#mousie reviews

[mousieta]

Dramas Recap - 2024

It’s the beginning of a new year and I have definitely been in a multi-year drama slump so I figured I’d do a little dramas state-of-the-union. I don’t know that I’m really up for full reviews of things I’ve watched over the last couple years but I can share a few thoughts on what I’ve seen and what I am currently watching with a list of things I intend to watch and why.

Completed Dramas

Happy Ending Romance (2022, Korea) - Continue to be mostly unfulfilled by KBL. Watched for Leo, he was great but otherwise disappointed by weak/ nonsensical writing. 1.5/10

Moonlight Chicken (2023, Thailand) - P’Aof, however, continues to not disappoint. Poignant and meaningful, only hampered by the fact I could not believe Earth was a man in his 30s/40s despite how hard he tried. 8.5/10

Semantic Error (2022, Korea) - Cute. Deserving of the hype. I am just bored that so many queer stories focus only on college/high school. 8/10

Curtain Call (2022, Korea) - Sad I disliked this one because I do so adore both Ha Ji Won and Kang Ha Neul but I really hate lying For Reasons storylines especially when they drag out tortuously to meet an episode count. 6.5/10

Taxi Driver (2021, Korea) - Really enjoyed the found family cast, disliked that it felt the creative team didn’t trust their audience so felt talked down to a lot. Minor plot holes/ inconsistencies in writing undermined what could have been a truly stellar show. Maybe I’ll get around to watching season 2. 7.5/10

The New Employee (2022, Korea) - Cute. Forgettable - in that I don’t remember anything about it now a year out. 8/10

Only Friends (2023, Thailand) - A mess of a show rendered annoying by the truly bottom tier of discourse it generated. Worth it for FirstKhao, though, despite weak and frustrating writing. 7/10

The Eighth Sense (2023, Korea) - Ok I suspend my feelings on KBLs for this show because it was actually fantastic (minorly annoying plot points notwithstanding). I found this swoony and moving. 9/10

My Sweet Mobster (2024, Korea)- One of the few standouts of the last couple years. It felt like a throwback to an early 2010s drama in a good way. Familiar and comforting but with a lovable cast and standout leads. 8/10

Love in the Big City (2024, Korea) - One of the shows where I feel the distinction between BL and Queer Media may be pedantic but relevant. Amazing and moving show full of things I crave: powerful and memorable characters with solid writing. Heartily recommend. 9/10

Good Manager (2017, Korea) - Again a bit of a throwback feel hampered a bit, imo, by uneven writing for the male lead that always fell just shy of truly good to land with me. A bit of tsundere bromance in our male leads made up for it, though. 8.5/10

Lovely Runner (2024, Korea) - Again a fantastic throwback of a show with vibes of School 2015. Loved the twists and turns of time travel and the supporting cast. The chemistry of the leads was solid. A standout in a few otherwise lackluster years. 9/10

Rewatches

Cruel City (2013, Korea) - Still, in my opinion, one of the best KDramas, hands down. A little silly with the plot convolutions but Jung Kyung Ho’s portrayal of Doctor’s Son remains raw and haunting. His dysfunctional crime family still live vibrant in my heart. 10/10

My Father is Strange (2017, Korea) - A perennial comfort watch that remains one of the best crafted shows I’ve seen with one of the best redemptions stories in all of media - and I don’t say that lightly. Full of lovable characters that basically give me 4 romcoms in one. 10/10

Completed Movies

Hidden Blade (2023, China) - Tony Leuhng and Wang Yibo? Yes, absolutely. Never rose above the sum of its parts but was riveting none-the-less 9/10

Method (2017, Korea) - The toxic old man yaoi that keeps the constitution strong. 8/10

Marry My Dead Body (2022, Taiwan) - Absolutely fantastic, excellent time had by all, with good rewatch value. The queer buddy cop comedy we all deserve. 8/10

Dropped

Reborn Rich (2022, Korea) - Just got bored and I’ve never been enough of a Song Joong Ki fangirl for him to carry a show for me.

War of Y (2022, Thailand) - Def. Understand why this is an important show for BL lovers, just struggled connecting with any of the characters enough to care about watching more.

Kokdu: Season of Deity (2023, Korea) - Really wanted to like this one because I enjoy Kim Jung Hyun and wanted him to be good coming back from his ‘scandal’. It just felt like the Wish version of better shows like Goblin or My Love from the Star.

Ameiro Paradox (2022, Japan) - Just kept forgetting to watch more episodes then gave up. Obviously just wasn’t compelled enough.

Cherry Magic (2023, Thailand) - Might have kept up with this if its production company hadn’t gone all fucky with international access. Not sure if its available now, didn’t care enough about the little I did see to bother checking.

4Minutes (2024, Thailand) - This is all down to weak writing. I found myself yelling in annoyance at the screen more than enjoying anything about it. It’s ok, Bible, I still love you.

Century of Love (2024, Thailand) - Somehow the writer just didn’t know how to make enjoyable characters despite having all the right archetypes. Found one of the male leads so one note and flat I couldn’t keep watching.

Ok now on to the things I am looking forward to watching:

Stranger Season 2 (2020, Korea) - (for itself but also because they gave Prosecutor Seo, my favorite terrible cockroach, his own show)

Adventure Behind the Bronze Door (2024, China) - My life has been distinctly lackluster since I’ve had a DMBJ vehicle in my life

A Shop for Killers (2024, Korea) - Will not lie, this is 100% because Primary did the soundtrack and I love it.

Bad and Crazy (2021, Korea) - Absolutely for Lee Dong Wook and N

Guardians of the Dafeng (2024, China) - Dylan Wang. Enough said.

Fangs of Fortune (2024, China) - I have Heard Things

Immortality - [uncontrollable sobbing]

[lovelyllamasblog]

Puddle

For @loojii and her OC Saskia. Crossposted on AO3.

Floyd hated supply runs. They were so boring and pointless. Not if you were Azul of course.

“But why do I have to go??” Floyd whined. “Get one of the anemones to do it!”

“Because, Floyd,” Azul sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, pushing up his glasses in the process. “All of the available contractors are busy helping in the Lounge. Some have called out sick or are studying for tests. And yes, I checked Floyd. Don’t pout at me!”

Floyd puffed out his cheeks in annoyance. “Why can’t Jade do it? Or get Shrimpy to do it.”

Jade chuckled, clearly enjoying this little scene in front of him. “Because I am helping Azul with the books. And we did ask Yuu, but they were busy helping Heartslabyul with preparing for an upcoming Unbirthday Party. Apparently Riddle has invited a little friend, or so I’ve heard.”

Floyd continued to pout. Jade smiled and continued, “Or I could do the supply run and you could help Azul with the books.” He offered with a smile.

Floyd’s face immediately twisted into one of disgust. “No way.”

“Then you can do the supply run,” Azul said. “Since you are currently not busy at the moment.” Azul gestured to the pile of papers on his desk with his hand. Jade held out the shopping list to him with a smile.

Floyd scowled before ripping the list out his brother’s hand and stomping out of Azul’s office. The other two watched him leave before turning back to the desk.

“Do you think he’ll get everything on the list?” Jade asked with a smile.

