#showing my masterpiece to the world /j

[arikihalloween]

This is for my genderfluid and out of the binary pals ! What could be a nicer deal than getting all genders into one ?! For just the price of one little joke, get yourself an all gendered friend !

Meme below ↓

Out of a funny conversation with my friend @kokoiep

You can add anything in the circle btw ! Not just your or your friend's pfp for a funny meme

I also have a blank version for your own one of a kind Howdy sales deal ! :]

Have fun !

I think this is the closest to canon I ever drawn Howdy

I really tried 🥺

[colfy-wolfy]

Slugzi and Nlug !! Another drawing of N and Uzi as slugcats from the best game on the planet, Rain World (I am objectively correct, don't even try to deny) No, I'm not trying to avoid drawing drones, that would be.... unprofessional as J would say.

My opinion on the finale? It was AWESOME. There's some hate that claim the episode was too fast-paced and overall wasn't a very good closure for the series as it left some unfinished arcs and unexplained plot points. And while I don't disagree, I'm grateful for what we got because that episode was SPECTACULAR!!! it was such a fun experience. I do wish we got to see more of Khori after their reunion, I wish we got too see N and V make up at the end or at least hug, I wish we got J trying to redeem or explain herself after Cyn was defeated, I wish we got more explanation for past events we didn't get to see such as Nori's death or if humans are truly extinct, I wish Tessa had more to her than to just be a disguise for Cyn, and so so much more. But even then, it was NOT a bad episode, far from it!! We have to keep in mind that it's an indie show and there are some limitations. We are lucky to have gotten a masterpiece of a finale in the first place cuz a lot of indie projects never even get to see a conclusion, especially not one THIS GOOD. I enjoyed the scenes we got, they were entertaining and exciting. While it was disappointingly short, it still became one of my top 3 favorite episodes. I'm gonna miss MD! I hope we get to see some sort of continuation of the story or perhaps just some funny shorts or official art. I'm not very picky.

[writerthreads]

Ten must-read books for writers (or anyone, really.)

By Writerthreads on Instagram

Obviously this list is highly subjective and based on my research and personal experience. Please share your favourite books as well!!

1. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Woolf is the queen of the stream of consciousness and a master at diving into characters' inner thoughts, conveying complex emotions, themes and perspective. Her prose is breathtaking, her character memorable.

2. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Morrison tackles difficult themes with poise like no other, diving into topics like grief, trauma, and identity. Read this book to learn how to develop multi-layered narratives whilst maintaining perfect pacing and a intricate narrative structure.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A masterpiece. Sharp social commentary, eloquent prose and vivid imagery... what more can you want from a book? Every word was chosen for a purpose, and it shows the importance of restraint in writing.

4. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Tolkien's legendary fantasy world-building makes his series a staple in fantasy literature. The geography, cultures and histories in his works are well-crafted. Anyone trying to build a complex world can learn from from this series.

5. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Our second Woolf classic in this list! Mrs. Dalloway is a masterclass of a perfect character study. Woolf weaves different viewpoints intricately, capturing the essence of human experience.

6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Austen character development is legendary, showcasing complex, evolving characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The novel’s witty dialogue show insight into personality and societal norms, and her narrative voice and well-structured plot keeps readers hooked to the very end.

7. Never Let Me Go by Kazoo Ishiguro

Ishiguro’s novel presents a quietly devastating exploration of memory, identity, and humanity through a dystopian lens. The subtle, restrained prose and profound emotional impact illustrate how to weave complex themes into a seemingly simple narrative.

8. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This book made me cry so very hard. The author explored themes like identity and fame, while creating an engaging and multi-layered plot that had me hooked. Reid’s vivid prose showcases techniques for creating emotionally resonant and storytelling that allows readers to feel for the characters.

9. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Márquez’s masterpiece provides a gorgeous, profound exploration of magical realism. Its intricate narrative and richly imagined world blends fantastical elements with real-world themes into something unique and breathtaking.

10. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Brontes exploration of dark themes, framed within a dark and brooding narrative, makes it the quintessential gothic read. It's emotionally intense, complex in structure, and definitely memorable, perfect for any budding writer dabbling in dark academia, modern gothic literature, horror, etc.

And here's my rather shoddy list from a non-English major who reads too much! And Sorry for the lack of accents on the required letters, I haven't figured out how to add them on my laptop. Please give me a general opinion on my book recs and whether they're good, or if you have more suggestions! Lots of love.

[blueshirtjamie]

"Slut!" // J. Hughes

In which Jack and the reader decide to go public with their blossoming relationship, only to discover that the internet can be a cruel place. Is all of it really worth it? (Inspired by the masterpiece of a vault track Taylor gave us.)

Warnings: mentions of alcohol, insults (the title is slut after all), not proofread so please pardon any small errors!

Word count: 1.9k

A/N: I honestly don't know Jack's personality very well so hopefully I did an okay job of characterizing him. I hope you enjoy this! My requests are always open :)

_____________________________________________

Everyone wants him, that was my crime

You had been dating New Jersey’s star young forward, Jack Hughes, for some time now– but it was a complete secret. Jack was one of the NHL’s biggest names because of his insane talent on the ice. And, much to your chagrin, he was also one of the most crushed-on players in the league. His ocean-blue eyes and sweet smile charmed anyone who laid eyes on him, and you were so afraid of what people would say if they found out that you two were an item. New Jersey Devils fans, and Jack Hughes fans in particular, were nothing if not protective and could be so mean online. You liked Jack a lot–you two had so much fun together, always laughing and doing fun things, and you didn’t want the world to break you two apart. You were afraid to share Jack, something you had shared with him from the start of your relationship. The Tweets, Tumblr posts, and Instagram accounts dedicated to your boy ignited a jealous and protective streak in you, but it was the price you’d have to pay to stay with Jack– and one you’d pay willingly. 

Aquamarine, moonlit swimmin' pool// What if all I need is you?

“I think we should go public soon, babe,” Jack said one night as you two were taking a late-night dip in your backyard pool. You swam over to him and put your arms around his neck, planting a small kiss on his lips. 

“ I don’t know, Jack,” you said. “I’m just so scared of what people will say. What if all I need is you? No one else’s opinions and validation, just my boy?” You gave him a small smile. 

“I know you’re scared, baby,” he replied. “But I want to show you off to the world. Everyone deserves to see my pretty girl and learn all about you and your kind heart.”

You blushed, and a sigh escaped you. 

“Okay,” you conceded. “If you’re sure, J, then I trust you.” 

Jack smiled, pulling you in for a long, slow kiss. The kind that made your stomach flutter and your heart melt. 

Got love-struck, went straight to my head// Got lovesick all over my bed

The moonlit swim replayed in your head as you two lay in bed that night. Jack had been sound asleep next to you, softly snoring, for a while now. You, on the other hand, were wide awake, your mind racing. “I want to show you off to the world,” you heard on loop. The sweet facial expression Jack gave you as you said it. The soft kiss that had quickly heated up. God, you loved kissing Jack, and with each kiss, you felt yourself falling deeper and deeper for him. Each sweet word from his pretty lips intensified your feelings. There was no denying it— you were falling in love with Jack Hughes, and he was right. It was time for the world to finally know. 

The next morning, you sat next to Jack in bed as he scrolled through photos of you guys, trying to find the perfect few to post on his Instagram. Finally, you settled on three– a shot of you two post-game, one with the city skyline in the background, and a selfie of you kissing his cheek. Your heart pounded as Jack typed out the caption: “my whole heart ❤️”. He pressed “post” and you took a deep breath. 

“I could throw up,” you said, curling into Jack’s side. He held you close, placing a gentle kiss on your head. 

“Everyone is gonna love you, babe, I don’t know how they couldn’t.” 

