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bizarroidea · 2 years ago

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I'm actually fairly new to superman comics overall, but you seem to have an investment in the character from a wide variety of places, and I've mostly only gotten the same two or three stories suggested when I ask (or just superman/batman stories. which are Fine some are good but I'm pretty neutral on them as a pairing which is a LARGE portion of Clark content in general)...do you have any recommendations for favorite Superman stories? feel free to put this ask aside if you don't want to go through the trouble. 👍

Thank you for asking my opinion, I appreciate it!

So I approached making this list by asking what I would give someone who's read all the typical introductory stories and wants to get a little deeper. But full disclosure, I haven't extensively read all eras of Superman, so this list only pulls from the late 2000s and a little from the bronze age.

Standalone issues:

Action Comics #847 - A story about Superman taking Pa Kent to space, written by Dwayne McDuffie. This story was a pivotal reason why I realised that I can't agree with people complaining about "silly silver age" aspects being brought back in modern stuff.

Action Comics #850 - I think this ties into a Supergirl arc I haven't read, but those aspects are just a framing device and it's not too obtrusive. It's essentially a "hits" of Clark's life and it's a good take.

Superman Annual #13 (2007) "The Best Day" - Just a cute little filler story about the superfam having a picnic on an alien planet.

Action Comics #884 - I'm recommending the Lois story. It takes place during New Krypton, but I don't think you need to read the whole event to get the gist of what's going on.

Superman 80-Page Giant (2010) - An anthology with no specific theme or timeline. The best stories are the first two, "Cold" and "Patience-Centred Care", but you can read the rest if you want. They're all decent!

Runs:

Superman: Confidential

A 14-issue anthology series from 2008. The first arc 'Kryptonite' is the best remembered, a decent story which portrays the characters as flawed; the second arc (#6-7) isn't great but still fun in a weird way (everyone in Metropolis gets turned into mermaids, what more could you want); and the rest is pretty good with some good character insights. The series definitely has STAS vibes, especially the artwork in the first arc which is by the same artist who did 'For All Seasons'.

Kurt Busiek and Geoff Johns runs

Especially: 'Up, Up and Away!', 'Camelot Falls', 'Last Son', 'Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes', 'Brainiac'

Busiek just gets it. He's a very underrated Superman writer who handled just about every character well. Unfortunately, his run gets interrupted with Countdown tie-ins and James Robinson issues, which I tried to exclude from my doc as much as possible. (Robinson is better at writing Jimmy if that's any consolation).

Geoff John's run is decent as well, it ties into 'Secret Origin' as you might imagine. This era included the infamous reinvention/character assassination of Cat Grant, and also brought back Steve Lombard of all people as a member of the Daily Planet staff. But his writing of Clark, Lois and Kara is solid.

The 'Brainiac' arc leads into 'New Krypton', but I don't think you need to read that event because it had no lasting effects. The only story directing addressing it was 'Grounded', which is ooc and reactionary, and then the New 52 happened.

Link to my reading list for the era between Infinite Crisis and New Krypton.

Pre-Crisis:

This needs its own category because reading pre-crisis needs a different headspace. It's a separate canon as well as just a different context and stage of the character's history. I'm not reccing silver age stuff because I haven't read enough of it to be comfortable doing so.

DC Special Series #5 - A good "taster" of pre-crisis Superman. It has a fairly interesting conflict, and includes all the major characters so you get a sense of what was going on with them. And it has that particular brand of pre-crisis weirdness, which it is very sincere about.

Superman #296-299 - A story which explores the fracture between the Superman and Clark Kent identities, and has him come to a good conclusion about his identity imo. I think the first two parts are skippable, as #298 recaps what happened anyway. (But #297 does have the first clois hookup and the origin of boeuf bourguignon).

Action Comics #510-512 - You know that cover of Superman stealing Luthor's bride? That's from here. This story is fantastic though, it really steps up Luthor's level of evil with the reveal, but doesn't make him boring in the process. The whole thing gave me Morrison vibes.

And if you want to dive into origins after that, Action Comics #500 and the Superman: The Secret Years miniseries both delve into the backstory and psychology of bronze age Clark.

#I'll definitely change and update this in the future this is just what I'm feeling right now #superman comics #recs

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whatgaviiformes · 2 years ago

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For elemental writer asks, could I request psionics please? "How do you get into the heads of your characters?" Thankyou in advance!

Of course you can request it. <3 I guess they live in my head isn't a decent enough answer? I kid, I kid. Gordon is the easiest, naturally by what I posted the past few years. Or, at least my version of Gordon. If he's my home base pov/voice, there are things I intentionally do to switch to the other brothers. For Virgil, I focus on sounds and sights in a more focused way - things he sees and hears and the itch of his hands to build or fix. For John, there's usually a concept or fact I am playing around with, which leads me into needing to research the thing. By nature of being in that inquisitive space, I can usually find John. He's always been a blend of the science and art for me, so I don't write him *all* science but the research helps. I really enjoy getting into his headspace. For Alan, I think I pretty much write Gordon but a bit more youthful, but with an intelligence like John's. He's pretty hard for me to write, actually, so he doesn't show up as much in my natural writing.

Then for Scott, I get a little more straight forward, a bit more direct, and I think I just write "big brother." It works most of the time.

Hopefully they sound different on the page, and sometimes Gordon or John will get super arty and I sit there going - shhhh Virg, that's not how your brother would describe a sunset - but in the end those sometimes become my favorite parts. Life would be boring if we all defined ourselves and our actions only under one lens or facet. So if they stray, I tend to let them and then I think about why they are in that space.

Otherwise, I have playlists. I do have one for each brother, but I can't write overtop of those. They might intro me in, and then once I sit down to write, I prefer to play music based on the tone I am going for. Thanks for the ask. Hope all that made sense!