Azul sighed. “Who knows? He’s one of his moods after all. Now, hand me the quarterly statement for the lounge. I want to finish that before we continue reviewing the dorm’s budget. I would like to finish it before the next meeting.”

Jade smiled. “Of course.” And began shifting through the paperwork.

Floyd continued to scowl as he made his way into town.

Stupid Jade. Stupid Azul. Stupid anemones. Stupid Shrimpy. Stupid supply run.

He angrily kicked a nearby trashcan before stopping in front of a store and glaring at the sign.

Sage Island Grocer. Family owned since 1800.

Floyd scowled up at the sign. Stupid grocery store. He pushed the glass doors open with a ding coming from the little bell at the top of it. The inside of the store wasn’t too different from any grocery store. The dim lights overhead hummed softly while cheesy music played. Aisles of food and other products lined up in perfect rows filled with customers shopping and staff restocking shelves from one end to the other.

Floyd grabbed a cart and began to walk down the aisles, throwing whatever he could get his hands on into it. He got a few odd looks from other shoppers and a few staff, but the scowl on his face stopped anyone from approaching him.

Finally, he was satisfied with what he had collected and moved to the front of the store. He got into one of the lines and began fiddling with his phone while he waited. He heard the person in front of him exchanging pleasantries with the cashier and the beep of the scanner. After a while, the cashier pushed a few buttons on the register and told the customer the amount. The customer paid, put the bags in their cart, and began rolling away.

“Thank you. Have a nice day,” the cashier said. “Next please.”

Floyd pushed his cart forward and began putting stuff on the conveyor belt. The cashier grabbed the first item and scanned it. Floyd stood there while they, she he noticed, continued scanning. He looked at her name tag. 

‘Saskia’

“That’s an interesting name,” he commented. The cashier looked up at him, her face largely unchanged.

“Thank you,” she said. “It was my great-grandmother’s.” And went back to scanning his items.

Floyd studied her. Her face was rather plain, with pale skin, mousy brown hair tied back into a low ponytail and matching eyes. She wore the standard store uniform, a white polo with blue strips, black pants and shoes, and a green apron with the store logo on it.

“Your total $257.25, sir,” she said after a while. Floyd snapped out the trance he was in and dug around in his pocket before pulling out a Monstro Lounge card and handing it to her.

“Could you send the bill here, or whatever?” he asked.

She gently took it out of his hand and looked at it. “One moment please.” And picked up a nearby phone, punched in a few numbers, and waited quietly for someone to pick up. “Yes, it’s Saskia at register seven. I have a card here for the Monstro Lounge.” A few beats of silence. “Alright. Thank you.” And hung up.

“My manager will take care of that,” she said. “Is there anything else I can help you with today sir?”

Floyd looked at her for a minute before smiling. “I think I’m gonna call you Puddle.”

She blinked up at him a few times before turning back to the register. She punched a few buttons and handed him a copy of the receipt.

“Have a nice day sir,” she said. 

Floyd couldn’t help but smile back. “You too Puddle.” He then took the cart and headed out of the store, feeling much better than when he had come in.

Saskia, or Puddle, watched him leave before turning back to the next customer. “Next please.”

“Floyd is acting strange,” Azul said. Jade looked up from the paper he was writing on and looked up at Azul.

Back at Night Raven College, Azul reamed Floyd for getting unnecessary items and wasting the Lounge’s budget.

“Whatever do you mean?” he asked

Azul scoffed. “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed? Floyd is offering to do supply runs. Offering! Have you ever heard of him offering to do something?”

Jade looked thoughtful for a moment. “Now that you mention it, I don’t think I ever had. How odd, even for him.”

Azul stood up and slapped his desk. “Exactly! It could only mean that Floyd is slacking off or-”

“Or something has gotten his attention,” Jade finished for him. Azul nodded. 

The two looked at each before the taller one stood up. “Do you want to investigate?” Jade asked.

“Of course! I need to figure out why Floyd is wasting the Lounge’s budget on unnecessary items! He bought a scented candle last time! A scented candle! And the scent wasn’t even pleasant!”

Jade chuckled. “Maybe to you, but one of the dorm members liked it well enough.”

Azul scoffed. “I will never understand why humans are so obsessed with everything smelling good.”

Jade just chuckled. “Well then, shall we?” he asked, opening the office door. Azul straightened his tie and walked out.

“Yes, we shall.”

Azul and Jade found Floyd in the twin’s dorm room, fiddling around on his phone. He looked up at them when the door opened.

“Oh hey there. What’s up?”

“What’s up?” Azul asked. “What’s up? What’s up is that you are going on supply runs and getting unnecessary items! Therefore wasting the Lounge’s budget!”

Floyd blinked up at him. “So?”

Azul looked like he was about to have an aneurysm when Jade stepped in.

“Floyd, I’m sure you know how seriously Azul takes the Lounge. We just don’t have to cut back on anyone’s pay check or stop plans for the Lounge due to bad spending.”

Floyd looked at his brother and Azul for a minute before getting off his bed. “Ok, you two can come with me.”

Azul blinked. “Where?” He asked cautiously. Floyd just smiled.

“Isn’t this the local grocery store?” Jade asked when they arrived at their destination.

“On a supply run of course.” Azul and Jade exchanged glances before nodding, following Floyd out of the room.

Floyd continued to smile. “Yep.”

Azul adjusted his glasses. “I sincerely hope you are being serious right now.”

Floyd looked offended. “Of course I am. When am I not?” Azul and Jade just exchanged more looks and turned back to Floyd.

“Well then Floyd,” Jade gestured to the store. “Lead the way.”

They didn’t go very far, as Floyd immediately beelined for one of the registers.

“Heeey Puddle~ Did you miss me?” 

Azul looked scandalized. “P-puddle?” he asked.

The girl, Puddle, looked up at him. “Welcome back sir.” Her face was largely unreadable and her voice was monotone.

“Hey Puddle, this is my brother I was telling you about. And Azul.” he said, gesturing to the two of them.

Puddle looked at them and nodded. “I’m Saskia.”

Jade looked between the two and smiled. “Ah, this makes sense.”

Azul looked at him. “Explain.” Jade just chuckled.

“It’s simple. Floyd is drawn to extremes, yes? If someone’s lively, he wants to drag them down. If they’re strong, he wants to break them. But when someone is completely neutral, like Miss Saskia, he finds it endlessly fascinating.”

Azul looked shocked for a moment before speaking. “You mean to tell me… he’s obsessed with her because she’s boring?!”

Jade smirked. “Maybe to you and others, but to Floyd, she is an endless source of entertainment. Someone who is none of the things I mentioned before and is just simply living day to day is interesting to him.”

Azul turned back to where Floyd was with Saskia. Floyd seemed to be carrying a one way conversation with her as she continued with her job, scanning items and bagging them, nodding along with whatever he was saying. The customer she was with seemed uneasy but didn’t say anything.

Azul just shook his head and straightened his tie. “Well, we’re here. May as well thank the store owner for being a loyal partner to the Monstro Lounge these last two years.” He turned to the closest employee and handed them his business card.

“Of course,” Jade said, and followed Azul and the employee to the back of the store, leaving Floyd and Saskia behind. If Floyd ever noticed, he didn’t say.

“Bye Puddle~ I’ll be back soon!” he called as Jade dragged him out when they were done.

