#source: fallout (2024)

[uinferno]

I think the big issue with Harris is that they used up any enthusiasm they had at the outset. When Biden dropped out and Harris stepped up, there was quite a bit of enthusiasm, maybe a hope that something would change. Then Walz was picked as VP, and once again, people were excited because Minnesota was seen as pretty progressive compared to the more institutional democrats. Then, as Novemeber approached, things started to fall apart. Harris started talking about being the most lethal military and securing borders. She got approval from Dick Cheney. And for the lot who were hoping to hear something in favor of brokering peace with Israel Palestine, there was a fake Biden Ultimatum against Netanyahu and nothing was done even while Trump bragged he was talking with Bibi and actively sabotaging Biden's brokering efforts.

I've seen people blame ID politics for their failure, but feminist and queer issues weren't unpopular, per se. Many states—even red states—passed abortion and queer marriage protections. A trans woman was sent to Congress, and this is the first time two black women are senators at the same time.

I think people are tiring of institutional Democrats. There's no excitement with the DNC. Their biggest selling point they keep giving is occupying seats to keep Republicans out of it. Anyone who may have an issue with institutional Democrats are told to fall into rank to keep Trump away. So, even if logically, Trump is a massive blow to a lot of these positions, people don't want to vote for "Not Trump^tm" for the third presidential election cycle in a row. They want and needed someone to get excited about.

I was a sophomore in high school during the 2016 election. By the time Trump leaves office, I will be approaching my 30s. I know there's a lot of finger-pointing right now about who dropped the ball on the presidential election, and we can blame any minor faction we want. "It's the Latinos! It's the progressives! It's the straight white men!"

Honestly, I don't think it's any of the major voting blocks, but, as I've said, the DNC as a whole. For their stuffy suits and constant attempts at reaching across the aisle with people who spit at their existence, demean their identities. When Harris called Republicans weird, people thought we were out of the woods with overly cordial negotiating and finally got someone who was willing to play ball.

I'm in progressive spaces, so it's certainly obvious that my observation that the DNC was too moderate is biased. That said, I think it was a one-two punch of being made to fall into line then losing because of a stark drop in turn out has lead to many believing someone else didn't do their part, almost a resentful "I had to give up my aspirations for the next administration to not be Trump, why couldn't you?"

[anarchyrpbook]

FALLOUT (TV SERIES, 2024): Episode Eight Feel free to edit the sentences, places, pronouns, etc, as you need. NSFW TW: Mentions of violence

“Find me.”

“The locals put up a fight, but so did we.”

“He’s dead.”

“This is not the first time a [Brother] in your company has fallen into misfortune, is it?”

“I fear you lied then. Just as you lie now.”

“Don’t kill me and I can lead you to it.”

“I can help you.”

“My injury was my own doing, not theirs.”

“Such a display of loyalty, don’t see that much anymore.”

“They died running.”

“[The Brotherhood] has lost its way.”

“And yet power is taken, not given. A lesson you seemed to have learned.”

“Your entire life you’ve been looking for a home. Build one with me.”

“Well, thank you for the ride.”

“Join us. It’s my turn to host, isn’t it?”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about this moment. You wouldn’t believe the things that went through my head.”

“Guess I was gonna, walk in here and blow everyone up.”

“But, it’s not really how I was raised.”

“Now, please, give me them back.”

“Time is the apex predator.”

“You’ll never find out. Uhp. [Pronoun]’s gunna find out.”

“How can you guarantee results?” 

“By dropping the bombs ourselves.”

“But this is our chance to make war obsolete.”  

“We have conflict, and we have war. And war, well, war never changes.”

“He never told you where he’s really from, when he’s from.”

“Wait, [name], they’re sending you?”

“Punishment for what I did to myself.”

“I had no idea they’d blame you for it… I’m sorry.”

“And he burned that city to the ground.”

“I think you know.”

“[Name], they’re lying to you.”

“You can’t go home, [name]. Not with what you’ve learned.”

“So you’re just - you’re just gonna keep me here?”

“I did what was necessary to save our people.”

“You’ve seen what it’s like here. Everyone equally afraid, equally miserable. Forced to do horrible things to survive. I had to make a choice.”

“I believe, I know I made the right choice.”

“If the problem with the world is factions endlessly fighting, endlessly at war, then what is the solution but to get rid of the factions? To make the world us, ours to shape?”

“I’ll bet that outfit makes y’all feel like a big man, don’t it?”

“I wonder if they fixed that in this new model? I guess not.”

“Did you get them?”

“I can’t see shit.”

“Find that fucking [ghoul].” “Open the door, [name], open the door and let’s go home.”

“You see what this place does to people?”

“You came all this way for me.”

“You’re not gonna hurt me.”

“Now, I’ve waited over [200] years to ask somebody one question.”

“War never changes.”

“You look out at this wasteland, looks like chaos. But, there’s always somebody behind the wheel, and that’s who I want to talk to.”

“Well, it’s easier to track a stuck pig than to ask where it’s off to.”

“You wanna know how I know [person], don’t you?”

“Let’s just say that everything about your whole little world was decided [over 200] years ago.”

“Now, you can stay here with him... Or you can come meet your makers.”

“You comin?”

“Hey, get up…”

“I’ll find you.”

“Okey-dokey.”

“We did it, [name].”

“What do you suppose your [Brotherhood] would do with infinite power?”

“Maybe you can stop them. Maybe you can’t. Maybe all you can do is try.”

[fading-event-608]

Recently the syndicate of chemists in Lebanon has issued a statement warning people to not go near the blast sites due to alleged use of depleted uranium by Israel. (link - you need to scroll till the statement in Arabic). The screenshot of their statement on twitter was shared here on Tumblr and I’ve seen multiple people expressing scepticism regarding the source. Some people linked an article (link) from anti-Hezbollah 'democratic' newspaper 'L’Orient Today' to ‘fact-check’ - because of course they can’t read Arabic and are discontent with a twitter link.

This is my short summary of the article: they confirm that Israel has used Depleted Uranium (DU) weapons, not only in Lebanon but also in Gaza in June of this year and between October and December of last year. They establish a history of the use of Depleted Uranium, and include examples of its use in Iran in 2003. Israel doesn't directly talk about their use of DU, but neither are they hiding it - because there is no law that forbids the use of these bombs by Israel, there is no treaty regulating the use of DU weapons. There were several resolutions calling for a moratorium on the use of DU weapons in the UN and EU Parliament, the latest of which was in 2022, but these have failed to stop their use (those who have used them also includes both Russia and Ukraine). The article ends with an ominous addition that the Israeli army has been found guilty multiple times of using white phosphorus, which IS prohibited against civilians or civilian property under international law. (You probably can already tell that their defense is that they do not use it against civilians)

There is another article that was published in early September this year - LINK - I highly encourage you to read this one yourself, as it is quite short, especially when considering the amount of information it contains. As this one is more easily accessible, I won’t summarize it - please take it in yourself. I will say, however, that this article’s author, one Dr. Busby, worked with colleagues to conduct several investigations into the use of uranium-based weapons in both Lebanon and Gaza. In 2006, Dr. Busby asked his colleague to collect multiple samples from a crater left by what was suspected to be Depleted Uranium weapons. Samples from an ambulance air filter were also taken. Dr. Busby and company found not only the�� presence of depleted uranium but also of Enriched Uranium. Here’s the paper: link.

Enriched Uranium. In 2006.

By 2024, all of the laboratories that Dr. Busby had used to Conduct the investigation have closed their doors either to him or in general. Busby’s letters to the UN, as well as papers detailing evidence of the use of enriched and depleted uranium are either dismissed or ignored, rendering it unlikely that there will ever be the “official” source for these claims that certain people now see fit to demand. And even if the UN did accept those letters and did push for ban of those weapons - would Israel comply? Genocide is ‘illegal’ under international law, and Israel still faces the case in ICJ, but what will that ICJ do if they rule that Israel is guilty? What would UN do if they accept evidence of Israel using uranium-based weapons? Scold them and write a fine?

The aspect of the deployment of nuclear weapons considered the most horrific is - and has always been - the fallout. The idea that all nuclear weapons would leave evidence - again, fallout - behind was born into the cultural consciousness through various cold war era PSAs, as well as other media inspired by these horrors, potential and otherwise. The weapons Israel is using here do not create fallout, however. But do not mistake them as harmless - they are still highly carcinogenic. They cause birth defects, as well as various other illnesses - mysterious illnesses, or at least mysterious until doctors attempting to treat them register that their patients have been exposed to enriched uranium, after which point the mystery goes away. 

