#rank cash review

[viralreview]

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[tallowfallow]

It's always funny to me how people give Modern!AU Izzy these real cool jobs like surgeon or chef or rock star or big, impressive CEO of an unnamed company doing unnamed trade.

Modern Izzy is, at best, a manager of Walgreens that nobody respects. He eats ramen that he microwaves in the backroom. He yells about teenagers loitering in the parking lot. He has a specific cash register that no one else is allowed to use because they'll mess up his settings. He sabotaged the PA system and plays music from a second-hand phone from a company that might have never existed. He will eat product off the shelf but write up anybody else who does. He wears a lanyard with fourty six keys attached to it. For some reason, he's wearing dress shoes. Sometimes when it's raining, he'll go stand in the parking lot to get soaked. He lives with two roommates (Ed and Jack) who are never home, are possibly fucking (they are) and are absolutely never doing their chores. He watches the camera live feeds from his apartment and calls in to berate any employees who aren't working hard enough. He definitely says "if you have time to lean, you have time to clean." He let a stray cat live in the manager's office. He gives quarterly performance reviews and never ranks anyone about a 3 outta 5.

He makes 15 dollars an hour.

[sgiandubh]

Caitriona didn’t mention Tony. Seems the ‘reporter’ utilized Google. 😂

Dear Didn't Mention Anon,

It's always a sarcastic pleasure to see tension climbing for literally nothing across the street. Some other Brazilian Anon, just like you (best way to convey your thoughts was, in proper English, 'the reporter used Google' - not the Portuguese semantic calque 'utilized'...), even speculated we must be hiding this shattering press article, since no reaction and/or discussion happened as of yet.

Brazilian Anons would certainly have made better use of their time and grey cells if they simply presumed that in another time zone people really have other (simple and boring and prehaps even endearing) things to do. While Brazilan Anons were probably sleeping or having breakfast, someone else was just about to end a shorter Friday work schedule, buy Chinese takeaway on the way home, have a light lunch, take out Baby the Lab for a short pee stroll around the block. And mercifully collapse in flannel sheets for a blessed siesta, waiting for the first snowy day of the year. But enough about me, Anon, you are not here for this: you are here for that article - https://www.mindfood.com/article/caitriona-balfe-looks-ahead-to-life-after-outlander/

It is also an amusing factoid that C's PR and/or *** very often seem to favor second-tier media outlets in order to keep spreading around the Narrative Word. Pinoy regional gazettes, borderline clickbait/gossip websites and now Mindfood, a vanity/hybrid press magazine based and edited in New Zealand and Australia by McHugh Media Group, which main activity, at least in Oz, is (🥁🥁)...paper mills and paper manufacturing - of course.

[Source: https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.mchugh_media_australia_pty_limited.6ded585ed8e21b347589059682b44143.html]

Within that group, the Mindfood project is but an apparently lucrative subsidiary ('integrated media company', LOL), despite some dire client reviews ( 2 out of a resounding global 3, how odd!) on Google:

'Rank amateur's' [sic!] (...) What sort of magazine publisher doesn't have a manned office? (...) They'll go broke very quickly like that.' '(...)pretty shabby treatment of a customer.'

😱😱😱

But let's assume I am twisting again the plot (I don't, I do not need to). Let's assume I am evil like that and I give credence to two very negative (but brutally clear, too) user reviews only. Perhaps I am wrong, you might say. So, let's also have a look at some company figures, shall we?

Nay contest, it's them.

[Source: https://rocketreach.co/mchugh-media-profile_b5d2097af42e3bbb]

Now, my lovelies, how can I put it without offending anyone? What we are looking at, here, is a small company with 5 (five) employees, few web hits (164.480 hits is ridiculous, when we are talking about press/media!), but a comfortable revenue (7 million AUD - about 4.5 million USD). May I remind you that a company's revenue is roughly its gross income, before subtracting operating costs, wages and taxes. But given they have only 5 employees, wage expenses & operating costs must be marginal and taxes are rather friendly in New Zealand, where their HQ is (to the point there was, three years ago, an ongoing debate in order to determine if the country was a tax haven: https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/06-10-2021/is-nz-a-tax-haven-for-the-rich-and-dodgy-the-pandora-papers-reignite-the-debate), you do the maths. Therefore, how can this rather substantial profit be explained, otherwise than by a very friendly editorial policy towards paid and/or sponsored content and product placement galore (Lifestyle, anyone)?

Its immediate competitor is a supermarket chain in-house bulletin/leaflet, Campbell's Cash & Carry. The kind of thing that always lands somehow in your shopping bag and then directly in the kitchen trash:

This is enough to show their real reach and place on the market, I believe.

All this for what, Madam Knife? All this to say that paper is probably paid by the talent's PR/***. I will not go into useless detail, because there is very few new-ish/relevant information (e.g.: 'With a long season seven concluding in January, the Outlander epic will close out within the next 18 months, taking the episode total to 101. '). But I will, gleefully even, point out two tiny details, all of you patiently read this long rant for, in fact.

As always, McGill doesn't even deserve a quote, only reported speech that is, in fact, snowballing prior reference (this is exactly where copy/paste comes in very handy, you see). And a clumsy one at that, sugar on top - hence the copy/paste certainty and this is so, so rude, I could cry (nope...):

But... but... such a nice, thoughtful touch for her Stans, who spent DAYS in a row proving he was not a music producer, but the Night Media Manager (and I have to say, delivered actual quotes - still No Face, No Name, No Number, though):

[Tait rhymes with hate, alright - I know, darlings, it pisses you off to no tomorrow 😉.]

Copy paste/Goes to waste. Finally, I had to snort (not a pretty, nor feminine sight) when I realized Mindfood takes its readers for complete, amnesic idiots:

So she became 'a mother in August of 2021', but she did film 'the sixth season of the drama while pregnant'. Granted, this paper is written for casual OL viewers, the kind of people who did find C interesting/beautiful/clever/extraordinary, but who don't remember her name when prompted on candid camera, for example. The kind of superficial audience who will never do the maths and never question the fact a pregnant actress was filming beautiful (but steamy) scenes with her... ahem... with her co-star she is now 'consciously uncoupling' from.

ROFLMAO.

Not even sorry for the length, Anon. There you go, let's say good bye with a merry little song - I am told I have the best tunes on Tumblr (SMH). Really, Mindfood's client could have curated and tailored better the Retconning Operation - but perhaps even PR has trouble taking that man and his narrative role seriously?

[twelvroses]

cw: death.

INOUE MIO (generally stylised as MiO) was born in Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, on May 10th, 2001. Both of Mio's parents were regular, white collar workers, who lived paycheck to paycheck and worked hard to make ends meet. This meant that they weren't often home, and from a young age, Mio had grown used to taking care of herself. Socially awkward and unpopular among her classmates, the living room television became Mio's greatest source of company. It didn't really matter if it was anime or music shows, award-winning movies or trash TV; Mio consumed and studied it all, and from a very young age she developed her first dream - to be on television.

In late 2013, at 12 years old, Mio achieved her life's goal on the first episode of HOMETOWN IDOL, a reality singing competition show, open to 12-19 year olds across Japan without professional entertainment experience. Mio was the youngest on the show, and became a popular contestant for being initially underestimated by the others due to her shy and nervous demeanor, only to unveil a powerful and emotional singing voice. After six weeks, Mio won the show in a landslide public vote. Alongside a hefty cash prize deposited straight into her parents' bank account, she was awarded a contract with Pantheon Entertainment’s Japanese subsidiary, EPONA.

In 2016, Mio released her debut album, MELT♡, alongside it's title track WORLD iS MiNE. The track shot to number one on the Oricon chart, and the album's following singles all ranked within the top ten. Mio would tour the album around Asia. Although in the two years between the show and her debut Mio had taken supporting or smaller roles in children's shows or pre-teen dramas, which had helped maintain her popularity to a degree, MELT♡ would launch her to new heights, making her a household name across Japan. EPONA were quick to capitalize on Mio's new brand recognition, signing her up for every CF and variety show that came their way.

The trajectory of Mio's success would continue upwards; as the years passed she would continue to release more music, embark on more tours, and diligently pop up on television screens again and again, promoting anything from sneakers to soft drinks to life insurance. Initially popular amongst younger audiences, she would officially break into the Japanese mainstream with her second full length album MiOLOGY, which had a more serious and personal tone, with far more emotional depth than Mio's previous work. The album marked her first collaboration with producer Kobayashi Kentaro, who would act as executive producer for the remainder of her releases. Kentaro was close in age to Mio, only a year older, and encouraged her to become involved in the writing and production of her music. By her request, he was made a member of EPONA's in-house production team.

