#knocking Steven out with a potato was still a pretty messed up thing to do

[obsessedfluffbutt]

I want to talk a little bit about my take on Ronaldo Fryman.

Some notes to start: I don't like Ronaldo. At all. He's annoying and obnoxious and I totally understand where the hate he gets comes from.

Onto my thoughts: Ronaldo is a pretty typical, chronically online incel type guy. He's incredibly toxic most of the time and not particularly nice to anyone if it gets in the way of what he's doing.

Ronaldo is me when I was in school. I was heavily isolated from my peers, living in the middle of farming nowhere, always had to help with the family business, was rarely able to socialize outside of my family if I wasn't online, and was labeled as the "weirdo" in school.

Ronaldo is somewhat isolated outside of the internet, living in a small town, deemed the "weirdo" by his peers and only had close relationships online or with his family. So he deals with that isolation the same way I did, by deeming himself somehow "special" and diving head first into ghosts, and cryptids and conspiracy theories. Online communities for these things can be surprisingly supportive at times, especially if you live in a "haunted" area.

In my case the farm I lived on was well over 100 years old, and was the towns former post office before being converted into a farmhouse when the town basically died. The town itself boasted maybe 200 residents when I lived there, and I was considered "the weird one" out of all of them, with the exception of the lady down the road we weren't allowed to talk to cuz she was "a witch". I'm not even kidding.

All this comes together to mean that Ronaldo isn't some awful character with no redeeming qualities. He's just a total weirdo who needs to get out and experience real people and real relationships, and if he doesn't he'll be permanently stuck as an incel.

In my case, I got out. Met my future partner online, then met in person, we went out experienced all sorts of fun stuff together, and have now been together 9 years.

I see a lot of the old me, the me that sometimes I'd like to forget about and pretend never existed, in Ronaldo Fryman. Which is why I dislike him so much. However I've learned that I have to give myself some grace, I was an undiagnosed autistic child with anxiety and depression who thought I would never live passed the age of 18. I should give the character Ronaldo that same grace.

I grew up eventually, even if slower than those who had better support, and now I own my home, volunteer with a few animal rescue groups, and have had a steady job of my own.

This is why it makes me sad we never got to see any growth or development from Ronaldo in the show. He's permanently stuck in our minds as this chronically online incel jerk.

I'm glad Lars got the redemption arc and growth that he did, but it makes me sad that Ronaldo didn't. Because that makes me think that, if I ever were to run into old schoolmates they would all assume I'm still, in their words, "the crazy weirdo who'll marry a cardboard cutout of an anime character" instead of an individual who grew.

[themjinterviews-blog]

16. shake ya ass, watch ya self.

1.) applesauce or pudding?

Situational… If I’m eating ham or pork chops, I’d chose applesauce. If I want dessert I’d choose puddin'.

2.) what was your initial reaction when you first realized that your parents had to have had sex to have you?

My parents are asexual robots who found me in a dumpster and took me in as their own.

3.) if you could create ANY mix-up or mythical animal and have it be brought to life, what would it be?

I’d create a combination of Kanye West + a Hyppogriff from Harry Potter.

4.) what kind of bread do you prefer?

Potato bread, multi-grain, muffins of the English kind.

5.) describe a moment that is a prominent memory, but didn’t have a strong impact on your life.

How purple and wide the sky looks at dusk on a rural farm highway in northern North Dakota.

6.) what is the quote/lyric that you relate to most?

I have quotes for every occasion and situation in life. I’ll spare you the tedium.

7.) if there was one problem/issue you could wipe off the face of the earth, what would it be?

Childhood abuse. Kids should never have to be subjected to that shit, kids can’t psychologically fix themselves.

8.) do you think everyone in our lives serves a purpose, or are some people just there?

If we choose to find and see a purpose, yes. The truth of the matter is, kiddos, that shit happens randomly…for no actual reason…and it’s up to us and only us to connect the dots into whatever picture we want to see.

9.) Favorite knock-knock/cheesy joke?

This one is fun to do when walking around the neighborhood. Simply go up to the front door and yell: Knock....Knock… (Whose there?) County Sheriff's department! Open up we have a warrant!

10.) how do you feel about getting your picture taken?

If I can somehow manage to not look like a disheveled fuck when it’s taken.

11.) most embarrassing poster you’ve ever owned?

Wasn’t really a poster-child. Pun intended.

12.) what are the 3 worst movies of all time?