In a sense, the horrors advertised by cold war PSAs and films like Doctor Strangelove, the promise of some explosive end brought about by some fool in the US pushing the wrong button - these serve to draw a veil over the continued use of nuclear weapons that have been ongoing since this technology was first harnessed for violence. This is a severe danger to the people of Gaza, and we can’t ignore it simply because we have developed in our minds too much faith in the loosest understandings of nuclear warfare.

I think many of you are familiar with a boiling frog story. The story goes that if you put a frog in a pot of boiling water, it will try to climb out. But if you put it in warm water and very slowly heat it, it will be so accustomed to the temperature it will eventually be boiled alive. It’s not very authentic, of course - in reality the frog will try to jump out as soon as it deems the water temperature uncomfortable. Just like you would try to get out of the bathtub as soon as it gets too hot for you or try to warm yourself up when you spend too much time outside in winter. 

But some of it still rings true. At what point will the UN, or ICJ, or some other white savior wannabe decide that Israel has done too much? What is that ‘too-much’ point that makes them try to protest, and what would that protest be?

As in case with Tumblr, it seems that the boiling point, in fact, has already passed and people grew accustomed to deaths of Palestinians. There are thousands of posts about the situation in Gaza, and the whole Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria… They get a lot of attention by both zionists and Palestine supporters. There are also hundreds of Gazans that came to Tumblr in hopes to escape the genocide by asking people to cover evacuation and survival costs. Do they get the same attention? Barely. Arguably zionists are more invested in interacting with those posts - they mass report them and harass Palestinians. And even if the fundraiser post gets a lot of attention, it does not necessarily translate into a lot of donations - people just assume that someone else will donate instead of them.

You can’t stop Israel all by yourself. You can’t convince the UN or try to progress the ICJ case by yourself. You can, however, do small acts that will contribute to Palestinian resistance. Go protest, go boycott, and please, please, please, go donate to Palestinian fundraisers.

Falastin’s family are under constant threat in Gaza. She’s been fundraising to save them since late June, and yet they’ve only recently gotten to just over 5% of their total goal - a little short of $10,000 USD. They’re still in Gaza, and still in need of funds for survival. The longer they are trapped there, the more they need - not just for food and water, but also for medicine, shelter, and clothes. Each time they’re displaced, due to inadequate time to pack, they lose more supplies, and their needs increase. Give what you can so that they can survive this, and please share their fundraiser as much as you’re able regardless of whether you can donate, just in case someone you know might be able to help. Not just here on Tumblr, on other social media, talk to your friends, coworkers, family, in group chats and in discord servers.

Please keep in mind conversion rates before donating:

10$ = 103 SEK

25$ = 260 SEK

50$ = 519 SEK

100$ = 1,038 SEK

[emmcarstairs]

From Gloves to Fingers: The Ghoul and Lucy MacLean

Despite their mostly practical usage nowadays, gloves used to be a powerful tool in society. There were rules about how and when a person should wear them, and what messages they relayed to others. Gloves were more than a fashion accessory; they had symbolic functions. Across various sources, such as visual media, art, and literature, gloves are associated with notions about power, protection, purity, as well as sexuality.

In the following analysis, I will examine the Ghoul’s gloves in Fallout (2024) as a visual key to understanding his character, motivations, and relationship with Lucy. 

What if I told you that the first thing we see about the Ghoul, his introduction to us, is his gloved hand?

His character is shrouded in mystery, and his gloves facilitate this impression. When a character hides their hands, we assume they have secret or evil intentions. That’s why gloves have come to be associated with villains. And at first glance at this character, this assumption would not be far from the truth. But in the Ghoul’s case, it’s more complicated than that. Let’s roll back to the beginning!

As soon as we learn that the Ghoul used to be the famous Hollywood actor Cooper Howard, and the face of Vault-Tec, we start to make the connections. For instance, we know he refuses to do the thumbs-up for the photo during the birthday party. The thumbs-up, his thumbs-up in particular, is a symbol for Vault-Tec, a company he has grown to despise. So it isn’t surprising that he would try to conceal his relation to the company, figuratively and physically.

Two hundred years later, we learn about the nature of ghouls. Radiation has ravaged their skin and appearance. In this case, the gloves might serve the cosmetic purpose of hiding most of his scarred body. 

However, it all comes down to the image he presents to the world around him. His gloves, and his hat, are accessories for the costume he’s chosen to wear. He doesn’t go around by the name of Cooper Howard anymore; he has built himself a new identity, using props just like an actor would. He is recognizable by these attributes and they are a makeshift armor for the real man underneath it. I’d even argue that his gloves act as a physical and psychological shield between him and the atrocities he’d committed to survive.

Now that we’ve discussed the symbolism of him wearing gloves, it’s time to ask the important question. Do we see the Ghoul’s ungloved hands? We do. Two times. And both of them are connected to Lucy: one in her presence, one in the presence of her finger.

The first time we see the Ghoul’s ungloved hands is after the significant scene of him mercy killing Roger and feeding on him in front of Lucy. The fact that Lucy witnessed him eat, not just any food but human flesh, is extremely important. In that scene, he reveals his animalistic nature. It’s an intimate scene because he begins her initiation into the Wasteland by offering her his knife to cut off some pieces herself. In a way, he shares his meal with her. Her repulsion is clear but she relents. It’s important to keep this scene in mind.

Cut to the scene with him with no gloves. At this point, he’s shown her a part of himself. In the past, the removal of gloves was a sign of closeness, and even inferiority. He has shed his skin, literally in the form of his gloves. He has allowed himself to be vulnerable in her presence. He’s naked in a way we haven’t seen before. It’s no wonder what happens next has so many sexual undertones.

To put it plainly, in this scene we see the Ghoul relishing the taste of irradiated water while Lucy is right next to him… thirsty. It’s an interesting juxtaposition to a previous scene when Lucy politely asked for water but he denied her (with his gloves on, retaining a metaphorical barrier, an air of superiority). She then saw the pool of water but resisted drinking from it while he taunted her. Now, it seems different. He watches her with a silent challenge in his eyes, tempting. She isn’t asking him anything this time. All she sees is the water, the means to quench her thirst, and… his ungloved hand.

Personally, I find the choice to include his hand here very interesting. What happens next, even more so; Lucy succumbs to her thirst. In contrast to her hesitation and revulsion with slicing pieces off Roger for food, she eagerly drinks the irradiated water the Ghoul drank moments ago. It’s a desperate physical need, and it’s out of her own volition. If you don’t see anything sexual about this frame, I don’t know what to tell you:

It’s worth mentioning the way the Ghoul stoops to her level here which enables the iconic “Oh, I’m you, sweetie.” She’s almost his equal here, as they stare after she’s drunk the water, their hands ungloved.

Lucy, being ever the opportunist, sees his weakness and tries to run away. Her attempt is short-lived because he catches her in his lasso. And all the build-up ends in one of the most memorable scenes in the show; and for a good reason!

In their struggle, Lucy takes advantage of his exposed hand, his weakness, and bites his finger off. It’s almost like she’s turned into him: an animal tearing flesh. The gloves would have protected him against harm but he’s taken them off, he has allowed himself to be vulnerable around her. Perhaps, he underestimated her.

In a violent imitation of a lover's touch, he cuts her finger off. This is the first time they touch hands. In the past, a woman had to be wary of a man’s ungloved hand because it signified danger and the loss of her chastity.

In Lucy's case, chastity refers to her naivety about navigating the world around her. The Ghoul opened her eyes about the surrounding world, but she dared to go one step further and stole something of his, a part of him. For two centuries, he's managed to keep his ten fingers intact, a sign of his competence, and it's none other than Lucy who overpowers him this way. So he feels obliged to take a part of her to replace his missing one. It's very much an exchange of rings/vows type of situation. But I digress. 

After the finger exchange and the visual replacement of Lucy's finger, which for a second looked to me like adding a band/ring, we see the most significant scene for her character yet. She survives alone in the Super Duper Mart and despite it all, retains her principles, by saving his life. She emerges the victor, both in terms of survival and morals. But how does the exchange affect him? 

In a rare scene of self-reflection, the Ghoul watches his old human self on film. The gloves are back on and he mimics pulling the trigger, nothing unusual.