In 2022, Mio scored her first starring role in a movie, which had been a box office success and received rave reviews. She was set to begin work on her fourth studio album, for which anticipation was high. Unfortunately, upon arriving at the studio for a recording session with Kentaro, Mio stumbled upon him dead at the soundboard. As she was the one to report his death, she was interrogated by the police, though was very quickly cleared of any suspicion as security cameras confirmed her discovery of the body. The cause of death was later ruled as cardiac arrest, suffered in the early hours of the morning. Speaking of Kentaro before his death, Mio often referred to him as her best friend and the closest thing she has to family.

Mio announced an indefinite hiatus following Kentaro's death, ceasing all schedules and social media activity. Her final, unwilling, public appearance saw her mobbed by cameras at Kentaro's memorial service, and then, she was gone.

It would later be revealed that EPONA had quietly let Mio out of her contract in 2023. As far as anybody knows, there's no reason to believe she has anything to do with Valentine Records ...

NAME : Inoue Mio.

BIRTHDAY : May 10 2001.

ZODIAC : Taurus.

NATIONALITY : Japanese.

HOMETOWN : Hongo, Tokyo, Japan.

FOCUS OF TRAINING : Vocal, Dance.

FC : Kondou Chisa.

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Main Story: Part 4 - Act 15: PAINFUL RE:BAKE - Episode 13: Make Blossom

Host: The third season of “Make Blossom” has finally begun!

Host: Eight unique challengers, both pros and amateurs, will be taking on this survival challenge for a month!

Host: One participant will be eliminated each week, and the last three to remain will aim to become the best makeup artist.

Host: Whoever wins the Final Battle will win a prize in cash and the right to work at the forefront of the fashion industry!

-

Host: Last but not least, our youngest participant, a high school student… ZAMI!

Host: Despite his age, he is already an active member of a theater company. He’s a promising rookie in both the makeup and acting worlds!

Host: What kind of sense will he show us!?

Azami: …

Azami: (Filming for TV really is different from being on stage. This ain’t like me, but I’m nervous.)

Host: I will now announce the first task!

[DOON]

Host: The theme is… “vampires”!

Host: You will now be given a photo of the model you will work with and 30 minutes of thinking time.

Host: After you’re done thinking of the makeup, you will have 2 hours to apply it to the model themself.

Azami: …

Azami: (30 minutes thinking time is basically improvisation. I take my time when thinking about the makeup I’ll do for the plays… I’ve got to switch gears.)

Host: And now, Thinking Time Start!

Azami: …

Azami: (Vampires remind me of Nocturnality. I hadn’t joined the troupe then, but I’ve seen videos.)

Azami: (A pale blue base… An overall feel that’s porcelain and non-human…)

Azami: (I wanna show something high level here, rather than just a flashy concept.)

Host: Time’s up!

Challenger A: There’s not enough time…

Challenger B: It passed by in the blink of an eye.

Host: Next, we will take you to the makeup room, where the models are waiting for you!

-

Host: In any event, your fate will be decided in 2 hours! Who will be our first elimination!?

Host: Makeup Start!

Model: … 

Azami: (Their skin tone’s different than it was in the picture… I don’t think this bluish base will suit them…)

Azami: (Nah, I don’t have time to change my plan now. If I carefully prepare the base, it’ll work out somehow…)

-

Host: Time’s up!

Judge A: Oho~ Everyone was fully concentrated.

Judge B: I’m looking forward to seeing the fruit of their efforts.

Host: We can now begin the review period!

-

Host: We will now announce the ranking! In first place is… SAKI!

Judge A: You used the red and purple from the vampire motif impressively, and it caught my eye.

Judge B: The artistic way in which you expressed both aggression and alluring mystery play a big part in your high score.

Azami: (This is makeup that looks great on TV… The others have also made bold looks with good concepts)

Azami: (Compared to them, my makeup’s too plain…)

-

Host: We will now be announcing the sixth place!

Host: The two left for the end are candidates for elimination, so if you want to stay in this race, this is where you want your name to be called!

Host: In sixth place we have– Misaki.

Misaki: Let’s go!!

Host: Which means… That the first elimination for the third season of Make Blossom will be one of these two!

Host: Our youngest competitor, ZAMI, and the goddess of covering up flaws, Miri!

Miri: ——

Azami: …

Judge B: It seems ZAMI didn’t take full advantage of his model. The look he created was too meek and bland

Azami: …

Azami: (Can’t say anything back… That was totally my mistake.)

Host: We will now have you two compete in a makeup skills battle.

Host: We will see just how well you can apply eyeliner in under 5 minutes, and the loser will be eliminated! It’s a full-out battle with no room for cheating!

Azami: (So a one-on-one competition? This suits me just fine.)

Host: Now, both of you, on your marks…

Azami: (I’ve got experience in quick stuff like this. But I can’t let my guard down with the judges looking.)

Azami: (I’ve done this countless times before… I just gotta remember the feeling.)

Azami: (I had to rush the Spring Troupe’s makeup right before their performance, too.)

Azami: (There’s been countless times when I’ve had to apply everyone’s makeup just before the opening buzzer rings out.)

Azami: (I’ve made it this far with the intention of never letting anyone get on stage with sloppy makeup, even with time literally against me.)

Azami: (If I just think of this model in front of me as a member of MANKAI Company…)

Host: Are you ready? … Get set, GO!

-

Host: Now, we’ll have the judges raise their signs all at once!

Host: ZAMI, ZAMI, ZAMI… With a 3-to-0, ZAMI’s survival has been guaranteed!

Judge A: Watching Miri’s hand tremble from nerves made me nervous.

Judge A: On the other hand, our youngest ZAMI here managed to keep his cool through this short period and created something beautiful.

Judge B: I wonder if his experience with stage makeup helped here? This is an amazing feat for a teenager.

Azami: … Crunch time’s the norm where I come from

Host: That’s our rookie for ya! ZAMI, congratulations on keeping your place here!

Judge B: I’ll be waiting for you to break out of your shell with the next challenge, too.

Azami: (If I don’t get my shit together, I’ll definitely be eliminated next week…)

Azami: (I gotta go all out as if next time will be my last.)

-

Ibuki: …

Host: “Please look forward to the next Make Blossom!”

Ibuki: … Kinda peaked here. This is so going viral.

Ibuki: “supporting my classmate sooo hard rn! #MakeBlossom #PassedLast #CrunchTimesTheNorm"

-

Sakoda: AZAMIIIIII!!! WAAAHHHHH, I’M SO GLAD!!! CONGRATS ON PASSING, AZAMIIII!!!

Sakyo: Pipe down, already…

Banri: But you were clenchin’ that fist real tight, Sakyo-san.

Taichi: I was on the edge of my seat!

Sakuya: I’m glad he made it through!

Kazunari: And he’s trending! Look at all these “# Crunch time’s the norm”!

Kazunari: There’s an article titled, “Who’s ZAMI!? I looked into him a little”, and it mentions MANKAI Company!

Omi: He’s already making the rounds.

Juza: Azami’s awesome…

Yuki: He got attention ‘cause he’s the first high schooler to participate, and then he got more because he was on the verge of being eliminated from the first episode.

Kumon: But I wonder if he’s gonna be able to deal with all this attention…

Banri: This is Azami we’re talkin’ about,

Juza: … We gotta keep it up too.

Taichi: You’ve got a meeting tomorrow, right?

Tsumugi: Have they delivered a script?

Banri: Nah, not yet. I don’t even know if they’ll give it to us tomorrow.

Tasuku: Sounds like you’re about to go through something crazy again.

Banri: I’ve seriously got no idea what that leader guy’s thinkin’, man…

previous episode | masterpost | next episode

NOTES:

(1) not really a translation note, but i made ibuki's hashtags look like that mostly for the sake of readability

[ejzah]

Can you write a fanfic set between the events of late season 4/early season 5 just before Sam finally accepts Deeks after all this time. Hetty witnesses a real hostile moment where she clearly sees Sam being unfair and critical of Deeks during an important mission despite the fact Deeks did his job to the absolute best and height of his abilites. Despite this, Sam still gives Deeks a hard time and so Hetty takes Sam aside and gives him a firm scolding of his unfair treatment.

A/N: As always when I write Hetty these days, I have mixed feelings. While Deeks is/was perfectly capable of defending himself, I think Hetty could have done more to intervene when he was mistreated.

