#imperial beach music

[green-alm0nd]

[The Bad Batch x fem!reader (Headcanons)]: (Slow) dancing

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Summary:

Dancing with your significant other, from the Bad Batch.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Established relationship, fluff, that's it. Not proofread.

Enjoy!

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HUNTER:

He loves spinning you around.

When there's traditional Pabu music, when there's townspeople with their guitars gathered around the landing platform, or the main plaza for most, he loves dancing with you in a small corner, spinning you around and seeing you laugh.

Omega helped him learn, since it's not a skill they usually teach clones. You taught her and then she taught Hunter without you knowing.

He really enjoys dancing with you, and usually feels very comfortable doing it.

Because of his sensory overload, he's unable to listen to music for a long time, thus the reason why he likes taking you to a secluded corner and dance with you.

You love how much he loves dancing.

Mainly because you never thought a clone that turned out to be your significant other would be invested on even learning.

Yet there he is.

Bonus: Spin in flowy clothing and a flower on the side of your hair and he becomes putty instantly.

ECHO:

Doesn't like dancing at all.

But for you, he's willing to give it a try.

Even though he liked seeing people dance, he never thought he could attempt to move his body in any way.

He was very awkward at first, and would only let you teach him when you two were alone in his barracks.

He felt like his brothers would laugh at him endlessly for that.

However, after a while, and some practice, he did get better. Though, he preferred watching you more than him joining you, since he was slightly insecure about it.

But, he loves making you happy, so he will dance with you. He even joined you in a traditional festival on Pabu when the war ended, and you two danced to the guitar rhythm.

Bonus: he becomes really embarrassed when he asks you to dance.

WRECKER:

He's actually very shy. But he loves to dance.

He likes anything that has to do with spinning you around and having you close, kind of like Hunter.

I feel like he has 'two personalities' when he's dancing.

When he's with Omega, dancing becomes more like a fun game, with the objective of making the kid happy.

But when he's with you, dancing becomes more of a loving gesture, something you only do with him.

He becomes more gentle, and less 'hyperactive'.

He only admitted it out loud once, but he's a sucker for slow dancing.

Bonus: he loves hugging you after you stop dancing.

TECH:

No. He refused every time.

He doesn't like dancing, he feels awkward, and he feels like he's not good at it.

However, there was one time he did dance with you.

He was stressed out of his mind, irritated and mad since he couldn't get anything done well.

You clearly noticed this, and decided to take him on a walk, to let his brain rest (though it never really did).

You walked for a bit, until you reached a nearby forest, and you were actually the one to initiate the dance, grabbing his hand and spinning him around gently.

He blushed profusely, and felt really awkward, yet let it happen.

He found it romantic.

Even though he refuses every time, a small part of him still liked it.

His mind is too complex and thus has no concept of dancing (at least, in my opinion)

He never found it useful, either.

CROSSHAIR:

He refuses most of the time, but he is good at dancing.

Whenever you asked, he always cut you off with a snarky remark.

You finally get your answer on Pabu, when he asked you to dance.

It was odd, you were walking by the beach and he stayed a few mater's away from you. When you turned around, his arm was extended, and you understood what he wanted.

He's very skilled at slow dancing, it almost surprised you at first.

You two danced on a small corner of the beach, him spinning you around and moving with your hands on his waist.

Crosshair can be quite romantic sometimes.

To think that a once imperial Crosshair knew how to dance and never used that skills is slightly surprising.

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Not really proud of these headcanons tbh

[jellybeanshotshit]

✧₊⁺ Wellcome to my page

my socials

𑁤 Catz , leo , estp .

𑁤 I'm a Portuguese teenager with some strange obsessions. I love watching political or romance films, listening music, enjoying the incredible beaches near me, reading and stuff and I have a real obsession with history. Furthermore, I love all types of animals, especially forest and sea animals, I like to learn about them and take care of them whenever I can.

𑁤 lana del rey , tyler the creator , bruno mars , gorillaz , twice , sade , marina

𑁤 i fw perfumes pretty pens notebooks pink teddy bears hairstyles watching films rain (not on me) lip products mirrors summer my room shells garfield beachs diarys shooping beans my mom's food feminism porguese food sea cats dreesing up games candles roting hugs drawing crayons flowers creepy dolls &' porcelain plates

𑁤 i hate nazis belle delphine (idk how to write her name) lovers proshippers "game is game" guys "***** deserved that!" girls zionism imperialism my pe teacher dirty things vinegar

𑁤 my fav movies are : 13 going to 30 10 things i that i hate abt you fight club i'll be home for xmas girl interrupted black swan any 1990's disney's animation movies

𑁤 i'm OBSESSED with jelly fishes history animals and other random things

𑁤 i'm a ultimate yapper , i don't know how to shut up

btw this is my face

[transfemme-floofer]

I was dusting the house as normal, like I did every week when I saw a strange golden card note on the kitchen table labelled “for my first ancilla”

“Strange” I thought, Mistress Luci was not normally like this, sure she was affectionate at times, but that’s normal for humans to feel that way about their pets. Curious, I opened it, it said: “3pm, on the private beach, near the cove, dress your best”

The time came and I walked down the garden and down the cobbled steps onto the beach. I was dressed in Merrel sandals instead of the standard Imperial Serva heeled sandals, a pink and white pleated skirt given as a gift for good behaviour instead of my summer cherry skirt or my standard issue skirt , a Very Special Occasion (MEO-Mucha Especial Ocasión) scented wick away slave blouse instead of the standard version, and a Peugeot love heart shaped chain link Titanium alloy collar instead of the standard oval chain link medicollar

Mistress looked at me up and down like five times before saying a word. “You’re… beautiful” she finally said, clearly rendered speechless. I curtsy in front of her, “thank you Domina” i replied, remembering to use Latin as well as my native British “where are we going” she had no obligation to reply and so kept silent as we walked to the cove admiring the waves and the cool afternoon, until I could see it, her Amphibicar Fiat Chariot (think like an Italian Ford Crown Victoria or Opel Omega), those things had been around 2610 AUC (1867), but this was a 22nd generation rear mid engined 2766 (2012) Amphibian vehicle variant (itself in it’s 10th generation since 2680 (1947)) with a 5.5L Ferrari Turbo V8, modular and hydraulically adjustable bench seats front and rear, four wheel drive courtesy of Lancia and a luxurious 3-speed hydraulic automatic transmission (with three electro-locked overdrive gears tacked on in the 2760 refresh for fuel and performance, as well as to hide its age) yanked out of the Buick Sappho coupe “Mistress this is wonderful” I turned to see her and say thank you, but found her on one knee

“Julia, I have legally submitted a form for us to be married, so that you won’t have to worry about losing me, your first constant and comfort in a long time” she pulled out a finger print scanner, “all I need is your fingerprint”, I pressed down excitedly, then my tabula got a notification

“Married to Doctor Luciana Antonia Presenti MD, PhD”

And another, from Fiat Intelligencia Automobilli “Authorised Guest of Luciana Presenti’s Intelligent Control System on her 2766 Fiat Chariot”

Mistress added on, “use it wisely”

I oblige “Fiat, open doors-“

Mistress chides playfully “No slave, stupid slut, type it out in the app”

I open the app and find the command room, where I find Mistress had already done test runs, I type in, “open driver door and say “welcome Domina””. It does so flawlessly and without hesitation. Mistress blushed “thanks pet, really appreciate it” she found the 2730s Buick touchscreen still in there with updated visuals and apps, but the same size of the screen and the same working concept. She typed in, “open passenger left back door and give the back ambient red gel lights and put on brothel music”. It did so. “very funny mistress”

(Another case of part two when I feel like it)

[jedi-lothwolf]

Whump: The Musical Day 7: The Last Five Years (I will not lose because you can not win.")

Fandom: The Batch Batch

Warning: Cannon typical violence

Summary: When Hemlock invades Pabu, the batch has to fight for their lives as well as the lives of the citizens of the peaceful Island.