Saskia didn’t say anything, but did wave as they left.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

All In 3

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, power imbalance, low self esteem, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: you meet a mysterious man on a night out with your sister. (petite!reader)

based on the winning option for this poll

Characters: casino owner!Bucky Barnes

Note: double chapters when I know I shouldn't.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

“We got a suite available, Amalia?” The man, the owner of this casino, Bucky, asks as he approaches the glass counter of the hotel lobby. You barely keep up as your surroundings smear and your head spins. Everything’s happening so fast. 

“Mr. Barnes,” the woman on the other side greets as she nears the slim monitor, “I think we should.” She glances at him, then your sister as she blathers drunkenly in his arms, “having a good night?” 

“Oh, just some friends in the city for a night,” he lies easily, “she got a bit carried away so we’ll let her sleep it off.” 

You chew your lip as you stand just behind him. Your stomach lurches as your eyes wander around the fine decor. It’s all out of your price range. Again, your brain is a beat behind.  

“Doll, would you get that?” He asks as the desk agent holds out a small folder. 

“Oh, yeah, er,” you rush up to take the room keys, “sorry.” 

“No problem, just got my hands full,” he scoffs, “Amalia, have a good night. Hopefully you don’t get anyone too rowdy.” 

“Thank you, sir, you too,” she preens after him as he heads off across the lobby. 

Once more you’re on his heels as he struts toward the elevators. You catch up to him and force the frog from your throat, “uh, sir, Bucky?” You stammer, “I don’t think... I can afford--” 

“Doll, don’t worry about all that. It's on the house,” he stops before the elevator and stares at the golden doors, “I’m not some sort of grifter. I offered, I’m not gonna squeeze ya. What’s the room number?” 

“Er, oh,” you open the little folder, “720.” 

“Right, hit the button,” he nods before him. 

“Sorry,” you cringe again. You’re so behind. It must be so obvious to him how lost you are. Maybe that’s why he noticed you. He feels bad that someone so pathetic could exist. 

You press the up button and the doors open. He nods you ahead of him and you step into the box. The walls are transparent and you can see outside along the river. He gets in and comes to stand parallel with you as you avoid looking through the glass. 

“Seven,” he says. 

You make another mousy noise and tap the button. You recoil, clutching your hands over your chest, and stare at the doors. As the elevator rises, you feel a wave of head rush, and you sway just a little. You gulp and widen your eyes. 

“Not a fan of heights?” He asks as the box stops sharply and the doors ding and open. 

“Not really,” you mutter. 

He waits for you to exit first and you eagerly do. He follows as you look back and forth between the doors, searching out the number to match the folder. 720, right at the end. You fumble and it takes three tries to swipe the card correctly.  

Finally, the door opens and you push it inward, holding it as you flatten yourself to the wall to let him through. He enters without hesitation. For a moment, you wonder what it must be like to be so sure and so comfortable in a place like this. To have this be your normal.

You let go of the door and trail him further inside. The room is huge. Not just one room, but two. The front room is closed off by a pair of doors, painted white with fine spirals etched into the wood. You flit ahead of Bucky to slide them open and reveal the bedroom. He takes your sister to the bed and lays her down as she lets out a bubbly belch. 

“Sorry,” you apologise on her behalf as you hover in the door. 

“She’s her own person,” he stands back, “you need anything, call down to the desk. They’ll be happy to get you whatever. Oh, and, should probably have some water ready for the morning. She’s gonna be feeling this.” 

“Right,” you push your lip out then quickly fix your face, “thank you. I...” 

“Checkouts at eleven but I’ll tell Amalia to mark you down for a late departure,” he comes towards you slowly. 

“Oh, we won’t stay that long,” you assure him and scrape your palms together. 

“Ah, you got somewhere to be? Work? Gonna be a long day after tonight.” 

“No, I... I don’t...” your eyes drift to the wall. Again, you can’t help but admire the ivory paint and the crystal lamp and tall posts of the bed. “I don’t... have a job.” 

“Mm, tough out there,” he says, “just gotta find the right thing, huh?” 

You want to fold into nothing. This man, a millionaire at least, who owns this whole place, is telling you you’ll find something one day. Just like your mom does when you melt down over another rejection. Ugh. 

“Thanks, yeah,” you take a heavy breath. 

“You’re tired,” he surprises you as he caresses your sleeve, “I’m not gonna keep you up. You get some sleep, alright?” 

You nod and reach to scratch your neck, shifting away from his reach. He’s so much bigger than you that for a moment your stomach is crawling, as the thought occurs of how much control he really has. Not just because of who he is. 

“Good night, doll,” he purrs and brushes by you. 

You stay as you are, staring at your sister, muttering to herself. Why does she have to do this? You could be sleeping in your own bed but instead you’re here, burning in shame and pity. You turn as you hear him near the door. 

“Night,” you offer up. 

He stops and turns back, sending you a wink, “there’s a hot tub in here so... might enjoy the room at least.” 

You force a smile though your stress likely makes it more a grimace. He spins and leaves you, the door shutting with a click and releasing you to your self-reproach. You drop your head in your hands and huff. You are leaving the minute your sister wakes up. You never want to see that man again. You just pray he forgets you just as quickly as you want to forget this whole night. 

🃏

You hardly sleep. Your sister’s drunken snoring keeps you from relaxing for more than twenty minutes at a time, not to mention how unsettled you are. You hate sleeping in new places but moreso you hate that even on a night out, after all the assurance that you could just enjoy yourself, that you are once more a burden for someone else. 

You get up just after six. You rub your forehead as you go out into the front room and look over the amenities. There’s a fancy coffee maker with pods and a mini fridge with a glass door. You take out a bottle of water to leave by the bed for Roxie then return to figure out the coffee. You don’t often have any but your head is pounding. 

You sit down and sneer at the bitterness. Did you make it right? You never liked the taste so you can’t tell. You finish the cup if only for the soothing warmth. 

At seven, you get up to check on Roxie again. She’s still out like a light. Come on! You want to go. 

You rinse the mug in the sink as best you can and return it to the shelf. There’s a knock on the door. You flinch and reluctantly tread down to the hall. You peep through the hole as you fix your clothing. You push down the handle slowly to greet the woman with the cart. 

The golden embroidery on her white blouse marks her as an employee and she beams a smile in your direction. It’s too early for that amount of cheer. She has her hands on the cart, angling it towards the door. 

“Morning, miss, breakfast, complements of Mr. Barnes,” she declares, “where can I put it?” 

“Um,” you back up slowly, “inside... uh, by the table, I guess.” 

She rolls the cart in and asks if you need anything else before she leaves. You shake your head. There’s more than enough there for you and Roxie. If she can even stomach any of it. You’ve seen the way she is after her nights out. 

You sit and stare at the buffet of food before you. Fresh fruit, waffles, pancakes, french toast, bacon, eggs... everything and more. Just another favour to feel bad for. 

As you look over it all, you notice a note, nestled between the glasses beside the pitcher of orange juice. You take it. That must be the bill. You unfold it and read the slanted capitals hand-written across the casino-branded page. 

‘Good Morning, Doll,  

Enjoy breakfast on me. 

B. Barnes’ 

Under his name, is a sharp zigzag of the same black ink, a post script below. 

