. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Macro mode additionally makes it more straightforward to take dangle of closeup particulars on the Pixel 8. The photograph of an synthetic flower under used to be taken on the Pixel 8 in macro mode, and under it that that you would possibly possibly also gape the similar photograph without macro mode taken on the Pixel 7. Pixel 8 Macro mode on the Pixel 8. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Pixel 7 The Pixel 7 would no longer agree with macro mode. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET My colleague Patrick Holland, who reviewed the Pixel 8, additionally acknowledged shots regarded in total identical between every devices. Nonetheless, he did glance extra shadow part within the Pixel 8's shots when taking a gape carefully, which that that you would possibly possibly also gape in his review. The bigger distinction between the 2 phones comes down to their photograph editing aspects. The Pixel 8 has a handful of most modern AI-powered editing tools that are now no longer on hand on the Pixel 7, like Simplest Snatch and the Magic Editor. The normal lets you switch a person's expression in a community photograph once you agree with taken a bunch of pictures, whereas the latter makes it that that that you would possibly possibly also deem to whisk and resize other folks and pets in photography. Simplest Snatch is meant for moments must you cannot get everybody smiling or retaining their eyes delivery in a community photograph at the similar time. Whereas it works impressively neatly and I'm in a position to gape the appeal at the help of it, Simplest Snatch additionally feels a little bit inauthentic to me.

It be easy ample to fail to recollect this selection must you form now no longer are attempting to exhaust it, however it would no longer if truth be told feel as purposeful as previously launched photograph editing tools just like the Magic Eraser and Face Unblur. The photograph under used to be edited with Simplest Snatch. CNET's Jessica Fierro (left) and Abrar Al-Heeti (lawful) weren't smiling within the new image. This photograph never happened as it appears to be like. CNET's Patrick Holland frail Simplest Snatch to mix 'n match Jessica's and Abrar's expressions. Patrick Holland/CNET My thought on the Magic Editor is largely the similar, though I'm certain every other folks can agree with stress-free customizing their photography and discovering ingenious exhaust circumstances for it. With the Magic Editor, that that you would possibly possibly also resize other folks, delete particular objects and whisk other folks and pets. Patrick has a mammoth example of the Magic Editor at work in his review. After taking pictures a photograph of two of our CNET colleagues jumping off of a colossal rock, he frail the Magic Editor to steal away the rock utterly, making it gape like they were appropriate jumping within the air if truth be told excessive. Nonetheless, these edits are now no longer as soft as Simplest Snatch; that that you would possibly possibly also clearly remark the image used to be altered. As my colleague Sareena Dayaram factors out, tools just like the Magic Editor additionally elevate questions about the authenticity of the shots we snap on our phones and doubtlessly half on social media. CNET's Patrick Holland frail the Pixel 8's novel Magic Editor machine to steal away a mammoth rock from the flooring in this image. Can you remark where it used to be? Patrick Holland/CNET Whereas the Pixel 7 would no longer agree with these novel aspects, it does produce other helpful editing alternate recommendations like Face Unblur, Portray Unblur and the Magic Eraser. Overall, the cameras on every phones are identical ample, though the Pixel 8's in total appears to be like to be like a limited step up. Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7: Performance and battery The Pixel 8 runs on Google's most modern processor, the Tensor G3, whereas the old-generation Tensor G2 powers the Pixel 7. Both phones are responsive ample when scrolling around the operating machine, swiping thru social media posts, launching apps and the digicam and taking half in games. The novel chip's advantages if truth be told kick in by formula of these AI-powered aspects mentioned earlier. I additionally ran two benchmarks on every mobile phone: one for checking out popular efficiency in day to day exhaust (Geekbench 6) and one other for measuring graphics vitality (3DMark Wild Lifestyles Outrageous). In every assessments, the Pixel 8 scored bigger, especially on 3DMark Wild Lifestyles Outrageous, as that that you would possibly possibly also gape within the desk under. Geekbench 6 Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7 Geekbench 6 (single core) 1,605 1,481 Geekbench 6 (multicore) 4,134 3,971 Point to: Greater scores are better 3DMark Wild Lifestyles Outrageous 3DMark Wild Lifestyles Outrageous 2,381 1,711 Point to: Greater scores are better. 3DMark Frames Per Second Frames Per Second 14.3 10.3 Point to: Greater scores are better. Both phones supply roughly the similar battery lifestyles, even supposing the Pixel 8 has a a little bit of larger battery capacity. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 can every closing for round a day on a single fee, and as well they performed very in a similar diagram right thru CNET's three-hour battery test. For the period of this test, we stream a YouTube video with the conceal conceal brightness became up to its most stage for 3 hours and impress the battery share at every hour. With out reference to its brighter conceal conceal, the Pixel 8 delivered outcomes that virtually matched these of the Pixel 7.

Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7 Battery Take a look at Pixel 8 Pixel 7 1 Hour 95% 95% 2 Hours 88% 88% 3 Hours 79% 81% Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7: Which would possibly also fair serene you in deciding? The Pixel 7 (left) and Pixel 8 (lawful) Lisa Eadicicco/CNET The Pixel 8 is a better investment total for the easy reason that this can closing longer. Its modest digicam and insist improvements are a step up, and the Pixel 8's novel AI aspects procure it a little bit smarter and this ability that truth extra convenient to exhaust than the Pixel 7. But it be if truth be told the long machine toughen that makes the Pixel 8 the easier different. Nonetheless, I'm in a position to also only suggest upgrading must you are coming from an older machine just like the Pixel 5 or earlier. Google Pixel 8 vs. Pixel 7 Google Pixel 8 Google Pixel 7 Show conceal size, tech, resolution, refresh price, brightness 6.2-dash OLED; 2,400x1,080 pixels; 60-120Hz adaptive refresh price 6.3-dash OLED, FHD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) , 90Hz Pixel density 428 ppi 416 ppi Dimensions (inches) 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.4 in 6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 mm Dimensions (millimeters) 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm Weight (grams, ounces) 187 g (6.6 oz) 197 g (6.9 oz) Mobile machine (at delivery) Android 14 Android 13 Camera 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), Front-dealing with digicam 10.5-megapixel 10.8-megapixel Video clutch 4K 4K Processor Google Tensor G3 Google Tensor G2 Storage and RAM 8GB + 128GB, 256GB 8GB + 128GB, 256 GB, Expandable storage None None Battery 4,575 mAh 4,355 mAh Fingerprint sensor Below insist Below insist Connector USB-C USB-C Headphone jack None None Special aspects 5G (Sub 6, mmWave); VPN by Google One; 7 years of OS, safety and Feature Fall updates; entrance-dealing with digicam has autofocus; 13W Qi wireless charging; 30W wired charging; USB-3.2 speeds by USB-C; IP68 dust and water resistance; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on entrance and help 5G, Magic Eraser, Portray Unblur, Valid Tone, Face Unblur, Long Publicity Mode, Perambulate Pan; Keep For Me, Wait Events, Enlighten My Name Stay Translate US impress off-contract $699 (128GB) $600 UK impress £575 (128GB) £599 Australia impress AU$1,100 (128GB) AU$999

[metamoonshots]

[ad_1] It’s that point of yr when the leaves are altering, the coolness of winter is within the air, and many people within the Western world are as soon as once more gearing up for the vacation season. Thanksgiving and Christmas are vital holidays for a lot of and the most effective occasions to collect with household. Nonetheless, I'd argue that some of the vital holidays is simply celebrated by .01 p.c of the worldwide inhabitants.That’s proper, I'm speaking about Whitepaper Day. It was 15 years in the past as we speak that some of the vital paperwork ever written was launched to the world. The significance of this doc is akin to Martin Luther, who published his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517.Satoshi Nakamoto will need to have been a pupil of historical past as a result of there may be little likelihood this was a coincidence and Satoshi will need to have understood the importance of publishing the Whitepaper on this present day. The parallels between the Whitepaper and the 95 Theses merely can’t be ignored.Martin Luther’s 95 Theses straight challenged the established ethical authority and teachings of the Catholic Church that have been by no means questioned by the common particular person in these days resulting from blind obedience to the powers that be.To the everyday citizen again then, the Church had the ultimate say on all the pieces and was by no means to be questioned. This method labored for a really very long time till, someday, individuals began asking questions.Such significant adjustments to how individuals see the world, corresponding to what occurred through the Reformation, don’t occur in a vacuum. There was a collection of occasions that led individuals to this paradigm shift.The Catholic Church in the 1500s operated more like a government than a religious institution. Popes in these days have been in command of large bureaucracies that handled all the pieces from forging alliances, constructing armies, and preying on the fears of their congregants to create a corrupt money-making enterprise.Basically, over the centuries, the Catholic Church diverged from the unique mission of spreading the Gospel and obeying God’s commandments and have become extra centered on worldly points of cash and energy.The identical paradigm shift about cash and energy is happening proper now and is current within the genesis block. “ The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks” is greater than an commentary of the information: It's a realization that the worldwide financial system is irreparably damaged.Man has confirmed time and time once more over the centuries that when given absolute energy over the lives of others, even essentially the most pious and well-meaning amongst us will develop into corrupt. It's a deadly flaw of the human situation. The one factor that we as people can do is to mitigate this urge as a lot as doable.That is what makes the Bitcoin Whitepaper such a profound and important a part of world historical past.Cash Makes The World Go Spherical Source All people is aware of, younger and outdated, that cash makes the world go spherical. That is why most individuals roll away from bed and head to a job they hate to earn little items of paper that their governments say have worth. Folks do that as a result of they need what the items of paper symbolize.These items of paper symbolize time, labor, and needs for items and companies that may profit their lives. Similar to within the days of Martin Luther, the plenty have been content material with the Church having all the facility. Folks as we speak are content material with governments controlling the cash printer. However just a few are beginning to ask questions and spot issues.The surging inflation of the final two years is turning into exhausting for the common client to disregard, and the burgeoning world debt disaster is an intractable downside that central banks can solely remedy by printing

