#that thumbnail is so strong I am so hyped

[theitalianscribe]

Anyone want to do a watch party for the new episode?

I am going to be out with family when the new episode drops, so I was thinking that maybe tomorrow or later in the week I could use Watch2gether or rabbit to host a viewing party for the newest Welcome to Dreamworld episode. I can't really guarantee that anyone there will be watching it blind, but I think it would be fun to watch it with other people, so let me know if anyone is interested.

[gnj9ata]

Life check point - I can't seem to go to sleep so I decided to redownload Tumblr and do a life check point of my life up to this point for preservation sake I guess. I had a thought of doing that with little videos and posting them to my YouTube channel. It's funny because I read old Tumblr messages on here and try to figure out my state of mind at that time to no avail.

So what is going on in life...

After all of these years, I am doing bumpers for the MCA again or should I call it The Chat Attack now. It's not mines anymore. It stop being that 6 years ago. He did ask me to come back on the show. I declined. I know me and my head. I would just try to recreate something that isn't there anymore. Same reason I keep watching the old bumpers and shows. I tell myself it's for inspiration or getting new ideas for the new bumpers, but it's me reliving the "glory" days. When I had a group of people listening to me. When I had power or control over something bigger than myself. If I am being honest, it feels good knowing I was "Top dog" at one point in time. That I got my idol at one point Korey Coleman to say "Attack the chat" once on a video, even though if I had the opportunity to talk to him about that, he probably wouldn't remember. It was something out of my head...that became real. That's powerful to me and I really want to do it again.

Ms gay is gone. Died from stomach cancer. Her mom had to stay with us for 4 months while Ms Gaye's sister was buying a house. She just moved out a month ago. Interesting experience. It took for her to die for me to know her name was first name was Carol.

Miranda is still missing...I miss her a lot. I told trey. I would have married her. And that is still true I feel. When I get the resources, I am going to find you.

And dan

Dan is still missing....

Find meech as well.

Jett seems happy with Nick. I'm happy for them both. They both deserve that. Had rough lives. It's nice they can finally get something out of it. Not sure if I will ever get married or what not and do that whole children thing. Only time will tell I guess. I could be reading this ten years from now and have all of these things. We will see.

I am kind of just kinda "meh" on the whole thing at the moment. Dating isn't even my main focus.

I work for pottery barn at the moment. Retail support agent. I answer emails all day. Easy ass job. I legit could just sit there for hours and occasionally do work. Sometimes I read a book or just watch YouTube videos. I am know as the "hype man" in the teams room. If I am being honest, it gives me similar feels to what I had with the MCA. People actually look for me and wonder where I am at. It feels nice to feel wanted or when people like to just be in your presence. But is it real? Just like the love I had with the MCA? Does it have an expiration date?

Because I know I will be curious later...

The book is Sophia's World: A history on philosophy. Good stuff so far. Recommend by ruthless. Yeah....still talking to him. He doesn't respect me like he use too. Doing thumbnails for his YouTube or at least I think I am. I haven't gotten work to do on it in a few weeks. We will see if that last.

I do thumbnails for Josh's The Afternoon Tune. Still going strong. Gave me free range on the thumbnails. I'm proud of him. Although everytime I look at the YouTube page, I see MCA DNA. Still friends with the group....we legit been through think and thin together so I think at this point, our relationship as friends...hell as family at this point is soild. I really hope they all respect me, but aren't these the same thoughts I had last time? Before I burned everything to the ground so what do I know? We are all meeting up for the first time as a group in March. Meeting up in New York. I hope everything goes well.

Regardless I know for a fact I have Fernando and Soberna in my corner. I still talk to them. The only folks from staples at this point. Although the Halloween party, I did get to see Angela, josh and Jermaine. That was fucking cool. I am really happy for Jermaine and his husband. Had no idea the dude was gay, but happy for him regardless.

Devon is still Devon.... maybe worst...or maybe our relationship is just really bad. It's almost like resentment now. I don't even like talking to him now. It's like I have already mourned the lost of my brother and he is still here. I am not even sure how to approach this situation at all. Recently had a conversation with mom about how I am frustrated that he gets to give up, but I can't. Even if I had the opportunity to do so, my mind wouldn't let me. I know I would regret all that wasted time. I have stuff I want to do with my life. And I can't stop until those are accomplished. And even then....lol

Anything else?

I am very annoyed in myself that I have forgotten alot of stuff I use to know. After effects, driving, pass books or let's plays I have watched. What was the last let's play I watched?

Can't remember. (Could probably check the YouTube history if I cared enough)

Still working with my therapist on mindpath. Although I am thinking of just cutting it off. I think I May have reached the point of what she can help with. I think this is one of those roads I probably have to finish alone. I have changed my sessions from every two weeks to every three weeks.

I still care about what my mom, my friends, my coworkers.....other people think about me. I still care and haven't learned my lesson yet. What is it going to take for me to finally stop caring? What is it going to take? The improvement junkie stuff is starting to get annoying to. I can't even relax on my off day and using time to think about how to get better at after effects or improve my memory or get better at mental math. I am going through timeline order of the marvel movies at the moment which is alot more fun than I thought. Trying to get back into gaming more with my steam deck. I love that thing.

It's 6 am and I have yet to get any sleep. And I am suppose to be driving to see Fernando and Soberna today. I need sleep....