Ao3 link

  Today was supposed to be an ordinary day. When Hunter had woken up, he was dragged down to the beach by Omega and Deke. They wanted to show him that they had learned how to surf. Even if he wouldn't admit it, Hunter was proud of the clones for learning how to be children.

    Wrecker had forced Crosshair down to the beach as well. The warm sand and pleasant smell should help him to relax the man thought. So the three brothers sat on a red towel and started to talk. It wasn't much, but it was somewhere to start.

    Mox and Stak joined them shortly and started to work on a sand castle. Some clouds covered the sunny sky. But when Hunter looked up, they weren't clouds. Imperial vessels blocked the sun.

    This couldn't be happening. Pabu was supposed to be safe. It wasn't meant for invasions. So many of the people spent too long running just to have to up their whole lives again. Hunter looked back down.

    Looking at Crosshair, he spoke. "Get Omega and the boys to the ship. Be ready to leave. Call Echo and tell him we need help, immediately."

    In truth, Hunter knew why he chose Crosshair. With his hand, even if he hadn't told them yet, he knew that he'd be the one whose help they need the least. Now if he could still hit any mark, that could have been a different story.

    But there was more to that. Wrecker had a history with Pabu. He would protect it fiercely. The island was his home, the people were his family.

    As Deke rode a wave in, Hunter stood. The father ran out to two of his youngest that were in the water. "Go over to Crosshair" he told them. They nodded before Hunter went to Mox and Stak and pulled them up from the sand.

    "What's going on?" Mox asked. Nervousness was written all over his face.

    "The empire-"

    "We could tell" Stak interrupted.

    "Go with your siblings." It was the first time he had outright called their siblings to their faces. If it had been any other time, Hunter would have said more. For now, it would have to wait."

    As Hunter walked the other two over with the rest of the group, Omega started to talk. "We can help!"

    "I know, but it's you they want and the boys haven't finished their training. It's safer this way."

    "And someone needs to watch Cross." Wrecker tried to add some humor to the situation.

    Phee joined them on the beach, knowing that it was Clone Force 99 who had unfortunately brought the Empire to Pabu. Hunter walked over to her before she met the rest of the group. "Make sure Omega gets out of here. They want her and we wouldn't let her get taken again."

    "Okay." She looked past the Sargent, "come on kids, let's get you to safety!"

    Sighing, Crosshair grabbed Omega and picked her up. "Come on."

    "Put me down!" Omega fought Crosshair all the way up the beach.

    "Now what?" Wrecker asked.

    "We fight."

    At the Mauradur, Crosshair was quick to make the decision to leave. Batcher awoke from her nap and laid with Omega to help keep her calm. The boys mostly sat with her or talked to Crosshair as they left the atmosphere and headed to Coruscant to meet with Echo.

    As the days passed, the battle of Pabu seemed to be more and more helpless. Civilians were dying, some who had fought and some who had not.    

    When the bad batch had settled on Pabu, they taught Shep how to shoot. The mayor had agreed to ease their minds, never thinking he would need to use this new skill. Unfortunately it was only a matter of time. Lyana stayed near her father when she could. Mostly she was hidden with other children.

    When the invasion began, Hunter had suddenly become a Sargent again. It had been a long time since he played that role. Civilians who had fought in wars, civil or intergalactical, had taken up their old military rank. It was strange.

    The invasion had lasted days. Hemlock wouldn't give up until he found Omega, unaware she had been taken off world. Pabu was being torn apart, lives crumbled to the ground and while some knew why the empire had attacked, most didn't. For the people who did, they couldn't and wouldn't be mad at Clone Force 99 for trying to live peaceful lives and for trying to protect their daughter and little girl.

    It had been four days into the fighting when Hemlock showed his face. When Hunter met Hemlock for the second time, injured and tired, he knew meeting the scientist twice was three times too many.

    "Hello CT-9901, or should I say Hunter?" Hemlock spoke.

    Startled and out of breath, Hunter didn't answer. It had been so long since he heard his CT number, he had almost forgotten it. Still, he knew the malice behind it.

"This can all end, just give me the girl."

"Never." Hunter moved behind a counter. He sank to the floor for a moment.

"I figured as much. I truly am impressed that you are capable of forming such a bond with her. A parental role appears to come so easily to you."

The words made Hunter's skin crawl. Why would he be unable to form a bond with her? Omega was his daughter, nothing could change that. Was it because he was a clone? Was that why he was deemed unable to love a child, to have children he felt were his own?

"The safest option for your men and the civilians of this island, is to stop the fighting. You cannot win this battle, Sargent."

"I will not lose because you can not win."

Silents filled the room. They stood in a ruined kitchen. The checkered floors were stained with blood and glass. The cabinets had been torn open by both the empire and the citizens of Pabu. They needed food and they needed wood. The empire hadn't taken their time to bring out flame throwers to scorch the island and its people.

"You, won't win this." Hunter reinforced the idea. "You can't. I won't let you. " Pulling his knife from its sheath, he tried to find a clear shot at Hemlock.

The scientist couldn't win. In the end, he would round up every single citizen and kill them off. With Wrecker taking part in the fight, he needed his to be okay. With everything Tech had sacrificed to save them, they couldn't die here. Crosshair and his kids would be alone. It hurt knowing that Omega would blame herself for the slaughter of the people of Pabu. Echo would wish he arrived earlier and would blame himself for not being there to save them.

They needed saving. They couldn't do it alone. The Sargent only had one shot at killing Hemlock. Blood pooled under Hunter from his injuries. With broken ribs, multiple deep lacerations on his legs as well as his arms and one close to his neck, a few broken toes, and a large amount of bruising, the man was unsure how he had stayed alive this long. He could feel blood on the side of his face but he wasn't sure if it came from his left ear (since he couldn't hear from it) or from his head.

The vibro-knife shook in his hand. It almost felt foreign. Standing slowly, yet staying out of view, Hunter grabbed a piece of glass from behind the mahogany counter. Looking at it for a moment, he sighed. They couldn't afford to lose. Not anymore. Losing meant dying and for the first time in so long, Hunter had something to live for. His brothers and children and family he had made on Padu and his pets (Gonky included) all meant the world to him. No one else needed to die.

However, If he had to give all of that up to save them, to win the battle of Pabu, the battle for his family, he would.

Throwing the glass, Hunter hoped that it would distract Hemlock and his guards. When it did, the man stood fully and threw his knife. As soon as he saw it plunge deep into his skull, he felt a weight be lifted off of his chest. The weight was replaced with a bullet.

The tile cracked when he fell. There wasn't much Hunter could think about. The sound of ships overhead relieved Hunter. It had to be Echo. If not, the empire would take the island in a matter of hours.

Hunter's entire body hurt. The warm feeling of blood tangled with his hair. The glass had cut any exposed skin. The guards grabbed Hemlock's body and went to leave. Hunter listened to the footsteps as they faded. His mind was so foggy that evening and nothing made his sense. But Hemlock was dead. If that was Echo, which it had to be, Pabu would rebuild. The coppery smell of blood filled Hunter's nose.

Dying, Hunter tried to reach for his comm. Hitting it, the world started to fade. His hand rested on the communication device long enough for Echo to notice the soft noise of fire and gunshots that played over his headset. Then his hand slipped off the button and the comm channel went silent.

The man had never expected to wake up again. But when he saw a white roof, he knew something was different. Everything hurt too damn much for him to be dead. There was a steady, high pitched beeping that hurt his ears; or at least the one he could still hear out of.

Had they won? Was everyone safe? Where was his family, his kids?

"Hunter!" Omega yelled, answering one of his questions. "He's awake" she shook Echo awake.

"Hunter?" Echo grounded as he sat up. Then he pinched himself.

"You actually woke up." Crosshair stood up. "It's been a week."

"Leave him alone. He needed his beauty rest" Wrecker joked. The boys and Batcher sat in the corner of the room, still half asleep.

"Is everyone, okay?" Hunter finally said, struggling to speak.

"We're okay."

"Pa-Pabu."

"In shambles. We were about to leave to help with the rebuilding and attend a few funerals. We'll send you regards. They people were rooting for you." Echo told him.

"We're lucky you came in when you did. You saved us." Nudging Echo, Wrecker walked over to wake up the boys.