#ask box answers

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wouldpollyapprove · 5 years ago

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Promises, Promises

Request: 11 and 13 angst with Tommy? 🥺❤️

Requested by @jenepleurepasbaby

Thomas Shelby x Reader

Word Count: 2.7k

Warnings: language, angst, not edited

A/N: I’m kinda happy with how this turned out. Like always, I rushed the ending because I got bored. But I think it’s still pretty good. So, when reading this you guys may be confused by the “workhouse howl”. It’s a term related to the workhouse that poor families worked at throughout England. I don’t know too much about it, but it was referenced in Call the Midwife and when I watched the scene it was in I wanted to cry because everything surrounding that is super sad. I also might do a fic that has more to do with the workhouses, I’ll just have to do a little more research first.

Masterlist

The deal they had made upon getting married was that work wasn’t to come home. As soon as either of them stepped foot in the house, all business, all work-related talk, was to be dropped. Shelby Company Limited, the Peaky Blinders, neither of them had a place in their house. Tommy had agreed to deal for one reason and one reason only; as Y/n didn’t work for him, it kept her out of the business and danger. It was the perfect safety net. Perfect until it wasn’t.

“Where’s Tommy?” Y/n asked Esme as she walked through the empty betting shop in search of her husband. Taking her hat off, she set it on the table and took a seat in front of her sister-in-law.

“He’s not here.” Her curt answer caused the woman across from her to frown.

A sigh escaped her lips as Y/n leaned back in her chair. She had walked all the way from her mother’s house, feet sore from the shoes that were only meant show, for nothing. “Do you know where he is?”

Esme quickly glanced up at her, “No.” When asked where her own husband was, she said, “With Tommy.”

Y/n shook her head, loose curls bouncing with the action. She knew better than to trust a word Esme said. John told her everything, if he was with Tommy, she would know where the two were. “Alright, then,” she drawled and got to her feet. Leaving the woman behind her, she entered the kitchen to find Finn sitting at the table. It was a surprise to see him away from his brothers that he admired so much, but a welcome one. “What are you doing here?”

The boy looked up from the deck of cards in front of him, a smile appeared on his face upon seeing the woman who had become much like a mother to him. “Playing cards.”

She nodded and pulled out the chair next to him. Taking a seat, she asked, “Why aren’t you with your brothers?”

Taking a card out of the deck, Finn flipped it over. the woman beside him had no clue what card he was looking for, but the one that was pulled out clearly wasn’t the one when his lips turned down in a frown. “Tommy said he doesn’t need a kid fucking up his meeting,” he mumbled, either upset at his brother’s words or the card that he couldn’t find.

“Finn! Watch your tongue,” Y/n scolded before she wrapped an arm around his shoulder and pulled him close to her. “He’s just trying to protect you, okay?” What she wanted to say was, ‘You don’t fuck things up, you’re brother does,’ but she held her tongue. No one needed to know how much the man had been pissing her off lately but her. “Where is he anyway?”

“At your house.”

Y/n raised a brow, trying to put the puzzle together. How could he be at their house if he was in a meeting? “Where’s the meeting at?”

Going back to his game, Finn couldn’t see the dangerous mixture of anger and fear in his sister-in-law’s eyes when he answered. “Your house.”

“You have fun, okay?” Y/n ruffled his hair, earning a groan from him as she pushed herself up and was out the door before he could even respond.

How dare he!

Y/n wouldn’t have been angry, she probably wouldn’t have given it a second thought if it weren’t for the fact that she knew her husband kept everything from her. What started out as a simple agreement to leave work at the office had turned into something much more. Y/n was kept in the dark about everything. Every little thing. She didn’t work for the company, so when secrets were shared between his family, she thought nothing of it. If she were meant to know, then she would know, right? Wrong.

She was to know nothing.

The first clue was when her questions would go unanswered. Polly was the best at dodging her questions. The woman was a master at weaving a sentence that made Y/n feel as though her question had been answered. Any word that came off her tongue was done so with confidence and kindness, how could anyone believe it to be a lie? John and Arthur always played dumb when she asked them anything. To Y/n, it made sense. There were many things that Tommy even kept from his family, so it was no surprise to his wife if his own brothers didn’t know what was going on. But then there was Esme. She was the worst about, not even bothering to concoct a decent lie. The gypsy didn’t care whether she was believed or not, she did what her husband and her boss told her to. If she was told to keep her mouth shut about business matters, it would be shut and she would do her best to make sure everyone knew they would never get an answer out of her. Her replies were the opposite of Polly’s in that way. They were curd and short. Esme didn’t care if Y/n believed her, it wasn’t her job to make that happen.

The only one that hadn’t gotten the memo not to say a word to Y/n, was Finn. Not like he would have listened anyway.

Knowing her husband had deliberately kept things from her stung. And knowing that, it wouldn’t surprise her if this kept his family from fully trusting her. God, it was like adding salt to the wound once the thought crossed her mind. They probably wondered why he would marry her if she couldn’t be trusted with simple matters of business.

Y/n couldn’t pick an emotion as she walked the streets of Small Heath. Rage bubbled inside, encasing her heart, feeling as she had been betrayed. Pelting her like rain, sadness landed on her exposed skin, quickly being absorbed and running through her blood street. Fire and ice, what she felt was burning and cold. A heartache that she never could have predicted.

The people on the street must have seen the conflict inside her as they gazed at her with pity and sorrow. None of them wanted to feel the pain the young woman was experiencing, that they knew. So, they parted like the Red Sea, allowing her a swift route to her front door. They dare do anything to cause any more grief. The people of the area knew too well what grief could do to the soul as everyone was familiar with the sound of the workhouse howl.

Arriving on her doorstep, Y/n forced herself to take a deep breath. Was she ready for what was behind the door?

No.

No, she wasn’t. She wasn’t ready to be hit by a brick wall. Wasn’t ready for every truth the family had ever told her to be brought under questioning. For every lie to be raised from the dead. Y/n wasn’t ready for the world she knew to fall apart like a crumbling building.

Instead of reaching for the handle, instead of opening the door and facing her problems head-on, Y/n did the only thing she could think of. She ran. Her mother would scold her for such a thing, abandoning her problems on the doorstep, but it had to be done. She wasn’t in the proper headspace to deal with what Tommy had done.