[bladling]

rules: tag a few people you want to know better; make a new post, don’t reblog!

tagged by @lowkeyanakin ! tysm it made me smile that u tagged me 🥺❤️⚔️

currently reading: ROTS novelization and Glittering Images: a journey through art from egypt to star wars (art nerd so im so hyped to start reading this!!!). im also on book 3 of dune!! (god im in the middle of like 8 books. how do people consistently read one?????)

last song: Yes Sir, I Can Boogie by Baccara. ive been very into 70s disco and light french pop lately :)))

last movie: attack of the clones lmaoooo. im watching all of star wars with my bff rn because shes never seen 🤯

last series: HALSTON!!!!❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏⚔️⚔️⚔️ watched it for the first time on thursday and then rewatched it yesterday... it blows me mind. i love a good tragic story. THE DRAMA!! this song reminds me of him: https://open.spotify.com/track/54UPoHNQuqAqOQAZ2hl1il?si=3Yih3JhPRT-_JuzAe4KStQ

im also currently watching moon knight!! im not at all a marvel fan and i dont consume marvel media at all... but oscar isaac so u didnt have to try hard to convince me to watch this lmao. all of u guys on here posting so many gifs now i GOT to see it huh? (im liking it tho! i hope it stays good)

sweet, spicy, savory: hard to choose between spicy and savory.. depends on my mood...

coffee or tea: TEA FOR SURE!!!! i have a huge collection of loose leaf tea. kinda nerdy about it. coffee is too bitter for me but girls who drink it just plain black r hot and sexy and hold my hand. i wish i was as strong 😫

three ships: obikin, anakin/me, obi wan/me, and to make it interesting: obi wan/anakin/me ❤️

first ever ship: this is so embarrassing but i was obsessed with the ya*oi (SHOULD I CENSOR IT LMAO???) manga jun/jou roman/tica when i was in middle school 💀💀💀

currently working on: oh boy.. i just have so many illustration ideas i want to do!!! working on some commissions, and i have thumbnailed 2 oil paintings i really am so excited to start now that i got my new easel set up!!!!! 🙌

favorite piece of clothing: my warrior cats hoodie and my anakin tshirt i got on etsy because its so fucking funny www.etsy.com/listing/1122803188

comfort food: my moms pho is zee best

favorite time of year: spring! seeing the new greens and blossoming flowers is very inspiring

fav fanfiction: lmao not surprising but Lex Talionis by intermundia. this fic is what made me fall in love with obi wan and anakin more. changed my life because them and star wars has changed my life 🤯.

i have so many other fics that i would also consider my favs!! all of u r so talented and make the best fics... how!!!!!

no pressure tags ❤️: @unspuncreature @nyaladinstormblessed ......... bruh i cant think of any other mutuals at the top of my head rn

tagging any one of u silly guys who want to do this ♡

[trashyswitch]

Ethan and Mark Experience Torture Methods (Feat. Jacksepticeye)

Ethan experiences getting tickle tortured by jack while Mark gets Chinese water tortured (But then gets tickle tortured because he's impatient)

I wrote this fanfic for @pebblee-penguin and @anxious-cherryblossom! I hope you enjoy my take on the Unus Annus video that never came to be!

Unus! Annus! UnUS! ANNUSSsss...

Mark and Ethan started off on screen. “Waterboarding. A torture method that goes as far as the 1800’s, and was used by many countries in World War 2.” Mark explained. “The simple torture method that involved a cloth and water...that caused mental pain to victims, yet rarely injured or killed.” Mark explained. “Thousands of people have been waterboarded before. But what is it really like?” He asked rhetorically.

“How do you feel about it, Mark?” Ethan asked.

“Huh?” Mark muttered, turning to Ethan.

“How do you feel about being waterboarded?” Ethan asked again.

“...I’m not doing it.” Mark replied.

A record scratch sound effect went off in the background. “Wha- Oh yeah!” Ethan started laughing. “Then why did we start it out like this?” Ethan asked.

“For-for the anticipation! There’s only so much adrenaline you can experience before you die. I wanted to get the people...ya know...hyped up!” Mark explained.

“...Only for them to be surprised over nothing.” Mark added as he started laughing.

“Alright! So because waterboarding is actually really dangerous and could kill people either immediately or hours after experiencing it…” Ethan explained.

“We’re gonna go for something that’s a lot less severe: Chinese water torture.” Mark told them.

“What’s that, Mark?” Ethan asked in a scripted voice.

“It’s basically getting tied to a table, and getting a constant drop of water onto your head...for hours.” Mark said to the camera.

“So...we have a table for the waterbo-Chinese water drips on the right-” Ethan hit the table, “Right here.” Ethan explained. “And a towel underneath for that.” Ethan added as he pointed to the towel. “And, we have a padded table on the left, with comfy handcuffs. Please don’t ask where we got these…” Ethan warned as he started giggling. “We also have ankle cuffs and a high table filled with…” Ethan turned to Mark. “...Eeempty. Is there supposed to be something on here?” He asked.

Mark looked at the camera and smirked. “Yup.”

“Where is it?” Ethan asked.

Mark continued to look at the camera. “You’ll find out soon enough…” he said before looking away again. “Alright. Let’s get you in.” Mark told him as Ethan laid down onto the table.

“Wait, do I need to get the thing?” Ethan asked, motioning to the empty high table.

“Nope. We’ll get it soon.” Mark replied as he tightened the wrist straps. “This good?”

Ethan nodded. “Why am I stretched out like a star?” Ethan asked.

“Because it’s how people do it.” Mark replied.

“Huh...Wait, people do this?! They willingly get tied up and tickled?” Ethan asked.

“Yup.” Mark replied confidently. “It’s how I found the idea.”

Ethan looked at Amy, who was holding the camera in a worried/confused expression. “So, there are people who openly admit they like being tickled?” Ethan asked.

“Yes, there are. And they openly agree to be tied down, tickled and recorded.” Mark explained.

“How do you know they want it?” Ethan asked.