‘PS. If you’re still looking for a job, call me.’ 

You nearly drop the paper. What? You stare at the digits of his phone number and slowly lower your hand to your lap. This can’t be real. Could you really work at a casino? Would you be a dealer? Or maybe you’d be more suited to a cleaner, somewhere you can be out of the way. 

A long groan interrupts your inner turmoil. You fold the paper and tuck it away. It’s something. You’ll have to just figure out later what. 

“Coffee,” Roxie grumbles as she appears in the doorframe, gripping her skull. 

“Oh, uh, sure,” you get up and go to the machine. You grab a random pod and shove it into the top. 

“Where... how’d we get here?” She sits heavily and reaches for a piece of bacon. 

“Um, you... you were really drunk so...” 

“How the hell did you get us a room? Wait. Did we win? Blackjack?” She bites into the greasy strip and moans. “Or... I didn’t sleep with that guy, did I?” 

“Erm,” you frown, thinking for a moment before you realise she must mean that Sam guy. “No...” 

You don’t explain. You don’t know how. Oh yeah, you were such a disaster that the owner noticed and didn’t kick us out. Actually, he let us stay in an overpriced suite because... you don’t know. 

“He must be loaded if he’s handing out hotel rooms,” she scoffs as she continues on in her assumption. You don’t correct her. It doesn’t matter. “Coffee,” she snaps her fingers as the grind quiets. 

You bring her the mug and she adds too many packets of sugar before she tastes it. You hide the paper in your cardigan pocket and search for your purse. You fish your watch out of it and put it around your wrist checking the time. 

“We should head out before nine,” you say. 

“Why?” She scoffs. “Ugh, what’s the bath like in this place? I could use a soak.” 

“Mom’s going to be worried.” 

“Nah, she knows I’ll get you back,” she waves you off and stands.  

She walks slowly, rubbing her temples as she sips from the cup, and examines the hotel room. She dips into the bathroom and the light flicks on. You hear her turning the faucet and shifting things around.  

You play with the zipper of your purse. You reach inside and pull out your phone. You get up to grab the key folder and enter the wifi code into your outdated model. It takes far too long to connect. You type into the search of your browser, ‘Bucky Barnes’. 

Almost at once, an image of the very man who carried Roxie into this room appears. It’s familiar. You tap it and it opens up a local news story. That makes sense. He’s younger, his hair is shorter. You remember when the casino changed hands and was renovated all those years ago. It was big news. 

Hm. Not just rich, famous, at least to a degree. It means he has a lot more going on than two disorderly girls at his casino. He’ll forget. You just hope you can too. 

Roxie comes back in a robe and put her mug on the table, “make me another. I’m gonna try those jets.” 

She spins away and you stare at her empty cup. How can she not care about anything? Does she not realise that she ruined the night? That she made a fool of both of you? No, she just sees shiny things and forgets all about her own behaviour. 

Well, you’re not like her. You don’t like being a burden or asking for things or living on someone else’s affection. You look down and feel along your pocket, the slip of paper firm through the fabric. You could clean a few hotel toilets for a buck. It’s not like you have much else going on. 

[mousegirlheart]

peer reviewing this mousie to be:

A Funny Littol Creachur

im so very littol...

[mermaidsirennikita]

ARC REVIEW: One Kiss to Desire by Grace Callaway

4.5/5. Releases 9/19/24.

The Vibes:

—true blue grumpy/sunshine

—dirty talk dirty talk dirty talk

—GHOOOOSTS

—messy sibling drama (complimentary)

Heat Index: 8/10

The Basics:

Xenia has made a reputation for herself as Sirena, telling dirty tales for patrons of a high-end brothel—while on the other side of a curtain. Temporarily out of a job and seeking shelter, she takes on the persona of your typical housekeeper, taking a post at a gloomy mansion with a gloomier boss. Ethan is hiding away from the world after a tragedy that changed his life; and he has no time for the perky, mousy girl who can't even seem to cook. But as danger lurks beyond the walls (and maybe within) they're forced to work together... among other things.

The Review:

If there's one thing Grace Callaway knows how to do, it's write a ROMP. This is her take on a Gothic historical romance a la Northanger Abbey (which is to say, kind of a loving spoof of Gothic romance with a real, warm love story at the center). Arguably, other Grace books have actually been a little heavier on the Gothic; I'd actually call this one of her lighter outings. But you get spooky stories, you get terrified servants, you get creepy things that go bump in the night and also non-creepy things that go bump in the night by which I mean OUR LEADS.

Speaking of, if you're a fun of grumpy/sunshine, this is about as Grumpy/Sunshine prime as I think you'll ever get. Ethan's not an asshole, exactly. I mean, he kind of is, but in a sympathetic way that really doesn't get that heavy. He's not mean, he's grumpy. And with good reason, even though he needs to straighten up (and does). Xenia is sunshine personified, sweet and perky and funny in a way that Callaway writes so well. It's no wonder he's charmed by her. You, the reader, are charmed by her from the jump.

Ethan and Xenia have both been through it. As someone who enjoyed The Lady Who Came in from The Cold, Ethan's parents' book (would recommend) I was a little worried about what would have him so torn up as this novel opens. Fortunately, it did nothing to ruin the general Blackwood HEA (and I should have figured as much). But it is a very valid issue, and I really liked both the classic Gothic drama of it all and Ethan's very real insecurities and loss of identity.

Xenia... has quite a backstory. I can't give any of it away, but BOY was the climax of this novel (besides the other climaxes) crazy. Which is what I want from a Grace Callaway book. I want sexy, I want funny, I want feelings-y, I want... yeah! A little zany! In part because of the removal from the hub of London (we're squarely in Chudleigh Bottoms, from whence one of Callaway's favorite historical romance families hails) and in part because of the madcap Gothic plot, this one reads a bit more "adventurous" to me, whereas Grace's previous series had more of a mystery/potboiler vibe.

You get some secret identity shenanigans, which I'm personally into—but if that isn't your thing, don't worry. It isn't dragged beyond its logical conclusion, and honestly? Once these two are really on the same page, they're rather adorable together. They have this fun, sexy relationship, and Ethan clearly cares about making sure Xenia feels respected. There's something kind of doting about the way he cares for her, and I'm personally about it.

In all, I'd say that though there is pain and a satisfying emotional arc, this is one of Grace's less angsty installments compared to a book like Pippa and the Prince of Secrets or Regarding the Duke. There's angst, but it's definitely more on the fun and sweet side.

The Sex:

OKAY.

Grace Callaway sex scenes always stand out, but this one really goes to a different place with it. Because yeah. Xenia is a virgin. But she certainly has a filthy mind, and she put its to good use weaving erotic stories for her clients. And yes. Ethan does get in on that action.

The way it's written, especially in the scene where they... do the full nine yards with it... is both hot and fun. It's over the top in the most self-aware, delightful way possible. I was kicking my feet all the way through it.

And the more "standard" sex scenes are of course, a lot of fun as well. Callaway simply writes sex scenes like she actually enjoys writing them, which I appreciate.

I noticed more attention paid to the safety aspects surrounding sex in this one, which I also appreciated. Definitely seems to be a trend I'm seeing more of in historicals recently, and it's done here in a way that fuels the tension rather than taking away from it.

