#satisfaction town

[lucky-ladybugs-lovelies]

New musings on Kalin: he seems to need a purpose to be happy. In the Enforcers era, he was determined and extroverted and very happy defeating all the Duel Gangs in the Satellite. But once they were all beaten, suddenly Kalin didn’t have a purpose any more. He had to look for a new one and things started going downhill from there. He targeted innocent kids, inventing the idea that they were potentially dangerous, and later went for the big one, Sector Security. That all unraveled into complete chaos.

As a Dark Signer, Kalin had a purpose again, but it was dark and twisted, a product of his misunderstanding about Yusei as well as the darkness corrupting him. He reveals later that what he had really wanted was just to see the others again and fight one more duel with them. Instead, the darkness twisted him into the insane creature he became.

When he finally came back to himself, he was not only wracked with grief and guilt, he once again had no purpose. He decided he had to atone for his wrongdoings and went to Crash Town to try to do this. His purpose became his own self-destruction.

Kalin, however, at his core is a protective person. He needs things to protect. It’s when he feels he doesn’t have this that he seems to start tipping off the deep end and becoming dangerous and destructive. Once Yusei and the kids reach this side of him again and he realizes he actually can do something, he perks right up. He becomes the fighter he once was and has the strength to topple Lawton’s control over the town.

When Crash Town is free, Kalin decides to stay on. Why wouldn’t he? He has what he was searching for all these years. The town will need help rebuilding and being protected and the kids need looking after. Kalin will have years of protecting ahead of him.

It’s semi-popular in the fandom to have Kalin move to the City, sometimes with the kids, sometimes not. I totally get wanting him to be with Yusei and the others again, but given Kalin’s need to protect and have a purpose, I’m honestly not sure he would like living in the City. He would be happy to be with his other loved ones, but I think he would feel directionless and lost and might even start spiraling downward again. Maybe he would instead find a way to pool his protective nature into a new career in the City. Maybe Crow would encourage him to join Sector Security. (Would he, though?) I definitely think the only way he could be truly happy in the City would be if he found more purpose in protecting.

The problem with the concept is that he already has something to protect in the town. He expresses a very strong desire to stay there at the end of the arc, and the one time we see him afterwards, he’s still there and seems happy. It’s hard for me to think that he would leave it unless for some reason he felt he had nothing left there, nothing to protect and no reason to stay. And honestly, that is a depressing thought. Kalin is finally happy at the end of the Crash Town arc. I feel the best thing for him is to stay on and live his best life as the town’s sheriff/mayor/etc., looking after the kids and enjoying what he has.

[number-1-kuaidul-fanboy]

Revolver really does represent 5Ds huh

He was the first character to Synchro summon, he poses like he’s pretending to ride a motorcycle when he does, and his duel with Blood Shepherd had a Western movie aesthetic, and Revolver’s whole aesthetic in general is guns for that matter, just like a certain 5Ds arc:

Revolver is Crashtown arc confirmed.

[satans-knitwear]

Downloading Stardew Valley was a mistake.

[vaguely-concerned]

Origins is of course the DA game most closely in conversation with and playing around with Tolkien (right down to the walking talking poetree haha) -- and even more so than most works in the larger western fantasy tradition derived from Tolkien's work that DA:O also hails from and owes a lot of its Stuff to, what makes the game so great to me is that it's doing so very deliberately, and is subverting and deconstructing those tropes and entrenched ideas in some very interesting ways without at all denigrating what it's commenting on. (it doesn't have the almost disdainful undertones of the vein of fantasy that seeks to make the world more 'realistic' ala the more tedious reactions to G.R.R.Martin's work, for example, despite having the darker fantasy bent to it.) among other elements it adopts, what I find the most fascinating is the choice to use the same literary device/conceit Tolkien did in ostensibly only having in-universe biased sources and works to deliver the world through (which I feel is an underappreciated thing about his approach but is part of what makes his world so enduringly compelling and real-feeling -- the feeling of real scholarship devoted/applied to a made-up world. the grounding effect of a good diegetic footnote about source criticism, truly).

many things to be said there, and I'm glad each following game has taken on different perspectives and lenses and traditions to view the world of Thedas through because if you stick with that one too closely for too long I fear we could teeter precariously close to Pratchett's famous and bitingly accurate accusation of most modern fantasy of that era just being about rearranging the furniture in Tolkien's attic lol. and while you could accuse DA2 (my perfect wife who has never done anything wrong in her life to be clear) of many things, that's not one of them, they are pulling on some completely different strings for that one and both the game and DA overall is better for it, to my mind. as so many things in this series: worth staying with and exploring for an installment even if it might get stale if all of it was like this! people are understandably sad about the elements from previous games that they liked which were lost along the way, but that capacity for reinvention is to my mind a huge strength of dragon age as a whole.