extra political forex items, thus additional devaluing them in a vicious debt spiral till financial collapse.The publication of the Bitcoin whitepaper and the widespread dissemination of this info has proven the world that there's a higher solution to create cash, in a means that takes the facility and temptation away from our so-called leaders to print new cash at will for their very own profit. Bitcoin binds this innate temptation in the direction of corruption in an unbreakable chain of constructive incentives, decentralization, transparency, and hard-capped provide, enabled by the ingenious issue adjustment and backed by the world’s vitality.These options by no means existed within the barter system, the gold customary, or the fiat system we live underneath proper now. Right this moment, we've the chance to remake the world with higher cash that works for everybody and never simply the elite. It is a social experiment that has by no means been tried in human historical past and is one which we are able to sick afford to not attempt.We've seen the outcomes of different varieties of cash. Why not attempt cash that may’t be created out of skinny air or confiscated by governments? What else do we've to lose? Our backs are towards the wall, of us; it’s both freedom or tyranny. Liberty or demise. Which means will humanity go?On this superb Whitepaper day, select hope over despair. Stand as much as the powers that be like Martin Luther did so way back and alter the world with every motion you are taking.Bear in mind, “ It doesn't take a majority to prevail... however somewhat an irate, tireless minority, eager on setting brushfires of freedom within the minds of males.��� - Samuel Adams [ad_2]

[wheredidhiseyebrowsgo]

Hiiiiii 🤩 …. So i am back with another request 🙈 can you recommend me some good high school aus, with Derek being a jock and nerdy Stiles, and there is a bet involved that Derek can make Stiles fall in love with him and in the end he falls in love 😈 ( I would prefer happy ending) thankkk youuuuuu

Let's see what I can find, @mysneakylife.

fascinating new thing (you delight me) by magique

(1/1 I 911 I Teen)

“Did you really eat a live duck?”

Derek bares his teeth, a smirk teasing the corners of his mouth, and asks, “Are you sure you want to know?”

I burn, I pine, I perish. by MyseryLuvsCompany

(2/? I 3,342 I Teen)

When Allison Argent moves to Beacon Hills, she falls hard for Scott McCall— resident brown-eyed sweetheart— immediately. Her dreams of going to junior prom with him are cut short, however, when her friend Lydia Martin mentions that Scott McCall doesn’t date. Not until his best friend does too.

"Wait, that's his best friend?"

"Yep. All 147 sarcastic pounds of him. No dating until Stilinski dates; McCall policy. See your problem?"

I burn, I pine, I perish by everysundoesntrise

(1/1 I 6,972 I Teen)

Lydia just wants to date Jackson Whittemore, but her father forbids her from dating at all, unless, of course, her new brother Stiles could also get a date. Lucky for her, Derek Hale is single and always in the need for extra cash.

i'll take it, it'll do by CallicoKitten

(2/? I 8,684 I Not Rated)

So the girl of Scott's dreams won't date him unless her brother has a date too, that might be insane but Stiles is totally willing to help out with that because hey, he's a great friend, okay? Now if only that were the only problem in his life.

I Want You To Want Me by allyasavedtheday

(1/1 I 11,898 I Teen)

Laura sighs, coming to a stop in front of them, and Derek feels her eyes on him. He can almost see the cogs turning in her head before she nods decisively. “Fine. You can date…when Derek does.”

* Dating Derek is supposed to be a one-time thing. Just a sacrificed evening so Isaac can go out with Cora. Stiles should know by now his life never goes according to plan.

You Say Your Love Is Bona Fide by suchfun

(1/1 I 14,299 I Teen)

It's like the stars have finally aligned, and Laura doesn't think she has ever had, or will ever have, another parenting moment this pure in her whole life.

"Okay fine," she says, cutting Cora off just as she's opening her mouth to complain some more. "You can date."

Cora's mouth drops open. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, sure, why not, you can totally date." She pauses, letting the moment build, letting the hope build in Cora's eyes, before qualifying, "When Derek does."

