#my highest layer count ever <\3. and I use it for gay shit

[detective-piplup]

doodles (this took 233 layers and 7 hours total. not a doodle) a silly reunion scene based off of these doodles (and also somewhat these) by @characteroulette !!! we cannot be stopped

[shslshortie]

Ladies SP @ Skate America

Wow. Like I said, this would be a really tough race. there is only a 7 point spread between 1St and 8th. It could literally be anyone’s game tomorrow in the Free.

And the only three women capable of getting a spot at the GPF are Polina Tsurskaya and Ashley Wagner, as well as Wakaba Higuchi who currently has 24 points.

Satoko Miyahara:

Aside from her stepout on the Triple Lutz Triple Combo, this was an incredible, technically difficult program that was almost perfect. I knew going into tonight that she was the one that was going to give Polina and Ashley a run for their money alongside Gabby Daleman, and I was not disappointed.

As I think I’ve said before (or I at least should have), this is such a strong statement piece of music (memoirs of a geisha) that she did not drop. She carried it through the whole way and fit the character perfectly. I love the subtle contrast of the soft and innocent pink with the vibrant fuschia in both her dress and makeup; which matched the same contrast of harshness and fragility in her choreography.

Absolutely phenomenal choreographic sequence unlike any of the other ladies, and honestly THIS is what an Olympic program is. Outside of Alina Zagitova’s, I have yet to see another short program as signature and technically dense as this one out of the contenders.

Kaori Sakamoto:

You can never go wrong with Moonlight Sonata, and she definitely did not. Perfect costume and styling to match the music as well as her own musicality.

It’s a ballsy component-filled program, and I applaud it. She is a ballsy little skater that can’t be counted out of this competition, even if she can’t qualify for the GPF, and can’t be counted out for the Japanese team either.

It’s amazing the contrast and energy she exhibited even through the second half. Her back loaded jumps, specifically her Triple Triple were phenomenal. I think her only room for improvement tomorrow would be a little more consistent with her spins.

Gabrielle Daleman:

God I’m gay. Like I knew this before, but her thumbnail in her short program video is SOMETHING. Like damn.

I’m not sure if I like Habañera as much for her as I did her programs last year, but it still is very strong. However she is a much more athletic skater, and her sass is different from the spice and precision that is needed for Carmen.

One of the things I love about her is that you can see in her every movement that she is an athlete and has layers of muscle to back up every jump and extension.

I feel next season like she would definitely be ready for a more sensual program to highlight the combination of flow and sass that she uses in her performances, as opposed to something as rhythm and precision heavy.

I do feel her last combination spin was overscored, and should have only been a level 3 with her movement and being slightly off beat.

Bradie Tennell:

Wow, what a BANG for her first ever Grand Prix event! She was graceful, polished, and had strength to match. She even scored the highest Short Program score by an American lady this season. I’d love to see her get higher grade spins because she has a gorgeous layback and needle. I think my favorite part was that she looked like she was enjoying her tine on the ice.

That spread eagle into her second half double Axel was gorgeous. I really hope she does this well tomorrow because this was a joy to watch.

Serafima Sakhanovich:

Yet another gorgeous lady who made a BANG at her first Grand Prix event after being added instead of Anna Pogorilaya Perfect costume, great styling. And you can TELL in her movements and finishes that she is Evengi Plushenko’s student.

Her jumps are a little wobbly but very quick and still strong on the landings. Her movements extend all the way from her toe pick to her every fingernail and movement of her chin.

Beautiful Tano Triple Lutz and Double Axel. And what a sassy ending. She was also a joy to watch, especially compared to her performance at Skate America last year. What a wonder Plushenko has done. Also, Sima and Evengi’s reaction in the Kiss and Cry was precious and priceless. Adorable.

Ashley Wagner:

That new costume though 😍 Perfect combination of her original Hip Hip Chin Chin exhibition costume, and her signature silhouette while still being new and eyecatching.

Performance wise, I think this was a lot better than in Canada. Much more of an Ashley Wagner skate, but still not back to her 2016 worlds level. It is honestly sad that this 64.12 is her seasons best. It definitely IS, but she can skate this so much better it pains me. Her musicality suffered more than it normally should, but I know she’s been off ice with an ankle injury and it sadly definitely showed.

