#season 2 cassette 7

[tinydefector]

Marine Centre 5 - Merformers AU

Word count: 3.8k

Warnings: information over the Oceanides.

Prev

Next

_________________

Information For readers over names for the Bots 

Optimus - Big Blue 

Megatron - The Meg

Bumblebee - Babybee/ beebee

Starscream - Screech

Sideswipe - Cherry

Sunstreaker- Shimmer

Shockwave - Reaper

Jazz - Slip

Ironhide - Buffy

Ratchet - Nemo

Soundwave - Echo 

Windblade - Ladybird

Prowl- Scar

Beachcomber - Murri

Rodimus - Firefin

Smokescreen - Slim Dusty

Bluestreak - Angelfish 

Mirage - Magic

Drift - Siren

Pharma - Snapper

Chromedome - Phantom

Rewind - Dinky

Whirl - Titanic 

Swindle - Dio

Vortex - Spade 

Onslaught - Korn

Brawl - Badma

Blast Off - Diamite 

Kup - Sarge

Rung - Shrimp

The parings of who is the parents of who for some of the younger members 

Rodimus - Optimus & Ratchet 

Bluestreak - Prowl & Jazz 

Sunstreaker & Sideswipe - Ironhide & Jazz

Smokescreen - Prowl & Optimus 

Mirage - Beachcomber & Optimus 

Bumblebee - Optimus & unknown

Cassettes - Soundwave & Shockwave & Blaster 

Tarn - Megatron & Soundwave 

Sunstorm - Starscream & Sunstreaker 

Cassettes - Blaster & Tracks & Soundwave 

Novastorm - Skywarp & Megatron 

______________________________________________________________________

PHYSICAL EXAM / TREATMENT RECORD: The Meg

Species: Oceanides. Sex: Hermaphrodite/ Pod Bull

Age: 50+yrs

Recent illness/injury: lacerations to head and stomach/ bite wounds to arm. Injuries received from altercations with Big blue ( The Meg was the Aggressor), believed to be due to feeding. Wounds still have not headled due to scratching.

Behaviour: Temperamental, calmer  

PHYSICAL EXAM Examined by: [Redacted] 

time:6:20am

Date: 2/07/XXXX

Wt 269.52 Kg. Temp 24.8°c

GA: 

Dark grey, light grey with red markings, fins and gills are red . Larger than any of the Oceanides in the centre. Eyes: red

INTEG: covered in many scars from territory fighting, feeding, and mating.

External Parasites: none

RAVS Animal Condition Score: good

Reason for RAC Score assigned: the Meg has healed rather well from his wounds due to medication in his food. 

Addtl Comments: The Meg is ready to be let back out to the pods, request that he be supervised as to not gain more injuries. 

________________________________________________________________ 

PHYSICAL EXAM / TREATMENT RECORD: Cherry

Species: Oceanides. Sex: Hermaphrodite

Age: 30+yrs 

Recent illness/injury: scale Rot on running up tail and fins

Behaviour: hyper, Social.

PHYSICAL EXAM Examined by: Xxxx

time:7:34am 

Date: 2/07/XXXX

Wt 421.32 Kg. Temp 24.2°c

GA:

Red, black and Grey Oceanide. Eyes: blue 

INTEG: scales have been showing success with the new treatment 

RAVS Animal Condition Score: good

Reason for RAC Score assigned: to be released from Pool 2. 

Addtl Comments from (Doctor Bayley Quin: Cherry seems to be doing much better now. 

______________________________________________________________________

Requesting documentation on Oceanide pod habits behaviours and families. As of recently many of the Oceanides that frequent the Yawk-Yawk centre have taken a rather intriguing interest in one of the handlers here. 

We want to study it more as we believe the Pods themselves have accepted [Redacted] into the pods as some sort of honorary member due to us having to intervene with a pup. His information will be added to email. 

Babybee/ Beebee is the only surviving Oceanide pup from last season, Big blue is we believe the sire of the pup. But due to unknown reasons the pup had become rather ill and on the brink of death when we received him. Brought in by Big Blue, it's the first truth communication we have had with them. Beebee was placed into medical care under my supervision and handled by [Redacted] as a full time carer. But developments have surfaced amongst the rest of the Oceanides since the pup has been released back to the pods, many of them have taken quite an interest in [Redacted], singing to them and following them around. 

Our most recent trip out to the reef for samples resulted in one of the Oceanides quite literally dragging [Redacted] out of the Ocean and dropping them back on the boat. It left many of us stunned, but to follow that up said Oceanide. I believe [Angelfish] came back afterwards with a small collection of seashells, coral and rocks. I'm mainly requesting the information for [Redacted] to read through and have some more understanding. 

-Dr Bayley Quin Yawk-Yawk Marine

____________________________________________________________________

 Dr Quin, Myself and many others at California Oceanide Research are rather fascinated with this news. We ask that you keep us updated on these pods that have made themselves at home at your centre. As we only have 2 pods that we have currently tagged and have been studying their migration patterns. Any information you can share with us would be greatly appreciated, but to follow up your request I'll attach all the known information we have over the Oceanides Habits, mating, pods and society. 

Please keep us updated on this Pup and the caretaker as this is the first time we have ever heard of such a thing. 

- Dr Christian Bale, California OR. 

Attached documents 

Oceanides: New Insights 

Pups:

Reach full size at age: 3 years, though continue learning from elders and Parental for several years more

Nursed and cared for solely by mother for the first 2 years can change depending on the circumstances. [Added information. As you have stated Bee was put into [Redacted]’s care and most likely sees them as their mother that could be the reason the pod has taken to them, due to human intervention the pup survived and as such the pod treats them as a member of their family] 

Oceanides form strong, lifelong bonds with pod members during early developmental period, even if they do split off from their pod they always know their siblings and parents 

Pups observed closely mimicking behaviours of adult pod-mates from 2-4 years to develop skills, will follow very closely with their parents.   

Grooming and touching behaviours help strengthen social bonds between pups and all pod members

Pups remain within natal pod's protected waters until they reach three years of age, learning skills/culture from elders. Strong social bonds and inter-pod cooperation aids collective survival.

Inter-Pod Relations:  

Pods comprise variably sized familial units, often 6-15 individuals. Members can consist of a mix of pod members varying from parents and pups to strangers, Oceanides also very consistently move from pods. Such as an adolescent spawn of other members will leave their pod to join another. 

Regular, peaceful interactions observed between adjacent pods some will even form into a mega pod [as you have described the pods at Yawk-Yawk.]

Pods often approach and observe one another’s activities from a distance with no aggression, and over time will become social with each other.  

Exchanging soft vocalisations, nudges, and caresses help reinforce cooperative relations between each other. 

Like humans some Oceanides just don't like each other, Don't Force interactions between them. Oceanides will hold grudges. 

Younger pod members especially engaged in play behaviours to develop hunting/defence skills, socialise and bond with other members.  

Gifting of small items, shells, pebbles, sea glass, food etc. appears a gesture of courting, friendship and trust between pods. It varies depending on the member as some will gift items for many reasons.  

Benefits of allied pods include access to larger ranges, combined protections, and potential for interbreeding to support genetic diversity. 

Multi-pod alliances appear to form for protection during migrations or when young are present

Territory & Resources:

Each pod maintains boundaries of its own hunting/feeding grounds through regular patrols. Some will converge if said pods decide to merge together 

Boundaries appear flexible based on prey availability and pod size, Pods observed sharing access to migrating prey or allowing transient members to pass without conflict, when pups are within pods others will come to aid If one pod is in need of assistance.

 Resources like tidal feeding pools, kelp forests and shipping lanes consciously avoided to minimise human contact 

Communication:  

Complex communication between the species varies from echolocation, visual/tactile cues similar to sign language. Whistles/clicks, hisses, snarls rumbles. The best description is that they communicate similarly to whales, Dolphins and also humans. It's a strange thought to see such intelligence in marine life but it makes sense why there are so many myths and legends over Merfolk when Oceanides fit that description. 

Whistles/echolocation used for coordinating hunts, alerting of intruders, and social bonding

 Distress calls signify need for aid; all pod members converge quickly on young or injured

Certain melodic patterns distinguish individuals, while locations and pod identifiers changing over time  

Calls from affiliated pods elicited faster response than strangers, demonstrating recognition 

Variations in Whistles:

Pitch and melody identify, age, social rank and individual pod-mates

Changes made over time suggest an evolving dialect within communities

Distress whistles cut across dialects, eliciting a universal response from all oceanides 

Echolocation:

Clicks map surroundings, locate prey and pod-mates even in zero visibility  

Call patterns and frequencies differentiate objects, threats and each other   

 Echolocating pups heard learning adult mapping techniques through mimicry

Tactile Communication:

Nudges, embraces and petting convey bonding, reassurance and request behaviours

Bites remain very rare even in play-fighting, finessed to avoid breaking skin. Biting is mainly used in mating. 

Gentle herding of young with fins or nudges of nose guide without aggression

Visual Cues:

 Postures, gestures and flank markings manipulated for clear messages  

Fins, frills, gills and tail positioned express interest, dominance, submission or anger depending on position, mainly used when conveying a very clear message. [We work off these displays as they are much more visual for us to understand] 

The sophistication of this system is breathtaking. You would think such skilled communicators would easily outmanoeuvre threats, yet humans have too often posed dangers all the same. But they are such beautiful and strange creatures.

Through long-term census data and pod identification methods, we are gaining a fuller picture of local oceanide communities along with equating them with Trackers as we do Sharks:

Numbers & Distribution:

An estimated merged pod can have up to 35-40 inhabit the coastline reserve boundaries 

Average pod size is 7-15 individuals, though numbers fluctuate seasonally

Largest pods reside in more sheltered coastal areas with abundant food sources

Smallest numbers use outer reefs and current-heavy zones that limit prey accessibility

Kinship Networks:  

Multi-generational lineages traced back over a century within dominant pods

Extended families compromise over 30% of some pods, with 3-4 generations present in pods our oldest known Oceanides marked are. Sarge and Shrimp. 

Grandparents and older siblings play key roles in pup-rearing and teaching skills, it's the reason so many pods converge during mating season. It gives the young the opportunity to meet their other family members and learn. 

Reproduction:  

Birthing peaks in late spring/early summer when nutrients are highest within the ocean 

 Litter sizes average 2 pups but can vary, As of recently the number in offspring have began declining dramatically. 

Pod alliances and extended groups help care for newest generations  

Sexual maturity reached at 7-10 yrs. Mating occurs yearly during seasonal estrus. Due to the Oceanides being a Hermaphrodite species they can all carry but only a select few will. Oceanides give live birth to 1-2 pups, bearing full parenting responsibilities for the first 3 years as the pups grow and learn amongst their pods. 

Oceanides are like humans when it comes to relationships, some are monogamous keeping with only one mate while others have multiple, we believe that they understand the need for breeding diversity. 

Migration Patterns:  

Winter months see some pods join seasonal Southern movements for warmer waters    

Elders or bulls especially guide these migrations, ensuring safety of pups and injured members

It's been noticed that many oceanides take to the Waters of Australia due to how hot the climate tends to be yearly. 