(I think Veilguard is coming in as a close second in Tolkien conversation-ness if only in outlining/revealing the worldbuilding that indeed may have been planned since DA:O around the animosity that SHOULD by all rights exist between dwarves and elves in this universe (as per Tolkienesque tradition standards). but doesn't really because you see: politics and the many pitfalls of conservation of knowledge over the ages. our ancestral enmity got semi-intentionally lost between the floorboards of history and you know what. maybe for the best. the humans are already up to so much shit you gotta keep your eyes on them at all times you can't be brawling with each other in the deep roads while they're still around getting up to their nonsense or they'll just pile up even more of it)

[operationslipperypuppet]

im so normal fine and casual when im east coast awake on a friday and the new naddpod episode isn’t out yet. doesn’t worry me ever.

[prowl-autism-extraordinaire]

prowl in humanformers doesnt go home for the holidays. nobody expects him to, and he hates to disappoint. (this is a lie.) prowl doesnt go home for the holidays because he's busy, he doesnt have time, he's got better things to do- but really, its because he worked too long and too hard to be better, smarter, more than the guy from a small, shitty town sitting on the way to bigger and better towns. he grew up poor and unwanted and he never forgot it for a minute. so prowl doesnt go home for the holidays. he doesnt call on birthdays or show up to weddings or funerals. if anyone asks about family, he doesnt have any. and it might as well be true! functionally, he isnt family and so he doesnt have any. a hell of his own making and one he prefers (this is true.)

[beccarooni]

i just need to shout into the void for a moment

[ace-malarky]

🌹🌹🌹!!

goddamn my love that was fast <3

have some shapeshifter wip bc we are refining some plot this morning!

"Adults can have fun," Syn said, almost haughty. "I read that in a book." They sighed. "Before everything changes again." Halliel thought of the message in her inbox, of what was waiting for them when they returned to Flossir. "Ok. Go to the park tomorrow and then just take a wrong turn on the way out. End up back here." "Open up a beachfront shop of… something." Syn waved a hand. "We'll have to go back for Trix."

For every “🌹” received in my inbox I’ll post one random sentence/snippet of a random WIP I’m currently writing

[xtrablak674]

Catching Hands, Feet and Chairs

To be honest I don't really fucks with reality TV, especially those programs started by whyte folks where Black people commit violence and hostility towards each other for the benefit of views. Outside of RPDR which I left years ago for Mr. Charles problematic new behavior as someone with new-found wealth, I didn't have any of this unscripted drama in my life. I felt this was better for the soul. In the same vain I had forgone watching the systematic violence that police et al performed on Black bodies. My mental health was tentative on a good day, I didn't need that poison taking up residence in my head.

But yesterday while Tumbling, a video showed up in my feed, it seemed to be some ClipClock footage showing some kind of brawl. And listening to NPR at that time I hadn't heard of any news that correlated to what I was seeing, so I just thought it was some random occurrence. It would be later that I would hear about the brawl by an Alabaman boat dock started of course by some obstinate whyte folks.

I will readily admit, when it started to auto-play I truly didn't know what I was watching. Some Black dude wearing something that clearly looked like a uniform threw his hat in the air and these white thugs were attacking him. I was like #WTF is going on, and truly I wanted to pull myself away but like a well-crafted drama it kept getting better. Another person who was initially out of frame seemed to be running to this brother's rescue. I was aghast because these white terrorist were beating this man like he had no one who loved him.

What was taking me out was the background comments from the onlookers who were clearly also Black, you can hear their outrage and more and more quickly responded to the ongoing melee happening on this dock, including one young blood who literally jumped in the water and swam over to assist his skin-folks. I saw sisters wearing traditional summer-wear the long dresses that Black womens love to wear, come on down to let the Karen's know, NOT TODAY KAREN! #👊🏿

I had mixed feelings of bemusement, shame, pride, anger and satisfaction as I saw these clearly entitled whyte folks catch hands, feet and chairs! Seriously this has been the highlight of two-thousand and twenty three in my humble opinion. All the shenanigans going on in this country it felt like a societal releasing of steam, as these Black hands rose up to defend one of our own. I felt such solidarity with everyone there and the feelings of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I realize that the whytes are also human beings, but I think I am not alone in feeling like they think they should take up all the oxygen not leaving any for anyone else. That any space that they occupy is obviously and naturally theirs!