The look on Cora's face makes every parenting crisis Laura's ever had (of which there have been many over the past three years) worth it.

I Want You To Want Me by sweetbutterbliss

(7/7 I 15,940 I Explicit)

Derek scrubs his hands across his face before crossing his arms over his chest and furrowing his eyebrows at the two idiots standing in front of him. Well, Scott is an idiot. Stiles is...luminescent, and all jerky movement, with big, golden brown eyes. And he always has a plan. Derek is fucked and, it turns out, unable to say no to him.

Living a Teenage Dream by Lissadiane

(1/1 I 19,862 I Teen)

Rumor has it that Sheriff Stilinkski won't let his stepson Scott date until his other son Stiles does, so when Allison makes the mistake of falling for Scott, her well-meaning (and dickish) friends hatch a scheme to hire someone to take Stiles to homecoming.

10 Things I Hate (love) About You by catsteww

(1/1 I 31,153 I Teen)

When Kate Argent hires Stiles to date Derek and get paid for it, Stiles obviously agrees and sets out to win his heart. Except Stiles wasn't expecting Derek to actually have layers underneath his tough exterior, and he certainly wasn't expecting to develop pesky little feelings for him. And everything gets a little messed up along the way.

[somanyfuckedupiftruebooks]

Today I will pretend that I am working on my fic by nailing down my headcanons for TMA S1 clothing and outfits.

Jon

At work he is always in professional officewear, always put togther, has a sharp haircut. Rarely a full on suit but sometimes the elements of one, like a vest with no jacket. Always a tie. Gravitates toward white shirts and dark everything else because he thinks dark colours all automatically match each other (they don't). No patterns. No accessories. Always looks uncomforable in his own clothes, like they were bought for someone else. No one ever taught him how to dress himself nicely so he is doing his best approximation of what others are doing and it only mostly works (it would never occur to him that his belt and shoes should be the same colour, for example). He irons everything on laundry day but then wears clothes for multiple days in a row because he has no time/is secretly living in the archives for most of the week, so his overall look is far more rumpled than he realises.

At home (on the increasingly rare days that he isn't at the institute) he just dresses in his old uni clothes, which lean towards alt and gnc stuff. This has more to do with the fact that he cbf to upate his wardrobe (shopping is hell) and less to do with it actually reflecting how he wants to present himself now as an adult, but it's fine because he never goes anywhere. There's some skirts in there, and merch for weird indie bands that no one's ever heard of. "Somehow" he got custody of a few of Georgie's old shirts in the break up and he will wear these to sleep in because they are soft and loose and comfy on him (the air quotes are because he is in denial about being a clothing thief). He owns eyeliner that he doesn't wear anymore because he's convinced himself that he's too mature for it now. He has a jacket covered in pins for various causes that he also never wears anymore but he loves it too much to get rid of it.

Martin

Also professional, but a much softer version. Like Jon he is afflicted with desperately-need-to-look-like-I-know-what-I-am-doing-even-though-I-don't disease, and that reflects in his clothing choices. He always wears multiple layers and his clothes all trend towards being too baggy, both for trans reasons and also the dismal realities of shopping for plus size clothing on a budget (more often than not, you just have to buy whatever you can physically put on your body even if it will never look right or fit properly). His default setting is a collared shirt with a cardigan over the top, but the collar still visible. Prefers cooler colours because warm tones bring out the red in his skin and he worries about looking flustered all the time. Paints his nails sometimes when he is feeling a bit gender. His mother had his ears pierced when he was little but he never wears earrings.

His at home clothes are exactly the same as his work clothes. Martin doesn't have spare cash for extra outfits; he has to buy nicer things for work, so when something becomes too worn to get away with in the office he just wears it around the house until it's too faded and full of holes to hang onto. He will patch or darn things that he particularly likes or thinks he can get some more life out of. Taught himself how to do this by watching youtube videos and is actually pretty good at it; some of his patched clothes could almost look trendy! He probably has a handful of clothing items that are actually good because he bought them for himself as a treat, like a dress shirt in a colour that matches his eyes, and some pants with a particularly flattering waistline. He wears these things when visiting his mum because he wants to look put together but also because he usually needs some cheering up on those days.

Sasha

She's a woman trying to be taken seriously in her profession, so she dresses seriously. Lots button downs tucked into high waisted skirts, a few dresses but nothing too feminine. Nothing with hemlines above the knee or anything that shows her shoulders. Nothing too form-fitting, and she's also usually wearing mutliple layers. Subdued but nice patterns. She walks a fine line between not wanting to look like a grandma but also avoiding anything too modern (lots of old fashioned types in academia). Always considers her appearance and puts together outfits where everything matches and looks flattering. Prefers muted but warm colours, browns and oranges and yellows. Jewellery is always simple and understated, like some small gold hoops that are okay to wear every day, and maybe a necklace. Always wears her hair up off her face and natural makeup. She gets herself french manicures when she has the spare cash and feels like treating herself.