Honestly though im not sure why her Triple lutz I had such a low GOE? I watched it a few good times, and it wasn’t underrotated, it wasn’t two-footed and they didn’t mark it for for an edge call…? Oh well I know she can do better, but it also could have been a lot worse since her technical components were solid. I just really don’t know if she can pull out of it for tomorrow… she needs to get 1St if she wants to go to the Grand Prix Final. For her to tiebreak Wakaba Higuchi if she gets Silver, she would need to score a 148.4 with her long program. Her personal best is a 142.23

Alena Leonova:

It’s a very interesting piece of music, but stylistically in not sure if her choreography, performance level or her costume matches it at all.

Technically, she is stunning with her opening combo and spin combo. But her musicality doesn’t go at all. She looks like she is having fun, but you would not be able to guess that she was a 27 year old skater from Russia. Instead she looks like a brand new out of juniors skater from a non-powerhouse skating federation. I sadly think it’ll be impossible for her to make the Olympics this year with how tough the Russian field is, but I’d love to see her improve tomorrow and by nationals.

Polina Tsurskaya:

Her jumps are very strong. and this is a very strong program that is unique in this field… but as a skater, I literally have no idea who Polina is. Because with her hair, facial expressions and even her movements in the choreography… she just looks like she’s trying to copy Evgenia.

I love the music and choreographic components, but just like seeing Alina Zagitova in the short in France… she looks scared going off of the ice, and that is never something I want to see a skater be if this is something they love. She has come so far in the last few years, and especially for he debut season she should not have any reason to go off the ice feeling like that.

For her to go to the GPF if she does not win 1st, she would need to get silver with a Free Skate score of 149.32 to tie break Wakaba Higuchi. Her personal best is a 140.15.

UM OH SHIT HOW HAD I NOT HEARD EVGENIA HAS A BROKEN FOOT?????? OH FUQ that could not only shake things up entirely at the GPF seeing how she recovers, but Russian Nationals and even the Olympics as well.

Karen Chen:

Oh thank GOD she went back to On Golden Pond for her short. I would love to see her revisit Tango de Roxanne in 3-4 years when she has matured as a skater and performer, but this program is such a better fit for her stylistically.

Her under rotations in her Triple Triple definitely hurt her, and YIKES that fall on her Triple Loop literally made me say “Ouch”.

Her extension is highlighted beautifully in this program, and at the beginning of Skate America, I thought she would be very likely to not even make the Olympic team, but as long as she reworks the kinks out of this Short, she still has a definite shot. Way more than she did with Moulin Rouge.

Also one men’s skater that I didn’t watch earlier since he wasn’t on TV: Liam Firus

Oh when I heard the first piano beat of his music I was so excited. Especially after getting my hopes up for Ashley Wagner’s never to-be LA LA land program.

He definitely captured little details and elements of La La Land in his choreography and acting and I very much enjoyed it.

He might not have been clean it consistent with his jumps, but he was very eye catching and hard to look away from so I greatly applaud him for his efforts after being added last minute.

I also loved the transition and contrast between City of Stars and the opening music. It made me long for him to be 5-7 years younger so we could see more of him in the future. I hope this isn’t the end for him since he is already 25. This was an absolutely amazing program and I loved it. So happy that even with his lower jump components, that was DEFINITELY a program worthy of 6th.

God I am so stressed for tomorrow. Literally anyone could take First through Third with the women. I have done calculations and I literally feel like I will be watching these free skates through my fingers so I can close my hands if anything goes wrong.

[pewtercity-citizen]

So You Wanna Punch Nazis? Here’s a 3-Step Guide

Let’s all be realistic with how the world is doing: It sucks. Sure, we are getting our advancements here and there, and some progress in other areas. But, telling by the fact the world “Nazi” has been thrown into this article within the first five words, the chances are that there’s a good— and depressing— reason for that.

       Recently, there’s a video going around of an unknown man absolutely clocking the shit out of Neo-Nazi Richard Spencer. If that sounds funny to you, it gets better, because you can see it for yourself right here. But wait, there’s more! As if the insatiable fist of justice wasn’t sated enough, Neo-Nazi Spencer was then punched a second time. Pretty soon, the man is going to have to wear a motorcycle helmet and a mouth guard just to mow his lawn.

           And so, the “Punch a Nazi” movement has been given the highest honor of recognition: memes.