But as we watch him rub the leather of his missing finger, we know that something has shifted. Beneath the seemingly intact glove, there is a missing piece. Try as he might to conceal it, and even if it's unnoticeable to others, he’s aware of its absence. Despite the external armor, the damage is internal.

Which brings us to the second scene with his ungloved hands: the scene of him sewing Lucy’s finger on his hand.

The Ghoul is held responsible for the thrashing of the Super Duper Mart. While they question him, he asks for the needle and thread (red thread of fate, anybody?) in his bag. As he unrolls the piece of cloth, we see Lucy’s finger.

Here I want to make an important note: In the past, gloves were considered an extension of the wearer’s body; another symbolic body part. In the classic novel Little Women, Meg loses one of her gloves and it turns out that the man who is interested in her romantically – Mr. Brooke – has hidden it in his pocket. Later, characters would consider this act a declaration of his intentions toward her. The Ghoul has neatly packed away Lucy’s finger in his bag. The subtext is definitely there. 

In the first scene when he was ungloved, it was in Lucy’s active presence. In this scene, she’s not here but her presence is felt, and not only because it’s her finger he’s sewing. While he is attaching the finger, he takes the blame for what she did in the Super Duper Mart. He throws away the act for a moment, his hands are ungloved and unprotected, as he surrenders himself in her name. The intimacy of the mere image of him sewing a part of Lucy’s body on his own, literally tying the knot, deserves its own analysis.  

You could say it fits him like a glove. ;)

This is the last scene we see him without gloves in S1. But every time we see his gloved hand afterward, we are reminded that he carries Lucy’s finger. It’s a symbol of what Lucy reminded him of: his lost dignity. It’s his trigger finger, a moral compass. It led to him shooting her dad when she herself wavered, but also letting him go alive. And it’s her replaced necrotic finger which pulls the trigger when she mercy kills her mother, a lesson she learned from him. Their fates have intertwined and their fingers are the perfect representation of that. 

With the focus on hands and fingers we saw in S1, I expect this symbolic storytelling to continue and expand in S2.

[felassan]

New interview video from IGN: 'Dragon Age Cast & Crew Tell Us Who They're Going To Romance | Comic Con | 2024'

"Dragon Age fans rejoiced at Summer Games Fest when BioWare dropped the first official trailer of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The long awaited follow-up to Dragon Age: Inquisition will follow our protagonist Rook as they deal with the fallout of Solas’ attempts to tear down the veil. Fan favorites like Varric and Lace Harding–and hopefully Dorian Pavus if our host Kim Horcher has anything to say about it–will return along with a cast of new characters like the suave necromancer Emmrich and bubbly Veil Jumper Bellara. Joining IGN at Comic Con 2024 to talk about our return to the world of Thedar are Creative Director John Epler, Creative Performance Director Ashley Barlow, and the voice of Harding herself Ali Hillis. Together, they tease what to expect from the locations we’ve never visited before, including Rivain, Tevinter and Arlathan. We don’t quite get to learn how Solavellan players might get some closure with the Dreadwolf himself but we do have a lot of fun learning about what it’s like to bring all new characters to life. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is expected to release this fall."

[source]

New info in this video: Along with Antoine, Evka Ivo is also appearing in the game.

On Harding in DA:TV - "She really brings this veteran energy to the ensemble of the new companions, like this grounding voice of seeing something over the course of time, like a big weight to the team."

(tysm @himluv for sending me this link!)

[just-a-ghost00]

I wish you were here...

A portrait of the person that wishes you were by their side. Images found on Pinterest.

Group 1 | Justice, Emperor, page of cups, 4 of wands, 2 of pentacles, ace of wands, The Fool

-> Possible confirmation signs : Aries, Pisces, Libra, number 4, April, rainbows, cats, mices/rats, doves, rams, castles

This person could be someone you are in a separation with at the moment. With the combination of Justice and the Emperor, I get the message of a figure of authority, which is reinforced by the sense of home provided by the 4 of wands. So, for some of you, this could be a father figure or a mentor of some kind. That may be true especially if you left your home city some time ago. The page of cups denotes an important emotional connection. This isn't just someone that you met randomly and chatted with. This is someone you have history with. A person that deeply cares for you and wants to protect you. Emperor combined with Justice and 4 of wands can also talk about a person you are linked with by a legal contract or at least in the eyes of the law, you and this person are a pair. So that could also be a husband/wife, your partner with whom you've been in a relationship for quite a while, or for some of you a boss or important business partner. You may be in a state of limbo with this person at the moment where nothing much is happening, you may be in contact but not as much as you used to. There may have been a fallout of some sort or you just are both very busy. This is someone that is very driven and passionate, a bit bossy and guarded around you. They may sometimes make you feel like they don't care about you or like they ignore you but this is the complete opposite. You matter a lot to this person. You are a source of comfort and peace for this person. You are the person they go to when they're in need of reassurance, when they have something they are proud of, when there's a good news they want to share or just when they want to relax. This is someone that is creative and ambitious, that gives a lot of importance to reputation and rules. They like things to be clear and their work to be done properly. They pay attention to details and put a lot of effort into their work because they are conscious of the consequences of their actions. This is someone that is youthful and joyous, that likes to have fun and tease people. Someone that enjoys travelling and trying new things regularly. Someone who's curious and knowledgeable. In terms of Zodiac signs, I get the energy of Aries, Libra, Pisces and maybe a bit of Virgo as well. This person can be pretty stubborn but they're also extremely loyal and caring. This is someone that views you as their home. You bring them peace and courage, which means a lot to them. I get the feeling of someone that feels so positively towards you that they would do anything to make you happy, to make you smile. I heard "I'm a fool for you" and "if anything happened to you I wouldn't be able to forgive myself". If this person is your parent, they're really protective of you, maybe a bit too much at times but in their defense, you mean the world to them and they are so proud of you.

Group 2 | 8 of pentacles, 8 of cups, King of cups, 2 of cups, 8 of swords, 7 of wands, 9 of cups

-> Possible confirmation signs : number 8, August, water signs especially Scorpio, mountains, goats, ladybugs, penguins, torches, BI Flame, BTS Butterfly, butterflies and moths

This person loves you so much, group 2. Their feelings are so pure I feel like it would be impossible to be mad at this person. This is someone that is extremely dedicated, kind, nurturing. Someone that gives their all in everything they do, especially if other people are involved. This person has a very soft and feminine energy. They could be a parent but they don't have to be specifically. They would make a very loving parent for sure. This is a person that either has romantic feelings for you or loves you unconditionally. They have the energy of both a best friend and a lover, but that may vary depending on your situation. That could be your mother for some of you but I am mainly picking up on romantic energy so that would be for some of you only. This is someone you may have met through work or studies. This person feels deeply connected to you and I would even go as far as to say they are devoted to you. They give you so much importance that sometimes they may forget about themselves. That's how much they love you. This person misses you dearly. They feel rejected by you to some extent. Or at least they fear that you will reject them. They feel like they have to fight for your attention. Again, there may be a disconnect here. You may be living at a distance from this person. There might be a misunderstanding of each other's feelings and intentions. This person believes that you are their wish come true. That you both belong together. I pick up on the energy of very spiritual people, that may belive in the concept of fate and soulmates. This person considers you as their one. They've chosen you as their one. Their heart is filled with nothing but love and admiration for you. They wish to be a reliable source of help and comfort for you. They may be working extremely hard to be able to be a person you would take interest in. They want to protect this connection at all costs. This is someone that has a lot of faith and a lot of dreams. They are extremely empathetic and soothing, they have a strong intuition and that may be the reason why they are so determined to care for you and be with you. In terms of zodiac signs, I'm picking up on Scorpio very strongly, water signs in general. Taurus could also be significant. I pick up on the energy of someone being in their bubble, spending time day dreaming and listening to music. Wandering in nature near bodies of water. Painting, especially using water colors. Writing poetry and making playlists that remind them of their person. I picture someone wearing flowy dresses or very soft fabrics. A person with a bit of a bohemian look or a soft chic appearance. Someone that looks a bit magical, like they came out of a fairytale.