***

Can You See What’s Right Before your Eyes?

“Did you guys finish the weapons audit?” Callen asked, going through the checklist Nell passed on from Hetty every month.

“Yup,” Deeks answered. “And as always, Kensi had the time of her life.”

“Once again, I only enjoy cleaning my own weapons,” she clarified, inclining. “And that’s mostly the knives.”

“Sexy,” he commented with a wink in Kensi’s direction.

“Moving on,” Callen prompted with a pointed clearing of his throat. He nodded to Sam across the room. “Did you review those files Nell gave you?”

“Yeah, another batch of rookies. Hetty’s having a couple come by next week,” Sam said, gesturing to two files on his desk. “The usual drill, they’ll shadow one of us for part of the day in the field to see what we do here and get a chance for some hands-on training. The job is open for any takers.”

“I’ll do it,” Deeks volunteered, gaining a raised eyebrow of surprise from Kensi.

“Oh, that’s very generous of you,” she commented. “You must want something.” Deeks rolled his eyes, knowing she was mostly joking.

“All of you already owe me favors I haven’t cashed in on.” He waved his index finger in a figure to encompass the bullpen and OPS. “No, you guys always complain about having to deal with rookie agents, and since I actually enjoy meeting new people—most of the time—why not? I know, it’ll be tough for you to be separated from me for so long.” He batted his eyelashes at Kensi, who scoffed, overplaying her disgust slightly.

“As if.”

Callen and Sam had watched their whole conversation play out without comment. Deeks turned to them, pretty much expecting the arrangement to be a done deal, but after another moment, Sam shook his head.

“No, I’m not comfortable with that,” he said.

“Excuse me?” Deeks asked, making an incredulous noise. When Sam didn’t crack a smile, he realized he was completely serious. “Why not?”

“You’re not an agent.”

“In all but name. I do the same exact job as all of you, turn in the same reports, risk my life practically every day. What is there to object about?”

Deeks had grown used to his tumultuous relationship with Sam, and had noticed an uptick in the pointed comments, insults, and slights directed his way recently. He’d put it down to the stress of everything going on with Sidorov and Michelle, so had excused it for the most part. None of them were at their best when concerned about a loved one.

This though, was unnecessary.

Sam shrugged dismissively in response to Deeks’ challenge, shaking his head. “You don’t have the same training, you didn’t take the same oath, don’t have the background we do.” He gestured between himself and Deeks now, like it was obvious. “You’re a cop, I’m an agent. We’re not the same.”

“Actually, I think you’ll find I’m an LAPD Liaison, with a rank of Detective,” Deeks corrected with false pleasantry.

“Deeks, we want these kids coming in to learn the proper protocol and have a good example of our work,” Sam said, and Kensi made a soft noise of shock.

“Sam,” she objected, looking vaguely horrified. Callen for his part, was determinedly staring at his computer. He never did like to get involved in these types of conflicts.

“No, it’s ok,” Deeks said, even though bitterness mixed with disbelief filled him. He pasted on a smile that he was sure came off more menacing than anything. “Sam has made his opinion perfectly clear.” He pushed back from his desk. “Have fun answering all those rookie questions, Sam. I know you love that part.”

***

“Mr. Hanna, would you mind coming over her for a moment?” Hetty called from her desk while everyone headed out for the day. As usual, it was voiced as a request, but was in reality a demand.

He walked over, offering a half-smile. “Callen agrees to handle the rookies. All the other monthly duties are up to date,” he reported, anticipating her question.

“That’s good to know,” she replied, waiting a beat, hands steepled, her eyes burrowing into him in a way that would never not be unnerving. She pursed her lips, speaking slowly. “However, that’s not why I asked you to stay behind.”

“Then what’s going on?”

“I overheard your discussion with Mr. Deeks this morning.”

“What conversation?” He’d had half a dozen “conversations” with Deeks, most of which made him what to smack the detective. He didn’t know why, but some days everything Deeks did seemed to annoy him.

“The one about the visiting rookie agents. I heard Deeks offer to work with them, quite generously, might I say,” she explained, pausing yet again. “I also heard your response to that offer.”

Sam smiled, knowing where this was going now. “And let me guess, Deeks complained about it.”

“Mr. Deeks said nothing to me. I believe you know he fights his own battles. No, this is about why you don’t think Deeks can handle the task and why you felt the need to undermine his abilities.”

“It’s Deeks, Hetty,” Sam said. “He’s unpredictable, unreliable, rebellious—”

“Regardless of his pedigree, Deeks is none of those things. To the contrary, he’s one of the very best operators this team has ever seen. Yes, he’s a maverick many times, but that is what makes him so useful to this team.”

Sam set his jaw, frustrated by what felt like an unearned scolding. Hetty stared back with an annoying wide-eyed expression.

“Certainly, you’ve benefitted from his out-of-the-box thinking yourself many times. And even if you can’t appreciate his methods, then you can’t deny Deeks would do anything to protect this team and those we defend.”

“I’m not apologizing to him,” Sam said.

“No, I don’t expect you to. I do, however, expect you to treat Deeks with the respect he has earned and deserves. Is that understood?”

“Yeah, I got it,” Sam confirmed, tapping his knuckle on Hetty’s desk.

“Good.” She nodded. “Have a good night, Sam.”

“Thanks.” He smiled back, tempering his annoyance at Hetty. At Deeks and his floppy hair and inability to conform.

***

A/N: Hope this is all right.

Thanks for the prompt!

[embossross]

The Art Collector

Prologue >> Chapter 1 >> Masterlist

✣ Pairing: Mikey x AFAB fem!Reader

✣ Warning: 18+ dark explicit content, minors DNI

✣ Series: part of the In the Belly of the Beast fic universe

✣ Chapter CWs: Shion's pov just for this chapter, imprisonment, yandere, violence (not against reader)

✣ Story CWs: yandere, stalking, dubcon, kidnap, sex (ptv, oral), rough sex, and probably more to come

✣Synopsis: Mikey isn't like your typical boyfriends. He isn't an artist. He doesn't sport a messy bun or name drop Heidegger. He's just an antisocial IT guy. Or at least that's what he's told you...You may not know your boyfriend as well as you think you do, and by the time you realize your mistake, it may be too late for him. Or you.

✣ Word Count: ~2.5k and counting

When Mochi drinks, his cheeks look like two plump tomatoes, red and round. In a room stuffed with big personalities, he laughs the loudest of them all. His bellows are followed by well-rehearsed titters by the sluts he keeps glued to his side. The party only started twenty minutes ago, and he’s already wasted, but Shion knows by the end of the hour Benkei will be snorting tequila out of his nose while Sanzu snorts coke into his.

The sight of them all, sprawled around the bar and trading war stories, arrogant as they crow over yet another record-breaking quarter – the kind that promises hefty bonuses and even puts a smile on Kokonoi’s nerve-stricken face – makes Shion burn with rage.

Because he should be one of them.

What happened between the fall of Tenjuku and the rise of Bonten? Often Shion tugs at the strings of fate, trying to figure out how everything got so twisted. How did he end up here? A petty officer in Bonten, while the rest of Tenjuku’s leadership rose to the rank of executive?

A few meters away, Rindou sneezes, and Shion hopes it’s the fucking bird flu, and that it eats away at the lazy shit’s lungs until he croaks. Yeah, he would make a better drug kingpin than Rindou anyway.

Tonight, all of Bonten’s executives and officers are gathered at what they colloquially call “the Compound” to review their quarterly earnings. Everyone was surprised when Mikey first announced he was moving out of the city to a “lodge” in the Amagi Mountains just outside Shimoda.

Seeing it for the first time today, Shion questions who first called it a lodge. The Compound sprawls across 100 acres of land with four principal buildings on the premises: one that houses the sparse staff Mikey requires to maintain the grounds, a pool house, an underground bunker, and the main house, which better resembles a mega-mall. Naturally, there is also a stable for horses and a tennis court.

Shion knew Bonten all but printed cash, but seeing the breadth of Mikey’s share here in this property, Shion salivates. With this kind of money, he would build a much cooler house: gold-plated ceilings, a sculpture fountain in the entrance hall, secret passageways. It would be cool as shit.

Sanzu gave everyone a tour earlier, showing them their rooms in the main house and cautioning them to avoid the west wing, which is kept strictly locked for Mikey’s personal use. Shion figures that’s where Mikey bathes in his rivers of cash every night.

“Mad Dog-kun, you look lonely. Missing your little card games?”