Outside of work, she has a really defined style and it's much more modern and less understated. A go-to outfit would be all fitted black clothes but dressed up with bright heels, belt and chunky earrings all in a matching colour, like an eye-catching red. Her hair is usually down and curly.

Tim

Strays a lot closer to the 'casual' side of business-casual than anyone else is comfortable with. He's received warnings for dress code violations before (none of the others ever have). Tends towards close-fitting clothing, dark slacks matched with shirts that have lots of colour and patterns (but rarely anything that clashes or veers too far away from office-appropriate). No hawaiian shirts or jeans. He used to have coloured hair and matching nails but was told it violated the dress code so he stopped doing that back in his research days. Always wears earrings and often they are 'fun', like a set of studs that look like little birds or something. Also has some rings, and a nice watch that his parents got him as a graduation present.

Outside of work, yes hawaiian shirts and jeans, and maybe he fucks around with some jewellery or makeup if he has a date or is feeling a bit gender. That would be his go-to leaving-the-house outfit. He is someone who has very distinct 'outside clothes' that look good and he will let people see him wearing, and 'inside clothes' which do not look good and no one but Danny and Sasha have ever seen him wearing. His inside clothes tend to be old mismatched workout clothes with the elastic starting to go. He will wear these all day even if he has no intention of working out.

Elias

Always impeccably tailored three-piece suits. Definitely not afraid of colour, but he would never wear anything remotely close to being described as 'flamboyant'. Prefers solid colours over prints or patterns, but definitely owns some pinstripes. Always matches his shoes to his belt. No jewellery other than the occasional wedding ring (it's always a different one and never lasts more than a few months) and a series of very expensive watches and tie pins (he must own dozens of them). Doesn't go overboard with eye imagery; restricts himself to cufflinks that have either eyes or the institute logo on them (he has several different sets because, like the watches, they are often anniversary presents and he has so many anniversaries). He will sometimes wear some subtle eyeliner because he wants to frame his eyes, but this is only for special occasions. Never looks anything less than 110% put together, and overall his aesthetic is what Jon's is trying (but failing) to be.

Outside of work, he is still always in very expensive clothes (because Peter pays for his entire wardrobe) but not suits, just the dressier side of casual. He does the annoying rich person thing where all of his clothes are tailored to fit him, so even his casual wear looks effortlessly amazing. A normal outfit for a relaxing day at home would be something like grey slacks and a black turtleneck (but in a distinctly whoreish way).

[nygmobblepot-trash]

How the The Riddler/Lee situation would have been solved if the writers weren't cowards.

The Riddler: "Face it Jim, you never stood a chance. Lee will always choose me over you. I told you I'd win."

Jim taking out his phone: "You're right Ed. I was only able to beat you once. I tried again and failed, but that is fine."

Click

The Riddler "... why did you take a photo of us. That's kind of weird Jim."

Jim: "Oh just sending it to an interested party. I may not be able to defeat you... but he can."

The Riddler: "... you didn't."

The Riddler: "Lee I can't explain why but we should leave immediately."

Oswald kicking down the door and screaming at full volume: "EDWARD NYGMA."

Gordon amused: "Hey Os."

Lee: "Really Jim?"

Oswald grabbing The Riddler by the ear and dragging him: "I can't leave you alone for 5 minutes!" He stops to point at Lee. "And you do this shit with her? We all know she's using you for money"

The Riddler: "YOU DID THE SAME THING!"

Oswald: "I get to! I put in my time and with all the bullshit you put me through, I deserve some extra cash."

The Riddler: "I was going to die for you! I got tortured for you!"

Oswald: "Then why are you here? No one likes a whore."

The Riddler: "We are in love!"

Lee shakes her head.

The Riddler: "Just put me back in the ice."

Oswald: "You aren't abandoning our son."

Ed, The Riddler, Jim, and Lee: "Son????"

Martin who has been hiding behind Oswald the whole time kicks The Riddler in the shin.

The Riddler: "Ah fuck! Why did you bring him?!"

Oswald kicking The Riddler in the other shin: "Stop fucking teaching him swear words you narcissistic asshole."

The Riddler: "Hey dumb Ed you can have control now. I don't want it."

Oswald dragging The Riddler again: "Oh no you don't! You have to deal with the consequences of your actions."

Martin follows the two out and waves to Jim and Lee on his way out.

Lee: "Shouldn't you do something about the kid?"

Jim: "You try taking away the kid from Oswald and see what happens."