"Where-"

"Alderaan. Rex has some allies here. We couldn't help you on our own, the damage done to you, it was too extensive." Walking beside Hunter, Echo stood next to him.

"Dad!" Deke yelled, excited. He ran over to him and just about toppled Echo.

"You're actually alive" Stak added.

"Hey." Mox was the last to stand as he was trying to not disturb Batcher.

Hemlock's words about his parental instincts ran through Hunter's head. However, that didn't matter. He was their father. Just because he was a clone didn't mean he didn't form bonds with people he cared dearly for.

"We can stay for a little but Hunter needs to rest, we need to get back to Pabu." Walking to the door, Echo went to tell the nurses that Hunter had woken up.

Omega clung to Hunter's arm, determined to never let go. Crosshair and Wrecker sat at the end of the bed. Wrecker looked rough but that was to be expected.

"Tell me everything later" the Sargent whispered.

"We will." After a few hours, Echo decided it was time to go. Omega and Batcher stayed with Hunter while the rest left for Pabu. Knowing that Hemlock couldn't hurt her, made breathing just a little bit easier. So did knowing that most everyone he cared about was safe; though by now someone would have told him if Phee, Shep, or Lyana had died.

Everything would be okay. It had to be. Now that Hemlock was out of the way, maybe the batch could live a peaceful life. Even if Hunter knew they would end up in the fight, it was a nice thought. But the clone knew his place was fighting for peace. After all, if he wanted Omega and his boys to be safe, he needed to make a safer galaxy. And that was okay with him. If he needed to fight he would. For his children.

@whumpthemusical

[floatingcatacombs]

Macross Zero Gets Me To Blog About Macross Here and It’s Honestly a Surprise How Little I've Done That Considering How Much I Like Macross as a Whole

12 Days of Aniblogging 2023, Day 7

What is Macross fundamentally about? Why is anyone drawn to this mecha franchise that’s played second fiddle to Gundam for nearly every step of its existence? The classic answer is the interplay between idols, mecha, and romance that Macross offers, with each iteration tweaking the balance to new results. But I think this viewpoint misses one of the most unique aspects of the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross anime, which is the culture war at the center of everything. The Zentradi are an alien race raised solely for battle, which gives them overwhelming firepower but leaves them deeply vulnerable to soft power. It's not the cool transforming ships that win the war, but romance and pop music and consumerist culture and pluralism and sickening amounts of gender. The Zentradi are literally humanized by the end of the show, as the nine-episode epilogue of SDF Macross is about the surviving humans and Zentradi trying to coexist in a new society built on the ruins of Earth, and the conflicts that arise from assimilation. For the most part it’s handled shockingly well for a 40-year-old show.

you bet your ass I'm just using macross baby throw instead of looking for a more relevant screenshot

Most of the later Macross installments downplay the contact narrative aspect, moving the continuity forwards and introducing new enemies that are either comically evil or uncaring hive-minds. And that’s fine! Instead, we get the insanity of Fire Bomber in Macross 7, and some of the best mechanical animation ever put to cel in Macross Plus. But as Macross Frontier and Delta go all-in on idols and sell ungodly amounts of CDs, eventually you start to feel like something’s missing.

Macross Zero is the one series I hadn’t gotten around to until this year. The only things I knew going in were that it was a relic of the early digital era, the first Macross to use CG for the dogfights, and focused primarily on native Pacific islanders. This all had me a bit worried! But what the setting actually entails is contact at the forefront of a Macross series again.

This is the first Macross chronologically, so it even though it has some alien tech that crash-landed to Earth, it predates actual alien contact and space war. Instead, all the major powers are wrapping up the Unification War, the “and then the Earth formed a world government to combat the imminent alien threat” narrative handwave of SDF Macross. We don't see much of the actual conflict on-screen, so instead it manifests as the settling of the frontier. The war is almost over and the fighting has been pushed to the fringes of the world, which means even nonaligned native islanders are at risk of being caught in the crossfire.

there's a real painterly nature to the backgrounds in this show, which helps the CG integrate quite well. Easily one of the best looking anime from the early 2000s.

Though the immediate problem is the military helicopters landing on the beach, it’s clear that the tribe has been facing the pressure of cultural imperialism for a long time now. Previous encounters have brought radios and generators to the island, and many members of the younger generations are leaving for mainland Asia to seek greater opportunities. This conflict manifests in the central love triangle as well. Sara Nome is a deeply religious traditionalist, while her younger sister Mao is the one interested in technology and anthropology. Macross Zero pulls no punches in depicting cultural isolationism as stifling and authoritarian. But the alternative is the end of their way of living, with only the potential for fragments of culture to persist through assimilation. And either way, the military being right at their door may soon render all this moot . The series grapples with hard problems in much better faith than most anime I've seen, which have a nasty tendency to advocate for colonialism.

Blood samples are one of Zero’s narrative through-lines, depicting the whole range of ethical hazards endemic to this kind of contact. The UN-sponsored cultural anthropologist who lands on the island takes indigenous blood samples under the half-truth that she’s going to test for diseases and treat the sick. Sara sees the writing on the wall, but can’t stop her from bribing the tribespeople with hard-to-get food and drinks. Of course, what the military scientists actually want to learn is how the islanders are linked to a suspected dormant protoculture superweapon, and to take advantage of it before the Anti-UN forces do the same.

After discovering this, both the United Nations and the self-proclaimed anti-imperialist Anti-UN do not hesitate to use the island as a battlefield. While there’s plenty of sci-fi and magical macguffins during the last act, the show’s intentions remain firm. The can of worms opened when a UN fighter pilot first washed ashore reaches its inevitable conclusion, and everything burns and everyone has to be evacuated. Sara Nome reawakens the bird superweapon representative of her culture and ultimately uses it to open a portal, vanishing to parts unknown. That’s about the best this particular narrative can offer her viewpoint. Macross Frontier goes on to reveal that her sister Mao moved to the mainland and became a protoculture researcher, eventually becoming the grandmother of idol Sheryl Nome. It’s a fitting callback.

Zero is the most grounded and least optimistic Macross, and manages to avoid falling into pro-colonialist or noble savage viewpoints with its clear narrative focus. I would compare it to one of those UC Gundam side story OVAs, deliberately limited in scope but well-executed. One of the better ones.

Speaking of, Sunrise is going to be animating the next Macross anime! There’s a lot of possibilities, but first and foremost I hope they opt for a soft or hard reboot. Watching the most recent Delta movie left me to conclude that the internal chronology of the franchise has gotten far too messy, and it’s time to clean the slate so that culture shock can be brought to the forefront again. Of course, I’m also praying that they try to shamelessly cash in on G-Witch’s success by making The Gay Macross. God, what I would give for The Gay Macross. I could fill an entire second post with my ideas for The Gay Macross, but I’ll spare you for now.

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (21-27 Jan 2024)

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

🥰 Cat Person (The_She_Devil) - 72K, shrunkyclunks - Bucky's the SHIELD agt tasked with bringing newly defrosted Steve up to speed on the 21st century - there's really hot sex in a secluded cabin PLUS feelings. All around deliciousness.

😊 Dark Carnivals: Modern Horrors and the Origins of American Empire (W. Scott Poole, author; Enrique McGavin, narrator) - interesting, edifying, depressing. Not as much discusssion of the films as I expected/would have liked - like 70% rundown of USian imperial activities of the last two centuries, 30% horror/scifi film discussion. [In hindsight, should have read this in text, as there were passages I really wanted to highlight/quote and the narration was…weird. Voice sound & tone was OK but there were lots of bizarre pauses. Sometimes when reading a quotes from a notable figure, the narrator did do some very credible imitations of Clinton & Reagan.]

😍 Waking Up Slow (odetteandodile) - 44K, shrunkyclunks - single dad Bucky, living in a isolated lighthouse in Canada, finds an amesiac, just-thawed Steve Rogers washed up on his beach… (reread for stucky bookclub, forever fave!)

