#so that's handy :D

[after-nine-at-the-oasis]

Hi y'all! Looks like I'm going to continue doing character analysis lol. So, it's time for HSMTMTS Appreciation Week Day Two: Favorite Dynamic

Now, my favorite dynamic is seblos. And I will talk about them a bit, but I talked about them yesterday, so I wanna focus on some of the others :).

First of all, Ricky being besties with anyone heals my soul <3. He's just such a good friend. With Big Red, with Carlos, with Nini when they weren't together (think season 1), with everybody really. Also, @phoebenpiperx wrote an amazing fic about his friendship with Seb this I totally recommend, and totally believe now as well.

But anyway, about Big Red, for example. They're like, the most supportive besties ever. They tell each other all the tea, they're always there to cheer each other on (BATB auditions, the fact that Big Red joined crew accidentally just because he wanted to be there for Ricky, etc). And one of the moments I love the most is Ricky coming after his breakup with Nini. Big Red just immediately gets up and hugs him. Also, an underrated part of their friendship is how they manage to make each other laugh. Like Big Red in 1x05 when he starts pretending to be Gina. I just- honestly I love them so much <3.

Not to talk about another Ricky dynamic lol, but I love his dynamic with Carlos! And the thing I find really interesting, is it kinda reminds me of his and Gina's dynamic. Not dating, obviously, but think about it. In season 1, Ricky and Gina have a special connection in the beginning because they're both outsiders. Carlos and Gina have that same connection, explored with the co-choreographer thing in season 2, but it's a bit more tumultuous (thinking of 2x04). And Ricky and Carlos do as well. I've never spent too much time thinking about it before, but it's interesting. Of course, all of the Wildcats are outsiders to some degree (that's kind of how theatre is lol), but it's definitely highlighted in the way these three interact with each other. And yet somehow, those three relationships are all completely different. It's SO good, and it's how you know the writing is good.

Lastly (besides a bit about seblos), I wanna talk about Kourtney and Seb! I seriously love their relationship :D. It's just so cute 🥰. And theatre family (Kourtney being Seb's mother lol) really can go deep lol. I've consistently called someone my ex-husband for a year (as in "Hi ex-husband" "Hi ex-wife"), and that show didn't even go on lol. Also, their friendship gave us the wonderful "Seb was struck by lightning" information, which is lovely xD. Now one thing I personally think exists in their dynamic, but we don't really see, is being "side characters". Like, not literally, and Kourtney has definitely been getting more and more focus (as she should!!), but more in their lives. Kourtney as costumer, Seb as accompanist. Kourtney as Nini's best friend. And as I mentioned yesterday in my last post, I see Seb as kind of "the positive one". And sometimes that can be isolating. I'm not quite sure how to explain what I'm thinking here lol, but I hope it's getting across. I just think they have kind of a commonality in stuff like that. Also, I'm pretty sure they're gonna be sharing the bond of Sharpay soon (as in technically we don't know Kourtney is Sharpay yet, but like xD it seems pretty likely lol), so that's another point xD. And of course, them telling each other they can do anything in 1x08, and the ~thinking jazz~ scene in 2x03 are both amazing and so lovely :'D. They just genuinely listen to each other, and try to help each other out (even when dealing with their own stuff), and I love that for them :).

Anyway! Now a bit about seblos. I'm not gonna repeat what I said yesterday, but I do want to say a few more things about them! First of all, their reactions after Carlos asks Seb to homecoming are ADORABLE!! The fact they were both equally excited kills me (in the best way possible) :)) :'DD. Also, I of course have to mention the significance of dance in their storyline - Carlos giving Seb lessons, homecoming, In a Heartbeat, and Camp Prom. There may even be more! It's just such a sweet parallel :'). And it's especially cool to see since Rina has the same thing - and they seem to be the longest lasting endgame couples (based on Rina's development, not when they started dating). Interesting 👀. Also, considering that dance is so important to Carlos (and it's widely thought of in the fandom that Carlos really only had dance for a long time), and seems significant to Seb (from being the only musical theatre person in his family), it's extra sweet to see it brought into their relationship :'). And don't even talk to me about how the whole video situation in 2x05 relates to that. I guess I'm just kind of thinking, they had dance in different ways, and dance kind of honestly brought them together, and it continued into their relationship :). Oh and speaking of 2x05, Seb wanting to do all of that for Carlos is literally the cutest thing ever <33. They love each other so much your honor, and I love them :'D.