Group 3 | The World, 10 of pentacles, Hanged man, 8 of pentacles, 10 of swords, 5 of wands, 2 of swords, Hierophant

->Possible confirmation signs : snakes, forests, graveyard, pine trees, spiders, mountains, BTS Dynamite, libraries, books, fixed signs especially Taurus, earth signs in general, number 10, October, infinity symbol

This person could be from a different culture than yours. You could live at a distance from one another. This is someone that is well traveled, educated, well established. A hard working person that values family, companionship and hard work. This is someone that has been through a lot in their life and has faced a lot of struggles because of their mind, their beliefs, their perception of life. I pick up on someone that has a very unique personality and that may be perceived as weird or stand off-ish by others. This is someone that is very independent and has a hard time asking for help. They're not used to relying on others. Life has been hard on them. They possibly have struggled with depression. I'm also picking up on the energy of someone that has dealt with racism, sexism or any other kind of discrimination. This is someone that is focused on their career and the legacy they will leave behind. Someone that has to fight many battles to be able to stand where they are now. This person is not afraid to stand for what they believe in. They say it as it is. They always speak their mind, no matter if people agree with them or not. They expect nothing more but respect and authenticity from the people they interact with. I get the feeling of someone that is wary of others because they've been hurt too many times before. Someone that is tired of fighting and having to fence for themselves, that wants to find peace of mind and be appreciated for who they are. Someone who's tired of having to work so hard to prove their worth. And I feel like this person wishes you were here because they don't have to be that tough and super independent person around you. This is someone that values the opinion you have of them and the opinion you have of life. They value your work ethic and your principles. This is a person that thinks the world of you and admires your perseverence. This person respects you a lot and is loyal to you. For this group I'm picking up on all kinds of connections. This can either be romantic or platonic, work related or not. But there's a lot of Earth energy coming from this group so education and work, social circles and family matter a lot. This person is wealthy. Not only because of their income but also because of their knowledge and connections. They are generous and open minded. They like to learn from others and be challenged. I get the feeling of someone spending a lot of time reading, going to the library and researching about other cultures. Someone cooking meals from various cultures, speaking many languages, exchanging with people from all over the world. They can be pretty active on social media.

[ck-17088]

Similarities between Transformers One and the Aligned Continuity (aka Transformers: Prime) 

Watching the trailers and reading the interviews made me realize that there are many similarities between TF One and the Aligned Continuity. As a reminder (or for those who don't know)- the Aligned Continuity consisted of the War for Cybertron games, Transformers: Prime, Robots in Disguise, Rescue Bots, etc.

Transformers: Prime got me into the fandom, so it's interesting to see a multi-million-dollar movie use elements from the continuity it is a part of.

Here is a list of similarities I have found so far. 

Note: I'll also be mentioning IDW1 briefly since the Aligned continuity and IDW1 comics have similar concepts and have constantly exchanged ideas with each other.

Megatron's name: D-16

In TF One, D-16 will become Megatron. D-16 is a name directly taken from the Aligned Continuity and has been solely associated with it until now. Even though Prime Megatron and IDW1 Megatron have very similar backstories—both being miners and then revolutionaries—only Aligned Megatron was also known as D-16.

Caste system/Social Inequality (hinted)

In both the Aligned and IDW1 continuities, pre-war Cybertronian society had a rigid caste system where one's role in society, thus their life, was determined by their alternate mode (Functionism in IDW1). In Aligned, Orion Pax's desire to learn more about this system, specifically the corruption and inequality it created, leads him to find Megatron (as described in Exodus and TF: Prime). The two become friends who desire change for their society. The interviews with Josh Cooley (the director) hint that something similar exists on Cybertron and is the main cause of their fallout.

 

The thing that starts the wedge between him [D-16] and Orion Pax is that the world is not what they thought it was, and they then start to form two different views on how to solve the problem.

 (Entertainment, Comic-Con 2024 Issue) 

In addition, someone on Twitter -who saw an early screening-said that the movie was "very in-line with IDW's ideas for how the war started," so it's safe to say it draws heavily from Aligned/IDW.  

Extra note: Another interview with Cooley revealed that in an early version of the film, Megatron was supposed to be a gladiator. He and Orion Pax were also supposed to have "very different backgrounds" - which sounds very similar to the data clerk and gladiator origins of the Aligned continuity.  

 Unfortunately, the limited runtime meant Cooley had to limit how much of the characters' origins to show on screen, including changing part of Megatron's accepted story. "If we had all the time in the world, it would've been fun to show Megatron as a gladiator and have the two characters come from very different backgrounds," Cooley added. "We actually had a gladiator scene that alluded to this origin that was cut out." Instead, Orion and D-16 are reimagined as bunkmates working as miners to bring Energon back to the planet after a years-long drought.

(IndieWire)

Cooley also mentioned being given a "bible" of the franchise's entire lore, which reminds me of the Binder of Revelation Hasbro made, or the source material for the Aligned Continuity...

The 13 Primes 

The 13 Primes will appear in the movie (you can spot them in both trailers). The idea of the 13 Primes isn't new, but this particular group version is heavily inspired by the Aligned Continuity. In Aligned, Alpha Trion is canonically one of the 13 Primes (aka the Covenant Primes, who also include Prima, Solus, and Megatronus). He wasn't considered a Prime in other stories before TF: Prime. The Covenant Primes also appear in Cyberverse and Earthspark, and TF One continues the trend. 

Below (in order):

Onyx Prime design from the Covenant of Primus

A mysterious statue (being?) from the trailer that looks very much like the Aligned Onyx Prime

Mysterious beings (Primes?) behind Optimus

Airachnid

 The design for Airachnid in TF One is very similar to the design in TF: Prime. Both have the "arms" on their backs and similar head shapes.

Vehicons 

Some Cybertronians look like the Vehicons. Looks like we're getting multiple Steves…. 

Extra: Brian Tyler 

Not directly related to the story, but the composer for Transformers: Prime (aka the genius who made the ionic Prime theme) is back and composing the music for the movie. If I hear the Prime theme in the movie theater, I might start screaming. 😂

I think it's so cool to see how much influence one continuity can have on the franchise, so much so that its elements are used in a movie that'll soon be seen by millions of people and future generations.

[splatooshy]

what kind of music/artists/bands do you think the scooby gang + the originals would listen to in the early seasons?

OH OH OH

well we know from canon that even without humanity, damon can & will listen to taylor swift without complaint. even though he’s perfectly capable of compelling a music change.

& he listens to depeche mode so he’s automatically cool.

i think the salvatores have very wide tastes, but not much overlap. stefan loves bon jovi to an unhealthy degree, and would probably have been a BIG beach boys fan back in the day. he’s totally over it now though, those records in his cupboard are purely decorative!! damon would love ABBA, head over heels reminds him of katherine & he uses it to outsource his emotions in his no humanity era. stefan tolerates it for lexi’s sake (damon thinks it’s unfortunate that he and lexi have similar music taste. it’s probably the only thing he likes about her). also the cure.

i think stefan cries to bon iver’s ‘roslyn’.

both stefan and damon would be into stevie nicks & florence + the machine & paramore & david bowie (damon in fact knew him rather well back in the seventies…) but in totally different ways. damon loves anthems & grooves, discordant sounds and triplet beats, while stefan digs a good beat & steady rhythm. with a fabulous guitar riff ofc.

bonnie is also a big paramore girly. also hozier. i think she and damon bond over similar music tastes.

caroline listens to taylor swift (fearless is her fav, red & 1989 are 2&3), one direction, jonas brothers, miley, britney etc. she bullies politely asks jeremy to let her use his tech stuff to make her own mixes. she also has a hot pink boombox that she takes to every cheer practice. it’s covered in stickers that won’t come off no matter how hard she tries. yes, vampire strength has been applied.

elena spent the three months between the crash & stefan blasting dean lewis in her bedroom. hozier, bon jovi to seem cool to stefan, janis joplin, probably some british pop like dexys midnight runners, ed sheeran, bastille. but that’s a secret she’ll take to her grave.

jeremy listens to 21 pilots, mcr, p!atd, bleachers (later seasons tho. don’t think they existed til 2015 or something), the neighbourhood, arctic monkeys, fallout boy, etc. probably listens to sheppard on repeat. geronimo just really speaks to him, okay?! absolutely does not copy damon’s taste in music, that’s just a coincidence!!! he’s also the source of elena’s secret love for british pop.

matt listens to elevator music. nah he just plays whatever’s on the radio. my truck is my girlfriend & my dog has fleas kind of country music? idk.

tyler has all of those mix cds like sofresh, each 00s / 90s genre, really does not care what he listens to as long as he can nod his head along.

alaric listens to 80s rock in a dad way & whatever damon plays because damon has dj rights everywhere & will push his way onto the aux.

not really in the gang but katherine listens to male manipulator music. and female manipulator music like ethel cain, fiona apple, etc.

the originals?

klaus listens to smooth jazz. and instrumental covers. he’ll text stefan a link to the lamest love song ever (instrumental) with the caption ‘this is our song’.

kol also listens to smooth jazz, but in a cool way. as well as 00s pop. he and rebekah fight over who discovered what song first. he would absolutely LOVE musicals. has the glee & hamilton soundtracks on his little ipod. BOY BANDS OMG kol has a backstreet boys poster confirmed. also 90s-00s hip hop / rap / pop hybrids. especially nelly furtado.