           To be fair, punching a Nazi feels pretty damn good. I’ve never done it, but it must if everyone wants to do it. After all, they’re Nazis. But now, I’m gonna bring up that guide I mentioned in the title. I’m sorry to say that it’s not a “how-to” guide on how to punch a Nazi. If you want that guide, here’s the video again. No, this is a guide to the preparation of the action, namely, the mental preparation. Yes, you have to mentally prepare yourself to assault someone— anyone— even if they’re a Nazi. “Are you saying Nazis deserve sympathy?!” No, it just bring me to my first point…

 1. Make Sure They’re Really a Nazi

Neo-Nazi Richard Spencer has truly spoiled us. A real-life Nazi! Wowzers! Right out in the open just waiting for the ol’ one-two! For those of you quick to defend Neo-Nazi Spencer, here’s a few helpful documents and videos where he declares his stances. Now, here’s the video of him getting punched again. And here’s a direct quote in jpeg format:

Neo-Nazi Richard Spencer is one of the most clear-cut examples of a modern Nazi. Sure, he’s not a “throw the Jews in camps,” Nazi, but that’s because he’s a Nazi of the modern era. God damn it, he’s the best there is when it comes to a true-to-life bag of garbage. And that’s a big problem.

We can’t expect every person we wanna punch to be on the same wavelength of bigotry as Spencer. And yet, that’s exactly what happens. We look at examples like this, and somewhere else, someone does the same thing to someone less deserving, and it hurts everyone. For example, let’s talk about social justice. In just seeing those two words on the screen, you did one of two things: You smiled happily, or you cringed. “Social Justice” is a big-name term, and that’s a good thing. People in the United States can now have topics like transgender rights, women’s rights, police brutality statistics, and cultural appropriation. All of these are great topics, that are now able to be talked about in the modern age, because people have fought (sometimes died) to put these topics on the table. And now, people want to be a part of that movement of change. However, they do this in ways that are almost laughable terrible.

One example is the University of Ottawa, which had a yoga class cancelled due to “cultural appropriation.” Not even a plea to be cancelled, it was actually, completely banned from the university. While cultural appropriation is an actual problem around the world, banning yoga is akin to also banning karate, aikido, acupuncture, incense, meditation, tarot cards, tea, and then the fork, which is a Chinese invention. When you ban enough things, saying that only a certain culture or person of color can utilize that thing, you then have something else on your hands: segregation. Cultural appropriation is useful to tell your friend Mike that his sombrero and fake mustache he bought for Halloween makes him look like a racist tool, or for telling an entire football team that their name is one, big racist dick move. Even if your intention is good, you need to make sure your target is deserving of it.

Now apply this to violence.

Violence adds another layer to this process, being that it comes from anger. Quickly— how many of you have ever gone into a blind rage and never regretted it? I’m guessing very few of you. Anger is a dark room, and every shadow is an enemy to us. Not everyone wants to deal with it either, because hell, even scientist know that anger feels good. But feeling good doesn’t mean it’s right, and not enough people want to work past their anger enough to make a thoughtful decision. So, while you may hear someone on the street say, “I don’t get this whole, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ thing,” you’ve got a few options to analyze the situation and come to a few possible conclusions. Or, you could just call them a Nazi, and scratch that face-punch itch, despite the fact that it could lead to something worse. “How,” you ask?

2. Understand Your Actions May Have Consequences

           “But, I’m just punchin’ Nazis!” You say. “What could be bad about that?!” You’d be shocked.

           There’s a lot of ways things can go when your fist connects to anyone in the name of freedom. First, understand that your punch can lead to a Nazi punching someone else in retaliation. Not your fault? Doesn’t matter. The moment you justify violence for a purpose you deem “right,” another person somewhere is going to apply the logic to a different situation. Hell, this is how war works. Do you think that anyone we’ve ever been to war with has thought, “Man, I’m gonna get those freedom-loving American sissies! I love being a villain!” No, they’re just another army doing exactly what they’re told just like our army does. We’re so good at justifying our own violence that we’ll make movies about how slaughtering troops from other nations made our troops sad.

