#its the beginning of the month i promoted one of my tiktoks

[pinkprettycure]

pissed as hell because people buy ads for a reason and they actually work 😭

[loonarii]

MADE IN KOREA: EP. 1 (my thoughts on the tv show for that british kpop bg sm decided to do for some unknown reason)

So if you didn't hear, SM Entertainment is the latest kpop company to dip their toes into the concept of a western kpop group - we had VCHA from JYP and their show A2K, KATSEYE from HYBE with their show Dream Academy (and I believe upcoming Netflix docu-series?), and now we have 'Dear Alice' from SM with the show 'Made In Korea: The K-Pop Experience'. Unlike the previous two groups, Dear Alice is a boy group, and are specifically all British, whereas the girls of VCHA and KATSEYE are from all over the world. As your local british kpop stan with access to BBC iPlayer (where this show is streaming) I decided to watch and drop my thoughts on the show and see if its any good, basically.

Right off the bat, the pitch to SM was clearly: 'we will make you a new One Direction' - like you can easily pick out of the lineup who is supposed to be Harry and Zayn and so on. It's not a stupid idea because after South Korea, the UK is probably the biggest exporter of music groups beloved internationally, but I doubt whether kpop stans will take to this well. At least they are promoting this on the BBC, directly to the UK, which is presumably their target audience.

They keep calling this whole thing an 'experiment' which it obviously is, but the higher ups at SM seems to be very on edge about the whole thing - after the groups first performance to Heejun (the director basically) she called a fucking emergency meeting with the SM team and the british producers - there generally seems to be a lack of confidence in the success of the group.

In the beginning of the episode they briefly mention (but for the most part gloss over) the audition process for this show, claiming they chose the five boys for their talents in singing and dance. Throughout the episode though it becomes apparently clear though that they (in the nicest way possible) don't really hold a candle to the debuted idols from SM. The whole show is based on this 'make a british kpop group in 100 days' gimmick, but the truth of the matter is you need a lot more than 100 days to become idol level good at dancing and singing - most idols train for 2 years minimum, some upwards of 6. I have no idea why they didn't choose boys with more preexisting skill in the audition process, or just give them longer to train - perhaps there could've been a bootcamp for a month before the going to korea bit to build basic skills - none of the 5 seem to be overly familiar with the kpop industry and it seems that pretty much all of their context as to what is expected of an idol is drawn from the SMTOWN concert they attended before their training began. They came off as quite unprepared, and Heejun's harsh comments to them in their evaluation clearly came as bit of a surprise to them. It is only episode one though, so i think if anything, now they know the level they are supposed to be at.

All of them apparently have a background in theatre or dance in some capacity (one of them is a tiktoker... ok) but only Dexter and maybe Reese struck me as having much aptitude for kpop dancing, but again it is only episode one so I'll cut them a little bit of slack. They struggled a lot with coordination and accuracy, but from my perspective as a dancer myself and kpop stan, the dance they learned to their song 'Feel the Vibe' (we will get to that don't worry lol) was not what I would call hugely difficult?? the members other than Dexter lacked a lot of fluidity but none of them were awful and I think with a lot more training they could be quite good. Olly seemed to struggle a lot with the dance, and there was some chatter from the producers that members could be cut, and if I had to guess anyone right now to be dropped (momentarily, I'm assuming anyone they kick is going to pull a Momo and be brought back) it would be him.

The song 'feel the vibe' is like.. what you would get if you asked an AI to spit out a 'boy group song' - it has a little bit of RIIZE energy so I wouldn't be surprised if this was an abandoned demo of theirs, but it also feels a little kidz bop? lmao? It's fine basically, not very exciting but not totally unlistenable. My main concern is that its quite a high song especially in the chorus, and the boys seem to struggle to hit the notes. Giving them a song that is out of almost all of their ranges is kind of setting them up to fail especially when they had a week only to learn it. Their poor vocal performance also explains why Heejun was so unconfident in this groups success - SM is is the kpop company known for its vocalists, being able to sing like Ningning or Taeyeon may not be necessary to succeed and debut in other big companies, but in SM vocals are crucial. Again they did only have a week, so at the very least potential is there.

They did a lot of b-roll content of them seeing the sights of Seoul, they did a gangnam style bit (god help me) met with Shindong (...), met RIIZE and TEN of WayV etc etc which was cool i guess - i hope this is a mainstay in the series and not just an introductory element.

Overall the show is not boring by any means, if a little cringey at times, my only concern is that the group that will emerge on the other side will not be up to par? I guess we will see.

[goldenhickeysandramen]

📢🔊🎤🎶 LOVE IS IN THE AIR... 🎙🎷🎺🎸🎹and 5 takeaways from the past months

THIS IS A LONG POST.... 

Oh my Gosh! What an afternoon of excitement!

Apparently Jimin changed for nanoseconds(?) his profile picture and posted one of JK 

Too bad the account didn't record a video..... If there is only one person as a testimonial, let me be a bit skeptical. 🤨

But who knows... maybe Jimin was playing with Jk, as this latter did on April 28th.

https://twitter.com/jkfl6wer/status/1640512226829189122?s=20

Also emerging on twitter are the constant cacophonies heard in Jimin's last vlive....LOL

https://twitter.com/jeje_machi/status/1645017065609388032?s=20

I take these things with a grain of salt, because they always happen... there’s always someone in tiktok who hear voices in Jimin's and JK's vlives 🤣 

BUT

I do think they were together the night of Like Crazy's BB100, because all the k-army accounts (I follow) perfectly hear, at the beginning of the vlive, a "go quickly" with a busanese accent. That can't be a coincidence, nor a general delulu mode! 

In any case, I'm here to celebrate Jikook's love fest of this past month.

📢🔉🔊🎤🎶🎵 LOVE IS IN THE AIR... 🎙🎷🎺🎸🎻🎹

I have to admit that there was a time when I didn't understand why the hell we didn't know anything about Jikook.😫

Those who wait are in despair. And if I'm the one who waits (while quitting smoking), it's even worse, because I'm (above all) IMPATIENT! hahaha. I missed jikook a lot and I was in a total skeptical phase.

Don't scold me, I am not insecure, I like to be objective and critical. And there were things from these months that just made me wonder if everything was okay... I'm not going to go into them, because there’s no need. But I am going to share with you some of my lessons or takeaways from these months of CHAPTER 2 and that now, with more perspective, I can share, in case it helps anyone for next months.

1. The members who interact the most are the ones who are promoting at the time. 

I don't expect to see others in official content, unless they have something to promote. I guess it's marketing strategy. Just compare how Suga has reacted to other albums on socmed, with how he has been more involved in Jimin's, because he came next. 

The only exception is Hobi who is constant. Our dear sunshine..💜

But as I could see, if we want to see the rest, it's up to them.

2. This brings me to the next point: JIKOOK has chosen to show us that they are still there as usual, but without the exposure. 

Let's cry in chorus! 😭😭❤❤

JK wanted to support Jimin and for us to see him. And he wanted it to be something special, dammit! And so it has been!

I melt with him and everything he has done so far: from saying how great the Set me free Pt2 MV was going to be, to playing the chords of Letter, and the vlive reaction to Suchita and Jimin's best moments unbothered.

Plus the next morning reacting to Jimin’s live LOL

And Jimin has always been active in JK's vlives, whenever he could, with some very memorable lines 

3. What we don't see is almost EVERYTHING. And what we can see depends on many external factors. 

Thanks to the editors we could see JK visiting Jimin. It looks like they were together for only 5 seconds, but we know that was not the case.

if they even said goodbye in two different positions LOL

On the other hand, Letter was not recorded remotely, nor did JK teach himself to play it on guitar on youtube, like he learned to make sushi on ITS. 

This would be a point for non-jikookers who believe that jikook has not seen e/o for months.... but, I write it as a reminder for everyone, but especially for ME. 

What we see in recorded content is Hybe's choice. The rest is either shown to us by them or we have to assume it by applying common sense.

On the other hand, does anyone expect jikook to plug in a vlive when they're at home together watching The Notebook for the umpteenth time? I don't... Which brings me to the next point...

4. Army is always a support to Jungkook

I really believe that when he has been feeling very bored, alone or melancholic, we have been a help to him. Maybe he needed a rest, but at some point the inactivity has taken its toll on him, given that he didn't have his precious people around him.

In particular, I am happy to see him in his new role as CK ambassador and to see him travelling and active, at least until he enters the more intense work phase of his future projects.

So when I've seen Tae at his home, or with him at concerts, far from worrying about the cults's reaction (Who cares!!), I've been glad he was getting him out of the Mikrokosmos cave, because JK is an introvert and his comfort zone isn't exactly socialising.

[How I feel about Tae and his vlives and name dropping at certain times is another matter. But I have no doubt that Tae loves him and has made it a point to take him out bowling or to concerts]

5. Perhaps most controversial, but most obvious.....JIKOOK don't officially live together and that's what we're going to see from here until they leave for military service. So it's best not to give too much thought to the issue of houses.

But there is a very big obviousness to this issue. JK lives in a house rented by Hybe, with furniture from the dorms and barely decorated (althoug full of underwear 😁), as if he can't rent a house while his mansion in Itaewoon is being built...LOL! It's a joke! (and by this I mean that perhaps he spends part of his time elsewhere 😏).

If jikook is an established couple, as many of us think, we will always have to bear in mind is that they cant fulfil everything we would see in a long-term couple, like living together in one house 24/7/365, for obvious reasons, but basically because they are hidden couple and they’re also chased (especially Jungkook, who has a lot of sasaengs behind him).

And this is basically my main takeaways.... I'm sure I have more lessons learnt.... but I don't remember them now.... or I'm tired of writing.... maybe it's the latter ;)

I purple you 💜

[swampstew]

KIᒪᒪEᖇᑕOOK - ᑕᕼᗩᑭTEᖇ 6

Welcome to Raven's Reading Nook - a small corner of this blog dedicated to cozy story times. Join us in the family room as we sit around and browse our phones, and eat some Girl Scout cookies as we begin tonight's story. Rated Mature for language. Minors DNI.

˜”°•.˜”°• Happy birthday to me, to Wire, and to my Kid Pirate Stan-mate QuinLoki ♥ Let them eat cake! •°”˜.•°”˜

“Oi! Make sure you have the travel packs ready to go! These need to cool at a consistent temperature or they’ll be ruined, and then I’ll ruin your face!” Killer instructed Heat, stressed about the day’s Live TikTok stream.

Normally he wouldn’t sweat over a stream but today was a big day. Huge one. Been a busy month for him. So many people he knew personally had birthdays in July. Nami and Paulie’s birthdays had already passed, and his actual in real life friends too, not to mention Wire and Nojiko had birthdays coming up as well.

Today though. Whew. Today was the birthday of a friend near and dear to his heart. To everyone in the crew, and pretty much anyone who knew them.

Raven.

She didn’t ask for a cake but they said they were doing it anyways. He only brought out the fancy decorating tool set for desserts he took seriously, and Raven was close enough in his orbit that he was going to do something nice for her. A classic favorite of hers with some extra pizzazz.

“Here we go,” Wire muttered as he finished setting the ring lights and camera up. “You know you don’t have to do one for me right?”

“Are you kidding me dude?! Its your birthday! Everyone gets cake on their birthday, no exceptions.”

“You guys are already taking me on a two-week cruise!”

“Fuck yeah we are bro!” Kid barreled into the kitchen, recently promoted to baker’s not-assistant but equal partner/Cake Boss. Kid himself was shockingly adept at baking cake. Especially the box kind. “You deserve it. We all do! A nice vacation getaway, us and the crew.”

“Yeah yeah we’re nice guys. Shut up and get out of the frame. I’m still making cake for you,” Killer finished the layout of his tools, prepped the baking sheets and pans, pre-heated the oven, brought all ingredients to room temperature, and everything was in place.

“Why so nervous Kill? It’s just cake,” Kid’s brow bone became pronounced against his scarred skin, raised inquisitively.

“Their opinions matter to me!” Killer practically hissed out.

“The audience?”

“No dummy! Our recipients!”

Kid laughed, “Dude, no way be serious. It’s Raven and our TikTok friend, the most laid back people in the world.”

For some reason that resonated with Killer and he took some calming breaths. Gratefully drank the can of ginger ale Kid brought him.

“It’s just, I’m a perfectionist. I know it. It needs to be done just right!”

“Dude, preaching to the choir,” Kid thumped his back.

“Speaking of…did you finish the present?”

Kid stopped his reassuring back pats, “Don’t fucking talk to me. I’m going with plan b.”

Biting back snarky laughter, Killer dusted his apron, double checked his low ponytail, and straightened his helmet one last time before pressing the ‘Go Live’ button, muttering a quick, "Don’tfuckupdon’tfuckdon’tfuckup," under his breath.

“Hello everyone, Killer here,” raising a hand in the air, the short cut of his plain shirt showed off his swollen bicep. He and Kid had worked out an hour before going live, to look extra…camera ready. “Coming at you live with a trifecta of desserts. Well trifecta of cakes anyways. Everyone seems to be born in July so as a time honored tradition, I’ve been baking my ass off. I never make as much cake as I do during the summer months, y’alls parents got BUSY.”

The chimes of notifications flowed as the iPad showed the users commenting in.

“HAH! Every single one of you is celebrating your birthday today?” Kid laughed. “If that’s true happy birthday then. Unfortunately today’s cakes are already being made with people in mind.”

“Yes today we’re making three cakes: one we’re freezing for later, one being overnight shipped, and one we’re personally delivering later. Only the best for our besties.”