And I break down, then he's pullin' me in// In a world of boys, he's a gentleman

As it turns out, the internet was a cruel place, and not everyone loved you. While the comments on Jack’s post were mostly positive, especially the ones from teammates and other players, others were not so nice. The words “slut”, “puck bunny”, “clout chaser”, and “bitch” floated around a lot, and so you found yourself doom scrolling through social media, reading every comment you could find. Your photos were reposted time and time again on various accounts, and it was overwhelming. Tears welled in your eyes and you tried hard to hold them back, but you were unsuccessful. Once they started falling, they just wouldn’t stop. Jack walked around the corner into your bedroom to find you a sobbing mess. He took your phone from your hands, powered it off, and took both of your hands in his. 

“We’re done with that for today, okay?” he said gently. He pulled back the covers on your bed and helped you get in before getting in himself, pulling your body into his. 

“They’re being so mean, Jack,” you said between sobs. “I knew it was a bad idea, I knew it!” 

Jack shushed you gently, wiping your tears with his thumb. 

“Those people don’t matter, love. What matters is that you’re mine, and I’m going to protect you like my life depends on it. You and me, that’s all that matters, okay?”

You nodded as a sob racked through your body. Jack held you like that, whispering reassurances and stroking your hair until you calmed down, your breathing becoming more even and your cries fading out. He handed you a box of tissues from the nightstand and smiled at you as you dabbed at your eyes and blew your nose. 

“I’m sorry baby,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. 

Jack cupped your face with both of his hands, looking you in your eyes. 

“Hey, there’s nothing to apologize for, baby,” he said. “At some point, you get used to any kind of comments about you and block them out. I forgot that not everyone can ignore it like I’ve learned to. I’m gonna protect you, okay? I mean it. I will tell you time and time again how amazing you are, and I’ll make sure they know it too.” He kissed you gently, and you melted into him. 

I said, "It might blow up in your pretty face"// I'm not sayin', "Do it anyway"// But you're going to

After an afternoon spent snuggling up to Jack and watching movies, you were calm, and the comments had drifted from your mind. Let them talk, you thought. As long as I have my boy, that’s all that matters. 

“Let’s go out tonight,” Jack said, looking at you, his face lit up in excitement. 

“Jack…” you started, an air of uncertainty in your voice. 

“No, I mean it. Let’s go out and be seen, show people that their comments don’t matter in the slightest. Let’s go have fun and get your mind off things, ya know?”

You sighed deeply, contemplating. You could dress up, go out, and have some fun with your boy, or you could stay in bed and sulk. Okay, you thought. Let’s do this. 

“Okay,” you said, looking at Jack and smiling. “But if it blows up in your pretty face, don’t say I didn’t warn you, babe.”

His elation visibly grew as his smile widened. 

“Okay!” He said, placing a gentle kiss on your lips. “Let’s get ready, then.”

But if I’m all dressed up, they might as well be lookin' at us// And if they call me a slut, you know it might be worth it for once// And if I'm gonna be drunk, I might as well be drunk in love

So there you were, dressed in a sexy little black dress that hugged your curves and showed off your best assets, your hair and makeup done up. You felt confident, you felt strong, you felt… hot. Jack agreed, whistling at you as you rounded the corner and stepped into his view. 

“Wow, babe,” he said, taking you in. “You are absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to show my girl off,” he smiled, taking your hand and spinning you in a small circle. He pulled you in then, both his hands on your waist, and gave you a long, slow kiss. You melted into him and deepened the kiss. After pulling away, you took in the sight of Jack. Black pants and blazer paired with a crisp white button-down and black tie, hair mussed up in just the right way that you loved on him. 

“You’re not so bad yourself,” you smiled, meeting his eyes with your own. He smiled back, that charming, bright smile that gave you butterflies every time. 

“Ready to go?” he asked. You nodded confidently. 

“We look so good,” you said. “They might as well be looking at us, right?” 

Jack laughed. “That’s my girl.”

The bar was busy on a Friday night, as was expected, so you two were able to grab a drink inconspicuously, blending into the crowd. Jack kept a hand around your waist the entire time, gently guiding you through the sea of people drinking, mingling, and dancing. You two found a table to stand at and people-watched, chatting and laughing together. It felt good to be out, to be dressed up, to feel confident. Your conversation was soon interrupted by a man, clearly already a few drinks in.

“Oh my god,” he shouted over the music. “Jack Hughes!” 

He clapped a firm hand on Jack’s back. 

“Can I take a picture with you?” he asked, more as a warning, as his phone quickly obscured Jack’s face as he leaned in for a selfie. 

Just as soon as he arrived, he was gone. 

“So it begins,” Jack said, a tone of annoyance in his voice. “I bet that picture is already on Twitter.” 

He took his phone out to check social media, and you leaned close to him, peering over his shoulder. He placed a hand on your lower back, scrolling through his mentions with the other hand. Sure enough– a grainy, dimly lit photo of you two in candid conversation had been posted by a hockey “news” account. 

Jack Hughes spotted with his new girlfriend at a Newark bar! (via @jacklukequinn)

Somehow, this didn’t bother you at all. If you were gonna dress up, they should be looking at you. You two were a hot couple, and the world deserved to see. If they called you a slut, or a puck bunny, or a clout chaser, so what? It was worth it. You had Jack– what they all wanted– so it was worth it. You had the boy who melted your heart with his charming smile, made you feel beautiful with his kind compliments, and kissed you like no one else ever had. If you were gonna get drunk, you might as well be drunk in love, too. You took Jack’s hand, looking him in his eyes. 

“Come on baby, I wanna dance,” you said, a smile creeping onto your face. 

Takin’ your time in the tangerine neon light, this is luxury// You're not sayin' you're in love with me// But you're goin' to

You led Jack to the dance floor, throwing your arms around his neck as he placed his hands on your hips. You swayed them to the beat, moving as close to him as you could be. The world around you faded– the words, the people, the thoughts, the insecurity, all fading away as you danced and the alcohol set in. It was just you and Jack, the neon lights of the bar casting his face in a tangerine glow. He looked at you lovingly, his eyes soft and his smile sweet. You laughed, pulling him close to place a kiss on his delicious lips. This, this right here was all you needed. All that mattered. Just you and Jack, falling in love. If they called you a slut, it truly might be worth it for once.

[natsuki-bakery]

⁎˚ ఎ ICP Agere ໒ ˚⁎

Could you... write a oneshot based off of the Violent J headcanons you wrote...? (Pretty Please...?)

Violent J never thought he’d be spending his afternoon this way. There were no wild shows, no Faygo showers, no Juggalos screaming his name. Instead, the house was quiet, save for the soft rustle of blankets and the occasional giggle from the living room

J looked over from the kitchen, where he was pouring apple juice into a sippy cup. The Reader, his little one, as he lovingly called you, was sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by a sea of crayons and coloring books. You were lost in your own world, coloring outside the lines with reckless abandon. Violent J couldn’t help but smile

He walked over, careful not to step on any of the crayons scattered about. He set the sippy cup down beside you, the bright red cup contrasting against the mess of blues, greens, and purples that adorned the pages of the book. "Thirsty ?" he asked, keeping his voice soft

You looked up, eyes bright and innocent. You nodded, grabbing the cup with both hands and taking a big sip. "Thank you, J..." . you mumbled, a little juice escaping from the corner of your mouth

"No problem, little homie !" J said, grabbing a nearby tissue and gently wiping your chin. "You know I got you"

You smiled, the kind of smile that could light up the darkest corners of J’s heart. This wasn’t the Violent J the world knew, the wicked clown with face paint and wild lyrics. This was Joe, the caregiver, the one who understood that sometimes the toughest people need the softest moments

