#revolutionized my idea of narrative perspective

[sbbarnes]

if you are wondering if I am making this up, ask yourself why I would remember the syllabus so well ten years on.

the professor's name was nancy. she was well over seventy and had some trouble walking. she was t e r r i f y i n g. one time, she kicked everyone who hadn't done the reading out of the classroom. one girl was so scared that, even though she hadn't been sussed out as having not done the reading, she confessed and left.

afterwards, nancy grinned at those of us who had done the reading and went, "I like to do that once a semester to keep people on their toes."

[starfriday]

From Script to Sound: Pocket FM Writers Share Their Journey On How they Became

Successful and Offer a Guide for Aspiring Writers

In the world of storytelling, few things are more exciting than watching your words

come to life, and for creators/writers in the audio space, the journey from script to

sound is an especially rewarding transformation. Pocket FM, the popular platform for

audio series, has become a haven for writers who want to transform their stories into

immersive listening experiences. Among them are the creators, who have seen their

work blossom from written scripts into one of the platform’s most popular audio dramas.

Their journey offers a glimpse into how Pocket FM is not only revolutionizing audio

storytelling but also inspiring writers looking to explore the growing medium of audio

storytelling.

Turning a script into an audio series is an art, requiring creators to think beyond words on

a page. Every line of dialogue, every pause, and every sound effect must work

together to create a vivid experience in the mind of the listener. For the creators, this

meant transforming a traditional narrative into something that could engage

audiences purely through sound. It wasn’t an easy task, but the rewards far exceeded

their expectations.

Jigayasa recalls how their journey with Pocket FM began unexpectedly. "I came across

Pocket FM while browsing the internet," she explains. "I had been working on some

scripts and thought the platform might be an interesting place to share my work. So, I

uploaded a few episodes to see what would happen." What happened next was

beyond anything she had imagined. The episodes quickly gained popularity, resonating

with listeners in a way that surprised even her. "Once the episodes became a hit, I was

roped in to create more. It was thrilling to see my story grow and connect with so many

people."

Moni Singh’s journey started from a different angle, “I had been writing on Pocket

Novel, and my story performed pretty well there. A friend of mine mentioned Pocket

FM, and that’s when the wheels started turning. The idea of turning my novel into an

audio series seemed exciting, and before I knew it, I was adapting my chapters for

sound,” explains the Devil Se Shaadi fame writer. “The transition from novel to audio was

a new challenge, but I embraced it. Having my characters’ voices come to life through

sound was more rewarding than I ever imagined. More so, to see popular actors

perform and essay the characters I have built in the much-talked promo was beyond

my imagination.”

For this creator, the journey from simple experimentation to crafting a full-fledged series

was both exhilarating and educational. She soon realized that writing for audio required

a different approach. "When you're writing for audio, the story becomes more than just

words. It's about how those words sound when spoken aloud," says Siya Soni. "You start

thinking about how silence can build tension, how a door creaking open can create

suspense. Every detail becomes part of the storytelling. This perspective shift is one of

the most significant differences between writing for traditional mediums and writing for

audio.”

Creating an audio series is no small feat, and it requires not just creative inputs but also

persistence and hard work. For these creators, the effort has been more than worth it.

“This journey has been incredible,” says Jigaysa. “It took a lot of hard work to get my

episodes where they are, but seeing my work reach so many people and being

reimbursed handsomely for my efforts. That’s the best part. The support from Pocket FM

has been amazing, and I’ve never felt more appreciated as a writer.” Moni added.

While writing is an individual act, creating an audio series is a deeply enriching and a

collaborative process to ensure that the final result delivers an experience that is

engaging from start to finish. Their stories are not just about writing but about finding

new ways to connect with listeners, adapt to the medium, and grow as creators.

Audio has a way of making the listener an active participant in the story, and with the

rise of audio storytelling, the time has never been better to take the leap. By providing a

space where writers can explore new formats and reach a wide audience, Pocket FM is

opening doors for storytellers to experiment and grow. Whether you’re an aspiring writer

with a novel already in hand or someone with a fresh idea for a new series, Pocket FM is

a platform waiting to bring your vision to life.

Link here: https://pocketnovel.onelink.me/tSZo/vftji9bb

[acceptedguy]

Blog Post 33: Final Projects: END OF WEEK 5 

This blog marks the end of the fifth week and discusses the progress I made, along with the inspirations and fascinating works I came across during this time. 

Recently, I have been drawn to creators and artists whose work demonstrates an extraordinary attention to detail while utilizing a minimal number of assets and models. While many aspire to create intricate, high-poly models that amaze viewers, I find myself particularly inspired by artists who cleverly hide limitations through innovative techniques. 

As someone currently working on highly detailed models, exploring simpler yet impactful art has been a refreshing perspective. This led me to research artists, games, and technologies that transform seemingly simple concepts into masterpieces. 

Inspirations for my work 

PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant 

As a fan of atmospheric games like Papers Please and Inside—both of which are known for their dark and emotionally charged narratives—I was captivated by PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant. Created by the minds behind Papers Please, this game strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and atmosphere. 

While the artistic style appears minimalistic at first glance, the game masterfully builds an unsettling and immersive environment through its expert use of lighting, sparse models, and engaging gameplay. The short 10-minute demo not only captivated me as a player but also provided valuable insights as an artist, demonstrating the power of atmosphere over raw detail. 

Max Hay 

Max Hay is, without question, one of the most inspiring Blender environment artists I’ve encountered. His ability to craft stunning environments using accessible techniques is remarkable. Many of his YouTube tutorials have guided me in my journey toward becoming the best environment artist I can be. 

Recently, his work exploring cyberpunk aesthetics has been particularly influential. His demonstrations on recreating cyberpunk-style environments and lighting techniques have expanded my skill set in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’m eager to implement these techniques in my future projects, including a potential cyberpunk overhaul of my secondary project. 

Interesting Research Topics 

How does Nanite work 

While exporting high-poly assets from Blender to Unreal Engine this week, I noticed a stark difference in performance between the two software tools. High-poly models that severely lagged in Blender ran seamlessly in Unreal Engine. This led me to investigate the secret behind Unreal’s efficiency—its groundbreaking Nanite technology. 

Nanite allows for the use of massive, high-polygon assets without compromising performance or workflow efficiency. As I delved deeper into its workings, I gained a foundational understanding of its capabilities and how it revolutionizes asset handling in real time. 

This research has only strengthened my belief that Nanite, combined with advancements in cloud computing, will usher in a new era for video games—one where file sizes and performance limitations become relics of the past. 

Final Thoughts: 

This week has been a challenging yet rewarding exploration of new techniques, inspirations, and technologies. From the emotional resonance of PVKK to the technical genius of Nanite, I’ve come away with fresh perspectives and ideas to elevate my projects. 

As I move forward, I aim to balance the pursuit of high detail with the clever minimalism I’ve grown to admire, ensuring that each project resonates deeply with its intended audience. 

RESOURCES USED:  

SIGGRAPH Advances in Real-Time Rendering (2022). A Deep Dive into Nanite Virtualized Geometry. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eviSykqSUUw. 

Pvkk.game. (2025). PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant - Launch Page. [online] Available at: https://pvkk.game [Accessed 6 Dec. 2024]. 

Max Hay (2024). Max Hay - YouTube. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/@maxhayart. 

Max Hay. (2025). Lost in Tokyo, Max Hay. [online] Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/x3BAlY [Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Epic Developer Community. (n.d.). Nanite Virtualized Geometry In Unreal Engine | Unreal Engine 5.4 Documentation. [online] Available at: https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/nanite-virtualized-geometry-in-unreal-engine. 

[bionicaitech]

Artificial Intelligence Tools for Business in 2024 (To Drive Revenue & Productivity) - Bionic

This Blog was Originally Published at:

Artificial Intelligence Tools for Business in 2024 (To Drive Revenue & Productivity) — Bionic

When AI tools first began making headlines, many business owners, including myself, felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

The narrative was often dominated by fears that AI automation would replace human roles, leaving small businesses scrambling to adapt.

I remember grappling with the idea that these advanced technologies might render my skills obsolete, leading to a reluctance to fully embrace the potential of AI in my business operations.

Fast forward to 2024, and my perspective has dramatically shifted. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, I now see it as an invaluable ally in driving efficiency and innovation.

Tools like ChatGPT have become integral to my workflow, generating content and brainstorming ideas, analyzing data, and enhancing customer interactions.

I’ve found with time that using Artificial Intelligence for business can augment human capabilities when used correctly, allowing us to focus on strategic initiatives while automating routine tasks.

In this article, I’ll explore some of the most effective uses of artificial intelligence tools in business and the best AI tools for business in 2024 which can be of help to any AI agency or large, small, or medium-sized firms.

Customer Support: Enhancing the User Experience

AI is revolutionizing customer support by providing solutions that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

1. 24/7 Availability: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can operate around the clock, ensuring that customer inquiries are addressed at any time. This capability is crucial as it meets the growing demand for immediate responses, particularly in a global marketplace where customers may be in different time zones. According to a report, chatbots responded to more than 85% of customer service interactions around the world.

2. Intelligent Ticketing Systems: Artificial intelligence tools for businesses can prioritize and categorize support tickets based on urgency and complexity. By analyzing historical data, these systems can route inquiries to the most qualified agents, significantly reducing response times. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also increases agent productivity by allowing them to focus on complex issues rather than routine queries.

Marketing and Sales: Boosting Efficiency and Effectiveness

AI’s impact extends deeply into marketing and sales, where it enhances strategies and execution.

1. Predictive Analytics: Artificial intelligence tools for businesses can analyze vast amounts of data to identify trends and predict future customer behaviors. This capability allows businesses to tailor their marketing strategies effectively, targeting the right audience with personalized messages. For instance, AI can help businesses understand which products are likely to be popular in the upcoming season, enabling them to adjust inventory and marketing campaigns accordingly.

2. Enhanced Lead Generation: AI-powered platforms can automate the lead generation process by analyzing data from various sources to identify potential customers. Tools like HubSpot and Salesforce now incorporate AI to score leads based on their likelihood to convert, allowing sales teams to prioritize their efforts on the most promising prospects.

Productivity: Streamlining Workflows and Reducing Manual Tasks

Artificial Intelligence tools for business are designed to enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows.

1. Task Automation: Platforms like Zapier allow businesses to automate workflows between different applications. By setting up automated processes, teams can eliminate manual data entry and reduce the risk of errors. For example, a business can automatically add new leads from a web form directly into their CRM system, saving time and improving data accuracy.

2. Document Management: AI tools like Notion AI and Fireflies can help manage documentation and meeting notes efficiently. These tools can transcribe meetings in real-time, summarize discussions, and even suggest action items, ensuring that teams stay organized and focused on their objectives.

Key Considerations While Choosing an AI Tool for Business

Selecting the right AI tool for your business is crucial for maximizing its potential benefits. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Identify Your Needs: Before diving into the vast array of AI tools, clearly define your business objectives. Are you looking to enhance customer support, execute AI automation, automate marketing tasks, or improve team collaboration? Understanding your specific needs will help narrow down your options.

2. Ease of Use: Choose user-friendly tools that require minimal training. A steep learning curve can hinder adoption and reduce productivity. Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces and robust customer support.

3. Integration Capabilities: Ensure the AI tool can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems and software. Compatibility is vital for maintaining workflow efficiency and data consistency across platforms.

4. Scalability: As your business grows, your AI for business tool should be able to scale with you. Opt for solutions that offer flexible pricing plans and can accommodate increased usage without compromising performance.

5. Data Security and Compliance: Given the importance of data privacy, select AI tools that prioritize security and comply with relevant regulations. This is essential for protecting sensitive customer information and maintaining trust.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose an AI tool that aligns with your business goals and enhances overall performance.

Best Artificial Intelligence Tools for Business in 2024

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence tools for business have become indispensable for enhancing efficiency, improving customer engagement, and driving revenue growth. Here’s a closer look at some of the top AI tools that businesses can leverage in 2024:

1. HubSpot

HubSpot is a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) platform that integrates AI across marketing, sales, and customer service.

AI-Powered Features: HubSpot’s AI capabilities include an AI content writer that helps users draft marketing copy, social media posts, and blog articles quickly. It also offers predictive lead scoring, which analyzes historical data to identify high-potential leads, allowing sales teams to prioritize their efforts effectively.