[r-rook-studio]

#City23 Week 2: More on Nottingham and Cape Crescent

This will get cross-posted to Cohost.

I'll be honest, this week has been kinda hellish. I'm behind on writing. I'd like to sit down and get caught up (and honestly, start revising things, too), but it'll be a while before I get enough inner/outer quiet I need to do that.

But writing in markdown can be a stress reliever and helpful distraction, too, so I've gotten some stuff done.

You can catch up on my last post about Nottingham and Cape Crescent: The Week 1 #City23 Update and #City23 Day 1 (in which Cape Crescent was called "Lunaris").

Nottingham

There's no clear date for the Nottingham location. I've been making it just the Nottingham of the high and late Middle Ages without many more identifiers, and I'm planning to stick to that.

I've added three NPCs to Nottingham in the past week, all working in or around The Three Foxes (introduced in a prior post), near Chapel Bar/the Bar Gate toward Derby and Derbyshire (and the Peaks).

Azelma the Alewife is a brewer, herbalist, and apothecary. She knows some simple healing potions and healing charms. Her beers are the pride of The Three Foxes since before Claire Jarry and her sons took it over.

Old Ruhl the Baker who's paying the sheriff in cash and favors for the safety of his missing daughter (who's actually the sheriff's hostage).

Brother Earnmund and Sister Mindred claim to be brother and sister begging hermits who offer prayers, visions, and "Words of Divine Knowledge" in return for coin. They're actually a married couple who use their arcane talents to answer people's questions, then sell the information they've gained for the Prior of St. Martin's, who lets them live in the monastery's unused almshouse.

Cape Crescent

I'm still not sure when in the life of Cape Crescent this might take place, but I'm filling a few NPCs all the same. There's just two this week, but both are attached to the Bishop's Diner.

Chet Bickley is the diner's evening dishwasher and a taciturn man. No one knows about the music box he found one morning half buried on the beach or how he falls asleep in teh wee hours of the morning hearing its music. No one, including Chet, knows that the figurine that dances at the box's center contains a trapped demon.

Shanna Cliff is Olivia's 20-year old assistant manager. On weeknights, she is a volunteer test subject for a secret new "dream therapy" that the Ghost Bay Foundation has started. No one else has noticed, but she's been growing slightly: half an inch on her height, half a shoe size, broader around the shoulders and hips. She feels more energized though, and given that she's paying down debt, she doesn't want to give up the extra money.

[dontwanttobeasexyvampire]

Brassic 4 Episode Descriptions

(x)

Series 4, Episode 1 - Getting There

It's Ringo and Babs's wedding - in deepest Wales! Erin is still in hiding, but on discovering her whereabouts, Vinnie uses the road trip as an excuse to go and get her. He also gets roped into helping Bride-to-be Babs bag a final extra-marital fling. As the gang set off on their road trip, it's soon clear that if things can go wrong, they most certainly will. A car crash, a tense encounter with the MacDonagh brothers, and a dinner of roadkill with a creepy farmer keep one half of the gang busy.

Meanwhile the other half travel in Tommo's newly converted mobile sex dungeon attempting to babysit an out-of-control Babs...

Series 4, Episode 2 - Day At The Dogs

Chinese Dan agrees to give Cardi his retired racing greyhound, "Arson Fire". Cardi is delighted with his newfound friend and promptly christens him Martin, while the gang see a cash opportunity and hatch a plan to get the dog racing again. But training is interrupted when Martin runs off into the woods and returns with a human foot. Who on earth could've lost a foot? Vin goes to Gary the undertaker for some help.

Meanwhile, Martin starts to have some success at the races when the gang realise he'll run faster when it's Cardi's scent involved.

Series 4, Episode 3 - Lost In The Woods

What should have been a fun, lads-only camping trip to the local woods, turns out to be a nightmare when the gang end up horrendously lost.

As night falls, Tommo suffers the violent effects of eating wild berries, Dylan is consumed by paranoia after a few lines of coke and Cardi is limping with an injured ankle. As the lads turn against each other, they start to hear strange noises and panic that they might not be alone. And then they glimpse hooded figures with torches moving through the trees...

Series 4, Episode 4 - Exotic Zoo

Davey McDonagh invites Vinnie, Dylan and Tommo to a lavish party at the home of his distributor, an eccentric animal-lover called Manolito. But when Manolito offends Vinnie, the gang decide to get revenge by raiding his cherished exotic zoo. It's less than straightforward as they try to shift a load of squawking beasts, but things get really hairy when Davey McDonagh realises what's happened and quickly points the finger at Vinnie.

Series 4, Episode 5 - Amy

Erin is determined to raise some cash for the struggling local community centre by organising a charity fete. But then a young woman called Amy turns up in Hawley, announcing that she is Erin's half-sister.