It's adventurous, it's light, it's got a bit of an autumnal thing going with the Gothic of it all. And it's kicking off a new series, with fabulous teases for the next siblings. (One of those brothers is going to destroy someone's heart. I just know it.) I am MORE than game.

Thanks to Grace Callaway for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[thetypedwriter]

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Fairies

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries Book Review by Heather Fawcett

This book was very, very cozy. 

Even though there were some objectively dark moments, like fairies getting skewered by tree branches like kabobs, most of the book was a feel-good easy read. 

The novel surrounds the life of the scholastic grump, one Emily Wilde. Instead of focusing on things not worth her time, like fashion, keeping her hair tidy, decorating, or even relationships—both platonic and romantic—Emily’s main obsession are fairies, so much so that she’s dedicated her life to researching them. 

If you think that Emily is sad and bereft with this kind of lifestyle, you are wrong. She is perfectly content, thank you very much, to be out doing field work, writing in her journal, or working on her encyclopaedia by her lonesome (which she prefers). 

She has one last kind of fae to research, the remote Fair Folk in Hrafnsvik, a tiny village in Norway where the landscape is icy and the people are even icier.

As Emily begins her investigations into the landscape around Hrafnsvik, she finds herself stymied by her lack of social skills and accidentally offending the rustic townspeople who don’t understand the mousy researcher that is hunkering down in their home.

Stubborn and deciding that she doesn’t need help, Emily perseveres until she is rudely interrupted by her academic rival from Cambrdige, the beautiful and insufferable Wendall Bambleby.

While scorning him left and right, Emily is secretly relieved to have her one and only friend join her in such an unwelcoming place, scholastic competitor or not. 

With Bambleby by her side, Emily starts to delve into the secrets of the Hidden Ones, finding along the way that opening up to people, making friendships, and relying on others is just as important and fulfilling as finishing her encyclopaedia, and is, in fact, necessary in order to achieve and succeed with reaching her dreams. 

While this book had plenty of action, humor, and heartwarming moments, I feel like I’ve summed it up quite well in just a few short paragraphs.

The relationship between Emily and Bambleby is endearing, one that leaves you either in laughter or with a smile every time they interact. 

All the characters in the novel were very charming. I found myself forgetting which townsperson was who, Thora versus Lilja versus Margaret, but I genuinely don’t think it made that much of a difference. 

One of the best parts about this book was how fun and easy it was to read while also having substance and moments of genuine intrigue and thoughtfulness.

Emily’s steadfastness when it comes to her research is a refreshing take on a female protagonist, especially when dealing with fairies. 

The scholastic lens in which you read through the novel offers good insight into folklore as a whole, but also lends a refreshing narrative of a female character that cares more about her academic pursuits than romance with a fairy prince. 

Speaking of, while the romance in this book is very light, that isn’t to say that it’s shallow. Instead the relationship between Bambleby and Emily is so light and fluffy that I couldn’t even tell if there was something stirring between them until the later half of the book, largely in part because Emily’s whole character doesn’t center around her feelings for Bambleby. 

Emily’s journey of learning to lean on and open up to people was also very enchanting. The progression aligned well with her character and also to the events around her.

This sounds simple in theory, but I feel like authors often struggle to give characters arcs and to have them also make sense in the context of the plot. 

While Heather Fawcett has already written the sequel, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, and while I greatly enjoyed this book, I strongly feel no need to read the sequel. 

Emily and her journey came to a satisfying end that doesn’t leave me itching for more. She completed her self-discovery, finished her encyclopaedia, realized her faults, and became better as a person. 

The only cliffhanger that remained is the status of her relationship with Bambleby, but oddly I find myself okay with that because in my heart’s canon, I know they would end up together, squabbling over Emily’s choice of fashion (or lack thereof). 

Normally when I find a book I enjoy, I desire to devour everything and anything the world has to offer to me. In this strange case, I am content to close the book on Emily Wilde and her love of fairies forever, encasing it amber without adding in a potentially not-as-good sequel. 

Recommendation: A great summer read to bask in while suntanning by the pool. You will languish in the heat as you read about the frigid temperatures Emily has to go through while conducting research.

It's a light and easy read that will fill you up with contentment and satisfaction (while teaching you more about fairies than you even deigned to know). 

Score: 7/10

[pluralitypoll]

Welcome to the PLURALITY POLL!!

Starting on 11/2/24, with each round lasting for a day, people are welcome to vote for which plural / system they like best!

All of the characters were chosen by the mod, and peer-reviewed by their partner!! And as a general note: some of these characters are simply coded to be plural, not necessarily canonically. However, there is evidence for a majority of these as to why they're here!!

Please do not start syscourse in the tags or in the comments. That is the one thing I ask.

*Arthur / John and Phosphophyllite / Lapis Lazuli do not have images. The former is on purpose due to lack of official art, but the latter is not. Just ignore it!!

And now, without further ado.... MAY THE BEST PLURAL WIN!!

Matchup list below the cut for easier access:

LEFT SIDE:

Yuji Itadori / Ryomen Sukuna (Jujutsu Kaisen) vs. Princess Luna / Nightmare Moon (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic)

Yukito Tsukishiro / Yue (Cardcaptor Sakura) vs. Mafuyu Asahina (Project Sekai)

Oz / Jack Vessalius (Pandora Hearts) vs. Shinta Ruri (Ranger Reject)

Shinobu Sensui (YuYu Hakusho) vs. Amu Hinamori (Shugo Chara!)

Unknown Patient (Evillious Chronicles) vs. Near [Nate River] (Death Note)

Nicole / Jessica Sanders (NBC's Heroes) vs. Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII)

Arthur Lester / John Doe (Malevolent) vs. Josef / Cartaphilus (Mahoutsukai no Yome)

Nobara / Koyuki Ibaragi (Gakuen Alice) vs. Echo / Noise Baskerville (Pandora Hearts)

Uendo Toneido (Ace Attorney) vs. Yugi Mutou (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

Zetsu (Naruto) vs. Toko Fukawa / Genocider Syo (Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc)

Daisuke Niwa / Dark Mousy (D.N.Angel) vs. Mikoto / John Kayano (MILGRAM)

Alice Baskerville / Intention of the Abyss (Pandora Hearts) vs. Homura Akemi (Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica)

Lucy / Nyu (Elfen Lied) vs. Klein Sieben (RWBY)

Junko Enoshima (Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc) vs. V / Johnny (Cyberpunk 2077)

Satoshi Hiwatari / Krad (D.N.Angel) vs. Phosphophyllite / Lapis Lazuli (Houseki no Kuni)

Letty / Rick (Alicemare) vs. Fraulein Bibliotheca / Chiquita (Irodoru Sekai no Namari Hime)

RIGHT SIDE:

Sora / Roxas / Ventus (Kingdom Hearts) vs. Alfendi Layton (Professor Layton)

Aquamarine Hoshino (Oshi no Ko) vs. Neopolitan / Trivia Vanille (RWBY)

Ayin (Lobotomy Corporation) vs. Momoka Nishizawa (Keroro Gunsou)

Greed / Ling Yao (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood) vs. Aventurine (Honkai: Star Rail)

Owen / Kizu (Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku) vs. Hitsugi Kurone / NEGI (Ensemble Stars!!)