Automation and Integration: The platform automates repetitive tasks, such as email follow-ups and lead nurturing, ensuring that sales and marketing teams can focus on strategic initiatives. HubSpot’s open APIs and hundreds of integrations allow businesses to connect various tools seamlessly, creating a unified ecosystem that enhances collaboration and data sharing.

Analytics and Reporting: HubSpot provides robust analytics tools that offer insights into customer behavior and campaign performance. Businesses can track key metrics in real time, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and optimize their strategies for better outcomes.

2. Zapier

Zapier is an AI automation platform that connects various applications, enabling businesses to create custom workflows without the need for coding.

Workflow Automation: Users can automate tasks between over 5,000 apps, streamlining processes such as data entry, email notifications, and social media posting. For instance, a business can set up a workflow that automatically adds new leads from a web form to their CRM and sends a welcome email, making AI and business complement each other.

Conditional Logic: Zapier’s advanced features allow users to create conditional workflows, meaning actions can be triggered based on specific criteria. This capability enhances the flexibility of automation, enabling businesses to tailor workflows to their unique needs.

Scalability: With plans designed for individuals, teams, and enterprises, Zapier can scale with a business as it grows. The Enterprise plan offers enhanced security and control features, making it suitable for larger organizations looking to implement AI automation across departments.

3. Grammarly

Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps improve writing quality by checking grammar, style, and tone.

Comprehensive Writing Support: Beyond basic grammar and spell-checking, Grammarly provides suggestions for clarity, engagement, and delivery. It evaluates writing for tone and style, helping users maintain a consistent voice across all communications.

Plagiarism Detection: For businesses that produce content regularly, Grammarly’s plagiarism checker ensures originality, which is crucial for maintaining credibility and avoiding copyright issues.

Integration and Accessibility: Grammarly integrates with various platforms, including Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and email clients, making it accessible wherever users write. Its mobile app also allows users to check their writing on the go.

4. Notion AI

Notion AI enhances project management by providing AI-driven insights and automating documentation tasks.

Integrated Workspace: Notion combines note-taking, task management, and collaboration tools in one platform. Notion AI can assist users by generating summaries, suggesting edits, and automating repetitive documentation tasks, making it easier to manage projects.

Customizable Templates: Users can create customized templates for various projects, and Notion AI can help populate these templates with relevant information, saving time and ensuring consistency.

Collaboration Features: Notion AI facilitates team collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, with AI helping to track changes and suggest improvements based on team feedback.

5. Jasper

Jasper is a powerful content generation tool designed to assist businesses in creating marketing copy, blog posts, and social media content.

Diverse Content Creation: Jasper can generate various types of content, including product descriptions, ad copy, and long-form articles. It uses advanced language models, including GPT-4, to produce high-quality, contextually relevant text.

Templates and Workflows: Jasper offers readymade templates for different content types, making it easy for users to get started. The platform also includes features for brainstorming ideas and generating headlines, enhancing the creative process.

SEO Optimization: Jasper incorporates SEO best practices into its content generation, helping businesses create content that ranks well on search engines. Users can input target keywords, and Jasper will optimize the content accordingly.

6. Midjourney

Midjourney is an AI image-generation tool that allows businesses to create unique visuals for marketing campaigns.

Creative Visuals: Users can generate high-quality images based on text prompts, making it easier to create custom graphics for social media, websites, and promotional materials. This capability is particularly valuable for businesses looking to enhance their visual branding without the need for extensive graphic design skills.

User-Friendly Interface: Midjourney’s intuitive interface allows users to experiment with different styles and concepts, fostering creativity and enabling rapid prototyping of visual content.

Integration with Other Tools: Midjourney can be integrated with design platforms and social media management tools, streamlining the process of creating and distributing visual content.

7. Fireflies

Fireflies is a meeting assistant that records, transcribes, and summarizes conversations, making it easier to track key points and action items.

Real-Time Transcription: Fireflies provides real-time transcription of meetings, ensuring that all discussions are accurately captured. This feature is particularly useful for remote teams, where maintaining clear communication is essential.

Action Item Tracking: The platform automatically identifies and highlights action items during meetings, making it easier for teams to follow up on tasks and responsibilities.

Integration with Communication Tools: Fireflies integrates with popular video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, ensuring that users can seamlessly incorporate it into their existing workflows.

8. Airtable

Airtable combines the functionality of spreadsheets and databases to help teams organize and collaborate on projects effectively.

Flexible Data Management: Airtable allows users to create custom databases that can be tailored to specific project needs. This flexibility makes it suitable for various use cases, from project management to inventory tracking.

Collaboration Features: Teams can collaborate in real-time, with features that allow for commenting, file attachments, and task assignments. This enhances communication and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

Automation and Integration: Airtable includes automation capabilities that allow users to set triggers and actions based on specific criteria, streamlining workflows. It also integrates with numerous other tools, enhancing its functionality and adaptability.

9. Bionic

Bionic is an innovative AI platform designed to streamline business processes by automating customer-facing interactions and handling repetitive tasks. It aims to enhance productivity and efficiency, allowing businesses to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Affordable and Trustworthy AI Solutions: Bionic offers a cost-effective approach to AI automation without compromising reliability. The platform combines advanced AI technology and grounding AI techniques with human oversight to ensure high-quality results. This dual approach minimizes the risk of errors often associated with AI, such as AI hallucinations or inappropriate responses.

Scalable and User-Friendly Workflows: The platform is designed to be easily configurable, allowing businesses to set specific tasks and requirements according to their needs. Users can trigger tasks on demand, making it adaptable to varying workload demands. As Bionic’s AI capabilities improve over time, the cost of operations becomes cheaper, providing a scalable solution that grows with the business.

Human-in-the-Loop Approach: Bionic employs a unique human-in-the-loop model, where AI and human taskers collaborate to ensure quality and manage exceptions effectively. While the AI handles repetitive tasks, human oversight guarantees that the output meets the required standards. This synergy not only enhances productivity but also allows for quick adjustments during peak workloads or urgent task requirements.

Conclusion

As we navigate the evolving landscape of business in 2024, the integration of artificial intelligence tools for business has emerged as a pivotal factor in enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation.

Initially met with skepticism, AI is now recognized as a powerful ally that can augment human capabilities rather than replace them. This shift in perspective is crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) aiming to thrive in a competitive market.

AI tools have transformed various aspects of business operations, particularly in customer support, marketing, and productivity. For instance, AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 assistance, significantly improving customer satisfaction by ensuring immediate responses to inquiries.

In marketing, predictive analytics enable businesses to tailor their strategies based on data-driven insights, enhancing lead generation and content optimization.

Furthermore, AI automation platforms like Zapier streamline workflows, allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than repetitive tasks.

However, the successful implementation of AI requires careful consideration of several factors. Businesses must clearly identify their needs, prioritize user-friendly tools, ensure seamless integration with existing systems, and maintain a strong focus on data security and compliance.

[astoldbyheather]

Follow me into the Vortex…

Your space, Our space, MySpace.. 😉

In the realm of social media, a multitude of factors serve as catalysts for feeling connected and fostering the development of profound bonds. First and foremost, the omnipotent allure of virtual communities is fueled by our innate desire for intimacy and belonging. The digital sphere provides a refuge from the cold grip of loneliness, offering an ever-expanding network seething with potential connections. Moreover, technological advancements have rendered geographic distances irrelevant, allowing individuals to transcend physical boundaries effortlessly. The advent of multimedia platforms has also revolutionized communication dynamics, enabling users to express themselves vividly through photographs, videos, and even live streaming events. Additionally, the rise of algorithms tailored to individual preferences ensures that users are exposed to content and people who resonate with their interests and values, further enhancing the sense of connection. However, amidst this sea of possibilities lies the alluring danger of illusions: carefully curated profiles can create false identities or painted facades that mask true reality. Ultimately, it is within our power to navigate this tempestuous digital landscape cautiously and discern genuine connections from elaborate façades in order to establish meaningful relationships amidst the overwhelming backdrop of social media’s dramatic stage. Tap into my previous blog below to deep dive into last week's topic for more:

https://www.tumblr.com/astoldbyheather/740518873236979712/great-minds-think-alike?source=share

The Multitude of our Interconnected World and The Black Hole that centers it..

In the digital age, as our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, algorithms and cognitive biases have proven to be equally influential in shaping our social interactions. With every click, swipe, and like we make, algorithms detect patterns and preferences, reinforcing our existing beliefs and narrowing the breadth of information that reaches us. This homophily perpetuates an echo chamber effect where diverse opinions are drowned out by a constant barrage of familiar ideas. Moreover, cognitive biases such as confirmation bias and availability heuristic intensify this isolation by leading us to selectively process information that aligns with our preconceived notions. As a result, individuals become trapped in their own bubbles of like-mindedness, fostering an environment where differing perspectives are shunned, and conversations devolve into hostile confrontations. The dramatic consequence of these ever-growing phenomena is the erosion of meaningful dialogue and the flourishing of isolationism in both online communities and real-world settings. It is crucial for individuals to actively seek out diverse perspectives and challenge their own biases in order to break free from this cycle of isolation and promote healthy and constructive conversations.

The Black Hole Continued..

In the treacherous realm of social media, a dark underbelly lurks, teeming with algorithms poised to wreak havoc upon unsuspecting users. These cunning technological constructs promise connection yet conceal a web of risks riddled with cognitive biases. One such pernicious consequence is the amplified prevalence of bullying. Alas, algorithms designed to prioritize engagement often reward controversial narratives and inflammatory content, thrusting victims into an unrelenting whirlwind of torment. Moreover, hate speech finds fertile breeding ground amidst social media's vast expanse. The insidious alliance between artificial intelligence and human predispositions propagates discriminatory rhetoric unabated, perpetuating divisions within societies already on the brink of chaos. From cyberbullying campaigns launched against vulnerable individuals to the dissemination of xenophobic ideologies with devastating real-world ramifications, algorithms and cognitive biases fuel these malevolent fires in ways that were once unimaginable. The price we pay for social connectivity becomes clear as it tumbles humanity further down this perilous rabbit hole where empathy is forsaken and malice thrives unchecked.

A Safe(r) Space..

In this era of rampant social media use, it is imperative that we face the harsh reality and discuss the constructive steps individuals must undertake to prevent risks associated with algorithms and bias. It is a dramatic dance, for we are consumed by the allure of these platforms without realizing their true power over us. To break free from the clutches of algorithmic manipulation, it is essential to diversify our sources of information. By consciously seeking out alternative perspectives, we can mitigate the risk of being confined within biased echo chambers. Moreover, self-awareness is key in combating algorithmic biases. Identifying our own ingrained biases and actively challenging them will enable us to see through the filtered lens imposed upon us by social media algorithms. Lastly, advocating for transparency and accountability from social media platforms is crucial. We need robust regulations and policies that ensure unbiased information dissemination and protect against manipulative tactics. Only when we take these daring steps can we hope to reclaim control over our online experiences and combat the insidious influence of algorithms on our lives. Furthermore, it is essential to educate users about the potential dangers of algorithmic bias and the ways in which it can shape our perceptions and beliefs. By promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills, individuals can become more discerning consumers of online content. Additionally, fostering a culture of digital citizenship, where users actively engage in responsible online behavior, can help create a healthier and more inclusive digital environment. Together, these efforts can contribute to a more transparent and accountable social media landscape.

[mechamangamonkey]

listen, it’s rare that i make one of these rant posts about public identity and presence cultivation, but i am literally begging y’all to listen the fuck up here ‘cause, full offense, some of you have worms in your goddamn brains!