Trust, I am not even mad at chair-guy beating some sense into those whyte skulls and I know that collectively we will protect his identity irregardless of the authorities pursuit of him. These people inadvertently were expressing the frustration we all have every day for the micro-aggressions, the unapproved loans, the unsigned lease, the job not awarded, the raise that never came, the promotion that went to someone else, to the missing that were never found, to using our pain as a tool in some political game. We're done! And this even for a moment was a healthy way to let of some steam off and beat the ass of the figure-head of white supremacy!

[Graphic by Brown estate based on a saying heard in the elementary school yard]

[1990danieljohnston]

there’s this fucking redhead american who moved to argentina just because it’s cheaper and now he’s treating the country as a wild ride on an amusement park. he goes to certain places while being like ooohhh i’m traveling to the most expensive city in the most expensive country in south america!! bitch it’s not fun and quirky you’re literally being an imperialist fuck. also argentinians instead of discouraging this kind of attitude just keep cheering him on? no!! americans move here just because like i said it’s cheaper for them but they keep rising up rent and the cost of living for people whose economy already fucking sucks!!!!!!! not surprising since they come from the most selfish country in the entire world. i hate americans so bad i hope they all rot and the redhead bitch goes to the actual poorest city in argentina and gets jumped and beaten up leaving him no choice but to move back to The Land Of The Free or whatever lie they tell themselves to keep existing in the worst country ever created

[mossy-opal]

The flames lick at my feet

Their hearts full of hate

What they don't understand, they condemn

What they can't comprehend must meet its end

But I won't scream, won't give them that satisfaction

No, I won't confess my false interaction

As I breathe deep and prepare for my passing

I hear them chant, "Burn the witch!"

[lucky-ladybugs-lovelies]

The other day my friend asked me if The Radley Bunch is really the name of Radley's gang or if I made it up. I assured that it is indeed the canon name, as well as The Malcolm Crew for Malcolm's.

These, however, are the dub names. I also explained that in the original Japanese, Radley's gang is called The Ramon Group and Malcolm's is The Malcolm Family. What is interesting, I realized, is that the names are opposite to how the gangs actually seem to behave. Radley's sounds more formal and matter-of-fact and Malcolm's more friendly and welcoming. But in actual fact ...

Exhibit A, Radley's gang hangs out in the diner Radley owns (yes, it's his, made expressly clear in the Japanese version by the sign "Ramon's Diner"). They are happy and relaxed and Radley tries to get Kalin to join the festivities. When Kalin refuses and walks out on him instead, Radley is clearly put-out and may even be hurt. But he controls his feelings, has a civil conversation with a gang member, and doesn't once take out his unhappiness on an innocent party. You can clearly see from his expressions that he is upset. If I showed these pictures out of context, I imagine anyone would think he is snarling at this poor kid. But in both Japanese and English, that is absolutely not the case. He looks mad, but he speaks perfectly evenly.

Exhibit B, Malcolm's gang hangs out in the villa Malcolm has. Malcolm gets drunk, rages, and lashes out at anyone who moves. One of the nicer gang members, another young kid, shows concern for him drinking so much. Malcolm reacts by striking him on the head with the liquor bottle and knocking him out! Real nice family there. This is, of course, cut from the dub so I unfortunately can't show it, but it's available in the first Japanese language Crash Town episode and can be watched on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

It's interesting that the dub changes the gangs' names when you think about it. The Radley Bunch fits a more informal, friendly group, as they seem to be, while The Malcolm Crew could go either way. I wonder if they had any real reason for changing the names, such as wanting names that fit them better.

An important addendum to this post: Malcolm's Crew calls Malcolm "Boss." Radley's Bunch calls Radley by his name. From this too, it's easy to see which group is friendlier.

[iamthepulta]

I just realized the plot of Ellenville omg.

My fever dream is for a copper deposit to be discovered under Scottsdale, Arizona. I can MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

-

Context: Scottsdale, Arizona is the hoity toity of Phoenix. The crown jewel of knock-off LA if you will. I would LOVE- oh my god, I salivate over the thought of directing a drill rig over their precious fucking multi-million dollar golf courses.