"You wanna build a fort today ?" J asked, glancing around at the throw pillows and blankets scattered about. Your eyes lit up immediatly. "Yeah !" you cheered, bouncing up to your feet. J chuckled, ruffling your hair. "Alright, let’s do it !" He moved some of the furniture around, creating a space for their masterpiece. Together, they draped blankets over chairs, turning the living room into a cozy hideaway. Violent J even added a few fairy lights for extra magic, anything to make you feel safe and happy in your regressed headspace

They crawled inside the fort together, surrounded by plushies and soft pillows. You nestled up against J, your small frame fitting perfectly against his side. He wrapped an arm around you, holding you close. "Comfy ?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper

"Yeah.." you replied softly, your head resting on his chest. "You’re the best, dada J.." He kissed the top of your head, feeling the warmth of the moment seep into his bones. "Nah, you’re the best, little one. You’re my number one homie, always"

You two stayed like that for a while, lost in the quiet comfort of the fort. J put on a movie, one of those animated ones that you loved so much, and you watched together in peaceful silence. Every now and then, J would hear your soft giggles, and it made his heart swell. This was his happy place, where the world’s chaos didn’t matter. It didn’t matter who he was on stage or what people thought of him. Here, he was just Joe, a caregiver, a friend, and a protector. And that was more than enough

As the movie ended and you started to drift off, J pulled the blankets up tighter around you. He could hear your gentle breathing, feel the rise and fall of your small chest against his side. He knew that moments like these were precious, fleeting glimpses of innocence and peace. "sweet dreams, little homie..." J whispered, brushing a stray hair from your forehead. You murmured something in their sleep, snuggling closer

J stayed there, guarding your dreams like a silent sentinel. No matter how wild his world got, this was where he found his calm, a blanket fort filled with love, crayons, and the quiet comfort of knowing that, for his little one, he’d always be there.

If you're in the basic criteria , are DSMP fans, vivziep0p fans , h0tel/h3lluva b0ss fans, Owl h0use fans, St4r butterfly fans, Ghibli fans, ddlg/abdl blogs, nsfw/k!nk blogs, anti-agere blogs, or anti Christians/Christianity blogs : just dont interact !

[hopemariposa]

reasons why you should watch Ducktales (2017):

from a totally not mentally ill (/j) girl who has never ever obsessed over this show and has never ever seen it ten times over and has never ever had a bias towards this show :))) ily

the animation is lowkey a slay. I live for the faux comic book style. it scratches an itch in my brain.

I love Louie. I love Louie so much. he is precious, a cinnamon roll, and if anything were to happen to him, I would unalive everyone in this room and then myself.

the “found family” trope has been and always will be the best trope (imo). and this show has sooooo much of it and I literally cry over it (yes, I do cry over everything. back off)

launchpad mcquack.

precious precious man.

the storyline is kind of……… wonderful???? like there’s a lot of mirroring of the past, wholesome moments, and just… fun??? (Disney please bring it back or do a spin off I beg you 🙏)

this is one of those Disney shows that’s weirdly… funny? watch s3:e2 “Quack Pack” if you don’t believe bc that episode is a bona fide RIOT

also, the “filler” episodes don’t necessarily feel like filler episodes. most have some relevance to the ongoing plot, and if they don’t the adventure is too fun for you to care anyways

for instance? my fav episode “Quack Pack” (as listed above) is a filler episode. but it is semi-plot-relevant, and comedic perfection. it also gave us this screenshot:

need I say more?

yes. I won’t shut up about this show.

honestly, in a world full of tv shows that don’t give a crap about their integrity, Ducktales is a masterpiece. and I’m not just saying this because I wish more people would join the fandom. that’s a perk

once again I leave you with this:

me n the boys jamming out to the Ducktales theme song:

[thissortofsorcery]

💞A different type of rec list ask game, to rep your own fics and other authors you enjoy.💞 Spell out your user name with fic recs. If the letter correlates to one of your fics you rec it (no duplicates use a different fic for repeat letters.) If you get to a letter you don’t have a fic title for you rec one you‘ve liked from someone else. 💖Send this to someone who might need a little love on their own fics or just like spreading the love.💖

Oh, my username is LONG, this is gonna be HARD (haha get it). Keeping it Harringrove to keep it simple (for myself. I have over 3k bookmarks on ao3)

The Green Hawkins Tigers Sweatshirt, by me. 1k, Steve comforts Billy after a run in with Neil.

Hook Possum, by @platypanthewriter. 16k, Steve's a camp counselor and there's a guy Possum Mascot he's very friendly with. This fic had me laughing and giggling from start to finish. It's ART.

I Had to See You, by me. Almost 2k, Billy and Steve broke up three weeks ago, and Steve shows up on Billy's doorstep. One of the fics I'm proudest of.

sad-eyed lady of the lowlands, by @whenyouwishuponastar7. 94k, Steve is a professional babysitter, and is hired to look after Max after she and her older brother move to Hawkins. This was the first fic I read from her and I FELL IN LOVE. Absolute masterpiece. Every time she posts new fics I run to read them so fast.

Shout At The Devil, by @writerwhowritesao3. It's actually a series (155k) that has me by the balls, but the first fic(68k) can be read on its own just fine. It's a retelling of season 2 and it's delicious. It also gives Susan a personality. I would tag just the first fic, but I don't have a J in my username and I HAD to.

Of Cats and Men, by @ihni. 39k, Billy hits a cat with his car, and has to take care of three little kittens. Steve helps. This fics is EVERYTHING to me. Billy and cats get me every time, right in the heart. You will need to hug your pet when you read this, though.

Run for the Shadows, by @shieldofiron. 36k, this fic is DELICIOUS. Friends with benefits to lovers, OBLIVIOUS STEVE. So oblivious. Pure of heart, dumb of ass. I had such a great time reading this fic.

Towel Talks, by @weird-an. 10k, after s3, Steve finds Billy in the community pool sauna. I love this one because An does caring Steve SO WELL. I was like this 🥺 the whole time I was reading it. It's so so good.

On Loving Billy, by lilpeas. I don't know their tumblr. 16k, this is THE break-up and make-up fic. It hurts SO GOOD, their emotions are so beautifully written out. It wrung everything out of me. Love.

for what you have tamed, by skoosiepants. Don't know their tumblr either. 10k. Billy is a cat and a dragon, and he keeps saving Steve's life. I LOVE magical realism, and this fic builds the world incredibly well. It's such a good read.

Sideways, by @robthegoodfellow. 46k. THIS FIC. It spins season 2 on its head so fucking well, oh my god. Rob is such a good writer, I've read this fic more than once and it gets to me every time. Their Billy is incredible.

Only The Freaks Come Out at Night, by shippingmyarmada (idk their tumblr). 67k. GREAT post s2 fic. You know I cry from happiness when I find a post s2 fic. This one is really, really well done.

Rotten Apples, by @weird-an. 14k. It's. a. WITCHER. AU. Do I need to say anything else???????? I love this so much. So much. You have no idea.

Camaro, by @lovebillyhargrove. I'm cheating a little on this one bc I don't know the name of the fic and I wanted to include it, and it's about the Camaro coming alive after season 3 and going on a killing spree to avenge Billy. It gets EVEN BETTER from there. Ana wrote this so well, whenever a chapter dropped on tumblr I lost my shit.

every night fucks every day up, by anonymous. 8k. It's a modern AU, and you know I love my modern AUs. Steve and Billy interact through snapchat. I have a soft spot for snapchat because i first heard about this app reading a Sterek fic in january 2014. This has nothing to do with the fic.

Read to Me?, by lemonlovely (idk tumblr). 12k. Someone leaves books with marked passages at Family Video for Steve. It's SO CUTE. SO CUTE. I love it.