Charles / Scarlett Eyeler (Hello Charlotte) vs. Iruma Suzuki (Mairimashita! Iruma-kun)

Korekiyo Shinguuji (Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony) vs. Soul Eater Evans (Soul Eater)

Hatsuharu Sohma (Fruits Basket) vs. Alisa Ilinichina Amiella (God Eater)

Tomie Kawakami (Tomie) vs. Chise Hatori (Mahoutsukai no Yome)

Hantengu (Kimetsu no Yaiba) vs. Faust (Limbus Company)

Ken Kaneki / Sasaki Haise (Tokyo Ghoul) vs. Ghost Quartz / Cairngorm (Houseki no Kuni)

Harvey Dent / Two-Face (DC) vs. Furina de Fontaine (Genshin Impact)

Vinegar Doppio / Diavolo (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind) vs. Jin Bubaigawara [Twice] (My Hero Academia)

Yogi (Karneval) vs. Marc Spector / Steven Grant (Moon Knight)

Charlotte Wiltshire (Hello Charlotte) vs. Layla (Genshin Impact)

Shu Itsuki / Mademoiselle (Ensemble Stars!) vs. Seele Vollerei (Honkai: Impact 3rd)

[bwoahtastic]

ohmigod, so i saw a video today of nico r trying to do a race review thing while his daughter keeps interrupting him and in it he calls her mausi! all i could think of was nico and nicky. even in real life nico has a little mouse 😭

OSJSJSJS OMGGGG 😭😭😭😭

Okay but Nico doing this TV interview to explain about a case or for a charity protecting pups like seb and nicky and ofc during the call, mousy decides he wants momma snuggies!

Toto tried to distract the pups but mousy sneaked off and slips into the little office, questioningly making grabby hands at momma, who softly asks mousy to wait just a second!

Mousy just sitting on the floor in front of the desk wiggling his lil feet a tiny bit impatient until momma is done! He is a good pinky, he will wait, he doesn't judt pounce like Sebby would!

[kryativelogos]

Cinder's Racial Ambiguity Frustrates Me (Spoilers for The Lunar Chronicles)

Hi hello long time no post! I haven't had a chance to really consumed any media until just recently so I'm finally back with another review!

Today we're gonna talk about The Lunar Chronicles, written by Marissa Meyer, and published in 2012. I had read this novel back in 2015/2016 when Fairest and Winter were newly released and had the opportunity to reread it (albeit in audiobook form) these past few months. Buckle up babes, I have a lot to say.

I wanna just say right off the bat that in terms of world-building, plot, and even character design, this story still holds up quite well from when I read it the first time. From how each character gets their own time to shine and development, to how they all connect with one another, I loved seeing the major plot unfold and how it concluded so nicely.

But I do want to discuss something that has bothered me from the first time that I read this series and still does after reading it a second time: Cinder's race.

Now you may be wondering, why do we care what Cinder's race is? Well, I'm Asian, Singaporean to be specific. And it would be great if Cinder's race was Asian/Chinese as the website, as the author, and as most people in the fandom believe to be. However, I am skeptical for this to be the case at all.

We don't know what race(s) the Lunars are.

They're an "evolved" race of humans that have magical abilities. Even Meyer herself states that the ethnicities start to blend because it's so far in the future. It's already quite difficult to pinpoint specific ethnic groups just in the royal family.

Queen Channary had olive skin and dark brown hair which could be a myriad of ethnicities and races although I'm heavily inclined to believe that she is/was South/Southeast Asian due to her name being taken from the Khmer dialect found in Cambodia [evidently in the wiki]. Even Queen Jannali was described to have had tan skin and chestnut colored hair, which again, says nothing about her race, but her name was taken from the Aboriginal language [also found on the wiki] so that may count for,,, something. Essentially, following Cinder's lineage, we already have little evidence to support the idea that Cinder is Asian, let alone Chinese.

Cinder's description in the book did not help her case (and I believe Meyer attempted to retcon this later on, like, look at the new covers - she looks so [East] Asian, but then you read the description in the actual book??).

Her first description in Cinder was tan skin, angular body, and mousy brown hair. Mousy implies, light brown. Literally look up "mousy brown hair" online, you'll see a bunch of eurocentric, white women. No Asian that I know, naturally, has "mousy" brown hair unless you dye it or it is heavily sun-bleached (which has happened to me but still not light enough to be considered "mousy", I could have safely called it brown). Cinder was also told by the end of the book, that she was found in Europe. You can see that as someone who's been wanting an Asian MC would be disappointed with finding out that ah, she must be European (and later, more than likely, French). Even if Cinder was Wasian, I believe genetically, the dark hair would have been dominant. I can't say the same for the tan skin since she was outdoors a lot and Asian folks do tan quite easily in the sun and remains tanned for at least 6-8 months.

I would love for Cinder to be Asian, I really would, but all of this evidence just keeps her race too ambiguous personally. I can't seem to get over the "mousy brown hair". If not for this particular descriptor, I would 100% believe Cinder to be Asian. But because we don't even know Channary or Jannali's race with only their names as some kind of clue to Cinder's background, we will never know for sure.

I don't think it helps that a majority of fanart I see of Cinder has very eurocentric features, which draws me back to her thinking she's French/European. It also bothers me that while Winter and Iko get rather well-written descriptions of what they look like (aka black), we can't seem to get one good description, showing some form of Asian representation that I'm sure many of us are grasping at straws for, of the main character of the series. So many of us are still hoping that Cinder is Asian simply because she's living in New Beijing (which I will be making another post at some point about how I, personally believe, is a poorly designed/created city in terms of world-building) but she's literally adopted from Europe (Luna if you wanna get technical, see the first point).

I know my points are kind of moot and there wasn't much warrant for me to go on a tirade about a fictional character created in 2012. But this is important to me as a WOC, as an Asian girlie who so wants to connect to a character that looks like me, that was written to look like me; but I feel cheated and the ambiguity makes it hard for me to fully love Cinder as much as I love the other characters (if anyone is asking, my favorite characters are Winter and Scarlet). If anyone else has thoughts about this or has something to prove to me once and for all that Cinder is Asian. Please send it my way.

PS I wish I had a physical copy to directly quote the book, but again, my second reread was through audiobooks, so I can't reference pages at all atm. Sorry about that TuT Hopefully I can get my hands on a copy from the library soon so I can edit this post with direct lines.

[tumblydove]

Donkey Hodie Season 2 Mid-Season Review + Episode Predictions

With new episodes coming in a little over three weeks, I wanted to go over my overall thoughts on Season 2 so far while we're in the middle of a hiatus. I also wanted to discuss the episode titles for the rest of the season, revealed on the WGAE website, and my predictions for what the episodes may be about.

Overall, I think that Season 2 of Donkey Hodie has been an improvement over the first one. This season took what Season 1 established and ran.

One of my biggest complaints for Season 1 was that there were a lot of characters and pairings that we didn't get to see enough of, such as Duck Duck, Grampy, and Stanley. I don't put this too much on the creators, since the pandemic did limit the stories they could do, but seeing Donkey and Panda every episode gets tiring. Luckily, this season fixes this issue. We get a much more diverse cast in each episode, and we even get to see all four pals together much more often!