OH OH THE SHREK SOUNDTRACK. that’s his jam fr fr.

rebekah is a speak now girly through and through. ‘innocent’ is literally her song. she’s just so taylor swift. she would LOVE suki waterhouse, but that’s not for another few years. OH WAIT REBEKAH’S CANONICALLY ALIVE IN 2024. she absolutely listens to chappell roan and it DEFINITELY does not make her think of hayley, why would you say that???

elijah listens to eight hour long symphonies and concertas, but won’t complain if one of the others is hogging the aux. he will not be so childish as to dagger his siblings over music disputes, (klaus), or break their arms (rebekah), thank you very much. he only demands control of the music when damon’s trying to seduce him (succeeding), because elijah knows how to woo & be wooed in return. that includes the romantic playlist. also, damon has a very annoying habit of singing along & playing air guitar when the bridge hits just right, usually whilst there is a cock in his ass.

finn likes renaissance fair music. he considers it to be contemporary, as he was daggered during this period.

[gifpacklove]

PUBLIC COMMISSION /  by clicking the source link found below , you will be redirected to #77 medium sized gifs (268 x 151) of Charlie Besso in Will Trent (2023), Fallout (2024) and The Calling (2022). all made by me from scratch. don’t repost / claim as your own !  please do not edit these or turn these into gif icons without my consent. don’t include these gifs in any other gif hunts, use them in crackships. a like/reblog would be very appreciated if you found these gifs useful! / and if you’d be interested in commissioning me , feel free to check out my blog ! 

tw: food, drinks, gore, blood, kissing and sexuality.

[a-really-bad-decision]

I don’t really give two wet farts in a hurricane about the fallout show or what it means for new vegas and west coast lore, but I do largely agree that bethesda deciding to nuke shady sands is indicative of their lazy writing habits and inability to engage with the structural critiques found in the source material. And I don't really think "well the ncr was close to collapsing anyways" is a valid answer to that criticism either.

Like. Fundamentally I don’t have any issues with the ncr being in shambles. Maybe the timeline is a bit more accelerated than I’d like, but we all know the ncr was already in trouble when we saw it in new vegas. They were corrupt (both abroad and at home), overextended, teetering on bankruptcy, and facing a food shortage in the coming decades. Not only was the writing on the wall, but the ncr as a faction was a blatant, textual reflection of america, both in universe and out: it's innate imperialist tendencies, it's unceasing, unsustainable consumption of natural resources, the problems inherent in viewing itself as a "civilizing force", etc. etc. etc. And I think for those criticisms to have any bite, the ncr needs to fall, (or change, or course correct). Otherwise, it goes against the entire thesis that new vegas was putting forth about retreading the mistakes of the old world. The game isn't subtle about this, and replaying it in 2024 really only drives those points home further.

But the show didn't do that. It didn't engage in any of what new vegas was trying to say with the ncr's storyline. And it wasn't like there were no satisfactory ways they could have explored the ncr's weakening or collapse either. Hell, in an ideal world, they'd have even gone about it realistically, and acknowledged that the fall of a nation is rarely due to any one problem, but rather a myriad of factors slowly gumming up the mechanisms in tandem until the system can no longer sustain itself.

Instead, they decided to nuke the capital of the ncr and call it a day, because... well I can't say for sure. I wasn't in the writer's room.

Maybe it's because the ncr’s problems are an intentional mirror of America’s problems, and bethesda as a company isn’t willing to engage with that at the risk of alienating the viewers and/or shareholders. Maybe they thought a realistic exploration of the ncr's shortcomings would be boring, compared the flash of nuclear destruction. Maybe they just genuinely thought it was an interesting way to dispose of the faction.

But I think claiming that anyone who take issue with how the show handled the ncr are frothing new vegas apologists who're unable to handle the changes being made to their precious, perfect, canon is kinda disingenuous. Change is inevitable - that's a rather important theme the game touches on. But if bethesda is going to make those changes, they should actually put some thought into what the original lore was saying, and how the changes they're implementing improve or comment on it, that's all.

[girloftheisland]

Can We Still Buy from Mattel?

I've never liked the phrase "vote with your wallet." When consumers wanted more sustainable and green alternatives, we got greenwashing en masse.

So how do you analyze the ethics of a multi-billion dollar corporation with several legacy brands under its name? You don't! It's a sticky business if you believe there is "no ethical consumption under capitalism." Given that the U.S. is entering trade wars with several countries, I decided to do a little investigation into Mattel using publicly-available resources.

This is going to be a long post.

There are some things that I'm going to point out, and I want to begin by stating that there is no conclusive evidence that Mattel as a whole is a political-leaning organization. You may be thinking: "Duh! It's a global brand. Why lean into politics?" The issue is that any company that sources its goods from other countries, especially China, will have a vested interest in the current administration's policies on trading. But first, let's talk about DEI.

DEI POLICIES

We are living in an unprecedented time. This statement is true no matter where you fall on the political matrix. Because Donald Trump won the 2024 election at just 49.8%, barely a plurality, and because SCOTUS issued another disastrous decision that ended affirmative action at colleges, corporations are seizing the moment to drop their DEI policies. 

Anyone who's attended a Pride event and witnessed the muck of Rainbow Capitalism is not surprised that corporations would retreat on these policies. They leave just as quickly as they arrive. Conservatives suggest that DEI policies are a fad and lead to filling quotas and unfair hiring practices, all of which are illegal. The corporations that stick by their policies say it's a matter of ethics (see Costco's decision to keep theirs). 

Which brings me back to Mattel. Will they or won't they drop their DEI policies? DEI policies work to ensure several things: hiring practices are fair and do not discriminate, work forces are diverse and represent the populations they serve, and historically marginalized groups are brought on board. These policies are defined as radical by the far-right because these policies can only exist if we conclude that we live in a society built upon patriarchal, imperialist, and white supremacist social constructs. And that this capitalist country was built using black people as capital. 

DEI policies exist to reduce the fallout of segregation from the 20th century. People are afraid that if corporations drop their DEI policies, it allows segregation to reemerge in the workplace. While some companies dropped their policies citing cost-cuts, others retain theirs because the data proves a diverse workforce leads to higher revenues. This is why I do not think of corporations as people. Their bottom line, not the overall health of civic society, drives every decision they make.

Is Mattel keeping their DEI policies? For now, the answer is yes. Their website still links to Thriving and Inclusive Communities and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion pages, and of course their news page is filled with "happy" and "fun" announcements. They have also established a commitment to human rights to combat modern slavery and child labor, and other swampy issues a global company may face when sourcing material and labor. 

And finally, the 1792 Exchange, a right-leaning nonprofit with a mission to undermine woke culture, defines the Mattel corporation as High Risk because of their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Alternatively, the Human Rights Campaign issued Mattel a score of 100% for their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. 

The far-right have stolen and utilized the "woke" term to weaponize everything they disagree with. DEI policies are now politicized. Just last week Trump blamed the worst U.S. plane crash in 15 years on DEI. If Mattel chooses to keep its DEI policies, its commitment to LGBTQA+ inclusivity, its commitment to human rights, then these acts by default become political. Radical. 

The question is: will Mattel bend the knee to the Trump administration and shed these policies? 

CORPORATE POLITICS

Did you like the Barbie movie? You can thank the Mattel CEO for that.

The CEO of Mattel is Ynon Kreiz, an Israeli-American businessman. The war in Palestine and Israel became a convoluted issue leading up to the November 2024 election, highlighting the very stark divide between left and right in the U.S., with one side labeling Palestine as an apartheid state undergoing genocide, and the other side saying that anti-Zionist terrorists want to highjack the rightful homeland of the Jews (a side that also ironically consists of white supremacists and antisemites). 

Ynon Kreiz has strong ties to Israel. It's where he was born, raised, and where he studied. Kreiz joined several other entertainment leaders in denouncing the Hamas attacks in 2023, stating, "We unequivocally stand in solidarity with Israel in the global fight against terrorism." On a Bloomberg podcast, he explained that Mattel stands against all forms of hate, and that includes the atrocities committed against Israelis and Palenstinians. However, he avoided giving any opinions on Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of a far-right government in Israel who opposes Palestinian statehood. Kreiz wants a swift resolution and peace for all, and isn't that a good and tidy thing to want? 