Problem-Solving:  

Tool use observed, such as twisting kelp to trap prey or navigating obstacles  

Innovative foraging methods invented, then adopted cross-generationally   

Escape tactics and defensive manoeuvres against threats continually refined

Use of rocks and shells as tools, they have started watching the way humans fish on the reefs. 

As I review the latest documentation on oceanide behaviours, something catches my eye regarding interactions between pods. It seems the exchanging of gifts, especially among younger members, may take on additional significance:

Courting & Bonding Displays:

Selecting and presenting small items to another appears to function as courtship behaviour 

Pebbles, shells and coral exchanged suggest interest in forming a bonded pair 

Close observations note gifts given more frequently by sexually mature oceanides to their preferred partners  

Acceptance of such tokens usually elicits affectionate touching as bonding is assessed 

One-on-one play also increases between potential mates as compatibility is tested  

If the pairing proves well-matched, courtship gifts may lead to breeding that season

This level of organisation and care for their own speaks to a deeply attuned social intelligence, as you well know. They are highly intelligent .Overall, their sophisticated societies have clearly evolved for safety, community and preservation of oceanide ways. With ongoing study and habitat protection, I am hopeful we can help them prosper. Let me know if any other areas of research could further our understanding. While more research is needed, observations suggest oceanides thrive within complex societal structures reliant on familial bonds, respect between pods. Non-violent resolutions to disputes, cooperation in caring for the young, all contribute to flourishing populations. Continued protection and monitoring will aid in preserving these remarkable beings and relationships integral to their well-adapted survival. As always, your insights into their behaviours are invaluable, more so over their honorary pod-mate.

______________________________________________________________________

 a snarl leaves Bluestreak as he is hauled before the gathering by a livid Prowl, the young mer thrashes against his captor's unyielding grip. "Let me go! I did nothing wrong, I was only-"

Prowl snarls, denta bared. "Offering courting gifts to an OUTSIDER? Have you lost all sense, pup!" Prowl was furious at his offspring, he knew Bluestreak was a dreamer who took after Jazz but this was beyond stupid for him. 

Bluestreak's fins flares defiantly. "IWwas trying to say sorry for disturbing their hun-,"

But Prowl cuts him off with a vicious Snarl as he frills up. "Enough! I'll not have any of my kin besmirch our ways with such deviance and fraternisation with Softskins!" 

"Prowl, stand down!" Optimus rumbles, shooting Bluestreak a warning look. "We are all on edge as seasons turn and choices narrow...but violence will avail nothing." He rumbled moving closer to the puffed up white and black mer. 

The other youngsters watch on, shooting each other's looks. Bluestreak sulks but meets his calm gaze stubbornly. "It was only a token of gratitude, nothing more," he insists with a low growl. His own fins flat against his frame

"The big fry-brain snatched me before I could thank them properly for disbanding the Firefish!" Bluestreak shoots Prowl a harsh glare before facing Optimus again. "You said to yourself we'd see if an outsider would bond with us. Was I not to start as any other would?"

Prowl scoffs derisively. "A Softskin? Don't be so foolish! Our ways are not theirs, nor their strange rituals and dalliances are our concern! Had it been any other i would let you make a fool of yourself But they are Bumblebees Carer Bluestreak, if anyone has claim over them it would be Optimus" 

It makes the others stiffen hearing that Prowl wasn't against the idea but was against Bluestreak chasing after the one caring for Bumblebee. As one would be if it were one of the Pod caring for a pup. 

“ Prow! Enough, do not bicker like hatchlings, I understand that everyone is on edge but No one has any claim on the Softones." It was the first time Optimus had really raised his voice over the subject. “finally growing a Dorsal Prime” Megatron's voice echoes as he moves to watch. Optimus ignores him but the silence could cut through the water. 

“Megatron a word” he finally states shooting the large grey oceanide a look. Megatron grumbles but pushes himself up to swim beside the Prime. 

Several bold youths cluster around their peer like darting tinfish, curiosity piqued by the tense exchange. " Blue are you crazy! Trying to get yourself in trouble!" prods Smokescreen, finned tail flickering. Mirage nudges in slyly. "I saw the trinket you left - a pretty parcel wrapped in seaweed. Someone's got their optics set on the fleshie!"

Nearby, Sunstreaker huffs dismissively. "Who cares about some fleshy?." But his field belies keen interest despite feigned disdain. “Sunny!” A voice calls out which has him spinning around in shock to see Sideswipe who he pulls into a hug. “Sides!” He calls while checking his twin with instant claws. 

“Your back, did they hurt you?Are you alright?” He begins shooting questions at Sideswipe who just smiles. “ I'm great, glad they let you come see me while I was healing, but look!, no more rotting scales!” he exclaims while swimming around the others eagerly. “But what's this about Bluey And the softies?!” 

Bluestreak squirms before the bombardment of questions, In truth Bluestreak liked how they were, brave and took out firefish, fearless of sharks, Was kind and sweet with Bumblebee and they played with him and when he called out to them despite the language barrier. 

"Frags, I don't even know how to describe it," Bluestreak mutters, flustered by the barrage of questions. "They just seem...different from us, but not in a bad way." 

He gestures vaguely. "They fearlessly hunt those venom fish on the reef and even play with the Sharks as we do. Their care for that little pup as one of us." He swishes his tail irritably. "I'm tired of being called deviant just because I see them as one of us. The elders are stuck viewing them as aliens, but I see a potential pod." 

Intrigue glimmers in sly Skywarp's optic as the brazen plan forms. "If the elders want to cling to old ways, fine," he smirks. "But who says we have to follow their rules, huh?"

Smokescreen flashes a toothy grin. "It wouldn't take much to slip past their watch. We're not sparklings anymore - and I'll wager the softskins aren't so keen on being told who they can or can't bond with." As ever willful, Sunstreaker merely shrugs. "Do as you like. But I'll not be frolicking with soft meat." His gruff words. 

"What if we break free and establish our own pod," Sideswipe hums thoughtfully, earning him a baffled look from Sunstreaker. Rodimus' perks up in glee. "At last, others see the logic in my proposal!." His exclaimes. 

The beach is quiet this late at night, the rolling sound of the waves crashing, the scent of the salt in the air, it brings a sort of nostalgia of sitting on the beach eating fish and chips. The sand and water feels great on their feet as they walk. The twilight breezes soothe yet stir fresh turbulence within them. The days were strange, July was always an interesting season on the coast, some days were cold like it was meant to be for winter, other days it felt like it was a blaring December Summer. 

Then from the dark sparkling deeps rings out a high pitched cry. familiar and tiny. Bee's chirps carry clearly, their head snapping towards the water, "Baby! What are you doing out here!" They gasp, running into the water as the pup swims quickly towards them. 

They lean down and scooping the oceanide pup up Into their arms. "Where is your papa?" They ask worried, looking out across the water and waves for big blue. Bumblebee chirrups happily, tiny claws grasping tight to their damp clothes. He trills contentment at being held by them.

But at their query, the little one tilts his head curiously. "Pa...pa?" he tries to repeat, struggling with the syllables. Bee whirrs and whistles, tiny limbs gesturing eagerly out at the moon-dappled bay. Their eyes nearly bulge as they hear the little pup mimic their word. "Did you...holy shit, holy shit" they start, baffled and stunned. " Say Papa again baby" they whisper.

Bumblebee chirrs inquisitively at them wide little eyes looking up as he flashes them a toothy smile, "P...pah-pah?"  stretching his vocalizer's limits as he attempts to mirror their words. It rolls clumsily from his vocabulators, yet resonates with curious joy. 

Brightening as he earns another reaction, Bee burbles enthusiastically, "Papa! Papa papa!" Tiny claws grip even tighter, tiny frame wriggling with the delight of discovery of the words. 

They stand there with Bee stunned as he babbles and Coos at them. "Omg, omg Baby, you're talking, look at you baby" they gush only to realise. This pup had just spoken a human word instead of the little melodies the oceanides did. "Where's your papa?" They ask softly. As if on cue A deep worried call comes from the ocean as Big Blue calls to him.

A reverberant call rings out across the waves then, sending rippling fathoms-deep - and Bee clicks knowingly at the sound calling out in his little melody. "Papa!" he chirrups, twisting in the human's hold to gesture eagerly out at the bay. 

An answering thrill sounds, approaching swiftly through the surf. Big blue emerges, massive frame slowly surfaces near them. Bumblebee chatters rapidly.

 

Optimus' coos softly and settles when he sees them holding his pup. “hey there big blue” they call softly while trying to hand off bee back to his Sire. When He reaches to accept the pup however, Bee cries out in distress, eliciting a frown of confusion from his sire who rumbles softly at him. 

They coos reassurance at the little pup, “come on baby you need to go to your papa” they hum while gently rocking him. 

Optimus emits a low, questioning rumble. This defied all tradition - yet how could he ignore tradition and destroy his pup's joy? He adored them and after everything this Soft skin was like a carrier to Bee. 

His eyes meet them, watching how they smile and coo at Bumblebee. but for his pup's happiness he would do anything, bumblebee deserved it after everything,  and he wouldn't take that away from him. 

A gasp leaves them as Optimus' webbed hand moves to touch their skin, a soft rumbling and thrilling leaves him as he as his claw traces their cheek. "You're so strange, yet my Bee seems bound to you." His voice is so soft as he looks at them. 

"Never have I known a spark to form so fast between my kind and others. Yet when I called, he chirped for you, not me." Optimus shakes his helm slowly. "By our way, this should not be. But how can I rend him from joy, when you soothes his tiny soul?"

That's how the three end up sitting together in the shallows watching the waves and the stars. Optimus particularly curled around the human who has Bumblebee held in their arms as the pup babbles and Coos at them attempting more of their strange language trying to mimic more of their words. 

Optimus rumbles softly as they recline, watching the water dance under the moon and stars. His large frame curls protectively around the human and Bee held lovingly within. 

The pup burbles and chatters endlessly in his attempts to mirror their syllables. "P..a...p….a? B…uh-bu….h?" he coos up at the human, tiny facep scrunching with effort. 

Optimus tilts his helm, regarding the scene with curiosity and quiet warmth. "Determined little spark, trying so hard." A sigh leaves him as he relaxes enjoying the peacefulness of laying there. "Carrier” Bumblebee coos softly to Optimus. As his little eyes meet the larger mer.  

_______________________

Let me know if you would like to be added to tag list (tagged for every fic)

Taglist

@angelxcvxc

@saturnhas82moons

@horizonartist980

@murkyponds

@buddee

@bubblyjoonjoon

@chaihena

@pyreemo

@lovenotcomputed

@mskenway97

@delectableworm

@cheesecaketyrant

@ladyofnegativity

@desertrosesmetaldune

@stellasfallow

@coffee-or-hot-cocoa

@shinseiokami

@tea-loving-frog

@aquaioart

@daniel-meyer-03

@pupap123

@dannyaleksis

@averysillylittlefellow

@rosielecktor

@shurushurubanban

@wosemoose1

@strawberrydutchling

@azuragalaxya

@dumpster-fae

@simp-sentral

@smallestapplin

[the-moon-devi]

🍊🧡 PAC || What Is Your Sacral Chakra Trying To Tell You? || Womb Reading 🧡🍊

What Is Your Sacral Chakra Trying To Tell You? 