(and yes, this is absolutely about what happened to kit connor.)

just this morning, about an hour or so ago, i saw a bi creator on my twitter timeline talking about how they might have to hide their identity as a queer person from their family if their work gained a significant amount of traction and how, if/when that happens, they would likely end up being decried as a “straight person profiting off of queer narratives” (only somewhat loosely paraphrasing that quote because i don’t wanna reveal too much about the author in question for the sake of their privacy) and being harassed and victimized by the same “activists” who were all but calling for kit connor’s blood and ultimately forced him to come out before he was ready by accusing his very fucking existence as an actor and as a goddamn human being of being “queerbaiting”.

obviously, this is a huge issue in and of itself; it’s awful, and nobody should have to go through that crap. anybody who’s got at least two brain cells rattling around in their skull to rub together like sticks over a campfire in order to form a coherent thought can understand why that’s an issue and why forcibly outing someone has harmful repercussions for the entire queer community at large—and yes, vilifying someone who’s stayed closeted to protect themself to the point that they’re eventually forced to decide that coming out is the lesser of two evils in that situation is still forcibly outing that person even if they’re the one who ultimately ends up disclosing their identity, because forcing someone to choose between a rock and a hard place isn’t really a choice at all. many other people on this website have, correctly, pointed that out already, and we could all sit here and repeat that until the heat death of the universe.

the thing that really pissed me off about that tweet was seeing someone else in the replies say that, and i quote, “Identity gatekeeping is such a slippery slope.” no, it’s not! it really fucking isn’t!!! it’s not a “slippery slope”, it’s just plain unacceptable! someone’s identity is absolutely none of anyone else’s goddamn business!!! yes, we are living in a time of unprecedented access to a wide variety of knowledge and differing human perspectives, and in certain cases, yes, that can be a wonderful thing, but jesus christ on a flaming unicycle and the holy mother’s marvelous trapeze act—y’all, i cannot stress enough that just because the internet has revolutionized the spread of information absolutely does not mean that all information is fair game!

people still deserve the right to keep personal information about themselves to themselves unless and until they are comfortable with the idea of sharing it!

it does not matter if they’re a celebrity or not. it does not matter how many followers they have. it does not matter how popular whatever the thing they’ve worked on or contributed to is. whatever the fuck it is you’re thinking of, i promise you it does not fucking matter! their personal business is their business, and nobody else has the right to demand access or knowledge to that end—full stop.

it’s not a “slippery slope”, it’s just a straight-up cliff, and, whether they’re closeted or not, we have got to stop pushing members of our own community off of it.

whatever good you think it does closeted queer folks to see an example of someone who’s like them be successful and in the public eye, i guarantee you it does exponentially more harm to see that person be put under a microscope and interrogated about their identity until their queerness is ultimately snatched away from them to be dragged out and paraded around under the spotlight in the name of Progressiveness™ or Woke Points™ or whatever the fuck else y’all think means that you’re “winning” your online-discourse-du-jour. forcing queer famous people out of the closet does not send the message to average queer people that it’s safe for them to be out—it sends the message that they’re damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

[welcometomy20s]

July 2, 2021

HoloServer Quarterly Report

Usada Constructions - Buy

To understand the current position of UsaKen, we must look to its history. At first, UsaKen was a joke, a riff on Majima Constructions, a potemkin company only existing to serve the whims of the founder and CEO. Pekora’s project was sophisticated and massive, her pranks simply legendary. But out of the blue, Moona enters. The mutual awkwardness worked in their favor, in fact this will be a prevailing theme, what might seem like a highly dysfunctional group, actually turns the whole thing into strength.

The Rabbit and Moon theme didn’t hurt them either, and the idea of Usada Construction as an actual entity enters the public consciousness, especially as a point of comparison to the fledgling Akukin Constructions… although it could be said that Akukin was the remnant of Hololive Resistance in some sense. This led to the initial expansion with the hiring of Coco and Kiara… but again this was more of a joke, a fleeting thought before UsaKen was about to come on its own.

It was the Akukin Relay that really set the ball rolling. Not only did we have the fortuitous event of Kanata accepting a position in UsaKen before finding out she did get a callback from Akukin, it spurred Pekora into focusing on Minecraft, especially her gaming plans were dirtied by corporate pressure. Pekora started small, with her misbehaving cannon and putting out her petty anger onto Noel, but soon Pekora unveiled her grand plan, Pekoland, and immediately set out to organize the company as a whole.

By now, the company was fairly-sized. It added Botan and eventually Towa into the mix, although Botan is still technically an affiliate and Towa first came with revenge, before using the company as an opportunity to learn how to be evil. Now the company measured seven strong, although they were quite disparate, having members from all three branches and across three generations. This was quickly noticed and a discord server was made in response, which led to another group project immediately after Pekoland, which was already a pretty big project. Combined with Coco’s final innovation, the Summer Festival became an even bigger project in the end.

And it would be odd to think this would end soon. There’s an actual structure to things now, people can communicate and build on ideas and the whole thing seems pretty democratic, even with its autocratic start. And Summer Festival brought UsaKen into the center of Hololive narrative. UsaKen is now the de facto face of HoloServer, and perhaps even Hololive itself. People look at the former loner as the master organizer. Things only look up from here, which is worrisome, but there’s enough in UsaKen that I’m less worried than usual. UsaKen will always come out stronger in the end.

Akukin Constructions - Buy

Meanwhile, Akukin completely collapsed. It felt like Aqua would return from her Apex marathon, but it turns out prior and prep for the solo concert meant a month break is what she needed, therefore Akukin was without a leader for one more month.

Lamy and Nene managed with their own projects, but the rest kind of fell apart. But the Summer Festival changed all that. Just as Akukin Relay signalled Pekora a restructuring was needed, Summer Festival meant Akukin had to show up. So, the skit continued. During the Akukin Relay arc, the mysterious yet feisty boss with two second-in-command who actually runs the thing scheming and fretting was a hit, with a hint of blackness in its blasted scaffoldings. Now, the blackness is very much apparent. Aqua cannot let the failing company go, and has become vicious. Considering Marine's past, this works to their favor. Lamy and Nene would be their own thing. Roboco and Mel would pop in now and again. As for Iofi and Aki… well, I’m not sure.

Choco, which I deemed the liaison for Shiranui, which has a contractual relationship with Akukin, now liaisons for Oozora Group as well. Choco might be the next important person just because of that connection factor. Akukin might be a contracting company now, although Aqua would not be happy about where they stand now.

Oozora Group - Hold

I know that Oozora Constructions, now Oozora Group, is not a publicly traded company anymore, but I still suggest holding onto that now-worthless piece of paper. The problem with Oozora Constructions was that its story went nowhere. Korone’s house was interesting, but it rarely had an ending, since it required Korone to cooperate and that’s usually an awkward thing at best. Her other projects were half-baked, and most importantly Subaru never really had that recognition. She wanted to build a company but others laughed at the prospect. So Rushia lost faith and moved to UsaKen. Oozora was tanking before it started to fly. But Matsuri took grace and joined Oozora, at which point it became a group. It’s not like Matsuri and Luna, the other employee, haven’t been together, and Subaru was called Matsuri by Sora, so why not?

In the last report, I said Matsuri is more like a government employee than a free agent, and indeed it seems Oozora Group now acts like a governmental organization, with building a police station being the first undertaking after restructuring. This is actually not bad. Public utilities are dearly needed in HoloServer anyways, and Subaru acting as a public servant removes the desperation in her actions that would make interactions much more friendly and interesting. By falling, Subaru might have turned a corner.

Tangent - Using an extended analogy, when the age of giant reptiles was wiped out by a meteorite, there were small survivors, which we now know as birds. So, it looks like Coco’s legacy would also be held by birds, holotoris to be exact. To explain why, let’s look at the current functional part of Coco. Coco is the bridge that connects East to the West, not just in terms of language, but also in culture and mores. In that way, holotoris nicely distributes this responsibility. Subaru might be the best JP member after Haachama in terms of English comprehension, and she is quite cognizant of recent foreign perspectives as well… so she could be a good future ambassador. For Reine, her Indonesian teaching stream reminds me of Coco’s early streams. And Kiara’s Holotalk has been the counterweight to Coco’s meme review since it started… Not to mention, these three are the most extroverted of their respective branches.

Shiranui-Elite Conglomerate - Hold

SEC is an organization of my own creation, but it’s a useful one, because it fits the current situation well. To sum up, Elite Construction was starting to fall apart as Minecraft activities waned, one of the replacements was GTA V, and the three major players were Miko, Flare and Suisei. Their collab together was probably the highlight of the last quarter and gave us a bright spot during a time of troubles.

As Minecraft activities increased, due to PekoLand and HoloID mall and Mel and Roboco popping in and out, the connection before was starting to bore out in Minecraft. Shiranui was originally a contracting company, working with Akukin for example. Therefore it had a family business type, indeed the only other employee was an honorary one given to Flare’s wife, Noel. But a series of interactions with Polka and Choco led to this master and apprentice relationship, which was a major hit.

Flare, pardon the pun, was always the black sheep of the Hololive Fantasy. While the other four have something to stand out and something to back the flash (Pekora draws with her laughter and manic behavior which is backed up by her earnest shyness, Rushia draws from her yandere metal screams which backed up by her sincerity and fragility, Noel draws with her upper assets and ASMR which is backed up by her erogaki silliness and her charming singing, and Marine draws from her horny nature which is backed up by her wit and almost motherly wiseness), Flare never really landed a character. Indeed, Flare is a straight man through and through. Not quite a tsukkomi like Subaru or Kanata at times, since there is not that retorting arrogance the two can exhibit, as people call, Flare was your comfy older sister...

But the Western audience and this Polka relationship changed that. In the West, the fatherly figure has more of a distinct and prominent role, and Flare can emulate this pretty well. A dad is grounded and serious, but can be silly and childish at times. But the silly and childishness does not undercut his serious nature… and that goes well with Flare (perhaps even more so than Calli, who is on a goofier side of things). Therefore Flare could finally breathe and express herself. And the introduction of Miko and Suisei brings the crew into full focus. They are reminiscent of early UsaKen, except while UsaKen was disparate, SEC most closely resembles… well, a D&D party. With your typical silly arguments and trials leading to growth and so on.

Adding Marine or even Nene might disturb this. Flare is fine with the size and I am too. It’s not like there are any real pickings left anyway. Shiranui-Elite conglomeration have a long journey ahead of them, but a brighter future that goes along with it too.

Haachama Construction - Sell (but buy Watasheep)

It was inevitable. Haachama/Haato thing was not going to be settled soon. Haato barely finished the Coexist arc, getting the Anno disease in the process. It was pretty clear that the Haato/Haachama thing became overblown and unfitting to what Hololive was now.

But this leaves us with Watame, and Watame is in an interesting position. Watame is between a lot of companies now. With Shiranui-Elite, she is part of the four heavenly lords, and as Watasheep, she does the delivery of Menya Botan and KFP, both part of UsaKen, who inadvertently cornered the fast-food business. And she is part of the 4th Gen, who has come much closer due to the departure of Coco.

Watame has always made the safe choice, she revolutionized the server with her excellent Janken machine, but it was Kanata who became the seller. Watame might choose to leave herself out, since her Minecraft streams are kind of meant to be relaxing. The reason she deliberately chose to level her field, instead of building the sign outwards like the rest of the signs. So, perhaps nothing comes of this…

OkaKoro Constructions & Shirakami Forestry - Buy

This wave of HoloServer was so large that even the rarer visitors felt a need to visit. Flare has reached out to Okayu, who has pointed out the reason for her absence was the loss of her basement and Korone has followed interest in the server as well.

Fubuki returned to finish her massive sakura tree, of course she acts alone, but she has been increasingly open to hiring people, but it’s not sure if this will become reality. Perhaps if Akukin finally dissolves, there would be enough workforce…

Kureiji Constructions - Buy

Ollie had a roller coaster of three months… Like a burnt fuse, Ollie has had several physical problems… that didn’t stop her from doing math streams (there are precedents Yashiro and Gwelu being good examples) and returning recently with late contributions to the Summer Festival. Reine has been helping on the side as well…

Free Agents - Sell

There is not much of this category anymore. Anya is the One who does not play Minecraft, in fact her demeanor is quite different from anyone else. Ayame not only has been gone from Minecraft, she has been gone, period. She really just returned to streaming after about three weeks? Risu is the only one remotely available, but she has the gene of OkaKoro, which does not induce work ethics in Minecraft, no matter how skilled she is. (Her roller coaster MLG is still one of my favorite clips)

Overall, 2021 Q2 was the best of times and the worst of times. There was a lot of big progress and a lot of setbacks as well. It’s a deeply uncomfortable but adventurous position, as it always has been for HoloServer and HoloPro as a whole. Next quarter will be further accomplishments and further challenges, and the company and the personalities and the audience will bear it through it all, as they always have.