Just flip to whatever channel Hallmark or Lifetime is on your TV…I’m sure you'll find them without trouble.

13.) when was the last time you were in a public setting and a stranger annoyed you?

It’s usually an inevitable side effect of leaving the house. I get that they may not be in a hurry and I get that they can’t read my mind but I always find myself wishing I could yell “MOVE A LITTLE FUCKING FASTER OR AT LEAST SCOOT YOUR INDECISIVE ASS AND YOUR GIGANTIC, OVERPRICED BABY STROLLER OUT OF THE GODDAMN CENTER OF THE AISLE” without feeling like a dick.

14.) what is a quirk you find cute in a significant other?

Someone who also enjoys messing with people and being weird for no reason.

15.) if you could make a guest appearance in ANY show, which one would you choose?

Impractical Jokers, SVU, The Good Place, Future Man.

16.) who do you think is the most underrated comedian?

Not knowledgeable enough about comedians to have an opinion about this. Sry!

17.) based on your personality, what do you think your spirit animal is?

Squirrel. I used to have a pet rescued wild squirrel. We were pretty much twinsies.

18.) color combination that you hate?

Yellow and red. There is no valid excuse for dressing like Ronald McDonald, ever.

19.) what is your favorite childhood memory?

It’s a tie between Adirondack vacations and Grandma and Grandpa’s Poconos house.

20.) what cartoon character do you most resonate with?

Eliza Thornberry. Cause she drives around in a cool RV and wanders around talking to local wildlife. I dig it.

21.) what game do you never lose at?

I’m pretty good at Cards Against Humanity and Apples2Apples sorts of games. They’re like 98% human psychology & all about reading other people.

22.) what does your dream home look like?

I don’t know or care. Any house would be a dream house because I would make it so.

23.) Honestly, do you love your family, like them, dislike them, or hate them?

I love them.

24.) pettiest argument you’ve ever been in?

You don’t even want to know. Until you like spend 48 hours trying to argue reason with a psychotically delusional person you have no idea.

25.) what is your favorite day of the week?

There's no difference for me. I don’t have a typical weekday schedule.

26.) Do you feel offended by swear words?

No. “Swear words” are like more than half of my vocabulary.

27.) Stupidest dare you’ve ever done?

Didn’t really fuck around with truth or dare.

28.) Did your parents ever compare you to your siblings or cousins growing up? Did that affect the way things turned out?

I’m the oldest child, beeeeeyotch. I set the bar pretty low though…you’re WELCOME Christie and Steven.

29.) You get to be any person in the world for a whole week. Who do you choose?

Just stay me, thanks though.

30.) one food you hate that should be destroyed at all costs?

Cottage cheese. Why does it exist??

31.) What is your favorite past time for each of the four seasons?

My hobbies don’t fluctuate much.

32.) what is something that will always make you laugh?

Impractical Jokers & Ridiculousness.

33.) what does your pet look like?

He's a “cockeranian” aka mix between a Pomeranian and a Cocker Spaniel aka cute as fuck.

34.) describe your favorite outfit.

My paint splatter jeans, long tunic, plain tee & boots.

35.) at what age did you learn to drive?

18?

36.) What is something that you own which you know you probably shouldn’t?

I have a machete. No idea how to use it.

37.) last thing you made with your own 2 hands?

Rice with teriyaki sauce.

38.) Favorite time of day?

Dusk… or like, early evening. Especially in the summer.

39.) Do you believe in ghosts, spirits, or any kind of afterlife?

Honestly, I wish I could say that I did. I feel like it’s closed-minded *not* to believe, but my brain is insanely skeptical and logical and refuses to be sold on the idea of it.

40.) if you had been voted for a ‘superlative’ in your last yearbook (class clown, laziest, most likely to become president, etc) what would you have been voted?

Most Likely to Live like a Gypsy?

41.) do you still own a landline phone?

Nope!

42.) scariest storm you’ve ever had in your town?

There was a really bad snow storm my family and I got stuck in on the way back from one of my jobs. The fire department had to rescue us

43.)skill you wish you had?

I wish I could sing better…I’m too inhibited and self-conscious about it.

44.) what is something you wish you could talk more about, but don’t for fear of what other people would say?

What is this constant obsession with others opinions about us? Most of the time, they’re vocalizing their opinion for self-interested reasons (ie: to appear concerned or to be up on the latest gossip). Their opinions are not concrete, universal, permanent or even accurately true.