⚠️ DISCLAIMER!! ⚠️

The following content includes topics about sexual abuse/ trauma. READER DESCRETION ADVISED. TW!

Hey Ya’ll! I’m here with a PAC. I did this reading a couple months ago ,and I felt called to post this reading for the ladies because I think a few of you will resonate & there may be some important messages for you. Enjoy & Happy MOON DAY!

♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀

PILE 1 PILE 2

PILE 3 PILE 4

PILE 5 PILE 6

DECKS USED: Moonolgy, Rider- Waite Tarot, Tarot of Sexual Magic , African Goddess Rising Oracle deck, Sea Soul Journey oracle, & love oracle deck

🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯

Pile 1:

-PROTECT YOUR SACRAL-

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Tarot: 7 OF SWORDS

Oracle: Ala- Grief

Space- May your heart and your scope expand.

New Moon in Aries- it's time to take Action!

Cassette- outdated thinking, conditioning, replaying events in your head.

Welcome to your Sacral reading guys! For those of you who chose this pile somewhere in your life you could have experienced some sort of Sexual Trauma. You could be Familiar with the Egyptian Diety Sekhmet if so she is assisting you on this healing journey. You're womb needs healing from past trauma. Pile 5 could resonate with you as well. Aries new moons represents new begginnings with this don't be afraid to establish boundaries, and stand up for yourself. Aries is also the womb as well. Telling you it's time to take initiative to heal, be selfish. Spring could also be important. You may be self sabotaging yourself with outdated thoughts or old scenarios. There is also someone around you is sneaking and conditioning you to think a certain way. To heal try to move your body do HIIT or Cardio. Something needs to shed whether that be Blood, Sweat, or Tears or all of the above. If you get harsh menstrual cycles that's a sign from your Sacral. Even if you feel a sudden pain in your womb. What is it trying to tell you and what were you thinking about?

Pile 2: 

-She Believed She Could So She Did-

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Tarot: (I used the magic of Sexual tarot as well as ride-waite for this pile!)

King of swords, The High Priestess ,Knight of wands, the lovers, Strength

Oracle:

The snake- competition, the other woman,clever,malicious

Mbuya Nehanda- radical rebirth

New moon in libra- a new romantic cycle begins

HI PILE 2! WELCOME TO YOUR SACRAL READINGI YOU GUYS ARE ABOUT TO RECIEVE YOUR FLOWERS FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE. YOUR SACRAL WANTS YOU TO KNOW YOUR WOMB IS LIKE A SANCTUARY. I FEEL LIKE THIS KING SWORDS KNOWS THIS AND FEELS VERY STRONGLY ABOUT YOU. HE ALSO VALUES YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE. I'M GETTING HE RECIEVES CLARITY EVERYTIMES HE'S IN YOUR PRESENCE I THINK YOU STIMULATE HIS MIND AND TAKE IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL. YOUR VERY PSYHIC AND RECEIVE MEANINGFUL DOWNLOADS FROM THE UNIVERSE. I PICKED UP ON A LOT OF BLUE. YOU MAY BE GETTING BLUE FLOWERS LITERALLY. FOR OTHERS THIS KING OF SWORDS WILL BE EXPRESSING HIS THROUGH WORDS. FOR SOME YOU MAY HAVE TWO OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE OR THIS SITUATION IS INVOLVING ANOTHER WOMAN. YOUR WOMB WANTS YOU TO KNOW YOUR NOT THE ONLY ONE IF THIS PART OF THE MESSAGE RESONATES. YOUR INTUITION MAY BE TELLING YOU THIS BUT YOUR DENYING IT. A WOMAN'S INTUITION NEVER LIES SO LISTEN TO THAT. KNIGHT OF WANDS GIVES ME LEO ENERGY AND THIS COULD BE THE CHEATER. THIS IS A VERY MIXED MESSAGE SO FOR A FEW OF YOU THERE COULD BE A COMPETITION BETWEEN THE KING OF SWORDS AND KNIGHT OF WANDS. LEO & GEMINI COULD BE THEIR SIGNS. HOWEVER WITH THAT BEING SAID. WHATEVER PART OF THIS MESSAGE RESONATED WITH YOU THERE IS A NEW START COMING IN LOVE YOUR SACRAL IS VERY SACRED AND YOU ALWAYS KNOW THE TRUTH AND SHE IS TRYING TO REVEAL THAT TO YOU. THIS IS YOUR SEASON, HARVEST YOUR FLOWERS 💐 ♡ хо

Pile 3:

-My Cup Over Floweth-

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Tarot: The magician, The emperor, ace of cups, 7 of wands

Oracle: Long Bubby Suzi- Shame, Compassion- May you tend to the suffering

PLANTS DIE WHEN WATERED TOO MUCH AND I NEVER LEARNED WHEN TO STOP GIVING. HI TO PILE 3! YA'LL MUST BE MY WATER SIGNS, BECAUSE THAT'S OUR MOTTO TO GIVE TOO MUCH AND RECIEVE TOO LITTLE. YOUR WATERS ARE HOLY. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE ABLE TO RECIEVE PLEASURE IN LIFE AND SEXUALLY. THIS COULD BE BLOCKING YOU FROM WALKING AWAY FROM SOMETHING BECAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE FAITH THAT YOU'LL FIND SOMETHING BETTER, DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHOW THAT YOU WANT PLEASURE & AFFECTION BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT, AND THAT'S WHAT YOU PUT OUT. YOUR LITERALLY THE HOLY GRAIL WITH THE ACE OF CUPS HERE. I ALSO CHANNELED HOLY BY JUSTIN BEIBER SO GO GIVE THAT A LISTEN. WHEN YOU HAVE THE HOLY GRAIL IT CAN BE HARD, OTHERS MAY GET INTIMIDATED AND RUN AWAY OR TAKE ADVANTAGE. PROTECT YOUR SACRAL. YOUR SACRAL WANTS YOU TO ENJOY PLEASURE SO OPEN YOUR SELF UP TO IT LOVE! ♡

Pile 4:

-Hello Beautiful!-

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Tarot: (I used the magic of Sexual tarot as well as ride-waite for this pile!)

Sexual tarot: Knight of cups, Queen of pentacles

Rider- waite: The world, 9 of cups

Oracle: Sawtche- grounding,Soothed- may you settle gently, even as the waves break above

HEYYYY TO MY LOVELY PILE 4! YOU GUYS HAVE A VERY STRONG SACRAL CHARKA ENERGY TO YOU! YOUR AURA DEFINITELY COULD BE ORANGE OR GREEN. WITH THE KNIGHT OF CUPS THIS COULD BE A LOVE INTEREST OR PARTNER THEY ARE VERY INTO YOU. THEY DEFINITELY MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME AND FEEL LOVED IN THE BEDROOM. YOUR SACRAL IS TELLING YOU THAT YOU ARE VERY FERTILE AND HAVE A LOT OF ENERGY TO CREATE. SOMETHING IS DESTINED TO HAPPEN SO DON'T LET IT STRESS YOU OUT IN THE END IT'LL BRING YOU JOY. YOU GUYS ALSO HAVE STRONG VENUS ENERGY AS WELL YOU COULD BE A TAURUS, VIRGO OR CAPRICORN. YOUR PERSON COULD HAVE PISCES PLACEMENTS OR YOUR VENUS IS IN PISCES. JOY & FULFILLMENT!

Pile 5:

-Make It Happen-

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Tarot: 10 of cups 🌈, 9 of pentacles, 6 of wands

(I used the magic of Sexual tarot as well as ride-waite for this pile!); 10 of wands, 10 of pentacles, 8 of cups

Oracle:

Heartbroken 💔: Deeply hurt,sad,separation, feeling lost, breakup, grieving, mourning

Engagement ring 💍: Engagement, partnership, commitment, eternity, completion, union

Coffin ⚰: endings bring new begginnings, growth, change, liberation, transition

HI PILE 5! TO START OFF YOU GUYS DEFINITELY HAVE A SPIRIT BABY OR YOU ARE EXPECTING RIGHT NOW I'M SEEING THAT YOU GUYS ARE GETTING SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN LONG OVER DUE AND YOU HAD TO STRUGGLE AND WORK HARD TO GET IT COULD HAVE BEEN A PERSON YOU WERE WITH OR AROUND THEY COULDN'T COME WITH YOU IN THIS NEW BEGGINNING. THERE COULD BE A NEW PARTNER WHO OFFERS YOU STABILITY AND YOU WOMB FEELS AT HOME WITH WITH THIS PERSON THEY COULD BE YOUR SOULMATE OR TWINFLAME. THE TWO CHILDREN STOOD OUT TO ME IN THE 10 OF CUPS SO YOU COULD BE HAVING TWINS! OR TWO CHILDREN WITH THIS PERSON. YOUR SACRAL WANTS YOU TO PAMPER TO YOURSELF AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR WOMB TAKE A LOAD OFF AND LISTEN TO HER BECAUSE SHE COULD HAVE SOME OF THE ANSWERS YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR. FOR OTHERS IF YOU'VE BEEN WORRIED ABOUT FINANCIAL SECURITY IT'S AFFECTING YOUR CREATIVITY AND YOUR SACRAL IS TELLING YOU EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE WITH THE 10 OF PENTACLES. THIS PILE IS DEFINITELY STRUGGLING WITH STABILITY AND MAYBE EVEN OVERWORKING YOUR SELF, YOU OVERCOME SO MUCH AND ITS TIME FOR YOU TO REAP THOSE REWARDS.

Pile 6:

-Let Your Story Be Your Testimony-

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Tarot: 5 of cups, Ace of swords, 4 of swords

Oracle: Atete- worthiness

Resilient- May your soul weather the storms

Sunglasses- watching, looking, stalking, gaslighting, perception, focusing out

Balsamic Moon- a time for healing

pile 6 you guys went out with a bang! This one caught me off guard! Some of you could be looking for closure/Truth in a situation, but your Sacral wants you to see your self worth first Sometimes you need to leave first before you get closure. When your constantly around a certain group of people it can be hard for you to see how they conditioned you. You need to take yourself out of situation to a different perspective that'll be when you get the truth. Your sanity/ mental is the most important thing don't keep digging a grave for yourself by staying. Love yourself and leave sis. Your Sacral needs healing whoever this person is has definitely taken a toll on your self worth and your self care. I was hearing stitches by Shawn Mendes Go listen to it because it has a message for you and also self care by Savannah Cristina. You seem like a great person but don't let other takes advantage of you I think this person messed with your intuition and that led to your womb turning against them because they disconnected you from that by telling you whatever lies. You could have had issues while having sex with this person. This is why your no longer happy in this situation. No more mind games connect with your womb and forgive yourself for not listening to your womb. She is your first brain. Your womb is the biggest factor in your body as a woman. She'll always send you the signs first as cautions!

🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯ 🔮🪄 ☯

I hope this resonated for you guys! If have any questions/comments let me know! Happy Healing! 

Until Next Time, Catch ya later!