People weren’t fast to move as the young woman weaved between them. She was left to dodge women and their small children, carts being pulled by men that had seen better day, children that smiled at her behavior. Step after step, stride after stride, Y/n let her feet carry her to the part of the city that had been left to decay. Small, broken, wooden factories that were left to the past once the brick ones over towered them. They knew her pain, whether anyone would believe it, they knew her pain. The abandoned buildings knew what it was like to be stabbed in the back by those they trusted. They knew what it was like to watch the world go on without them and no one bat an eye that they had been left behind.

Y/n slowed her pace as she neared the canal that ran near a few of the buildings. Standing on the edge, she closed her eyes and screamed. It was blood-curdling and matched her sorrow. The screams echoed down the empty street. She screamed and screamed, knowing that no one would come rushing to her aide, until she could scream no more.

Voice hoarse, she collapsed against the cement belong, the skirt of her dress falling around her legs. Tears finally escaped, racing down her cheek like a river after a heavy storm. She didn’t bother to wipe them away, letting them fall against the material of her skirt. Y/n didn’t have it in herself to care, not with what she’d have to deal with once she returned home.

“Why does he do this?” she muttered between the sobs. “Why?”

Oh, yes, why did Thomas Shelby always find ways to fuck things up? It was a mystery to everyone, even his own wife. Y/n wanted to believe he trusted her, she wanted to believe that his family trusted her, accepted her, but that couldn’t be done with the hole that had been dug for her. What could bring her to the same level as everyone else? What could keep them from burying her alive? Y/n didn’t know, the answers had been taken from her by the one person she trusted the most.

“I’ve do-done nothing!” She fell onto her back, the cloudy sky above greeting her. “Nothing…”

She stayed like that for what must have been hours. Letting her heartbeat slow to normal and her tears dry up. Letting the burning, the fire inside her become nothing but warm embers. When she felt calm, when the sun was starting to sink below the relics of around her, Y/n got to her feet. Brushing off the dirt, she slowly made her way back home, her legs screaming at her for what she had made them do.

It was almost dark when Y/n opened the door to the house she shared with the last person she wanted to see. Before shutting the door, words traveled down the hall, catching her ear. They couldn’t be made out, but it was clear Tommy wasn’t alone. When the door hit the frame, there was silence.

“Y/n?” Tommy questioned, stepping out of the kitchen to see her figure in the shadows of the unlit hallway. There was no answer as his wife walked past him, not even a glance his way, as she headed to the parlor. “Where have you been?” he asked, voice laced with worry. “No one has seen you in hours.”

The words fell on deaf ears. With her back to him, Y/n opened the liquor cabinet and, bypassing the whiskey, pulled out a bottle of vodka. Her husband’s choice of drink wouldn’t be strong enough to numb everything. Grabbing a glass, she filled it almost to the rim. Arthur, John, and Polly appeared in the doorway behind Tommy just in time to witness the polish remover to be downed in a few seconds. Y/n set it back down forcefully, the sound of glass against wood left her unfazed. She didn’t care if the delicate glass were to break. Hell, she wanted to throw it and the bottle against the wall, watch it shatter.

“Y/n,” he said gently as he approached her much like he would a wild horse. “What happened?”

“Nothing,” she answered, pouring herself another glass. A hand grasped the bottle, stopping the clear liquid from filling her glass. Y/n did nothing as the lid was put on the bottle and moved from her reach.

“Why are you lying?”

A harsh laugh escaped her lips. “Why am I lying?” Y/n violently turned towards him, wondering why a liar would ask such a question. “I should be the one asking that question! Asking why you all are lying to me, keeping things from my, and doing business in my own home without my knowledge!” she screamed at all the people in the room.

Tommy sighed as Y/n stormed past him, heading for the refuge of their room. “Is that why you didn’t come home?” he asked, angry that she would worry him over this.

“Yes,” she spat as Arthur and John moved for her. “I was going to go back home, but then I remembered that you live here too!”

Silence once again filled the house, Y/n ascending the stairs, while her family, in shock, past glances around the room. Polly was the first to speak up, disgust evident when she looked at her nephew. “Now, look what you’ve done,” she hissed, moving to stand by the fireplace. “I warned you that she would be hurt by this, but you never listen.”

Tommy gave no reaction, instead focusing his eyes on the vodka he’d placed in front of him. He didn’t need the harsh words of his aunt’s to make him regret his decisions. He knew good and well that he’d gone too far, he always went too far.

All the man wanted was to keep the woman he loved out of danger. That was easier to be done if she were kept out of the spotlight. If she weren’t present at meetings, working in the betting shop, or accompanying her husband to different business arrangements, there was little chance that she would be caught in the crossfire. But with that mindset, Tommy had done the one thing he knew dreamed of; he broke her heart and caused her to question his trust.

No one in the room needed to tell him that he may never mend what was broken, he wasn’t foolish enough to believe there would be no consequences for his actions.

Y/n was spread out on the bed, staring at the textured ceiling, when the door creaked open, exposing her husband. Tommy made sure his steps were soft, he’d waited for her to calm down, not wanting to cause a raging fight where words would be said that couldn’t be taken back. “I’m sorry.” From where he stood, he could see Y/n roll her eyes. It hurt that she didn’t believe him when he wasn’t one to throw around apologies. Sighing, Tommy made his way to the bed, the mattress sinking against his weight as he sat beside her. “I am sorry that I’ve hurt you, love. I never intended to do that.”

Feeling his gaze, Y/n tried to keep her tears at bay as she said, “Then why’d you do it?”

“I wanted to… I wanted to protect you,” Tommy admitted, a hand grazing over the one that laid beside him. It was taken as a sign of progress when Y/n didn’t move her hand out of his reach.

She scoffed, “And that meant living in a house full of lies? All I asked was for the workday to end once you come home.”

“I know, I know.”

There was silence as Y/n pushed herself into a sitting position. Finally meeting his eyes, Y/n could see the regret that contoured his features and the sadness that pooled in his eyes. A hand went to cup his cheek, the man melting against her touch. “This will not continue, do you understand me? We will be equals in knowledge.” He nodded as her fingers rubbed circles on along his skin. “I don’t want to be apart of the business, but I don’t want you to hide it from me.”

Lips turning up in a smile, Tommy wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his forehead against her’s. “Are those all your demands?” he teased, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. When she nodded, he continued, “Then you will get all that you ask for and more.”