[dental1234]

"Excellence in Dental Care: Glenview's Top-rated Clinic and Services"

"Excellence in Dental Care: Glenview's Top-rated Clinic and Services" epitomizes the pinnacle of dental care within Glenview and its surrounding areas.

Within Glenview, residents and visitors alike have access to an extensive array of Dental Services in Glenview. From routine check-ups and cleanings to specialized treatments like orthodontics and dental implants, the options are tailored to meet diverse dental needs. This clinic sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive range of services delivered with precision and expertise.

In the pursuit of the Best Dental Clinic in Glenview, discerning patients seek excellence in every aspect of care. This top-rated clinic stands out for its unwavering commitment to providing superior service, utilizing cutting-edge technology, and employing a team of highly skilled professionals. Patients can expect personalized attention, compassionate care, and exceptional results, making it the go-to choice for those seeking the highest standard of dental care in Glenview.

Additionally, for individuals exploring Dental Services Near Glenview, this clinic extends its reputation beyond city limits. Patients from neighboring towns and suburbs are drawn to its top-rated services, recognizing it as a beacon of excellence in the region. Whether you're in Glenview or nearby areas, this clinic ensures that patients receive top-tier dental care that exceeds expectations.

"Excellence in Dental Care: Glenview's Top-rated Clinic and Services" is synonymous with unparalleled quality, expertise, and patient satisfaction. Whether you need routine care, cosmetic enhancements, or restorative treatments, this clinic's dedication to excellence ensures that your dental needs are met with the highest level of care and professionalism.

[disco-cola]

It’s a national feast day in Germany today and there’s a street fest up my street and they have a live band and I’m standing by my window in the kitchen listening and they’re playing rocking in the free world by Neil young AND IT ACTUALLY SOUNDS GOOD LIKE THE VOICE THE PIANO THE GUITAR SOLO???

[foldingfittedsheets]

I grew up lucky for a queer person. My area wasn’t actively hostile to me. My parents accepted the news that I had a crush on my best friend with no major upset.

There was homophobic comments made in my household in line with the era, but without hatred behind the words. I got called “lesbian” by bullies but honestly it just rolled off of hurtful and hit funny.

That’s why I was so ill prepared for my move to Arizona. I was moving to live with my at-the-time girlfriend, Taylor. She was native to the state and I’d met her while living there for one miserable year in high school. I’d had a crush on her for ten years before we started dating.

In the process of moving my parents were helping by driving a uhaul with my stuff while Taylor and I drove down in my car. It was a two day drive and we rolled into my new city one warm desert evening. We stopped to get some water and wait for my parents to catch up in the uhaul.

We got out of the car, stretching our achy limbs and heading toward a little fast food place in the strip mall. Across the parking lot a group of men started hooting and whistling at us. Words like “beautiful,” and “come here” drifting along the still evening air. We didn’t react and they grew louder until I casually flipped them off.

The tenor of their calls changed instantly. Now we heard “dykes” and “bitches” and “teach you a lesson”. For the first time, I felt afraid to be walking along in a lit parking lot. I looked at Taylor and to my horror she had started to turn in their direction.

I grabbed her arm and she shook me off. The men were moving away but I didn’t want to see a fight or worse break out if she caught up. But Taylor wasn’t heading to follow them. She was arrowing toward the truck they’d been lounging across.

“What are you doing?” I asked her anxiously.

For answer she reached for guys front tire and started letting the air out. A nervous giggle escaped me and I stood to keep lookout. She had the front two tires done before the trucks owner came storming across the parking lot.

“You should have just slashed them!” he snarled, “Woulda been faster.”

Taylor rose and coolly said, “That’s destruction of property, I was just checkin’ your tires, bro.”

Emotions flitted across his face from surprise to rage but after a moment he mastered his anger and said, “Okay. I get it. We were out of line before.”

He held out his hand as if to shake hers and I tensed. His eyes told a very different story than his mouth. Taylor casually flicked his air cap at him and it bounced off his chest. We turned and walked away without another word.

It was my first night in my new town. The scene would set the stage for later interactions. People who would ask me if I couldn’t empathize with parents who kicked their gay kids out for spreading sin. I’d go on to be followed and harassed on more than one occasion. That night showed me how privileged I’d been and how vulnerable I was at the time. But I at least had the satisfaction of thinking back to that man filling his tires back up with air.