                                             ~𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓵 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼 xx💋🤎

𝓕𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓵

𝓓𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓓𝓮'𝓛𝓾𝔁𝔁𝓮 (masterlist)

©𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓵 (Do not copy or steal my work)

[justahumblememefarmer]

Ultimate Doctor Who Poll Round 1 - Matchup 14

Episode Summaries under the cut

109: The Idiot's Lantern - Season 2, Episode 7: The Doctor and Rose land in London shortly before the broadcast of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. Rose notices that many houses have tv antennae's, when she thought they were relatively rare for the era. They investigate one household and discover that their grandmother has had her face stolen, leaving her completely blank. Men break into the house and take her away, which has been happening to several people in the neighborhood. The Doctor follows them, while Rose goes to the store that has been selling televisions for cheap to everybody. At the store, Rose confronts the shop owner, but then sees a woman speak to her from the tv, an electrical alien entity that lives in the tv and has been stealing faces. The Doctor finds where all the faceless people have been taken, and find the police are at a loss, but are trying to keep things quiet before the coronation. While investigating, they bring in Rose, who's face was also stolen. The Doctor confronts the shopowner and the electrical alien entity, who reveals that she seeks to devour enough mental energy to take physical form. It attacks the Doctor and moves itself to a portable television device that the shopowner takes to a broadcast station, where the alien plans to use the broadcast of the coronation to steal the faces and minds of everybody watching it on television. The Doctor manages to sabotage this, and trap the wire on a cassette tape, restoring everybody's faces to them.

148: War of the Sontarans - Season 13, Episode 2: The Doctor, Yaz, and Dan are transported back to the Crimean War in 1855, where they meet Mary Seacole. However, history has changed, and instead of fighting Russians, the British are fighting Sontarans. Yaz and Dan begin to drift in time. Dan goes back to 2021 England, while Yaz appears in an alien Temple where she meets Vinder.

In the temple, Yaz and Vinder learn they are on the planet Time and that the Mouri are the protectors of it, but two of them have been damaged. The Ravagers, Swarm and Azure, appear and begin attacking the temple's defenses, and destroy a third Mouri, while taking Yaz and Vinder hostage.

In 2021, Dan learns that he has been gone two days and that Sontarans have invaded the Earth. He finds their base of operations and sneaks on board, learning that they are planning to launch a time invasion at several points in the Earth's history.

The Doctor works with Mary Seacole and the British to defeat the Sontarans in the past. The Doctor sneaks aboard their ship and communicates with Dan in the future and learns the Sontarans plans. Dan is rescued by the lupari Karvanista from several Sontarans, who then destroys their fleet.

Their invasion of Crimea is undone as the future fleet never invaded there. The Doctor regains access to the TARDIS and picks up Dan, but the TARDIS is then hijacked and taken to the temple where Swarm and Azure hold Yaz hostage.

[ana-cantskywalker]

mom!Steve headcannons

Some thoughts I’ve had on Steve + The Party. These might be out of character, or these might be like basic things that have been said a dozen times already, idk and idc.

Dustin: Anyone who says he isn’t Steve’s favorite is lying to themselves, he definitely says he ‘doesn’t have favorites’ but out of the rest of the Party Steve spends the most one on one time with Dustin, and generally makes a bit more of an effort to be the male figure in Dustin’s life that he doesn’t have. I like to think that Claudia Henderson eventually realizes what Steve is doing and basically adopts him, he eats dinner at the Henderson house at least twice a week.

Max: Steve is more protective over Max than the rest of the Party, especially between seasons 2-3 when Billy is still around, not in a showy or noticeable way because she would hate that, but in little ways. He drives her places so she doesn’t have ride with Billy, and he doesn’t ask questions when she needs a place to stay because she doesn’t feel safe at home. Eventually, even after Billy is gone, she is a regular occupant of the Harrington guest bedroom (it’s not like his parents are home enough to notice anyways) and Steve grows to see her like a little sister.

Lucas: He definitely drives Lucas to basketball practice, and practices with him, and goes to every game possible. He offers relationship advice when Lucas asks because he and Max are going through another one of their breakups because Lucas doesn’t have an older sibling to go to . (Granted, it’s terrible advice, but it’s well meant)

Mike: He and Mike act one hundred percent exasperated with each other 24/7, but there is fondness there. It takes a bit longer for him to warm up to Mike than the rest of the Party (partially because of his ties to Nancy and partially because Mike is a little jerk) but he grows to like him just as much as the rest of the kids. He teases Mike the most out of the rest of the party, especially about his relationship with El. This might be a bit of reach, but I also like to think Steve understands Mike in a way that the rest of the Party doesn’t, because he understands what it’s like to have a dad that cares more about appearances and his view of success than an actual relationship with his son, so he has a bit more patience with Mike than he would have otherwise. (From what little we know about Steve’s parents, I feel like he wouldn’t have the greatest of relationships with them)

Will: While Dustin might be his favorite, he has an especially soft spot for the youngest Byers. Even without The Horrors™, Steve can tell  Will is a softer soul, and treats him as such. He offers to drive Will to go see the Party because Joyce is so busy, and while he works at Scoops Ahoy, he definitely gets him free ice-cream more than the rest of the party, and Steve always lends him his cassette tapes. He also doesn’t tease Will as often/ the same way he does the rest of the party, sure he jokes around with him, but he is far gentler about it.

El: Like with Will, Steve has a softer spot for El. He meets her last, and she is a bit of an enigma to him at first, but once he gets past the weirdness of it all he grows rather attached to her. He is a little gentler with her, maybe not as gentle as with will, but he’s still careful. Outside of Mike and Hop, he is one of the best at seeing her as a person and not just her powers, and is always there with firm looks and warning words when the Party (sans Mike) forgets to do so. Sometimes he stays at the cabin with her when Hop has work so she isn’t alone, and tries to introduce to more pop-culture than just what he calls ‘nerd things’, he also tries to make sure that when he’s there she gets better food than just tv-dinners, even though he isn't the best cook. He teaches her how to style her hair as it comes in, and he calls her ‘mini-hopper’ because it makes her giggle.

I just feel like his relationship with the kids isn’t expanded upon enough in the show tbh.

[dj-of-the-coven]

currently playing: Kingdom Hearts 2.5 Remix

currently listening:

What's up, I'm DJ. That's not my real name so don't try to look it up ya weirdos. I'm 20 years old... for now. (til next december)

I like getting asks about random stuff. obviously don't go telling me about your medical history or some shit, but questions about my interests and hobbies are always welcome. I tend to answer asks more than dms.

my post "schedule" is entirely dictated by whimsy. a lot of my original posts are picmixes and meme edits but I have a couple of essays floating around for twewy fans. if anyone has a picmix request I'm basically always taking those.

do I art? I... uh... write. I paint. I make clothes sometimes.

I made a personal website to test my coding skills, but it hasn't been updated in a long time. Feel free to take a look at it if you like that kinda thing.

kingdom hearts was my biggest fandom for a long time, but it's been just barely nudged out of first place by the world ends with you. I still have mega brainrot for both so don't hesitate to talk to me about them.

I'm unfortunately a bit of a gamer. Some other game fandoms I'm into are legend of zelda, sonic, final fantasy 7, undertale/deltarune, various pokeymans (mostly the pokepark games and pokemon mystery dungeon but I've played like 5 mainlines), ace attorney, and okami.

Don't try to fit my aesthetic in one box. I like girly, glittery media as much as I like dark & edgy bullshit. In real life, my wardrobe and personal effects are a total mix of both. I also switch between feminine and masculine presentation by the day, though I always identify as a dyke. I'm only a woman when I say so.

Use whatever pronouns fit the bit when you talk about me. (why are you talking about me? lmao)

TRIVIA

fave colors: black, pink, red, white

drink order: iced latte with simple syrup

hair color: pink!!

current fave bands: Deftones, Go Betty Go, PXNDX

major (before dropout): japanese

minor (before dropout): queer ethnic studies

things I collect: cds, vinyls, cassettes, old tech, dragon stuff

fave season: winter

fave time of day: sunset to nighttime

instruments I play: ukulele, electric guitar

favorite pokemon: midnight lycanroc

fave music genres: punk rock, nu metal

fave sanrio characters: little twin stars, kuromi, my melody, cinamoroll

sports I've done (2+ years): skiing, kickboxing, wrestling

[moonlight]

🎵 music tag game 🎵

tagged by: @animusrox thank u ❤️

13 songs I’ve been listening to lately🎵 (in no particular order)

1. Locos — León Larregui

2. teenage dream — Olivia Rodrigo

3. Becomes The Colour — Emily Wells

4. Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene — Hozier

5. White Teeth Teens — Lorde

6. Family Tree — Ethel Cain

7. Dance Little Liar — Arctic Monkeys

8. Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 — Shakira, Bizarrap

9. ‘tis the damn season — Taylor Swift

10. Animal — Sir Chloe

11. IFHY — Tyler, The Creator feat. Pharrell Williams

12. Just A Girl — Florence + The Machine

13. Borro Cassette — Maluma

tagging: @leonmorinpriest @girljeremystrong @emmysrossm @robertacolndrez @breakfastiffanys @stuart-townsend @gresit and anyone else who would like to do it 😊

[atlailx]

EarthSpark Season 1 Finale Retrospective (from someone who hasn't seen every single TF show)

(I'm not too sure how to format text posts but whatever)

Spoilers for Transformers Earthspark (obviously lol)

I finally had enough time to finish season 1 of Earthspark, and though I loved the finale, there were just a few things I think it could've improved on.

1. The ending was too easily solved, we had that HUGE buildup of the machine that could kill anything with energon in its body, then it's just reversed 2 minutes later? The finale would have generated so much hype and appreciation for the second season if it ended on a cliffhanger.

2. A few of the plot devices didn't make very much sense if you REALLY think about it. For example, once the Autobots arrive at the Malto's home to save them from ghost, why didn't they take off their ghost badges? They clearly do not associate with ghost anymore, why were they still wearing the badges? And even after that, when the Terrans and Bee defeat a mind controlled Elita and OP, why didn't they remove their badges? They saw that the badges are what caused them to power down at first, and it's safe to assume that once Elita and OP awoke from the Terrans defeating them, they'd still be under mind control. (Unless this was specified in the show and I just missed that)

3. This is minor, but where did the cassettes go? Surely Soundwave would've freed them, right? Also where is Tarantulas?

4. When Twitch and Thrash were on the tower fighting Mandroid, they knew that the cybersleeves were powering the energon machine thingy, why didn't Thrash just free the Maltos while Twitch distracted Mandroid? (Unless that's what he was trying to do originally, I may have missed/forgotten that)

Though I do have complaints, the finale had so much good in it

1. I love how Twitch and Nightshade were the main two Terrans, their personalities work so well together.

2. The camerawork and animation is amazing, the blend of 3d and 2d works so well in the finale and it looks phenomenal.

3. The reference to the hanger fight from previous episodes when Twitch propelled herself with her cannon was perfect, I love that she picked that up from Megs.

4. Overall it was an amazing finale, and though I still do prefer Cyberverse and TFP to Earthspark, the second season could steal my heart.