           But, that still makes Nazis wrong. Just because they don’t see themselves as doing anything wrong doesn’t mean they’re not. Is that confusing? You bet your ass it is, and I’m bringing it up because it’s a piece of knowledge you need to have once you see major Nazi-fueled acts of violence because of actions like the ones against Richard Spencer. And in this case, Nazis aren’t your only problems. The people on your side are going to drive you up the fucking wall.

           You know how I mentioned that you need to make sure you’re target it in the wrong before you attack them? Well, coupled now with this point, and you have the four individuals who tortured a kid on Facebook Live. It was the actions of four African-American teens (whose names I omit because I’ll always omit the names of actual fucking monsters), who tortured a disabled white teen (whose name I will also omit because he’s probably sick of hear about himself), all while screaming things like, “Fuck Donald Drumpf,” and “Fuck white people!” We look at those things, and we say “That’s not our movement, they’re outliers,” or, “That doesn’t count.” Understanding that people like this exist counts for a lot. People all across the United States have been on the Fuck Donald Drumpf Express, and I will continue to ride that train into the sunset. And then, we have tension between white people and people of color, which is also reasonably justified. But now you’ve taking on two justifiable causes, and someone dumber than you saw that and said, “yeah, I’ll just find some white kid and torture him, that’s the same thing.”

           It bears repeating that still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t throw that punch. It just means that, when you do, know the possibility of what it could lead to. It makes that punch worth a whole lot more, and that reminds me…

 3. Take Responsibility

           I am not telling you to out yourself. I am honestly hoping that the two individuals who decked Richard Spencer stay in the wind, just so a horde of Nazis doesn’t come barging down their front door with burning crosses in tow.

           So, what does it mean to take responsibility? To put it short, it means you have to own your actions. What does that mean? It means don’t be a wuss, you wuss. When you make the active effort to punch a person in their face, especially in the current political climate, you need to be ready to take on what that means for you. If you punch someone— a Nazi or otherwise— they could find you. You might not because to hide yourself as well as Richard Spencer’s assailants, and that means getting caught. You could go to jail, and if you’re either gay or a person of color, that means it’s going to suck a lot more for you than it would normally.

           We all like to think that it doesn’t end that way. It’s fun to think about winding ‘em up and clobbering Nazis until this bad time blows over. But, your story could end with you behind bars, only hearing about the good fight from the inside of a cell, and worst of all? You’ve only gotten to punch one measly Nazi.

               And you know what? It’s not all bad. People go to jail for worse, and the willingness to do something criminal doesn’t make you a bad person. You know who else has been to jail?

               That’s Martin Luther King Jr. Yes, that Martin Luther King Jr. Labelled as a criminal by the people of his time, and he helped usher a new wave of tolerance and understanding to future generations. The man would stand on a podium and talk about the future he saw, and how he would never lose sight of that. That’s called responsibility. The man knew full and well that his life was in danger everywhere he went, and that violence was waiting around the corner for him. He knew this, and fought anyway. And you know what happened? He died for it.

               No, you don’t have to be the next Martin Luther King Jr. Hell, you really shouldn’t want that for your own life. You don’t have to be in the same spotlight— looking around corner and watching your own back in the grocery store— but you do have to take responsibility for what your actions may bring. You know who else was incarcerated at some point in time? Georgia Congressman John Lewis.

               He’s still alive. He’s even on Twitter, tweeting about it! So you could die, you could get tossed in jail, or you could become Georgia’s next congressman. Either way, fighting for freedom has a price to pay, and you’d better be willing to pay it with a smile on your face.

               To summarize: Do you think any target you disagree with on any and all moral levels is a Nazi, or is probably a Nazi? If so, you’re not ready to start punching people. Do you think nothing bad will happen if you punch anybody, even a Nazi? If so, you’re not ready to start punching people. Do you think there’s no actual consequence or responsibility that comes with fighting for a cause? If so, you’re not ready to start punching people.

               But! Are you ready to accept that while you may disagree with someone, that doesn’t make them a Nazi, or even a racist, and that a punch isn’t a solution to everything? Do you know that there may be consequences to your actions, even if you’ve done nothing wrong? Do you accept the responsibility that comes with your actions, whether it’s jail time, assault towards you, and continue to speak up and speak out against intolerance and, yes, Nazis? If you answered yes to all of these, congratulations: You’re ready to punch yourself some goddamn Nazis.

               Here’s that video again for reference. Be safe!

(Brad Kincaide, 2017)