“Some of them say it in the thumbnail. Others don’t, but we can just assume they want to be this vulnerable.” Mark replied.

“Is it a fetish?” Ethan asked.

Mark stared at him, and blinked a few times. “...It can be, yeah. But there are people who innocently enjoy it too.” Mark explained.

“Oh.” Ethan reacted.

“Why? Do you have a tickle fetish?” Mark asked.

“No! Oh my god no.” Ethan replied, visibly disgusted.

“Do you enjoy being tickled?” Mark asked.

“I mean...I don’t hate it...It depends on the person.” Ethan replied.

“Yeah, same here.” Mark replied.

“Like, if it was you tickling me, I don’t mind. You’ve already tickled me on multiple occasions, actually.” Ethan added with a giggle.

“The painting our bodies video...We had to skip out on your armpits for that one.” Mark admitted.

“First of all, I said we could! YOU, were the one who got uncomfortable and cowered away.” Ethan argued. “And second of all, I was talking about the massage video; the one where we facetimed your Mom.” Ethan added.

“Ohoho yeah...I remember. You were double chinning and full on kicking your feet- you were a mess that day.” Mark admitted.

“Ihihit tickled! It’s like your neck! Your chin is a weakness, and the back of my neck is a weakness too!” Ethan reacted.

“You would not relax for the life of you! Even as we yelled for you to relax!” Mark added.

“I know. I’m super ticklish back there.” Ethan told him.

“I know.” Mark snuck his fingers on the back of his neck. “I can tell.”

Ethan giggled and squealed, wiggling his neck away. “Noooohohoho! Ahahare wehehe stahahartihihing?” Ethan asked.

“No. Just warming you up a little.” Mark admitted.

“Should we bring Jack in?” Amy asked behind the camera.

Mark looked up. “Yeah. Did he arrive yet?” Mark replied.

“Jack?” Ethan asked.

“Yup. He just arrived.” Amy replied to both of them.

“Is Jack here?” Ethan asked. Amy nodded back.

Suddenly, Jack’s voice could be heard praising Chica and giving her attention. “Hi Jack!” Mark greeted.

“Hi Mark!” Jack greeted back. “Is Ethan ready?” He asked.

“Yup! He’s all tied up.” Mark replied.

“Perfect. Can’t wait.” Jack said back. “Is this the tray of tools out here?” Jack asked.

“Yup! On the counter.” Mark replied.

Jack walked into the room eagerly with a tray of...a weird collection of tools. Jack placed them onto the side table beside Ethan and let Ethan look at all the tools in horror. “I love the tool variety! You even got 2 different types of toothbrushes!” Jack added. “Manual, and electric!” He said, showing them both off to Ethan and Mark.

“WHAT?! MARK, WHY?!” Ethan yelled at him. Mark and Jack both started laughing at his reaction. “NOOOooo! Is that a paintbrush too?! Remove that. Right now. Get rid of the feathers too. That’s not allowed. And- oh no not those cat toy fishing hooks...” Ethan reacted in horror.

“Now, I left one thing off the tray, specifically to get Ethan even more nervous.” Mark pulled out a medium-sized bottle and handed it to Jack.

“Baby oil?!” Jack reacted, laughing.

“Yup. I did some research and apparently, baby oil is supposed to enhance the ticklish feeling.” Mark explained. “People seem to use this on the feet most often, but I don’t think Ethan’s feet are ticklish. So, you can use it wherever.” Mark replied.

Jack started to giggle evilly with the pink bottle in his hand. “Ohohoho boy. I’m lathering this stuff everywhere.” Jack told him.

“NO! PLEASE DON’T! I’M PLENTY TICKLISH ALREADY! I DON’T NEED THAT-” Jack ignored Ethan’s cries and grabbed the paintbrush from the tray. “NO! NOOOO! I’m getting wax video flashbacks.” Ethan whined.

Jack bursted out laughing. “Oh! Oh! I should fill your belly button with baby oil like I did with the wax.” Jack said out loud, giggling evilly with a huge smile on his face.

“Jack, please no! JAAaaack...” Ethans protests quickly turned into whines and whimpers as he watched Jack pour baby oil right into his belly button.

“Ooooookay!” Jack lifted the bottle up. “Perfect!” He reacted. “Look at that! Filled his little belly button.” Jack declared. Ethan was already giggling and whining a little in anticipation. “Getting nervous yet?” Jack asked.

“Ihihi gohot nervous the moment yohou walked in hehehere with thehe trahahay.” Ethan admitted.

While Jack was getting Ethan oiled up, Mark had laid himself down on the other table. “Alright. Jack, can you get me tied up here?” Mark asked.

“Yup!” Jack twisted the baby oil cap back on and placed it onto the tray before coming over to help Mark.

“Just need to be tied up.” Mark told him.

“Do you want your belly button filled with oil too?” Jack asked as he started tying Mark’s wrists to the table.

“No thanks. I’m fine.” Mark replied. “My belly button isn’t ticklish anyway. It would just get messy.” Mark told him.

“Ok.” Jack tied the waist rope onto Mark’s waist. “There.” Lastly, Jack tied his ankles to the table. “You good?” Jack asked.

Mark tried shaking and wiggling, and only moved an inch or so. “Yup.” he replied.

“Perfect. And now, the water.” Jack tied a reusable water bottle with a tiny spout, onto a rope that was hanging down from the ceiling. “There!” Jack watched the first drip of water very slowly develop, to fall onto his forehead. “Start the timer, timer man.” Jack ordered.

Amy showed the timer in front of the camera and clicked the start button before moving it off screen.

“Woman. Timer woman.” Jack corrected with a giggle.