And to think I thought this post would be short lol. But, I hope y'all enjoyed reading my thoughts on some of the relationships in HSMTMTS. Don't get me wrong though,I totally love every one, and I may talk about some more I'm the future :D. But yeah! I had fun with this :). Hopefully I can do something for each day! I'm definitely enjoying getting to share my thoughts about some of my favorite characters (and such) :D.

[bees-tornado]

my mnemonic for remembering how to spell Blaiddyd:

first and foremost, Dimitri has double D’s

[omaano]

💗🌟Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all if you celebrate, and a very lovely weekend if you don’t! 🌟💗

[ishizizzle]

It was the first time I was given a choice

[phoenixiancrystallist]

Month 9, day 10

Building is done! To celebrate I made balloons lol

The purple one is supposed to have white polka dots on it but I did an extra step with the balloon mesh I wasn't supposed to so the dots are super big, but that's okay :) I can fix it if it doesn't look right on whatever I choose to use this on in the future!

[victorluvsalice]

Happy Birthday Squid!

@gaydragonwizards As per your request to actually see the moment that Beckett spooked Nines during the last-minute prep before the Nines/Arianna wedding (as per its mention in our old RP stuff) -- well, here's exactly that. XD Enjoy!

--

And lo, here I stand, an observer to that most strange and bizarre of rituals conceived by either mortal or kindred-kind...the wedding.

Beckett lounged in his corner, watching the goings-on around him with the air of someone doing his best to stay invisible so he wasn’t asked to hold a centerpiece or tie ribbons to a chair or anything else of that nature. Not that there’s an abundance of frilliness, he noted. You can see Arianna’s touch everywhere, of course, but – well. It still feels like an Anarch wedding. Goodness, Damsel isn’t even wearing a dress! He smirked. Shame – I would have paid good money to see her stuffed into the traditional wretched bridesmaid gown. And even better money to be well outside the blast radius when she finally got out of it. I suppose Arianna and Nines decided it was easier to allow her to wear something more to her own tastes, rather than get an earful. He glanced around the room. Where is Arianna? I mean, obviously getting primped and prepped, but I can’t discern the location of said primping and prepping. I do want to say hello before everything kicks off...

“Hey, Nines! Shouldn’t you be getting into the monkey suit?”

“I will in a sec, I just gotta double-check these seating arrangements. Bianca said Isaac just showed up, and if he ends up anywhere near Strauss...”

“I’d be more concerned about VV – she’s probably going to be making kissy faces in Strauss’s general direction all night.”

“I know, I know, but – that’s just a cross we’re gonna have to bear.”

“Good thing crosses don’t actually work on us!”

“Yeah, yeah, har, har...”

Beckett chuckled. At least the groom is easy to locate, he thought, watching as Nines intercepted an Anarch to fix a centerpiece before repositioning some chairs. If you can keep up with him – insert joke about Brujahs and Celerity here. I suppose he’s doing rather well for himself under the circumstances. Funny that he hasn’t noticed my presence, though. I would have taken him for a bit more perceptive than that. A sly smile curled his lips. I wonder...

Beckett slowly stood up straight, easing himself along the wall so he stayed out of Nine’s immediate line of sight. Then, after a moment’s examination of the hustle and bustle, he started forward, carefully easing his way through the crowd toward his prey. Most of the other Kindred present paid him little mind, too caught up in their various tasks – though one Alice Liddell spotted him and raised an eyebrow. Beckett gave her a nod and a smile before continuing his journey toward the harried Baron (now checking his watch for unknown schedule-related reasons). Closer...closer...and – “I think there have been wars fought with less planning.”

Nines nearly jumped right out of his skin, which was quite gratifying. Even more gratifying was the fact that he didn’t immediately try to punch his lights out. “Beckett! Fucking hell,” he groaned, pressing a hand quite unnecessarily to his chest. “When the fuck did you learn how to move so quietly?”

“Given the amount of fuss that’s going on, an elephant could sneak through this room and no one would be the wiser,” Beckett responded, grinning. “I just thought I’d say hello, offer my congratulations.”

“And somehow give me a heart attack?” Nines replied, giving him a look before shaking his head. “The congrats are appreciated, though. I’m glad you were able to make it – Arianna wouldn’t have liked doing this without you.”

“And who am I not to indulge my adopted childe from time to time?” Beckett asked with a little smile. “Besides, this may be a night of great historical import, if both Anarchs and Camarilla are in attendance here. Or did I mishear when you said ‘Strauss?’”