Speaking of characters, we got one major new one so far: Cousin Hodie! Cousin is a perfect addition to the show- he fills the gap as the little brother character, but not too little that he can't have specific traits or join in on Donkey's fun himself.

The puppetry also took a big step up this season. Woth no restrictions, the creators had the option to go full-out, and they certainly did. We have probably had more green screen and crowd shots in this half that we did in the entirely of Season 1.

I've been taking so positively about this season- what is it in this season I don't like? Well, the character designs and their updates were a bit jarring at first, but I've since gotten used to them. Some morals have been reused from the first season, which comes off as repetitive.

Favorite Episode: This was a hard one. Ultimately, though, I think that Cousin Hodie's Rainy Day and its pair episode, Grampy's Guppies are the encapsulations of all of the good merit Season 2 has going for it. We get all four of the pals, Cousin Hodie, the Rainbow Tree, great songs, and even better puppetry from the latter episode's fishing.

Honorable Mentions: Ruff Night, How Does it Feel, Best Ball Fest, and Bob Dog's Balloon Bother, purely out of the fact that they are Bob Dog episodes and he is my favorite of the pals. Any episode with all four of the pals in it also counts, since I love seeing all of them together!

Least Favorite Episode: While I didn't outright dislike these two episodes, The Goalies/Mousy Hodie were the least memorable to me, which is a shame since Alice Dinnean returned for them. Avid DH fand know that she was the original choice to play Donkey, but dropped the gig because of time constraints. As for which one was worse, I'd say Mousy Hodie. Mousy's selfish behavior was never really addressed, even after Donkey took her break. Yeah, they took a break from each other but Mousy never apologized for hogging all the turns. The episode just felt incomplete and, dare I say, "torture-esque" for Donkey.

Dis-Honorable Mentions: Purple Polka Dot Party. This episode suffers the same problem as cheesy Con by overindulging in a problem that could have been solved extremely easily with some critical thinking. Panda could have flown some of his pals to the party, than come back and get the others. Or, he could have simply refused to let Penley come since there was no room. Rather than have that be the problem, add a problem that could have no clear solution, like having Panda's spaceship break down.

I'll also mention that episode's pairing, Someplace Cold. The Puzzling Penguin is unlikeable asf and would have been more if not for her catchphrase. This episode just felt repetitive.

And, finally, I'll add in Speedy Delivery and Donkey Wonky Tea Party. I didn't dislike these ones, but the morals felt too repetitive too soon. Why doesn't Donkey just use the moral she taught Turtle-Lou to remember her pals' stuff too? Just comes off as confusing.

So, yeah! Season 2 > Season 1. If Season 1 is a 7/10, then season 2 is an 8/10. Hopefully Season 3 breaks that and gets a 9/10. Of course, this could change since we still have many Season 2 episodes that haven't premiered, but this season has been going well so far, so I'm not expecting those episodes to be awful.

Speaking of episodes, let's talk about the new ones that WGAE revealed!

Meemaw Heehaw's Recipe Mystery: Grammy Hodie??? It can't be! I wonder what the recipe is- maybe Flying Flapjacks lore? anyways, I'm thinking this might be a nice wholesome Donkey family episode. Maybe Cousin (or even more shockingly, Dodie) will be in it.

Extra-Large Crunchdoodle: Another Crunchdoodles episode! Looking forward to the lucid sequence with the characters dancing that we've gotten in every Crunchdoodles episode so far!

The Great Wait: Oh, look, another waiting episode. These episodes are notorious for being either fairly entertaining or extremely boring. I have a theory that we may be seeing Mike in this episode (as you may recall, he is a mouse with muscular dystrophy that was revealed in a casting call last year.) My initial thought was that we'd be seeing him in Gameshow Gaffe. September is Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month, the episode's plot talks about fairness and fun, and the episode is written by Jill Cozza-Turner according to the WGAE, who wrote Hee-Hee Hide and Seekers. This may still happen (and I would be a bit disappointed if it didn’t), but if now my second thought is him appearing in this one. The casting call also mentioned he likes looking for new creatures with his binoculars, so maybe he and Donkey are waiting to find a new creature? Excited for this one! (Please don't bore me out as much as Acornball did.)

Hee-Hee Hide and Seekers: I don't have many predictions for this one since we kind of already know what it's about. The Everything Explorers are back, and Mike is here guaranteed! I wasn't a big fan of Everything Explorers in Season 1, so maybe this and a new character will change my mind. I'm looking forward to seeing how the show tackles the topic of disability.

A Donkey Hodie New Year: New Years' Special! Maybe the pals are trying to stay up long enough or coming up with resolutions? I can't help but feel disappointed this isn't a Christmas episode, but I can't say I'm not excited for this one regardless. The last half-hour special, A Donkey Hodie Halloween, was great, so my expectations are high for both of the specials we'll get in this season.

A Donkey Hodie Road Trip: My original prediction for this episode was that this would be the one where we'd get the Daniel/Donkey crossover. Maybe the pals go on Trolley to The Neighborhood of Make-Believe? Obviously, that won't be the case, but I still think Trolley will be in this one. We know he'll appear in three Season 2 episodes, and we only have two with him in them so far. The question becomes, where are the pals going? Maybe to Another Place, where Dodie lives, or to wherever Cousin lives.

Quick-Quack Pack: I am reminded of Quack Pack anything I look at this episode title. Outside if this obviously being a Duck Duck episode, I really don't know what to expect from this one. My expectations are high though, since this would be the last Season 2 episode produced, and the Season 1 finale, Return of the Golden Crunchdoodles, was fairly great.

Find A Way to Fix It: This episode could really be about anyone or anything. The ambiguity makes me look forward to it, but I really don't have any thoughts on what it may be about.

That's it for my thoughts on Season 2 and the upcoming new episodes so far. Thanks for reading my long tanged about an anthropomorphic donkey and her friends!

[krispyweiss]

Song Review: Grateful Dead - “U.S. Blues” (Live, April 12, 1978)

Bob Weir’s mousy, high-pitched thank you is in stark contrast to the screaming Jerry Garcia who’d just sung “U.S. Blues” over a unique arrangement that carried more than a taste of “Green Onions.”

The Grateful Dead were obviously feeling rather … er … spirited after the encore break. And that spirit continued after the encore itself.

“Thank you and good night,” somebody else - likely Phil Lesh - intones after Weir in a booming voice as the band makes its way after one crazy-ass “U.S Blues.”

Garcia’s voice is uncharacteristically deep - any guesses as to why? - and he is uncharacteristically amped - any guesses? - as he literally shouts through portions of the song. It’s far from perfect. But it’s one of those unexpected moments that made Grateful Dead shows so perfect in the first place.

Recorded April 12, 1978, in North Carolina, the number is the smoke signal for the Sept. 20 arrival of Friend of the Devils: April 1978, which encompasses eight gigs over 19 discs. April 12 will also be released as a standalone and if “U.S. Blues” is any indication, it’s gonna be cocaine-white hot.

Grade card: Grateful Dead - “U.S. Blues” (Live - 4/12/78) - A-

7/31/24

[misc-muses]

Hi! I would love to say that you are mousy! Really so

Please review me on yelp :prayerhands": 🙌😁😁💕💕💕💕😊🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[ogradyfilm]

Recently Viewed: Dreadnaught

[The following review contains MINOR SPOILERS; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!]