Mark anxiously waited for the building drip of water to build up enough, so it could fall off the spout and land onto his forehead. Another minute later, and the drip of water finally fell and splashed onto his forehead. The drip fell down the right side of his forehead onto the towel pillow.

“Drip number 1.” Mark told him.

“Oh no, oh no-” Jack’s paint brush touched down onto the belly button. “JahahahaHAHAHACK! AHAHAHAHAHAHahahahaha!” Ethan yelled, laughing almost immediately.

Jack was dipping his paintbrush into the oil and lathering the oil onto his entire belly. Ethan would giggle and move his belly around when the oil was being lathered, but would squeeze his eyes shut and throw his head back in strong laughter when the paintbrush would simply dip a few times into his belly button. Mark was right: the baby oil enhanced EVERYTHING! His belly button was DRENCHED in it, and his belly was slowly getting covered.

“I need more baby oil.” Jack muttered to himself as he reached for it.

“Noooo you don’t! My belly’s already ticklish! Why are you adding more?” Ethan whined.

“Because I wanna! And you,” Jack poked his navel with his finger, “Can’t stop me.” Jack wiggled his finger in his belly button with a mischievous little giggle.

“HAHAHAHAHA! JAHAHAHACK NOHOHOHOHO! GEHET OHOUT- GEHEHEHET OHOHOUT OHOF THEHEHERE!” Ethan shouted, wiggling his belly around as much as he could to get his finger out.

Jack followed what he said, but put some more baby oil onto his belly. “There we go. And nooow: a painty-painty-painty-paint! Aaaand a brushy-brushy-brushy-brush.” Jack teased surprisingly well as he spread the baby oil all over his abdomen and belly region.

“NAHAHAHAHAHA! IHIT TICKLES SOHOHOHO MUHUCH! HAHAHAHEHEHE!” Ethan laughed and giggled.

“Really? I had no clue! I thought you were just laughing for no reason, to be honest.” Jack joked.

“SHUHUHUT UHUHUHUP!” Ethan yelled.

“You guys wanna know something?” Mark asked.

“Sure.” Jack replied, still tickling Ethan.

“Ethan’s laugh is getting on my nerves more than the dripping itself.” Mark admitted.

“Mark!” Amy yelled from behind the camera.

“Wow! That’s really rude.” Jack warned. “How would you feel if Ethan proclaimed that your laugh was annoying him?” Jack asked.

Mark looked over with his jaw slightly dropped. “I wouldn’t give a shit!” Mark reacted.

“JAHAHAHahahahack, Ihihihi neheheheheed ahahaha breheheak! Plehehease gihihihihive mehehe aha breheheheak!” Ethan begged.

“Is that how tickle torture is supposed to work?” Jack asked.

“THIHIHIHIS IHIHIHISN’T EHEHEHEVEHEHEN TOHOHORTUHUHURE!” Ethan protested.

Jack shrugged his shoulders. “Okay.”

Jack stopped tickling Ethan and put the oily paintbrush down. “Alright. How are you doing, Mark?” Jack asked.

Mark grabbed the water bottle and yeeted it across the room. “Mark-” Amy reacted.

“The dripping isn't doing anything. I need tickle torture.” Mark told him.

Ethan and Jack looked at each other in surprise. “I...Really?” Jack asked.

“Are you even ticklish though?” Ethan asked. Mark kept staring at him expressionless till Ethan looked up at Amy. “Is Mark ticklish?” Ethan asked.

“Yup. He’s quite ticklish. He’s not ticklish like you, Ethan, but he is ticklish.” Amy replied, confirming his point.

Jack looked at Amy with a smile while he untied Ethan. “Where?”

Amy pointed at Ethan. “Just follow his lead when he’s out.” Amy told him.

Ethan smiled as he got off the table. He quickly remembered the one spot he hated: his chin. Ethan’s face slowly grew into a smirk as he lifted his chin with his left hand, and skittered his fingers right under the chin with his dominant hand.

“eeEEEEK! ETHAHAN YOHOU JEHEHERK!” Mark yelled at him.

“So...his chin?” Jack asked him.

“Yup! Go for his armpits too.” Ethan suggested. Jack smirked and quickly skittered his fingers in his armpits.

ETHAN- IHIHIHI’M GOHOHONNA KIHIHILL YOHOHOHOU!” Mark yelled before throwing his head back to let his laughter out.

Jack shook his head with a laugh. “I love how you’re pissed at Ethan, and not even considering the person who’s actually tickling you.” Jack admitted.

“YOHOHOU CAHAHAME HEHEHERE SOHO YOHOHOHOU COHOULD DOHOHOHO THIHIHIS!” Mark yelled back at him.

“Awww! How thoughtful of you to consider me!” Jack admitted before removing his fingers from the armpits. “And now, my favorite part: the baby oil!” Jack declared as he grabbed the bottle and the paintbrush. “Time to lube you up, my dude!”

Mark’s eyes widened as he looked at the baby oil. He was quickly starting to regret bringing that out. “Now hohohold ohon: Hohohow ahabout nohohoho?” Mark asked.

Jack tapped the brush handle on his own chin. “Hmmmm...How about yes?” Jack considered out loud before dipping some baby oil into a bowl. “There! Now it’s JUST like the wax video! Except this time, it’s Mark getting tickled!” Jack declared. “And his armpits are gonna be EXTRA ticklish!” Jack added as he brought the oiled-up brush to his open armpits.

“Nohoho! NOHO! JACK! BEGONE! DOHON’T YOU FUHUCKING DAHAHARE! NAH-” Mark wheezed and shook his head as the baby oil was lathered all over his right armpit. “NAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *quick breath* NOHOHOHOJAHAHAHAHACK!” Mark begged.