Yeah, It's Me, by @callieb. 29k. Another fic that's between s2 and s3, and this one is SOOOOO GOOD in that their relationship starts as a FWB that's kind of unhealthy and I just about died reading this. Happy ending though. Trust me, it's worth it.

And that's done! It took me over 2 hours to put this together lmao so go give these fics and these writers some love! They deserve it.

[cosmic-light-fics]

I am slogging my way through an extremely tedious bout of writing inertia but I absolutely needed, needed, needed to get my thoughts out about this wonderful piece of work created by @sashafiercer. It's hard for me to articulate myself a lot of the time. I don't always think I am saying the things I want to say in the best way or the right way, and I fear I won't do justice to the works that I long to praise. That's why it's taking me forever and a day to be securely confident in divulging my thoughts on the absolute freaking masterpiece that is intimates conquering intimacy (if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? A sign? Well consider this your sign. Go read it and get blessed by brilliance. Seriously).

Back to the point, though. The fact that I haven't been able to fully impart any of my love for this series to the masses of the SydCarmy fandom is ticking me off to levels of annoyance that, up until this point, have been unknown to humankind. So now with my little preamble and aired grievances out of the way, let's get down to the nitty-gritty, which is my long overdue love letter to what I love and cherish most about this series.

What do I love most about a need to amuse and enjoy?

Simple. The fact that it exists. I'm being completely honest. I don't think I have ever stumbled across a piece of writing that felt like it was made specifically for my consumption. I feel selfish a lot of the times when I go back and read the series (I've lost count how many times I've re-read it all. Just know I have a tab open to it at all times). I feel selfish because this series is everything I could have ever wanted in a SydCarmy fic. From all of Sydney and Carmy's interactions, to their spot-on dialogue, to the freakishly accurate humor, to the stark beats of emotional vulnerability. It is all there, in this series, and I get to read it however many times I want to, whenever I want to, for FREE! I get to be in this world that @sashafiercer created and experience all of these super sweet and challenging moments that make Sydney and Carmy so special as a couple. That's not even the half of it though. Reading this series is like watching a special continuation of the show. That's how great it is. I don't for one second feel like I am reading a fanfiction when I read this series. It's perfectly in alignment with the character's canon. And best of all, it's focusing solely on Sydney and Carmy, not only as a couple but who they are as individuals.

I love how no moment between them is a boring moment, even if it is the most seemingly mundane thing ever (e.g.: Sydney wrapping her arms around Carmy while he washes the dishes, Carmy eating a pb&j while Sydney freaks about them having sex for the first time, Carmy finding Sydney eating Mini Wheats in the middle of the night). I could read moments like that between them for the rest of my life and never get bored because there is a magic to those moments that @sashafiercer just grasps spectacularly and executes flawlessly. It truly is magical how this writer puts so much love and care into these intimate moments. It's so needed between them, this constant layer of every moment between Sydney and Carmy being on a level of intimacy and vulnerability that pushes them to continuously acknowledge, confront, and find peace in their love for each other.

Speaking of their love for each other... those sex scenes....

The epitome of fucking with feelings. I feel entitled to rest and recuperation after reading them make love for the first time because WHAT EVEN WAS THAT?!?! How in the world am I going to be able to describe all the ways in which I just COULD. NOT. EVEN!?!? Carmy's gentleness and passion and eagerness and Sydney's eagerness and her vulnerability and their utter devotion to each other is HURTING ME!! In the best way.

with the intention of forever just dropped and I don't even know what to do with myself and all these emotions. I don't want to spoil anything because it's new, but I didn't believe I could root for SydCarmy anymore than I already do. I don't think I will love any other depiction of Sydney and Carmy's love for each other more than I love this depiction. I love this series. I love it with my whole heart and I will be a glutton and just ravish every single word every single time I read it. It's a whole meal. It's seven course, three star cuisine. It's love defined specifically for Carmy and Sydney and I just want to be a part of every single moment. I want this series to go on forever. And if it doesn't, I'll just be so grateful to have what I have, which is everything to me already.

I don't want to stop singing this series' praises, but I've run out of words (thanks, writing inertia).

I love this series with my whole heart and it's the best feeling in the world. Thank you creating this @sashafiercer. Thank you for all the work and hours you put into this work. Thank you for the care and small little details that make this work so exceptional. This series has taken residence inside my entire being and truly is the highlight of my SydCarmy fandom experience.

[fuck-you-upmusicbracket]

Wandersong (Wandersong)

In a game all about music, this is a song about defying fate. This is bringing the voices of the world together, regardless of how different they are. This is a last gasp of a dying world, showing that it still has more to give. (It's also a huge spoiler, so uh... play Wandersong, folks! You won't regret it!)"

Against the Kitchen Floor (Will Wood)

And I swear! I will die trying!/I'm still in the process, but I'm making progress; I promise I honestly wanna prove improvement's possible, I swear!/I'm so fucking sorry! I'm not a good person, I'm barely a person at all, But someday I'll be perfect, and I'll make up for it all!

Less rare than scarce, less diamond then rough/Unlikely to be more than just the coal you failed to crush

I'm catatonic in your arms, crying, "How did I cause so much harm?"/I'm down pounding my head against the kitchen floor/Apologizing for my life and ever entering yours

The vertex of my redemption arc/I’m searching on that virgin heart

"The raw emotion! And I strongly relate to desperately wanting to improve for someone you love. I belt out this song when I feel really hopeless"

"my one OC. also me. also it's just a really good song. one of will's best imo. screaminbg"

"Literally hits almost all of my self-esteem issues. Feeling like people only care about you for your body? Check. Not understanding why anyone would want you? Check. Thinking that all you do is hurt people? Check. I don't cry very often but this song DEFINITELY made me teary"

"one of those if u aren’t paying attention to the lyrics ur like this is nice but once u hear them its an OW holy OW and guilt and I’m sorry feelings"

"Just. Loving someone but not feeling like you’re good enough and trying to improve."

"Not only does this song have lyrics that are deeply relatable to me, but this song also feels very deeply personal to the artist and I feel that anyone who listens to it for the first time has that same feeling of getting punched in the gut. Just the lyrics and the melody and Will Wood’s incredible vocals make this song an absolute masterpiece and I cry every time I hear it."

"One reason I'm attached to this song is because my friend sent it to me and said "I'm kin assigning you this song" and ruined my life (/j) It messed me up because I've always had a hard time in my life figuring myself out and dealing with my emotions, and for what feels like the first time, this song has been able to near perfectly describe how I feel about myself and my impact on other people, and it always just meant so much to me that my friend who sent it to me knows me better than I know myself and shared the song with me and I love them dearly."

Against the Kitchen Floor submitted by @pixopolis + others

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony Weekly - January Podfic

New this year, I’ll be sharing a list of podfic I listened to throughout the previous month on the last day of the month. I’m a few days late this month, but here’s the fic I loved to listen to this month. 

[Podfic] Nor An Evil Tongue Bewitch by M_Samro 

The thing about kisses is that they always come at the end of the story.

Steve's life has had an awful lot of endings.

I wish I could explain the way I love this fic, how lyrical and lovely it is?? M_Samro does an amazing job with the podfic, highly recommend.

[Podfic] The Sound Silence Makes by seleneaurora

“We need exactly what we don’t have,” Tony observed, annoyed and tired. He started to giggle and couldn’t stop himself. “Power.”

He cast a glance back at the door, sealed shut behind him, and he didn’t foresee the cavalry charging through anytime soon with a generator and a bomb kit. Tony took a deep breath and asked, “How much reserve power does the suit have, J?”

“The suit is currently running on the arc reactor, sir. You have approximately one hour of power remaining before the reactor reaches critical levels.”