[vanquishedvaliant]

Three Houses and Three Ages; An analysis of the perspective of Time in the ideology of each Lord's Route

META ESSAY TLDR: Each house leader represents the idealized preference of a certain period of time; Claude is the Past, Dimitri is the Present, and Edelgard is the Future. Their routes enforce these time periods as what one should prioritize when making decisions, and what is most important when society is revolutionized.

Playing through Three Houses, it's quite clear that each of the three main Lord routes is a unique story with more differences between them than which maps are cleared or what nation you fight for; each of the stories is rich with themes and symbolism asking questions to careful readers, and offering different solutions based on the ideals and values of the characters you choose to follow.

Many have suggested before some strong themes these routes carry, most notably the question of "Do the Ends justify the Means?", and what place memories of the dead should have on the actions of the living. While these hold true on many levels of the story, it never seemed to fully encompass the whole of what the story had to say.

Reading more broadly across the entire text, I have come to think about their messages on a different alternative angle; that each route and lord is also representative of a method of thinking and decisions making that is based on their perspective of Time, ultimately asking the question of where you should look in time to decide what is right when the world is at the brink of revolution.

I propose that Claude, Dimitri, and Edelgard are each defined utterly by the answer they can be seen to represent; the Lessons of the Past, the Reality of the Present, or the Promise of the Future. 

Below, I will go into each character at length and provide specific evidence from the text for my proposal. This breakdown includes detailed spoilers for all routes*. 

Claude von Riegan - Correcting the Mistakes of the Past

Claude, heir to the sovereign dukedom of Leicester, is a man defined by the past. Born of the mixed heritage of two different nation's noble castes, he inherited the expectations and responsibilities of both, and neither. This disconnection from both sides frees Claude from each of their cultural momentum, and lets him to step back to see a global and historical perspective without the biases of a man with a true stake in either.

Coming to be known as the 'Master Tactician' and a brilliant schemer, Claude's harsh biracial youth cultivated a careful and contemplative attitude in him. He learned about others so he can act according to their expectations and fill the role that they want from him. As an adult, Claude uses this friendly attitude as a mask for his true intentions in order to gather information, and then uses his detailed knowledge of people, places, and events to manipulate their behaviour to his benefit.

Claude also makes his decisions based on extrapolation of other’s behaviour based on what they have already done in the past, and he values the lessons learned from their failures. Claude is the only lord to express interest in learning about the history of the Church, and why they came to be the way they are. He is the only lord who confronts Rhea, to ask questions about history, and learn most of the truth of the original sins and offenses that lead to the conflicts taking place in his time.

As the war progresses, Claude goes so far as to forsake his own nation's flag to lead his war, and instead flies the flag of the Crest of Flames. Mimicking the army of Nemesis in history, Claude steps into the past and uses established symbols to his benefit, using the popular story of history to rally support for his goal, but revising the positions to create a more positive result.

As we learn about his own motives, he tells the player he wishes to create a land where people from different nations, races, and creeds can live together without conflict. Claude's revolution can be seen as addressing and correcting the history that lead to these conflicts, rewinding the sins of the original war between Agartha and Nabatea to a time when all of Fodlan was said to coexist under Sothis, and stepping back further in his long term view to encompass the world beyond their continent. He wants to build a world where those conflicts in the past were resolved intelligently, with all they've learned since, and to do so, he must learn why and how those events took place, and he uses his knowledge of history to present a story to accomplish this.

At the climax of his route, Claude comes face to face with the resurrected Nemesis, a literal embodiment of the conflicts and mistakes of the past. He faces down this foe with knowledge and planning based on his fighting style and the heroes under his command, and defeats him by anticipating and counteracting his movements in battle, placing an arrow in advance right where Nemesis will attack. He immediately claims that the victory will be hailed by Historians as a new dawn, and the narrative ending text references changing the history of Fodlan no less than four times in quick succession.

Each of Claude's actions are careful, planned, and considerate. He takes every factor into account, learns everything he can from the way things were, and takes action to reproduce the victories, and correct the mistakes others have made in the past. And because of this, Claude thoroughly represents the decision making perspective of learning from Lessons of the Past.

Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd - Conserving the Values of the Present.

Dimitri, crown prince of Faerghus, is a man with his eye locked firmly on the now. Burdened by the death of his family in the Tragedy of Duscur, Dimitri is unable to move on from events that happened in his past, and doing his best to do right by the people around him day by day. Dimitri is unable to rest when things he perceive to be unjust happen around him, and is the first to rush into action heedless of the repercussions.

As the story progresses, Dimitri confides in the player that he regularly witnesses vivid hallucinations of his deceased family members, describing them as if they are still there with him even 4 or later 9 years after their deaths. These memories encourage him to act, to find some kind revenge or salvation as he laments that he was helpless and unable to do anything on his own in the moment of that tragedy.

This manifestation of his trauma is emblematic of how he sees the world, still carrying the despair, anger, and helplessness of that time with him and unable to separate things that once were from things that are now, without properly grieving or accepting their fate. For Dimitri, the past is still happening in the present, and no matter what he does, he can't separate them.

Dimitri is determined to act upon this revenge without delay, and eventually confesses that his ulterior motives for all that he does, including attending the academy, are part of an ongoing plan to enact his revenge. When the perceived target of his revenge is revealed to be Edelgard, Dimitri immediately attacks her in that moment, with no need to confirm the truth of past events, or consider the consequences for the future.

As the war progresses, Dimitri's condition worsens and his anger overtakes him. His decisions become extremely impulsive and reckless. He charges into battle with no regard for the safety of himself or others, refuses to build connections with those around him, and is blinded to everything but what is immediately in front of him, acting on it the only way he knows how; with violence.

Dimitri's decision making during the first part of the war phase represents this need for instant-gratification. Dimitri directs the war effort directly into enemy territory, obsessed with achieving his revenge "Now" and either unable or unwilling to consider that his actions will affect the future of his people or his country.

As Dimitri regains composure and works to put the past behind him by learning the truth of the Tragedy of Duscur, Dimitri makes decisions with more consideration, no longer blinded to the past and the future, but now actively choosing the present. He chooses to return to Fhirdiad not for sake of the future or the past, but because his people are continuing to suffer in the now, and he chooses to continue the war in the fight to bring peace as quick as possible. Dimitri's personal values uphold his priority of the present; he values the culture of chivalry that Faerghus currently embodies, fully believing in their established norms of noble knights and a glorious king protecting the weak and guiding the lost, and correcting injustices happening in the present with direct action wherever possible. Dimitri does not believe that the systems that govern their society are inherently flawed, and that problems can be solved by addressing them one at a time.

One such issue he faces is the prejudice against those of Duscur, which is strongly tied to the Tragedy and his personal motivations. Dimitri wishes to correct this injustice, and acts immediately with whatever power he has to further this goal. In Dedue’s paralogue Dimitri will rush into battle to prevent his own nation’s soldiers from slaughtering Duscur troops, and he expresses intent to immediately address the prejudice. However, Dimitri proposes no definite actions for these reforms, showing that while Dimitri is insistent to act, he does not have a long term plan for the future of reconciliation with Duscur, and is taking things one step at a time. Dimitri is not convinced by promises for the future, and he is not influenced by lessons of the past. He values how things are right now, making decisions based on the good and bad with only the information and ideas at hand. And for these reasons, I contend that Dimitri utterly represents living solely in the Reality of the Present.

Edelgard von Hresvelg - Breaking New Ground for the Future

Edelgard, Imperial Princess of Adrestia, is a woman unflinching in pursuit of her goals. Devastated personally and politically by the corruption in her current government and the manipulation of evils from the past, Edelgard turned the trauma of the gruesome torture and suffering she was made to endure into strength, resolving to 'cut her own path' to the future she envisioned.

Edelgard thoroughly rejects the tradition and culture of the world as it is. She sees the suffering of those in the present, and traces it back to decisions of the past. Seeing how the lingering resentment of both the Church of Seiros and the Agarthans continues to damage the world, she rejects both as wrong, and instead chooses to craft new and revolutionary solutions to combat problems and inequalities and develop a plan for a just society free from their influence.

In everything she does, Edelgard is determined to move forward. Edelgard voices respect and even solidarity for those that resist conventions and forge their own paths, even when she is compelled to oppose them, complimenting the leadership of the disgraced noble turned bandit Miklan, and commending the resolve and bravery of Lonato and his rebellion, refusing to treat them as victims for fighting for change they believed in.

Constantly adjusting her plans with new information at every moment, Edelgard frequently changes course when the costs are deemed too high, or the plan unworkable. Edelgard abhors the experimentation done by Solon in Remire, and long plans to turn against the Agarthans that Slither in the Dark, enacting her vengeance on them during the course of the war.

Support conversations with Manuella and Ferdinand display her understanding of the role of faith in the lives of the spiritual, and the need to produce an environment to uplift individuals. She alters her plans for the future to take both into account; dissolving the church without rejecting the Goddess, and developing plans for universal education and training, understanding the role each of these plays in developing a stronger society with educated and enlightened citizens.

When providing support for the player during their moment of crisis and despair, Edelgard encourages them to look forward. The advice she gives is that world will always move forward, and being held captive by the tragedy of the past, or accepting the present as it is is fruitless when time moves forward for everyone. The only thing one can do to change the past, is to do their best to work for the future, and help others to move forward as well. When Edelgard's true plans are revealed, she dictates the manifesto of her revolution; dissolution of the Church of Seiros, and the abolition of the crest-bearing nobility, two traditions of ancient history which continue to define the world in the present and which are perceived to be sources of injustice and inequality. These burdens of the past, the Church's anger and punishment of mankind, and the legacy of the Crests that persists from the tragedy of a society long since dead, are cast aside in favour of putting all thought towards the future.  Edelgard goes so far as to declare war; determining that the grueling tax of war and destruction in the present is preferable to allowing suffering to continue across society for years and decades to come. She concludes that moderate change is ineffective; and her experience shows this. Political reform in Adrestia was unsuccessful and was met with a coup that separated her family and stagnated their government, allowing further negligence and evil to thrive. Edelgard concludes that the only way for true change to occur is through decisive action, and the need for change outweighs the short terms costs of lives, finances, and industry that war demands. In her personal affairs, Edelgard encourages others to never be satisfied with how things are, and instead work to improve them for the future. She commends Ferdinand and Caspar for constantly striving to improve themselves, she implores Petra not to settle for what is expected of her, and is frustrated by Linhardt's disregard for the fruits of his efforts. All of her relationships are influenced by her constant forward motion and desire for betterment. Edelgard is unsatisfied with the inequalities and inadequacies of the present, and chooses to reject the decisions of history that led to it, not accepting its effects on the actions of those dictating the future. For these reasons, I contend that Edelgard unequivocally represents working hard to chase the Promise of the Future.

Conflicts Between Each Lord.

With each character's ideology established, we can also examine how they interact with each other, and how their perspectives collide to create conflicts between them.

Claude and Dimitri, despite finding themselves against a common enemy, are not able to properly ally in either of their routes, as Dimitri's total concern for the present blinds him to the possibilities of cooperation. In Dimitri's route, he is impatient to assault the Empire, unable to overcome difficulties in communication caused by an enemy from the Past he is unaware of, and chooses to fight through the Alliance army and destroy it rather than be delayed. Claude later implores him for aid, but the history of the Leicester alliance is sacrificed for the needs of Faerghus' war in the present. In Claude's route, Dimitri is likewise unable to communicate, heedlessly rushing into battle without consideration that his brave war does not match the united front that the Kingdom possessed during its first war with the empire, and is defeated utterly. Dimitri and Edelgard, the most directly at odds, represent the greatest contrast in ideology. Dimitri is unable to reconcile the death and destruction that war causes in the now, and does not believe that violent revolution is just. Edelgard is unable to reconcile the disparities and suffering of the present, and does not believe that allowing inequity to continue to thrive is just. These ideals can be summarized most succinctly in dialogue between the two during the conclusion of Dimitri's route, wherein Dimitri states; "We must defend the present... After all, it is all the we truly have," prompting an enraged Edelgard to counter, "We must trample the past underfoot, and move onward to a brighter tomorrow." Each succinctly states the priorities that inform the core motive of each side of the war, and echo their statements in previous discussions. Claude and Edelgard's conflict is far more subtle and nuanced. These two lords fundamentally share the same goals; the revolution of current society to be more equal and just, but they differ greatly in their methods and reasoning. Claude believes that no future can be built without considering history; a future without the flaws of the present cannot be forged without respecting how those injustices came to be. Edelgard on the other hand believes that true change cannot be enacted while you are still beholden to the past; if you are afraid to discard tradition and history, you can never create something truly new. In each of their routes, these Lords bring their conflict to conclusion, and while their methodology and fates differ, each of them ultimately entrusts the future to the other, with Claude offering the Alliance and his allies to forge Edelgard's future, and Edelgard (via Hubert) informing Claude of the true threat rising up from the past. Their methods and their perspectives conflict, but they both accept the present as unacceptable and seek revolution, whether it be through solving the past, or by creating an independent future.