“I’m still mad at you even with these promises,” Y/n admitted, “And you break them, you will have to find yourself a new home and a new wife.”

Tommy simply nodded, he knew there would be consequences and he fully accepted them. He had cut a deep wound and it would take time for it heal. If Y/n didn’t wish to see him or be near him, let him touch or speak to her, he would understand that. Any punishment given would be understandable.

*~~*~~*

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lavenderandpear · 6 years ago

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I guess all I’m trying to say is that I’m a pretty decent friend. Like sometimes I drop the ball, (@john recently sorry dude - but check your emails) but for the most part when someone needs me I’m there, and pretty damn quickly too. I like to think that when I am having my brain melt days my friends, often the same friends who come to me and tell me their problems, will be there for me, too.

And I feel like on the one hand it’s true, no one owes me anything and I shouldn’t have expectations of reciprocity. Do good things out of love and humility, be kind because it’s the right thing to do for people you care about, that’s how I elect live my life.

But sometimes I have to be kind to myself, and it’s okay to hope that the people I surround myself with are going to be there for me when I need them. That’s not a sin. I’m not a high maintenance friend, I’m pretty damn low key, tbch.

The only conclusion I seem to arrive at is this: people don’t owe me anything, and hoping that someone will be a good friend in the ways I try to be will probably just result in me finding myself where I am now in times where I reach out hoping for a response. Feeling sad, isolated, and withdrawing from people.

And if I were in a stronger headspace I would be, probably, able to discuss these concerns with those directly involved and get some resolution.

But I’m not in a strong head space and so I can only deal with it in one huge gesture of introversion.

Phone off. Head down. Hibernation time.

I don’t know. Maybe I just wasn’t mean to have friends? Maybe the life of dependable solitude is where it’s at.

I’m going to go to sleep. It’s 12:36pm.

#personal

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glitterarygetsit · 6 years ago

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Hi! I hope you are doing well. I have been following you a long time and I remember you saying awhile ago that you have seasonal depression. I have depression in general but I definitely feel the change of seasons especially when the days are shorter. Do you have any tips for getting through the winter and dealing with seasonal symptoms? I am taking vitamin D but I don't really notice a difference. I have thought of trying one of those therapy lights but am skeptical. Thanks for your time!

Hi! There are definitely things I do, but it’s a constant maintenance process, so I do have a tendency to sulk and not follow my own advice. I’m fortunate that my housemate/best friend/platonic life partner gets on my case when I start doing that, though, so if you have someone you trust to check in with you it really helps. (Some of the things, like meditation and journalling, might be something you can coordinate with a friend to check in with each other about). I’ve ended up with a bundle of tools which I use to varying degrees, and winter is still rubbish, but it feels a lot more survivable than it used to.

Here are my tips, in order of cost:

1. Have a regular bedtime at a sensible time. Mine is 22:30, although I don’t stick to it perfectly. A really good routine is turning off all screens at 10, getting ready for bed, and reading in bed until no later than 11. I often end up watching TV until 10:30 and then going straight to bed, but I think that’s better than working or messing about online. I think that dark, short days messing with your internal clock is a big part of seasonal depression, so imposing some structure helps.

2. Start and maintain a gratitude or positivity journal. All you need to do every day is make a quick note of things that were positive. (“I went for coffee with Hannah” “My new trousers are super comfy” “I saw a cute bird!”) It takes about five minutes and it really cuts through the bland “everything is awful” mindset that depression tricks you into. Some days it’s harder than others, but I try to write at least three things every day. I currently have this one, but I’ll probably just get a generic mini notebook when I run out of pages.

3. Practice mindfulness meditation. I started this for anxiety, but if you consistently practice (that’s really important) meditating gives you a lot more control over any kind of overwhelming feeling or emotion. Again, this is something I am bad at doing myself, but if you can manage to set aside ten minutes three times a week or so, it makes it a lot easier to say “okay, time to move on and think about something else” when you’re really low. I started off using the free trial of the Headspace app (which is a good introduction, but I don’t like the guy’s voice and the subscription is SUPER expensive) and now use the Buddhify app (one-off purchase of about $5). I’ve also heard that Insight Timer (free) is good.

4. Using a daylight lamp consistently is helpful, but it can be a pain in the butt if you don’t already have a morning routine which involves sitting in a specific place (e.g. for breakfast or work) where you can set up the lamp. You have to commit to using it daily, for a decent chunk of time (for me 40 minutes was best). I’m not using mine (FYI: this reasonably inexpensive one) at the moment because I’m responding well to my current medication. If I weren’t so lazy and used the damn thing, I’d probably feel even better. It’s hard to tell the difference from day to day when you’re starting out, but after I’d been using mine regularly I could REALLY tell when I hadn’t used it, so I’ll probably go back to using it for a while when it gets really dark.

4a. Daylight bulbs are a related option which mainly help with motivation and energy levels. I put daylight bulbs in my ceiling light year-round, which makes it feel like it’s brighter outsideand tricks me into thinking the days are a bit longer in winter. Make sure you’ve also got regular bulbs in side lamps in the evening, though, or you won’t feel able to get to sleep.

4b. I have never regretted buying my dawn simulator alarm clock, which I got after two years of wanting one but refusing to spend the money. If you have to get out of bed at a set time every morning they’re fantastic–they’re more a “functioning adult” tool than a mood one, in my experience. But I went from having to use half my day’s spoons to pry myself out of bed whilst wailing to just being a regular grump who hit the snooze button once or twice. I kind of wish I’d shelled out for a slightly fancier one so I could use my own music as a wake-up tone, but it’s fine.

5. Medication and supplements can really help. I know that especially for US peeps this can be a ridiculously expensive proposition, but if your objections are based on the idea that medication will make you numb or dull your creative edge or amounts to some kind of failure, and you haven’t tried antidepressants before, please try to put them aside. [EDIT: For the most part, this attitude is perpetuated by people who have never experienced ongoing mental health issues. A friend pointed out to me that some people DO have bad experiences with antidepressants, and in fairness, my own first experience with citalopram made me feel pretty numb! Those are real experiences. But popular culture seems to run with the “pills turn you into a zombie” narrative when other medications have been hugely helpful to me. I’m really glad I didn’t write off medication as a whole based on that first antidepressant. Based on my own experience, I’d say it’s worth experimenting a little if you have a supportive doctor.]