Where you land on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict likely demonstrates where you land in politics overall. If we think that statement is true, is it enough to determine the politics of Ynon Kreiz? Probably not. 

There are two other things to note. One I'm folding into several things: supply chain issues, tariffs, and China. We know that Kreiz spoke with Biden in 2021 with hopes that the U.S. government will work towards mitigating the effect of supply chain issues, issues made worse by Trump-era tariffs, which could worsen again under the second Trump administration. Trump campaigned on the promise of tariffs, which could hurt Mattel, who currently gets 50% of its goods from China. Mattel will reduce that to 40%, but we can still expect to see raised prices to offset it. 

We do not know if Kreiz, or Mattel, if we assume corporations are people, favor one political party over the other. The dominant two parties have wildly different trading and tariff policies. Trump's tax cuts will look very tempting to high earners, but his tariff proposals could (and will) cause anxiety. If Mattel feels like they have skin in the game, they will want to be proactive with mitigating their losses due to tariffs and their EBITDA.

Which brings me to the second thing to note: can we follow a money trail? Since the 2011 Citizens United decision, which basically concluded that corporations are people and can spend money in our elections, there has been an explosion of money in politics. Opensecrets.org is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit that tracks political spending in U.S. elections. While Mattel as a corporation cannot itself contribute to a political candidate or campaign, their PACs and individuals can. Their page lists a total of $81,973 given during the 2024 election cycle, with contributions made to both Democratic and Republican candidates, including Donald Trump. The top recipient was Kamala Harris, receiving $41,031, which was donated by an "individual" (in this context, an individual may indicate a member, employee, owner, or immediate family member). The top recipient in 2020 was Joe Biden. We cannot ascertain too much from this information, but the political spending associated with the Mattel name is far from just $0. 

I know what you're thinking. A company like Mattel should want a squeaky clean reputation, and politics muddy the waters. Why would anyone at that company be outspoken about their political beliefs and opinions?

Controversy tends to follow Mattel. They'll release "gender-neutral" dolls that progressives critique and pull an entire book launch because conservatives got mad over the gender and body inclusivity. If we look at the Barbie line from its conception, it's awash with misogyny, racism, fat-phobia, and sexism. She's also a feminist icon. Some of Mattel's top brands have long been dualistic in nature. 

We are living in an era of intense political polarization in a country that just elected a guy who thinks and acts like a fascist. Will that trickle down to toys, too?

A NOTE ON ADDY

I collect American Girl dolls. One of them is Addy Walker, a character released in 1993 under Pleasant Company, which would later be purchased by Mattel in the late 90s. Addy is a character who escapes slavery. (See this link for more context on Addy's history and development.) As a member of this fandom, I've noticed that we are quick to draw conclusions, and a new big concern is whether or not Addy will be retired. 

The concern is not totally unfounded. 

In addition to the DEI scares, State legislatures are pushing through bills that would allow schools to dilute lessons on slavery, or rewrite history on slavery altogether, and Trump has gone so far as to suggest we should defund schools that teach slavery is central to American history. It's become part of their several-pronged strategy to name anything "woke" (ie. black, brown, indigenous, marginalized, LGBTQA+) as a scapegoat. 

If Mattel drops its DEI policies, does that mean it will drop Addy, and other characters like her? 

For now, much like Mattel's website, the American Girl site still includes a statement on diversity and inclusion. Their commitment to empower girls and racial equity led them to release their library on all black characters for free. Additionally, the American Girl site still hosts their learning guides for parents and teachers on a number of books featuring the historical characters. 

Another black historical character is Claudie Wells, a girl living during the Harlem Renaissance, who was released in 2022. Fans immediately loved Claudie but were disappointed that she didn't receive the same promotional treatment as other characters, like the 90s twins (who are white) that launched in 2023.

Given these circumstances, fans have noticed a trend where American Girl will prioritize air space for their white characters, but not their black ones. The "World by Us" line featuring three non-white characters was released in 2021 to diversify the line, but the collection consistently goes on sale to nix the remaining stock. The first characters to sell out were Evette and Maritza, both dolls which could be deemed racially ambiguous if you knew nothing about their backstories. The only doll who hasn't sold out is Makena, who is unequivocally black. Despite the dwindling World by Us collection, Makena is still available to purchase on the American Girl website.

There are other examples like this. It brings into question the intentions of American Girl and Mattel. Why don't they prioritize black dolls? Why do they make 7,000 of the white holiday doll but only 3,000 of the black holiday doll? Do most children, regardless of race, prefer white dolls? (See this history of black dolls.) Are black dolls harder to sell, especially at a high price point? Is Mattel just reflecting our society at large, which if we glean anything from the previous election, is becoming increasingly conservative and tired of inclusive culture?

A new fear is spreading that American Girl will retire Addy Walker due to corporations stripping away their DEI policies. I don't think this will happen. American Girl is riding the Gen X and Millennial nostalgia wave all the way to the bank, and the includes revamping and relaunching the original characters. That includes Addy Walker. 

Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz likely doesn't have much control over the creative direction at American Girl, and I doubt he cares much. He's spent his tenure turning the company around so that it can start making a profit again – and now it's a big name in Hollywood (thanks to that Barbie movie, and eventually an American Girl movie). Kreiz has been busy trimming down the company, cutting workforces, factories, and products. If he's already trimmed all the fat, then what's left? I doubt it's Addy Walker.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY

You can choose to vote with your wallet if you want, but this will never save your favorite doll line. While finding the conclusion for all this, I wanted to ask myself: "Why can't I just buy something as innocuous as an American Girl doll? Why does it have to be political!?" 

The problem is that the far-right are infiltrating our politics, and they are politicizing our bodies. Immigrants and trans people are "othered" and dehumanized, with the intent of forcing them into a mostly white, evangelical society, and if they don't fit, then they can go away — or perish. "Woke" culture is named as something heinous and evil, and enough people believe this, then it becomes true. Whatever is the end goal of the Trump administration, assimilation and sameness is one key component. Everyone better fall in line, and that includes corporations, which are people by the way!

If Mattel keeps their DEI and inclusive policies, that will say one thing, but the truth will be revealed in their products. 

***

Tumblr isn't the best for conversations but share your thoughts in the replies!

About me, the writer of this post:

I work in politics. I write for my job but I am not a journalist by trade, which is to say, please take everything you read in this post with a grain of salt.

[idontlikeem]

i'm feeling sad and adrift and want to write about it a little. you do not need to read this, especially if you're the type of person who uses personal stuff to send nasty asks. you may simply keep scrolling. better yet unfollow me entirely.

this is really long and it talks about all the usual shit i whine about on here, so don't click through if that stuff is going to be upsetting to you.

i've been thinking recently about cause and effect. or, really more accurately, the ripple effect. how one thing can happen and it causes so many other things, impacts so many other things, and for way longer than you might think it would.

i have always been a confident person. some of that was nature, but a lot of it was nurture—i have excellent parents who raised me to be sure of myself and unafraid to be my own best advocate, who encouraged me to recognize my strengths without feeling shamed for acknowledging what i'm good at while also working on my weaknesses without feeling guilt for having them at all. it's gotten me pretty far in life. it's helped me get jobs and make friends and put myself out there. it's also something you do have to work at to maintain, because setbacks or times when it doesn't work out can give your sense of confidence a blow—so it's not just having the confidence, it's learning how to keep it, how to bounce back when something not-so-great happens.

something's happened to me over the last two-ish years, though. i know why, but as it turns out recognizing the source of an issue doesn't always let you avoid it. you can't always logic your way out of the ripples.

so, i got divorced in fall of 2022. i got married in 2019. we'd been together since 2013ish. you probably know that already if you've been following me for a while, i've brought it up before. it was a good thing—the relationship wasn't good for a long time, he was not good to me. obviously there were issues on my end too because very rarely does a relationship fall apart simply because of one person, but i think it's safe to say that the majority of the fault doesn't lie with me.

it being a good thing long-term doesn't help all that much with the fallout, unfortunately.