[getseriouser]

20 THOUGHTS: Giants Pickett-apart

DID it easy. 

A Qualifying Final against the softest draw recipient in memory, into a Preliminary Final with a completely false minor premier, finishing with a Grand Final facing, well, you saw how competitive Saturday was.

All without Alex Rance, like it didn’t matter in the end.

Great side though, clearly the best team in this three-year period and two flags’ reward is nothing short of what they deserve.

So season 2019 done and dusted, Grand Final in the books, and now we trade.

 1.       Firstly, some self-appeasement. Before you promote others you must be able to promote yourself. It was the night of August 13th, and we quote “Nat Fyfe, if you can get anything over $3 for the Brownlow, just remortgage the house, don’t be subtle”. Not only have we seen many readers cash in, but all the home loan re-financing in doing so has re-stimulated the economy. Brilliant.

2.       174 votes from 173 games now, that’s just insane. Two medals, and then the one he lost to Matt Priddis by a vote even though he lost a week through suspension. In a market that asks “does he win another Brownlow?” I’d happily flutter on ‘Yes’.

3.       Anyway, back to the gratuitous love bites in the mirror section of the column, many said the Giants might make this close, some even picked them. Utter trash. Last week we led with the Tigers by 5 goals plus, and the only reason we didn’t go higher was just to be nice. So for anyone who turned Fyfe winnings into Tigers 39+, well done; this isn’t just a shit hot read each week but looks after your hip pocket as well.

4.       And lastly in this real look at me section of the column, Marlion Pickett. We declared right back the mid-season draft he was a gun, a steal of a selection and would be in the Tigers’ best 22 by year’s end. Nailed that call right out of the screws, that’s four all day, out through extra cover, don’t bother running.

5.       And what a game he played whilst we’re on him, looked assured, looked like he deserved to be out there on such a stage, in such a team. In fact I know the backstory might over-elevate how one could have seen his game, but in that second term I thought he was influential as any, especially getting the ball inside 50 (led all Richmond players on the day pretty sure). I know Martin has a sexy stat line, but for making a real difference, it was Pickett who could have snared the Norm Smith easily for mine.

6.       I get the Martin BOG pick, and what a resume that is now, but the influence Pickett had in getting the ball inside 50, plus Riewoldt who hit the scoreboard just as much as Dusty, I don’t think it was as clear cut. Houli too has now had two great Grand Finals and been pipped for the Norm twice. Shouldn’t go unheralded that.

7.       Mind you, what if Jason Castagna kicks straight, is it his Norm? Seriously influential in the second, very, very noticeable indeed.

8.       Tigers were 9th at the end of Round 14. Without Rance a show of coming back. That’s just a super effort.

9.       And then the Giants, are they the second best team of the year? Probably not. West Coast? Ended up fifth and barely made it out of the second week? Collingwood? On paper, probably, but you don’t feel great about it. Sure, might have been the best opposition for Richmond on the day but it was always going to be a Tigers flag this year post bye, no-one else was going to defeat them Saturday more to the point

10.   And also on GWS, even with all those really poo years when they came into the comp fronting up with teams fresh out of the creche, that was the Giant’s lowest ever score. Incredible.

11.   Justin Longmuir gets the Freo job, yeah mad. I got nothing on that. Scotty Burns looks favourite for the Crows too. Excellent. Top notch. I too have nothing on that.

12.   Bold 2020 prediction, one that doesn’t involve the Tigers coz that’s just too easy? Carlton Collingwood Grand Final. We’re seeing a pattern of teams launching from the bottom six of the table, Richmond, Collingwood, then Brisbane this year – a very talented Carlton with a good trade period could be that next iteration. And we also tend to see a revengeful prelim final loser make amends the year after, could that be the Pies next year, to then set up an almighty Grand Final for the ages? Get around it.

13.   Trades. Now stay woke. We now have beyond saturated press on this stuff now, and most of it will be as relevant as the nutritional information on a maccas cheeseburger.

Firstly. Herald Sun reported “Essendon says Joe Daniher will be a Bomber next year”. The only quote they used from Essendon was “the facts are he’s contracted for next year”. That headline and that quote are by no means joined at the hip. Not even close. And secondly, today, "The Swan to set to push Reid out of Pies", when Ben Reid has actually re-signed for 2020, and the ‘Swan’ in question is the untried Darcy Cameron, never played a game, not the reincarnation of Barry Round. So please, don’t say you haven’t been warned.