“You didn’t, though I wish you had,” Nines groaned. “The fucking politics – Arianna can fill you in on more of the details, but the short version is we’re not in a position to tell the Tremere to fuck off, so he gets to watch me get married.” He shook his head. “You and your recorder are gonna have a fun night.”

“You accuse me of wanting to record your wedding?” Beckett gasped, covering his mouth theatrically.

“No, I’m stating a fucking fact and guessing the damn thing is already on.”

“It isn’t, actually – I don’t think we need a record of you yelling about seating arrangements,” Beckett admitted, looking at his pocket. “Later...we’ll see.”

“Yeah, well, just don’t make any snarky notes about our vows or anything.” Nines jerked his thumb toward a door. “Arianna’s that way if you wanna say hello – I gotta go get dressed myself, before Alice physically drags me into the room,” he added, glancing over Beckett’s shoulder.

“I leave you to Miss Liddell’s tender mercies,” Beckett said, moving in the direction Nines had pointed. “However many she has.”

“Asshole. Remember to compliment Arianna’s dress!”

“Noted!” Beckett chuckled as he made for the door. “This will indeed be a night to remember...”

[spaztastic-headcannons]

How do they prove it???

Hey so between travel and hubby being sick I haven't had a lot of motivation but this thought came to me last night and had to share--

So outside of Garp spilling the beans to the Marines about Ace and his origins, how do they know he's a descendent of Gol D. Roger? Like Sengoku had the specifics about Rogue holding him for 20 months, which again, only Garp would know except he told Ace (who technically told Whitebeard but I don't think those details came up).

And with his parents dead for well over 20 years, did they do a genetic test to prove it? Could they? Like how can they be so sure??

I mean the masses will believe Sengoku because he states it confidently and Ace's reaction doesn't exactly deny it. And the population that watches the denden feed wouldn't have any reason to question it.

but why would Garp suddenly decide to tell them? unless he confided in Sengoku much earlier and the old goat turned a blind eye hoping that yeah, maybe the kid will become a marine. No reason to bring up bad blood then! (except this is Garp, patriarch to a full contingent of criminals basically molded and made specifically to fight marines and the world government. oops!)

So how do they know? And if ever there was doubt cast on the whole thing, how would they prove it?

[stiltonbasket]

teenagers Jiang Cheng and wwx taking the yunmeng baos out on walkies with the walking rope? lots of fun!! the baos are visiting shops and tasting new foods and meeting people? wwx is breaking out the dimples! Jiang Cheng is making sure that the babies stay on the walking rope and don't get lost.

Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian has taken on the solemn duty of feeding them. It's a very important job; he's making sure that 10+ baos have clean hands, and that they're taking small bites and chewing their food thoroughly.

[brick-a-doodle-do]

Has someone completed the Minecraft character pic yet

no y yo adivinación tu quiero a asi que ir adelante

[ros-aline]

It feels silly that I literally have to write down and continuously re-read that I deserve a relationship with someone who isn’t mean :| and that the manipulation and cruelty isn’t worth the attention or validation!!! but it’s also not silly bc I only just now have been Realizing my attachment issues and admitting that I was hurt as a child and seeing how much that still affects me ahhhhh it’s so much and it’s good that I’m thinking about all this but at what cost :(

[counterintuitivecomics]

WHY WE MASK: It's Not "Just A Cold": A Handy Scientific Guide to Surviving COVID-19 Together

Here, have a free science zine with a ridiculously long title! Endless thanks to my partner and fellow disabled artist, Kimball Anderson aka @earnestattempts, who helped through the entire year-long process with art edits and image descriptions (located in the alt text). Additional thanks to my friends Dupe and Caitlin, who gave me thorough copy-edits, and every friend who read drafts or listened to me rant about COVID-19.

Feel free to spread it far and wide! And hit me up if you're interested in printing &/or distributing free copies :D

Read WHY WE MASK with Endnotes - includes working URLS so you can read the scientific papers I cited for yourself. Plus links for all the other resources, and a full transcript.

Download WHY WE MASK - Free PDFs to read, print, and share! Any donations go towards print copies &/or local mask blocs.

Can't get enough free printable COVID zines? Check out @newlevant's excellent What's Up With COVID & How To Protect Yourself: 2024 Ed! It was a huge inspiration in the final stretch.