😊 for a good time, call… (EvanesDust) - 46K, sterek, omegaverse fake-dating - solidly enjoyable

😊 Maurice (E.M. Forester, author; Peter Firth, narrator) - read this for a discord book club, can't believe I hadn't read it before & it's been 30 years since I watched the movie. Forester's language & turn of phrase is amazing.

🥰 And My Love Life Waits for Me (Bittersweet_in_Boston (author); Alaskan_Outsider (artist)) - 62K, shrunkyclunks soulmate fic - satisfyingly enjoyable, not nearly as dark as the tags might make you think

💖💖 +190K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

Own Me series (nrnyx) - TW: Jordan/Derek /Stiles, 62K (series) - Stiles gets picked up by husbands Jordan & Derek at the club and what starts as a very hot one night stand becomes so much more. Very werewolfy omegaverse stuff. Hot quality smut but also action-y plot!

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Goncharov (berlincorpography) - Goncharov (1973): OFC / OFC, 6K - very clever & funny fic featuring disaster lesbians, film criticism & academia

Once Upon a Time (softestpunk) - The Sandman: Dreamling, 14K - just so soft & warm, pure delight! They're both single dads! Falling in love! Dream is a children's librarian!

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

Brooklyn Nine-Nine - s8, e5-10

D20: Fantasy High: Junior Year - "Not All Who Wanda Are Lost" (s21, e3)

D20: Adventuring Party - "I Wanda'd In" (s16, e3)

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

What Next: TBD - Have Algorithms Ruined Our Culture?

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Whimzeyland

The Sporkful - Deep Dish With Sohla And Ham: Delta Tamales

Today, Explained - Frosty the Tesla

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Slowjamastan

It's Been a Minute - Benny Safdie on 'The Curse' — and performing goodness

Shedunnit - A Reading Life

Pop Culture Happy Hour - 2024 Oscar Nominations

Switched on Pop - Kali Uchis takes on the world

Today, Explained - Modi’s temple grandstanding

⭐ Vibe Check - A Special Conversation with Cord Jefferson

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Code Switch - What happens when public housing goes private?

ICYMI - The TikTok Joy of Mychal the Librarian

Vibe Check - Heavy Negro Sigh

Culture Gabfest - True Detective’s Coldest Case Yet

Ologies with Alie Ward - Carcinology (CRABS) Part 2 with Adam Wall

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - A Giant Spectacle in Goffstown

Films To Be Buried With - Vincent D'Onofrio

The Sporkful - Deep Dish With Sohla And Ham: Tteokbokki

Off Menu - Ep 218: Jada Pinkett Smith

Twenty Thousand Hertz+ - Into the Huluverse

Endless Thread - The schism at the end of the tunnel

Dear Prudence - My Husband Stopped Using Soap and He Stinks. Help!

⭐ 99% Invisible #567 - The Double Kick

You're Dead to Me - Pythagoras

It's Been a Minute - South Africa's case for preventing genocide in Palestine; plus, why people love cults

Today, Explained - Music’s Pitchfork in the road

99% Invisible - Roman Mars Describes Chicago As It Is

Hit Parade - The Bridge: The Number of the Nominees Shall Be Five

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Folk Radio • Chill

Pop Radio • Downbeat

Dive Bar Karaoke

"Unholy" [Sam Smith & Kim Petras] radio

Essential New Wave

Melanie Radio • Familiar

My Mix 4 (Jimmy Buffett, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Eagles)

[sciatu]

TAORMINA - LA BAIA DELL'ISOLABELLA

Capisci che la spiaggia di Taormina è un posto per ricchi quando anche il parcheggiatore abusivo ti chiede un prezzo a due cifre degno del centro di Milano. Ti adatti a pagare visto che ti sei alzato molto presto al mattino pur di trovare posto nella piccola spiaggia che circonda l’Isolabella. L’isola ricorda con struggente memoria, Lady Florence Trevelyan dama di corte della regina Vittoria invitata a lasciare i palazzi imperiali inglesi per la sua relazione fuori del matrimonio con il figlio della regina e futuro re d’Inghilterra. Lady Florence trovò in Taormina una reggia una popolazione che la considerava una regina e, finalmente, l’amore. Alla sua morte i pastori del circondario accompagnarono il suo feretro suonando con le loro cornamuse siciliane, le ballate scozzesi, la sua musica preferita, mentre le ragazze, spargevano sul suo cammino petali di rose. Lady Florence, era una fervente naturista, amava gli animali ed aveva trasformato un insieme scomposto di piccoli apprezzamenti, in un bellissimo giardino, colmo di piante provenienti da tutto il mondo. Anche l’Isolabella nella baia di Taormina, fù da lei arricchita di piante ed alberi fino ad avere la conformazione attuale, un giardino rigoglioso nel mezzo del mare. L’isola, oasi naturale curato dal WWF, impersona la filosofia di vita di Lady Florence, e ne tramanda il fine ai distratti turisti sdraiati al sole o immersi nelle acque calde e cristalline della baia. Anche qui, per pranzo, pasta alla Norma e ai frutti di mare. Lady Florence, avrebbe apprezzato.

You understand that the beach of Taormina is a place for rich people when even the illegal parking attendant asks you for a double-digit price worthy of the center of Milan. You adapt to paying since you got up very early in the morning just to find a place on the small beach that surrounds Isolabella. The island remembers with poignant memory, Lady Florence Trevelyan, Queen Victoria's court lady invited to leave the English imperial palaces for her relationship outside of marriage with the queen's son and future king of England. Lady Florence found a palace in Taormina, a population that considered her a queen and, finally, love. Upon her death, the shepherds of the district accompanied her coffin playing Scottish ballads, her favorite music with their Sicilian bagpipes, while her girls scattered rose petals on her path. Lady Florence, was a fervent naturist, she loved animals and had transformed a decomposed set of small appreciations, into a beautiful garden, full of plants from all over the world. Even Isolabella in the bay of Taormina was enriched by her with plants and trees until it had its current shape, a luxuriant garden in the middle of the sea. The island, a natural oasis cared for by the WWF, embodies Lady Florence's philosophy of life, and hands her purpose down to distracted tourists lying in the sun or immersed in the warm, crystalline waters of the bay. Here too, for lunch, pasta alla Norma and seafood. Lady Florence, she would have appreciated.

[drtyydiana]

it’s 1984.  

this place feels nothing like home—in a way that makes her feel like she has no business being here,  like an outsider lingering on the fringes.  she does not feel like herself.  it’s unwelcoming,  and she expects nothing more,  nothing less in a city slowly eating itself like an ourboros.  in between the stumbling zombies down the fractured sidewalks—there’s nothing behind their eyes but desperation,  the white banners hosted on windows stating that “the police are watching this crack block,”  and unfamiliar faces on every single corner,  catcalling and whistlings—she keeps a razor-sharped pocketknife in her pocket and a can of mace in the other.  but she knows her mother did not have her best interest in mind.   diana was tired of it,  didn’t want to be around it.  she recalls telling her moms,  and her papi,  she wanted out.  her father agreed with the promise that after one more year of selling out of her school’s work program to the white kids of the 1%,  then she’ll be free.  her mother said nothing.  then the raids started.  

papi had gotten locked up almost 6 months ago,  a few days before her eighteenth birthday.  the dea knocked down the door to their apartment complex—carrying him out in shackles and handcuffs with rapid curses falling from his mouth in his first language.  the feds did not pay to repair the damage.  they didn’t find anything in their residence.  but that didn’t matter—they had been watching them all for a while,  enough to build a solid foundation for a case.  she recalls monet turning to her—you stay here,  you work.  if you have no intention to help fix what your father fucked up,  you leave.  she left.  her school behind—thousands of dollars of tuition and credit hours,  inches from her second year as a political science,  pre-law student.  her brothers behind.   

sending diana away to live with one of her mother’s cousins,  michelle,  had been a decision that her father had no say in.  the nonsense belief that if she kept her head down over here,  she’ll be fine.  the family was sought after back home,  from the feds,  from folks her parents screwed over.  to her mother,  she was the easiest target.   she was young,  but she wasn’t naive,  and hurling her across the country wouldn’t solve the gapping wound,  the fissure in their family left back home.  cousin michelle married a trini man,  daniel.  they had no children,  but an older pitbull that had seen better days and a small two-bedroom apartment in imperial courts.  she took the bedroom facing the courtyard. 