If you cannot access prescribed medication, or the idea of “chemicals” is too intimidating, consider taking St John’s Wort (I am not a doctor, please do your own research! It did, however, work well for me). It’s a herbal remedy which is the first port of call for patients with depression here in Germany, and it has very few side effects (basically: you absolutely MUST NOT take it alongside other SSRIs, it interferes with hormonal birth control, and can make you more prone to sunburn. Always let a doctor know if they prescribe you medications on top of anything you’re already taking).

I took about 1350mg of the over-the-counter stuff for about five years and while it wasn’t a silver bullet, it REALLY took the edge off of my depression when the health service was failing to give me the support I needed. Here is a Cochrane review of 29 studies of St John’s Wort’s effectiveness. Lack of regulation is a bit of a problem in terms of not knowing the strength of what you’re taking, which is why I ended up taking three of the Boots One-a-Day extra strength tablets daily before it made much of a difference. When I got to Germany, my GP here prescribed me 900mg which was just as effective. But as I said, there are barely any side-effects and you’d have to be taking a lot more than that to overdose.

I also find vitamin D helpful, and while I’m taking vitamin B12 because I think I just have low levels of it it does boost energy levels a lot.

6. I’m aware that this one is very privilege-dependent, but if you can–take a holiday somewhere warmer and sunnier. It might be worth bearing this in mind when planning your annual holidays, if your days off/finances are limited. Don’t feel like you need to hold the trip to “awesome holiday” standards–it’s just about getting some sun on your face. Last year my partner and I picked a location based entirely on the weather report and prices not being insane (we had a holiday booked which was cancelled because the airline went under and had to rebook with three days notice) and had a super chill time in Valencia.

Okay, that got super long–I hope it was helpful! Good luck dealing with winter. I’ve had years where I really wondered how I was going to cope with the misery year on year for the rest of my life, but as my coping tools have fallen into place, it’s become easier and easier.

#thoughtbloom #depression #seasonal affective disorder #glitterary

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miaadams · 6 years ago

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The Great Barrier Reef is Dying Faster then David Attenborough

As I turned off the godly voice of nature's Grandfather, Sir David Attenborough, I stared blankly at the wall ahead. A solemn tear trickled down my cheek as I wallowed in self-pity, eventually coming to a profound realisation… humans’ suck. While we’re complaining about the Woolworths plastic bag ban, the Great Barrier Reef is turning into an underwater wasteland. Overwhelming increases in carbon dioxide emissions are making our oceans warmer and more acidic (unless you are a Donald Trump enthusiast and in that case, Global Warming is just a hoax). In 2016, a rise in sea temperature and acidity spiked a major bleaching event which destroyed two-thirds of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

High school graduate Megan Sims looks out the window with a solemn expression on her face as she reminisces the Coral Monitoring and Turtle Rehabilitation program she recently participated. “Where we went there was a lot of coral rubble, which means that not only has the coral died but none has come through under that,” she says, her expression turning to anger. “I remember I was writing 50% coral rubble for most of the sights. It's just so upsetting because we were snorkeling in the most pristine part of the reef and it was still horribly damaged.” What Megan witnessed is what Professor Terry Hughes, director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies calls “The worst mass bleaching event in history.” As human beings, we are the only species with the power to destroy the planet and the only ones who can save it. So, here is why we aren’t.

As a 20-year-old University student, Isabelle Siberling looks at the world with unwavering optimism and hope. Having recently traveled to Canada to take part in an International Entrepreneurial Social Justice Competition named World’s Challenge Challenge. Amongst waffles and maple syrup, Isabelle and her team established a social media education campaign named #icannsavethereef. There Isabelle developed five daily habits that an individual can change to limit their greenhouse gas emissions. The young environmental enthusiast says it is sending a message to Australians that there is a solution that they can reach individually. “They need to become the voice that the reef does not have,” says Isabelle. As true blue Aussies, why aren't we fighting for Nemo?

1. People are too set in their ways to make a change.

Life has never been more convenient. Need food? UberEats. Want clothes? Order online. Feel like a movie? Netflix and chill. However, as creatures of habit, we have become dangerously complacent and conditioned to our newly found lifestyle of ease and access, creating an epidemic of inertia. A study conducted by the Harvard Business School showed that people mainly resist change for the following reasons; a loss of control, disruption, and excess uncertainty. In the context of changing our lifestyles to support the survival of the reef, it becomes a matter of priority and sacrifice. How far are we willing to go to prevent an environmental catastrophe? Not that far apparently. “As individuals, we need to stand up and begin to make the small changes that send messages to big companies that we want to be more sustainable, we can make a huge impact by changing the smallest things that will hardly inconvenience us,” says Isabelle. As human beings, we are adaptable creatures and can easily make a lasting impact, according to psychiatrist Abigail Brenner. “We move from the passive state of just watching how things unfold to taking some action that enables us to utilise the change to create an outcome of our own choice,” says Dr. Brenner.

2. Out of sight out of mind

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on earth stretching for 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast. Isabelle sips through her reusable coffee cup as she remembers a childhood full of snorkels, laughter, and chafing. “Reef conservation is a passion of mine as I am originally from the Whitsundays which is alongside the Great Barrier Reef,” she says. “Growing up, I always had the opportunity to go out to the reef, which allowed me to see firsthand the deterioration in the condition of the reef and become passionate about saving it.” It’s not until we put on our scuba Steve costumes and see first hand the state of the reef that we can truly grasp the devastation. Dr. John Charlie Veron became the first Coral Reef Scientist in 1972 and discovered a third of the world’s known species. “I've been diving the same spots on the reef for 40 years, and over time I go back, and I am sickened by some of the changes I see,” He tells David Attenborough passionately. “Sometimes I go back to the same spot, and I can barely recognise it, some species have been wiped out from the shallows already.” Although the reef may seem to many as a far away underwater wonderland, the reproductions of its demise will impact everyone.