Shion turns to acknowledge Shuji, tongue digging into the jagged edge of one of his chipped teeth as he sizes up the other man. Dressed in a Brunello Cucinelli suit with a platinum Patek Philippe watch screaming for attention at his wrist, and a diamond stud for bragging rights in his ear, Shion estimates that Shuji is wearing at least six million yen on his body. Casually. They are both only officers in Bonten with Shion serving under Ran and his oversight of all “entertainment” in the country and Hanma acting as a member of Kakucho’s attack force, and yet somehow Shuji always has millions of yen to drop in a drunken night of cards. It isn’t fair.

“I’m doing fucking swell,” Shion barks. “You heard Kokonoi read out the numbers. My casinos are up 13% year-over-year. Not bad for some little card games.”

“Really? I wasn’t listening,” Hanma says, digging one finger into his ear. Thick earwax globs on his finger when he removes it, and Hanma rubs it right into the lapel of his designer jacket without a care. The stain settles, wet and sickeningly orange.

Shion gapes.

“Since you were listening so closely earlier, I’m sure you heard that I’m being sent back to Iran to secure our deal with the IRGC. Big responsibility,” Shuji gloats. “It gets tiring travelling around the world to all these beautiful places. I mean, if you’ve seen San Paolo, you’ve seen Johannesburg, but well, I have a sweet girl waiting for me in Tehran, and Mikey did say there’s no better man for the job. You can understand that, can’t you? After all, Ran wouldn’t have trusted you with the critical job of…watching old men play mahjong if he didn’t think you could handle it.”

The tiger at his temple roars as Shion tenses. He hates this. Hates that even as his muscles coil to strike, he’s counting backwards from one hundred. Trying to remember what he watched on YouTube about ‘how to control your temper.’ Because while Hanma may not be an executive, he is valuable. And because Ran is smoking a joint nearby, and because Kakucho could choke the life out of him before he took three steps, and because Koko and Yumi are flirting in the corner and won’t take kindly to an interruption, and because there are more guns in this room than bottles of wine.

Once they called him a Mad Dog and meant it. Now, they order him around like a tamed beast.

Shion stalks away from Hanma and the rest of the party. On autopilot, he retraces his steps until he can no longer hear the shitty techno playlist Rindou chose. Halfway down a too bright hallway, Shion freezes. Every hallway is covered in art, sometimes strange shapes and zig zangs, sometimes shit that looks so real he has to get close to realize it’s not a photograph. Outside his room hangs a painting of two frolicking hounds. Here though, there are no dog paintings in sight. He doesn’t recognize anything. He’s lost.

Fifteen long minutes pass as he searches the labyrinthian Compound for a landmark, checking doors and scratching his scalp raw in frustration. The air grows noticeably warmer as he explores, so he loosens and pockets his tie.

Shion decided he should turn around and try to return from whence he came when he recognizes a painting. Weird shit of a little boy leading a yoga class of similarly dopey children. He remembers wondering who was the biggest quack – the artist or Mikey’s decorator? – during Sanzu’s tour of the house. Sanzu warned them to go no further under any circumstances because beyond that point lay the west wing.

Like a good little soldier, Shion turns to leave, but his eyes glue to the door and he finds himself wondering again what might lay beyond it. Maybe on the other side he would find Mikey’s closet, filled with the expensive clothes he never wears but must own, or jewelry, or a stack of bills just ripe for the taking. Then again, if Sanzu was so insistent they never enter it must be much worse. Maybe something truly incriminating, something that would put Mikey squarely in Shion’s pocket…

No! No! Shion clings to life like a spider monkey, blood rushing to his face as he realizes that he’s contemplating an assisted suicide. Blackmailing Mikey of all people?

Except, it is ridiculous that Mikey doesn’t give him more authority when he trusts freaks like Sanzu with his back. And, Mikey is far too paranoid to leave damning evidence lying around even in his own home. And, the door will be locked anyway, so no harm in jiggling the handle. Right?

The doorknob is ice cold beneath his hand, but what really sends a shiver shimmying up his spine is when he turns the knob and the door clicks open without resistance. They should have named him Mad Cat because curiosity draws his eyes as the door swings open on a mostly innocuous set of rooms.

It looks like a receiving room that leads to a hallway and additional rooms. There are comfy chairs, a dormant fireplace, and the largest portrait of Mikey imaginable occupying the opposite wall. The picture of Mikey brooding in black and white might have drawn a guffaw under other circumstances.

The only strange thing in the room really is the girl. And then only because she is running full tilt in his direction like the hounds of hell are chasing her. And, in her case, they literally are as Sanzu sprints in pursuit behind her.

“Unmf,” Shion grunts as the strange woman barrels by him, clipping his shoulder in the process.

“What are you fucking thinking? Grab her!” Sanzu screams.

Shion’s brain catches up slowly, but his body moves to subdue you on instinct. He hooks one arm around your stomach, relying on your own momentum to topple you over. The impact of his stoney arm winds you, so you put up no resistance when the other hand winds around a chunk of hair to drag you back, sock-clad feet lifting off the ground. You claw at his forearm where it holds you hostage with ineffective hisses.

As far as thieves go – and what else can you be but someone who had the same bright idea he did? – Shion thinks you’re quite the cutie. Somehow during your heist you lost your pants. Your body presses against his in nothing but an oversized tee-shirt and knee-high socks. There are no visible injuries, so you must have gotten the jump on Sanzu, which is hilarious given how weak you feel in his arms. Shion wonders if he might get a reward for capturing you. It would be all the sweeter if Sanzu failed where he succeeded.

“Do you know who you’re messing with, bitch?” Shion threatens, glee dancing in his voice.

You twist your head back to glare, and he gets a good view of a woman in her late twenties with pretty, vibrant eyes before your jaw hinges wide like a snake and blunt, human teeth latch right onto his cheek and tear.

“Holy fuck, shit. Get off me, you raving fucking bitch!” Shion screams, but you cling to him with all the strength in your terrible jaw, not yielding when he shoves at your body.

Pushing you away only makes that awful tearing sound worse as his flesh rips apart. Speaking makes it worse, too. His cheek feels hot, and somewhere, he faintly registers a sharp pain. Sanzu must be almost upon you as nearly ten seconds have passed since he first saw you, but panic rips through his brain, and he can’t wait for the reinforcement.

Shion doesn’t struggle against your bite instead unleashing a full power punch aimed directly at your undefended kidney. Hard enough that when it connects, your kidney will rupture and drop you screaming to the floor.

Only everything goes black, and all Shion can do is gargle around a breath that just won’t come just like his intended punch.

Everything hurts.

Seconds later and the pain dims just enough that Shion can breathe normally again excepting the sharp pain in his chest whenever he inhales. He blinks rapidly to shepherd away the black spots that disorient his vision.

“Are you hurt?”

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry. She hid in the laundry basket. And, I tried to stop her, but Madarame had the door wide fucking open. Don’t know what he was thinking!”

Shion knows those voices. He knows their faces too when he finds the strength to lift his neck from its strange angle on the floor and look.

The feral hellcat he mistook for a woman remains captured. This time she hangs limp in the embrace of Mikey’s unassailable arms. Mikey holds you not like a prisoner but a newborn infant, gently and like you demand his absolute focus. Mikey’s eyes don’t stray from your face as Sanzu spews out apologies from the other room. With one hand, Mikey brushes the messy hair away from your face, and with the other he holds your hand in a lover’s grip.

Through the disorientation, Shion knows that he’s discovered the mystery behind the west wing. He just doesn’t know what any of it means.

“Somebody fucked up today, Sanzu. Find out who and make them take responsibility,” Mikey says, and there’s more emotion in his voice than Shion has heard from him in the last half decade.

“Yes, sir. I’ll give you my left hand if I’m at fault,” Sanzu vows.

“It was his fault. All his fault,” you pipe up eagerly, pointing a finger at Sanzu.

Sanzu scowls, opens his mouth as if to argue, and then closes it. Mikey for his part just sighs.

“Look into it. Now,” Mikey orders.

“Yes, sir!”

No one appears to remember Shion as he huddles on the floor, so he tries to keep quiet as he moves. Planting his feet, he shifts backwards onto his butt. The stabbing pain in his chest greets him again, but so long as he breathes shallowly, he can remain conscious. A few ribs are definitely cracked.