kept her window sealed shut and curtains closed like the room was her private cell.  didn’t spare one glance at the men gathered around,  always playing music,  always dealing under the street lights in the center.  occasionally,  she’ll see maurice skating by,  obnoxiously loud, on top of the roof.  her sleep is persistently broken by someone’s baby crying in the apartment next to hers and a couple fighting to the left,  the sound of fists and a cry for help that she ignores as she turns over in bed. 

michelle worked as a nurse,  mostly night shifts—picking up hours in the day doing extra work with the hiv patients at the local clinic,  and daniel spent most of the days,  including weekends,  away working as a welder in long beach.  she never saw much of either of them and intended to keep it that way.  monet periodically sent money down for the married couple as a business testament,  but diana didn't see much of it,  just enough to keep her alive in this hellscape that served as no alternative to what she was forced to leave behind.  maybe it was intentional.  perhaps,  she wanted her dead without having to pull the trigger herself.  it sounded so akin to the behaviors of that woman.  but hypotheticals did nothing for her,  and she didn’t waste her time dwelling on the psychosis of her mother.  

she spent the bulk of her time studying,  gathering pamphlets for local community colleges to apply to—she had no intention of staying here longer than needed; as soon as she could apply,  get away… she would and ignoring everyone,  everything around her.  but she was not oblivious.  every inch of this forsaken country was infected.  there was no escaping,  that drug made them blind and craving more,  more.  the corner boys were easily replaceable if they were struck down by a bullet or even their own blind stupidity.  always so stupid.  she could hear her moms criticize their stupidity.  the rest of her time was spent working her part-time job at the corner store—small,  owned by a couple of vietnamese,  and not too far from where she lived.   the fluorescent lights overhead cast everything in a sickening,  crusty yellow glow.  the rows of candy and chip bags and a sign that says “no minors” over the cigarette case slightly obscure her vision.  hours spent ringing up ungrateful customers,  throwing shit into bags—mostly 40s,  cheap wines, and newports,  and praying that today isn’t one of the unfortunate days someone decided to hit the place up for the fifty dollars in the cash register.  a quick fix for them in exchange for a bullet in her head.  she leans over the counter,  flipping through a la times newspaper,  scanning the front and back articles.  gliding her pink nails across the page. 

each story was the same,  crossfires,  the spread of disease,  the spread of violence,  and president reagan’s inaction with the disease and overaction with drug enforcement.  the bell rings, signifying someone is entering the store,  followed by music blasting from someone’s boombox.  she doesn’t bother looking up,  grinds her teeth,  and flips the page harder.  she has 30 minutes left on her shift—it ain’t worth it.  ‘ i ain’t need to fuckin’ hear myself think,  anyway .’  sarcasm tumbling behind her words.

@gyataborn

[francois1030]

see persona 3R discourse think it's about actual issues like the Answer being DLC, character flanderization, or tone/music changes look it's people whining about "racist white western imperialism" (The trans joke on the beach being removed) insane

[lifestylewithfashion]

Europe Travel Destination

Europe, a continent steeped in history and brimming with diverse cultures, offers an array of captivating travel destinations for enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in its rich heritage. From the romantic allure of Paris to the timeless charm of Rome, Europe’s cities beckon travelers with their iconic landmarks, renowned art scenes, and delectable cuisines. Let’s embark on a journey through this enchanting continent, uncovering its hidden gems and celebrated treasures.

Paris, France: Known as the “City of Love,” Paris exudes an unparalleled romantic ambiance with its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Stroll along the Seine River, savoring exquisite French cuisine in quaint cafes, or indulge in a leisurely picnic at the picturesque Luxembourg Gardens.

Santorini, Greece: Santorini, a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea, lures visitors with its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. Explore the charming villages of Oia and Fira, perched atop dramatic cliffs, or unwind on the island’s volcanic beaches, savoring local delicacies and fine wines.

Prague, Czech Republic: Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” boasts a fairy-tale charm with its medieval old town, majestic castles, and ornate cathedrals. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Prague Castle, cross the iconic Charles Bridge, or savor traditional Czech cuisine in cozy taverns.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam, a city of contrasts, delights visitors with its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Discover the masterpieces of Dutch art at the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, cycle along the city’s scenic bike paths, or cruise the iconic canals aboard a traditional boat.

Florence, Italy: Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, beckons art aficionados with its wealth of masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich artistic heritage as you explore the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and savor Tuscan cuisine in quaint trattorias.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its medieval walls, baroque architecture, and stunning Adriatic coastline. Walk along the ancient city walls for panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and shimmering sea, or explore the charming streets of the old town, brimming with historic landmarks and hidden gems.

Vienna, Austria: Vienna, the capital of classical music, entices travelers with its elegant boulevards, imperial palaces, and vibrant cultural scene. Attend a performance at the iconic Vienna State Opera, stroll through the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace gardens, or indulge in a slice of Sachertorte at a traditional Viennese café.

Budapest, Hungary: Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube,” mesmerizes visitors with its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and rich cultural heritage. Admire the neo-Gothic Parliament building, relax in the healing waters of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, or take a scenic cruise along the Danube River, soaking in panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, captivates visitors with its medieval Old Town, elegant Georgian New Town, and dramatic hilltop castle. Explore the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, hike up Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views of the city, or delve into Scotland’s rich history at the Edinburgh Castle and National Museum.

Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul, the bridge between Europe and Asia, mesmerizes visitors with its rich tapestry of cultures, stunning architecture, and vibrant bazaars. Immerse yourself in the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage as you explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Reykjavik, Iceland: Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, enchants visitors with its otherworldly landscapes, geothermal wonders, and vibrant arts scene. Discover the geological marvels of the Golden Circle, soak in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon, or chase the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

Krakow, Poland: Krakow, a city steeped in history, delights visitors with its medieval charm, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, or marvel at the stunning Gothic masterpiece of St. Mary’s Basilica.

Athens, Greece: Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, beckons travelers with its ancient wonders, including the iconic Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history as you explore archaeological treasures at the Acropolis Museum, stroll through the historic Plaka neighborhood, or savor Greek cuisine in bustling tavernas.

Dublin, Ireland: Dublin, a city steeped in literary history and vibrant culture, invites visitors to explore its charming streets, historic landmarks, and lively pub scene. Visit the iconic Trinity College and Book of Kells, stroll along the scenic River Liffey, or raise a glass of Guinness in one of the city’s traditional pubs, where live music fills the air.

Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon, Europe’s sunniest capital, captivates visitors with its colorful streets, historic neighborhoods, and breathtaking views. Explore the winding alleys of the Alfama district, ride the iconic yellow tram through the city’s hills, or soak up the sun on the golden sands of nearby Cascais and Estoril beaches.

Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm, a city spread across 14 islands, enchants visitors with its stunning architecture, scenic waterways, and rich cultural heritage. Explore the historic Gamla Stan, visit the impressive Vasa Museum, or take a leisurely boat tour through the city’s picturesque archipelago.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen, a city of fairy tales and bicycles, invites visitors to explore its historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and innovative culinary scene. Marvel at the iconic Little Mermaid statue, wander through the colorful houses of Nyhavn, or experience the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, an enchanting amusement park in the heart of the city.