Team dynamics are everything, and the way that Tony is just--his usual self-sacrificial idiot self is perfection.

[Podfic] In All the World by kalakirya

In a world where Sentinels, people with five heightened senses, bond mentally and spiritually with Guides, people gifted with empathetic powers, Tony Stark has spent thirty-three years overwhelmed by the emotions of those around him and running from his own. Sentinel Steve Rogers wakes up sixty years out of his own time and struggles to deal with the massive amount of new sensory input while trying to find his footing in a New York very different from the one he knew. When they finally find each other, how will their bond change them?

I've never watched the media Sentinel AUs are based off of, but I adore them, and this one is excellent, and the podfic is just--perfect.

Hide Your Love Away, by Sineala, (podfic) by cookiemom6067 

Tony has suspected for a long time that the soulmark on his chest matches Steve's -- but he's never told Steve about it. And then it's too late to tell Steve anything at all ever again. In the wake of Steve's death, the Skrull invasion, and Norman Osborn's rise to power, the identity of his soulmate is just one of the many things Tony cuts out of his memory forever.

When Tony returns to consciousness, he's forced to deal with the aftermath of a war he no longer remembers fighting, not to mention a Steve Rogers who can barely stand to be in the same room with him. Surely the last thing Tony could ever need in his life is more amnesia. But that's what he gets. And Tony's new missing memory just might be the key to finding out the truth of his soulmark... as well as his chance to make things right once and for all.

SOULMATE AU. One of my favorites, which is saying something. The narration for @sineala work is amazing.

[podfic] Degrees of Separation by plingo_kat, reena_jenkins

Oh god, what if Jarvis infected Dummy with, with emotions. Jesus Christ.

I honestly expected this to be fluffier than it was. And somehow I haven't actually read the fic? Which startled me. Oops.

[Podfic] Scars and Stitches by Cathalinareads (Cathalinaheart)

When Tony shows up to SHIELD to be fitted with the Iron Man armor, Steve, the original Iron Man, is there to help him out.

I have a huge soft spot for Bullet Points and this fic is just--so good. Iron Man Steve is so dear to me.

[Podfic] Straight on till Morning by Sineala by M_Samro

This is a podfic for the amazing masterpiece that is Sineala's "Straight on till Morning" which is summarized thusly:

Tony Stark resigned his commission in Starfleet five years ago, after a disastrous away mission, and he swore he'd never go back. He just wants to be left alone to build warp engines in peace. But the universe has more in store for him than that, as he discovers when Admiral Fury comes to him with an offer he could never have expected and cannot possibly refuse: first officer and chief engineer aboard the all-new USS Avenger, a starship of Tony's own design. What's more, the Avenger's captain is Steve Rogers, hero of the Earth-Romulan War. Believed dead for over a century, Steve is miraculously alive... and very, very attractive.

But nothing is ever easy for Tony. As he wrestles with his secret desire for his new captain and his not-so-dormant fears, another mission starts to go wrong, and Tony becomes aware that Steve has secrets of his own -- and the truth could change everything.

I'm gonna be honest. This is one of my favorite fics ever. Not just in the Stevetony fandom, like. Ever. As a fic, it's practically perfect (which is a feat considering my adoration for Star Trek) and the podfic somehow makes it even BETTER. The narration and production M_Samro brings to it is truly amazing, and I always cry through certain parts of the podfic. I chattered about the podfic on Twitter while I listened and the outpouring of love for this fic and podfic made me ridiculously happy.

[dr-spectre]

What other games (other than sonic and splatoon) do you like?

I shall show you some of my favourite games! Not a lot but some of them!

Ultimate Spider-Man is phenomenal. It's a short yet sweet game where you get to play as a really fluid feeling Spidey and a fucking awesome take on Venom. The first Venom mission is him EATING A CHILD AND FIGHTING WOLVERINE! THAT'S SO RAW!

The art style, THE MUSIC!!!!!!!! HOLY SHIT THE MUSIC! IT'S SO GOOD! I mean sure there's a couple of missions that make me groan, but most of them? Oh my GODDDD!!!!! Top tier game design and boss design too. You cannot top the Spider-Man vs. Venom fight on top of the Trask building, with all that fire and rain my GOD! IT'S SOOOO COOL!!!!!

Ridge Racer Type 4... I'm gonna tell you to do something that will change your life.

Listen to 'Move Me' from the OST. Just listen to that single song and it will all come together on why this game is amazing. I am not gonna elaborate on the phenomenal gameplay, controls, track design, art style, etc, just listen to that song. PLEASE!

This game right here, top tier, a near flawless masterpiece in puzzle design. It's difficult yet fair and i only got stuck at the very end of the game where i feel like it's at it's weakest. Act 1 and act 2 of this game is nothing short of fantastic art direction, storytelling and mechanics. It even has J. K. Simmons bro. J. K. FUCKING SIMMONS! THE GOAT! THE LEGEND! If you don't know who that is i will actually punch you i swear to god....

And the final two songs?... That shit makes me CRY MY EYES OUT! WHY IS IT SO EMOTIONAL?! HOW IS IT SO EMOTIONAL! GAHHH I'M GONNA CRY ME A RIVER BRB!

Yeah... Yeah this? This is awesome. I was so impressed by it's visuals when i first played it, i was thinking to myself "how the hell is the ps4 rendering all this grass?!?" EVEN ON PS5 IT'S SO IMPRESSIVE! HOW CAN THAT CONSOLE RUN THIS GAME AT 60FPS?!?!? IT'S MAGIC I TELL YA!

The story of this game, holy shit the STORY! It's awesome. It's packed with intriguing character arcs, Jin Sakai, what a phenomenal protagonist.

The combat feels so fluid and brutal, the music is so atmospheric, the world is so dense and packed with so much detail. It's an awesome game.

And the final boss... The last 30 minutes... Don't even talk to me about it because I'm gonna start crying again.

I mean do i have to really say anything? Do i even need to add any sort of reason or explanation on why i like this game?

I haven't finished the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series and i got stuck at 3. The games are long and can be filled with a lot of cutscenes. But I'm telling you, this game? This game rocks and it's a god damn rollercoaster of fun, drama, insanity, etc.

I decided to save this one for last. Because this game means a lot to me and it's sequel too. I remember playing the re-release on Switch and i had to have a moment after just sitting around in the Comet Observatory, like i stopped playing and i had to cry for a solid 10 minutes. I'm not sure why i broke down randomly but i can figure out why. This game is the perfect encapsulation of my childhood and the sort of vibe i grew up in.

I had a Wii as a kid and so this game captures that sort of aesthetic and atmosphere that part of my life had. Playing this game, thinking about it, hearing the music, seeing the visuals... It makes me cry. It makes me sob. Space Junk Galaxy, the domes, Freezeflame galaxy, Honeyhive galaxy... Man...

The power of visual storytelling this game has is just... 100/10 for me.

And... Rosalina's storybook.

I'm actually crying so much looking at this. I'm actually breaking down right now as i type this. Just this single image is enough to destroy a man's soul. It is some of the most powerful pieces of art I've ever had the pleasure of viewing.

And i wanna end it off with this. The Garden. The final dome in the game.

This is just... I... Man...

I'm crying again.

Anyways, that's all!

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Bpp how have you been handling chapter2? Do you get bored or lose interest in Bts in hiatus? Do the solo rollouts not bother you? Please be honest I really want to know you true opinion.

***

Hi Anon,

Chapter 2 has been rough for you, hasn’t it? At least, based on your ask it sounds like it’s been. Tangentially, did you enjoy yourself this past weekend?