3. Capitalist Greed

Besides a decent kangaroo, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the leading tourist attractions in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef Foundation estimates the value of the reef is at a whopping $56 billion, with a total direct use benefit to domestic tourists at $29 billion, and overall direct use benefit to recreational vision $3 billion. The reality is that the reef is a substantial economic force, attracting two million visitors each year. Marine expert and Professor at James Cook University, Joshua Cinner, says the reef is a huge source of income for the Australian Government. “Market pressures for Australian reef fish now come from overseas; port dredging and shipping across the reef are spurred on by fossil fuel exports to Asia, and a housing crisis in the United States can batter reef tourism half a world away.” For the hundreds of businesses that rely on the reef, there remains a capitalist mentality that ensures the economy takes precedence over the impact on the environment.

4. Our impact feels Insignificant

Not using one plastic straw isn't going to make a difference, said seven billion people. It’s pretty straightforward, our oceans control the weather, the climate, the air we breathe. Without a healthy ocean, we do not have a healthy planet. As we go about our mundane lives, we remember that 7.2 billion people share this planet and that the significance of our existence is limited to 400 friends on Facebook. While this is extremely depressing, what is worse is the possibility of losing the reef, so buy a reusable bag and get over it. “Often, I find that people neglect the responsibility because they feel overwhelmed by the situation,” says Isabelle. ”When you begin to research into the issues that the reef is facing, it can feel as though there is no way to fix them. This can be disheartening and put people into a short-term headspace where they say that it 'isn't my problem' or 'someone else will find a solution. This is a dangerous way of thinking as individually; we can make a difference by taking steps towards protecting the environment.”

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mikeyd1986 · 6 years ago

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MIKEY’S PERSONAL BLOG 135, December 2018

Last Saturday night, I attended the CinFull Fitness Christmas break-up held at The Main Cafe Bar Restaurant in Berwick. Considering that I had to work for 9 hours and quickly got myself changed after work (into an ugly Christmas sweater of course), I was amazed at how “awake” I was. The restaurant was a lot more fully booked than I expected and I could tell that the staff were flat off their feet. I easily found the table that Cinamon booked for us so I just decided to walk on over.

The sad reality is that I hardly ever go out socially so tonight I was making the most of it. Still, I was being sensible with my alcohol intake especially when I had to get up early for work the next day. Cinamon made up these cute little gift bags with a personalised name tag, each containing some bath bombs and choccies. It was a really sweet and thoughtful gesture. I decided to order the poached chicken with chips, which ironically was the first meal to arrive considering I got there a bit late.

Even though social situations will continue to be a challenge for me, I was doing my best simply tuning into the conversations happening around me. As I’ve stated before in previous blogs, it takes a while for me to be comfortable enough to open up about myself to people. I guess it’s a self-defensive mechanism of mine, being cautious about who I trust and trying my best not to get hurt. I’m certainly not a closed book either, simply just shy and reserved.

I could also tell that these girls (and guy) were all pretty relaxed around me. That actually puts me at ease because I know girls can have preconceived notions about men but the truth is that they have nothing to fear. I try to be the most easy going, friendly, caring, humble man because that’s my nature. We did have plenty of laughs and somehow I managed to stay for over 2 hours, which is a pretty big achievement for me.

I didn’t even need to rush over to the toilet once (for a mental regroup) so that shows my progress with being in social situations. I enjoyed my night and I’m really looking forward to smashing more fitness and confidence goals in 2019 with CinFull Fitness.

On Monday afternoon, I had an appointment with my occupational therapist Ambika from Everyday Independence. I was feeling a bit nervous and apprehensive today as I really didn’t know what I’d be in for. I did my best to create a calming, relaxed space in the dining room with my folder full of notes, a notepad, glass of water and radio playing softly in the background. At least I could say that I was physically prepared for this.

The appointment seemed to go pretty smoothly as Ambika gauged what I needed assistance with at home and together we put together a helpful weekly planner to add household chores to including cooking, cleaning, dusting vacuuming, sweeping, wiping certain rooms of the house. She also made it realistic and manageable, considering I don’t do many of these tasks currently, in order to build up motivation and confidence gradually.

She’s set me the task of preparing my own recipe for dinner including writing out a shopping list and buying all the ingredients. Sounds simple enough, it’s just the “doing” part now. Ambika also recommended a few apps I could use to help with moods, coping strategies for stress and anxiety as well as daily planning and checklists. These are Daylio - Diary, Journal and Mood Tracker, Headspace: Meditation and Mindfulness and Google Keep - Notes & Lists.

On Monday night, I attended my last Boxing class for the year with Cinamon Guerin at CinFull Fitness in Narre Warren South. It’s hard to believe that it’s been five months since I’ve joined this group and I can definitely see the improvements I’ve made with my confidence, focus, determination and drive. I’ve always been slow to warm up when it comes to learning boxing techniques and combos but it doesn’t take me long before I’ve “got it”. https://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-basics/how-to-box/the-beginners-guide-to-boxing

It was just a couple of us tonight (Sam, Sarah and myself) but I was content with that. I was actually worried that I wouldn’t get there on time with all the local peak-hour traffic making me run late but I made it. We did some EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) drills which involved 10 jabs, 20 uppercuts, 30 highs and 40 hooks plus 4 side to side straddles, 10 star jumps, a squat hold and 10 V-crunches. Plus some continuous walking combos which made us all laugh.

I’m hoping that in the new year, I’ll be able to come to classes more regularly and even stick around for a “double” one time. But right now I know my limits in terms of physical fitness. It’s something I need to continue to work on so that I don’t get as tired or fatigued as often. It’s about forming better habits and smashing through goals gradually. It doesn’t matter how many times I go off track, I’m going to keep bringing myself back.

On Tuesday morning, Mum and I attended the City of Casey - School Crossing Supervisor’s Christmas social function held at Zagame's Berwick Hotel. Switching the venue from last year’s event at the Lynbrook Hotel to here seemed like a good idea on paper considering how large the turnout was. Sadly, they still ran into a few problems such as using a “random bingo number” system to organise everyone’s meal orders. It was chaotic and messy to say the least especially with Sonya having to yell out the numbers instead of using a microphone. Going table by table would have been much more efficient but never mind.