Berlin, Germany: Berlin, a city steeped in history and creativity, offers visitors a captivating blend of iconic landmarks, vibrant street art, and world-class museums. Explore the historic remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial, or immerse

[sleepymarmot]

Janet Sobel was already a mother of five and a grandmother when she took up painting in her Brighton Beach apartment in 1939. With no prior artistic training, she felt the urge to create and began using one of her sons’ art materials, painting on scraps of paper, the backs of envelopes, pieces of cardboard, and seashells found on the beach. Recognizing his mother’s talent, Sol Sobel introduced her paintings to artists and writers such as Max Ernst, John Dewey, and Sidney Janis, who quickly championed her work. Within just a few years, Sobel had participated in several group exhibitions and was given two solo gallery shows in New York. Born Jennie Lechovsky in a shtetl near Ekaterinoslav in Russia (now Dnipro in Ukraine), Sobel and her family emigrated to the United States in 1908, after her father was killed in a Russian pogrom. The motifs of her figurative paintings often relied on memories of her childhood: floral patterns that draw on Ukrainian folk art, regional costumes, traditional Jewish families, soldiers with cannons, and imperial armies. Sobel saw these figures as symbolic beings and often filled the spaces around them with whirling colorful designs. Experimenting with unusual materials such as glass and sand in her paintings, Sobel also turned to self-invented automatic techniques that resulted in abstract allover compositions, with paint dripped in spatters and continuous looping lines. According to her son, Sobel worked “freely and rapidly” when making enamel paintings such as Milky Way or Untitled. “She would prepare a ‘ground’ which would invariably suggest or trigger some ‘idea’ for her,” he said, “whose sudden conception was matched by an equally rapid execution. In her efforts to pin down her conception, she would pour the paint, tip the canvas, blow the wet lacquer, and if you had the misfortune to be too close—she would use your shirt sleeve as a daub.” Sobel’s automatic methods were praised by critics, who compared them to those of the Surrealists. But when she was asked about her interest in art, Sobel responded, “No, I never went to museums much. I didn’t have time and I didn’t understand these things. But I always read books…and I love music…. I don’t think ever I [sic] would paint a picture without music to listen to. All humans must have something like that, that warms them inside.” Sobel’s surprisingly rapid rise to fame in the New York art world was followed by an almost equally sudden disappearance from it, when she and her family moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, in 1947. Now farther from the city, Sobel also developed an allergy to paint, which led her to work primarily in crayon, ink, and pencil after 1948. Years later, in 1961, the art critic Clement Greenberg would write that, in the 1940s, he and Jackson Pollock “had noticed one or two curious paintings…by a ‘primitive’ painter, Janet Sobel.” Greenberg described Sobel’s works as “the first really ‘all-over’ one [he] had ever seen,” adding that “Pollock admitted that these pictures had made an impression on him.” From then on, Sobel’s practice was mostly framed in relation to Pollock’s career, so that by the time of her death in 1968, she was little more than an anecdote, primarily known as the self-taught “housewife” who happened to have dripped paint on a canvas before him. — MoMA

Milky Way

Untitled

The Burning Bush

The Illusion of Solidity

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Méli (Kingdom of Ichor)

Nicknames- The Queen Bee by the people of Olympius

Age- 18 (immortal)

Location- Syros, Olympius

Personality- She's bubbly, positive, & caring- never judgemental. Much like her symbolic animal she's organized, efficient, diligent, sociable, and has a "hive" mindset- thinking more so about the community than just herself. She's currently single.

She has the standard abilities of a goddess. As the goddess of bees & honey, her other powers/abilities include mélikinesis (honey generation/manipulation), honey mimicry, palynokinesis (pollen manipulation), beeswax manipulation, being able to shapeshift into/communicate with all species of bees, also being able to communicate with ants, hornets, & wasps, and is able to adapt bee physiology into her physical form- protruding stingers from her third and fourth knuckle, being able to see ultraviolet light (her eyes turn black/compound looking while maintaining their size), can grow three extra sets of legs, being able to crawl on walls, and can manifest bee wings from her back).

Méli lives on her own at her gorgeous estate in the state of Syros. The outside may look like the typical beach style house, but inside, the roof is in the shape of a hexagonal pyramid. There's wide columns of light cedarwood with lots of windows bringing in natural sunlight. Most of the walls are painted with a honeycomb pattern in colors of gold, yellow, cream, & glittery black. The backyard seems to go on for miles filled with vibrant greenery, flowers, towering palm trees, and her apiary (also known as a bee farm). Even though she can manifest a pair of bee wings on her back to fly, she usually gets around in her cream yellow VW covertible (with Imperial Gold chrome spinners). She also owns a vacation cottage in the Hearthwood neighborhood of New Olympus.

Go-to drinks for her include the bee's knees cocktail, honey lime margaritas, honey bourbon sangrias, sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, champagne, & honey almond milk smoothies. Her usuals from The Roasted Bean is the large honey oatmilk latte and the pineapple lychee splash.

Méli's one of the few relatively "young" deities along with Horme (god of energy), Adranos (god of fire), Chelone (goddess of tortoises), Aergia (goddess of sloth, idleness, & laziness), and Tithonus (god of insects).

For breakfast she loves stopping by at The Bread Box to get an egg & cheese sandwich on a hero. At home she'll eat a stack of buttermilk vanilla pancakes (topped with butter & drizzled in honey), a smoothie bowl (made with coconut milk & topped with honey, chia seeds, sliced peaches, toasted almonds, and granola), or a big bowl of Earthly Harvest's Oats & Honey cereal (with almond milk).

In the pantheon Méli's good friends with Zephyrus (god of the west wind), Eleutheria (Lulu) (goddess of liberty), Iris (goddess of the rainbow), Adephagia (goddess of gluttony), Eos (Titaness of dawn), Hemera (goddess of the day), Chloris (goddess of flowers), Thallo (goddess of spring & new growth), Antheia (goddess of swamps, vegetation, & floral wreaths), Carpo (goddess of autumn & fruits), Hermes, Auxo (goddess of summer, vegetation, & plants), Notus (god of the south wind), Pandaisia (goddess of banquets), Apollo (god of the sun, music, poetry, healing, medicine, archery, plague, light, & knowledge), The Hesperides, Panacea (goddess of univeral remedy), Urso (god of bears), Terpischore (muse of dance), and Aoide (goddess of voice & song).

Méli secretly has a crush on Matton (god of meals).

She greatly admires Gaia (goddess of the earth); who was her mentor, Demeter (goddess of the harvest & agriculture), Hestia (goddess of the hearth), Livádi (goddess of meadows), Eunostos (goddess of the flour mill), Promylaia, and Karme (demi-goddess of the harvest).

She's gone to Eleusis a few times to partake in the Cornucopia festival.

She loves snacking on raw honeycomb and honey barbeque cheese puffs!

Méli is confident in her plus size figure! Her latest Fatestagram post was a photo of her and Eos at a beach in Rhodes. She was wearing a stringy neon yellow Swimsilk bathing suit with a white gold jeweled waist chain. It got almost 10,000 likes!

Her main business & source of income is The Gold Pot (which includes an official website and store location in her home state) where various specialized creamed honey as well as raw honey are sold. Méli's personal faves are the cinnamon honey & the organic matcha honey. There are plans for future store locations in Achaea, Santorini, as well as a makeshift store in the Mall of Olympius. For other work/income Méli models for White Lily Gallery (has her own name plate necklace), Sunshine Radiance (loves using the vitamin c brightening cleanser), Glory's Crown (loves the honey hydrating hair oil), Glimmer Victory (the goddess Nike's jewelry brand), FATshionista, and Treis Epochés. She has recently partnered up with Philyra (goddess of perfume, paper, & beauty) (and her cosmetics brand Olmorfia) to release a themed make-up palette called Honeylicious.

She employs dozens of meliads (ash tree nymphs).

One of her favorite sweet treats is the honey-salted caramel ice cream. Méli also likes Hestia's signature honey cake, Hesperis' apple pie, and The Frozen Spoon's graham ice cream sandwiches (made with vanilla ice cream with added in butterscotch chips!) She also likes to stop by at Skóni Parádeisos for the honey-butter biscuits & airy beignets!

She's often vocal about the slight decrease in the overall honeybee population in the country- often due to intensive agriculture, harmful pesticide use, & biodiversity loss.

Méli likes using the Luxuria shimmering body oil in "Ambrosia Honey."

One of her favorite gifts was a series of engraved gold bangles from Eos.

Her favorite personal gift that she got herself is the jeweled beehive clutch from Diamond Ave., costing almost 6,000 drachmas!

In her free time she enjoys beekeeping, gardening, sunbathing, cloud surfing, going to the beach, tennis, listening to music, bike riding, drawing, painting, watching TV, and yoga.