I’ve said this before, but if you ever feel like it’s a chore to remain plugged into BTS or stan culture, please step back. Don’t feel guilty about detaching if you no longer find joy in it. Move on to another hobby or another group if that’s where you’re at. BTS has fans, don’t worry. Don’t feel any obligation to stick around if Chapter 2 isn’t serving you what you want. You can check back in 2026 when the guys are together, or move beyond them completely.

That said, personally, I wonder how you can even ask me this question. Like, what else has Chapter 2 been but a trip? Lollapalooza, Balming Tiger collab, World Cup, Jungkook’s birthday video for Jimin, Indigo collabs, Set Me Free Pt 2, Promise on Spotify, On The Street, D-DAY tour, Yoonmin live, etc.

It’s been a blast. The music is easily some of the best globally this year and last. To illustrate:

...

The song I just listened to is Baseline by j-hope.

*

It's like a drug for me.

I don't think you understand.

I get high... off their music. Like, I don't know why you think two years of irregular releases without their full promotion of that music, will change my underlying sentiment. BTS scratches an itch few other artists can reach for me.

[ The sentiment? BTS is one of the best musicians of my generation. They make music that actually slaps. Any day of the week. Any genre they touch. It's prime good music. ]

Let me walk you through my playlist for the last half hour:

J-hope - Baseline

Baseline is the sauciest hiphop joint out of Korea, ever. J-hope is undeniably one of the most skilled and versatile rappers out of Asia. Point. Blank. Period.

RM, Tablo - All Day

RM's vocals in All Day render me a stupid mess. He's sooooooo... he's kinda nasty. I mean, it's big, he's kinda messy with it, but he ultimately knows how to use it, and he knows you know that he knows. All of this I deduced from his articulation and delivery on All Day. Tablo too, that tease, matched Joon's energy seamlessly. No further comment.

*

RM, Mahalia, Benny Blanco - Closer

Namjoon created a masterpiece with Indigo. It's an atrocity that many people won't admit it. Really. Indigo is the album of 2022 (Hurt by NewJeans being the song of the year, and JITB at Lollapalooza 2022 by j-hope the concert experience of the year.) Closer is an impeccably produced song. I mean it's almost disgusting how smooth the production, arrangement, instrumentation, etc on that song is.

*

Jimin - Alone

The cold clarity in his lyrics. How raw and honest he is, in such a well produced track... people need to show this song more respect.

*

RM - Change Pt 2.

The only song that rivals how brilliant and badass this one is, is Set Me Free Pt 2 by Jimin.

*

Agust D - D-DAY

The entirety of D-DAY album still has me in a vice grip, but something about D-DAY the song, rips to the core. How he manages to slip something rock anthemic into the epic call to arms he made that song into... Yoongi is in a league of one.

And to drive home the point, listen to him on HUH?!

Agust D, j-hope - HUH?!

Still the best song on the album. Undeniably. I mean, if you don't black out when this song comes on are you even alive? /gen. No matter where I am, what I'm doing, I could be exiting my company's underground garage, loading laundry, whatever... no matter what I'm doing, when this song comes on I feel my brain short circuit. It's like a mental reset. I suddenly feel so alert and primed with tension I could kill a person if I felt like it. The grandmas scared about what rap does to teens... songs like HUH?!, really do flip a switch in people's heads. They're right to worry because that's what the genre, drill - the gritty, ominous, and violent contemporary expression of rap - that's what it's made to do. And Yoongi showed an effortless mastery of it in HUH?!

*

Agust D - tour medley

I hope people who weren't able to see Agust D in person, were at least able to see him in the livestreamed concerts. Many times since I saw him in California, I've come back to some fancams from his earliest days of the tour. This one by rogrog is a favourite. Yoongi is a master of his craft who loves to show off his virtuosity. And in his D-DAY tour, that's what he does.

*

j-hope, J. Cole - On The Street

Jung Hoseok just casually produced this timeless classic and dipped to the military. No fuss. No sweat. No excuses. He just did the thing, had J. Cole spit some of the sickest bars of his career on that song, then said, "see you later."

Things like this are why he's my bias.

He's a consummate professional.

*

Unpopular opinion, but I have no real issues with their solo roll-outs. I'm not unsatisfied with too much and frankly, I'm so greedy for new music I wouldn't mind another cluttered roll-out. I hope Joon's music follows soon after JK's because God knows I'm not sure I can stand the wait much longer. Joon makes a lot of 'BTS-style' music and so whatever he drops will serve as the perfect complement to Seven / JJK1. And Vmin will likely drop new music in the next year as well.

Chapter 2 has been kind of a blast.

That's my "true opinion", Anon.

[heartz4levi]

ouhghgga 🤤🤤🤤🤤 the new Luka fic had me drooling like crazy tbh 😯👅👅 peakpeakpeak!!! so peak!! it was kinda the first thing I saw after finishing my exam… so my friends kinda had to lead me through the hallways like a dog😛😛

this just shows how banger Luka and everything about him is!! 😋😋😋 can’t wait for reqs to open again because j have so many things to share with the world!!! 😍😍😍

but that Hyuna song… royghh 🤤🤤🤤🤤 almost started wanking it on the bus because it was so fire!! speaking of fire… what’s the opposite of it? water!!! please drink water…

toodles!

-🥄 anon

hi 🥄 anon!!!

i'm glad you liked the new luka fic!! also what is up with heartz4levi nation and their friends have to suffer the consequences of my what my writing does to a person 😭😭

wanking on the bus because of the new hyuna song is CRAZY but it was indeed a really good song. a masterpiece, even.

[tilbageidanmark]

MOVIES I WATCHED THIS WEEK # 221:

JANET PLANET is the first meditative movie directed by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker, who must be a very fine author and playwright, and whose plays I wish I could experience. It's a gentle relationship story between a lonely girl and her single mother Julianne Nicholson who live in rural western Massachusetts in 1991. The mother is irresponsible, getting in and out of relationships without control, and the daughter watches her silently. It's subtle, and tender, and prone to long silences and pauses. The 10 yo actress is a revelation, and it's like getting inside her head. 9/10.

The trailer actually is way too loud: the story itself is much softer. [*Female Director*]

🍿

TO BE AND TO HAVE (2002) is an award-winning, empathetic, small documentary about a one-room school in rural France, where the students (ranging in age from 4 to 11) are educated by a single dedicated teacher. Reminiscent of François Truffaut's 'Small Change' in spirit and approach. Simple and heart-warming. The trailer. 8/10.

🍿

"Ramen burritos? Maybe not just now..."

I'm a rabid Mike Judge fan. After Office Space, Idiocracy and Silicon Valley, now comes his new COMMON SIDE EFFECTS, a fantastic adult animated thriller series about magic mushrooms that can heal the whole world. It's a Late-Stage-Capitalism "Deep State Conspiracy" story, and it literally opens with a line from 'In the loop' about Diarrhea.

Top notch style and dialogue, funny and nuanced. 8.7 score on IMDb. Well deserved 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes. 9/10.

The director/creator of the show did the earlier SCAVENGERS (2016), a science-fiction short in a similar style and feel. 8/10.

🍿

I only saw 'Promotion' and 'The Oner', the first two available episodes of Seth Rogan's new parody THE STUDIO, and I loved them! It's the best Hollywood satire since Altman's 'The player', with Bryan Cranston playing "Griffin Mill" himself. Episode 1 with Martin Scorsese’s script about the Jonestown cult Vs. Kool-Aid the IP franchise. And Episode 2 filming a one-shot scene with Greta Lee - in one shot - were both wonderful.

Smart and hilarious. 10/10 for E1 and E2.