We were lucky to sit in a comfy circular booth near the rear of the Sports Bar with Mum’s friend Val plus Kay and Ray. They put on a Morning Melodies performance for an hour, playing a mixture of Christmas songs (Hark Now Hear The Angels Sing, Blue Christmas, Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree) and a few classics including ABBA’s Dancing Queen and Honey Honey, You’re The One That I Want by John Travolta & Olivia Newton John and Sugar, Honey Honey by The Archies.

After the drama with the main meals was over, Dreena (the School Crossing Co-ordinator) announced a few years of service awards and drew out some door prizes. Mum was lucky enough to win one which I was very pleased about. As expected, I got asked the question of what I’ll be doing next year. I always find it really daunting and hard answering because I never really know myself. I’ve lived this year pretty much day to day.

It’s like people expect you to have your life mapped out for the next 5-10 years but in reality, I’m lucky to plan a month in advance. However, I am considering enroling in one of the free TAFE courses such as the Certificate IV in Mental Health as I have personal experience as well as a keen interest in that area. Plus I still have a burning passion for creative writing including blogs and music/movie reviews and also getting back into art again. So there you go. Hopefully that’s a satisfying enough answer for those wondering.

On Tuesday night, I went to the final Body Balance class for 2018 with Astrid held at YMCA Casey RACE in Cranbourne East. I was still feeling very tense through my upper back and shoulders after my boxing session last night so I figured some yoga and pilates stretches should help with that. We did the new release (number 83) which features tracks including Towards The Sun by Rhianna, Die Young by Sylvan Esso, There She Goes by Leon Bridges, I Need a Forest Fire by James Blake & Bon Iver. https://www.lesmills.com/workouts/fitness-classes/bodybalance/#facType=modal&filterType=0&classes=bb

Overall, this wasn’t a bad release. The balance tracks and Pilates were the most challenging parts for me but I did what I could given my limitations. Here is a breakdown of the exercises: Tai Chi Warm Up (Overhead arm circles, Flowing Water arms), Sun Salutations (Forward Fold, Low Lunge, Downward Facing Dog, Plank, Crocodile, Baby Cobra), Standing Strength (Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Joyful Warrior, Intense Pose), Balance (Half Moon pose, Falling Star pose), Pilates Core (Foot circles, V-crunches, Bicycle crunches, Bow pose), Twists and Seated Poses (Swan pose, Wide Legged Forward Fold with Side Stretches, Half Lord of the Fishes pose), Hamstrings (Butterfly pose, Happy Baby pose) and Relaxation. https://www.livestrong.com/article/39660-body-balance-class/

On Friday morning, I had my first appointment with a speech pathologist named Amon from Everyday Independence. Was it going to be like the opening scene from Everybody Loves Raymond? (THEY’RE COMING! Come and sing a song of joy!). Probably not. That’s just my anxiety trying hard to freak me out. New person alert. Oh shit! It’s something I need to seriously confront in order to gain more self confidence really. And the reality is that he’s here to help me. https://www.everydayind.com.au/our-therapies/speech-pathology/

Today’s assessment involved being asked a lot of scerario-based questions related to my communication skills and how I talk with people I know and people I’m not familiar with. It was pretty difficult and confronting at times especially the part on making conversation. This is an area where I have huge issues and a lot of sensitivity about ever since my childhood. Plus it’s really draining answering questions for 1.5 hours. https://www.everydayind.com.au/therapy/communications-skills/

Luckily, Amon was very friendly and easy going. It was just tough coming up with decent answers like how I respond in certain situations and trying to remember specific examples of times when this happened. When you’re in a brain fog or you simply can’t come up with anything, it’s embarrassing as. But Amon was quite patient during these awkward silences and didn’t push me too hard.

We also came up with a couple of goals to work towards over the next 12 months. This includes: Being more confident and using strategies to make conversation with others, especially people that I’m not familiar with. Developing friendships with people I feel comfortable with and be able to spend time socially with in the future. I rated my level of importance has high for both of these goals. Hopefully 2019 will be a more successful year for me in terms of achieving more self-confidence and better communication.

“The cold wind is blowin' and the streets are getting dark. I'm writin' you a letter and I don't know where to start. The bells will be ringin' Saint John the Divine. I get a little lonely every year around this time...I've got to know (Nobody ought to be all alone on Christmas). Where do the lonely hearts go (Nobody ought to be all alone on Christmas). Oh cause' nobody ought to be all alone on Christmas.” Darlene Love - All Alone On Christmas (1992)

“All around the world. Anticipation. 'Cause here it comes again (you see). No matter where you are. It could be near or far. But it still feels like Christmas time to me. I tell you what you already know. Forget and ready to let it go. The countdown has begun. Whether you're in the mmh. North, South, it's all the same. Let your troubles fade away. Get ready to love everyone.” Kylie Minogue & Dannii Minogue - 100 Degrees (2015)

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theinquisitivej · 7 years ago

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‘A Quiet Place’ – A Movie Review

The most telling thing about my experience with A Quiet Place is that it felt less like a horror and more like a tense thriller. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does point towards my larger issue with the film; I couldn’t get a sense of any deeper psychological or thematic substance to the film’s plot, presentation, or characters beyond what I could see on the surface. The film avoids stretching itself out any longer than what the premise will allow for, but I also found it a fraction too short for its own good. With just a couple more character beats or interactions between characters, the film might have clicked with me in a more meaningful way than it ultimately did.

That’s not to say that A Quiet Place falls short as a film about a family avoiding deadly creatures in a post-apocalyptic environment where the monsters’ hypersensitive hearing means the slightest noise or disturbance could spell death anywhere, at any time. The film makes good on this premise by instantly presenting a world which is hauntingly silent, and while there is a musical soundtrack to the film, it evokes a gentle ambience, and is used sparingly enough to ensure that the world always feels like it’s completely silent. This creates an ever-present tension by making you feel like you’re sharing the headspace of the characters, as you’re constantly wary of any potential source of life-threatening noise throughout the entire runtime. The tension is so palpable that the film casts an almost immediate spell over its audience, silencing any of the rustling snacks, murmurs, or obnoxious distractions which so often surface whenever you go to see a film in a public space. Any movie which can manage that is doing something remarkably impressive.