“No what, Mark? No tickling? Or no armpit tickles?” Jack asked. “Cause even if you meant one of those things:” Jack leaned closer into Mark’s mic. “I don’t care.” Jack replied.

Ethan decided to grab a big paintbrush that was on the tray. Oh boy! Now he could see why Mark was excited about this! “Alright! I’ll get the left armpit!” Ethan called out, tiptoeing happily in a Grinch-like fashion, to the left side of Mark.

“Here; let’s share the bowl.” Jack suggested as he put the styrofoam bowl onto the end of the table. Ethan took some of the baby oil from the dipping bowl and spread it onto his other armpit.

“NONONONONOOOHAHAHAHAHAHA! MEHEHEHEANIHIHIES!” Mark yelled at them both.

“Aww, is Marky too ticklish in his armpits?” Jack teased.

“I think he is.” Ethan added.

“WHYHYHY ARE YOHOU EHEHEVEHEHEN HEHEHELPIHIHING?!” Mark asked Ethan.

“Cause I wanna! And cause Jack untied me so I could!” Ethan replied.

“Yeah! Don’t be questioning our choices, Mr. Victim.” Jack warned.

Jack dipped the paintbrush deeper into the liquid. “Diiiiiip-” He said. “Aaaand tickle~!” Jack sing-songed as he covered his armpit with more baby oil.

“STAHAHAP IHIHIT! STAHAPITSTOPITSTAHAHAHAHAHA!” Mark begged.

“Is poor Markimoo too ticklish in his widdle pits?” Jack teased. “Now what if I were to take advantage of my small brush here…” Jack pushed his chin back slightly to prevent him from clamping down, “Aaaand a coochy coochy coo! A coochy coochy coochy coochy coochy coochy coo!” Jack teased.

Mark had a huge, toothy grin on his face as he shook his head to get Jack’s hand off his chin. This was truly vulnerability at its finest. And Mark...didn’t know how to feel about it.

“IHIHI’LL KIHIHILL YOHOHOU! IHIHIHI’M GOHOHOIHIHING FOHOHOR YOHOHOUR RIHIHIGHT SIHIHIDE WHEHEHEN IHIHI GEHET OHOHOUT!” Mark warned.

“Uuuuh...I thought the point of me coming over was to purposefully tickle you?” Jack reminded him. “Plus, you literally told me ‘I need tickle torture’. Those were your exact words.” Jack reminded him.

A quick flashback played, showing the very moment.

Mark growled. “IHIHIHI KNOHOHOW, BUHUHUHUT- JAHAHACK STAHAHAP LEHEHET MEHE TAHAHALK!” Mark shouted back.

Jack nodded back and retreated the paintbrush. Ethan retreated his paintbrush as well.

“Ihi’m tired. And Ethan’s not supposed to be tickling me. You’re supposed to be tickling Ethan and myself as well.” Mark explained.

Jack looked at the camera. “Now am I supposed to tickle two people at once?!” Jack asked.

“I can do it.” Amy replied. Jack turned to her. “I can do it. I just need to set up a tripod for the camera.” Amy told him.

A quick static TV transition happened and next thing we know, the four of them are ready with a timer in the corner of the screen. The camera is set up to view both men strapped down, Ethan and Mark are now both shirtless, and the wired mics are strapped around both boys' necks. The bottle rope above is no longer hanging down, and the high table with the tools has moved to the middle between the two beds. Amy is standing above Mark with a makeup brush in her hand while Jack is standing above Ethan with a fluffed Q-Tip in his hand.

Jack looked at Amy and started counting. “3...2...1...”

“GO!” Amy and Jack both shouted!

The timer had started and Amy had already started pushing Mark’s neck back lightly. Jack shoved the Q-Tip into Ethan’s belly button almost immediately, emitting a loud burst of giggles. Amy fluttered the makeup brush all over Mark’s neck and chin, causing a huge toothy grin, yet no laughter.

While Amy kept the fluttering going, Jack kept on switching tickle tactics constantly to determine the best reactions. Jack went from swirling the Q-Tip around in his belly button, to spinning the Q-Tip back and forth in between his palms.

“JAHAHAHACK! DOHOHOHON’T SPIHIHIN IHIT LIKE THAHAHAHAHAT!” Ethan shouted to him.

“Why? Is it working?” Jack asked innocently.

Ethan nodded and wiggled around as he threw his head back and laughed.

“Just because you can still move a little, doesn’t mean you should.” Jack warned with a giggle.

Ethan squeezed his eyes shut, wheezed and shook his head. “SHUHUT UHUHUHUHUP!” Ethan yelled back.

Meanwhile, Mark was getting super close to breaking. He was tittering a little through his teeth, and squeezing his fists, so he did not break without a fight.

“Don’t make me go for your armpits.” Amy warned. “I will go for the armpits if you keep this up.” Amy mentioned.

Jack looked up. “There’s a bottle of baby oil over there. Would that maybe help?” Jack asked.

Amy looked up to Jack and looked at the baby oil. “Not a bad idea...But I feel like that would be cheating because it’s enhancing the tickling. It’s making it worse than it’s meant to be.” Amy admitted.

Jack laughed a little. “Well, I already used it multiple times. So, I think it’s allowed at this point.” Jack replied.

Amy with some hesitance, dipped the makeup brush into the styrofoam bowl of baby oil and spread it onto his neck and chin. Surprised by just how much the tickling was enhanced, Mark finally bursted! “PPFFFFTTT- HAHAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHANDS OHOHOFF!” Mark laughed, shaking his head and struggling to get the brush away from him while tied.

“What do you mean, ‘hands off’? I’m barely using my hands on you!” Amy reacted.

“Yeah! Who needs hands when you can use tools?” Jack added, looking at the camera.