Speaking of season, here's a few things I'd love to see in the 2nd season of Earthspark (Obviously not every single one, that'd be a bit too cluttered for a single season)

1. More characters who (in canon) who changed sides (during the war) such as Jetfire and Drift, I'd love to see the dynamics of a reformed character showing their perspective on the past.

2. Add the DJD, they would be perfect for Earthspark, since in IDW, they hunt down Megs for changing sides, they'd be perfect since Earthspark Megs changed sides. I just want to see Earthspark Megatron be held responsible for his actions during the war, and would love to see Megs explain more of his previous ideals and tactics.

3. Give us more time to address the stuff that happened in the war, since we've seen people talk about it, but we need to SEE it, with characters like Starscream addressing the insane shit that happened within the cons ranks. (Similar to my previous thought, lol)

4. More classic characters being MAIN main characters, like give us more Arcee or Wheeljack. (This could be fixed with spotlight episodes)

5. More character spotlight episodes, we need to explore individual characters, especially the now freed Decepticons. I'd love a Shockwave, Soundwave, or even Skywarp spotlight episode. (Also where did the cassettes go? They should've been freed during the finale)

6. Possibly introduce Quintessons since this show loves Quintus Prime so much, and if they don't do that, introduce some of the other Primes.

7. Because of how progressive the series is with its representation, introduce Knock-Out, finally canonize Breakdown and Knock-Out's relationship in a show (I know it's canon in IDW), instead of just implying it like in TFP.

8. Have the second season focus on developing characters and introducing new ones, have the second season be a set-up for the third, and build up the antagonist through pre-existing characters. For example, using my Tarn/DJD suggestion, have an episode where Megatron reveals the DJD has found his location, and have him explain what the DJD is, and why this is an issue. Or with my Quintesson suggestion, have Quintus Prime give the children a vision of the Quintessons and warn them about their approach, then have the children ask what the Quintessons are.

9. This show could introduce Unicron, but honestly, a plot following the effects of the war would be better, though a Unicron plot is always welcomed.

10. Expand the Terrans more, they all share the same enthusiasm, and just feel a little too similar. I'd love to see Twitch become more pessimistic after all the insane stuff that happened in the finale, show her being affected after nearly being killed, watching her family "die", and having to mature so quickly, show Twitch being weary around Megs after nearly being killed by him under mind control.

[awgeezitsthetoiletnator]

October Finds, Pt. 1: Music, Books, Comics, Graphic Novels

As we are getting closer to the holiday season, I thought it might be nice to share links to cartoon merchandise I've seen floating around. I use a lot of the websites listed for gift-giving inspiration or to fill up any wishlists that friends and family ask me for. I've tried to keep most things on this list under $50, and most items are on clearance or discounted heavily.

Please support your local record shops, book stores, and comics stores! It's likely they can ship in some of the items on this list for you instead of you ordering them online. I'm putting this list together for those who may not have access to those resources, or who might be looking for a very specific thing that is out of stock in retail spaces.

You can find Pt. 2 of the list here, where I share links to plushies, clothing, accessories, dinnerware, prints and more.

NOTE: I am not affiliated with any of the stores linked under the read more. I'm just someone who watches a lot of TV and reads a lot of books and likes to celebrate that by buying merch every now and then.

MUSIC

Hey Arnold The Music Vol 1 By Jim Lang (only a few left)

Over The Garden Wall - Original Soundtrack

Over The Garden Wall – Original Soundtrack LP

Over The Garden Wall - Original Soundtrack Cassette

Over The Garden Wall - Original Soundtrack CD 

Gravity Falls Vinyl Soundtrack 

UNDERTALE - Determination CD Double Album

BOOKS 

Ryan North Chooseable-Path Adventures

Romeo and/or Juliet (A Chooseable-Path Adventure)

To Be or Not To Be: A Chooseable-Path Adventure

Art Books

The Art of The Mitchells vs. The Machines

The Art of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (signed pre-order)

The Art of Captain Underpants the First Epic Movie

The Little Prince: The Art of the Movie

Legends & Lattes 

Wayward Son Audiobook (Simon Snow Trilogy, Bk. 2) 

COMICS + GRAPHIC NOVELS

Steven Universe

Welcome to Beach City (Steven Universe)

Field Researching (Steven Universe, Vol. 3)

Just Right (Steven Universe, Volume 4)

Find a Way (Steven Universe, Volume 5)

Ultimate Dough-Down (Steven Universe)

Camp Pining Play (Steven Universe)

Harmony (Steven Universe)

The Amazing World of Gumball

Tunnel Kingdom (The Amazing World of Gumball)

Midsummer Nightmare (The Amazing World of Gumball)

The Storm (The Amazing World of Gumball)

Adventure Time

Adventure Time Comics (Volume 4)

Adventure Time Comics (Volume 6)

Adventure Time Comics (Volume 15)   

Ice King (Adventure Time, Volume 1)

Sugary Shorts (Adventure Time, Volume 4)

Sugary Shorts (Adventure Time, Volume 5)

Beginning of the End (Adventure Time, Volume 10)   

Princess and Princess (Adventure Time, Volume 11) 

Thunder Road (Adventure Time, Volume 12)  

Marceline the Pirate Queen (Adventure Time, Volume 13) 

Jake (Adventure Time) 

Marceline (Adventure Time)

Regular Show

Regular Show (Volume 6)

Regular Show (Volume 9)

Regular Show (Volume 10)

Parks and Wreck (Regular Show)

The Meatening (Regular Show, Volume 5)

Comic Conned (Regular Show, Volume 6)

Rocko’s Modern Life

Rocko's Modern Life (Volume 1)

Rocko's Modern Life (Volume 2)

Rocko's Modern Afterlife (Rocko's Modern Life) 

Bravest Warriors

Bravest Warriors (Volume 1) 

Bravest Warriors (Volume 3)

Bravest Warriors (Volume 4)

Bravest Warriors (Volume 6)

Bravest Warriors (Volume 7)

Bravest Warriors (Volume 8)

Lumberjanes

Friendship To The Max (Lumberjanes, Volume 2) 

A Terrible Plan (Lumberjanes, Volume 3) 

Out of Time (Lumberjanes, Volume 4)

Band Together (Lumberjanes, Volume 5)

Sink or Swim (Lumberjanes, Volume 6) 

A Bird's-Eye View (Lumberjanes, Volume 7)

Stone Cold (Lumberjanes, Volume 8)

On a Roll (Lumberjanes, Volume 9)   

Parents' Day (Lumberjanes, Volume 10) 

Time After Crime (Lumberjanes, Volume 11) 

Jackalope Springs Eternal (Lumberjanes, Volume 12) 

Indoor Recess (Lumberjanes, Volume 13) 

X Marks the Spot (Lumberjanes, Volume 14) 

Birthday Smarty (Lumberjanes, Volume 15) 

Mind Over Mettle (Lumberjanes, Volume 16) 

Smitten in the Stars (Lumberjanes, Volume 17) 

Horticultural Horizons (Lumberjanes, Volume 18) 

A Summer to Remember (Lumberjanes, Volume 19)

End of Summer (Lumberjanes, Volume 20) 

Bonus Tracks (Lumberjanes) 

Campfire Songs (Lumberjanes) 

Graphic Novels

The Infernal Compass (Lumberjanes) 

The Shape of Friendship (Lumberjanes) 

True Colors (Lumberjanes)

Lumberjanes Graphic Novel Gift Set (The Infernal Compass/The Shape of Friendship/True Colors) 

Hardcover Editions

Lumberjanes To The Max Edition (Volume 1) 

Lumberjanes To the Max Edition (Volume 4) 

Lumberjanes To The Max Edition (Volume 5) 

Lumberjanes To the Max Edition (Volume 6)  

Auxiliary Books

Coloring Book (Lumberjanes) 

Encyclopedia Lumberjanica: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Lumberjanes 

BAGS (Or a Story Thereof)

By Pat McHale, creator of Over The Garden Wall

The Adventure Zone

Here There Be Gerblins (Book 1)

Murder on the Rockport Limited! (Book 2)

Paperback

Hardcover

The Crystal Kingdom (Book 4)

Paperback

Hardcover

The Eleventh Hour (Book 5)

Paperback

Hardcover

[keanchee]

How to Choose the Best Aircond for Your Malaysian Home or Office

In Malaysia's tropical climate, where temperatures remain warm and humid throughout the year, an air conditioner (aircond) is essential for both homes and offices. Selecting the best aircond ensures comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings. With a variety of models and features available, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

1. Understand Your Cooling Needs

The first step is to determine the size of the space you need to cool. For small rooms, such as bedrooms or compact office spaces, a 1.0 to 1.5 horsepower (HP) aircond may suffice. Larger spaces, like living rooms or open-plan offices, may require units with 2.0 HP or more.

Use the British Thermal Unit (BTU) calculation as a guideline. As a rule of thumb, for every square meter of space, you need approximately 80–100 BTUs. Multiply the area of the room by this figure to determine the ideal cooling capacity.

2. Consider the Type of Aircond

There are several types of aircond units available:

Split System Airconds: Ideal for homes and small offices, these consist of an indoor and outdoor unit, offering quiet operation and efficient cooling.

Window Airconds: These compact units are cost-effective and easy to install, making them suitable for smaller spaces.

Cassette Airconds: Best for larger offices or homes with false ceilings, these units offer even air distribution.

Portable Airconds: Great for temporary cooling or rented spaces, these units are mobile but less energy-efficient.

3. Evaluate Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key consideration, especially with rising electricity costs in Malaysia. Look for airconds with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Models with 5-star energy ratings, as endorsed by the Energy Commission of Malaysia, are the most efficient.

Opt for inverter airconds, which use variable-speed compressors to maintain a consistent temperature. They consume less power compared to non-inverter models, translating to significant savings over time.

4. Prioritize Air Quality Features

In addition to cooling, modern airconds can enhance air quality—a crucial factor for Malaysia’s urban areas prone to haze and pollution. Look for features such as:

HEPA Filters: Capture fine dust and allergens.

Ionizers: Eliminate airborne bacteria and odors.

Dehumidifiers: Reduce humidity levels for enhanced comfort.

These features are particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.

5. Assess Noise Levels

Noise can be a significant concern, particularly in bedrooms or meeting rooms. Check the unit’s noise level, measured in decibels (dB). Most modern airconds operate between 19–30 dB, which is quieter than a typical conversation.

6. Look for Smart Features

Smart airconds are gaining popularity in Malaysia, offering convenience and advanced control options. Features to consider include:

Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows remote control through a smartphone app.

Voice Integration: Compatible with smart home systems like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

Scheduling Options: Enables pre-programmed cooling to match your routine.

These features not only add convenience but can also help optimize energy usage.

7. Factor in Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation is critical for optimal performance and durability. Always engage certified technicians to ensure the unit is correctly installed and complies with Malaysian safety standards.

Additionally, choose a model with accessible filters and parts for easy maintenance. Regular servicing, ideally every 3–6 months, helps keep the unit running efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.

8. Budget Considerations

While cost is a key factor, it’s important to balance upfront price with long-term savings. Inverter models may have a higher initial cost but significantly lower electricity bills over time.