“Yo, Wh0_remones says, ‘Where’s a girlie gotta go to fill out the bestie application?' Sorry girlie, applications are closed until further notice,” Kid said with a smug grin.

“To be fair, we do have a lot of friends and its getting hard to keep track of who has birthdays and when,” Killer interjected. “Moving on, for today’s recipes we’re doing good ole’ box mix, made from scratch entirely, and one frozen because its ice cream cake!”

“And because it’s a dick move to eat someone’s birthday cake before them, I’ll be taste testing the scraps along with Heat and Wire,” Kid finished explaining their setup.

“We’ll start with the ice cream cake first!” Killer pulled out two Tupperware containers that had been set out 10 minutes ago. “So if you’ve watched my previous uploads, like video #20, you’ll remember I made my own copy of Oreos, which we call No-reo’s. In preparation for today’s live, I made a fresh batch of No-reo’s over the weekend, which we’ll use for the crumb layer, and I also used it to make No-reo ice cream cream. If you watched my homemade ice cream video, cough video #30 cough, you’ll know exactly how I made these,” he patted the two containers.

“Chocolate and No-reo ice cream, no better combination,” Killer mused. “So ice cream cake is pretty easy if you’re not putting in the extra effort of making the ice cream yourself like me! Store-bought is fine too. Now some people say that an actual cake layer makes for the perfect ice cream cake. I say NAY!”

“NAY!” Kid slapped the countertop.

“NAY!” Wire called out from behind the camera stand holding up the new Panasonic Lumix G9 they bought for TikTok. And for their upcoming vacation.

“In this household, we believe in a sliver of a fudgy, cookie crumb layer and that’s IT!”

“Get outta here with the other fancy shit!” Kid roared.

“Kid is going to crush these cookie ends with the rolling pin while we melt the vegan butter. In the meantime, I’ll make chocolate fudge. Using the same whipping cream for the fudge, I’m going to whip it into whipped cream with my prized stand mixer using powdered sugar and vanilla extract. For the fudge, we’ll use the remaining, still-liquid whipping cream with ethically sourced mini-chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and honey.”

The two men moved around the kitchen to begin their tasks while Wire read out comments to entertain them. The sounds of the blippy electro-synth lofi channel echoed in the kitchen, oddly in sync with their movements.

Killer evenly mixed the softened chocolate ice cream and layered it into the glass pan and two small 10 ounce bowls before setting them in the freezer. He set the fudge aside as he helped Kid combine the crumbled cookies with butter in a small, glass bowl.

“IceBreaker, asks, ‘What are your favorite ice cream flavors?’ Mine is coffee almond fudge,” Wire answered. “Heat’s not in here but his is Mint Chocolate Chip.”

Killer slapped a spoon in a bowl, “Then why the hell am I making No-reo flavor?!”

“Because I didn’t want vanilla as the top layer when you asked!”

“I ASKED what YOU wante—never mind, you’re getting what you’re getting,” Killer sighed. “I like ice cream fine, I just prefer it in a drink format, like a milkshake! I’ll drink any kind but my personal favorite, and I don’t want to hear shit from anyone, is cinnamon pumpkin flavored.”

With a snort, “I like Strawberry Cheesecake,” Kid answered.

“Don’t hold out on them, tell them why.”

“No reason!” Kid growled.

Killer tilted his head, “It’s not even ice cream, its frozen yogurt! And it’s from Dippin Dots!”

“I LIKE THE SMALL ORB SHAPES AND TEXTURE!”

Wheezing, Killer pulled out the glass pan and bowls from the freezer. Kid cleared the countertop of dirty dishes, cleaning them down soapy water and a sponge on a stick, rinsing them off and hanging them on the drying rack while Killer layered the chocolate ice cream layer with the fudge and cookie crumbles.

“We’ll let that sit for five minutes and then finish it off with the final layer of ice cream. While that sets and our whipped cream reaches its final form, we’ll prepare for the next cakes. Technically we’re going to make two cakes at once. Kid will whip up this box mix while I whip up a made-from-scratch cake.”

“Yes I can bake, before any of you start acting cheeky in chat,” Kid’s eyes narrowed as he ripped open the package with this teeth. A small puff of pre-mixed cake mix broke from the tear, lightly dusting Kid’s band shirt. He dumped the mix into a steel bowl and wiped the dusty debris off, the intentionally torn shirt lifted at the bottom, showing off a sliver of chiseled abdominals.

Killer stopped the stand mixer and replaced the steel bowl with Kid’s dry ingredients, scooping the bowl of whipped cream into a piping bag. Setting the bowl to soak, Killer grabbed the ice cream cake and made swirly whipped cream peaks over the face. Adding sprinkles and maraschino cherries on top of each peak.

Kid was adding wet ingredients into his steel bowl, setting the stand mixer to combine the ingredients, taking a proud step back. As it mixed, Kid went to the sink and cleaned the bowl that had the whipped cream. Drying it off, he brought it back to the countertop and added the wet ingredients for Killer’s cake, stopping when his cake mix was done. He scraped the sides and cleaned the mixer’s handle, setting the mixer on low to fold in the remains that hadn’t mixed in.

He poured ¾ of the batter in two round, 9-inch cake pans, setting aside some batter to add cocoa powder for the marbled effect. Once done, he poured dollops of the darker batter into the lighter batter. Creating a swirl effect utilizing a toothpick with a soft touch and concentrated look. When he was done, he restarted the entire process.

Killer had put the finished ice cream cake in the freezer and started mixing his cake’s dry ingredients in a plastic bowl. Slowly adding it into the steel bowl of wet ingredients and folding the mixture to combine. As he was doing so, he noticed Kid working on his second bowl of box mix batter.

“Why are you making it over again instead of adjusting for the appropriate amount of ingredients?”

“You’re not tricking me into doing math on live camera. Shit’s easier to do and less chance of messin up,” Kid barked.

Killer deadpanned to the camera.

“Ooook. Wire please pin the recipes to the top of the message board for everyone to see. Your ice cream cake is perfect, if I do say so myself.”

“I never got that phrase. You’re saying it yourself so what’s the point of pointing out that you’re saying it aloud? We get it, jackass,” Kid licked batter off his finger as he poured it into the second set of round cake pans, starting the marbled process. Adding the batter into a set of 2-inch round pans for the taste test.

Killer ignored him to read out, “RetroTumblrina has this to say: ‘Ok but the fact that you both put so much dedication into making things for your friends is so fucking cute?’ – heh what can we say, we cherish our friends!”

“Yeah we do!” Wire created a heart sign with his hands and placed them over the camera’s lens. The message board pinged and swarmed with love for the tallest man on the crew.

“’Scream_maim_fire I am on my knees begging, please let me slide down your legs like a fire station pole!’ a very enthusiastic response from FuzzyFirehose,” Kid snorted as he walked to Killer. “Stand mixer’s all yours and my stuff’s in the oven. Should be done in 25.”

Killer moved his bowl to the stand mixer, “Great! I can get mine mixed and have the frosting done by then too.”

“Cool, can you do the frosting for mine?”

“No. You said you’d do it all yourself and that’s part of it. Decorating it too.”

Kid’s eyelids squeezed shut in annoyance, “No, anything but that.”

“All of it. Now go clean these bowls to reuse for the frostings.”

The lofi channel lilted softly as the two men cleaned and mixed. Wire answered questions and read out comments as time passed on. Killer poured his batter into three, 8-inch bowls and two, 2-inch bowls, putting them aside for oven space. When Kid brought the clean bowls back, Killer quickly made his four-ingredient buttercream frosting. Making enough to fill out six piping bags with different colors and pulling out his handy frosting plug – a great tool for piping several different colored frostings from one bag.

“Zip_It2556 says, ‘You all are so lucky I am refraining from making the batter, icing, and frosting jokes running through my mind rn on god.’” Kid and Wire laughed out loud at that, with Killer shaking with his head tucked down.

“Actually its all of you who are lucky that we aren’t saying the jokes going through our minds right now. Trust me, you got nothing on us. You’re all on here drooling over us. Whenever I utter a single innuendo you all turn to putty in my hand,” Kid smirked with a cocked brow at the camera. “You all wanna fuck me so bad it makes you look stupid.” Then acting as if nothing happened, Kid went back to his steel bowl to mix his frosting ingredients.

“Now who looks stupid?” Killer wheezed at a scowling Kid, who accidentally set the mixer too high and sent a mess of powdered sugar, cocoa, and butter all over his face and chest. While the flustered redhead cleaned himself and the mess up, Killer removed the marbled cakes from the oven and replaced them with his chocolate cakes.

By the time Kid remade the chocolate frosting and scooped it into piping bags, his cakes had been cooled and stored in a mini cooler Killer bought for the occasion.

“This is temperature regulated so I’m going to set it at a cooler degree to help bring down the overall heat in the cake. Then gradually I’ll lower the setting so it’s not stuck on the coldest degree and cause the cake to snap cold as it were. It would come out dry and crumbly. This method allows the heat to be condensed instead of seeping out, helping maintain moisture and then cool done enough to be at room temperature in time to frost. We’re going to clean up and take a short break, when we come back, we’ll be taking out my cakes to cool, decorating both, and finish this whole show up with the taste test.”

Heat had come back from his shopping trip to return all the ready-for-vacation buyer’s remorse items Killer tossed by the door; and also bought the better packaging Killer aggressively requested. In between advertisements on stream, Heat would play guitar and answer messages.

Kid and Killer came back into view as the oven timer went off. Moving in sync, Kid removed his cakes to the island countertop while Killer moved his cakes to countertop to cool. For a few minutes the camera’s focus was scrambled as it was moved for a closer view. The stand was adjusted and the camera was slightly pointed down with an overhead focus of the table and hosts. The camera captured the finest details of both men down to the smallest beauty marks. It was going to make their cakes look all the more amazing for the audience.

“First thing’s first is trimming the cake for any unevenness, and then we’ll spray the outer layer with this bottle of pre-made syrup. This is to help the cake retain its moisture and prevent crumbing during the frosting process. We’re going to apply a thick layer of frosting in between the layers, with a thin coating on the outsides, which will also prevent the cake from crumbing to the surface as you do the finer details. Since we’re going to stack these cakes, we’re going to add some tools to stabilize the structure from falling or jiggling. Some people use plastic or wooden straws, I prefer to use Pirouline cookies.”

Kid followed Killer’s instructions as he sprayed the cake, layered the chocolate frosting, inserted the wafer pipes, and stacked the cake. Four tiers worth. He spread the second chocolate layer with a wide, flattened blade, smoothing out the top with sharp precision. The chocolate frosting looked almost matte on screen.

“Excellent! Now we’re going to set it in the fridge and clean up the tools to start again with my cakes.”

While Killer did the same process for his Death By Chocolate cake, Kid added frosting layers to all the mini taste test cakes.

“Aww those are cute! I bet they’re gonna taste even sweeter,” Heat cooed over Kid’s efforts.

With both cakes cooling and setting, the crew cleaned the area and sat down to talk about recent news, popular media, and listen to Heat play more guitar. It was only for 15 minutes as another ad break ran through. Their top tier subscribers never had to sit through advertisements, which is why they always had to have something going on in the background at all times. When the timer went off, Killer jumped to his feet while Kid dragged his.

After explaining decorating techniques and frosting tip shapes, Killer got to work on his cake. Using blue and purple frosting, Killer piped basket like ropes on the edges of the top cake layer and around the base of each layer; created swirly peaks on the top layer and smaller pressed peaks on the sides of the layers, connecting them together with multiple thin ropes of white frosting. Using the same thin rope tip, Killer wrote out a message on the top.

“Happy Birthday Dearest REDACTED NAME – and for privacy reasons I’ll say just their handle: UnderstatedGrin,” Killer spoke as he finished the design. The camera zoomed to focus on the delicate piped ropes as Killer added silver coated, chocolate orbs to the centers of the pressed peaks with a pair of long, slim decorating tongs.

The camera panned to Kid who’s hairless brows furrowed together, his tongue sticking partially out as he carefully piped the icing with his metal prosthetic and organic hands.

“Argh, I keep making these peaks too tall and wide,” he complained.

“If you rapidly lift the piping bag down to up while you squeeze, you can create a 3D flower effect. Like this,” Killer demonstrated. Kid seemed to like it as he used the technique to pipe the pastel pink frosting everywhere. Even adding little green leaves at the base of each flower.

With a hum, Killer pulled out a bottle of shimmery liquid, “This is a metallic food coloring. It works best on a light base color to make that shine pop,” he explained as he pooled some in a small cup. Dipping a brush into the cup, he skimmed over the white buttercream ropes to make them silver. “We also have it in rose gold.”

“Mhm,” Kid mumbled as he swapped piping tips and colors. He laid down a pattern of puffy lavender cloud trails on the base of the layers. Swapping the bags and color again, he piped flat, dusty magenta colored lettering on one side of the cake on each layer, turning it around for the camera to see. It read: Happy 30th Birthday Raven!

He quickly dipped a clean brush in the rose gold metallic food coloring, coating the tulip flowers he placed on every flat surface he could find, save for where the birthday message sat. Setting the brush aside, he took the flat tip piping bag and created one final design on the top layer, his famed logo – his jolly roger.

Cocky grin on his face, he motioned for Wire to zoom in more for the audience to appreciate the cake. Wire did and followed up with Killer’s cake. The sound of notifications pouring in nearly drowned out the music. As Wire re-set the original camera position, the crew moved about once more. The only fixed person was Kid as he used the flat tip piping back to add one more thing to the back of the cake. With a satisfied nod, he opened the fridge door and with a careful touch, deposited the cake inside the chilled space.