In Conclusion;

Three Houses is ultimately a story about a societal revolution that spans the continent. It involves breaking the old society into pieces, examining all of its strengths and weakness, and piecing it back together in the method of your choosing. Like a forest fire can cause death and destruction, but also breath new life into its ecosystem, so too does the war in Fodlan provide a means for a new beginning. Through the examples given above, I believe that one of the overarching themes of Three Houses, and questions posed in each of it's routes, is what is most important when you are rebuilding that society in the aftermath. Do you look to the Past, like Claude, and learn from what those in history did right or wrong to make the decisions with thousands of years of wisdom? Do you stick to the Present, like Dimitri, and preserve things the way they are, taking small steps in the now to enact gradual change? Or do you fight for the Future, like Edelgard, making sweeping changes and reforms to create a future that is truly new in the pursuit of betterment. Each of these routes, and each of these characters poses a different answer to this question, without providing any answer that is absolutely correct. The endings of all three of these routes are portrayed as good, happy endings, the most idealized crystallization of their ideology. No matter the player follows, what they decide is what will prevail. There is no wrong answer, and no right answer. Simply solutions with a different priority.

And through these options, a full completion of the game asks the player to decide for themselves; what is really most important to their decisions?

The Past? The Present? Or the Future?

--

If you've read this far, first of all, thank you very much! This is almost totally a full length literary essay! You're a real trooper. I hope you've gained a new insight on a method of interpreting the story. I think there's a lot of different levels to Three Houses and I believe examining it from all different perspectives with a fair and even approach is important to getting the most out of it. I think it's the mark of a truly great story to provide this kind of depth of discussion, and posing multiple themes and questions that the player can think on.

I've found a lot of the same ground tread over and over about the means to an end, fascism vs democracy vs monarchy; (sorry guys, but that ain't it. Edelgard ain't a fascist, Claude ain't democracy, and Dimitri's a monarch... so....), and I've wanted to take it at a wider angle. The quoted lines from Azure Moon really stuck out to me as incredibly poignant, and when I looked back into Claude more i found more and more reference to his interest in history and learning the truth.

I didn’t go into details with Silver Snow in this essay because... well, it doesn’t have a Lord. It shares half of its route with Edelgard, and half with Claude so it poses many of the same arguments, despite contradicting each other. You could consider Seteth to be a pseudo-lord as a replacement, but It’s my personal belief that the themes and motivations posed by that choice aren’t strong enough to provide a story truly distinct from either Verdant Wind or Crimson Flower. One might argue that Seteth stands for “Upholding Tradition” rather than Claude’s revising it, but I don’t think there’s enough evidence. It’s just as likely that Silver Snow has little message, or simply stands as an isolate rejection to Edelgard’s choices. It’s something to explore another time, but I think the bonds between the three lords are what is most important.

So hopefully this gives some juicy fodder for further consideration, and more discussion to last for time to come! Thanks for reading! 

-vanquishedValiant

[kingofthewilderwest]

Things I Fucking LOVE About VLD S8

Katie watching freaking Defender of the Universe and marveling at how Pidge’s voice actor sounds.

Katie Holt looking adorable wearing ponytails.

Mrs. Holt totally momming Katie.

GIRL’S SHOPPING DAY GIRL’S SHOPPING DAY GIRL’S SHOPPING DAY!!! Getting together Nadia, Ina, Allura, Pidge, and Romelle?!!

Pidge and Nadia being such gaming nerds.

Pidge exploiting her fame as Pidge and dressing up as freaking Darrell Stoker / Retro Pidge. Like you have no idea how much I wanted to scream in happy seeing her with the old outfit and hairstyle, this is such a blessing. SUCH a blessing holy crow.

Allura wearing one of her old outfits from the 1980s too! So many DOTU references this season!

Coran is having way too much fun with Lance.

Lance and Keith chilling out together on top of the lion watching the sunset and having a good convo. Look how far these two’s relationship has come. Look at them. It’s so good.

Dinner with Lance’s family is so pure.

The visuals with Allura and the tree are so beautiful.

Cute photograph moment! 

There’s an entire episode dedicated to Honerva’s past, showing her struggling emotions now that she’s remembering everything that’s been, showing her internal conflict and struggle, giving us a clear and deep understanding of her hurt and hate.

Baby Lotor is fucking adorable. Like look at that kid. Look at those big eyes. Oh my gosh he’s adorable. 

Lotor’s past is painful and it’s exactly the sort of crap I expected. Received no affection from his father. Was pushed into a Galra empire that didn’t value mercy. Watched the place he cultivated destroyed. Exactly the sort of thing I was expecting from his past to lead to his current state of mind as we meet him in S3. It shows how he’s someone who wants to revolutionize the empire, but is someone whose mind and ideas have been clearly influenced by his culture and upbringing.

I like how the robeasts have been developed throughout the series. How they clearly evoke the past ideas from DOTU/BKG of turning biological creatures into mechanized weapons. How the first season starts with Voltron doing lots of single episodes one-on-one fighting the robeasts, akin to the 1980s show. How the robeasts grow into an increasingly great problem by S8, and are now piloted by brainwashed Alteans. It’s a legitimately cool progression and makes the robeasts feel like a threat even while not repeating the same episode format over and over.

So many Altean warrior ladies on the forefront of Honerva’s forces.

“The Prisoner’s Dilemma” is a fan-fucking-tastic episode all around. One of my favorites for this season for sure.

It starts with Voltron, the ATLAS, the rebels, and the MFEs working together to take down a base. This is an amazing fight moment. It’s showing how far everyone has come since the start, how much they’ve grown, and it sings. And it’s showing REALLY cool team coordination. This is like. All around epically cool I fucking love it.

Matt Holt and his ponytail <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

I love how this episode focuses on trying to end the Galra Empire’s remaining power but also trying to show mercy to the Galra. I love how it shows a Galra leader who’s had help from Voltron before still being doubtful - and how more acts from Voltron bring him around. It takes time to convince someone who’s been part of the Galra Empire that Voltron is okay to ally with - and it shows how the Voltron Coalition is gaining ground.

There is some serious nice creepy tension in this episode.

KEITH BLASTING THROUGH THE DOOR WITH EPIC BIG GUN!

I love how Lance’s characterization feels like they took him and turned him more into his DOTU self over the course of the series. Honestly, as with all of them! The characters grow into those positions and selves.

“Battle Scars” is probably the episode that got me the most emotional. Olkarion is a planet and culture I loved, too. Watching it fall - watching that beautiful planet actually get destroyed along with many of its citizens - was painful. This is a good way to show Honerva’s power and the high-stakes dangers of her actions.

The idea of Pidge watching the past to learn what happened was a cool narrative effect, and also had good long-term story arc development since she learned how to track the robeasts, too.

Also amazingly good lesson / theme for that episode.

“The Grudge” is another cool episode that’s got the unique twist of the Paladins relying not on their typical weapons, but on having to be resourceful with the minimum. Another good, original premise.

Acxa and Veronica. Acxa and Veronica. Oh my gosh Acxa and Veronica. Acxa and the rest of the MFEs. Acxa and the humans. It’s so great. Acxa saying everything and it’s coming out SUPER edge-lord and everyone’s trying to figure out how to handle it. 

I fucking love Ina Leifsdottir. I love her personality so much. And I’m 99% sure the writers intended her as autistic representation and I think they did a good job with her.

Okay but this season really has a lot of fun with the MFEs. They don’t steal the show and take too much time, but we get a GREAT sense of personality from them. Rizavi and Kincade together is a delightful combo. I love her energy and love of action. I love his nerdy passions. They’re so fun. 

Let’s be real: one thing Voltron does consistently well is that, no matter how much screen time we have with a character, we get a GREAT sense of their personality, and we love them. There are so many different, lovable, often quirky personalities in Voltron. It’s so rich with its character personalities. I love how there’s a broad cast of characters and yet I can still connect to them all.

I appreciate how S8 wrapped up the story of Lotor’s generals. It would have been easy to have them die, just be casualties, and not have them or their narrative go anywhere. Instead, we get a wrap-up. They’ve been through a lot of twists, turns, and confusing life choices. Now they finally find a place. I like that Lotor’s team (who followed a man who was extremely misguided but wanted some good things) ended up being able to find a productive cause in the end. 

SPACE GALRA LESBIANS RETURN!

I honestly love the dynamic of ATLAS + Voltron. The Castle of Lions is really cool and I felt extremely sad and nostalgic when they lost it. But ATLAS + Voltron has a legitimately awesome sci-fi, mission-oriented dynamic. The Castle of Lions felt like there was always a home, whereas ATLAS gives the sense of being in space on a journey and mission. It gives me Vehicle Force Voltron vibes, ESPECIALLY with the inclusion of the MFEs.

Speaking of the 80s show and retro Voltron references, we got Merla!

This season focuses a bloody fuckton on Allura, but it shows a lot of depth and conflicted thoughts with her. It shows her as a woman of power. It shows her as someone tempted with problematic solutions or darker powers. It shows her loving, being loved, finding family, and marching ever-steady onward with her purpose. There’s a lot of complex psychology with how Allura’s handling these latest events and it’s written in a way we can understand exactly why she’s making the choices she does, good and bad.

“One... two... three... ALUMINUM!”

I love how Sam Holt overall gives Slav good respect for his more “superstitious”-esque approaches to things, and also valuing Slav for his powerful mind and abilities.

Lots of things from earlier seasons get remembered - Olkarion, Slav, Matt Holt, Shay, the Balmera, and more - and continue to play out in the final conflicts.

I legitimately love seeing Voltron team up with ATLAS in its transformed form. Shiro and Keith working completely equally. Keith’s become a fully-fledged leader. Shiro’s got hoards of respect and leadership power. Together everyone coordinates and kicks butt.

HOW have I not mentioned the visuals yet in this season? This was the most colorful and visually appealing season in Voltron YET - and we’ve been given season after season of really beautiful images. I love how, even though Voltron is set in SPACE, which is so full of voidness, we get so much color and light and appealing color pallets. Voltron is a visual delight.

“Day Forty-Seven” has got to be one of my favorite episodes of this season, if not a stand-out for the entire series to me. Some people might feel differently about this episode than me, but I honestly find it so unique and fun. It’s legitimately hard to try to write an episode following one camera for twenty minutes, while also telling a coherent story. And yet it DOES. We get a good narrative - while at the same time it feels so REAL. “Day Forty-Seven” gives us the ability to watch the entire ATLAS crew work, and allows us to watch Voltron from an outsider’s perspective as they go on dangerous missions - without the music, fanfare, camera angles, etc. And it’s so amusing getting everything from a dog carrying a camera around to Rizavi being upset that yeast is part of the documentary. And it shows so many characters and character dynamics and a sense of a full crew where everyone knows each other. And Rizavi and Kincade together are such a DELIGHT. And oh my goodness I could gush incoherently about this episode for a long time. It’s so much fun.

Keith and Hunk stuck on a musical ride. Love it. 

The bargaining Pidge and her mom do!!! The Holt family photograph!

Epic arm wrestling competition is epic. And I love how it all started because Shiro felt abashed being called “old.” Poor guy’s still in his 20s! And I love how it turned into all of Team Voltron CELEBRATING THE FUCK out of Shiro winning. Like, these guys have fought countless dangerous foes across the universe. And these dorks get over-the-top excited at Shiro’s accomplishment of winning an arm wrestling competition at a fair.

I laughed so hard at the Warden talking about how he found a purpose in arm wrestling.

The Voltron team joining up with the original Voltron team was pretty cool. I also love how it was animated where we would see the original Team branching off like apparitions out of Voltron, or how we’d see the pilots in the cockpit fading from one to the other.