14.   That all said, lets see. Seems like Carlton ends up with Jack Martin, Eddie Betts, then one of Dan Butler or Tom Papley. I know it might not seem like much, but with a fit Sam Docherty returning, geez, bet against Carlton making the eight next year at your peril. I know, its Carlton, but you can’t say they’re not due.

15.   Tim Kelly, wants to go to West Coast, can they make it happen, probably not? Freo definitely can, so with the Cat this year actually out of contract, he might be destined for the draft if he doesn’t go Dockers. Could end up in purple after all.

16.   Sam Powell-Pepper and Orazio Fantasia, that ends up being some sort of swap deal for sure.

17.   After all that jazz, I reckon Joe Daniher stays. Story got ahead of everyone I reckon.

18.   Gold Coast, geez, how about that for a rescue package. And it is just that, a rescue. Top of the draft priority pick this year, middle first next year, end of first the year after. Plus they get Darwin as their zone and, when it comes to academy players, they can get them without clubs making bids for them. Massive package. Ludicrous. Here’s why, bear with, I’ll keep this as short as possible:

Last year, lost Tom Lynch, but got pick 3 for it in compo, got Izak Rankine, who I think is the most talented kid of last year’s lot. They also lost Steven May to Melbourne but got pack pick 6, Ben King. So yes, seeing their ex-skipper win a flag 12 months on stings but they’re not the first to see that happen, and they’ve already been really well compensated. We move on.

2017, lost Adam Saad for a second rounder, yeah sure, too lost Ablett back to Geelong after getting him for nothing in the first place, he did give that club a Brownlow. They also had pick 2 that year but spent it on getting Lachie Weller from Freo. Exactly! Their first pick was pick 19, Will Powell, yet Tim Kelly went five picks later.

Lastly, 2016, lost Dion Prestia but got pick 7 back, lost Jaeger O’Meara but got back 10. Went to the draft with 4, 7, 9 and 10, drafted Ainsworth, Scrimshaw (left last year for Hawthorn for squat all), Brodie and Bowes. Potatoes the lot of them. Meanwhile, Richmond got Shai Bolton at 29 and Jack Graham at 53.

Futhermore, in those same three trade periods, the Giants lost Jack Steele, Cam McCarthy, Paul Ahern, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Pickett, Devon Smith, Nathan Wilson, Matthew Kennedy, Will Setterfield, Tom Scully, Dylon Shiel and Rory Lobb. The only player of note they’ve gotten back for losing so many has been Tim Taranto.

And just made a Grand Final.

So there’s three things here, one, its not a Suns issue, the Giants have lost heaps too and been just fine, sure, no-one of Tom Lynch’s quality, but it stacks up. Two, they don’t need more picks or access to picks, look at their track record, it hasn’t mattered any which way. And three, yes losing Lynch stings, but they’ve already been well compensated for that, its not as if they’re not getting back to the pointy end of the draft to restock.

Summing up, the Suns just need to stop making mistakes, or move. Whether they get picks, or go for Shaun Burgoyne, whether they get pick 1 or pick 50, whatever actions they take and decisions they make, they need to be good ones. Remember when retention wasn’t a Gold Coast issue but a Queensland footy issue, funny how that disappeared so quick it kinda makes you question how real a problem it was for Brisbane in the first place? Either Chris Fagan and Luke Hodge are in essence God and Jesus respectively, or it’s a non-issue. And then the Suns package today becomes a joke.

Either the Suns get out of this mess organically and its been a waste of time and way too much hot air, or guess what, they’re still desperately shit in three years post-package and Tassie is knocking on Gil’s door asking how much more than can do.

Anyway, where were we…

 19.   Footy Show Grand Final on Wednesday rated as well in Melbourne as the Front Bar did the following night. Interesting. Watch Nine commit to something for next year, not sure what, maybe it’s the Sunday Footy Show boys or something else, but a prime time offering from Nine next year got rubber stamped essentially off those numbers. Will it work? Let’s wait and see.

20.   And for anyone who thinks rules have ruined AFL, that score review or any adjustments to the laws have made it too hard to stick with after all these years – you’ve got nothing on the Rugby World Cup. The great game of Rugby, that’s always being very hard to referee anyway with all the tackles and rucks, has become impossible and any true-blue Aussie watching the Wales game Sunday, would make any nay-sayer AFL sceptic send Steve Hocking a Christmas Card. There’s always someone worse off, I assure you.