Shion longs for the party as he braces himself to scoot himself down the hall, away from Mikey and Sanzu, away from the forbidden west wing. Sweat streams down his cheeks to his lips. It tastes like iron. Shion remembers then that his cheek is a gaping wound, momentarily forgotten thanks to the pain in his liver, but now he feels the swelling heat there, too. Sweat and blood mix in a dark cocktail that flows freely down his face. Unable to withstand the next burst of pain, Shion whimpers.

Mikey is there in an instant. One foot plants on Shion’s chest, right where his ribs shriek, and Shion whites out from the agony. He regains consciousness almost immediately to find himself semi-vertical as Mikey has dragged him up by the hair, foreheads touching. He has never been this close to Mikey before. He can’t see the other man’s unforgiving stare, can’t focus his own eyes well enough to connect. He can smell Mikey’s breath though, feel the heat pelt against his face as his instincts tremble.

They tell him that he is going to die.

“You didn’t see anything here tonight. You got drunk, picked a fight with Sanzu, and lost. Then, you stumbled back to your room and slept it off,” Mikey whispers, and the pain in his chest is nothing compared to the chill in Mikey’s voice.

“Ye-ye-yeah…”

“Shion, convince me. You didn’t see anyone tonight.”

“That’s right, Mikey. That’s right. Hanma pissed me off, and I was drunk, so I decided to act tough with Sanzu, but he put me right back in my place. He sure did. See, my cheek? That guy fights dirty, huh? But, that’s all. I didn’t see anything else. Nothing. Nothing.”

“You should know better than to pick a fight with Sanzu,” Mikey hums.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m a fucking idiot! I need to quit drinking. Makes me stupid.”

“Stupider,” Sanzu says.

They must be living in a backwards universe because somehow Sanzu’s interjection makes Shion feel relatively safer. The first time ever the deranged freak has soothed someone.

Mikey unceremoniously releases his grip on Shion’s hair, sending him tumbling into a pathetic pile on the floor. His ears ring as his head bounces off the cement.

“Get him back to his room,” Mikey orders Sanzu.

The other man shows no courtesy or mercy as he drags Shion up. His chest aches like it means to explode, like he should be gurgling on blood. He needs a doctor, but the most he gets from Sanzu is a shoulder to lean on as they set off down the hall.

It is masochistic, maybe even suicidal, but Shion can’t resist. He turns back and looks.

“I was thinking ramen for dinner, but we have a feast downstairs. Anything you want. Just say the word. It’s your turn to choose,” Mikey says as he guides you back into the suite of rooms.

His voice is warm and easy as he continues to list off dinner items you might enjoy. Strangest of all, Mikey smiles as he speaks to you. Mikey doesn’t smile. Not in all the years Shion has known him.

You aren’t smiling as you follow Mikey’s guiding hand.

No, you the strange woman in the west wing hang your head as he leads you back into your cage. You don’t look back once.

[latifurlimon]

A Guide for Local Business Owners

Running a local business can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, understanding key strategies is essential for success. This guide will cover important aspects to help you thrive in your community.

How Do I Make My Local Business Successful?

Know Your Customers: Understand who your target audience is. Use surveys or social media to gather insights about their preferences and needs. Tailoring your offerings can make a big difference.

Build Your Brand: Your brand is your business identity. Create a memorable logo and consistent messaging that reflects your values. A strong brand helps you stand out in a crowded market.

Leverage Digital Marketing: Having an online presence is crucial. Use social media to connect with customers and local SEO strategies to increase your visibility. Consider partnering with a professional SEO service to boost your online reach.

Engage with the Community: Being active in your local area can attract customers. Sponsor events or collaborate with other businesses to build goodwill and increase brand awareness.

Prioritize Customer Service: Exceptional service keeps customers coming back. Train your staff to provide a positive experience and actively seek customer feedback to improve.

How to Value a Business: A Simple Guide

Asset-Based Valuation: Calculate the total value of your assets (like inventory and equipment) and subtract your liabilities to determine your net worth.

Earnings Multiplier: Look at your average annual earnings and multiply it by an industry-specific multiplier. This can give you an estimate of your business's worth.

Market Comparison: Research recent sales of similar businesses in your area to gauge what buyers are willing to pay.

What Do Local Business Owners Want?

Increased Customers: Attracting more foot traffic is a priority. Effective marketing strategies are essential for this.

Financial Stability: Many aim for consistent cash flow and profitability. They value resources and tips for financial management.

Networking Opportunities: Building relationships with other local businesses can lead to valuable partnerships and referrals.

Support and Resources: Access to training and mentorship can help business owners navigate challenges effectively.

How Do You Attract Customers?

Optimize Your Online Presence: Ensure your website is user-friendly and mobile-responsive. Use local SEO techniques to improve your search rankings.

Utilize Social Media: Engage with your community on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Share promotions, updates, and showcase your products.

Offer Promotions: Limited-time discounts can entice new customers. Consider implementing a loyalty program to reward repeat business.

Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews can greatly influence potential customers. Ask satisfied clients to leave feedback on platforms like Google and Yelp.

Conclusion

Running a successful local business takes effort and commitment. By knowing your market, valuing your business correctly, and effectively attracting customers, you can create a thriving enterprise. Your community is your greatest asset—engage with it, and watch your business flourish! For professional assistance in enhancing your online presence, reach out to a reliable SEO service

[thealmightyemprex]

So I wanted to review a Christmas movie I hadn't seen and I ha happened to stumble upon a film I had never heard of :Cash on Demand a small British Christmas thriller by Hammer of all studios

The plot concerns a bank robber masquerading as a high ranking official forcing a cold bank manager to aid him in a robbery or else he will kill the managers family

I definitely see it as a Christmas movie as the bank manager is sort of a Scrooge like character just with a violent criminal instead of ghosts

What makes the film is the central performances by Peter Cushing as the bank manager and Andre Morell as the criminal.Cushing shows his talents as not a bad person but a cold by the book impersonable man ,who takes those around him for granted but there are moments of humanity as he clearly loves his family....As all he really has is his family and his job and Cushing who was a BRILLAINT actor nails the role ,taking a character who could be unlikeable and showing us his humanity and near the end he is heartbreaking.Andre Morrell is no slouch either being the perfect gentleman thief ,being a cruel villain but more personable and charming a great foil to Cushing.Also shout-out to Richard Vernon who also gives a good performance

This is an underrated gem worth a watch

@ariel-seagull-wings @angelixgutz @amalthea9 @makingboneboy @the-blue-fairie @theancientvaleofsoulmaking @princesssarisa @themousefromfantasyland

[rurpleplayssims]

📝Campbell Quay Recap - Part 2/2📔

If you've not seen the first half of this recap, you can read it here.

Helen invites Brandon around and they have a catch-up. Brandon is pleased to hear from Helen, and she makes him some lunch.

Impressed by her, Brandon asks how she is and that he's glad to have met her. He shyly admits to really liking her. Helen is flattered, pleased that he feels the same as her. He helps her clean up the plates and there's a moment when they look at each other. He hesitantly takes her hand in his and asks if she'd would want something more with him. Just as shyly, she agrees.

After a few more minutes with the chemistry thickening, Brandon kisses her, and Helen reciprocates.

Becky sees Helen with Brandon in the kitchen and is happy for her.

Helen feels herself falling for Brandon, his kind wisdom and Brandon is very fond of her as well.

She sees him off home and heads to bed, smiling to herself.

Becky asks about Brandon.

Helen goes outside to paint when Becky goes to work. Becky gets a promotion to Level 3!

Althea comes over to visit and Becky greets her after getting another promotion the following day to Level 4.

The pair of them talk about Luke's departure and to arrange who to promote to replace Luke.

Tony officially quits his job at Proper Nosh! He invites Emily around to tell her in person.

Whilst she's there, Matthew catches up with Emily. (He is the manager at her restaurant.)

Thomas comes over to speak to Emmy. Emmy quits her job at Grim Groceries as she wishes to open her own business. Thomas understands and wishes her luck.

Dominic spots Emily and comes to speak to her, reminding her that he will shortly be leaving the restaurant as well to work full-time at the Campbell Chronicle.

Emily nods and makes a mental note to hire more employees to replace Tony and Dominic as servers.

Althea is walking past as part of her daily goal to walk around. She speaks to Emmy who requests the name of the bank she can acquire a loan for her new business.

Max earns a promotion to Level 5!

Emmy officially buys the deed for Quay Quality Furniture.

Emmy explains her business venture idea to Alon, who supports her.

Emmy opens the furniture shop the following day.

Max earns some music and dance enthusiasm on a chance card.

Tony has a new date called Beryl. They make out and it goes well but already he's looking for someone else.