Compare brands and models within your budget. Popular aircond brands in Malaysia, such as Daikin, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and Hitachi, offer options for various price ranges without compromising on quality.

9. Consider the Climate and Location

Malaysia’s high humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect aircond performance. Opt for units designed to handle tropical climates. Additionally, consider placement. For example, wall-mounted split units work best when installed in areas with good air circulation.

For offices, ensure the unit can handle the additional heat load generated by computers, lighting, and other equipment.

10. Check Warranty and After-Sales Service

A reliable warranty and excellent after-sales service are crucial when purchasing an aircond. Most reputable brands offer warranties of 1–3 years for parts and labor, and up to 10 years for the compressor.

Verify the availability of service centers and spare parts in Malaysia. Good customer support can make a significant difference if repairs or maintenance are needed.

11. Environmental Considerations

For environmentally conscious buyers, consider airconds that use eco-friendly refrigerants such as R32 or R410A, which have lower global warming potential (GWP). These options reduce your carbon footprint and comply with global environmental standards.

12. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Before finalizing your purchase, read online reviews and seek recommendations from friends or family. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into a model’s performance, durability, and energy consumption.

Conclusion

Choosing the best aircond for your Malaysian home or office involves evaluating multiple factors, from cooling capacity and energy efficiency to smart features and after-sales service. By considering these aspects, you can invest in a unit that offers optimal performance, comfort, and value for money.

With the right aircond, you can stay cool and productive, no matter how hot or humid the weather gets.

[peoplealsoaskfor]

25 Most Profitable Products to Flip on Amazon

Flipping products on Amazon has become a lucrative side hustle for many entrepreneurs. With the right strategy and product selection, you can turn a small investment into significant profit. The key is identifying products with high resale value and consistent demand. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s the most profitable product to flip on Amazon?”, this article will help you discover 25 products that have proven to generate impressive returns.

1. Books

Used books are a classic flip opportunity. College textbooks, first editions, and niche topics often sell at a premium. Scan thrift stores or library sales for hidden gems.

2. Electronics

Pre-owned gadgets like headphones, gaming consoles, and smartphones are in high demand. Ensure they’re in good working condition and priced competitively.

3. Wireless Earbuds

Brand-new wireless earbuds, especially trending models, are easy to source from liquidation sales and resell at a markup.

4. Kitchen Appliances

Small appliances like air fryers, blenders, and coffee machines often hold their value. Look for high-quality brands at discounted prices.

5. Board Games

Vintage and rare board games are sought after by collectors. Check thrift shops and garage sales for unopened or lightly used sets.

6. Outdoor Gear

Items like camping equipment, backpacks, and portable grills are popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal trends can boost their profitability.

7. Fitness Equipment

Resistance bands, yoga mats, and adjustable dumbbells are consistent bestsellers. With a steady demand for home workout gear, these products are a safe bet.

8. Baby Gear

Strollers, high chairs, and baby monitors often sell quickly. Parents prioritize quality and functionality, so name-brand items do particularly well.

9. Beauty Products

Skincare, makeup, and haircare products from premium brands are highly profitable. Look for discounted bundles or discontinued items to flip.

10. Smart Home Devices

Smart speakers, security cameras, and smart plugs are increasingly popular. These tech gadgets are often sold in bundles, offering opportunities for profit.

11. Phone Accessories

Cases, chargers, and screen protectors are affordable to source and have a high turnover rate.

12. Shoes

Sneakers, especially limited-edition models, can yield significant profits. Brand-name boots and running shoes also have a reliable resale market.

13. Toys and Collectibles

LEGO sets, action figures, and Funko Pop collectibles are perennial favorites. Look for discontinued models to maximize your returns.

14. Seasonal Decorations

Holiday-themed items like Christmas ornaments or Halloween inflatables often see a surge in demand. Stock up during clearance sales.

15. Pet Supplies

Premium pet food, grooming tools, and toys are consistently in demand. Focus on high-quality and unique items for the best results.

16. Health Supplements

Vitamins, protein powders, and other wellness products are highly profitable. Ensure they’re unopened and not close to expiration.

17. Designer Clothing

Pre-owned luxury clothing and accessories from brands like Gucci, Prada, or Louis Vuitton can be flipped for a premium. Authenticate items to build trust with buyers.

18. Laptops and Tablets

Refurbished laptops and tablets are popular among students and professionals. Test functionality thoroughly before listing.

19. Vintage Electronics

Retro items like record players, cassette players, and vintage cameras appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.

20. Home Décor

Trendy items like wall art, throw pillows, and lighting fixtures sell well on Amazon. Focus on modern and minimalist designs.

21. Craft Supplies

Scrapbooking kits, sewing machines, and other crafting tools are in demand among hobbyists. Clearance sales can be a great sourcing opportunity.

22. Educational Materials

Flashcards, learning games, and homeschooling kits are highly sought after. Educational trends often drive demand for these products.

23. Car Accessories

Dash cams, car organizers, and seat covers are popular with car owners. These items are relatively low-cost to source but yield good margins.

24. Gaming Accessories

Gaming chairs, keyboards, and headsets cater to a booming market of gamers. High-quality and ergonomic designs are especially profitable.

25. Kitchenware

Premium utensils, knife sets, and cookware are evergreen products. Focus on durable and branded items for maximum profitability.

Tips for Successful Flipping on Amazon

Now that you know what’s the most profitable product to flip on Amazon, here are some essential tips to maximize your success:

Use Amazon Seller Tools: Leverage tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 to analyze product trends and competition.

Source Strategically: Shop clearance sales, liquidation websites, thrift stores, and garage sales to find discounted items.

Inspect Items Carefully: Ensure all products are in good condition and meet Amazon’s quality standards.

Optimize Listings: Write detailed descriptions, use high-quality images, and include relevant keywords to improve visibility.

Price Competitively: Research similar listings to determine the optimal price point for your product.

Flipping on Amazon is a rewarding way to earn extra income or build a full-fledged business. The secret lies in identifying products with high demand and profitability. From books and electronics to seasonal decorations and beauty products, there’s no shortage of opportunities. By following this guide and leveraging tools to optimize your strategy, you’ll be well on your way to flipping success. So, whats the most profitable product to flip on Amazon? The answer depends on your research, sourcing skills, and ability to meet customer needs.

[laresearchette]

Friday, October 18, 2024 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: FANATICAL: THE CATFISHING OF TEGAN AND SARA (Disney + Star) RIVALS (Disney + Star) BEST BITE WINS (The Roku Channel) MADS (Shudder) THE CURSE OF THE NECKLACE (Tubi) HAPPY’S PLACE (CTV) 7:30pm LOPEZ VS. LOPEZ (CityTV) 7:30pm SHARK TANK (CTV) 8:00pm S.W.A.T (Global) 8:00pm ‘TWAS THE DATE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (W Network) 8:00pm FIRE COUNTRY (Global) 9:00pm BLUE BLOODS (CTV) 10:00pm IT'S FLORIDA, MAN (HBO Canada) 11:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT? HYSTERIA! (Premiering on October 22 on Showcase at 9:00pm)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA AMAZON MUSIC LIVE: JELLY ROLL BLUE CAVE CULTE MANÍACO DO PARQUE MEDINA: EL ESTAFADOR DE FAMOSOS THE OFFICE OFFSHOOT SOMOS ORO THE DEVIL'S HOUR (Season 2) VENCER O MORIR

CBC GEM AUSTIN THE RIGHTEOUS

CRAVE TV CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING (Season 4) GEORGIE & MANDY’S FIRST MARRIAGE (Season 1) IMAGINARY PERFECT DAYS PROMISED LAND SISTER OF THE GROOM SPIDER STAGE FRIGHT

DISNEY + STAR FANATICAL: CATFISHING OF TEGAN AND SARA LEGO MARVEL AVENGERS: MISSION DEMOLITION RIVALS (all episodes)

NETFLIX CANADA HAPPINESS IS (ZA) THE MAN WHO LOVED UFOS (AR) THE TURNAROUND YINTAH

MLB BASEBALL (SN) 4:30pm: Dodgers vs. Mets - Game 5 (SN/SN1) 8:00pm: Yankees vs. Guardians - Game 4

CFL FOOTBALL (TSN/TSN5) 7:00pm: Stamps vs. Ti-Cats

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN4) 7:30pm: Raptors vs. Nets (SN Now) 7:00pm: Knicks vs. Wizards (TSN4) 10:30pm: Lakers vs. Warriors

NHL HOCKEY (TSN3) 8:00pm: Sharks vs. Jets

WNBA BASKETBALL (TSN2) 8:00pm: Liberty vs. Lynx - Game 4

MARKETPLACE (CBC) 8:00pm: Some of Canada's most popular restaurants serve halal food, but a Marketplace investigation finds that many chains fail to answer basic questions about the halal food they serve or provide evidence to back up their certification claims.

ABOUT THAT (CBC) 8:30pm

FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER (APTN) 8:30pm: Matthew Hill seeks mid-season redemption after a disappointing start; quick in qualifying, his wing position fails him, leading to a crash in the pits due to failed brakes.

THE FIFTH ESTATE (CBC) 9:00pm: Canadian animation pioneer Daniel Langlois was known for films like the Matrix and Jurassic Park. When the millionaire and his partner were killed in Dominica last December, it exposed a web that extends into politics and corruption.

THE PROMISED LAND (Crave) 9:00pm: In 18th-century Denmark, a war hero sets out to tame a vast land that's under the rule of Frederik De Schinkel, a merciless nobleman. As a new community settles in, De Schinkel swears vengeance, leading to a violent and intense confrontation.

CRIME BEAT (Global) 10:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): A young female taxi driver is found murdered in 1990; investigators work to come up with a viable suspect, but the case goes cold; Senior Crime reporter Nancy Hixt goes through the investigation and shares what finally led to a break in the case.

MY HAUNTED HOMETOWN (T&E) 10:00pm: Investigating the consequences of not letting the deceased rest in peace; a look into how a plot of Mississippi land and a Michigan home became living nightmares.

PERFECT DAYS (Crave) 11:10pm: Hirayama feels content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, reads books and takes photos. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.

[onsiteheatin23]

Decoding Comfort: A Comprehensive Comparison of Ductless Mini-Split Systems for Home Cooling

Choosing the right cooling system for your home involves careful consideration of various factors, and ductless mini-split systems have emerged as a popular and versatile option. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of different ductless mini-split systems, helping homeowners make informed decisions based on their specific needs and preferences.

1. Understanding Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Overview:

Ductless mini-split systems consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units. Unlike traditional central air conditioning systems, ductless mini-splits do not require ductwork, offering flexibility in installation and zonal cooling for different areas of the home.

2. Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone Systems

Differentiation:

a. Single-Zone Systems: Single-zone mini-splits consist of one outdoor unit connected to a single indoor unit. This configuration is suitable for cooling individual rooms or smaller living spaces.

b. Multi-Zone Systems: Multi-zone mini-splits allow for multiple indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit. This provides the flexibility to cool several rooms or zones independently, making it an ideal choice for larger homes with varied cooling needs.