Allura and Alfor reunion!!! I think this was done right. I am not a fan of stories where a character seems to lose someone, only for that person to magically be brought back. In this case, given the location of where Allura and Alfor unite, we know they’re not going to be able to resume a life of father and daughter. It’s a temporary reunion, and it happens a VERY LONG time after we’ve suffered through all of Allura’s pain in VLD about leaving Alfor behind. It doesn’t compromise the integrity of all the seasons that have come before it about their loss of Alfor and the Alteans, but it also gives us a touching moment of Allura seeing someone she’d never thought she’d see again.

VLD S8 shows that people aren’t cut-and-dry “always evil.” It shows how it’s a complex combination of your environment and your choice. Zarkon isn’t someone who is innately evil pure and simple, nor is Honerva, nor is Lotor. It also makes sure to remind us of the power of choice. Zarkon and Honerva also aren’t JUST victims of the entity - S8 reminds us that they pursued quintessence and poor choices that led to further bad consequences, too. And just because someone might not have been a villain with alternate choices, and just because someone DID become a villain... S8 reminds us that they still took this particular path. It doesn’t erase that Lotor might have wanted to make some positive differences, but turned into a villain. It looks at the complexity of people, how they have both goodness and badness within their potentials. And... it lets it be shown that just because you make a bunch of bad decisions doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to leave those choices and turn around. People aren’t “just evil.”

How have I not yet mentioned I love the uniforms that the Paladins wear when they’re not in their Lions?

THE ATLAS-VOLTRON FUSION. THE ATLAS-VOLTRON FUSION. THE ATLAS-VOLTRON FUSION. THAT IS AWESOME AS FUCK!

The S3 idea of alternate realities gets brought back in QUITE the way as Voltron chases Honerva through many realities.

I appreciate how Honerva spends so much time trying to find the perfect reality... and when she thinks she’s found it, it doesn’t do what she wants. It’s exactly what we would respect she’d reap. You can’t just tear across space and time to find happiness. At the same time, we can also feel her pain. 

Okay but Honera? I love her armor in this season too. Man I just. Love lots of what people wear this season.

I love Allura’s send-off. I love that the stakes got so high in VLD that we had to lose a main character, but not in a way that felt like a painful death. I love that Voltron was willing to give us a concrete ending where there’s no “going back” to the way things were before. I love that they still give us a sense of hope and growth even with the hurt of losing a main character. I love how it takes Allura, who always had such a strong sense of responsibility, and act on that responsibility in the most responsible and selfless choice possible. I love that she got to embrace every Paladin and say how much they mean to her. I love that they cried. I love how this was done. That’s a proper send-off, one filled with heroicism and selflessness and responsibility and power and strength and emotional pain and also a sense of HOPE.

There are some fucking powerful quotes this season.

I love how we got Altean Lance? Like honestly, when I first heard fans theorizing about it, I thought it was wishful fantasy and the typical desire for AU characters. But the way this was incorporated into VLD actually in canon was really cool.

I love seeing Pidge create Chip. DOTU REFERENCE!!!!!

I love how the Galra Empire has been shown fracturing for seasons, and how it’s finally come to a point Keith can naturally talk about needing change - and it’s believable to think that the Galra would now be open to this change happening.

I love seeing the entire team together after everything’s ended.

I love how in S2 characters talked about defeating the Galra Empire would mean that Voltron was no longer needed. I love how the writers stick with that. I love how the Paladins choose to retire from being Paladins, but intentionally go forth to make the universe a brighter place - there’s still so much to do. I love how the lions themselves choose to fly away. 

I love seeing their selfies. I love that they intentionally make sure Allura’s in their Paladin team reunion selfies. I love seeing how the characters age. 

I love how Keith’s hair just keeps growing.

I love that ENORMOUS fucking Vehicle Force Voltron reference with the Holts! Holy crap! I’m actually seeing characters like Cliff and Wolo in the background!!! And given the premise of Vehicle Force Voltron seeking out a new planet after humanity has contacted alien civilizations, it feels entirely fitting that this is how Vehicle Force Voltron gets incorporated into the VLD timeline.

I love how the Holts, such a POWERFULLY BRILLIANT family, are the people who keep exploring technology and build the next round of Legendary Defenders.

I love seeing how Hunk’s passion for cooking isn’t treated as trivial. It’s treated as a means of creating intergalactic peace and happiness. He uses it as a way to treat the Alteans with kindness when they’re prisoners on the ATLAS. He uses it to create a culinary revolution after Honerva’s defeated. Hunk is revolutionizing society and making an enormous positive difference because of his passion. That’s majorly epically awesome like fuck I LOVE it.

I love everyone’s endings, honestly. I love how Lance chooses a quieter ending. He wanted a lot of glory as a fighter pilot at the start of VLD S1. He grows into someone so much more mature. Now he’s someone who understands he’s impacted the universe. He’s willing to talk to Alteans at school and spread positive messages with the people in his life. But he’s also taking quiet time for himself. The homesick boy from the early seasons isn’t feeling that more - he has a concrete embedded home to return to, valuing family ever onward. And it’s all embedded in him surrounding himself in the memory of people like Allura he’s held dear. It’s bittersweet and one that happens when someone you love is gone, but it’s not a sad ending, and it’s one that will turn into a lot of happiness, peace, and meaning. This boy’s got a good ending.

I love that we even see where Krolia and Kolivan end up.

And dude. Keith continuing to work with the Blade of Marmora but turning it to humanitarian relief??? This guy’s amazing. So amazing.

I’m a Sheith shipper but I never expected a canon-concrete Sheith end game, so I’m totally happy seeing Shiro’s ending. They gave this guy the happiness he needed. This is someone who’s been trapped in war for so long. He’s had to work so hard without break because of the necessity of defending the universe. This is someone who can finally leave the battlefield and rest. Anyone who thinks for a second Shiro and Keith are any less close just because it’s not romantic is kidding themselves - their relationship shall be as pure and close and powerful and deep as always. And we get an on-screen gay kiss! An on-screen queer marriage!

This is a good ending in that it wraps up all the conflict... but it gives us a look at the hope of the future for everyone’s lives. 

I’m here to spread positivity and excitement for the good Voltron Season 8 did. A show doesn’t have to be “perfect” (nothing’s perfect) to be awesome, meaningful, and enjoyable. This show has been SUCH a wonderful ride, start to finish, and I can’t be more grateful to have been an audience member for this story. It’s going to last as one of my favorite animated series of all time.

[howwelldoyouknowyourmoon]

When the world is a scary place – The Monster’s Journey

SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay Health & Fitness

podcast:

#38 Trauma Treatment | Dr. Mark Forman

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-trauma-treatment-dr-mark-forman/id1512883587?i=1000493758739

Have you ever noticed that even though childhood was a long time ago, on some level, it feels like it was yesterday? In some cases, we recall positive experiences. In others, we remember our hurts and, even worse, our traumas.

On this episode, we will be talking about trauma and some ways you can help reduce its harmful effects. Dr. Mark Forman is a psychologist and the author of a book called “The Monster’s Journey” that details both clinical aspects of trauma as well as Mark's own personal experience with it. Mark’s idea to use themes of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and, instead, transpose a monster, is profound and he will explain what that means and how it can be helpful to anyone who has experienced trauma.

On a personal note, I have collaborated with Mark on various projects over the years. I have been impressed with Mark’s clinical skills as well as his ability to articulate useful ideas that people can put into their own lives to improve their healing processes.

So, join Mark and me as we delve into healing trauma through his lens, also known as the Monster’s Journey.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Quiz: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean

________________________________________ Book on Amazon

The Monster's Journey: From Trauma to Connection July 21, 2020 by Mark Forman PhD

https://www.amazon.com/Monsters-Journey-Trauma-Connection/dp/B08DC5VTRR/

Joseph Campbell – the great 20th Century mythologist – revolutionized our understanding of story and psychology with his exposition of the Hero’s Journey: the path of change undertaken by normal individuals that ultimately transforms their understanding of life. However, the Hero’s Journey does not work equally well for all – especially those who have already had their lives and selves irrevocably altered by early childhood trauma. In order to understand their passage to growth, this book will introduce the Monster’s Journey – a modern archetypal path that describes recovery from early traumatic experience and its aftermath. The monster is the one shaped by adverse childhood events, suffering a severe loss of innocence, who must then heal and transform in order to come into a trusting relationship with the normal world. This book will stand on the shoulders of Campbell, and will introduce the reader to the Monster’s Journey step-by-step. Our primary lens, like Campbell, will be the analysis of story, but of modern fiction as opposed to ancient myth. Through our analysis we will divide the Monster’s Journey into easy to follow stages that can be traversed by those in recovery from early trauma. This book is intended primarily for trauma survivors, but will be of great benefit to their loved ones as well as to therapists who treat trauma.

Biography Mark Forman, PhD is the author of The Monster's Journey: From Trauma to Connection as well as A Guide to Integral Psychotherapy. Mark currently resides and practices psychotherapy in Northern California and offers coaching and consultations globally online. Inquiries about therapeutic appointments, coaching, consultations, and speaking engagements can be sent to drmarkforman@outlook.com. Information about Mark's audio course on Stages of Development as well as his Certified Integral Therapist (CIT) Training Program can be found at drmarkforman.com and citintegral.com.

Book reviews Dr. Thomas Jordan 5.0 out of 5 stars Important reading for those whose lives have been conditioned by early trauma of various kinds 

For people who underwent various traumatizing events or conditions during childhood, and for those who have close relationships with such people, this is an important book. Mark Forman draws on research, Joseph Campbell's "hero's journey", comprehensive clinical experience as a psychotherapist and his own biography to capture the difference it makes in a human beings life journey to be marked by trauma. Understanding this conditioning can be key to understanding and working with the specific challenges facing the person who was wounded and marked profoundly in early life. The author outlines different types of traumatizing conditions and the responses they may trigger. The book is well-written and rich, using both illustrating narratives from novels and film and psychological theory to invite the reader to reflection and understanding of deep patterns. The book also offers a diverse compilation and presentation of a large number of techniques and therapy forms addressing the consequences of trauma conditioning in adults. Highly recommended.

Elizabeth 5.0 out of 5 stars I felt seen and understood When I read the first draft of the Monster's Journey which led to this book I cried tears of relief. I saw myself in this book, and I understood aspects of my life journey in a new way.

This new and compassionately written book offers insight into the process of living with Complex PTSD, and milestones on the journey of healing. For those of us who have spent decades trying to function in a world where we felt we never truly fit, never truly belonged, it's a healing balm.

This book offers an important new perspective with insights for personal healing and for those who work with others in any healing capacity. I have already purchased copies for family and friends, and will continue to share this book with those who will see themselves in the pages.

Highly recommended.

________________________________________

What You Need to Know about Cults with Daniel Shaw, LCSW
 SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay 
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/39-cults-what-you-need-to-know-daniel-shaw-lcsw/id1512883587?i=1000494143184

[ladyloveandjustice]

The Great Ace Attorney Replay, Dual Destinies Case 5, THE FINALE

Apollo: You know, this is the first time we've been at the defense bench together since I debuted.

Apollo: MY DISASTROUS DEBUT. A DISASTER BECAUSE OF YOU. 

Phoenix: yes i get it Apollo.

Phoenix: Not that you mention it... (Although, back then, I thought you were more loud than you were reliable...)

 RUDE. Also, I’d say he’s less reliable now than then, considering he just got back from randomly quitting his job and accusing his coworker of murder.

Phoenix: You've really come a long way since then, Apollo. You've grown a lot.

awww

Apollo: Well, there have been some hiccups, but I guess I've done pretty well.

Phoenix: (He's still got that ego of his, though.)

That wasn’t really particularly egotistical, but okay Phoenix

Anyway, time to take on Fulbright.

Fulbright: Ngaaagh! I-I guess you're right. But you can't define justice with evidence. Who can define it, anyway? Justice... just is!

Apollo: OBJECTION! D-Don't make me......... break out a dictionary on you!

Oh my god Apollo could you be more of a nerd

Fulbright: Ngaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Please, don't throw the book at me!

Apollo: Ugh... Tell me the phantom didn't just make me set up a stupid pun for him.

STUPID PUNS ARE KIND OF EVERYONE’S THING IN THIS SERIES, APOLLO. also you kinda did that all on your own.