Extra pages under the cut:

[ii-zi]

Call me a fucking GENIUS I just made a tabletop kinda little trashcan with a locking lid with all recycled materials + a bag I can take out so the thing doesn't get dirty with a box cutter and my eyes dancing around my head

[victorluvsalice]

-->When Victor got a call on his phone. From one Emilia Ernest. Asking if he wanted to duel her on the dueling official grounds of the Magic Realm.

Well, how the hell could I say no to a rematch? :D I had Victor tell her “OK!” and head over to the Magic Realm, bringing Alice and Smiler along once he arrived. He flew off to the dueling grounds right away, eager for battle –

Only to have to wait quite a while for his opponent to show up, because Emilia doesn't own a broom and thus had to take the long way around. She did eventually arrive, however, and the two commenced their epic magical battle! :D Both took a few magical blows from the other, but in the end, Victor was triumphant once more! Yay!

...and I found out that dueling the same person more than once does not count toward the “win three duels” goal in the Spellcraft And Sorcery aspiration. Boo. *sigh* At least he proved to Emilia he’s the more powerful spellcaster, I suppose. And got a well-earned nap on the bench nearby afterward. :p

-->Anyway – while all that was happening, how were Alice and Smiler getting on? Well –

Alice had some mushroom conserve as a snack, then took a feral run over to Caster’s Alley before transforming into her beast form again and going out for a proper hunt. And when she returned from that, belly full of found meat, she did a little bit of scavenging and found a fossilized udder and a Yuki MySims statue. Unfortunately both duplicates of stuff we already had, but well, what can you do. Even if they're dupes, they're good for the werewolf XP!

Smiler, meanwhile, hit up one of the local fishing spots and caught a perch, a sturgeon (worth $192! I mounted that one), and a pufferfish. They then took a moment to feed the local cowplant (yeah, the Magic Realm reno I downloaded apparently includes a secret cowplant! Guess I shouldn't be surprised, it is from LilSimsie) before going to play some chess. Gotta keep that Logic skill going in the right direction and all! Plus it's something a little different from having them play video games while they're here.

-->However -- I came here to try and get some progress made on one of Victor's spellcasting aspirations for his New Year's resolution, and I was determined to do that. So after he woke up from his nap, I had him grab a mote for later consumption (since he's now got the Mote Hound perk and can just see them always), then got him to transportalate himself back to the main building. My INTENT was for him to do some more tome browsing and maybe find a new potion book for the Purveyor of Potions aspiration, since he seemed to be doing better with that one than the other...

But, who should be in the room he found himself in but one Morgyn Ember! Who was once again available to ask for a potion recipe! :D Even better! Victor thus did so, and got the Potion of Nausea – great for your enemies, not so much for customers in a grocery store. :p But it was another potion recipe regardless, bringing his total known up to five, and thus completing that goal on his current aspiration milestone! Now he just has to brew up two more potions, and he is set!

[lanaxoxoxoxoxox]

WE LOVE SOMBRERO !! WE LOVE SOMBRERO

GUYS

[accessibleaesthetics]

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of free resources for different sign languages:

American Sign Language (ASL)

Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

Australian Indigenous Sign Languages

Black American Sign Language (BASL)

Brazilian Sign Language (LSB)

British Sign Language (BSL)

Chinese Sign Language (CSL)

Emirati Sign Language (ESL)

French Sign Language (LSF)

Italian Sign Language (LIS)

Indian Sign Language (ISL)

International Sign Language (IS)

Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Japanese Sign Language (JSL)

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

Mexican Sign Language (LSM)

Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL)

Polish Sign Language (PJM)

Ukrainian Sign Language (USL)

Yolŋu Sign Language (YSL)

Please feel free to add on if you know of others, be it more resource for one of the sign languages above, or resources for learning any of the other 300 plus sign languages.

Edit: I updated the ASL reference to Bill Vicars, but reminder that these are just things I found around, please find Deaf teachers wherever possible! And for ASL, lifeprint.com is another wonderful resource.

Please also check out Lingvano if you want to learn American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL) or Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS). This app has D/deaf teachers and is designed for people who can only spend 5 to 20 minutes a day on learning and practicing, so it's very handy for those with busy schedules! Only the first few lessons are free though, then it’s around $10 a month.

[area51-escapee]

On one hand I disagree with pointlessly gendering completely innocuous things. On the other hand it is very euphoric and delightful when somebody refers to smth mundane I do as a “man thing”