Killer pulled out the extra cake dishes from the freezer, placing them beside the regular cake test samples that he layered with leftover frosting. Handing Kid, Heat, and Wire spoons, he watched them dig in.

Starting with the ice cream cake, “Ohhh it tastes like childhood memories I remember other people having,” Wire sighed.

Heat nodded, “Yeah like the kind you saw in commercials for party rooms, it looked so good! And this is amazing!”

Kid was too busy scarfing down the dessert. Wiping his mouth, “Perfect fudgy layer that acts as a tasty barrier between two flavors. I love it.”

Killer nodded proudly. He grabbed a tray of iced waters to wash their pallets. Observing as they bit into the Death By Chocolate cake.

Heat and Kid’s eyes rolled to the back of their heads, Heat let out a small moan that he quickly snuffed out with a slap of his hand over his face

“It’s Death BY Chocolate not WITH!” Wire howled. Biting a spoonful himself, he had to force back the satisfied groan that rumbled in his chest, the cake made his tummy feel warm and happy.

“This, this might give me a heart attack,” Kid huffed out, draining his water when he finished his cake.

Killer dutifully replenished the waters, “Not the most traditional reviews but I’ll take it. Now, time for Kid’s marbled cake.”

“I coulda made it from scratch,” the redhead grazed his chin. “S’not what was requested so if it’s not the best, that’s on the shitty nostalgic brand she loves.”

“Right, of course,” Killer drawled. “Well on with it then!”

Wire took the first bite, “Oh wow, that’s really well balanced!”

“Yeah, spongy and light, the chocolate frosting ratio is perfect! The buttercream is a nice touch too,” Heat added as he finished off what Wire wasn’t able to snag for himself.

Kid took a deep breath before taking a bite. Chewing thoughtfully, “Yeah, I’m just naturally gifted that way.”

“That’s not a cake review, you narcissist,” Killer crossed his arms over his chest.

“It’s…pretty good not gonna lie. Heat’s right, it’s spongy, fluffy, not dry and just the right amount of moist. The chocolate is savory and the perfect addition to a cake this light. The buttercream is pretty sweet too, I like to eat it by itself but it’s also decent with the other components.”

Killer swiped the platter and spoon up, turning around and lifting his helmet a little so he could take a bite. “I knew you could do it, don’t know why you were so worked up. This is perfectly ratioed. I give it a double scythe cross on the KillerCook rating scale!” he gave Kid a thumbs up. A cheerful grin spread on the cake boss’ face. Then it occurred to him—

“YOU WERE THE ONE STALKING AROUND THE KITCHEN IN A GLOOM BECAUSE YOU WERE SO ANXIOUS!”

“Are you still on that? We’ve got the closing segment to do,” Killer clapped his hands.

“Don’t let the fear of dry cake keep you from making cake. Cake is meant to be enjoyed, especially amongst friends. With that in mind, we’ll be taking the Death By Chocolate cake to the post office for overnight delivery and bringing the marbled cake to our birthday girl’s party tonight. Hope you all enjoyed today’s live stream and if you try out my recipes, tag me in your creations or duet me! Tune in next time when I make a delicious, cozy dish that takes some tender love and patience – French Onion Soup. It’s moderately easy to prepare and like everything else I make, slays. This has been Faffaffaffa-Food with Killer.”

End Livestream.

“Ok, the party is in 3 hours. Let’s set the box frame in the backseat to securely transport the cakes. Kid and Heat will bring the chocolate cake to the post office while Wire and I get ready. When you guys come back and get ready, we’ll package Raven’s cake and presents. Take an uber if anyone wants to go home tonight, I’m getting smashed and plugging in the RockBand game until it’s pried from my cold, passed out fingers.”

“I’ll bring the extra guitar and drum set,” Wire offered, moving to find the game controllers.

“She always volunteers her place for sleepovers so no one drunk drives. I bet she even went to Costco for water bottles, headache pills, blankets, and pillows,” Heat laughed, pulling the Death By Chocolate cake into the thermally insulated shipping carrier.

“Yeah she did,” Kid grinned, showing them his phone, “She texted me an hour ago with this pic.” It was a pile of the previously mentioned items plus boxes of frozen pizzas, burritos, bagels, a tub of cream cheese, a crate of champagne, and two cases of Powerade.

Reaching under the countertop to open a drawer, the redhead pulled out a card and envelope. “Don’t forget to sign Raven’s card,” Kid said as he handed them pens. He had already written his message and name, also leaving his present inside – a ticket to their two-week cruise.

Before Killer could say anything—

“This rig better work! If a single buttercream decoration droops on her cake, I will kill everyone in the car and then myself,” the redhead growled as he left the house.

Bonus: The comment section

CheezusCrust:  What inspired your passion for cooking? KillerCook: Seeing the people I care about struggle with food insecurity. I made it my mission to always bring them the most nutritional and tasty food I could scrounge up from our neighborhood. It wasn’t always easy but it forced me to get creative. It helped that my main test subject is a human garbage disposal.

Wait_SayThatAgain987: What else can the Cake Boss bake? PunkNeverDied69: I can make a swiss roll😊

A_Hoe_Never_Gets_Cold:  Shooting my shot. Scream_Maim_Fire, can I climb you like a tree? Scream_Maim_Fire: You better be fast spider monkey. If I catch you, I’ll throw you like a baseball.

N0$33: What did PunkNeverDied69 write on the back of the cake👀 FlamingHot420: Deez nuts joke probably. Raven thinks they’re funny for some reason. Scream_Maim_Fire: Hieroglyphics of some kind. It looked like: 🔧+⚙️=🔩 KillerCook: His (real) body count. PunkNeverDied69: Screw you all.

Read on Wattpad | Read on AO3

[justepilepsy]

I am glad that you admit that the suggestion "just buy ad-free" comes off as dismissive. If I could afford it, I would buy ad-free for everyone in the epilepsy/photosensitivity community. The utmost I can do is to maybe gift a month every once in a while. Accessibility Features Should Never Be Locked Behind A Paywall. And ad-free isn't an accessibility feature to begin with. It would only fix a tiny scope of the actual problem (only removing the ads, but everything else flashing remains!) Since I have written my Thesis on Photosensitivity, warning labels and their functionality/non-functionality in media, I would like to suggest once more a variety of steps for tumblr, which would all work immensely to make this site more accessible, and by that a possible flagship-pioneer in photosensitivity safety. I would like to stress that e.g. Instagram is incredibly inaccessible in terms of photosensitivity and unsafe. You could simply gather an edge over other sites by striving for the highest possible accessibility of the site. 1. Fix the search function/tagging system. If I search for "epilepsy" i should not get any posts with the tag "epilepsy warning". 2. Implement "disable autoplay" for all animated content on all devices (desktop + mobile) Videos, gifs, ads. profile pictures,... An ad would then have to work simply based on a non-animated basis (e.g. a thumbnail that promotes the product in question instead of any animation when "disable autiplay"). 3. Offer a community label "flashing lights/Eyestrain". This would be one of the easiest way for users to self-moderate in a more accurate fashion and reduce the amount of flashing lights on this site. A lot of times users, especially new users, do not know how to tag flashing lights correctly, since there is a general lack of awareness in society. A community label would remove the struggle of having 20 tags to block in order to curate a safe dashboard and increase epilepsy/photosensitivity awareness by making it a visible option/label to use! 4. Flashing lights video filter (this may be a long-term project) TikTok has, while not perfect, a filter that notices extreme flashing lights in videos. Users can tell the settings to warn them, when there is a flashing lights video up ahead, the video will not play automatically when using the app. Accessibility is deeply tied to UI/UX. So if tumblr wants to increase its profitability and market share, and truly be a positive difference to social media, this is a key aspect that would make you not just attractive for companies who want to place ads, but also attract an even wider userbase and audience The fact that all big social media platforms, including Youtube, fail to provide an actual safe User Experience, is a chance they miss out on. Tumblr has probably the best!!! Epilepsy community I have seen on the web so far. While it is not made up of medical professionals, our community manages to uplift each other, share experiences and show each other again and again, that we are not alone in our struggles. This is the community side of things. If this website would also actually support us and the many other disability communities, who can also be marketed to, btw, it would surely make a difference. If you would like to figure out in how far the disabled community may end up being a profitable market (hurrdurr we live in a capitalistic society) it is worth reading into XBOX/Microsofts research regarding accessibility in Games. There is a huge untapped market in making technology and UX accessible and safe to use.

I watched the live with the CEO, here is the tl;dr

The good news:

Chronological dash is here to stay! Whether you have to toggle it weekly or new users default to “For you” was not elaborated on but at least that’s confirmed.

Custom themes are here to stay! Once again, may be buried for all I know but, for sure will remain an option.

Search updates are in the works!!!!

The neutral news:

Tumblr is seriously in the red financially and needs more support, Ad-free for example is not widely used

They would not comment on the suggestion to bring back NSFW behind a paywall (which we all know would get them a boatload of money)

They’re possibly going to add a donation system like Ao3 and Wikipedia.

They would “rather not” sell data to make up the costs

Most of staff are pre-2010 tumblr users including the CEO who joined in 2007, so they do actually use the site and have for a long time

The bad news:

Condensed reblogs/removing reblog chains is going forward. The reason cited was to meet “certain expectations” of users coming from other social media, which isn’t good.

Disability features (specifically turning off flashing ads for epileptics) was met with a request to purchase Ad-free

Overall it was more chill than I expected, @photomatt and @zingring seem to be far more in tune with the userbase than u/spez.

[johnhardinsawyer]

When the Kingdom Takes Root

John Sawyer

Bedford Presbyterian Church

1 / 21 / 24

Mark 4:1-9

Mark 4:21-34

“When the Kingdom Takes Root”

(Scattered Seeds and Fertile Soil)

It’s hard for me to believe, but this Tuesday will be the third New Hampshire Presidential Primary that I have lived through in the Granite State, after having moved here ten years ago.  For my first Presidential Primary, I was just overwhelmed by how new and big it all was to me – so many yard signs, so many candidates.  For my second Presidential Primary, I don’t really remember much, aside from seeing a few candidates at the Amherst Fourth of July parade.  I remember Amy Klobuchar smiling and waving and I remember that Bill Weld was very sweaty.  Oh, and my cousin, Frances, worked on a campaign – so, we got to see her when she came to town.  This year, when it came to the Primaries, I decided to do something different, just for fun.  Back in August and September, I started collecting those political campaign mailers that seem to blanket the state every four years.  Where we live, in Manchester, in addition to the flyers from presidential candidates, we were having a citywide election which meant even more flyers and door hangers.  So, from my unofficial start of collecting flyers in September until yesterday, we have personally received 104 election flyers.  

Now, this might seem like a strange way to begin a sermon about the so-called “Parable of the Sower” and the “Parable of the Mustard Seed” from the Gospel of Mark, but when I think about what all of these mailers have been trying to do, they have been trying plant seeds. . . seeds of ideas, and opinions, and influence.  Whoever has been sending these flyers have been scattering these seeds very widely – in every mailbox.  Now, some of these seeds could be seen as positive, in that the flyers are promoting ideas and hopes and dreams.  But some of these seeds take a different track, in that most of the flyers are saying that “so-and-so is a liar,” and “so-and-so is a criminal,” and “so-and-so is a failure,” and “life stinks because its so-and-so’s fault,” and “only-so-and-so can fix things.”  The question is – with all of these flyers coming our way, flooding my mailbox for the past five months – which one of these seeds-of-words-and-ideas, if any, is going to take root in my mind and heart and have an impact on how I vote on Tuesday?  Or, should I – or do I – have a different standard when it comes to which seeds I allow to take root and grow in my mind and heart?  

They – whoever “They” are – say you need to hear a certain message at least seven times before it starts to sink in.  Well, what about hearing a certain message twenty times or hundreds of times, thanks to the wonders of 21st century communication?  After a while – for a lot of folks – resistance is futile, the seed is planted, the message sinks in, the seed takes root, minds are made up, and worldviews are set in stone. . .  at least until the next set of flyers, and TV ads, and internet memes, and TikTok videos, and profusely predictable pundits start chipping away at said set-in-stone worldviews, and some cracks begin to appear, and maybe some different seeds take root in the cracks to shake things up again.  

In the first chapters of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus has been scattering the seed of a new way of life and this seed has begun to take root in a small corner of the Roman Empire, along the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  All along, Jesus has been talking about something called the “kingdom” or “empire” of God – not the Roman Empire or the historic kingdom of Israel, but the kingdom, the empire of God.  Jesus is shaking things up – talking about a different standard and different kind of rule and causing a stir by doing some non-traditional things.  He has been healing people on the Sabbath in the synagogue, calling people to leave their livelihoods and follow him, and – as we heard last week – forgiving sins and healing a paralyzed man who had been lowered down through the roof into a crowded room.  Right before today’s passage, Jesus’ mother and brothers have come to see him and he is told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for you.”  And Jesus replies, “Who are my mothers and brothers? . . . Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”  (Mark 3:32-35). 

So, Jesus is bucking conventional thinking about the rule of human beings vs. the rule of God, and the standard laws of Moses, and people’s expectations, and traditional family relationships.  And, in today’s passage, he starts to point toward the “why” of it all.  Of course, the “why” is not entirely clear, at first, because Jesus uses parables – stories that teach a lesson through symbols and metaphors.  