Emmy invites one of her employees back after their first day of business and turns out, she knows Briony quite well.

Tony is a Roadie, Level 6 in the Music career.

Dominic tells Tony about his new full-time role at the Chronicle. He's at Level 8.

Althea visits the furniture shop and praises the success of it when it reaches Rank 10!

It also gets a Good Review in the same day!

Already, Emmy wants another business to run. (Her LTW is have 5 Level 10 Businesses.)

Due to some staffing changes, Emmy promotes some and lets one go. (I kept getting a glitch with the cashier till so gave in and bought the automatic cash register object with the invisible recolours.)

It is revealed that Luke joined the military career! (I have a military subhood and all military personnel must live in the subhood. If you want to see more of it, you can see the posts here.)

Tony's Tempo gets a Good Review!

The Bookshelf gets a Good Review and reaches Rank 10!

Noah discovers a new star. He names it after Henry.

Henry and Noah are discuss their friends.

Jasper is about to open his new business (Jasper's Workshop) when he realises one of his employees is naked in a hot tub!

The business goes well once all employees are dressed in their new uniforms and their roles assigned. Althea and Thomas visit as per their custom with new businesses in town.

One of the employees had a bladder failure but he cleans it up before anybody else notices.

Jasper earns a silver restocking badge.

Beryl (Tony's latest date) works here and earns a bronze sales badge.

Jasper's Workshop reaches Rank 8!

Becky meets Jasper who asks after Luke, not aware that he'd moved away. Becky awkwardly tells him.

Roselyn meets Jasper and praises the business's success.

It earns a Good Review before reaching Rank 9!

Back home, Jasper is trying to teach Dalton to speak with minimal success but has better luck with the potty.

Ellen gains some dance enthusiasm via a chance card.

Dalton is completes his potty training with his mother, and learns to speak from her.

Ellen earns $4000 from a chance card and puts it in savings towards their wedding. Jasper praises her success.

Jasper teaches Dalton a nursery rhyme.

Roselyn's Art is earning a decent profit for her own wedding fund as it reaches Rank 7!

Emily comes to visit her sister's business.

Zoey spends a day at the clinic which earns a Good Review at Rank 5!

Althea's baby is due any day now and the couple are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their firstborn.

Thomas invites Zoey and Brandon over for a checkup.

Perfect timing! Althea's waters break as both doctors are present.

She gives birth to a daughter and they call her Matilda.

Brandon and Althea discuss love.

Thomas is overjoyed and besotted with his daughter, as is Althea.

However, Althea feels a little insecure and in a bid to do the best she can, she resolves to study Parenting.

Helen arrives to meet the baby Campbell.

Althea sends an email out to all founding residents to let them know the happy news, and to wish Victoria well on her baby, as she's only a few weeks behind Althea.

Thomas checks in with his businesses.

Victoria heads over to meet Matilda and checks in with Matthew on business dealings.

Thomas sets up a bank account for his daughter and sends quite a lot of his savings into it for her.

Victoria and Althea becomes best friends.

Over the next few days, Althea and Thomas are devoted to their daughter.

Jed comes over to meet his niece and loves her on sight.

He also speaks to her about new people coming into town.

Bluntly, he asks after the father of Janet's baby. Althea scolds him for his lack of tact, but Janet is unfazed.

Althea cooks lunch for them all and Thomas returns home after getting promoted to Level 7 in the Business career.

Thomas asks Janet is she's excited to meet her baby but Janet admits her fear and reveals that Frank broke up with her and left town.

Jed, Thomas and Althea discuss new security arrangements.

Thomas and Althea make some important phone calls with persons unknown.

Thomas takes some time to deal with his accounts in his office upstairs.

Althea completes her Parenting training and becomes best friends with Matilda.

Zoey and Natalia coordinate that day's appointments at the clinic.

Zoey, Brandon and Natalia have a quick staff meeting before seeing the various patients in the waiting room.

Briony discusses the security in town for a new article.

Althea visits the Campbell Chronicle and Briony comes out to congratulate her on the birth of her daughter.

Cheryl, Dominic and Starla have a staff meeting with Briony before they begin their assigned tasks for the day.

This is how far we've reached with the posts so far. I will update this post daily until we reach the commentary posts again.

[headmistressdelecaille]

ABOUT THE ISLAND RANKINGS !

WELCOME PACKET CONTENTS

Headmistress Delecaille’s Letter

Slave Orientation & Rules

Master Orientation & Rules

Guard Rules

Master Room Assignments

Slave Roommate Assignments

Mandatory Courses

Island Map & Campus Map

Island Access Levels

Your New Phone

Island Rankings

Every island resident, master and slave alike, is entered into the island rankings on arrival on Malvolio Island. A resident's place in the rankings is determined by points; all residents begin at zero, and may accumulate or lose points over time. The more points, the higher the rank, and the higher the rank, the more prestige and benefits you receive.

RULES OF THE RANKING SYSTEM:

Any slave who graduates while ranked in the Top 5 slaves will receive a cash prize of $1,000,000 USD, or the equivalent in their desired currency.

Any master who graduates or departs their position on the island while ranked in the Top 5 masters may choose between two prizes. They may have a building on campus renamed and dedicated in their honor, or they may award master status to one slave of their choice.

Slaves may earn points in three ways: through the required review at the end of each rental, by pleasing Masters enough to be awarded points, and by performing certain actions.

Masters also earn points via the required review at the end of each rental; in addition, they may be awarded points by other masters who witness behavior fitting of their status, or by performing certain actions.

Masters may award points freely to slaves and fellow masters for any perceived good behavior.

While a resident's points automatically determine certain factors such as their access level and eligibility for participation in fraternities, residents may also choose from a selection of perks at each 100-point milestone. These perks will remain theirs until such time as their total points fall below the total at which they were earned.

Masters may deduct points from slaves for bad behavior. They may also deduct points from other masters; these deductions will be reviewed by the administration before acceptance.

Points will be deducted automatically from masters and slaves alike for any infraction that breaks school rules; see slave rules + master rules.

AUTOMATIC POINTS !

The following actions will automatically earn an individual points, without a master awarding them.

FOR SLAVES:

Reporting an infraction by another slave

Reporting an infraction by a master

Finishing a course with a grade of 90% or higher

Uploading photos or videos to Dragon's Den

Going six months without any deductions/infractions

FOR MASTERS:

Reporting an infraction by a slave

Reporting an infraction by another master

Publicly punishing a slave's infraction

Outstanding rental or claim rules

Highly satisfactory rental or claim rules

Acceptable rental or claim rules

Finishing a course with a grade of 90% or higher

AUTOMATIC DEDUCTIONS !

The following actions will automatically lose an individual points, without a master deducting them.

FOR SLAVES:

Entering an out of bounds area

More than two (2) minutes in an out of bounds area

Finishing a course with a grade of 60% or lower

FOR MASTERS:

Denied rental or claim rules

Failure to punish claimed slave

Finishing a course with a grade of 60% or lower

MILESTONE PERKS !

At each 100-point milestone, residents are allowed to choose from a selection of perks. These perks will remain theirs until such time as their total points fall below the total at which they were earned.

SLAVE PERKS:

Unlimited calls and emails home

One three-day weekend per semester in a master's suite

A new, top of the line laptop

An upgraded dorm-bunk mattress

One rental-veto per semester

Permission to keep one small pet in the cells, so long as it is properly cared for, does not become a nuisance to guards or other residents, and does not damage Institute property

Up to 15 free hours of studio time a week OR three free art lessons a month, courtesy of The Birdhouse

The Institute's administration will compensate local business owners who offer perks

MASTER PERKS:

Two week long rentals

Permission to take unclaimed slaves ranked within the top 15 off-island for up to three days

Access to Malvolio Island's luxurious sister island, Ruby Isle

One free wish room session per month, with master's choice of slave, courtesy of Dark Desires

The Institute's administration will compensate local business owners who offer perks

OOC INFORMATION !

IN GENERAL:

You may have seen point systems that rely on OOC factors like activity or completed threads--this is not one of those. Our point system is entirely in character, and how your character progresses in it depends on your wishes and their IC actions.

You have the freedom to choose where your character falls in the ranking levels based on how they behaved and what level you want to play them at.

ON AWARDING OR DEDUCTING POINTS:

To award or deduct points, simply send an IC ask to the character awarding or deducting points and for what reason. You do not need to include a specific point value unless you choose to do so.

EXAMPLE MESSAGES:

Points deducted from Scarlett McKnight for disobedience and disrespect.