She loves stopping at The Hearthside Diner for an order of the glorious lemon-honey glazed fried chicken. Méli also likes the 10 pc honey barbeque chicken tenders with olympian sized fries from Olympic Chef. Other favorite foods include sweet & sour chicken, egg rolls, moussaka, fried brown rice, sweet buttered corn, vegetable lo mein, and corn dogs (with honey mustard dipping sauce).

"Words are like bees. Some are sweet as honey while others can leave a sting."

[metalcorrosion]

Raging Power Zine’s Best Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Albums of 2022

Another year and another Best of list for Raging Power. With the Pandemic leaving many bands with so much time off, many of them had more time to write and record new albums since 2019. Sometimes down time can be a good thing. 2022, gave us a lot of great albums. So far, this is one of the best years for Heavy Metal albums in a while, and this is why my usual top 60 list for 22’ it the top 75 list. It could have easily have been 100 or more album. But, I really need it to keep it shorter.  This is an epic year to metal, as I predicted. This time, I have included E.Ps instead of putting them on a serpent list. Exclude as always, any albums that are reissues, live and remixes.  My friends, enjoy my list, and please, check out all of the bands that I have listed. I want to thank my friend Brad for keeping me loaded with music this year and suggesting some great albums for me to listen to.

1.       Abbath – ‘Dread Reaver’

2.       Amorphis – ‘Halo’

3.       Arch Enemy – ‘Deceivers’

4.       Autopsy –‘ Morbidity Triumphant’

5.       Behemoth – ‘Opvs Contra Natvram’

6.       Belphegor – ‘The Devils’

7.       BlackBraid – ‘Blackbraid I’

8.       Blind Guardian – ‘The God Machine’

9.       Blind Illusion – ‘Wrath of the Gods’

10.   Bloody Hammer – ‘Washed in Blood’

11.   Graham Bonnet – ‘Band Day Out in Nowhere’

12.   Corpsegrinder – ‘Corpsegrinder’

13.   Candlemass – ‘Sweet Evil Sun’

14.   Clutch – ‘Sunrise on Slaughter Beach’

15.   Cult of Luna – ‘The Long Road North’

16.   Dark Funeral – ‘We Are the Apocalypse’

17.   Darkthrone – ‘Astral Fortress’

18.   Decapitated – ‘Cancer Culture’

19.   Destruction – ‘Diabolical’

20.   Destroyer666 – ‘Never Surrender’

21.   Devil Master -  ‘Ecstasies Of Never Ending Night’

22.   Eight Bells – ‘Legacy Of Ruin’

23.   Fit for an Autopsy – ‘Oh What the Future Holds’

24.   Friends of Hell – ‘Friends of Hell’

25.   Ghost – ‘Impera’

26.   Goatwhore – ‘Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven’

27.   Grave Digger Symbol of Eternity’

28.   Gwar – ‘The New Dark Ages’

29.   Imha Tarikat – ‘Hearts Unchained: At War With A Passionless World’

30.   Immolation – ‘Acts of God’

31.   Imperial Triumphant – ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’

32.   Jesters of Destiny – ‘Distorting Everything’

33.   Jungle Rot – ‘A Call To Arms’

34.   Killing Joke – ‘Lord Of Chaos’

35.   Kreator – ‘Hate Über Alles’

36.   Lovell's Blade –‘ Deadly Nightshade’ ‎

37.   Machine Head – ‘ØF KINGDØM AND CRØWN’

38.   Tony Marti n –‘ Thorns’

39.   Mastodon - 'Hushed and Grim'

40.   Megadeth – ‘The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!’

41.   Meshuggah – ‘Immutable’

42.   Messa – ‘Close’

43.   Midnight - ‘Let There Be Witchery’

44.   The Michael Schenker Group – ‘Universal’

45.   Napalm Death – ‘Resentment Is Always Seismic : A Final Throw Of Throes’

46.   Nite – Voices Of The Kronian Moon’

47.   Parkway Drive – Darker Still

48.   Rammstein – ‘Zeit’

49.   Sabaton – ‘The War To End All Wars’

50.   Satan – ‘Earth Infernal’

51.   SHAG –‘ Born Demon’

52.   Sakis Tolis – ‘Among the Fires of Hell’

53.   Saxon – ‘Carpe Diem’

54.   Scorpios –‘ Rock Believer’

55.   SepticFlesh –‘ Modern Primitive’

56.   Sigh – ‘Shiki’

57.   Spirit Adrift – ‘20 Centuries Gone’

58.   Spiritworld –‘ DEATHWESTERN’

59.   Soulfly –‘ Totem’

60.   Stryper –‘ The Final Battle’

61.   Tad Morose – ‘March Of The Obsequious’

62.   Telekinetic Yeti – ‘Primordial’

63.   Therion – ‘Leviathain II’

64.   Tokyo Blade – ‘Fury’

65.   Joe Lynn Turner – ‘Belly of The Beast’

66.   Undeath- ‘ It’s Time… to Rise from the Grave’

67.   Voivod – ‘Synchro Anarchy’

68.   Venom Prison - 'Erebos'

69.   Vio-lence – ‘Let the World Burn

70.   Watain – ‘The Agony and Ecstasy of Watain’

71.   Witchery - Nightside

72.   Wo Fat –‘The Singularity’

73.   Vante –‘ Vante’

74.   Yatra – ‘Born Into Chaos’

75.   Zeal & Ardor – ‘Zeal & Ardor’

  In Memory of:

Eric Wagner: In The Lonely Light of Mourning

Best cover album

Udo Dirkschneider My Way.

Best name for a band that I have heard in 2022

Telekinetic Yeti

[lemonhemlock]

was tagged by @queenhelaenatargaryen - so sorry it took me ages to complete !!! but thanks for including me! 🎈

rules: bold the ones that are true and tag 15 people to do it.

APPEARANCE

i’m over 5’5” * // i wear glasses/contacts // i have blonde hair // i prefer loose clothing to tight clothing // i have one or more piercings // i have at least one tattoo // i have blue eyes // i have dyed or highlighted my hair // i have gotten plastic surgery // i have or had braces // i sunburn easily // i have freckles // i paint my nails // i typically wear make-up // i don’t often smile // i am pleased with how i look // i prefer nike to adidas // i wear baseball hats backwards

*i do not understand imperial. i'm 170 cm for the love of god

HOBBIES AND TALENTS

i play a sport // i can play an instrument // i am artistic // i know more than one language // i have won a trophy in some sort of competition // i can cook or bake without a recipe // i know how to swim // i enjoy writing * // i can do origami // i prefer movies to tv shows // i can execute a perfect somersault // i enjoy singing // i could survive in the wild on my own // i have read a new book series this year // i enjoy spending time with friends // i travel during school or work breaks // i can do a handstand

*i guess? unsure!!!

RELATIONSHIP

i am in a relationship // i have been single for over a year // i have a crush // i have a best friend i have known for ten years // my parents are together // i have dated my best friend // i am adopted // my crush has confessed to me // i have a long distance relationship // i am an only child // i give advice to my friends // i have made an online friend // i met up with someone i have met online

AESTHETICS:

i have heard the ocean in a conch shell // i have watched the sun rise (1) // i enjoy rainy days (2) // i have slept under the stars // i meditate outside // the sound of chirping calms me (3) // i enjoy the smell of the beach // i know what snow tastes like // i listen to music to fall asleep // i enjoy thunderstorms // i enjoy cloud watching // i have attended a bonfire // i pay close attention to colours // i find mystery in the ocean // i enjoy hiking on nature paths // autumn is my favourite season (4)

(1) countless times these past months!!! it's not fun lemme tell you (4) fuck no they always started chirping when i wanted to go to sleep & couldn't close the window bc it was too hot. srsly in my bird hate era (2) i mean yeah but only if i don't have to go outside. like. they're cool from a distance. watching. (4) kind of?? i love all except summer. hate the heat.