In today’s readings, the symbols and metaphors that Jesus uses to teach are fairly common – things that the people who heard his words, knew very well.  Just about everyone around knew something about planting and harvesting because there was plenty of nearby land for growing things and water for irrigation.  Now, Jesus was not a farmer, at least not in the literal sense.  But Jesus knew that he was – through his words and actions – planting spiritual seeds as opposed to physical seeds:  the seeds of ideas, the seeds of hope and faith, the seeds of love, and new life, and a new heaven and earth.  These seeds of God’s kingdom have taken root and – in today’s reading – have attracted a very large crowd.  

You should know that these parables about seeds from the Gospel of Mark are also found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.  The Gospel writers and New Testament compilers believed that these parables had great enough significance to include them three times in the New Testament.  

In today’s first reading, you heard the story of the sower – the s-o-w-e-r – who goes out to sow some seed.  Jesus describes the seed falling on four different kinds of soil.  Of course, what Jesus is really talking about here is that he has come – like the sower – to sow the “word” of the good news of God’s kingdom.  Some of the word is scattered in the lives of certain people who refuse to hear it or are distracted by other things and the word does not put down roots or bear fruit. But, as Jesus later tells his disciples, “the [seeds] sown on the good soil [of people who are ready to hear and be changed by the word of the good news, or gospel] is like those who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit – thirty and sixty, and a hundredfold.”  (4:20)[1]

Now, anyone who has ever planted a garden knows that sometimes you have a very good year when it comes to produce.  But for a garden to produce thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold just doesn’t happen.  However, when it comes to the fruit of the Spirit that can be produced in the life of someone who hears and receives and is changed by the good news, there is no limit to what God can do.  

“What does this fruit look like?” you might be wondering.  Well, it nourishes others with abundance and changes the environment in surprising ways – just like Jesus does in Mark’s Gospel.  In the days and weeks leading up to today’s passage, Jesus has changed the environment around him, calling people to turn toward God because God’s kingdom is so near.  He has forgiven sins, touched the untouchable, welcomed and loved the unlovable.  This forgiveness, and touch, and love has planted seeds – seeds of good news, seeds of God’s kingdom – that have taken root in the lives of regular, everyday people.  And now, here is Jesus, talking about the ways in which the seeds he has sown have and will produce fruit.  The people touched by the good news of God’s kingdom both are the spiritual fruit and will produce fruit that the sower will harvest and put to good use.  

This does beg the question, “What kind of fruit are you and I producing?”  Or, maybe, “How willing are we to be put to good use by the sower – by Jesus, and his ministry of nourishing, and healing, and forgiveness, and love?”  Or, maybe even, “Has the seed of God’s kingdom taken root in our lives, in the first place?” 

We are constantly being bombarded by seeds that take root in our lives, to varying degrees.  It is when and where they start to bear fruit that it becomes clear who and/or what our God is.  Whatever takes root is a test of the heart – our hearts – in how we share whatever fruit has grown in our lives.  I’m going to be honest and say that there’s some bad fruit out there and a whole lot of seed that takes our attention and then does not produce any fruit at all – even in my own life.  

There is a lot in the history of the church, too, that has not borne fruit, either – whether we have kept doing the same things over and over just to try to preserve ourselves, or selectively choosing to engage or not engage with the world based not on the gospel or on what God’s kingdom calls us to do – because God’s kingdom often stands in stark contrast to our own self-centered, security-seeking, needy, and sinful worldviews.[2]  

But, just when we think our minds are made up and our worldviews are set in stone, the good news can surprise us.  God isn’t through with you or with me, yet.  When Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed that takes root and becomes “the greatest of all shrubs” (4:32) he is telling us that it doesn’t take much for a tiny word of God’s wondrous grace to find a place in our hearts to grow into something that can change our lives and the world around us.  

You know, Jesus chose the image of a mustard seed to talk about how God is working for good in the world – but the people who heard him were in on a kind of first-century farming joke.  You see, it was forbidden to plant mustard seed in fields because it spread too quickly – like crabgrass or kudzu in the South.  We might like to think of the kingdom of God as something huge – a mighty tree or something – but Jesus talked about it almost like an infestation.  The teacher and preacher Shane Claiborne writes,  

The Jesus revolution is not a frontal attack on the empires of this world.  It is a subtle contagion, spreading one little life, one little hospitality house, at a time.  Isn’t it interesting that Saul of Tarsus went door to door trying to tear up the contagion like it was a cancer?  But the harder people tried to eradicate it, the faster it spread.  And in the end, even [Saul, who became] Paul caught the contagion.  The mustard weed grabbed him.[3]

The kingdom of God is more powerful and subversive and longer lasting and life changing than any earthly idea.  Where do you see the kingdom growing and spreading in your life and in the life of the world?   Will it grab you and change the way you think about other people and how you live in relation to them?  Will it change you – taking over your life, your time, your energy, your relationships, your community, your trip to the voting booth, your bank account, and your church?  Will the kingdom of God hold you to a different, Holy, standard – a new way of life? 

Where will you see the kingdom of God taking root and growing and producing fruit in your life this week?  Where and how will you grow, with the Spirit’s help, today?  The wonderful grace of God is at work, beloved.  May our eyes and ears be open to see and hear it. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

---------

[1] Paraphrased, JHS.

[2] From a lecture by Dr. William Yoo at the Matthew 25 Summit – January 17, 2024 at New Life Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajbn1EMYVsQ.

[3] Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution: Living As an Ordinary Radical (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) 336.

[witcherthingies]

Step 1 in Modernizing Kaer Morhen

This is a shout out to all forced IT children and grandchildren. Braver than any US Marine

Jaskier was right in that modernizing Kaer Morhen was a clusterfuck of scared and confused workers and confused yet fascinated witchers. Because of where they were located, it was safer to fly in everything needed, which meant many of the witchers first experience of the modern world was in the form of a large cargo helicopter being landed in the fucking courtyard. Most of the witchers were far away from the strange flying device, recoiling from the terribly loud noise. Of course most of the cranes were going as close as they dared, examining everything and chattering amongst themselves.

“Right first thing they’re learning is the internet and google,” Jaskier sighs, leaving the witchers to question the poor pilots as he showed the workers what went where.

Turns out, Kaer Morhen is able to get excellent reception due to its position! Jaskier knew to limit the amount of modern technologies within the keep, at least at the beginning, and so he had just a few TVs littered about and a few computers and laptops. The council room got the most upgrade, due to the need of having information quickly. Jaskier then had to quickly recruit people to teach the witchers about the technology and to keep them from throwing a fucking knife at the screen.

Luckily he knows quite a few college students who are very familiar with helping the elderly with tech support and would love the job opportunity.

Watching Geralt work on a laptop is about as amusing as he thought it would be. The brave White Wolf, the great Warlord of the continent, looking truly pissed off and grouchy at the screen before him and typing with his two pointer fingers.

Cirilla takes to technology like a duck to water. Or... really a teenager to social media. Her and Jaskier are quick to create various social media accounts: twitter, instagram, tiktok, all of the major ones. The username for them all is simply @KaerMorhen with the title page most often being “The Witchers of Kaer Morhen.”

Jaskier then makes a video for his main account promoting them and telling his fans that this will (hopefully) not get too in the way of his music making.

The first post on all of the Kaer Morhen accounts is a video with him and Ciri before the large hearth in the main hall.

“This darling, beautiful young woman next to me is Cirilla, or Ciri.” Jaskier introduced with a broad smile. “Daughter of Geralt, my darling husband.” She rolls her eyes but smiles and waves for the camera. “As you can imagine there will be quite the adjustment period,” Jaskier continues. “But so far everything is going well and hopefully Ciri can take over as our social media manager.”

“Seems a whole lot easier than being a princess,” she comments idly, which makes Jaskier laugh.

The video gains a whole lot of traction, with replies upon replies filled with questions. Their next video is a quick questionnaire, the two again side by side with the consort holding pages of questions.

He asks them quickly, “Why don’t you have cat-eyes like your dad?”

And Ciri answers just as quickly. “He’s my adoptive father.”

“Were you really a princess?”

“In a way, yes. But I was a witcher princess so I was a lot cooler.”

“Are you single?”

“I’m fourteen.”

“Can we get a tour of the witcher castle?”

“Once everything is settled and we’re sure the witchers won’t freak out, then yes.”

“Why is your dad a DILF?”

“... What’s a DILF?”

“And that’s all we have time for! Thank you all so much for your questions and curiosity! It really does help the witchers feel at ease.”

It’s another month until Jaskier has a video with Geralt in it. He’s lounging in their bed, Geralt beside him reading.

“Darling,” He asks with a smile, Geralt hums. “You know... technically I’m older than you now... By a lot.” It makes Geralt stop reading, blinking several times as the information sinks in. “Which means I’m a cougar and you’re my boytoy.” Geralt gives him the most exasperated glare, Jaskier can only smile wider, and the video stops there.

[sanstropfremir]

So I have opinions on the other stages but like most of us I can’t stop thinking about the SF9 stage. Hanya said it really well in her response but I think we have to break up the members into the ones who tried to emulate Taemin’s androgyny and those who just flat out didn’t try. So in order I’d put it Taeyang, Jaeyoon, Zuho. Those three stood out to me the most as really pushing into more feminine ways of carrying themselves and dancing especially Jaeyoon-like where did that man come from it was very unexpected. Then Chani and Inseong were both more neutral. I can’t put Chani in the first category mostly because of the contrast between his dancing and style with the female dancers that made it obvious that he was still trying to be more masculine despite having certain moves that definitely lend to a feline style like all the hip movements(whether consciously or unconsciously). And last Hwiyoung, Youngbin, and Dawon. I think this is the distinction that some people were making with “sexy” and “Taemin sexy”. Like everyone just associates him with sexiness but opening your shirt to show off your abs doesn’t fit with Taemin’s usual sensuality. Taemin seems to be more focused on movement (throwback to your post on his dancing style) so in order to emulate him there a certain attitude and way in which you carry yourself through movement is necessary. Also youngbin’s rap part did not fit with the concept either-it was too energetic and chill (too much swagger?). Like the way he moved compared to say Zuho was more in line with his usual stuff rather than fitting the way he moved to the stage and song. It’s also interesting to see that the outfits seem to also keep in line with this. Zuho and Taeyang have their midsections showing in a way that’s more common in women’s fashion then in men’s, Chani and Inseong are almost completely covered (so neither in one direction or the other) and Hwiyoung has his arms bared to show off his manly, manly biceps. And of course there’s Dawon. It’s fascinating to compare the members with the more revealing outfits. Like they all have their midsections uncovered but to be more feminine it’s only just a crop top and to be more masculine you open the shirt up completely. It makes sense. Also I’ve been obsessed with Jaeyoon and I can’t exactly pinpoint why he stood out so much especially when Taeyang is RIGHT THERE (though I don’t really think Taeyang got a solo scene but rather was center on the group dances which kind of dilutes his parts). Like his outfit is pretty plain but I love the cutout and the fact that he has long sleeves but they aren’t mesh. It’s simple but effective. I kept thinking this was the Hetero man’s Move especially during Youngbin and Dawson’s parts.

ok this took a really long time because honestly i changed what i was writing about like four times in the middle of the process and i changed my mind like four times because this is a very complicated topic and i could not settle on what the best way to come at it was. tbh i dont think i did the best job even though this is over a thousand words but i have no clue how to make this any more coherent without re-reading all of my flatmate and i's gender theory books and that's just way too much. but here we go.

EDIT: here is hanya’s post about the stage for reference!

where i'm at right now is that i think we are overlaying taemin’s current gender antics with what the actual move was. move has transformed along with taemin, and as such we look back at it with the understanding of what it becomes, but if we take a moment to forget that context, well... let me show you. here’s the 171019 comeback stage. and the 171027. and the 171029. now, here’s the 190223 stage from sketchbook. and from almost a year later, at the 2019 mbc music festival. and now here’s it from a month ago on the tiktok stage. it’s changed a significant amount not only in how he performs it, but in how the costumes and his body affect what it looks like. the cutoff muscle shirt of october 2017 absolutely has a different connotation than the lace back and velvet princess glove and the diamonds of december 2019.

i still do believe that sf9’s cover is missing a huge dimension because it comes from a fundamental non-understanding of what people who present even the slightest bit outside of the gender binary go through, i don’t think they were wrong in interpreting it as ‘man doing non-aggressive but seductive dance moves’ because on the surface, that’s what it is. taemin has actually spent a significant portion of his solo career doing what you described as traditionally 'masculine' dressing; he did famously rip his shirt off for the first non-music show performance of danger, after all. what we associate as 'taemin sensuality' is relatively new for him, it's more prominently a post-want mannerism because pre-move (and for a lot of move itself) he was very focussed on being perceived as masculine.

if we look at sf9's costumes individually, the breakdown looks like this:

chani - skinny trouser, chiffon shirt, and a cropped wrap suit jacket with a tie back

dawon - straight leg trouser, open silk shirt

jaeyoon - asymmetric open shoulder mock turtleneck, wide leg trouser

taeyang - wide leg trouser, faux leather open shoulder crop top

inseong - silk/silk blend shirt, cropped asymmetric suit jacket with a crossover back, tailored trouser

hwiyoung - sleeveless mock neck faux leather vest, straight leg cargo pant

youngbin - mock neck asymmetric crop top with a mesh underlayer, wide leg trouser

zuho - skinny trouser, mock neck crop top, cropped suit jacket with a pointed front

taemin has worn most of these looks. cropped wrap jacket? ngda beyond live velvet suit. open silk shirt? the move album cover. asymmetric shoulder cutout? several want performances. the only exception is that he doesn’t often wear non-skinny trousers, but even then he did for his beauty and the beast moment with the jinro frog. and sleeveless was the whole costume concept for move in the first place. even youngbin’s look is very similar to this outfit from the offsick concert series. but silhouette is only one factor of a complete costume design - you have to take into account the performer’s body, and how that silhouette is perceived on that body. it’s interesting that you specify that hwiyoung’s biceps are ‘manly’ and grouped him in with the more ‘masculine’ of the sf9 members; as i showed at the beginning of this, taemin was at his most physically muscular for move promotions. hwiyoung has just as pretty a face as taemin, but we perceive him differently in this outfit because his body is categorized as more masculine because his muscles are bigger. and this is fundamentally a gender essentialist argument because bigger muscles are not actually ‘more masculine,’ muscles don’t have gender they’re just how humans move around. it’s just our societally impressed gender binary that makes us think that.