Anyway, after Apollo and Phoenix back Fulbright into a corner, he claims the Phantom was actually blackmailing him and he’s not the spy. Apollo and Phoenix are unable to prove he really is the spy! He’s going to get away. BUT GUESS TO STEPS UP TO SAVE THE DAY!

Athena: OBJECTION! The defense-- No, wait... Not "the defense"... The defendant feels it's not time for a verdict yet, and would like to see this trial continue.

Judge: Wh-What?! But I was just about to declare you innocent of all charges!

Athena: ............Hmm... It just doesn't feel right to be standing here. Hey, Apollo! Think you could scooch over?

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HOW ATHENA JUST ELBOWS HER WAY INTO THE DEFENSE’S BENCH. FUCK BEING A DEFENDANT. SHE IS THE DEFENSE, ALWAYS AND FOREVER.

Athena and Simon teamed up for great justice:

Blackquill: I knew you would catch on, Athena.

Phoenix: Huh? Mind filling me in here?

Athena: Hee hee. Guess we left you in the dust, huh, Mr. Wright? Simon was only pretending to believe Detective Fulbright... Because he knew I'd notice if there was a lack of emotions, like joy or relief, in his response. So he gave me the chance to take a listen. And listen I did to the voice of Detective Fulbright's heart!

Phoenix: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! You two were working together just now?!

Blackquill: Come now, Athena! Show us what's inside Fool Bright's heart!

Athena: You got it! Time to check the instant replay! Widget, mon ami! Let's do this!

I love that Simon just knew Athena would notice.

Fulbright tries to psych Athena out and scoffing at the idea of feelings having any place in court:

Athena:  But all humans beings have hearts and experience emotions. Sometimes analyzing a case from the psychological perspective... ...is the best way to find the truth!

Fulbright: ............It's all just a waste of time. All your efforts at analysis serve no purpose. And now, in this dark age of the law, nobody would believe your claim that it's effective. In an era when evidence is fabricated, do you truly expect feelings to be accepted as proof? 

Athena: Ungh! ...W-Well, I admit, I don't have any conventional proof... But I still say that examining a person's heart has its merits!

Fulbright: Oh, really? Then why don't you listen carefully with those special ears of yours. Listen to the voices of the hearts of the people in the gallery.

Athena: All I hear... is distrust...?

Fulbright: As you can see, the people are on my side. Because all they see is a strange little girl using a weird little machine.

Again, Athena’s story resonates with me a lot because it’s definitely easy to read a gender component into the fact she struggles with not being heard- and it comes across especially clearly hear, with Fulbright demeaning her by calling her a “strange little girl” and being dismissive. And the fact it’s her emphasis on “feelings” that’s being dismissed by men around her, but she presses on anyway- like i said, I feel it’s a very effective story that works on several levels.

Athena: But it's not like I use analytical psychology to falsely accuse people!

Phoenix: (Uh-oh. He's got Athena doubting herself.) Ms. Cykes's analytical psychology has breathed new life into the courtroom. It has freed the hearts of many witnesses, and has been key in getting to the truth.

Fulbright: Ha ha ha! What nonsense! !

Judge: ...........Hmm, I see. Very well. I will give the opinion of this court. In a trial, I don't feel that a person's emotions are quite as compelling as actual evidence is. ....However, I do believe Ms. Cykes's analyses can contribute to making the truth clear. I have seen her do this firsthand several times already.

Fulbright: Surely you jest.

Athena: So does this mean............ you will accept my findings in this trial, Your Honor?

Judge: Yes, I believe your claim, Ms. Cykes. I think there is merit in examining why the witness feels fear in regard to the moon rock. That is the court's opinion on this matter.

Athena: Then that's a win for me-- No, a win for analytical psychology! Now, Mr. Phantom, you will tell this court the reason for your fear!

But as we can see here, in the end Athena is heard! And it’s all because she proved herself through determination and smarts! She succeeded in revolutionizing the courtroom. REVOLUTIONARY GIRL ATHENA.

The part where the Phantom just keeps switching masks and Phoenix is arguing with HIMSELF is peak weird wacky Ace Attorney. The TRIPLE OBJECTION POINTING where Apollo, Athena and Phoenix all take down Bobby is so good:

Athena: OBJECTION! Every human being feels fear! You simply can't face the emotions inside you. You can't face them because you have nothing. No love, no trust..

Phantom: And I suppose you do?

Athena:I didn't have anybody to support me at first, either. I couldn't face the fear inside me, couldn't get over the trauma of my past.

Phantom: Like I said, I don't feel fear.

Apollo: OBJECTION!  Then you're just a coward for running away from yourself! When I had my doubts about Ms. Cykes, I felt like I would collapse under the weight. But I wanted to trust her. And I knew I could trust Mr. Wright to uncover the truth. That's why I was able to face my suspicions without hesitation.

Phantom: Running away from myself...? Ha ha ha ha ha! How can I run from myself...?! When there's NOTHING inside... Nothing at all...!

Phoenix: OBJECTION! I know it's hard for someone as unwilling to trust others as you to understand... But people have emotions. It's just a fact of life. And so, people can be weak at times. But that's exactly why people need to trust one another... ...so they can gain the strength to face themselves when things are at their bleakest. Without trust in others... ...how can you ever hope to face your fears?

Athena: You can't outrun yourself!

Apollo: Remove that mask and unleash your emotions!

Phoenix: Confront your guilt head-on.

All: .....with your own, true face!

DREAM TEAM. 

The ending is a bit of a cop-out in some ways, but I don’t think seeing the Phantom’s face would have contributed much to the narrative- I do like the idea of Athena’s ultimate opponent being someone who completely denies emotion, and someone who’s taken so many identities and been so deep undercover they don’t know who they are anymore. He literally has no self, and that’s an interesting concept- though it could have been executed better.

ANYWAY ATHENA IS INNOCENT HURRAY. Time for the wrap-up!

Luv that Pearl stood by Athena and comforted her :’)

MILES PULLED STRINGS TO GET PHOENIX HIS BADGE BACK CUZ OF COURSE HE DID

Phoenix: Besides............ ...it was you that saw to it I got my attorney's badge back, wasn't it?

Edgeworth: ............So you figured it out, did you?

Phoenix: Yeah. Getting my license back went just a little too smoothly, you know? It should've been much harder after that evidence-forging scandal.

Edgeworth: Well, I owed you a few favors.

THESE TWO I CAN’T DEAL WITH THEM

Phoenix: You know, you could've said that with a bigger smile, Edgeworth. It won't kill you. Instead, the furrows in that brow of yours just keep getting deeper and deeper.

Edgeworth: So I should smile more, huh? ............I'll think about it.

Athena: Ah, the complicated love-hate relationship between life-long rivals!

Athena rn: GAAAAAAAY

Simon’s here to thank Athena for saving him, as he SHOULD.

Blackquill: ..Athena. I'm forever in your debt. You went to all that trouble... even taking the bar exam while you were overseas...

Athena: Well, I knew that if I didn't get your sentence overturned fast, you'd be executed! So I studied and studied. I was frantic! I'm so glad I made it in time! ............ Just barely... but I still made it!

AND SHE ACTUALLY CRIES IT’S SO CUTE.

Phoenix: (............Thatta girl, Athena. It's good to see you finally let your tears out.)

phoenix is so SUPPORTIVE OF PEOPLE SHOWING EMOTIONS I LOVE HIM.

Blackquill: ............Yes, I survived by the skin of my teeth, thanks to you.

Athena: Sh-Shame on you, Simon... for trying to throw your life away like that!

Blackquill: ..It was never my intention to just throw my life away. But some things in this world are more important than your own life.

Athena: Like what...?

Blackquill: My honor-bound duty to protect with my life... ...my mentor's most beloved treasure.

awwwwwWWWWWWwww. Seriously it’s such a good resolution and their relationship is so good. It’s sweet and it’s fun. Simon is rough around the edges, but you can tell he truly does care for Athena through it all, and he properly thanks her. Which makes it more baffling they dropped the ball so hard on Nahyuta cuz seriously BUT HEY.

(also i like that this game added a bunch of dudes with lady-mentors to the ranks. Phoenix and Mia are not alone! Klavier’s mentor was a woman, and so is Simon’s. AND THEY ALL GOT MURDERED. NO ONE SHOULD BE A MENTOR IN ACE ATTORNEY LAND. but still, so good that this series goes so hard on guys openly looking up to women and carrying on their legacies.

Phoenix: Apollo, Athena, thank you both. It took all of us together to pull it off.

Athena: You bet, Boss! What a team we are, huh?!

Phoenix: I'm a lucky guy... My office has the best, most capable lawyers around!

Apollo:Thanks, Mr. Wright. I'm going to work extra hard to make up for all the worry I caused. Apollo Justice is fine and ready to go! Let's hear it for the Wright Anything Agency!

Athena: Well, nobody's going to try harder than me! So you'd better watch out, Apollo! 

CUTIES. I love how competitive Athena is always. Seeing female characters whose ambition and competiveness is treated as endearing and positive by the narrative is always good.

AND THE CREDITS ROLL. I know we’re supposed to take Junie’s comment about red peppers as referring to her crush on Apollo, but it’s ambiguous enough i can still headcanon away her crush is over. IT ENDED WHEN HE SUSPECTED ATHENA. NOW SHE ONLY WANTS TO MEET HIM IN COURT SO SHE CAN BE SUPER HARD ON HIM. MY FIC WILL GO FORWARD.

Miles is like “it seems I owe Wright another debt of gratitude I have yet to repay. But I will repay him someday, you can be sure of that.” Repay him SENSUOUSLY AM I RIGHT.

I’ve finished the main game! all i have to do is play the DLC bonus case and then I WILL BE DONE WITH MY GREAT REPLAY! SO CLOSE! So close to PLvAA time! But since I’ve finished the main game series basically, I’ll be giving my thoughts on my rankings and my Unpopular Opinions on DD in general in a separate post! COMING SOON I GUESS

[kiribakus]

hey ry you mentioned something about how kubo's represention wasn't bad but that it wasn't perfect either. like in what ways? cause i know you aren't being critical but i also wanna understand where you're coming from with that.

yeah sure, i’ll give it a shot.

first thing’s first, i’m american. even if i wasn’t white (which i am), i don’t have the same say in this kind of thing as a native japanese person. the more i learn about japanese culture, the more i learn that there’s so much i DON’T know. in the end, it’s the queer people of japan who get to say whether this is good representation or not. the culture and norms and pressures of japanese society are VASTLY different from from especially western culture (ie. women in the west reclaiming their sexuality while sexualization of girls is a big problem in japan).

so, given my perspective as a queer, white, american, this is what i thought of yuri on ice:

i don’t think the narrative about ‘a perfect world’ for queer people was a bad narrative choice. as i mentioned on twitter, 1) kubo is a cishet woman. she should not be telling the stories of queer struggles. that is for our community to do. so criticism that she didn’t include homophobia or what-the-fuck-ever is frankly, in my opinion, bullshit.

then, 2) for fuck’s sake, can we be content with a happy queer narrative? finally? this year at my school’s cinema i went to see both ‘closet monster’ and ‘moonlight.’ both were good films, but both heavily feature homophobia and bullying and tbqh??? i’m sick of it. i’m tired of seeing the queerphobic narrative dragged out and put on display. it sucks. it sucks that my parents threatened to take me out of school for having a girlfriend. it sucks that im scared to hold her hand at disney bc i think some suburban mom is gonna call me a f**. i want to consume happy queer content for once in my fucking life. what about all the fanfics we read of queer relationships?? don’t most of them ignore queer struggles?? because for once in our godforsaken lives, we’d like to not be reminded that half the world wants us dead. i don’t have any problem with kubo’s ‘perfect world.’ it’s the kind of world i’m going to write as a queer author who’s tired of the same sad story.

kubo’s history: short one here. i challenge anyone who saw her homophobic tweets to think real long and hard as to what they were doing and saying seven years ago. if you can prove that you were an unproblematic, woke angel then i will literally eat drain cleaner. bc at thirteen, i CERTAINLY didn’t give two fucks about most minority groups, including two i eventually became a part of. god, just shut up.

how it could have been perfected: actual queer japanese people on staff. if kubo had brought in or at least talked to queer japanese men about their relationships and how to portray viktor and yuuri’s relationship. from what i understand, she didn’t talk to any actual queer people about the relationship. ideally, there will be content like NABARI NO OU, with queer characters created by a queer author, but that doesn’t mean straight creators shouldn’t write about queer characters, in the same way that white ppl like me SHOULD write poc characters and SHOULD consult on how to avoid stereotypes/offensive material but SHOULD NOT write about racism.

a follower pointed this out but it’s the fandom that’s made this all about representation in the first place?? kubo just wanted to write a story that happened to include gay men, not revolutionize the anime industry. i think the attitude of putting so much pressure on her to be the ideal of queer representation is fundamentally just,, a bad idea altogether. just let this straight woman write a happy story about gay men skating and let queer people get excited bc they’re seeing queer people in a positive light

[wilsonelisa430]

Nolan Confirms His DC Movie Directing Days Are Over

One of the fantastic directors Christopher Nolan, confirms that his days of directing DC comic books are likely to be over. Nolan directed Batman Begins and revived the franchise, also revolutionizing the genre in the year 2005. He helped to introduce Bruce Wayne AKA Batman, in reality. He is the one who ushers in the modern-day superhero movies.