🍿

PALE FLOWER (1964), my first by Masahiro Shinoda, a little-known Japanese masterpiece of dark, stylish Noir. How come I never heard of it before? "Two self destructive souls who find each other in underground gambling dens." As existentially solid as J-P Melville, with a tragic and laconic anti-hero gangster as cool as Belmondo or Delon, and a mysterious Femme fatale, who flirts with danger, and won't stop until she's all spent. She's addicted to the rush of gambling with larger sums of money, speeding at night, shooting heroin and playing with death.

EDIT: Masahiro Shinoda died on March 25, 2025, at the age of 94.

🍿

One of my last missing Buñuel's, the ambiguous DIARY OF A CHAMBERMAID (1964) with Jeanne Moreau (I had only seen the Léa Seydoux version). A timeless, pessimistic, masterly lesson in film-making, it is the first in his French period, and his first collaboration with Jean-Claude Carrière (who also plays the priest). A powerful, self-assured woman who must encounter perversion, corruption, and cruelty in the petit-bourgeois manor in the 1930's, selling herself and her body to survive. Servitude, fascism, victimhood, fetishism and abuse of power. 8/10.

🍿

SANTA SANGRE (1989), my 7th surrealist psycho film by Alejandro Jodorowsky. I'm a fan, obviously [See Quote Above], but this one I just couldn't finish. The fact that it was played in English was a huge first turn-off. It had the usual mystical stock characters populating his bizarro world: The boy with the mustache, the elephant funeral, the obese streetwalker, the armless lover, naked mental hospital patient devouring raw fish, sacrilegious orgies, the dwarfs and the giants. But when the down syndrome inmates replaced the tattooed circus freaks, and the bloody murders started, I had to quit. All the Mambo and Mariachi music in the world couldn't get me to go through the second half. ⬇️Could Not Finish⬇️

🍿

"Mac, you ever been in love?" "No, I've been a bartender all me life."

MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (1946) - First watch and only my 5th myth-making film by John Ford. One of cinema's first retelling of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone Arizona and the Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday friendship. Good Guy Henry Fonda on the porch leaning back in his chair... 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes.

🍿

"How charming: an aphorist!"

My 4th re-watch in 5 years of INTOLERABLE CRUELTY ♻️. From its delightful 'Suspicious Minds' main title sequence (which is as good as 'The big Lebowski' opening) to the slick editing by "Roderick Jaynes", it's as smooth a story as any screwball comedy. I can't understand why many rate it on the low-end in the Coen Brothers body of work. Some claim that it's not funny, but I disagree: it's consistently hilarious, and I'm going to start re-watching it often. 10/10.

"Forget about Kirshner for a second!"

🍿

MY FIRST THREE BY MARCO BELLOCCHIO:

🍿 SLAP THE MONSTER ON PAGE ONE, an uncompromising political thriller, made in 1972, during the violent Italian "Years of Lead". A young woman is raped and murdered outside Milan, and ruthless editor of a right-wing newspaper Gian Maria Volonté manipulates the reporting of the news to fit the needs of his reactionary backers. Bellocchio was unabashedly Marxist-Leninist, and was not interested in pretending to appear "Fair and balanced". He knew who was right and who was wrong. "Everyone knows their place, it's only the workers that don't do what they're told." The trailer.

🍿 In THE FIGHT (2018), a young man wakes up from a nap by the river, to find himself hunted down by a group of Nazi soldiers. But as he dives underwater to escape, he returns to the peaceful present, where there are no worthy causes to fight for. 2/10.

🍿 In CLOWNS (2016), an opera singer asks his wealthy mother to fund a staging based on the opera I Pagliacci. There's also hypnotism, and familial conflict, and good singing. 2/10.

🍿

First re-watch in many decades: THE GRADUATE (1967), a love triangle between clueless 21 yo Dustin Hoffman and the seductive Mrs. Robinson (and her daughter). He's naive and immature, whiny and unpleasant. And then at the end he turns into an obsessive stalker full of male entitlements. But he gets the girl at the end. A story about Mrs. Robinson would be so much more interesting today. Also, I will not be going to Scarborough Fair... 6/10. ♻️

🍿

Gérard Depardieu [on trial for rape charges in France at the moment] is a bank robber released from prison after 5 years, in the silly comedy THE FUGITIVES (1986). Pierre Richard and his cute little daughter get involved. 2/10.

🍿

"Tomorrow I go back to Athens!"

NIGHT AND THE CITY (1950), only my 2nd dark Noir by Jules Dassin, his first movie after being exiled from Hollywood for being a communist. An angry, relentless story of flailing conman Richard Widmark burning to score one big hustle in London wrestling underworld. No hope, no redemption, no positive role models, only failures and disappointments. I didn't see the De Nero remake, but this story could make a great modern version (in the hands of the right director).

I need to see more of Gene Tierney.

🍿

In COUNTERPART (2017), the terrific Jonathan Kimble Simmons ("J.K.") plays a double role very well. He quietly works at a secretive UN office in Berlin, but then he meets a doppelganger of himself, an action hero operative / contract assassin who arrives via a "Gateway" from a "parallel" dimension. It has mirror elements of 'Severance' and Nolan's time-bending fantasies, and it's headed by the Norwegian Morten Tyldum (who did 'Headhunters').

It also has 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes, but I could only stay for the first two of twenty episodes. The convoluted science-fiction logic, the improbable plot, with metaphysical spy intrigues and a copy of the 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' killer, made it impossible for me to continue. ⬇️Could Not Finish⬇️

🍿

First watch: The highly successful Cinderella romance NOTTING HILL, "the highest-grossing British film of all time". I watched it because Dylan Moran had a small role in it (as well as Gina McKee), but obviously it was a Julia Roberts vehicle. At the height of her popularity, she played herself as a major superstar, hounded by paparazzi. Then she falls for this lame, bland, milquetoast guy who owns a quaint bookstore. Why? It's not spelt out. Lowbrow 2/10.

🍿

“Doctor, I can’t piss anymore.”

“How old are you?”

“I’m 82 years old.”

“You’ve pissed enough.”

YOUNG DOCTORS IN LOVE, Gerry Marshall's first film was a parody/spoof, like what if 'Airplane!' but in a hospital, and not as great. Lots of throwaway funny lines like"Your attention, please. Due to a mix-up in urology no apple juice will be served this morning.", "Dr. Pepper. Dr. Pepper. Please report to the diabetes ward at once." and "Nice, doctor. While I'm down here trying to save this man's life, you're up there making fart jokes." It's hard to think of pecker-head Michael McKean as a sexy lead role, but not young Sean Young. CW: a dwarf surgeon, Héctor Elizondo cross-dressing, gay stuff, unfunny cursing, oral sex jokes, and more dated 1982 stuff. 3/10.

🍿

THE SHORTS:

🍿 "For your information, your uncle died by falling from the sky on a cold day in Africa."

DAYIM ("MY UNCLE"), my first film by Turkish Tayfun Pirselimoğlu (1999), a wonderful, too-short fairy tale about an eccentric bachelor who dreams about flying. 7/10.

🍿 SLICK HARE, a Bugs Bunny / Elmer Fudd cartoon taking place at a 1947 Los Angeles restaurant-club and including parodies of Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, The Marx Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Carmen Miranda and Sydney Greenstreet.

🍿

READY FOR DUTY: NAZIS AND FASCISTS ON BEHALF OF THE CIA is a terrible 2013 German documentary about the Cold War connections between the CIA war machine and high-ranking Nazi survivors. It brings together Paul Dickopf and Klaus Barbie, Operation Paperclip, Henry Kissinger, Italian Fascists, Augusto Pinochet, Carlos the Jackel, the Chilean Colonia Dignidad, Etc., Etc. All in the name of anti-communism. But it's done badly, and offer no compelling new information. 1/10.

🍿

[NOT A "MOVIE":].

"There's a reason they only let us see him speaking German."