another costume point i want to make is how you describe chani and inseong as being completely covered so ‘neither one direction or the other,’ which i would like to break down a bit. for starters, jaeyoon is also essentially fully covered, but you perceived him as being one of the more androgynous ones over chani or inseong. why? because his silhouette was more form-fitted? because there was an uncommon area of skin showing? chani has a tightly fit silhouette as well, and you can see a fair amount of his skin because his shirt is chiffon. why is a suit neutral but something cut to follow the contour of a body not? the fact of the matter is, the suit is the most symbolically gendered garment in the world; it is loaded with western colonial and patriarchal implications. we just view it as 'neutral' because we’ve been normalized to see it as neutral. now neither of the suits chani or inseong are wearing are traditionally cut, and chani’s especially is quite subversive in its construction, but taemin is no stranger to using the implications of a suit for move, here’s the stage from 171105. grey double breasted pinstripe suits were the most popular style for businessmen in the postwar west, and still maintain a prominent indicator of class and power to this day.

you are correct in pointing out that the movements and mannerisms of the members don’t all match the same level, but i want to specifically talk about the intro moment with chani, because you mention him as trying to be more masculine, which i very much disagree with. chani actually does the best at retaining the body neutrality of the original choreo because the original choreo as a stand alone isn’t that seductive or ‘feminine.’ yea he doesn’t have the attitude down pat but the guy’s 20 and is clearly not as comfortable with being this kind of sexy. the reason why you’re perceiving him to be more ‘masculine’ in his movements is because the backup dancers are frankly, being pretty aggressively sexual in a feminine coded way around him. of course he’s gonna look out of place! part of what gives move its uniqueness is that the backup dancers are doing the exact same choreo as taemin, at the exact same intensity. not an altered version where they slut drop behind him.

like i said at the very beginning, i think taemin’s been tipped into the ‘feminine’ category under false assumptions, so it’s doing a bit of skewing of the responses to this stage. if i were to make a very reductivist diagram, i think a lot of responses have been (taemin) <- neutral -> masculine, with the implication that taemin is the feminine analogue, but in reality what taemin is and is aiming for is feminine -> (taemin) <- masculine. because we have been socialized to see things in such an aggressive binary, it can be very difficult to pick out what a true neutral is.

[threecheersforsuccess]

Uni Study Diary 17th Entry: Feeling Out of Place in Studygram + My Criticism/Hiatus

I wanted to make a statement like this a long time ago, but I did not know how to put my innate feelings into words. For those who do not know, I have not been posting on Instagram as much as I have before. At the beginning of 2021, I took a break because of my mental health. In March, when I tried to return, I suddenly stopped posting for about 2 months or so because I just simply felt out of place in the studygram community. Since I have been running a studyblr/studygram for 4 years, I truly wanted to get back into doing so, so I felt confused why only negativity brewed. This platform has given me nothing but benefits; it gave me a place for me to express myself and overall, be happy when I could not. I could share my everyday, my favorite stationery, foods, and the study tips that resonated with me the most at the moment. I met many people who placed a lot of emphasis on learning as much as I did. People who shared similar values and pathways inspired me to push through with my own academic journey. However, taking all of these breaks made me realize how much the studygram community on Instagram has shifted compared to when I first started out, and the attributes held by this newest incarnation, I have to admit, tanked my enjoyment overall.

First, there exists this frantic emphasis on acquiring followers, comments, and likes rather than creating quality posts. Every now and then, I receive a slew of direct messages or comments from those who want me to look at their page and interact with their posts in some manner. Back in the day, I would put my utmost support in budding accounts, and I would do what they told me to. Nowadays, I immediately block or unfollow those who ask me to because these requests can be so dispiriting. In 2017, when I started threecheersforsuccess, I would always get excited to receive a direct message or comment because people usually be sharing their opinions, criticism, or questions in regards to what I put out on my page. This opens the floor for some really nice discussion, and I met some long-term studygram connections this way. Being used as a potential “like” machine does not feel good at all, and this behavior just dismisses the whole point of running a study platform in the first place.

Secondly, the growth of some of these Instagram pages does not sit well with me. Instagram (TikTok as well) has never been a great place for informative and in-depth content (as you can see with activism posts); many of these Instagram pages use these quick and snappy carousel or reel posts that do not, for a lack of a better phrase, hold much substance. In many tip/guide posts, people reiterate short statements regularly along the lines of “remember to take breaks,” “do not procrastinate,” “use a pomodoro,” etc but never go into how, why, or challenge the notion entirely. I love tip posts, and I believe they have been the core of the study community since its beginnings on Tumblr, but Instagram and the way tips have been presented rewired my brain in a way to see them more of a nuisance than helpful. Sometimes, I even find them inundated with pseudo-psychology (ex. those promoting MBTI-based or astrological-based study strategies, which I can see as helpful in giving direction. However, for some, people can fall prey to one-dimensional thinking based on the label they identify as when in fact, studying requires constant trial and error of techniques regardless of what your personality may be. After all, you will be switching in and out of different classes, professors, and subjects throughout your journey so variance has to be highlighted, and there is never one "hack" that solves everything), and some people simply do not know how to look at proper sources if they want to cite something. I have never been a numbers person, and I have never been consistent with my theme or aesthetic because I just post what I want to post. However, when I put a tip post out of my own that I put a lot of work into, I do find it disheartening sometimes how quick, easy content triumphs over what kinds of new and in-depth ideas I want to bring. To be honest, I do feel especially sad when the only comments I would get on my posts would be those who want me to like or follow their own page.

Thirdly, all of these factors combined pushed me to set these strange expectations of perfectionism that prevents me from making posts altogether . I would get an idea and then feel immensely overwhelmed whether or not to pursue the topic. Not only I want the post to be helpful, but now, for some reason, I feel the obligation for the post to have a strong enough reach. Back then, I could churn out posts in less than 30 minutes, but now, creating carousels or tip/guide posts just take up too much of my time. All for the sake of perfectionism, the criticism and commentary I have for others, and the overall need to do better. I have so much to say, but I get stuck and do not know how to put any of that in words in the "best" way possible. As a result, I struggled with writing this post as well.

I am not the type of person to leave issues unattended, and I do not want to quit. Therefore, I have decided on a new approach that provides me more flexibility with my mental health and my production on threecheersforsuccess. This approach requires a huge change in my attitude. I have always seen threecheersforsuccess as something personal but not ENTIRELY personal. I do share my academic journey, but I always felt the duty to give back in the most optimal form and always know what to say in relation to giving tips and techniques. From now on, I’m going to shed away the need of giving back to others and have this blog focus on myself, mainly on the process (ups and downs) and mistakes of being a student. I realized from these months that I do not need to always know the answer or have all the answers because I am constantly learning too. I can make this shift easily; this is not company or service, even though I do hope to inspire others, at the end of the day, this place operates best as a place for myself. By giving myself more autonomy and less restrictions in the way I think, I will be able to have everything up and running again. Knowing that I have that direction makes me extremely happy.

As for my 4th anniversary on this platform, thank you all so much for your continued support! I really appreciate you all out there, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.

[tessandscottforever18]

How Camila Cabello Advocates for the Planet and People Everywhere

When you think of Camila Cabello, you likely think of the confident pop star who holds the world at her fingertips. After all, she’s a powerhouse in the global music scene, snapping up music awards for dance hits like “Havana” and “Señorita” year after year.

But focus only on her music career and you may miss out on Cabello’s personal side, the one you can glimpse not only in the cute videos she and boyfriend Shawn Mendes share on social media, but also when she uses her platform to speak out on global issues, encouraging others to take action for the good of the world.

At the beginning of 2020, for example, Cabello was gearing up for her Romance Tour — scheduled to take place in countries throughout Europe and North America in support of her second studio album, Romance. But as the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, Cabello canceled the tour.

"We can't start rehearsals without putting people at risk and with so much up in the air with no real and definitive end in sight, I feel this is the responsible thing to do," she wrote in an Instagram post.

Instead, Cabello participated in Global Citizen’s Together At Home Instagram Live concert series, encouraging fans to take action and help stop the spread of the coronavirus. She and Mendes performed together, connected with fans to ask how they’re doing while social distancing, and even discussed proper handwashing technique.

“This is a crazy time, and we're all going to come out of this together, we're going to pull through, and we're going to try and connect and make each other smile in the meantime,” Cabello said.

A month later, in April 2020, she and Mendes joined Global Citizen's One World: Together At Home global broadcast special to honor frontline health care workers, performing a cover of "What a Wonderful World."

When she’s not releasing new albums, starring in the new Cinderella film, or taking over the streets of LA with an impromptu musical number, Cabello is just a regular person who knows the importance of doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, to generate real change in the world.

That’s why she’s joining Global Citizen Live, a once-in-a-generation, 24-hour global event on Saturday, Sept. 25, and performing in New York City’s Central Park as part of our campaign to defend the planet and defeat poverty.

And by advocating for sustainability, as well as demanding equity for people everywhere, Cabello wants to normalize taking action for her fans, too.

How Camila Cabello Defends the Planet

The pop singer knows that climate change is a serious threat to all people — and that the most vulnerable among us are going to suffer unless we do something to curb our CO2 emissions.

That’s why she’s taken it upon herself to pay attention to how her individual choices impact the environment. She also uses her voice to uplift eco-warriors around the world who are educating the public on the climate crisis.

The fashion industry generates at least 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, from manufacturing to disposal. But as long as consumers continue supporting fast fashion, these numbers aren’t going to go down and can have devastating consequences.

Cabello took to TikTok to share her love of sustainable practices, featuring a pair of Allbirds tennis shoes. Allbirds are crafted from eucalyptus tree fiber and Brazilian sugarcane.

"Shoutout to my new Allbirds, a sustainable shoe brand,” she captioned the video. “Not an ad, I just love sustainable clothing."

With a loyal fan base and massive platform, Cabello’s ability to spread the news about eco-friendly clothing items can influence people around the world to pay attention to their own consumer choices. But she also uses her social media clout to support the work of world-renowned climate activists.

In 2017, Cabello tweeted at followers to tune in to An Inconvenient Special, a televised town hall that featured former United States Vice President Al Gore in conversation with young people about climate change. Connecting the climate crisis to her home city of Miami — which is especially vulnerable to extreme weather events — Cabello raised awareness about the TV special to engage Global Citizens in climate action.

Outside of caring for the planet and all of its inhabitants, Cabello takes action on other issues affecting people around the world. She starts by advocating for herself, speaking up about the importance of mental health and how she’s learned to heal.

Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

Amid months-long lockdowns, social distancing regulations, and a shared grief as the world mourns over 4.5 million people lost to COVID-19, the pandemic has taken a serious toll on mental health.

Celebrities like Cabello have the opportunity to speak up about taboo subjects like mental health that don’t get enough attention due to stigma and ignorance. By sharing her own struggles with mental illness, Cabello has chosen to advocate for others and let them know that it is OK to not be OK.

“Before lockdown I was burnt out. I was living with a really high amount of anxiety. It was too much and it was not sustainable. I felt like I was running with a broken leg but I wasn’t really listening to how I felt,” she said during an interview with Page Six. “I know now I have to take care of myself. No one is going to know when I’ve reached a limit other than me, so I have to take care of myself in that way.”

The singer has also made a point to advocate for others. She teamed up with nonprofit Movement Voter Fund to launch the Healing Justice Project, an initiative that provides funds for mental health and wellness resources to support youth activists and organizations making the world a better place.

Cabello shared the work of the 10 grassroots organizations on Instagram to introduce the project earlier this year.

“These organizers work tirelessly to create a positive impact, but the work can be exhausting,” she wrote in an Instagram caption. “Over the next few months, these incredible activists are going to come on my page to share about their work and how they are prioritizing self-care and healing during these really challenging times.”

A Role Model for Girls Everywhere

Utilizing her platform for good has always been a central part of Cabello’s fame. Her hard work and social impact make her an ideal role model for young women, which is why it was an easy decision to cast her in the new Amazon film adaptation of Cinderella.

In this adaptation, the princess is looking for more than marriage; she's a talented clothing designer who wants to travel the world. Determined, hard-working, and passionate, Cabello’s Cinderella focuses less on love and more on living the life she truly desires, fighting gender stereotypes to inspire girls.

Cabello also understood the responsibility her role held, particularly as a Cuban Mexican American woman playing a traditionally white and blonde character.

“We’ve never seen that representation before,” Cabello said in an interview. “It’s just an honor.”

The singer has had to battle judgments from others concerning her looks and personal life. But she hasn't stayed silent or let the haters influence her self worth. Instead Cabello consistently stands up for herself to show women and girls that they are beautiful and worthy in their own right.

After fatphobic headlines and comments targeted Cabello’s body shape, she posted a video on TikTok to remind people that “being at war with your body is so last season.”

“I am grateful for this body that lets me do what I need to do,” she said in the video. “We are real women with curves and cellulite and stretchmarks and fat, and we gotta own that, baby!”