Points awarded to Sasha Bell for showing respect to her superiors.

I witnessed Qhuinn Fontenot coddling a defiant slave, points deducted

AUTOMATIC: Points awarded to Emmanuel Reyes for reporting an infraction by a slave

Points deducted from Nova Walker for going out of bounds

Points awarded to Emmanuel Reyes for his advice on how to manage mouthy slaves

ON RENTAL REVIEWS:

Submitting a rental review form is required for both masters and slaves after a rental. Masters should submit TI-001A, Slaves TI-001B.

[rx-review]

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[ohmightydevviepuu]

the part of a swan / chapter eight

It should be clear that Emma did not, by any means, regret her ruination.  She did not miss the person she had been before that night; the eager, naive girl, brought up always to behave a certain way, to speak softly, to do as she was bidden, to be what she was told.

Emma no longer believed in allowing people to tell her who she could be.

But Killian Jones is not concerned with who she was–he’s interested in who she is. And he might be the only one smart enough to uncover the truth.

chapter one | chapter two | chapter three | chapter four | chapter five | chapter six | chapter seven [cover art by @snowbellewells ]

--

“So the Honorable Neal Gold finally discovered honor,” Regina said.  “I suppose that has the ring of a happy ending to it.”  She sniffed, and took a sip of her drink.  “You said yes, I take it?  We can put all of this ridiculousness behind us?”

Emma sat by the fireplace, in front of a pile of documents that had never seemed so engrossing.  In truth, it was no small project—a number of club members owed The Swan more than they could afford in cash, and the ownership needed to decide what to accept in lieu of money—but it was not a task that required her immediate attention, especially since it was Robin who typically undertook this review.  Rather, she did not want to answer Regina.

And she did not want to look at her sister-in-law.

“Lord deliver me from men’s wives,” she muttered.

Regina sniffed again, the disdain audible and eloquent in the small sound.  “Careful, Emma.  Do not forget your plot to join our ranks.  Or have you come to your senses on that front after all?”

Emma looked up.  “I don’t think it’s that simple.”

“Isn’t it?”  There was the hint of a smirk, an arch of her eyebrow.  “Does this mean that Jones—“

“No.”

“Pity,” Regina murmured.  She turned serious.  “Emma, I know there is nothing you would not do for your son.  But you know—you must know—that all of us who love him feel as you do.  Is that not so, Mary Margaret?”

“I have a better question for you.  Sister.”  Emma turned her attention toward the silent duchess.  “How long have you known?”

“Emma—“

“Answer me.  Please.”  She meant it to sound like a command rather than a plea; drained, tired, and still waiting for Scarlet, Emma was not sure she succeeded.

“Known what?” Regina put the drink down.  Her eyes darted between Mary Margaret and Emma.

Her sister-in-law looked miserable.  “Since last night,” she said.  “David spoke to me about it when he returned to Dorset House.”

Emma stood, pushing her chair back with enough force nearly to knock it over.  She walked to the side table to pour herself a drink.  “It was my brother who prevented Neal from coming to me.  From courting me, all of those years ago.  And he did it at the behest of Lord Boyle.”  She said this to the window overlooking the darkened casino floor rather than to Mary Margaret or Regina.

“He did you a favor, then,” Regina said.

continue reading on AO3

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2023 PRESHOW - part 3: the Borewhores

Time for my favourite part of any ranking - the songs that make me feel absolutely nothing. Hooray! These songs aren’t bad, but I don’t care for them. There a place for their entries at ESC, and that place is NOW!!! Bask in the glory of the grotesquely average! Or as I affectionally call them: the boring cunts. 

29. ITALY Marco Mengoni - “Due vite” Autoqualifier 

Whoever reads “Borewhore slaughter” in a BorisBubbles write-up thinks there will be an Italy write-up in the mix. Your thinking is once again correct! 😁

I don’t fucking know what to say about Italy anymore. I honestly feels like they’ve achored themselves down to send male-fronted mid-range emotional ballads, each new one just as dull and insipid as the previous one. L’essenziale, Fai rumore, Brividi, what’s the fucking difference, honestly? I’d say it’s the same old, but look at their entries in the last decade, and look at ALL of their San Remo winners since 2020. There was more variation amongst any four-year Italian stretch in the 60s, 70s and 80s, the time period where Italy were consisently one of the worst countries. 

Even as i’m sitting down to review this, my first instinct was “At least Marco’s handsome?” as a punchline and that says it all really? Italy fandom honestly IS barely about their songs and more about whoever (man) performs it, and what he looks like. The fucking halo effect that white mankind projects onto Italians is omnipotent and often earned, but so worth calling out in contexts like these. At least Marco IS handsome, I guess, the first *actually* handsome and charismatic Italian lead since Il Volo. No more “Protecc The Smoll Bean” nonsense. 

So um, the song. God, I don’t care how many silly Spaniards rank it absurdly high on their lists, “Due vite” is boring. I appreciate that it’s inoffensively competent but good grief, it and I do not align. WHY DOES IT HAVE SO MANY WORDS. I know that Italians are a loqacious lot and yap about anything, but this stereotype personified in ballad form frankly exhausts me. 

At least he’s handsome the fandom isn’t annoying about Italy this time around, I guess. 

Odds at Eurovision - ITALY

Aside from the Spaniards nobody seems to care about Marco. One may think this sets up an illusive Italian male flop but I’m not quite as easily fooled. Marco WILL come top 10. Look at this field, and tell me where the jury votes are gonna go towards. Italy will receive a decent mark here. That the fans are less vocal about Italy than they normally is merely an indicator that they’ll place somewhere in the lower half of the top 10. Maybe the Mengoni special of 7th place :-) 

Projected placement: 6th-10th (specifically: 7th) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28. CYPRUS Andrew Lambrou - “Break a broken heart” Semi 2, slot #06

You know, sometimes the broadcasters easen job. Cyprus released a teaser for Andrew’s song before release, and although it lasted for THIRTY SECONDS it told us everything we ever needed to know about “Break a broken heart”, including what the remaining two and a half minutes would sound like. Great songwriting, y’all. 😃

Upon announcement though, I harboured a faint hope Andrew would just give us another “Electrify”, fulfilling his predestined role as this year’s hapless himbot with a basic club banger. Instead Cyprus imagined some dragons and sure, if you’re going to be basic there are worse directions to go. Doesn’t take away this is some lower-end ID song here to cash out another easy low-effort qualification into the usual 21st place. 

B L E R G H. 

Odds at Eurovision - CYPRUS

Andrew is Australian and less awful than little Victor Varicose Vein. So I think it’s safe to state Cyprus do better than Greece? They’re guaranteed one twelve from Greece and another one from Australia. That by itself puts them mathematically ahead of several countries in that semi. 

Like I honestly REALLY wish “Break a broken heart” were.. you know, good, because that would ensure Greece’s NQ while making Cyprus (which is a lock on PAPER) an even more secure qualifier. Sadlty, that’s not the case. In a fully just world though, everyone recognizes the “Break a broken heart” is just boringdull baggage nobody wants to take home with them, and both Cyprus and Greece get to hold hands as they sink into a sea of flop. Sadly that’s unlikely to happen in semi 2, unless ALL the other fringe qualifiers deliver something extraordinary.  Once in the final, Cyprus will beach themselves in a 21st-ish place (with votes from Greece and Australia ONLY), and nobody will talk about them ever again. 🙂

Qualifier Tier: B+ Projected placement: 7th-10th (semi), 19th-23rd (Grand final). 

---------------------------------------------------------------

27. UKRAINE TVORCHI - “Heart of steel” Autoqualifier

What a big pile of misery. Yes, YES, I am aware what country this is. Any of us would be highly delusional to believe Ukraine would go for something cheery at this present moment in time, but Krut and Finka were right there, on offer for the Ukrainians to take? We don’t have to like  Ukraine this year, surely? Yeah it’s TAKING A STAND!! AGAINST THE EVIL INVADER!!! but if it’s about resilience and overcoming odds, then why does it sound like a fucking funeral march hmm? 

For all its doom and gloom, I don’t dislike “Heart of steel” though. It is well-made and unique, which I can appreciate. But I also don’t give two fucks about it. It’s a far cry away from the usual high octane stuff Ukraine send. 

More than anything, “Heart of steel” feels like the end of success story for what is ultimately one of Eurovision’s best and most consistent participating countries. While it won’t happen this year, I’ve a feeling Ukraine will continue to send entries like these, with diminishing returns until they finally ruin their perfect qualification record.