Reeling from the bombshell, Erin welcomes Amy in as they plan the fete together and go on a girl's night out, but is Amy everything that she claims to be?

Meanwhile, Vinnie and the lads plan a heist of the botanical gardens to steal a rare and valuable rose.

Series 4, Episode 6 - Murder Mystery

After a tip-off from Dr Chris, Vinnie and the gang don some fancy dress and join a posh murder mystery evening at a stately home to gain access to its cellars stocked with valuable vintage wine.

While Vinnie and Jim break into the cellars and steal the wine, the rest of the gang are meant to be distracting the guests upstairs. But things don't go to plan when they get a little too drawn into the game!

Series 4, Episode 7 - An Unexpected Guest

Vinnie discovers an elderly woman hiding in the woods near his shack and takes her under his wing, but things get complicated when it turns out that malicious Davey MacDonagh is looking for her with ill intent.

The gang hide her in their weed grow, and they all settle in and get cosy. But Erin soon reminds them that it isn't safe for her in Hawley. Will they manage to get their new friend to safety without Davey finding out?

Series 4, Episode 8 - Davey's House

Having let their prisoner slip through their fingers the MacDonaghs are on the war path and convinced that the gang had something to do with it.

Vinnie wants out and tries to strike a deal with Manolito to cut out the MacDonaghs. But there's is a snag - Davey has a USB of incriminating evidence against Manolito and has been blackmailing him for years. If Vinnie wants to sell directly to Manolito, he and the gang need to break into Davey's house and steal that USB back...

[fakecrfan]

Concept: S1 Jon/Beholding AU that's like Martin + Tapes, except the Eye falls in love with Jon and mind controls the assistants into also loving (obsessing over) him

Jon would get really paranoid and throw himself into investigating why his coworkers are acting weirdly, and the Eye would be really happy bc it loves research (and also paranoia is a tasty snack to an eldritch fear god)

Okay I’m hopping around with the order of what asks I answer more than normal today, but I wanted to answer this one because it sent my brain into overdrive. So, it’s Beholding/Jon time! (rubs hands together).

So!!!

An explanation: Normally the logic I work with re: who the Entities fall in love with is “normally not someone who is a powerful avatar for that Entity.” My reasoning for this is that the Entities see avatars as extensions of themselves, to the extent that they automatically act through these avatars the way your eyes automatically twitches when you’re annoyed. So it would be difficult for them to differentiate an avatar of theirs as separate enough to fall in love with. Still though! I do believe there are exceptions ( @pensivetense has convinced me on Web/Annabelle, and ofc there is Vast/Simon Fairchild.)

So, here is where I am going with this. I am 100% down for Beholding/Jon. Jon would, in this scenario, absolutely get the same uncomfortable attention. He would also get super paranoid and throw himself into research (amusingly, I think he’d still end up stalking them all as opposed to vice versa, trying to figure out what artifact they interacted with that gave them the brainrot.) And of course, this all makes Jon an even Tastier Beholding snack :))

But the best part about Beholding/Jon in the little world I have been building, imo? Is that Jon is still one of the most Eye-aligned avatars there is in the world. He is still the avatar that the Beholding can filter itself through the most and easiest (except maybe Jonah). He is definitely the avatar that the Beholding channels feelings into automatically, before it has thought through the Implications.

So, in conclusion: the romantic feelings for Jon get channelled through Jon himself. I alluded to how hilarious this would be here in my “Various people the Eye could also fall in love with” fic, but let me elaborate:

In addition to the weird obsessions from his coworkers, and processing the anguish over knowing that they are being forced to like him--he’s forced to like himself. To court himself. 

He sees his own reflection in a store window and almost swoons. He thinks it’s because he hasn’t eaten anything lately.

He is passing through the grocery store and he sees a box of chocolates. “Ah, I remember when Georgie got me one of those. I wish I’d told her how much I appreciated that at the time.” He promptly blacks out and when he’s come to he finds out that he bought it himself and wrote “For my Jon ♥♥♥”

By the time Jon has figured out what’s going on--he’s so fucking grumpy about it. He doesn’t black out so much but he’ll suddenly lose control of his legs and find himself walking to a flower shop. Then he’ll grit his teeth.

“It doesn’t mean anything if you use my money for it!”

In response, he suddenly Knows that Elias has deposited extra money into his bank account to cover it. He’ll let out a grumpy sigh, which is very him, and then suddenly get a swoopy butterflies in the stomach feeling that is less him.

He’ll look so fucking mad at the cash register that the florist will give him a knowing look.

“Piss off the wife?” the florist asks.

Jon just glares, and snatches the bouquet away. 