Suddenly, Jack put away the Q-Tip and grabbed the toothbrush while he watched Ethan’s eyes just about widen to the size of dinner plates.

Jack turned it on. “NO! JACK! PLEASE, NO!” Ethan begged.

Jack’s hand with toothbrush got closer and closer to the belly button while the video zoomed closer and closer as well.

“NO! NOOOO! AAAAAAAAAHHH-”

The video cut to black, before the timer showed up, ticking and counting down...

[neverwatchedonepiece]

625: "Tension! Aokiji vs Doflamingo!"

One a scale of one to Kuzan, how bad is Doflamingo’s day going?

Only have time for one episode today but luckily it was a good one. 625 was crammed with intrigue and plot acceleration - not to mention adorable slice of life moments.

I know the next three episodes are filler (the thumbnail at the top corner of each video gave it away). Are they worth watching? I think I spied the Kung Fu Dugongs in the preview to 626. Those little guys were brilliant. xD

Mmmm... Dat Delicious Peril

Must confess I was hyped for this episode. The action continued were 624 left off: Doflamingo astride Smoker with Kuzan at his back.

“I need you to get off my friend.”

The way Doflamingo reacted to the imminent danger was interesting. The slow creep of ice towards him was a warning. He didn’t move. Slasher smile fixed to his face, he glanced about, considered: am I calm enough to retreat and let this slide?

Doflamingo served a large helping of Hell No.

He decided, “Screw it,” and went for the kill. Smoker almost went to the Big Cigar Shop in the sky. Luckily, his awesome friend had his back and froze Doflamingo’s feathery ass.

I knew Doflamingo wasn’t beaten because the cheeky little glint of his frozen shades told me so. He broke out of Kuzan’s ice casing and just stood there, staring at Kuzan, chuckling like a madman. (Also I love how Kuzan’s Devil Fruit lets opponents escape with all their clothing and accessories intact. He’s a good guy, really.)

For a second, I thought there might be a fight. Dramatic music kicked in. Kuzan and Doflamingo stared each other down. Then Doflamingo sauntered straight past Kuzan like it was nothing.

“I don’t want to fight you,” he said. “But if I can’t keep Smoker’s mouth shut, I will have to change my approach.”

Straight up threat there. Smoker now knows he can’t go blabbing about what Vergo has done. It’s probably in Smoker’s best interest, to be honest. If Vergo infiltrated the Marines, there might be more of Doflamingo’s agents crawling about the woodwork. Then again, Akainu is now in charge, and I’ll bet he’d love nothing more than to detect and crush any hidden pirates in the Marine ranks.

Doflamingo’s next dig was more interesting.

“But could you tell me one thing? Just what are you now, Kuzan? The things I’ve heard about you aren’t cool. The face of a vagabond is different from one who has a purpose.”

Now I’ve watched Film Z, Doflamingo’s comment “What are you now?” echoes what Kuzan said about himself. At that point, Kuzan wasn’t sure and even asked himself, “Just what am I now?” He sort of answered his own question, referring to himself as “an ally of justice.” Maybe. 

I still don’t know the full significance of Doflamingo’s pointed dig at Kuzan, but from the way Kuzan reacted once Doflamingo, Baby 5 and Buffalo flew off and Smoker said, “You’re not connected with the underworld, are you?”.... well, it got me wondering.

Kuzan sent the nosey G5 guys away while he had a quiet word with Smoker.

“I’m still the same person, Smoker.”

“That’s good then.”

I wonder if this means Kuzan *is* operating in the underworld, but that he told Smoker he was “the same person” means Smoker is no longer above dodgy dealings as long as Kuzan is still on the right side.

“At any rate, don’t take your eyes off Doflamingo. He is both a Shichibukai and a king of Dressrosa. He is an extremely dangerous pirate.”

Well, the king status explains why he has a massive house and a ton of servants. But this further complicates matters. Is Doflamingo an actual king, like one of the World Nobles? Or is this something lost in translation, like a kingpin, drug lord type of a banana republic?

“Tell Sakazuki to get the admirals moving. In the worst case scenario, the cogs will be destroyed and this will become the biggest threat that Sakazuki’s new Marines will have to face. I’ve warned you.”

Laying aside the whole aura of menace and the existence of important (metaphorical?) cogs, the fact that Kuzan is still willing to work with Akainu (Sakazuki is his real name, right?) speaks volumes about his character. I’m still not certain if Akainu knows Kuzan is still supporting them or whether this is a voluntary thing on Kuzan’s part and he continues to help from the shadows because he feels he must.

Either way, I like it.

Also laughed a lot when he forgot he was going to ask G5 to keep what had happened a secret. Lol, he’s still absent-minded. 

Still, the escalating sense of imminent conflict is great. Glad the plot is building towards something again. I wonder if the Marines know about Doflamingo, Kaidou and SMILE? Maybe Kuzan knows and that’s why he’s secretly warning Akainu to mobilise?

Maybe it’s something completely different.

Either way, I place some of the blame on this guy.

Hi, Caesar!

Aww, look. He’s thrilled to be the cause of it all. xD

On board Sunny, Law explained the trade relationship between Doflamingo and Kaidou. For some reason, he was cool explaining the plan to Foxfire and Momonosuke, who were hanging around listening in for no real reason. Still not sure why Law was cool with the alliance’s secret plan being heard by a pair of randoms from Wano, but I’m sure there is a reason.

I loved that even Foxfire and Momonosuke were shocked at the Alliance going after Kaidou.

Law also explained the plan in greater detail, which is great for us fans.

“To defeat Kaidou,” he said, “we must whittle down his fighting force. Kaidou has been buying many Zoan SMILEs from Doflamingo. There are many risk to SMILEs, but despite that, Kaidou now has over five hundred Devil Fruit users in his crew.”