Although the Criterion Channel’s description neglects to advertise it as such, the 1981 kung-fu horror-comedy Dreadnaught belongs to Yuen Woo-ping’s loosely connected Wong Fei-hung series. Whereas the original Drunken Master featured the historical figure turned folk hero as a mischievous student (portrayed by the inimitable Jackie Chan) and Iron Monkey explored his childhood (as the son of professional badass Donnie Yen), this film depicts him as a wise old mentor—played, appropriately enough, by Kwan Tak-hing, who starred as the character in approximately seventy-seven movies (according to the notoriously reliable Wikipedia’s undoubtedly accurate count, anyway).

The plot (minimalistic as it is) revolves around Mousy, a meek, cowardly youth constantly terrorized by local thugs, corrupt cops, and… adorable puppies. Since it’s his job to collect on overdue bills for his sister’s struggling laundry business, his timid demeanor is a significant problem; thus, at the insistence of a sympathetic friend, he seeks tutelage under the esteemed Master Wong. The perceptive teacher quickly intuits that his reluctant disciple is a naturally gifted martial artist; he merely lacks the confidence required to effectively utilize his innate skills. When a convoluted sequence of events makes him the target of a deranged, bloodthirsty assassin, however, necessity might yet transform our pussycat of a protagonist into a courageous lion.

Yuen’s greatest talent lies in his ability to convey story and characterization through fight choreography, and Dreadnaught certainly delivers in that regard; every punch calls back to a narrative seed introduced in an earlier scene—a deliciously satisfying display of setup and payoff reminiscent of Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. During the climactic showdown, for example, Mousy discovers that his family’s trademark “two-fingered grasp” technique is useful for more than just drying clothes; his firm grip strength—developed from years of wringing out wet fabric—gives him an unexpected advantage whilst grappling with his savage opponent… until his foe simply rips off the tattered remnants of his shirt, at least.

That deft juggling of tones—effortlessly transitioning between humor and suspense—elevates Dreadnaught, compensating for its relatively superficial flaws (particularly its uneven pacing). Yuen is justifiably renowned for his contributions to The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but I hope that more of his work as a director becomes (legally) available in the West; while his movies may not be conventionally “prestigious” or stylistically polished (compared to those produced by, say, King Hu), they are consistently entertaining.

[geethr75]

Review of Any Minor World by Craig Schaefer

Blurb For Roy Mackey — a recovering addict who makes his living as an unlicensed PI and occasional muscle for hire — tracking down a dead writer’s final manuscript should be a walk in the park. Too bad his client is a phony, the dead writer is a thief, and shadowy men are watching his every move. All clues lead to a canceled pulp-adventure comic, The Midnight Jury, and its mousy, reclusive…

[mywifeleftme]

65: Young Marble Giants // Colossal Youth

Colossal Youth Young Marble Giants 1980, Rough Trade

When I went to the record shop today, it was with the intention of picking up some interesting-looking, relatively obscure record to review later this year, but ended up going home with a physical copy of Colossal Youth, an album I’ve heard a billion times. For my purposes, this was kind of dumb: lots of people have written about Young Marble Giants, and I agree with the consensus. (Consensus: Minimal, quiet, mysteriously perfect post-punk with mousy female vocals and no drums.) Not least among these writers is Simon Reynolds, whose detailed liner notes from this 2007 Domino reissue also appeared in his essential book on post-punk, Rip It Up and Start Again, that introduced me to YMG in the first place. He does a superb job of evoking the post-punk (and adjacent) scene of the day—let’s revel in the list of artists who earn mention in Reynolds’ write-up:

Public Image Ltd., Talking Heads, Gang of Four, Cabaret Voltaire, the Pop Group, Scritti Politti, Throbbing Gristle, The Slits, Pere Ubu, Brian Eno, A Certain Ratio, The Residents, Kraftwerk, Ultravox, Can, Reptile Ranch, Desperate Bicycles, Swell Maps, The Fall, The Raincoats, Essential Logic, This Heat, Red Crayola, Kleenex, Joy Division, New Order, Cocteau Twins, Everything But the Girl, Stiff Little Fingers, Carmel, The Style Council.

Probably you know all of those bands (excepting perhaps Reptile Ranch and Desperate Bicycles? Both worth your time!), but it goes a long way towards establishing what a unique black diamond of a record Colossal Youth was to have stood out among that crowd. And Young Marble Giants did stand out—as Reynolds points out, on the strength of that debut LP and a pair of scant EPs Young Marble Giants immediately became Rough Trade’s second highest-selling act of 1980–81, behind only Stiff Little Fingers. The reaction to the 2007 reissue was similarly rapturous.

Let’s revel too in Reynolds’ use of language to describe them, the kind of ecstatic ekphrasis that has always excited me in rock writing:

“The individual songs have something of the ‘rightness’ of things found in nature—leaves, snowflakes, pebbles, sea-shells—that are at once miraculous and yet commonplace, marvelous and unassuming.” “…like an old fashioned pocket watch with its casing open to reveal the moving parts, the Young Marble Giants sound would be pared and bare, its meshwork of cogs and spindles exposed in all its intricate distinctness.” “…a feel that was dynamic and propulsive yet curiously suppressed, subdued, even furtive.” “The brothers’ instruments wound tight around each other like fibres twinning into yarn.” “[Allison] Statton sang with a plaintive simplicity and cool pallor of tone that bypassed all the mannered drama of the singerly arts.” “…the sheer emaciation of the sound…”

That’s the kind of writing I can read for ages, analysis that is gestural, pushing at the connotative possibilities of language to compass a pleasure as physical as it is intellectual—really, it’s generous they threw a pretty good record in with the liners. As to why I came home with this and not any of the dozens of other albums I held up for a squint and a sniff, it comes down to a certain satisfaction in finally sliding a record onto the shelf that I always knew I would eventually own. Young Marble Giants have a historical compactness to match their miniaturist sound. I suppose the real pleasure is in owning such a perfectly small and self-completed thing.

65/365

[dear-space-cadet]

dude one of your old posts appeared on my dash and now im curious (haha)........ what IS the bullet lore....

omgggg okay. so.

in 2011, box codax releases seven silvers. nick's wife manuela actually has main vocals on this track, with nick on backing

and in 2013, franz ferdinand releases bullet

we know that this is an interpolation rather than just flat out stealing bc alexander ragnew, one of the box codax lyricists, is credited alongside alex and nick for writing credits

in the Nilex Canon, this is interpreted as alex adapting seven silvers as a diss track towards manuela, literally writing about how jealous he is esp about how she 'wouldn't like to share' nick, the presumed loverboy, dear loverboy in seven silvers. manuela has also been described as 'mousy' in various contexts (mostly reviews talking abt her voice), so 'let the mouse go down on you' is a massive clue to this being about her.

a lot of the nilex theories hinge on alex believing he's smarter than nick and including really obvious references to him ("you don't know the pseudonyms i assume") in franz songs, which he hopes nick just won't understand. who knows if he ever did or not

it's a fun theory but who knows how legit it is. also my username comes from seven silvers :)