No matter where her career trajectory takes her — from promoting her solo albums to representing women in movies and on stage — Camila Cabello won’t forget to advocate for others on today’s most pressing global issues.

That’s why she’s taking the stage with other all-star musicians and activists in New York on Sept. 25 for Global Citizen Live.

Join Cabello in taking action to defend the planet here.

[12loona-archived]

[INTERVIEW] “LOONA after first win: ‘We want to make set more awesome records’” — Edaily

“My tears wouldn't stop at the sense of joy that ‘we finally did it’.” // “For Loona, it’s such a precious gift.” “So say the members of girl group Loona, who embraced their first trophy since debut. On Mnet’s M Countdown broadcasted on the twelfth, Loona took first place with title song ‘So What’ out of mini album [#]. As this was the first time they had topped a music show, many members displayed their emotion as they shed tears of joy. “Loona is a team that drew attention through a revolutionary concept of ‘we meet a new girl each month’ in its debut project. Twelve members were revealed one by one beginning with Heejin in October 2016, and in that process, three sub-units called Loona 1/3, Loona Odd Eye Circle, and Loona yyxy launched as they showed off content incorporating a dense and detailed story. “The ‘full group’ formally debuted in August 2018 and steadily established itself by showing off diverse charms through songs such as ‘Hi High’, ‘favOriTe’, and ‘Butterfly’. This comeback took place about a year following the repackage album [X X] last February. Some fans expressed concern at the long hiatus, but the group successfully reaped the important achievement of a first-time show win. A written Q&A interview with Edaily follows.” The rest of Loona’s interview with Edaily is under the cut, all translated by Litell_Johnn on Reddit.

Curious to know how you feel after receiving your first 1st place trophy since debut? Kim Lip: “First, I want to express how thankful I am to Orbits. Everyone felt disappointed that our first win came without Haseul unnie, and I really hope that in our next win all of us can cry tears of joy together. I think all the members felt the same things when we won and cried. In particular, I want to say thanks to Heejin, who was the first one to start promoting. We’ll be sure to never forget where we started, and become a Loona that you can be proud of.” Olivia Hye: “That was a stage where we always congratulated others, and I couldn’t believe that we were the ones being congratulated now. I also thought that our message in this album must have been imparted well. I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who helped us to receive this prize.” Many members were tearful as you received the trophy. Yeojin: “When I found out that we were nominated, I got emotional because I thought of all the memories since our very first debut performance to now. When we were announced as winners, my tears wouldn’t stop at the sense of joy that ‘we finally did it’.” Yves: “I thought that it wasn’t yet time for us to win on a music show, so I was astonished to even find out that we were nominated. When the winner was announced, I was so shocked that I just blanked out for a little bit. When I was giving the acceptance speech, I was able to hold back the tears because I wanted to express our gratitude to many people, but I broke down as soon as I finished.” The members who were in the debut project since 2016 must be feeling some special things? Heejin: “Maybe because I was the first one in Loona to debut, many people comforted me for ‘going through so much’. Really, even aside from the time it takes, 1st place in itself is something that’s hard to achieve. I think what made this possible was that we were twelve instead of alone. I’m so thankful to the members.” Hyunjin: “It was a win I had longed for such a long time, so it was so joyful and good. With this win as just the start, I want to repay the fans with even better things. I also want to say thank you to our family at the agency and staff members who always encourage us and work hard for us.” How will this win influence your future promotions or direction? Choerry: “It’s our first music show trophy since debut, so I think it might make the bond between members, who have worked hard together for so long, even stronger. I think we have to have even greater goals, work hard, and push towards an even higher peak. I think the win affects our mindset a lot too.” Jinsoul: “This first win for Loona is just such a precious gift. I think it gives us hope that we can climb even higher in the future. I want to show even greater growth in the future starting with this win. We’ll work harder so that this win won’t become our first and last.” What do you think was the driving factor that allowed “So What” to take first place? Heejin: “I think it’s due to our fans who cheered for us until the end. Even though fans sadly couldn’t be with us during this promotion, and this was not a short promotion period, they kept believing in and supporting and loving Loona, and I think that immense strength carried through with us to the end.” Olivia Hye: “I think one of the driving factors was each member’s unique charm being expressed well on the stage.” Yeojin: “I think the whole experience of coming to work every day, practising with the members, and improving our teamwork was able to continually upgrade Loona’s performance. The members and I are all aware of how important the word ‘effort’ is. We’ll keep putting in effort to show you even better performances.” How was the reaction to the “So What” challenge that you announced after comeback? Chuu: “Orbits from so many countries participated. There wasn’t a single moment to be bored during this promotion because I was watching many Orbits who uploaded to Tiktok and other social media. People around us and our families participated, too.” Vivi: “I was surprised because Orbits from diverse countries sent us more videos than I expected. I could see their passion and I was moved to see that they got even the little things perfectly. Thank you to everyone who participated.” What are your plans for future activities? Also, what’s another goal you might have for 2020? Heejin: “I think ‘So What’ promotions were wrapped up well all thanks to Orbits. This win will be a good opportunity to look back upon the path that Loona has walked so far, and to grow further and show you more great things, so I hope we can continue to be happy together.” Hyunjin: “My goal going forward is to meet the fans again as a bit more grown and improved version of myself. We’ll also work hard to express the good message in our Loonaverse even more effectively.” Yeojin: “We’ve just won first place for the first time since debut, and I’ll work hard so that Loona can use this as a stepping stone to climb up steadily and flourish more.” Vivi: “I want to show you even more, and more splendid, performances. My 2020 goal is to make Loona better known not only among our Orbits but also to the general public.” Kim Lip: “I think there’s a big empty spot in many ways about this win. We couldn’t see Orbits there in front of us, and we couldn’t be with Haseul unnie either. In our next promotion, I want everyone to be healthy and be smiling as we receive a trophy with our beloved Orbits. Also, I want us to achieve better results on the streaming charts than this time.” Jinsoul: “My goal for this year is to get on many stages both domestically and abroad through a world tour, and meet many Orbits close up.” Choerry: “I think the most important thing is for all the members to have a healthy year. My goal is to meet you in many settings like a world tour, variety shows, and others.” Yves: “My personal goal is to shed some of my thoughts, and my goal for the team is to set even more awesome records, healthily, using this win as a springboard.” Chuu: “I want to concentrate on the new album promotions that are to come, continue the vibrant energy of ‘So What’ promotions, and have that translate to good results. Through that I want to ingrain into the general public that Loona is a group that makes good music.” Go Won: “I want to win again next time in more improved form, and get to do an encore performance with Orbits there.” Olivia Hye: “My goal is to meet with even more fans in an even bigger place.”

[is6621]

Glamnetic: from innovative idea to multi-millionaire brand / Karen Wang

E-commerce is a booming industry, especially with the increase in marketing on social media and the impact of COVID-19, allowing essentially anyone with an idea and a few resources to start an online business. Although not every one of these businesses prospers, some have been able to attract a lot of attention from its target segment through apps such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, etc. One small business that has grown tremendously into a multi-million dollar brand is Glamnetic- the company behind the world’s first 6-magnet false lash that adheres to magnetic eyeliner.

Magnetic lashes disrupted the false lash market since lash glue was the traditional complementary product to false lashes before magnets. Before Glamnetic, magnetic lashes came with a top and bottom lash each with three magnets that would sandwich the lash line. This early form of magnetic lash was innovative; however, it didn’t completely replace the use of traditional lash glue because the application was not fool-proof. One day while scrolling through my Snapchat discover page, I saw reviews on the new Glamnetic lash and magnetic eyeliner. For the next few months, I’d see ads featuring the CEO explaining and testing her lashes, and posts by beauty influencers on other social media apps. It was not until Black Friday when a sale ad popped up on Instagram that I decided to personally check out the website and make a purchase. It took about a month for my order to arrive which I found surprising since the brand seemed too promoted not to have enough stock. Turns out, that November was the fifth month of the business and the company was still working out of a small LA apartment! People love a good Black Friday sale and it’s easy to impulsively buy things off the Internet. Little did Glamnetic know, the demand was higher than expected at the time, so many orders were delayed. Since then, the Glamnetic team learned to forecast its demand months in advance and has improved its products and added product lines including press-on nails.

So how did Glamnetic get to where it is now?

Glamnetic was founded in July 2019 by Ann McFerran who had no prior business experience. Ann saw a gap in the market for beautiful, easy to apply lashes that she would wear so she sought out to develop her own. With the inspiration from successful e-commerce entrepreneurs and self study of product development, Ann started her revolutionary lash brand. In the beginning, Ann tested her products on friends and had a small Instagram following/customer base. During the first month, Ann DMed every single Glamnetic follower on IG (now 212k followers) to sell them on the product. The next month, online retailer Dolls Kill offered to sell Glamnetic’s products on its site which gave the lashes more credibility and exposure. The business model of Glamnetic is also unique as the company is self-funded with all profits paid towards marketing and influencers. These expenditures were able to increase website traffic and double growth each month. The company has been profitable since its launch which is rare in today’s market environment.

What’s the science behind Glamnetic lashes?

Using a common ingredient, iron oxide, Ann’s team added it into eyeliner to make it magnetic and strong as lash glue, yet easy to apply and remove. This mythology intended to be an alternative to messy lash glue. The lashes itself were developed with six magnets which allowed users to trim their magnetic lashes to fit. Glamnetic’s many lash styles and easy application has enabled many people to start wearing false lashes, which has expanded the false lash market. While Glamnetic faces competitors that have been inspired to create their own magnetic lash + eyeliner, the Glamnetic brand name is already big in the beauty community.

In an interview this past April, Ann shares: 

“In today’s climate, you need to be incredible at the content and creative. That was my strong point so we were able to spend very little to obtain high-quality content since I shot everything myself. If you’re not great at it, I highly recommend teaching yourself design enough to be able to give accurate instructions for someone on Upwork to complete. It’s all about the ideas you have and how you can catch people’s attention with your product. If you can do that well, you can scale to any size.”

Technology is changing every sector of the market and the beauty industry is no exception. Taking advantage of an idea and the evolving technology, one can catapult his or her own brand by being part of the avant-garde.

Sources: 

https://nairanyc.com/ann-mcferran-glamnetic-lashes/

https://medium.com/authority-magazine/the-future-of-beauty-magnetized-eyelashes-with-ann-mcferran-of-glamnetic-9c4ae98c7f96

[chaeryybomb]

july comebacks review

CHUNGHA ft. CHANGMO: PLAY

holy shit this is definitely my favorite song of the month!!!

the entire song just screams F E S T I V E

the music video, choreography and outfits were all so amazing

and it’s only a pre-release

honestly I can’t wait for her album to come out

I love how she interpreted Spanish elements in this comeback

I love the tango part in the dance and when the hip hop dancers come out!!!

and at the end where everyone just comes out like it’s a huge fiesta!!

this song also has quite a lot of high notes but chungha’s voice gets a rest during the rap part

speaking of the rap part, her expressions during that is amazing!!

overall, definitely my favorite song of this month (maybe this year), its so colourful and festive and its perfect for summer!

IRENE & SEULGI: MONSTER

this song exceeds my expectations

when I first saw the teasers, I thought the song would have quite heavy edm and maybe some bad boy/peek-a-boo elements

while the song does have some of those elements, the entire thing is literally not what I expected

the music video is very aesthically pleasing and it reminds me a lot of a dreamcatcher mv

the mv was also delayed because I heard that they needed to edit some parts out. for example, someone said that if according to the teasers, there should be a scene where Irene stabs a doll with scissors but that part has been cut out I think

ngl I wanted seulrene to perform in the white corset outfits because holy shit those outfits s e r v e d

it also definitely proves that Irene is not just a visual, she’s a very talented rapper and singer so people need to stop seeing her as “red velvet’s visual”!!!

irene has sort of a husky voice like Jisoo’s, just not as deep

I also love Seulgi’s part after the first chorus?? she’s literally g r o w l i n g

as much as I love blonde Irene, why did they give her the wig dhshdhd I bet she was uncomfortable dancing in that

especially she has to bend her back at one point. and speaking of that part, there was one stage where she “winks” while doing it it but Irene said she was actually wincing in pain. (also the mv scene of it where her part morphs into a monster scared me dhshd)

which is why I think irene likes performing “naughty” more instead. maybe it’s because it’s more a mature concept but Irene seems more natural doing so

do not get me started on “naughty”’s choreography,,, it’s SO PLEASING to watch, all those tutting w o w, it looks so hard but Irene and Seulgi make it seem effortless

and when they released the “easy” version on tiktok 😭😭 it still looks so hard please

overall, I hope they make another Irene and Seulgi comeback in the future like EXO-SC! I also hope they try this subunit thing with the rest of RV as well, I’m looking forward to a Seulgi Wendy Joy subunit and Irene Yeri subunit!

ATEEZ: INCEPTION

*inhales* what does seonghwa ACHIEVE by SHOWING his ABS every performance

like hongjoong come collect your MANS

waiting for an episode where yeosang calls him out for over doing it

speaking of yeosang, he’s improved so much! he’s gotten more than one part of the song this time and I’m so proud!

and I’m in love with their “I’m in love” during the beginning and chorus

also woosan is out for my bias list-

ngl I find it kinda weird there’s a mini breakdance in between the the song cause usually breakdances are at the end

I also hope Jongho isn’t overworking himself as it seems he’s just recovered from his injury, I hope none of the boys will injure themself like during wonderland era

also yunho and hongjoong exchanged hairstyles from wave era dhshdh

per usual, hongjoong and mingi’s rap parts are my absolutely favorite

the music video honestly has a lot of theories going on and I’m still waiting for the smart atinys to decipher them dhshd

honestly, ateez reminds me a lot of bts, they’re both from small companies and I hope like bts, ateez will be able to rise to fame

overall, I like this comeback a lot but I wouldn’t say it would be my favorite era of them. Again I hope none of the boys overwork themselves this time

SOMI: WHAT YOU WAITING FOR

ahhhh I’m so glad she’s back!!!