First off, holy crap. Five hundred Devil Fruit users in his crew? That is a number, it really is.

Secondly, I was wrong about Kaidou wanting to use the SMILEs to boost his own beastly strength. He’s creating stronger crew. That’s definitely better. Much more of a threat if you have strong crew as well as being an absolute unit yourself.

Thirdly, there are risks to SMILEs. I wonder if these risks will give the StrawHearts (my new name for the Alliance) an in with Kaidou’s crew? As in, the ones SMILE didn’t work on will be injured or bitter and willing to betray Kaidou? Hmm...

“But Kaidou won’t be making any more,” Law added, and looked straight at Caesar.

Caesar was like, “Who me? Ehehehehe.”  I loved that moment when Chopper was like, “Omg, you create the ingredients for SMILE? That’s really impressive!” and when Law said, “Nah, he just improved Vegapunk’s work,” Chopper was like, “Oh.”

Totally don’t get why no one is impressed by that, to be honest. Science is all about improving and refining others’ work, even things that seem to be completely new. If Caesar adapted and improved SMILE, that’s still a legit achievement, I think. (I can’t believe I’m sticking up for Caesar. xD)

At any rate, Law also revealed there is another SMILE factory on Dressrosa. Their mission: find and destroy. Once that’s done, Kaidou won’t he able to increase his forces. The only caution (and a significant one at that) is that Doflamingo is a total pro and will not sit idly by while the StrawHearts mess up his business.

Luckily, Dressrosa is also where Foxfire and Momonosuke need to go. Apparently, they’re off to rescue a comrade who is imprisoned there. (Maybe that’s why Law was okay for Foxfire and Momo sticking around. It seems like Oda is going to include them in next arc’s plotline too. I think this is the first time this has happened in One Piece. And not only to them, but a villain too!)

This Was Just Great

Once Law was done explaining the plan, clouds gathered overhead. It was slice of life time. I know I love plot and intrigue but I also cherish those little peaceful moments between arcs, when the Strawhats are just hanging out on Sunny, enjoying the freedom of the sea.

There was a hair-raising moment when Sunny was almost crushed by a single giant hailstone (thanks Nami, Usopp, Chopper and Franky for timely avoidance tactics.) Momonosuke was super impressed by the Coup de Burst and Nami offered him a tour of Sunny.

I was like, “Yes! Give him a tour so I can see it too!” xD

Nami spent hours taking little Momonosuke round Sunny. He saw the fish tank, the library, got some lunch from Sanji, was examined by Dr Chopper - complete with hilarous tache - and sort of spoiled it with that moment in the bath with Robin but... meh, it’s Oda’s humour so whatever. :)

The nighttime scene was nice too. Usopp and Chopper dressing up in samurai armour and messing about on deck. Luffy fishing in armour (lol). Foxfire and Zoro sparring because Foxfire thought Zoro was the zombie swordsman from Thriller Bark because he had Shunsui (lol). Foxfire’s fiery sword slashes waking up and almost frying Caesar (double lol).

Brook said some pretty smart things about Doflamingo right at the end, which I am eighty-five percent certain no one will have heard because he was half talking to himself.

“Between losing his place as a Shichibukai and fighting a Yonko. I rather expect him to do neither and come after us.”

Me too, Brook. Me too.

And there was a rabbit turtle thing plus a guy with flowing cape, top hat and scary, shiny monocle. I’m guessing he is the filler bad guy?

Listen to Broooook. He knoooooows.

[tinycurlyfry]

I'm gonna ramble about Season 7 of voltron even if no ones gonna read this.

It hurts a lot to see so much hate towards the season and Even more so towards the crew itself. This season, more so in my opinion than any other so far, emphasized the brutality of war and in A freaking kids show! They pulled off making the season emotional, personal, intense, and full of fear and loss. And the pacing imo was LEAGUES better than what it has been. I ADORED this season because it was beautiful, powerful, emotional. Their families' safety and lives were on the line and them coming back and seeing the aftermath and desperation of their planet sent chills down my spine. This season wrote an amazing story about war, family, loss, and introduced so many amazing new characters that I hope will continue to fight alongside the paladins in the future.

BUT! Yes, they handled Adams character very poorly. They hyped his character, put him in a promotional clip and in a thumbnail with shiro to gain the attention and interest of the audience only to kill him with so little actual screen time. We saw the majority of his screen time in that clip released before the season even came out. And hyping his character up to the fans to kill him off before shiro could even see him again was INCONSIDERATE knowing what he meant to a lot of the fans. But at the same time, it made the lives of the people dying matter. This wasn't just some background character we didn't know or care about, with hardly a name. Adam was the significant other to a main character. The show made the lives being lost on earth MATTER. These weren't just nameless/faceless background people thrown in there to die and the audience wouldn't even blink an eye. Death MATTERED, they were people who mattered to the main characters, people who had lives that were important. Did they mess up with the way they handled Adams character? Yes. I am not going to deny that it was inconsiderate and made it feel like they didn't actually want shiro to be in a openly gay relationship while the rest of the show is filled with random and uneccesary hints of forced relationships between characters (PLEASE vld crew I beg you not to make Axca Keith's love interest).

But Shiro is still amazing lgbt rep. He's strong, a survivor who isn't letting anything knock him down. I thought he was just going to be in recovery this season but he wasn't going to let that be the case. He's still canonically gay and they don't make that his defining aspect. They made his sexuality feel so normal and casual in a KIDS SHOW, and I still thank the Vld crew for doing so.