At least they’re not winning this time around, but more on that in the next rublic:

Odds at Eurovision - UKRAINE

The expectations for Ukraine differ depending on who you’d ask, ranging from “winning back-to-back” to “they’ll flop and come bottom five”. I think the expectations are wrong.🙂  Ukraine will come top 10, but nowhere near a win. Eurovision is not a charity, but there there’s clearly going to be some sort of sympathy vote.. But I also feel like this will be limited to countries with a vested interest towards supporting Ukraine (the Baltics, Poland, Czechia). Most of the other casuals I believe will have moved on, more stingy with their money in a world where general prices have skyrocketed. 

In most countries the oro-Ukraine vote will be limited to the expats and refugees for the most part because, again, most of Europe has moved on and also because  “Heart of Steel” is kinda unvoteable oops. I can’t make a projection of how many points that’ll be, but I’d be surprised it Ukraine got more than a bunch of fives and sixes? That should still be enough for a good result overall, but not enough to come even NEAR the actual winning entries. 

Based on musical merit i would estimate a decent jury score as well, to further underline a good but not outstanding result in Liverpool. 

Projected placement: 4th-10th (prediction: 6th place) 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

26. ESTONIA Alika - “Bridges” Semi 2, slot #4

What a wild rollercoaster ride for an entry I fundamentally care very little about.  I went from not caring about Alika to lowkey stanning her to concluding that wait actually "Bridges” kinda sucks, so Estonia should be ranked lowish. Oops!

Idk, I think that *within the context of Eesti Laul* where it became immediately obvious (from the feedback I heard from actual Estonians) that Alika would win, I just... forced myself to like her?  I also had taken it upon myself that Ollie NEEDED to lose for his overrated ~emo boy with emotions~ nonsense (no, it doesn’t work better if disguised as a Linkin’ Park song.) by all means necessary. Bedwetters would be the ideal men for the job, but again since nobody in Estonia seemed to care about them (why? Were Ollie and Alika truly that more exciting? What a crazy country.), Alika was a decent alternative, or so I thought.

Once she actually beat Ollie, I gave Alika little thought until it was time for the bulk relisten. During that I concluded that “Bridges” kinda annoys me? For something supposed to be introverted, it’s loud and pungent.

The presentation at EL does NOT help it either, as it involves Alika angrily screaming about how SHE’S BUILDING UP A WORLD OF BREECHES (what does that metaphor even MEAN, btw?) with the panache of a crazy woman who was just dragged from a river. It’s like Iceland where I feel like there’s a “solid idea” but the execution is a sloppy mess. Unlike Estonia though, iceland have a very good song AND fun performer this year, so i’m willing to forgive their flaws. 🙂

So much for the ONLY female-fronted classical ballad in this year, huh?

Odds at Eurovision - ESTONIA

Estonia are one of several countries in the second semi that are on the cusp. As i’ve written before, 7 countries are very likely through to the final: those 7 are Australia, Lithuania, Austria, Belgium, Slovenia, Armenia and Cyprus (probably in that precise order). San Marino are dead, and Poland/Romania hang on by a sliver. EVERYONE ELSE has a more or less equal shot at the final three positions. Estonia’s advantages here are (1)  Alika’s powerful voice and (2) Bridges being the only classical ballad in the semi. Both of those things can help Estonia stand out and receive televotes, in a semi where their closest ally is Lithuania. 

Estonia is also disadvantaged however. The first and largest of these is that the semi has a very slow start, so someone will have to kickstart it. That will not be “Bridges” which is adding reverse alacrity to the already dull proceedings

Even worse, I believe the big kicker will be Belgium. Estonia are on DIRECTLY BEFORE them, which is a very bad spot to be in.

Also, being on fourth with a ballad is never good. 

ALSO, “Bridges” in its current state is shouty and miserable. 

There are several things Estonia need to rethink in terms of their staging and Alika’s styling, if their ambition is to do well, let alone qualify. Currently I think they’ll come close to the Q, but will narrowly miss it in 11th or 12th place. 

If they do make the final, I could see Bridges becoming one of those entries that Juries love to death and televoters don’t give two fucks about. Their result will be lower-midtable once they’ve passed the big old hurdle of “reaching the grand final with a ballad in a full televote scoreboard”. Qualifier tier: C Projected placement: 8th-14th (Semi), 14th-19th (Grand Final)

---------------------------------------------------------------

And that concludes those I find very very boring :-)  Next up are the decent entries. I’m not fully on board with them, but I understand why they’re liked. They bring something different to the table and I can appreciate that even if I’m not the target audience. 🙂

THE RANKING:

Part 1: The BAD entries (Switzerland / Croatia / Israel / Greece) Part 2: the IRRELEVANT entries  (Ireland / Albania / Netherlands / San Marino)

[arcplaysgames]

w e l l

i mentioned i was going to throw caution to the wind and get Persona 5 Strikers to liveblog with next paycheck

well i can't really justify that rn because the month i took off to recover from being sick completely screwed my finances so yeah that's sad but that's life

we will have to wait a bit for P5S unless anyone wants to pitch in for it on kofi or something.

I am making the option available because... I think I'm good for providing some mildly interesting content from it, so I don't feel that guilty.

... also i just watched a MegaTen Tier List video and P5S was ranked, like, weirdly high so now I'm curious if it's, like, really good. the reviewer even said it had a better story than P5 Vanilla which we all know is a low hurdle but it is nonetheless an interesting hurdle to clear.

ANYWAY if you would like to pitch in a few bucks to subsidize Archie Plays More Goddamn Persona, here is my kofi. But there is zero pressure and also I will still be picking it up when I have a little more superfluous cash.

[xxgothchatonxx]

Rightio, here is my full(ish) review of Peter Pan & Wendy.

My recommendation is to not go into this thinking it’s going to be a remake of the animated film. Because while there are nods (i.e. YOU CAN FLY IS IN THE SCORE!! WAHOO!!!) it’s more of a reimagining of Barrie’s novel. And when it comes to reimaginings... yeah, I think these writers did it pretty well.

I love that it starts off as the classic perception of the Peter Pan story being this wonderful, fun campy adventure, and then goes “hang on... there’s something pretty messed up about all of this... hey, what’s the deal with Peter and Hook?” and then it turns into more of a character study story. Ok it doesn’t turn into a full-on dark, gritty horror story but it does take a more serious turn.

How do people deal with growing up? Do they run away from the idea, do they grow up ‘wrong’ in Hook’s case, or do they accept it’s something they need to do and they’ll view it as the “greatest adventure of all”? Which, while the writing isn’t the same as it is in the book, that is what Barrie wrote. That thematic element has always been part of Peter Pan. So kudos to David Lowery for understanding that.

And I thought the new take on Peter and Hook’s relationship was a good predictable twist. It made sense and I thought it was emotionally impactful. I also like that the ending is ambiguous about what their relationship will be like in the future.

Ok, some more pros:

JUDE. LAW. AS. HOOK. I will go more in-depth about that but maaaaaaan I was so pleased with his performance and with the writing. Also this film continues the tradition that Mr. Smee is one of the most consistently perfectly-casted characters ever.

I really enjoyed Ever Anderson as Wendy. Yara Shahidi was so freaking cute as Tink (that final scene made me sob, ngl). I thought the Lost Boys were fine, they cute kids. The pirates were clearly having the time of their lives in these roles, they were so fun to watch. And Tiger Lily was pretty cool.

The way they got to Neverland was pretty creative. I actually rewound that scene a couple of times.

The ending. This will be the only comparison I make to the 2003 version (which need i remind everyone is literally my favourite film of all time...) - kudos for keeping it bittersweet.

Now for the cons, because this film isn’t perfect:

The pacing is... not the worst but not great.

Some of the editing transitions made me laugh and go “..huh?”

While while the lighting in Neverland looked a lot better than the trailers, the nursery scene was pretty hard to see.

I also wish Alan Tudyk was given more to do as Mr. Darling... and no, they don’t do the dual-casting with Hook.

I swear they cut out that epic jump Peter did in the trailer... did they cut that? If they did, that’s unfortunate, cos that looked badass.

And that’s... basically all the cons! Well, that I can think of.

So, again I can’t call this a flawless film but I also refuse to call it a soulless cash-grab because there was way too much effort in the writing for it to be dismissed as “soulless”. For a modern Disney live-action film, this could have been sooooo much worse, and you all know it. But I am very pleased with what I saw.

So, I’m giving it 4/5. And on my rankings of Peter Pan adaptations, I’m putting this at... three :)