MISCELLANEOUS:

i can fall asleep in a moving vehicle // i am the mom friend // i live by a certain quote // i like the smell of sharpies // i am involved in extracurricular activities // i enjoy mexican food // i can drive a stick-shift // i believe in true love // i make up scenarios to fall asleep // i sing in the shower // i wish i lived in a video game // i have a canopy above my bed // i am multiracial // i am a redhead // i own at least three dogs

i'm not tagging anyone this time bc it's been too long & i don't remember who already did this or not

[51316120825]

theyre kinda in the same category as the beach boys for me.. like vocal wise

[samurairobotics]

* Bay Area Magazine (May 7, '99)

EVEN BETTER THAN THE REAL THING?

Mike Patton puts his faith in Fantomas and Mr. Bungle So what if Faith No More is actually no more? Doesn't mean there aren't worlds to plunder. You've seen Imperial Teen (ex-keyboardist Roddy Bottum) grace these very pages, and perhaps you noticed the dreads behind the drum kit on recent Ozzy tours (Mike Bordin). But what's become of whisper-to-scream frontman Mike Patton?     He's quite busy, thank you very much. Besides forming Ipecac Recordings with Alternative Tentacles veteran Greg Werckman, two notable storm fronts are approaching. The first is the self-titled debut from Patton's hardcore pet project, the Fantomas, with Melvin's guitarist Buzz Osborne,  Mr. Bungle Bassist Trevor Dunn, and Grip, Inc.'s Dave Lomardo on drums. How to describe it... Carl Stalling meets island-era Anthrax? Words for this level of intensity are probably futile, but let's just say when the record hits, Marilyn Manson will have more in common with Stuart Smalley than your mother's worst nightmare.     That's the more immediate future. Then there's what may be an even bigger shocker: the summer release of, as Patton puts it, a "pretty fucking poppy" album from Mr. Bungle? "All I know is that to my ears and the ears of everybody in Mr. Bungle, it's our version of pop music," he says. "We wrote some simple songs, well, they're simple to us. I don't know, it's kind of Bacharachesque, a little bit of Beach Boys. Then there's some other shit that sounds like fucked-up Charlie Feathers rockabilly. It still gets around- put it that way."     Bacharach, Beach Boys and Bungle? There aren't too many bands that can mix Korn's nots with Zappa's schizophrenic sophistication, but these guys certainly aren't afraid to try. We caught up with Mike to talk about both projects.

How did the fantomas come together? i just wrote a bunch of fucked up music that had been swimming around in my head for a while. I probably wrote this stuff two years ago. Sometimes you write you write things and they get lost on your bookshelf, so to speak, and other times you see them through. And this was one that I really wanted to see through. So it was like, "Wait a minute. I've got to find some people to play this shit." Because this is a pain in the ass to play. I mean, it's fun because it's challenging, but, let's be honest, it's hard.

How would you describe the music? Fast. Really, really fast. Hardcore stuff mixed in with some noise, absolutely no improvisation at all, structured down to the bone. It's got a little cartoon music thing going into it, some B-movie soundtrack kind of influence, stuff like that. This music is like constant data being thrown in your face. It's not like verses and choruses. The structure of itis very easy to forget. It's a lot of details. It's a bunch of cherries on top of the cake, with no cake. The goal was to make very weird music that rocked and I think it happened, and thank God I found the right musicians.

How did you get this group together? Trevor, obviously, you've woked with for a long time. How did you get to know Buzz and Dave Lombardo? I knew Buzz from the Melvins, but we were just acquaintances. Same thing with Lombardo. I just met him once. These people came to mind as I was dredging through as many players as I could think of that would be good to play this stuff. The first drummer I talked to was the drummer in Sepultura, Igor Cavalera, a friend of mine. And he was into it, but he's coming from his own place, and I wasn't secure that that place was the right place for this music. Meaning, I sent him a tape and he was kind of like, "Well, these are some nice ideas. Maybe we can jam a little bit on this." Whoa! Wait a minute. This isn't jam music, bud. I know it dosen't sound like a song, but that's what I hear as a song. I was like, "Oh, fuck, the drummer is the cruz of this thing. In this type of music, you're only as good as your drummer." And then I thought, "Oh my God, Lombardo is the man.Of course!" How could I have possibly not thought of him sooner? These were pretty much my first choice guys, and I called them and they were excited and it worked together a little bit too easily. I'm still waiting for some kind of porblems. We all get along too well. The music is fun. We have a good time on the road. It's too easy. Something is going to happen.

Musically, did it come together quickly? We did a couple shows at Slim's. We rehearsedfor five days. They were like 20 hour days--it was brutal. Because not only were we attempting this music, but we were getting to know each other. It's a bit of a psychological adventure when you start a band; you never really know what your're getting. It's a weird gene pool, these musicians. Each one is their own ball of wax. Some more complicated than others. I've known Trevor half my life, so that was a no-brainer, and that make me feel good. Like, at least there's one guy I'm going to be able to count on. Buzz is a fucking wig, you know? He's amazing. But once I figured out how he worked, and how to make him comfortable and excited about this music, everything came together. Dave just chewed it up and spit it out. He's more than the prototype for all metal drummers. But what blew my mind, I think most people that come out of that scene are fucking boneheads. Let's face it. Even if they are good musicians, they don't want to be challenged. They don't want to try new things, especially drummers:"Keep me in the back; tell me what to do." Dave had way more energy than even I had coming into this. At the end of a 20-hour rehearsal he'd go, "I still want to work on this one part of it."

Shifting gears, what's this about the California pop album from Mr. Bungle? Was it a conscious effort to go for  simplicity, or did it just come out? It kind of came out. But when it came out it was like, "Wow, this is really strange. Let's see it through to the end." you know, let's make this record stand on it's own. Let's not worry about the other records we've make, whether it's going to fit into the grand fucking scheme of things, because there is none. Let's make ourselves happy here.

I take it that the music is stylistically all over the map. Pretty mich. There are contrasts, for sure. I don't know really how to describe it. It's over-orchestrated, put it that way. Pretty much on any point in the record, if you drop the needle, you would say, "This is five piece band." That's going to make for a fucked up live show. I don't know how we're going to do it, epecially the vocals.

You normally did all the harmonies on previous recordings. Are the other members of the band going to be doing a lot of singing live? I hope so. If not, we're going to have to hire a small choir or something [laughs]. I'm going to have to sit down and run through Harnony 101 with some of these guys. But they can all sing, so it won't be a big deal.

Speaking of big deals, I remember back on the first album there was some controversy of the song "Travolta," where you chabnged the title to "Quote, Unquote." Did anything ever really happen leagally with that? Absolutely nothing happened. Typical record company bullshit, where they create a problem before the problem has happened. It was pathetic. They were afraid that John Travolta, in between making this movie and that movie and trips to the bank, would fucking have the time to listen to a Mr. Bungle record, get upset, call his lawyer and sue Warner Bros. for millions of more dollars. Give me a fucking break!

So that was kind of rammed down your throat? [Sarcastically] Uh, yeah. They said we had to change it. At that time I hadn't been through that many of those kind of scares, hoaxes. And we just kind of gave in. It was kind of like they put a gun to our head: "Do you want your record to come out this month? If you do, you had better change the title." And it was literally at the last minute. I don't know, record companies love to do things like that.

What's Bungle's standing right now with Warner Bros.? I don't know if I'd we're on the chopping block, but they're watching us. Like a hawk, I think. We're on an album-to-album basis with them; we could be dropped at any time. That's my feeling, and I think that's a healthy attitude. Being on an album-to-album deal is, I think, really great in that your're not tied up for seven years in some situation that you can't stand. What happens is we'll make this record, if it sells a trillion copies, then they'll probably want to pick up the option for the next one. If it bombs, they might think about dropping it. To their credit, they've never put any constraints on Bungle. So far, they've been incredibly hands off. Almost suspiciously so. Like, "Do whatever you want," which always makes me think they don't give a flying fuck and may just be trying to humor me. I don't know. I always was suspicious of that, so to see any kind of reaction from them is, for us, i think, a promising thing.We'll see.

From BAM Magazine, May 7, 1999     NO EXIT - by Don Zulaica **Thanks To Marc B.**