3. Cooling Capacity and BTU Ratings

Considerations:

a. BTU (British Thermal Units): BTU is a measure of cooling capacity. Understanding the BTU rating helps determine the system's ability to cool a specific area. Higher BTU ratings are suitable for Onsite Heating and Cooling larger spaces, while smaller ratings are sufficient for smaller rooms.

b. Matching BTU to Room Size: It's crucial to match the BTU rating of the mini-split system to the size of the room. Choosing an appropriately sized unit ensures optimal efficiency and performance.

4. Energy Efficiency Ratings

Comparison:

a. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): SEER ratings indicate the energy efficiency of the cooling system over a season. Higher SEER ratings signify better energy efficiency. Look for units with higher SEER ratings to maximize energy savings.

b. ENERGY STAR Certification: ENERGY STAR-certified ductless mini-split systems meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Choosing ENERGY STAR models ensures that the system adheres to industry standards for reduced energy consumption and environmental impact.

5. Inverter Technology for Enhanced Efficiency

Advantages:

a. Variable Speed Compressors: Ductless mini-splits with inverter technology feature variable-speed compressors that adjust the cooling capacity based on the current cooling needs. This results in consistent temperatures, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced efficiency.

b. Quieter Operation: Inverter technology contributes to quieter operation by avoiding frequent on/off cycles. The system operates at lower speeds when cooling demands are lower, minimizing noise levels.

6. Installation Considerations: Wall-Mounted vs. Ceiling Cassette Units

Options:

a. Wall-Mounted Units: Wall-mounted indoor units are the most common and visible type. They are mounted high on a wall and distribute conditioned air throughout the room.

b. Ceiling Cassette Units: Ceiling cassette units are recessed into the ceiling, providing a more discreet appearance. They are suitable for spaces where wall-mounted units may not be aesthetically preferred.

7. Advanced Features and Smart Controls

Enhancements:

a. Smart Thermostat Compatibility: Many modern ductless mini-splits offer compatibility with smart thermostats, allowing homeowners to control the system remotely using smartphone apps or voice commands.

b. Programmable Timers: Programmable timers enable users to set specific cooling schedules, optimizing energy usage and ensuring comfort at preferred times.

8. Cost Considerations: Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings

Analysis:

a. Initial Investment: Ductless mini-split systems may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional central AC systems. However, the potential for energy savings and the ability to cool specific zones efficiently can justify the initial investment.

b. Long-Term Savings: Energy-efficient operation, zonal cooling, and the ability to customize settings contribute to long-term savings on energy bills. The return on investment over time makes ductless mini-splits financially attractive.

9. Maintenance Requirements and Ease of Service

Evaluation:

a. Filter Maintenance: Routine filter cleaning or replacement is a standard maintenance task for ductless mini-split systems. Some units come with washable filters, simplifying maintenance.

b. Professional Servicing: While routine maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, professional servicing is recommended for more complex issues or annual checkups. Check for easy access to components for streamlined servicing.

10. Brand Reputation and Warranty Coverage

Considerations:

a. Brand Reputation: Choose ductless mini-split systems from reputable brands with a history of reliability and positive customer reviews. A well-established brand is likely to offer reliable products and customer support.

b. Warranty Coverage: Assess the warranty coverage provided by different manufacturers. A comprehensive warranty indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and performance.

Conclusion: Tailoring Comfort with Ductless Mini-Splits

In the realm of home cooling, ductless mini-split systems provide a versatile and efficient solution. Understanding the distinctions between single-zone and multi-zone systems, evaluating BTU ratings, considering energy efficiency, and exploring advanced features contribute to informed decision-making. Whether opting for wall-mounted or ceiling cassette units, homeowners can tailor their cooling solutions to match specific preferences and room configurations. By carefully comparing different ductless mini-split systems based on these factors, homeowners can make confident choices that enhance comfort while optimizing energy efficiency in their homes.

[inner--islands]

Interview with Kenji Kihara (September 2018)

1. What are some recent inspirations?

The bugs’ voices are swapped, inspired by changes in the season.

2. How often do you make field recordings?

One or two times a week. The house is surrounded by mountains and the ocean, and I am recording there.

3. Have you always lived in Horiuchi? What role does that landscape play in your music?

I always live in “Hayama”. (Horiuchi is the name of a small parcel, “Hayama” is suitable) Hayama is a place where nature and the town coexist well. It brings harmony of the mind.

4. You post a lot of pictures online of the same places from day to day. Do you feel very connected to the subtle changes of your home as it moves through the seasons?

Yes. I think that it is also importantly related to change of mind.

5. Do you feel like your music dialogues with the work any other musicians in particular and their approach to sound?

Yes. I feel like a music dialogue. My music has no sound of my own. When working with other musicians, It will be completed in a form closely resembling the sounds of other musicians.

6. Do you feel like self-expression is a part of your art? Or is the art more about serving a particular purpose or functionality?

My music is not for self expression. I am making music that creates the atmosphere of the place and something that makes me feel something. For example, I make music like fragrance. To keep harmony with nature.

7. Why do you make music? What can music do for you that other art forms can not?

Since childhood I was a child interested in sound. The sound taught me every natural thing. The music I make is not to express myself, It is a thing to make the space there better, or just what is there just with nature. Occasionally, Wind Chime sounds in the wind, and the leaves of the trees rub against it, and it expresses such sounds with music. I express expressing the creation of space through music production.

8. Do you improvise much while recording? If so, how much is improvised and how much is composed before recording?

Yes. Basically I do improvisation when I record. Then rebuild what you recorded.

9. You also record music as Sphontik and with BGM LAB. How do you see the releases under your own name as different from these other projects? Do you feel like you can explore certain sounds under your own name That you can not with the other projects?

Yes. Kenji Kihara is mainly composed of electronic and ambient music, and sphontik mainly produces sampled music. Kenji Kihara makes more deep music. sphontik is music that contains dance elements. BGM LAB. Co-written with yuri miyauchi, it is separate from the production by Kenji Kihara.

10. Words of wisdom you like to recall in times of need?

“listen to the sound of the earth turning” A word that makes me reconfirm that I am part of nature.

Inner Islands recently released Kenji’s Scenes of Scapes album on cassette and digitally. The album is available from our Bandcamp page.

[kamikazia]

Tbh, I don't recall much of CBRX Season 1 or 2. They were fairly eventful, but didn't have moments that stuck out too much in my own memory. Season 1 of CBRX ended with a victory by the Moors of al-Andalus. Season 2 ended with the Chukchi of Siberia conquering the world, and featured a Civilization immolating themselves into elimination. While both of these seasons are pretty good, I feel nothing I've said compares to the events of CBRX Season 3- the greatest of CivBattleRoyale's history.

A bit of background information- until Season 3, the games were run by Blue Cassette as a collective. However, Coiot eventually took the sole leadership position of the CivBattleRoyale's development. Thus, Season 3 had a significantly clearer development cycle, and an overall higher quality than the previous two seasons.

Let's start with the key players: 1. Timor-Leste. They're the worst civilization. Absolute garbage-tier trash boys. They're led by Xanana Gusmao, and I love the civilization for many reasons, but the basic is that because they were the absolute WEAKEST civilization at the start of the game, they were thus the biggest underdogs. They started on a 2-tile island off the coast of Australia, and honestly didn't have too many prospects.

2. Kokang. Burmese drug traders. I actually designed this Civilization with a friend of mine, EmeraldRange. They're led by a transmasc warlord known as Olive Yang. When a trade deal with them ends, they send enemy civilizations into anarchy. That means all of their cities stop producing ANYTHING.

3. Kilwa. They must be destroyed.

4. Castile under Isabella I. Due to a funny bug, they end up settling Antarctica in a spot that was supposed to be impossible to reach. It was not.

5. The Kayapo under Raoni Metuktire. They essentially just vibed in the Amazon and stole every wonder because they were ahead of everyone in Technology for most of the game. Their cities were massive.

6. Turkey. They are the most conventionally well-performing civilization you would ever see.

7. The Inca. They settle the Pacific islands and build a giant navy, and fight the strongest civilization in the world on even footing. They're the rival of this story.

8. Assyria. Technically, they're not relevant- they were the first civilization to die. However, their leader is Sammuramat, who later becomes a spy for Babylon (the player, who serves as an observer for the game) under the name Semiramis. This mainly has some lore relevance, and it's pretty fascinating and gets brought up consistently throughout the season.

There's some other major players, like the Arapaho and Afghanistan, but this is already a long post.

Let's start off with the basic concept- in a miracle of miracles, Timor-Leste started off decently, and actually founded a religion. They get bonuses for founding a religion, so it was a great benefit to them. They took over half of Indonesia and even settled into Australia.

At one point, Kokang was trading with Indonesia due to a peace deal they had made. When that trade deal ended, Indonesia went into Anarchy for a WHILE. I don't recall the exact numbers- I think it was some 15 turns? 15 turns of not being able to produce units, science, or food. Their entire society collapsed, and they were eventually swallowed by Timor-Leste. This eventually led to the point where Timor-Leste controlled not only Indonesia, but all of Australia as well- meaning that they were a very serious contender despite being the lowest-ranked civilization at Episode 1.

As an aside, there was an African civilization called Kilwa. They were pretty cool, didn't do much besides look cool. Eventually, everyone declared war on them. The canon reason is that it was a funny joke by every other civilization. This doesn't really have much to do with the overarching narrative, but I really enjoyed this moment.

Anyways, Timor-Leste begins to take over the world in true Underdog story fashion. They take over Kokang, they conquer Zulu cities in South Africa, and overall things are looking up for them. Their biggest opposition are the Inca, who have a really strong naval core in the Pacific, but they're eventually repelled. That just leaves Turkey- a giant blob centered on, you guessed it, modern Turkey. Turkey does fairly well for themselves, but eventually gets overwhelmed. Timor-Leste's world domination is assured, at this point. All that remains are two now-irrelevant powers: the Kayapo and Castile.

The lore states that the Raoni-Isabella Society of the Kayapo and Castile essentially become aware and refuse to fight. This encourages every other civilization to stagnate as well. The game gets reset, and everyone is now hard-coded into war in order to prevent the growth of the Raoni-Isabella society. The Semiramis reaches its conclusion with the destruction of the old world and the creation of the new one. However, Castile had managed to settle the city of Burgos in Antarctica, and thus can't be properly eliminated. They legitimately had to adjust the terrain so that Timor-Leste could capture the last vestige of resistance.

Thus, CBRX Season 3 ends with the most dramatic underdog victory imaginable- Timor-Leste completely wipes out all resistance. That essentially covers all of CBRX thus far, since Season 4 is only just recently starting, but yeah- it's a very dramatic series and I love it.

The Civilization Battle Royale

I figure it's been too long since I've made a post, so I'm gonna make a series of post talking about one of my special interests, which is the Civilization AI game my friend runs. For those who are unaware of the concept, you can essentially pit all the computer players against one another in Sid Meier's Civilization V using mods. A while back, a user created the series called the Civilization Battle Royale, and it got fairly popular (10,000 subscribers on reddit, currently.) It eventually got handed over to my friend Coiot, but throughout the years, it's been a fun little gimmick throughout my life. So, let me discuss events that happen in this wacky game. Let's start with my favorite story: the Orange Containment Project.