it was a challenging 18 months. i got divorced in fall 2022, lost my job (through no fault of my own, there were company-wide layoffs and my entire team lost their jobs too) in summer 2023, and my mom died after a long and traumatic battle with cancer in february 2024. it was hit after hit after hit, and i've spent a lot of the last 2 years feeling like i'm barely clinging on by my fingernails. but as horrid as the layoff and my mom dying were (and they WERE horrible, it should go without saying), i am not sure either of them have impacted who i am as much as getting divorced did.

i was with my mom when she died. i cry about it every day. i frequently have flashbacks—literal waking visions—where i'm doing something banal, typing at work or shampooing my hair, and suddenly it's like i'm back in her room holding her hand as she took her last breath. it's not good for me mentally. it's a devastating memory to carry. and yet.

death is a part of life. deaths like that are terrible and unfair, but it happens. everyone's parents die; if you're lucky it's much later than what happened to my mom, but that's out of your control. and i still have memories of my mom, i have the letter she wrote me and the cards she sent and a tattoo on my arm reminding me of how much she loved me. i have the rest of my family who remembers her too, and her friends who tell me that there's a part of her in me, keeping her alive.

the divorce, though? jesus, what a fucking failure it's made me feel like.

i mean, at its core, a divorce IS a failure, right? a failure of a relationship. it's not inaccurate to say that. you did paperwork, said vows, whatever, all to say that you're going to spend the rest of your life with someone, and then you just...aren't anymore. it is, undeniably, a failure.

what they don't tell you is how much it makes you feel like you yourself are one, too.

objectively, i have a good life. i have a well-paying job that i'm good at, an apartment of my own, a dog i take care of, friends, a family. on its surface i'm doing pretty well for myself even amidst the dystopia we're careening for. so what's the issue, right? so what that you don't have your spouse anymore.

it's really hard to explain, to be honest. i don't have any friends who have gotten divorced. and the friends i have who have been through breakups tell me they understand how i feel, but...they don't. i've also broken up with long-term relationships before, and the difference between those and this is absolutely night and day.

that was my husband. we were married. i did everything in my power to be a good wife, and at the end of the day he chose alcohol and cruelty and the desire to be sexually coercive over me. he chose being able to stay up playing video games until 4am while drinking 12+ beers alone every other night over waking up at a reasonable time and pulling his weight around the house and spending time with me. he chose watching porn and attempting to replicate that on my body, and then when my desire for him tanked for all of the above reasons but also because i didn't feel valued or loved and didn't appreciate being treated like a human fleshlight, he chose berating me, getting confrontational, and insults. i can still hear his voice telling me that he thought i was too fat to be attractive anymore, and that was probably seven years ago now. it echoes in my head every time i look at myself in the mirror.

so that means something is wrong with ME, right? something in me is broken. why else would someone i was married to turn so cruel, so awful. i mean, if he was like that from the beginning, i wouldn't have married him, so clearly something about me turned him into that. even his therapist said his drinking was my fault. at least, that's what he told me she said—i don't actually know.

there are things that people can say to you that don't leave. little words that fall into the pond and they're still there, rippling outward, a decade later. actions people take stick around like phantoms. the way he used to lunge at me while screaming in my face about...i don't even know what it was, the topic of the agreement has disappeared, but the way he slammed his hand next to my arm on my desk and was practically spitting he was so angry lives next to me whenever i hear a man yelling. the way he screamed at me while we were waiting for a taxi and ripped my bag out of my arm, practically shoving me into the street, because he decided to go do shots with the bartender on our architecture cruise instead of looking at the city with me—the embarrassment that came with the hotel valet near where we were waiting coming over to ask if i was ok because of what he was doing—i think about that weekly.

he always told me it was my fault. i wasn't hot enough. i didn't have sex with him enough. i nagged him too much to do chores, and then when he DID do chores i didn't reward him with sex. i wouldn't let him read my journals. i wasn't reacting to my mother's slow death the way he thought i should. it wasn't fair that i expected him to pay his share, that i'd get upset when he took stuff i bought for myself and consumed it, or ruined it, or broke it. why are you upset at me for getting paint stains on the table your now-dead grandfather made for you? who cares?

if i communicated nicely, it was ignored. if i lost my temper and yelled, it was mocked and escalated. nothing i did was right. and that's the key isn't it? nothing i did.

the marriage is over now. i haven't communicated with him in any fashion in almost a year, and the last time was an email telling him that no i would not allow him to see my dog. he's tried to add me on social media pretty consistently since then, but i just delete. you'd think it would be a relief, right? i'm out of where we lived when we were married, i have a whole new job, a whole new life...things are better, aren't they?

fresh starts help, it's true. it's easier now that i don't have anything around me that reminds me of him (except my wedding dress in my storage unit—idk what the fuck to do with that). but the scars linger.

according to him, i was a bad wife. according to him, everything was my fault. and in the end, it wasn't even me that ended things—it was him. i didn't even have the ability to get myself out of there.

it was a failure. i was a failure. it's how i feel, all the time.

and it's made me CRIPPLINGLY insecure.

i am insecure in my friendships even though i try not to let it show. i am insecure in what i used to enjoy in my free time because it feels embarrassing and lame and like a waste of time. i am insecure financially because part of the way i coped with my 18 months of hell was over-spending—i'm working my way out of it but the debt i have weighs on me because, come on, shouldn't i know better? shouldn't i be able to figure it out?

i feel slights much, much more keenly now. it used to be that i could brush off people being rude or thoughtless with me, but i can't anymore. i notice, and it stays.

i hate it. i hate feeling this way. i hate noticing all the ways i'm disposable to so many people i value. i hate that i can't just let stuff go. i hate that i feel so clingy and needy and dependent on external validation to have any positive sense of self. it sucks. and i never used to be this way! not ever! not for any second of my life before this was i someone who needed propping-up to this extent!

and i hate writing this because there is at least one person who i know will read this and feel bad and try to overcompensate. you know who you are. please don't. i don't want to feel like a burden, and i feel bad when my feelings make people feel bad.

i don't even know where i'm going here. i don't know how to end this. there are no conclusions to be drawn, and no easy answers, because while some of this is in my head, i know there's a lot that isn't.

i feel like a bad person, a disappointment. i feel like an unloveable, unlikeable person. i feel like i've totally lost my sense of self; i don't know who i am anymore. there's a huge part of who i was as a person—the desire for intimacy, to put it delicately—that's entirely evaporated and even two years later hasn't returned, and i'm not sure it ever will. it feels stolen. i am constantly convinced that the people i talk to don't want to talk to me, especially when they're careless with my feelings, even unintentionally. and probably it’s all my fault. i am not worth being careful with.

all because i said yes to a date with someone over a decade ago and proceeded to fail the relationship spectacularly. fucking hell, right?

[anarchyrpbook]

FALLOUT (TV SERIES, 2024): Episode Seven Feel free to edit the sentences, places, pronouns, etc, as you need. NSFW TW: Mentions of violence

“Thank you, darling.”

“Well, hell, I probably still got some of your lead in me somewhere.”

“But today, I’m just looking for information.”

“I’ll tell you anything, as long as you leave us in peace.”

“We haven’t heard from him since.”

“There’s always some new little faction, ain’t there?”

“Brand-new team of believers with their own dumbass ideas about how they gonna save the world.”

“What did you do? What is that envelope?”

“But my problem is, by the time I got this letter off your [relation], it was a little bit hard to read.” *holds up bloodied letter with a hole in it.* 

“For some reason, I just can’t make out their location. Now, you give me that location, and I’ll be on my way.”

“I didn’t want to spend my life digging through dirt, I want to build something, and we have the chance -”

“Tell him what he wants to know! Or else he’ll kill us all!”

“Now, please, leave us.”

“What is it about [location], that we all came to this place?”

“But it is just a dream, it’s not real.”

“This is about all the horseshit I can take.”

“I have my principles, [name], that’s all.”

“How do you know them?”

“My research company was acquired by her division.”

“Hypocrisy is like violence in your movies; if you only let bad guys use it, the bad guys win.”

“A good bad guy doesn’t see themselves as the bad guy.”

“It’s a listening device.”

“You want me to spy on them?”

“Good luck with that revolution.”

“I’m not a [foul description/title]. That’s just a dirty word they use to describe people who aren’t insane.”

“We let you into our home. Tended to your wounds, gave you food and water.”

“You’re experimenting on them… It’s sick.”

“What is this?”

“At this point, it would be irrational of me not to acknowledge that these may be my last words.”

“Sorry, I uh, haven’t seen that footage in a long time.”

“I had no idea the original [vault dwellers] here were so… so weird.”