I love this song a lot and somi seems more comfortable with it too!

at first, she looks nervous performing it but I can see her getting more confident through out promoting the song

and it’s definitely more different than “birthday”

personally I like this song more than “birthday” (but “outta my head” will always be my absolute favorite)

somi’s “ring the alarm” has the same energy as “oops you’re not invited” dhshhd

I also love how she interpreted her name in the music video as “ennik” means sword in Dutch

I’m also glad that this time she isnt matching outfits with her backup dancers

personally, I feel that this song fits somi’s vocals better than birthday and she switches from high to low in the chorus

the chorus is 2nd verse is my favorite part of the song

overall, this is a really nice comeback from somi and I hope next time she’s back with more songs

GFRIEND: APPLE

HUGE GODDESSES VIBES!!!!

the entire mv just SCREAMED Greek Goddesses to me

the dresses were so beautiful this era

I especially love the black dresses

and all the accessories made it 10x better

personally I feel very wrecked by yuju and yuju alone

(and maybe sowon's red eyes but shhh)

I was kinda hoping they'd make a comeback like "labyrinth" but boy this comeback was amazing

ever since they joined with big hit, everything has become so much better

plus umji getting her lines and centers!!!

I'm addicted to the "wee o wow wow wow" and the "kiss dance" parts

I'm honestly quite impressed that gfriend was able to perform in long dresses but I feel its better than performing in fitting short dresses

overall, I really like this comeback and the entire album is a bop. my favourite song is "eyes of the storm" because it sounds so much like an anime opening

APRIL: NOW OR NEVER

omg I'm so glad I started stanning them after lalalilala era

also yena said she wanted to do a beach concept next in an interview during lalalilala as well soooooo

the song is soooo catchy and I can't help notice how smiley chaekyung and yena are this era!

I'm so glad that yena and rachel has actual lines this time (also I noticed rachel kinda has a lisp?)

chaekyung was rlly smiley during lalalilala so I thought a cute/fun concept would suit her and it does!

she's shinning during now or never era!!

I feel like the line distribution is pretty fair for 4 vocalists and 2 rappers

plus yena's "eottae" is really adorable!!

my favourite part of the song is the "nunbushin nunbushin" parts and I find the choreography for it rlly cute

and paradise is really catchy b-side!

overall, the comeback is very refreshing and it's nice to see them back on stage again. personally I'm not a huge fan of some of the outfits because I like matching sets instead but other than that, I really like this comeback!

LEE HI: HOLO

did this song make me weep?

yes, yes it did.

queen lee hi making me cry with another song again

I just find lee hi's voice very emotional okay

it reminds me of the time when I first listened to "breathe"

honestly the song is such a breather for anyone's who's having a hard time

listening to the words "one day it will stop, and I'm gonna stop crying, stop feeling, stop thinking about you my baby" is quite comforting to hear

it really makes you think that is being alone really a bad idea?

I've listened to song on repeat ever since it came out

[nadiawrites14]

voice of gen z

word count: 2784

for english class. tw for school shooting and police brutality mention

AN INTRODUCTION.

“GEN Z is too afraid to ask a waiter for extra ketchup but will bodyslam a cop.”

Dated June 5th, on Twitter. Many of us sit holed up in our rooms, laptops resting in our crossed legs as we scroll through social media, or the blue light of a phone screen on our face as the world around us is sleeping. Many of us are also the ones organizing, the ones leading, the ones fighting. News spreads that in Dallas, Providence, and in many more cities, teenagers were the ones organizing, the ones fighting. Teenagers were the ones turning viral memes into protest signs, organizing protests and sharing methods of resistance through apps like TikTok and Instagram. It echoes the methods of the Hong Kong protestors, using technology to battle their government head-on. 

Teenagers who dance along to songs such as Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage”, as well as teens who live in the world of ‘deep-fried’ memes, whose bizarre absurdity reach ungodly levels of abstractism, are the ones leading in this young revolution. Teenagers are the ones who chant ‘no justice, no peace’ in filled city streets; teenagers are the ones working to create graphics and share information, a new form of armchair activism. K-pop fans fill conservative hashtags with videos of their favorite performers, burying rhetoric and dismissal of the protests with dances and songs. In hours, #BlackLivesMatter trends. It’s hard to believe that these new pioneers and leaders in activism and technology are children who are scared to give class presentations, share Juuls in bathrooms, and find humor in the most strange and ironic of places. While the old term goes that ‘the revolution will not be televised’ in many ways, this growing movement will be televised, publicized, expanded, through its own means and methods.

I.

We are the generation of school shootings. 

December 14th, 2012. My mom tells me, as I hobble out from the red doors of my elementary school in Stamford, Connecticut, that something very bad has happened. I don’t understand. Nobody does. I see the faces of startled adults. I don’t remember the rest of that evening, or the day that followed it. Every time I think about Sandy Hook, the senseless school shooting that left 28 dead, I think about the multicolored walls of my school’s hallway, my sneakers on the white linoleum, the fear in my mother’s voice and in her eyes. That day was the first day I began to accept that I was a child in the United States of America in the 21st century. That day, and the brutal and confusing months that followed it, solidified something in my peers and I. Not just in Stamford, or even Connecticut, but within all young American students. The people in power didn’t care that a gunman marched into a wealthy and predominantly white Connecticut neighborhood and slaughtered kindergarteners. Because as I grew older, I saw the patterns, the televisation of suffering and permitted slaughter among my peers, our youngest, our posterity. This was normalized to us, just another school shooting, another period of brief outrage followed by inaction. The slaughter of children, the preventable slaughter of children shouldn’t be normalized. But it was.

February 14th, 2018. A gunman kills 17 students in Florida. As I’m waiting in a doctor’s waiting room with my mother, I lean over and tell her, “On Monday, all my teachers will talk about is school shootings.” I was wrong. School was another silent funeral march, my teachers quiet and solemn as they assigned us our work and progressed with their work. At dinner with my dad, I tell him, “It’ll never change.”

That isn’t entirely true. Leaders are found in teenagers who now walk through haunted hallways with clear backpacks. They are the face of a new movement, a march for our lives. Many are summoned to Washington and elsewhere a month later to organize, to fight. On March 27th, a day meant for students to walkout and protest the preventable slaughter of students, my school barricades the doors.

No legislation is passed. Nothing changes. The resistance lulls and fades, despite a number of school shootings following the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Gen Z is a symbolic Sisyphus, haplessly pushing a boulder of pleas up a mountain of indifference.

II.

Suzanne Collins published the Hunger Games on September 14th, 2008. It finds its way into the hands of teenagers of all shapes and sizes years later, and it has its cult following. Maybe the televised murder of children strikes a chord within the audience of young adults, as does the story of a growing revolution and a coup against a selfish government.

Gen Z gets its hands on theory at a young age, through Wikipedia and the uncensored vastness of the internet that we are handed. We are denoted as the generation born with the phones in our hands, but all I can remember is having a technology class from a young age, where we were measured on our abilities to type and memorize a keyboard. Our ability to cite and surf and stay safe in the face of danger. This wealth of information at our fingertips molds us.

Dystopian fiction is popular among young teens and young adults. Titles like Divergent the Giver, Harry Potter, the Maze Runner, all influence the devouring young readers. We are raised to see atrocity, in a place where atrocity is accessible to us in every way, shape and form. We are exposed and we are no longer innocent as we rise to 6th, 7th, 8th grade. Girls wear makeup for the first time and scream at the sight of bloodstained underwear. Boys become privy to the joy of video games and self-exploration. In this time, the internet truly consumes. There is no more script taught in classrooms, whiteboards have been replaced with Prometheans, and chromebooks are becoming normalcy.  

In 7th grade I receive my phone. The niches and underground media I discover shape me. I find acceptance, friends, in places where I had lacked them before. As my classmates begin to enter into weeklong flings that end in Instagrammed tragedy, I take a quiz online to find out if I’m gay. I begin to think for myself, and I find independence and a voice on internet circles.

By the time we are promoted to high school, something has shifted. Something is different. Something’s coming, something good. Gen Z keeps calm and carries on.

III.

Donald Trump is inaugurated on January 20th, 2017, to much outrage, but also to much support. In my town, there is a protest around his building that overlooks much of our city center. It’s peaceful, energetic, and beautiful. A Planned Parenthood sticker is on my bedroom door, and I have accepted that maybe, just maybe, I’m into girls.

In 2018, we are in high school. Little fish in a big pond. I don’t have friends in my grade, but stick closer to my premade friends in the Class of 2021. My teachers are lovely, kind, and supportive, and I shine in this new environment. Politics is a force in my life as I begin to write, and as I begin to form opinions and do research. 

It’s easy to say that all of Gen Z is progressive, but this isn’t true. It’s actually very incorrect. The internet is a miraculous tool, one that can provide and produce and create new forms of communication and spread new ideas. But it is still an ocean that is widely uncharted, and young teenagers will fall into holes constructed by right-wing superstars. The racism and homophobia circulated by 4chan is on the internet for anybody to see. New popular figures and icons pledge their vote to Trump. Right-wing rhetoric overtakes in the forms of Ben Shapiro, Pewdiepie, 4chan, Reddit. There’s a neutrality to all things, but the dogwhistles and the normalization of prejudice are dangerously overbearing. As the 2016 election divided our country, it divides the new generation. A divided house cannot stand, and that is for certain. 

It is around this time, in my Freshman summer, where the politics makes a crescendo. I have broken 1K followers on my Instagram art account, where I draw fanart for a variety of musicals and plays. I discover Shakespeare, and lose myself in Hamlet. I am happy with my identity and with myself, and as the 2020 election nears, I stay informed on current events, common issues, the things that need changing.

Sophomore winter. My dad and I take two-hour drives spanning Connecticut, and we talk. He says, “You know, your generation’s fucked. You’re the ones who are going to have to cope with our mistakes.” I tell him I know. I tell him about my feelings towards racial injustice in America, the battle for a higher minimum wage against growing costs, issues in healthcare, housing, poverty, climate change, all thrown aside and discarded. Our generation, of course, when most of our white and male politicians are dead and buried, will have to deal with the repercussions of rising sea levels and global temperatures, volatile weather and crippling natural disasters, all overlooked due to blatant ignorance. “You guys are going to have to fix all of this.”

“I know.”

I’m sick of the battle being placed on the backs of teenagers. I’m sick of our faces being the fight for climate change, the faces of Greta Thunberg and Emma Gonzalez and young revolutionary congresswomen being mocked and heckled by throngs of keyboard warriors. I’m sick of the battle our leaders and representatives should be fighting being placed on our backs, when we are already our own Atlas. Ignorance is dangerous, biting, and overwhelming. We look back to the images and words we were raised upon, the story of the Hunger Games and the broadcasting of school shootings for us all to see. 

It is 2020. Happy new year! I watch from my living room as the ball drops. A brief Twitter moment about a newly discovered disease pops up in my recommended, I brush over it. Photographs of Australian fires are surfaced, and we joke about what a fantastic start it is to the year. 

Sisyphus reaches a fork in the road.

MMXX.

At around 11PM on Wednesday, March 11th, I send a strongly worded letter to the principal and local superintendent. The coronavirus has picked up worldwide, and has made its way into the states. Johns Hopkins has an interactive map that shows bubbles above cities where cases have been reported. Stamford, Connecticut Dead: 0

Recovered: 0 Active: 3.

New York’s cases are on the rise. On that same day, I began to realize the severity that would soon overtake us. I spent the afternoon first at what would be our last rehearsal for our school musical, James and the Giant Peach, and then I went to the library. I did my homework, read The Cripple of Inishmaan by Martin McDonagh, then bought a Subway cookie from the mall. I always keep a copy of King Lear in my backpack, and as my dad pulls up to the sidewalk I gloss over Edmund’s first monologue.

It’s the last normal day for a while.

March 12th comes in like a lion. In my first period class, civics, a classmate yells out, “Trump 2020!” A period later, my friend pulls me aside in the hallways, and asks if I heard that school was closing. 

“It can’t be true,” I said.

“Schadlich just showed us.”

I take my route to my next class, and find the hallway a chaotic mess of energy and camaraderie. What was meant to be kept under wraps has been instantly transferred across the student body over Snapchat stories and texts. People dance, sing, hug. It’s branded as a “Coronacation.” Broadway announces its closure, and I walk out of the front doors for the final time in my sophomore year.

Once again, ignorance overtakes. Within months, the death toll skyrockets, spikes, as we stay holed up in our online classes. My focus wavers, but I press on. Many other students resort to simply neglecting their work, choosing to take this time to focus on their own health or fill up their new time with their own hobbies. Teenagers find solace in each other, through social media and through the connections we’ve built online. As ignorance mounts among our leaders, teenagers jokingly refer to Covid-19 as the famous “Boomer Remover”. It trends on Twitter. Graduation, prom, is cancelled. The generation whose childhood began with 9/11 is once again cut short by a tragedy of preventable errors. Gen Z is subject to adapting once again to an unfamiliar environment, and we undertake.