[withinthescripts]

Season 2, Cassette 7: Sree Chitra Art Gallery (1979)

Jeffrey Cranor: Hey, the holidays are fast approaching, so maybe get your podcast-loving friends and/or family members some cool new Within the Wires shirts and a fabulous art print of Claudia Atieno’s “Child With Damsefly”, created by artist Jessica Hayworth. These are available at withinthewires.com. And now, an audio guide of the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, 1979.

[tape recorder turns on]

Hello and welcome to the Sree Chitra Art Gallery. I am the gallery director, Clarissa Nair. If you are listening to this audio guide, then you are currently experiencing our Reflections exhibition. We have dedicated ourselves to find a range of works by some of the world’s most highly regarded contemporary artists. With this exhibition, we aim to confront art’s role of a reflection of the society in which it is created, by featuring a series of works that depict a reflection themselves. If art is itself a mirror, what can we say about what we see contained within art? It is up to each of us to decide for ourselves. All of us at the Sree Chitra would like to welcome celebrated artist and scholar Roimata Mangakāhia to provide her insights on this audio guide. As this series includes two of her own works, we hope you will find a glimpse behind the process enlightening.

[bell chimes]

Humanity has always been obsessed with its reflection. The famed tale of Narcissus is remembered so well, in part because it is the tale of all of us. We look for reflections of humanity in the movements of the stars, in a tree that grows through a trick of chance to embrace another tree, in the cat that defies its stars to become best friends with a dog. We anthropomorphize wildly, perhaps from a desire to feel that we are not alone, that we are not the only thinking, feeling, planning beings in the universe. But because we look so hard for our own reflection, we can never really trust its view. Do otters hold hands when they sleep because of intimacy, or is it simply the instinctive awareness that if they lose each other in the moving waters, they will be more likely to die?

It is a question that doesn’t matter to the vast majority of the population, of course. Who would want an honest answer, when willful ignorance makes the world so much easier to deal with? But it is worth considering the fact that our view of ourselves as we see it reflected in the world around us is subject to the most determined of biases. 

It is not necessary that you consider these issues while viewing this exhibition. You are here to enjoy yourself, after all. And thoughts like this can lead to melancholy. They shouldn’t really when you think about it. The instinctual drive of animals doesn’t lessen the choices and feelings of people, but there are thoughts worth pondering at some point. So perhaps you will save them for some melancholy afternoon, when the sun is low and the air is still and the world demands nothing from you.

For now, let us consider the works on display.

[bell chimes]

One. “Women Alone” by Vanessa Wynn.

I have always believed that Vanessa Wynn has never had the kind of attention she deserves for her work. At the beginning of her career, one or two key critics described her work as derivative, and she became rather unfashionable. With the distance of time, however, and with a bit more information, we are perhaps better placed to question that assessment.

This particular painting features a group of three women. They are similar looking, perhaps sisters, grouped around a pool of water. Notice the bleak sky above them, and the skeletal trees. But the women themselves appear happy and comfortable, with their dark hair shining and their expressions peaceful. The woman in the center even has her eyes closed, not in sleep, but in bliss.

Their reflections in the pool, however, tell a different story. Look into the pool, deeply. All similarity between the three women is gone. The woman on the left has grown tall and imposing. Her hair has a vibrant silver, her face haggard and haughty, her eyes accusing as they gaze out at the viewer. What is she accusing you of? What have you done?

Opposite her, the woman on the left looks faded. Her entire being is cast over with a sheen of grey. There is an absence about her. She gazes out of the canvas, but not quite directly at the viewer. See how her gaze is unfocused. She is small and weighed down by hair that, rather than being the glossy black of her original is a muted, faded brown.

The woman in the middle, the one in sleepy bliss, has changed the least at first glance into this pool. You can see how her hair is still glossy, her arms are still plump, her body still seems relaxed. Her eyes, which are closed in reality, are open in the pool. In fact, they are widened. The irises are bright red and seem almost luminous. The widening of her eyes in a face that still seems calm lends a certain manic energy to the figure, don’t you think?

Look at her eyes. What can she see that you cannot? Do you wish you could see it too? Or is it better not to know?

Painted in wide strokes, the images in the painting seem almost to blend into each other. With a careless glance it’s easy to mistake the reflected image for the real. Look at the painting with great care.

The first time I saw this painting, I took it for the copy of one I’d seen many times before. But this was painted much too long ago for that to be possible.

[bell chimes]

Two. “Self-Portrait” by Roimata Mangakāhia.

It is never easy to discuss one’s won work. It is difficult enough to reduce the grand visions that flow through your head into oil and canvas. Trying to find words to talk about the oil and canvas of it reduces it further still. This is made all the harder naturally when the work in question is a self-portrait. A self-portrait is an inherently introspective work. It is an artist’s attempt to better understand themselves. It is not necessarily an attempt to explain. It is not necessarily an act of communication.

Nevertheless, I started this self-portrait when staying in my friend Claudia Atieno’s house off the coast of Cornwall. I was there for some time, and during that time, I became much better acquainted with the artists I talk about on this guide. The painting was done in my own room in the house, a small room on the top level, with a small mirror. The painting shows my face partially reflected in the mirror. I’m not looking at myself properly. It’s as if I’ve just glanced up and there it is, reflecting half my face back at me. I look casual, careless, as if I am moving swiftly through life. This is just an effect, of course, I studied my attitude and expression carefully as I made this painting.

Study. My. Attitude. My expression. Study it with whatever care you can muster.

Over my shoulder, you can see some of the room. A bed haphazardly made, a chair playing at being a coat rack. A window. It is a simple picture of a simple person in her simple room going about her simple life. But no life is really simple when you pay attention to the details.  

Look through the window and you can see grass leading to the edge of the island, with the sea beyond it. there are a few trees scattered around. At the very edge of the cliff. Slight and indistinct from this distance, just a dot in the middle of a reflection, there is a figure standing, waiting to jump.

[bell chimes] [tape recorder turns off] [ads] [tape recorder turns on] [bell chimes]

Three. “The Three Sisters” by Claudia Atieno.

“The Three Sisters” was one of Claudia’s most successful works in the middle of her career. It is presumed to be inspired by Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and is certainly far from the only work depicting that particular play. The three women are placed around a low pool of water on a bleak moor. Their figures rendered in bold, wide brush strokes, and it’s difficult sometimes to see where one figure starts and one ends.

The women all look alike, comfortable and happy in their barren surroundings. Their hair is long and unbound, flowing in black waves over their shoulders. They smile softly, and the one in the middle has her eyes closed in something like bliss.

The women, or something like them, are reflected in the pool in front of them. Their reflections tell a different story, a story of three witches. One of the witches, as you can clearly see, has grown tall and gaunt, her reflected face distorted by the ripples of the water is full of malice and rage. Her iron colored hair is tangled, and her lips are curled in hate. Opposite her reflection is that of one of her sisters. She appears small and wizened, with a look of great cunning on her face, with a faded appearance. She gives the impression somehow that she is sneaking into the background of your life to wreak havoc without even being noticed. Her countenance is distorted and wry. She looks like a person who likes to hide in kitchen cupboards. You can see her. Do you agree?

The woman in the middle, the one with her eyes closed, is the only one reflected at all close to her original form. Her hair is still a gleaming black. Her face still smiles slightly, her body is still plump and relaxed. But her eyes are open, widened. Her eyes are a terrible blinding red.

Look at her red eyes. What does she see? Does she see her doppelgänger across the room? Is she confused as to who was born first? It is difficult to say what begets what.

Looking at the whole painting, this could be simply a trio of witches from a play. It could be about the inherent duplicitousness of human nature, the attract of serenity we show to the world and the turmoil we conceal. It could be about the risks of trusting anyone too much. Of the impossibility of guessing at someone’s true nature or motives.

What is trust? Can you find it in a painting?

You will think it odd perhaps to have two such similar paintings in one exhibition. “Three Sisters” is considered by many to be one of Atieno’s definitive works, so its presence here is hardly mysterious. As to Wynn’s piece that is on loan from my own private collection, I felt it was important for you to see it. Feel free to pause the cassette and go look at “Women Alone” again on the opposite wall. Or just wail til the audio guide is finished. It is almost finished.

It is an interesting thing to have loved and admired someone so much, to have stood in awe of their work, to have enjoyed their company, to have trusted their integrity. When you lose that feeling of admiration, it is as if you have lost the person themselves. The person you loved is gone, and in their place stands a stranger who wears their skin.

Is it only when someone has betrayed you personally that you are allowed to feel betrayed? If your affection and admiration for someone is bound up in an image of them that turns out to be false, are you not right to feel anger?

Vanessa’s career was ruined by the suspicion that she copied Atieno’s work, but it’s simply not what happened. I do not know when Atieno began work on “The Three Sisters”, but it did not premiere until 1967. “Women Alone” was being painted as early as 1963. I saw it unfinished at Vanessa’s studio in Cardiff. I remember this because Vanessa told me that Claudia Atieno had attended an exhibition of Vanessa’s work at a gallery in Munich. Vanessa and I were young artists, swayed by celebrity. We swooned and smiled about this fortuitous moment in Vanessa’s young career.

Claudia asked Vanessa what else she was creating. Vanessa told her about “Women Alone”. Claudia told her it was a brilliant concept, and that Vanessa was just the artist to pull it off. “But I do not like the title,” Claudia told her. “In art, framing is all.”

I’ll never forget that. Framing is all. I took it to mean that how you title your piece sets the tone for the viewer’s experience. But as I saw “The Three Sisters” go up at the grand opening of the Musem of Contemporary Art in Chicago, I knew she meant framing literally. Getting it on the wall. Get the idea into a frame and it is yours. Framing. Is. All.

Vanessa showed “Women Alone” at a private exhibit in London, and Alphra Bond of The Times ridiculed the young artist, calling her a plagiarist, stealing from an artist too famous to be copied without people noticing. Bond thought Vanessa should have at least taken an idea from a lesser known but more thought-provoking artist. Bond conceded she liked Vanessa’s version better, but the implications of thievery and the fact that Vanessa refused to admit anything, nor apologize, led to fewer and fewer showings of her work.

I bought “Women Alone” from her two years ago. I know its truth. I know what the reflected woman with the red eyes sees.

I’m sorry. This is perhaps a debate for a different medium. We are here to talk about art, after all. But then shouldn’t art concern itself with honesty? A discussion for another time, I suppose. Did you go back and look at “Women Alone” again? Well, do that now.

[tape recorder turns off]

“Within the Wires” is written by Jeffrey Cranor and Janina Matthewson, and performed by Rima Te Wiata, with original music by Mary Epworth. Find more of Mary’s music at maryepworth.com. The voice of Clarissa Nair was Lily Papkin. [ads] And forget your holiday shopping for your podcast-loving friends and family by going to withinthewires.com and checking out our new T-shirts and Claudia Atieno artprint.

OK, our time is done. It’s you time now. Time to stop by the museum gift shop, grab yourself a souvenir book of paintings about [Hollandaise sauce]. Pick up a poster featuring [Elton John touching your face], and buy a commemorative vase made out of [your own butt].