But that’s not the least of it. Oh no. Suddenly he’s making a stop at some weird bath place and getting floral scented oils. And bath bombs. Then he’s ordering in some food that he enjoyed like 5 years ago. 

And so Jon spends his night alone(ish) in a warm bath tub with weird bath oils and rose petals that he (technically) has strewn around himself. He sits there with the pissiest “cat in a bath” expression you ever did see while romantic music plays. He is Not Allowed to get up, but sometimes he manages to kick at the water in frustration.

[obscureoperations]

Martin's S/O buying him some new clothes,this boi needs.

Yes! I would love to take the boy out and go on a shopping spree. You already know he's not used to treating himself-- shopping was mostly a necessity. Besides never having the extra cash, clothing for him was more of a practical need. Sure he has a few staples, a handful of t-shirts and a couple pairs of jeans. At least two sweaters for the fall, a jacket and beanie for the winter.

You had to admit you thought Martin looked good in whatever he was wearing. His lithe form seemed to fit into his t-shirts just right, he looked adorable in his baggy jeans. You probably first suggest taking him shopping when it started to grow cold. There was no way that flimsy tan jacket could be warm enough-- he was so thin.

You probably end up telling him the two of you would spend the day in town. He was so excited for the electronics shop--he didn't protest when the two of you entered the department store. You bypassed the shoe store which was usually your first stop. Instead you entered a vintage clothing shop--making a b-line for the men's section.

"Now...you can pick out whatever you want! Just got paid yesterday!"

"Y-you mean for me?"

"Of course.. it's my treat... think of it as part of your Christmas present!"

He was reluctant at first, insisting that he didn't really need anything. His clothes were fine--he didn't want you to waste the money. It became clear after a bit of browsing that you were actually having fun. "Martin, try this on! You're gonna look great!" He didn't protest when you'd follow him into the dressing room. Laughing in between kisses as you help him with the buttons.

He loved the way your eyes would light up when he expressed his agreement for your choice. "I like this one too, I guess we can buy it."

"Do you really like this color?"

"I do! I really do!"

The bags continued to grow as you stopped in every other shop. Not necessarily buying anything--if anything just to look around.

"Y/n.. what are you gonna get for you? All you've done is buy me things." He seemed almost guilty for a moment glancing down at the bags. With a sigh, you pull him onto a hug, briefly nuzzling at the crook of his neck.

"Thank you for actually letting me."

[love-takes-work]

Welcome to Beach City Outline & Review

What is this?!!

Well, it's a trade collection, meaning it takes already-published issues of individual comics and packages them in a single volume that people can buy if they've missed or can't find or don't want the individual issues.

Now! Welcome to Beach City is great because it contains some content fans have been waiting for for a long time! Most notably....

It contains the 2015 Greg Universe Special....

And the 2016 "Big Donut" Special....

Which were previously released only in hard-to-find special issues! 

Contents/Review below:

[SU Book and Comic Reviews]

There is NO new content in this book unless you count the cute colorized collages from art that was lifted from other places that is used to decorate the interior.

Here's what's inside!

First, the Greg Universe Special, whose specific content I have already reviewed in another post....

"Universe and the Moon" - Garnet rescues Greg from a tight spot and they have a heart-to heart while she floats him down.

"Pink Elephant in the Room" - Amethyst squirts water at the car wash while in shapeshifted form, inadvertently helping.

"Now in 3D" - Greg takes his son to see a 3D movie, but the Gems' presence in the theater causes problems.

"By Heart" - Steven's playing of music reminds Greg of Rose.

"Gregarious Gamers" - Steven fights a cursed video game??

"Snap Shots" - Greg gets snippets of news of his son's missions and is always there for him.

"Slam Buddies" - Mr. Smiley shares ads for wrestling action figures.

And last, the 2016 Special, whose specific content I have also already reviewed in another post....

"Clash of the Gluttons" - Amethyst and Steven have a donut-eating competition.

"The Big Donut Contest" - Steven enters a contest to design donuts and models his after his family.

"The Donut Thief" - A nefarious food swiper is really...an animal?

"Health Inspection" - Mr. Smiley is health-inspecting for extra cash and Sadie is desperate to pass, but a Gem fight keeps wrecking the place!

"How To Donuts" - Sadie teaches the Gems how to make donuts! Sorta.

"Food Fight" - A food fight erupts at the Big Donut. Will Lars's pants be stained??

"Donut Derby" - Connie and Steven make racecars!

And like most trade paperbacks, this has a complete cover gallery.

Greg Universe Special:

I have the main Ru Xu cover but am still trying to find the one by Fellipe Martins!

2016 Special:

Along with the Ayme Soto art on the trade's cover, this makes up the complete gallery of covers. I have all of these.

[SU Book and Comic Reviews]