Protests take over the streets, screaming against government tyranny. The deaths crescendo to nearly 100,000. A video surfaces of a young black man, Ahmaud Aubery, being publicly killed on a road while jogging. Ignorance continues as cases spike, and the political climate is ripe for change. On May 25th, a black man from Minneapolis named George Floyd is killed in a brutal act of suffocation by a policeman. More names resurface -- Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Joao Pedro. Names neglected to injustice are once again in the limelight -- Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Mike Brown, Terence Crutcher, Atatiana Jefferson, and more. 

Sisyphus has had enough of pushing the boulder, and Sisyphus takes to the streets. It is the perfect storm. A storm fueled by ignorance and the preventable death of thousands, by decades of injustice, by the mere political climate in the United States of America. Gen Z, our generation, my generation, has lived the darkest hour. We were born at the cusp of a millenia, in an awkward position where society has begun to find its footing in an unfamiliar time. A time of domestic and overseas terrorism, shaped by 9/11 and a countless number of school shootings and slaughtered people of color. Where the new generation has accessibility to the injustice and wrongs committed by those before and those above, right at our fingertips. We have new ways to organize, new ways to televise, new ways to fight. In our armchairs and in our streets, wearing masks as we hold up our hands in surrender.

Generation Z marches. They lead. They throw tear gas back at officers with no hesitation. They create chants, organize through grassroots, and find a chorus of support online. 

Generation Z leads. As politicians and leaders sit in ivory towers, like President Snow in Panem, our generation cries for change. We witness and feel the repercussions of their ignorance in our daily lives, from cuts to education to the publication of school shootings to the absence of American atrocity in our history textbooks to a pipeline that directs BIPOC and low-income students to prison or the military as they step off the graduation stage. Each year, our winters get warmer as our summers turn boiling. The preventable pile of corpses rises in front of us, and we have been taught to sit by and let it occur while the world burns. 

No longer.

Sisyphus steps aside and allows the boulder to descend down the mountain. They are bruised, bloodied, their palms calloused and scuffed and their feet lacerated and sore. Up ahead, shrouded by clouds, is the mountaintop. Sisyphus wipes their mouth, finds their footing, and begins the march.

A CONCLUSION.

We have a future.

It’s awfully dim right now. Barely a light at the end of the tunnel. We began a dead march towards it from the moment we were born into this decaying way of life, held together with glue and string by leaders with fumbling hands and staunch indifference. Our backs are tired, and we are barely adults. Generation Z is tired of fighting a fight that shouldn’t be theirs. How desperately we still crave childhood joy and humor and innocence. 

Change is necessary. It is something that is especially necessary in our time. We can no longer let people die because they can’t afford food or medicine or housing. Students cannot go into school wondering if it will be their last day. Black people should not fear for their lives while wearing a hoodie, driving, jogging in their neighborhood, shopping, or sleeping in their own homes. Elderly white men which encompass most of our political elite can no longer sit on their hands as their population suffers.

The voice of Generation Z screams louder than anything else. It screams in its silence, its activism, its useless martyrdom and battle. Change belies itself within our voice, and it has gone unheard for too long.

Change is the voice of Generation Z.

[tillidontneedfantasy]

‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ - Billie Eilish REVIEW: Making ‘Em Bow One By One

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

An interesting question you pose there, Billie. When I fall asleep, I usually dream about being a part of the Harry Potter universe and trying to defeat Voldemort with the golden trio. But unfortunately, I don’t go there every night. I mean, believe me, fighting off The Dark Lord can be scary sometimes. But sometimes I go to even darker places, and it always takes a few moments when waking up to believe I’m really in my bed. Much of Billie Eilish’s debut album invites you into the dark parts of her subconscious, and sometimes her extreme consciousness, to which she goes. Of course, “asleep” could also be interpreted as, well, dead. Which is a nice way to phrase it. Ideal, really. How wonderful would it be if death was just an eternal nap? No one would ever be afraid to die.

Maybe that’s what Billie believes it is, and why she seems so desperate to go there on WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? (WWAFA,WDWG?) For a then-16-year-old girl, I wish she wasn’t so tired. “ilomilo,” “bury a friend” and most concerning, “listen before I go,” explore her friends who have been taken from her, and her desire to join them. I’m glad she hasn’t.

So is she. In a now traditional Vanity Fair video, Billie answers the same interview questions three years in a row, exactly a year apart. Expect The Fourth Year one October 18th, 2020. It is one of the most fascinating videos I have ever watched. Though the same at the core, there is a different version of Billie in each year. Which is to be expected, as she is a teenager in the limelight. But the video of year 2, which was around 5 months prior to WWAFA,WDWG?’s release, Billie openly admits to being in a very dark place, discussing how her friend had died. Her posture and affect are noticeably different in years 1 and 3. In the third and latest installment, Billie is an upgraded, happier and more comfortable version of the previous two. You can hear the change in her voice, see it in her face. In response to the question, “What’s most important to you right now?” her answer is, “Maintaining my happiness, which I have been experiencing for the first time in many years….I wanna stay happy. That’s a big goal for me.”

Billie Eilish is one of the biggest breakout stars of the past few years. Her following is enormous, and though fans vary in age, many of them fall in her cohort. Generation Z is special in many ways: morbidly funny, proudly outspoken, self-aware, and unafraid to be different. Billie Eilish is all of these things incarnate, the perfect spearhead for this generation and what they represent. She dresses how she wants to dress and makes the kind of music that she wants to make, refusing to follow the molded expectations of young up and coming female stars before her. In that music, she also does what very few artists, young or old, have ever done: candidly explores mental illness and suicidal ideation.

These issues have become more and more prevalent in today’s society, yet they are still extremely stigmatized. Like many teenagers, I experienced the sadness and darkness Billie is singing about. I’m almost 25 now, but I can imagine how 15-year-old Cass would feel hearing this album and seeing Billie as she is in the third year of that Vanity Fair interview. Understood. Not alone. And hopeful, hopeful that things get better. At that age you feel like everything is the end of the world, because it is developmentally and socially some of the most difficult years in the human experience. And to hear someone you look up to say, “I feel this way, too,” and then see them continue fighting, and happy that they did...that can change someone’s life.

Thankfully, Billie still injects some levity into the album. The musical hook in “bad guy” feels like a defining moment for Gen Z the way the musical hook in “Toxic” was for us Millennials. “all the good girls go to hell” unflinchingly decrees that God Is A Woman™, and “my strange addiction” has cuts from The Office, Eilish’s favorite show, interspersed throughout the song. Gen Z is taking over, and Billie’s one hell of a ringleader.

STRONGEST TRACK(S): “i love you,” “xanny”

The phrase “I love you” has never felt so intimate as it does coming from Billie’s mouth in the penultimate track on WWAFA,WDWG? Sandwiched between two tracks where all together they form a sentence (listen before I go, I love you, goodbye) "i love you" is the most mesmerizing and most vulnerable, not just of the three but of the whole album. As a listener, you are dying to know what's hidden between the lines. Why doesn't she want to love this person even though she clearly does? What did she do to make him cry? Why are you, the listener, crying right now? With the smallest breath, the quietest whisper, the emotion Eilish emits is enormous. Every once in a while you hear a song that you feel will never leave you, and “i love you” has all the makings to be everlasting.

As does the message in “xanny,” a dynamic song that mostly sounds like an old-time jazz track, although infuses a blaring noise over the chorus, as if you are standing right next to the booming stereo at the party setting in which she speaks. The layering of hums in the background and at the end of the song provides a necessary subtle softness, making it all the more beautiful. The track is a statement from Eilish that she has no interest in the lifestyle that so many kids her age- famous or not- lead, partly because she does not understand the appeal of its effects, and partly because she does not want to invest herself in someone willingly bringing harm upon themself, as she previously has. “I can’t afford to love someone who isn’t dying by mistake,” she asserts. Of course, most things in moderation are good and fine, but there is an ever-persistent pressure for young people to use substances, for easier social interactions or easier claim to desirable social status. There is a plethora of music out there promoting the party lifestyle, but very few saying, “hey, it’s okay if you’re not about this, you’re still cool,” and so a celebrity as big as Billie abstaining from it, and providing a reasonable explanation, gives a figure of understanding and solidarity to all the outliers.

WEAKEST TRACK: “8”

Not a bad song by any means, “8” is just the least memorable on an album filled with extremely intriguing and standout tracks. There is an interesting choice of vocal styles that alternate throughout, one of which it sounds as if Eilish is emulating the voice of a little girl. She is asking the subject to just give her some common courtesy and hear her out. "Who am I to be in love / when your love never is for me?" she asks, in the most compelling moment of the song. It is a difficult line to walk, knowing someone doesn't owe you anything but wanting them to anyway. Although the song is effective, its replay value doesn't quite match with the other contenders.

THE IN-BETWEENS

Although Eilish is authentic in her own right, you can see the draw of inspiration from unique artists before her. Lorde's imprint is all over "you should see me in a crown," a catchy song about ruling the world and making everyone bow down to her with the sound of a knife sharpening at the top, and “listen before i go” is reminiscent of Lana Del Rey’s morose romances. “when the party’s over,” written solely by Billie’s brother, collaborator, and best friend, Finneas O’Connell, is a beautifully quiet moment in the middle of the album, with absolutely gorgeous high notes from Billie. The song is succinct and poignant, noting the inner conflict between wanting a friend to be more than just that and yet feeling the need to keep up boundaries to protect your heart; but when has that done anyone any good?

BEST PROSPECTIVE SINGLE: “my strange addiction”

In the age of Netflix, The Office continues to grow in popularity with younger viewers who missed it on air. Who better to bolster the movement than Verified The Office super fan, Billie Eilish? In “my strange addiction,” Eilish and O’Connell draw inspiration from the classic episode, “Threat Level Midnight,” where Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) has finally finished his movie and is ready to premiere it to the office. In his movie, Scott’s character, Michael Scarn, teaches the entire bar how to do his signature dance, “The Scarn.” “No, Billie, I haven’t done that dance since my wife died!” the song begins, which is a real line from the episode. “my strange addiction” borrows from the track for “The Scarn,” which is simply genius. Everyone is doing “The Scarn,” fictional or nonfictional, even NFL player Trey Quinn, who did the famed routine for his touchdown dance. Not only will “my strange addiction” convert The Office fans to Billie Eilish fans, but just imagine the amount of TikToks there could be of people doing “The Scarn” to this song…think about the meme potential, Billie! *Ed Helms voice* There’s a whole crowd of people out there who need to learn how to do the “my strange addiction.”

                                                                   *****

Billie Eilish, and her debut album, WWAFA,WDWG? is impressive in a multitude of ways: she is raw, candid, silly, wildly intelligent, and most importantly, full of a lot of love, no matter how much she claims she does not want to be. Perhaps most impressive is that the only writers and producers credited on this album are Eilish and O’Connell, ages 18 and 22, respectively, at the time of this review, yet 17 and 21 at the time of its release, which means they were 16 and 20 at the time of writing and production. For two young people to create such an impactful album on such a massive scale on their own is a rarity, and has not been seen since the beginning of Taylor Swift’s career, and look at where she is now. Billie’s music might be different, but her trajectory seems quite similar. At Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony in December of 2019, Swift was honored with Woman of the Decade while Eilish was honored with Woman of the Year. Both artists paid homage to the other in their speeches, harkening back to Swift’s 2014 Woman of the Year speech where she alludes to a future Woman of the Year recipient learning piano and singing in choir; Swift had said back then that we need to take care of her, and Eilish tearfully thanked the room for doing just that. As Swift continues to fight against the system to pave the way for female artists, the clearing is all Billie’s. If Billie continues to maintain ownership of her voice, as I’m sure she will, it looks like the woman of the next decade is a lock. The crown looks great on Billie, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us while we’re all awake. Grade: 4.5/5

DISCLAIMER – REVIEWER’S BIAS: The first time I listened to WWAFA,WDWG? the only tracks that really captured my attention were “bad guy” and “my strange addiction.” I wanted to like it so bad, but I felt like I was missing something. Maybe that’s because I listened to the album at work and did not take it in properly. But I also felt like she was whispering too much, which made it difficult for me to stay interested. So I did not revisit it. However, over this past year, despite not listening to her music, I started to form a big-sister-type love for Billie, feeling as if I must protect her at all costs (any man over the age of like, 20, reading this: stay the fuck away from her you sickos!!!). I loved how she embraced her individuality and did whatever she wanted. I watched many interviews of her on YouTube (one being the Vanity Fair one, where she talks about how the criticism that she whispers a lot is hurtful yet true- Billie, I’m sorry!!) and found her to be so intelligent. To me, her and Taylor Swift (my number one love) are two sides of the same coin, or two paths to the same destination. What I mean by that is that as a lover of music and as a girl going through a difficult time, sometimes you need positivity to counteract the negative feelings, other times you need to lean into the sadness to release it all; though they both possess a bit of both, Taylor is more of the positive route, Billie more of the sad route. The thing is, you need both options. Billie reminds me of Taylor so much; she writes all of her own music (with her brother as her only co-writer), she has blown up at such a young and vulnerable age (if WWAFA,WDWG? wins AOTY at the Grammys, Billie will be the youngest ever recipient since Taylor won for Fearless at the age of 20), and she is committed to saying and doing what she wants to do the way she wants to do it. After listening to the album a few more times leading up to the Grammys to write this review, I get it. I truly get it. I’m sorry it took so long. And although her super soft vocals are definitely effective, I still want her to project more. The girl has a gorgeous voice; she should use it! But also she doesn’t need my advice, she’s doing fine. Keep whispering, baby girl. I feel very nervous for Billie, because when a woman reaches the top this quickly, everyone gets ready to push her off just as fast, and the fall can be fatal. But I believe in her ability to stand her ground. Please protect Billie at all costs!!!!