I also like the performances from the main family members. They all do well at conveying the dread this family feels about the danger which threatens to surface at a moment’s notice. When a noise goes off or they are confronted with one of the creatures, they also sell the fear these characters are feeling, especially as their performances are in tune with the editing, music, and cinematography during these sequences as the film builds up the tension of each scenario it presents. Emily Blunt makes the mother not only someone we emotionally connect with as this maternal figure who deeply cares for her children and is scared on their behalf yet shows a strong resolve to fight for them, but she also makes her character genuinely sweet and funny in certain scenes. It’s as if she knows her children so well that she can bring a smile to their face in such a natural way that it almost looks easy. However, it also shows how hard the mother is fighting to keep up her children’s spirits in this terrible situation, making her a sympathetic and somewhat inspiringly relatable character. John Krasinski is pulling double duty as not only the director, but also the actor playing the father. His character is both presented and played as another one of those The Last of Us-style bearded, sad-looking flawed father figures who is struggling with the burden of fighting to protect the family or young child placed in their care even as they’re racked with self-doubt. It’s a decent enough character archetype, and Krasinski plays him well enough, as I certainly felt invested in his character. Having said that, neither the characterisation nor the performance were all that distinctive from many of the other examples of the archetype I’ve seen in recent years, ultimately making the father a character who is competently-played, but leaves little impact.

Overall, I would say the kids were the more interesting half of the four main characters. While it’s easy to be dismissive of child characters in horror/thriller stories like this when they’re forced to be the reason things go wrong, and there are one or two moments where something along those lines happens, the two main children felt like developed characters instead of tools for pushing the narrative to the next set-piece on the list. Noah Jupe plays the son who is currently the youngest member of the family, and he presents a kind of vulnerability which I found human, understandable, and immensely sympathetic. He’s wracked with fear, being the family member who is most paranoid of noises which might attract the monsters, and often responds the worst when a noise happens, and the possibility of a monster attack arises. He seems to be dealing with a sense of helplessness and inadequacy, as if he already considers himself a liability without anyone even telling him so. He wants to be able to do more and help with day-to-day survival, as well as help some of the other family members to reconnect, but both problems seem too big for a kid like him to fix. His fears and anxieties are easy to understand, and I ended up really liking and appreciating this character. The highlight of the film, however, is the daughter. Through effective visual storytelling and audio-editing, you quickly pick up in the introduction on the fact that this character is deaf, which explains how every member of the family can communicate in American Sign-Language. The plot develops this and dedicates time towards a thread where the father has been repeatedly attempting to fix the daughter’s earpiece, while the daughter is frustrated with him for doing this over and over, as it never works, and she doesn’t want to keep getting her hopes up for something she feels will never be fixed. The performance from Millicent Simmonds, an actress who is indeed deaf herself in real-life, is remarkably impressive. Whether it’s the quiet moments where her character is by herself and she lets her frustration and emotions boil over, or in the scenes where she engages with the other family members and shows the range of her different relationships with each of them, the daughter was my favourite character, and Simmonds played her with terrific skill and a memorable sense of touching humanity.

While I did care for the family and I did come to learn about each of them and their relationships with one another, the film doesn’t have enough time to either make the most of its greatest strength as a touching family drama, or to establish any noteworthy alternative themes to the film. There was never a full scene dedicated to fleshing out or exploring the relationship between the mother and the daughter. Considering how the film manages to find the time to dedicate a scene to pretty much every other dynamic within the family, such as the two kids, the two parents, the daughter and father, and the father and son, but not to the mother and daughter, I’m left with this lingering impression that the film is missing one last vital piece which would connect everything together. Also, while the film is commendable for how much character development it crams into its relatively short runtime, I was left wanting just a little bit more by the end, hungry for a little more insight into what the father was thinking or feeling during all of this, or just one more conversation between the two children, especially as they were my two favourite characters. The drama of this family as they deal with this emotional situation is one of the best things the film has going for it, but even so it could have taken this strength just a little further.

Finally, and perhaps this is just a classic case of getting hung up on where the film could have gone versus assessing it for the film it actually is, but I felt there were several psychological possibilities the film could have tackled with its premise which it either didn’t approach, or, if it did, it was done only passingly. How would forcing yourself to stay absolutely silent day after day affect you? Would the silence become deafening to the point where it would drive you mad, and you’d be desperate to just let it go and scream, even if it meant your death? In the film’s defence, it does touch on this particular idea, and it does so in a haunting and memorable fashion. But these moments aren’t dwelled on or unpacked; they just happen, and then the film moves on. It seems more concerned with using the premise to create tense situations or physical dangers rather than examine the psychological or internal effects that this ongoing environment might have on a person. Still, I will stress that using the premise to focus on a deaf character and spend time exploring her perspective is a great decision on the film’s part. Also, as I said, the film does touch on these internal moments from time to time, so it may just be a case of certain scenes or visual moments hitting a little harder for some people than it does for others. For my part, I felt that there were plenty more interesting places the film could have gone to than what it showed us within its runtime, which is slightly disappointing.

A Quiet Place is a solid thriller with some engaging family drama and an atmosphere that is so palpably effective that I suspect it will end up being one of the year’s notable cinematic accomplishments. It earns the praise that many have heaped upon it, even if it isn’t quite the film I was personally hoping for. If it had been a touch more psychological, had a bit more time for some key emotional development, or if I felt the thematic statement of this film more keenly, than it would sit better with me. Even so, it is a memorable and atmospheric film which, despite some missed potential, impresses all the same.

6/10.

Tense, but also full of genuine humanity, you need to make sure you check out A Quiet Place at some point; you’ll likely end up loving it, but even if you’re like me and it doesn’t quite end up amazing you, it will still be a memorable and praiseworthy movie.

#The Inquisitive J #film #films #movies #review #film review #film critic #film criticism #movie review #movie critic #a quiet place #a quiet place review

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