I lost all tolerance to listening to online people talking in front of their cameras, and it's been awhile since I stopped watching most internet videos of young people explaining things and expressing their opinions about stuff, any topic, but especially about conspiracies. CONSPIRACY, however, by YouTube video essayist Natalie Wynn (a.k.a ContraPoints) won my heart. I was riveted by her funny monologue performance for 2 hrs and 40 min.(!) non-stop. And I'm going to deep dive into the rest of her channel. 8/10. Recommended. [*Female Director*] (Screenshot Above).

🍿

(ALL MY FILM REVIEWS - HERE).

[joslincox]

Ozzy and Drix Vibes Album Recommendations

1. St. Lunatics - Free City (2001)

Nelly - Country Grammar (2000), Nellyville (2002), Sweat and Suit (both 2004)

Murphy Lee - Murphy's Law (2003)

2. Destiny's Child - The Writing's On The Wall (1999), Survivor (2001), and Destiny Fulfilled (2004)

Beyoncé - Dangerously In Love (2003)

Kelly Rowland - Simply Deep

3. 50 Cent - Get Rich Or Die Tryin' (2003)

4. Solange - Solo Star (2002)

5. Aaliyah - her self-titled album (2002)

6. Craig David - Born To Do It (2000) and Slick Than Your Average (2002)

7. Usher - 8701 (2001) and Confessions (2004)

8. Trick Daddy - Thugs Are Us (2001)

9. Ludacris - World of Mouf (2001) and The Red Light District (2004)

10. Nappy Roots - Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz (2002)

11. Eminem - The Slim Shady LP (1999), The Marshall Matthews LP (2000), The Eminem Show (2002), and Encore (2004)

12. Nivea - her self-titled album (2001)

13. TLC - Fanmall (1999) and 3D (2002)

14. Christina Millian - her self-titled album (2002) and It's About Time (2004)

15. Outkast - Stankonia (2000) and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)

16. Lil' Bow Wow - Beware of Dog (2000) and Doggy Bag (2001)

17. B2K - their self-titled album and Pandemonium (both 2002)

18. Ms. Toi - That Girl (2001)

19. Trina - Da Baddest (2000) and Diamond Princess (2002)

20. Ray J - This Ain't a Game (2001)

21. R. Kelly - TP-2.com (2000) and Chocolate Factory (2003)

22. Sisqo - Unleash The Dragon (1999) and Return of Dragon (2001)

23. Fabolous - Ghetto Fabolous (2001) and Street Dreams (2003)

24. Brandy - Full Moon (2002) and Afrodisiac (2004)

25. Ashanti - her self-titled album (2002), Chapter II (2003) and Concrete Rose (2004)

26. Chingy - Jackpot (2003)

27. Black Eyed Peas - Elephunk (2003)

28. Ja Rule - Rule 3:36 (2000), Pain Is Love (2001), and The Last Temptation (2002)

29. Lil' Romeo - his self-titled album (2001) and Game Time (2002)

30. Ciara - Goodies (2004)

31. Kelis - Tasty (2003)

32. Alicia Keys - Songs in A Mirror (2001) and The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003)

33. Avant - My Thoughts (2000), Ecstasy (2002) and Private Room (2003)

34. Jay-Z - The Blueprint (2001) and The Gift & the Curse (2002)

35. Snoop Dogg - Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss (2002) and R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (2004)

36. Nas - Stillmatic (2001) and God's Son (2002)

37. Cam'ron - Come Home With Me (2002)

38. Busta Rhymes - Genesis (2001) and It Ain't Safe No More (2002)

39. 3LW - their self-titled album (2002) and A Girl Can Mack

40. Eve - Scorpion (2001) and Eve-Olution (2002)

41. Lil Kim - The Nortorious K.I.M (2000) and La Bella Mafia (2003)

42. Mystikal - Let's Get Ready (2000) and Tarantula (2001)

43. Joe - My Name Is Joe (2000)

44. M.O.P - Warriorz (2000)

45. Ice Cube - War & Peace Vol. 2 (2000)

46. Ginuwine - 100% Ginuwine (1999), The Life (2001) and The Senior (2003)

47. O'Ryan - his self-titled album (2004)

48. Blaque - their self-titled album (1999)

49. Mya - Fear of Flying (2000) and Moodering (2003)

50. Nodesha - her self-titled album (2003)

51. Missy Elliott - Fa Real World (1999), Miss E... So Addictive (2001), and Under Construction (2002)

52. Case - Personal Conversation (1999) and Open Letter (2001)

53. Dr. Dre - 2001 (1999)

54. Latif - Love In The First (2003)

55. Houston - It's Already Written (2003)

56. Olivia - her self-titled album (2001)

57. Sunshine Anderson - Your Woman (2001)

58. Lil Mo - Based On A Ture Story (2001)

59. India.Arie - Acoustic Soul (2001) and Voyage to India (2002)

60. Amerie - All I Have (2002)

61. Monica - After The Strom (2003)

62. Mario - his self-titled album (2002)

63. Tyrese - 2000 Watts (2001) and I Wanna Go There (2002)

64. Mary J. Blige - Mary (1999) and No More Drama (2001)

65. Janet Jackson - All For You (2001)

66. Mariah Carey - Rainbow (1999)

67. Timbaland & Magoo - Indecent Proposal (2001)

68. Tweet - Southern Hummingbird (2002)

[lanistas]

Omg I love Babylon 5, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!!

Hiiiii! Thank you for asking, I can talk about Babylon 5 for days 😃 (This is probably going to be a very long and chaotic post, but please bear with me 😅)

My most vivid memory of Babylon 5 is me crying my eyes out in February 2017, when I watched the final episode of season 5. My mom walked in on me in the kitchen, ugly sobbing and struggling for breath, and, well, my mom was very concerned for my well-being, to put it mildly lol.  And I guess this perfectly illustrates my relationship with this show. The story, the characters, the themes and motifs that Babylon 5 dared to explore influenced my psyche and became an integral part of me, and I was super not ready to let go when it was time to watch “Sleeping in Light”.

Like with any other show that I adore, it’s very difficult for me to explain which aspects of said show I like in particular. As I am first and foremost a shipper when it comes to watching and analysing tv shows, John Sheridan and Delenn of Mir were the main reason why I decided to start Babylon 5, and John/Delenn remain one of my most beloved OTPs up until this day. However, once I started properly watching this show and understanding it better, I realised that Babylon 5 is not only a shipper’s paradise, but also an incredibly well crafted and coherent show, a true masterpiece when it comes to weaving a compelling and logically consistent story. To add to the gradually developing plot, every character has their role to play, and each character is well written, complex, and important to the narrative. John, Delenn, Susan, Michael, Londo, G’Kar, Lyta, Marcus, and so many others – all of them taught me important lessons and helped me overcome real life struggles. They taught me courage, compassion, honor, but also they taught me that nobody's perfect, that both human and non-human beings can make stupid decisions, can take a wrong turn, may be difficult and insufferable, but it doesn't mean that the world is beyond saving. In fact it means quite the opposite, and that's what the characters in this show prove to the audience time and time again.

One more thing that I love about Babylon 5 is the fact that it doesn’t shy away from discussing difficult topics, very often mixing sci-fi concepts with philosophy, psychology, cultural studies, and even religion. As someone who studied intercultural communication at university, I cannot help coming back to Babylon 5 and choosing scenes and moments from different episodes that I can analyse from that perspective. Moreover, Babylon 5 managed to masterfully comment on politics, political institutions, and various types of conflicts, which also impresses me and makes me adore Babylon 5 even more.

All in all, I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to J. Michael Straczynski, to the cast and the crew of this show for bringing Babylon 5 to life. I will never shut up about it, and I will never stop recommending Babylon 5 to people 😄