“Your ignorance cannot excuse your cruelty.”

“You have infected our home with violence and now you must pay the price.”

“Are you done?”

“I’m gunna fucking die.”

“If you were a person, you wouldn’t have any friends, you realize that?”

“Okay, I got to reevaluate here.”

“Oh, you want this too, huh? Everybody wants this. Guess what? It’s mine.”

“You think everything’s for you. It’s pretty selfish, actually, you know that?”

“You’re a loose cannon, all right? This is a very important mission, and I can’t have you jeopardizing it.” 

“You can breathe in there, right?”

“It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe, you deserve safety… Unless you threaten that peace.”

“It’s almost there.”

“Need to get that sharpened, please.”

“You’re just… Letting me go?”

“That’s, uh, very nice of you guys.”

“I know that I’m not really in the position to be asking favors…”

“I can help people with this. You, for example, I want to help you.”

“I was supposed to marry a stranger, from another [vault]. It didn’t turn out so good.”

“I don’t have the best luck when it comes to strangers.”

“But, [name], I can honestly say, you’re the best stranger I’ve ever met.”

“There’s something I should tell you.”

“He was threatening me, so instead of helping him, I watched him die.”

“So all that stuff you were saying, you know, uhm, about me being a good person…”

“I just threw acid in an innocent man’s face.”

“Do you want to come live with me in my [vault]?”

“Don’t kill me, I’m a doctor, I can help you!”

“Before we start, there’s the small matter of my fee.”

“Remember, wherever you end up, that’s where you belong.”

“Ugh, more death, I wish it would end.”

“What did I tell you, [name], words have meaning.”

“So, you’re just gonna forget about everything we’ve seen?”

“I feel like this is a good moment for a fresh start.”

“You’re a coward, you know that, [name]?”

“We all are, that’s why we live in a [vault].”

“I’ve got three hot cocoas on deck, two marshmallow, one plain.”

“I’m sorry, [name], but you ain’t them.”

“Yeah, uh, my ride should be getting here any minute.”

“People just, uh, can’t be nice.”

“God, I suck without a scope.”

“Why am I not dead?”

“Well, I’m not just gonna leave it there.”

“[Name], I think you might be a ghoul.”

“They’ll kill me if they find out.”

“They’re never going to stop looking for it.”

“I’ll wait for you.”

“And now we say goodbye to all those that are leaving us for [Vault 32].”

“Uh, excuse me, I don’t live there. I, uh, live here.”

“Sorry, sorry, that was weird. Sorry.”

“Are you compromised?”

“Mission not going as planned.”

[wulfhalls]

https://www.tumblr.com/molinaesque/750455362682044416/walton-goggins-at-the-fyc-fallout-event-2024?source=share

I think I'm gonna be ill......he CANNOT keep getting away with this

whyyyy would u fucking unbutton ur shirt to the very navel why would u choose to do this and why would we as a rational society allow it....... WHORE

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Take note King Charles - another royal family strips titles by u/narcwatchkiwi

Take note King Charles - another royal family strips titles Sadly the Maori King passed away today in Aotearoa/New Zealand.The question of the heir is not necessarily hereditary and is decided by Maori leaders.Interestingly, like other royal families one of the children of the King was recently stripped of his royal titles...https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/maori/fallout-between-the-maori-king-and-his-son-grows-wider-after-the-public-condemnation-of-the-marriage-hits-the-headlines/"That boy has had some problems in his life which has been troublesome," the source said."But as the son won't listen to his parents, elders or advisers, then he acts alone." "It can in a bizarre way mirror the Megan Markle-Prince Harry situation unfolded and the end result" the source laughed. post link: https://ift.tt/02jLHQ9 author: narcwatchkiwi submitted: August 30, 2024 at 09:14AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[felassan]

Coming in 2024: Mass Effect: Priority Hagalaz - The Board Game

Text:

"The year is 2186. On the remote world Hagalaz, a research cruiser from the terrorist organisation Cerberus has crashed directly in the path of a deadly storm. With little time before the storm hits, Shepard must lead their squad through the cruiser to uncover its sinister secrets and keep them out of the hands of the enemy. However, the ship holds more dangers than just its former crew… Mass EffectTM: Priority Hagalaz - The Board Game is a cooperative, story-driven game for 1-4 players designed by Eric M. Lang and Calvin Wong Tze Loon. The card-driven AI system and evolving stories respond to your actions, with your early choices even influencing later missions, while the branching narrative ensures unique experiences with each playthrough. So, prepare to gather Shepard’s squad from a selection of teammates from the Mass EffectTM Universe, customise their abilities, equipment, and powers, and get to the bottom of the mystery on Hagalaz!"

[source, publisher's info page on the product and link to sign up for news about it, tweet source, tweet source two, tweet source three]

Some more info:

"A board game based on the video game series Mass Effect will have players becoming members of the SSV Normandy crew battling Cerberus. Mass Effect the Board Game - Priority Hagalaz is an upcoming board game that will take place during the events of Mass Effect 3. In the game, players will take the roles of either male or female Shepard, Asari biotic Liara, Turian soldier Garrus, Krogan leader Wrex or Quarian technician Tali, as they embark on a mission on the planet Hagalaz - which is the world the Shadow Broker’s ship orbits during the Lair of the Shadow Broker downloadable content released for Mass Effect 2. In the midst of the Reaper invasion, Shepard and their crew investigate reports of a Cerberus ship crashing during a storm on Hagalaz, in an entirely new mission not found in the video games. In hopes of acquiring more information, resources and assistance with which to fight off the terrifying Reapers - as well as shut down the immoral efforts of the Cerberus organisation - players will need to explore Hagalaz and face its many dangers: both Cerberus and non-Cerberus alike. During the co-op game for one to four players, the group can experience a narrative-driven campaign that will enable players to explore different storylines and outcomes depending on their choices. As their chosen characters, players can upgrade their unique abilities by spending the experience points they gain, as well as unlock new powers through optional loyalty missions. The group can also improve their various pieces of equipment and weapons as they advance through the campaign. According to the game’s publisher, Modiphius, the narrative choices made by players will have consequences further down the line, with there being potential for multiple playthroughs resulting in never-before-seen experiences. Mass Effect the Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz was co-created by Eric Lang, the creator behind board games such as Blood Rage and Rising Sun, and Calvin Wong Tze Loon, whose previous tabletop title was 2022’s Lands of Galzyr. Besides Mass Effect the Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz, Modiphius is also responsible for publishing various tabletop roleplaying games such as Dune - Adventures in the Imperium and miniature wargames like Fallout: Factions. The Mass Effect board game will be released via Asmodee. The release date for Mass Effect the Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz is set for sometime later this year."

[source]

[source, two, three, four, five]

An email from Modiphius reads:

Text version:

"We’re excited to announce that Mass Effect the Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz is coming to tabletops later this year! For more information, sign up to join the crew of the Normandy here. Set during the events of Mass Effect 3, the crew of Normandy has one more mission. It is the year 2186, and the Reapers have invaded the galaxy. Because the Council ignored Commander Shepard’s warnings, the Citadel Races are overwhelmed and on the verge of losing the war. Aboard the Normandy, Shepard carries out missions to prepare the Crucible, an ancient alien superweapon, for a last-chance attempt to defeat the Reapers. It’s a race against time, and Shepard must seize every possible advantage. On the remote world Hagalaz, a research cruiser from the terrorist organisation Cerberus has crashed directly in the path of a deadly storm. With little time before the storm hits, Shepard must lead their squad through the cruiser to uncover its sinister secrets and keep them out of the hands of the enemy. However, the ship holds more dangers than just its former crew. Deep within the shattered cruiser stir creatures and enemies far worse than the Cerberus forces that guard them. Mass Effect the Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz is a co-operative, story-driven game for 1-4 players designed by Eric M. Lang and Calvin Wong Tze Loon 黃子倫. A branching, narrative campaign allows for multiple playthroughs with a different experience every time. Card-driven AI and evolving stories respond to your actions – your early choices influence later missions. Gather Shepard’s squad from a selection of teammates from the Mass Effect trilogy: Liara, Tali, Wrex, and Garrus. Customise and upgrade your squad’s abilities, equipment, and powers as they gain experience. Enhance them further by unlocking unique powers with optional loyalty missions. The board game features six highly detailed 32mm scale pre-assembled plastic miniatures of male and female Shepherd, Liara, Tali, Wrex and Garrus. For more information, sign up to join the crew of the Normandy here."

[source: Modiphius]