Christopher Edward Nolan is a British-American director known for making distinctive movies in Hollywood mainstream. He is known for his masterpiece and second film, Memento, in 2000. The movie was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay. Nolan made his debut film in 1998 titled Following. After his second film, he made his independent studio and created films like Insomnia in 2002. The studio gained further commercial and critical success with The Dark Knight Trilogy from 2005 to 2012. Nolan shows his amazing art of direction in movies, including The Prestige in 2006 and Inception in 2010. Both the film received eight Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. He made science fiction Interstellar in 2014 and Dunkirk in 2017. Critics highly appreciated the latter, and he earned the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture. Tenet is his eleventh film on the list, which was released this year.

Nolan’s films are rooted in metaphysical and epistemological themes and explore the construction of time, human morality, and the malleable nature of personal identity and memory. His work is inspired by mathematical concepts and images, practical special effects, unconventional narrative structure, large format film photography, and materialistic perspective. He has co-written many movies with brother Jonathan and co-produced the films with wife Emma Thomas.

Christopher has received many honorable awards. His name is also featured in the list of 100 most influential people in Time in 2015 and 2019. He was also appointed as the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his film.

The sequel of Batman Begins’ The Dark Knight is known as one of the greatest comic book films of all time. The plot of the movie is more of a crime drama than a superhero movie. The Dark Knight was an influential movie that redefined the genre and films outside of it. And after the release of the franchise, it will be not wholly wrong to say that every superhero movie will be compared to The Dark Knight trilogy. Christopher can also be said to be the Godfather of the DC Extended Universe. He brings the revolution into the superhero concept. DC and Warner Bros. Picture double down on Nolan and David Goyer’s story Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder (handpicked by Nolan).

During an interview with Geeks of Color, John David Washington and Nolan discussed the Tenet’s latest mind-bender movie. At the end of the interview, Washington was asked about his popular character as Green Lantern and if he is open to join the DC Universe. In response, Washington referred to Nolan and said, ask him. Nolan, who directed Green Lantern, laughed and said, “I think my DC days are over.”

Nolan started creating films at the age of seven. He used to borrow his father’s Super 8 camera and shoot short films using his action figures. His films included a stop motion animation titled Star Wars. He cast his brother Jonathan and built a set using egg boxes, flour, clay, and toilet rolls. One of his uncles worked at NASA as the building guide for Apollo rockets. He sent him the launch footage. Nolan refilmed the sequence and cut the footage in. He started making movies with Roko Belic and Adrien. The two had co-direct the surreal 8 mm Tarantella in 1989. The Batman Trilogy is a set of three films directed by Nolan. The series include Batman Begins in 2005, The Dark Knight in 2008, and The Dark Knight Rises in 2012. The film stars Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Cillian Murphy. The trilogy was considered to be one of the best of all time. Heath Andrew Ledger received an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actor for the character of The Joker in The Dark Knight. Although it was unfortunate that Ledger died even before the film was released. All three movies were successful at the box office. The Batman Begins earned a gross of $ 372 million; The Dark Knight earned $1,023 million, The Dark Knight Rises earned $1,081 million worldwide.

In retrospect, the superhero territory can be seen as Nolan’s legacy. The trajectory of his career started after the release of Memento. He indulged his root and his aspiration at every turn. In between the production of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, he created the masterpiece The Prestige. And between the movies The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, he made Interstellar. His original project has some sense of originality and uniqueness, which helped him gain the audience’s trust and build his huge fanbase. Now in the industry, a “Christopher Nolan movie” is a brand itself.

Nolan’s enthralling and loud epics have proven ground-breaking success of the Dark Knight Trilogy. His latest movie Tenet has created much hype and impressed its audiences to the next level. The innovative ideas to use IMAX cameras and mind-blowing shots of backward with very little use of CGI. Tenet’s initial reviews are, “it is exactly what you expect from Nolan’s movie.” Christopher’s “DC days are over” does not threaten less eventful for the big-screens.

Source :- https://my-blogsearch.com/nolan-confirms-his-dc-movie-directing-days-are-over/

[laurenk0105]

Yamini Nayer

Yamini Nayer is an artist who utilizes primarily on photography and sculpture. She explores the unconscious along with its role in our lives.

Yamini studies psychology which has huge influence in her artistic career, plus both of her parents being psychoanalysts. This encourages her to approach on underlying thoughts of human mind within her works. She focuses on its theory and the unconscious mind along with the dreams. I found this interesting as our class have been covering the readings that connects to the concept of psychoanalysis.

Yamini also mentioned psychoanalyst name Freud, the one who revolutionized the idea of unconscious. She was inspired by his definition of creativity, a defense mechanism against neuroticism.

Within her works, Yamini practices making miniature models or recreating architectural spaces to express narratives and memories. 

Yamini enabled me to see art in an unique perspective. They way she put memories into her art while studying about her mind was truly intriguing. This experience made me broaden my artistic scope, especially in relation to the human mind. 

[mhall-travel-blog]

July 19, 2019 - Museum of Central Africa

A powerful African proverb flowed through my mind today, both in lecture and during our excursions. “Until the lions have their own historian, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”. This proverb essentially translates to the idea that history is told in the eyes of the oppressor, and generations later oppressed peoples continue to be disregarded and silenced because they are stripped of the power to share their side of history. This is particularly true in the history of relations between Belgium and Congo.

Belgium played a devastating role as a colonial empire during the 18th and 19th centuries. As discussed in lecture, King Leopold II remains a very controversial figures in Belgium’s past due to his manipulation, exploitation, and horror enforced on the Congolese people. In honor of this history, today the group visited the Museum of Central Africa, previously known as the Colonial Museum. I find it deeply important and empowering that this change in name and change in approach has taken place. When this museum was presented to the community as a “Colonial” museum, its highlighted history from the perspective of Belgian colonizers. Exhibitions under this title carried on traditions of negligence and dehumanization of Black bodies, reinforcing the one-sided narrative that colonial empires were somehow justified in their maltreatment of people of color. This approach continues to tell history in the eyes of the hunter. With the new name and approach of the museum, exhibitions expose the true horrors that were carried out by Leopold and his colonial force, and trace the political, social, and economic repercussions as they affect the Congolese diaspora even today. I do strongly agree with the decision to change the museum name and approach, because now that this history is told from the humanized perspective of the Congolese, the country can begin to reconcile their past while empowering the historically hunted “lions”.

However, the modernization and revolutionized perspective of this museum does not go forward without controversy and tensions. An employee of the museum, Primrose who is of Congolese descent, shared a glimpse of the many contentious questions that continue to arise surrounding the museums mission and justice for the Congolese and the African diaspora. I was interested in the controversy surrounding representation and restitution. Should the African relics displayed within the museum be returned to Africa from where they came? It is from a place of significant privilege that these artifacts and testimonies are in the hands of a Belgian community and not in the home of their cultural origin. I personally do not know where I land on this issue, after having exposure to both sides of the argument I have found myself deeply reflecting and contemplating over this issue during my time in the museum and throughout my day. Further, regarding the topic of representation and the museum’s efforts at collaboration, only 8% of the staff associated with the museum is of Congolese descent. 8% is a devastatingly low representation for a program which prioritizes collaboration, progress, and social justice. Overall the museum is making truly remarkable and commendable strides towards their goals, and I am excited to learn of the progress that the museum makes moving forward. In the meantime, there are large strides left to be taken and many difficult questions left to be answered. Today the Congolese history is only told by 8% lions, and 92% in the voice of the hunter; the hunter still dominates this narrative. There is room for 92% of this narrative left to be reconciled, and of Belgium’s colonial heritage to be uncovered and reconciled.

[carot-dj]

ten out of ten A great, great read. It's very entertaining and deliciously written. It's one of those rare books I reminisce on often. Go to Amazon

A must-have for your cooking library Simply put, Ms. Dunlop writes a captivating memoir about her time in China learning to cook. But it's far more than a simple memoir or a simple food book. Her dexterity with translating the essence of food from China into terms and concepts Westerners can understand is breath-taking. I've used many of her recipes with great success. Simply put this book plus her other two cookbooks deserve a place in every kitchen and food library. If you think you understand Chinese food as it's presented in the West, you will learn so much from these books about just how amazing Chinese food can be. Go to Amazon

Fun, inspiring, and informational I learned so much about China. I wasn't expecting that. Can't wait to try some of the foods mention in the book! Go to Amazon

An engrossing read that will revolutionize the way you think of Chinese food I bought this book having already used Ms. Dunlop's phenomenal cookbooks for about a year--to my mind, they are the holy grail of Chinese cookbooks in the English language--so when I found out that she had written her memoirs I was already on-board. That said, Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper went above and beyond my expectations when I read it. Dunlop writes beautifully--engagingly, even engrossingly, and I found myself staying up late just to read more. Moreover, what she has to say is fascinating. She really made clear the philosophy behind a lot of Chinese cooking, and though at times she described menu items that I could not imagine putting in my mouth, I found myself trying the most amazing and unexpected things at Chinese restaurants as a result of her narrative. Something else I appreciated about this book was that it was not unrelentingly positive, and that it did not wax poetic constantly. Dunlop is straightforward and honest, and she challenges the reader to take a fresh look at eating in China--in terms of taste and texture, in terms of cultural setting, in terms of economics and environmental impact. This is a fascinating book, and it will completely change the way you think of Chinese food. Go to Amazon

Four Stars Mouthwatering goodness. Go to Amazon

Shark's Fin & Sichuan Pepper A quite brilliant memoir by Fuschia Gunlop tracing her aculturation in being Chinese and transformation into a Sichuan trained chef who is also a leading food writer Go to Amazon

As good as Peter Hessler For me, this book has a very special place in my heart. I was in Chengdu at the same time, living in the same area and eating in the same restaurants as Ms. Dunlop. I never met her and I don't ever remember seeing someone who looked like her. But her description of Chengdu, of Sichuan cuisine, of being a foreigner in China in the 90s, of decompressing in Hong Kong, and the reverse culture shock when one returns to the West are exactly what I experienced and felt when I lived there. She captures it perfectly, but what she does that I have never been able to do is to verbalize it so precisely and profoundly in writing what all of it means--being someone caught between two cultures and of losing your principles or ideas of what is right or wrong. I think her understanding of China is as accurate and well-articulated as Peter Hessler. I put her on an equal par with him. So if you want to really understand China from an outsiders perspective, add Fuchsia Dunlop's memoir to your list of books to read (along with her cookbooks.) I also think this is a good book for anyone who has lived in China or is going to live there or maybe has lived in any country is eastern Asia. Go to Amazon

A very fun and educational read for travelers and eaters!!! This was a very entertaining book about food and culture in China from the 90s to present. The author starts off celebrating and romaticizing about the food and culture of Sichuan province in the 90s. She travels around China and writes about her visit to other different provinces over the next decade or so. She has a tendency to focus on what Westerners might describe as more "exotic" ingredients, making for fascinating reading. Go to Amazon

Really great book on China Four Stars Five Stars I love it! Exceptional Travel/Asian Food Lover's China Journey A thoughtful, passionate, sparkling memoir Delicious, and unflinching Appropriation, Fetishism, and Endangered Delicasies, oh my! Marveous book An Excellent Memoir of a Western Woman Falling in Love with Chinese Food and Culture