This season was really good. Flawless? Absolutely not. They made mistakes, and handled things poorly. But I still feel the show has come a long way these past two seasons, and I hope that all the hate directed at the crew (ESPECIALLY the vas) stops

[lolcakes91]

Anti Theory Thesis

I’m mainly a lurker and this probably just going to be me word vomiting here... So don’t mind me. :D Also shout out to all you wonderful folks and your kick ass selves in the JSE community. Going to tag some people in here that posted some stuff that resonated with me. Hope you guys don’t mind. I remember in a Q&A, don’t remember which one, Jack said that we don’t have to make every single thing into an ego. I know he was mainly referring the thumbnail pic that spawned “Rob Zombie” but it kind of supports the theory that Anti was in disguise and that this dapper Jack fellow, I’ve seen multiple names for him, isn’t a new ego. To me, either Anti is a savage and hardcore mothatrucka that ripped a dude’s mustache off. (Violent AF btw, no chill, P.S I know it isn’t a real mustache but let’s pretend it is for the sake of the “new ego” debate.) OR It was Anti providing evidence that he was, in fact, in disguise. I only bring up the Q&A point because I feel like if that’s Jack’s mindset about the egos and us creating multitudes of them already...? Then he wouldn’t readily give us another character to build. It just feels like he is trying to throw us off and miss the fact that Anti is indeed in control and in disguise. It’s supposed to be Jack in a costume but he cracks after cutting himself, or convincing Jack to cut himself. OR it’s Jack manipulating us, DUN DUN DUN!!  @booperdoopcr posted a great detail that fuels this theory. Anti winks just like The Dapper Gentleman does. Though, that little detail in that sea of awesome theory may be a coincidence. But come on, who in this fandom believes in that? 

I will say though, Anti is looking like a dashing gentleman is quite exquisite.

@hawkeye221b Posted a sick theory for some Anti lore. MMMMMMMM! As a d&d fan I have to suggest you read it. So good and a cool idea/inspiration. Seeing the text “Run” upside down kind of gave me a D&D and Stranger Things vibe with the whole “upside down” or “Vale of Shadows” theme. As if Jack and the other egos are trapped somewhere. That somewhere being where Anti is from? Born? Summoned somehow from? Dunno. :D BUT IT EXCITES ME. The zalgo text situation. I’d like to point out we have time traveled into the past. Or at least we think we have. Zalgo is more of a modern, computer era, code based form of writing/typing out characters that make up words. It seems a bit advanced for what would be present in the era of the video. It wouldn’t make sense if it was still zalgo in this time period/theme. So I wouldn’t say he is more powerful because he doesn’t need to use it anymore. I’d say it’s more of Anti’s modern flare. Kind of like his knife size getting bigger and bigger. XD I will agree that this video having no zalgo text does, to some degree, suggest he is strong but perhaps not stronger because of the lack of it. On top of the time traveling business, to be able to manipulate any era of media or the world around you, is impressive. As for the actual messages that we do see. Things like “Run, Smile, Puppets.” I kind of agree that it may not all be Anti. There are several different fonts/scripts being used. That plays into the multiple egos bit quite well. Each having their own personality and handwriting. If it IS Anti in disguise, then most of the messages in the beginning and very end would be Anti. Things like “Not to worry! He’s already dead! Didn’t feel a thing!” Therefore, when he cuts himself and begins to crack, the other egos surge for power and the different small fonts could be in fact Jack and the other egos, not Anti.

Did anyone notice the mention of “doc”. I’m sure you clever cats did, nothing gets by you guys. Well when Jack/Anti/New Ego cut themselves and begin to wrap their bloodied fingers in the cloth. At 5:28. He smiles and seems to be talking to himself. To me it felt like it was ze good doctor taking care of Jack. Easing his worry or pain. Kind of like. “Oh Jackie boi. Zis is okay. Just a boo boo.” You’ll notice Anti doesn’t stay for long in the video. A minor wound, an easily tended to wound, a short amount of time. A slit to the throat? A mortal wound, he stays longer.

Now that we have discussed all of that it brings us to the time traveling dilemma that seems to be prevalent in all the theories I’ve just drooled out. Oooo boy do I love some time travel theories. If this pumpkin carving video provides more than it just being a kick ass theme and a play on words to surprise us. Then I am super hyped about the prospects and theories this opens the Anti fandom up to. Firstly, his neck isn’t slit. Obvious is obvious, I know. However, this detail seems to have people thinking Anti is getting stronger. AKA he is having an easier time not glitching as much and keeping up disguises. (Though I believed he glitched fabulously and fittingly for an old timely film.) AKA he is having an easier time “Playing Pretend”. Which may be true and doesn’t sound so far fetched to me but I feel like it shows that this is a time before he has actually “killed” or “harmed” Jack by slitting his throat.

 @corruptedmetadata posted something that intrigued me and gave me a thought. What if they aren’t in order? It’s a bit far fetched and probably the wonkiest idea I’ve spit in this thesis but what if some of the more modern looking videos is older than the old timey ones? I know I’m kind of contradicting myself here but we are talking about time travel and all it’s possibilities, paradoxes, alternate timelines and such. What if Jack has been dead for a long time and there really is nothing we can do. “He’s already won.” Jack really is gone, forgotten, and replaced. If Anti can disguise as him, and manipulate time, how would we know the Jack we are seeing today is actually from today. Any number of his videos could be from any point or just not him at all.

It all makes me wonder what Anti’s intentions are. I know we all have our ideas and some more concrete than others but the time manipulation changes it a bit doesn’t it? Gives Anti more of a motive to the why’s and how’s. Stuck in time, losing time, a need to have control. Is he using Jack and us to gain power to get out? To gain more power over our world or timeline? To trick us into switching spots with him? I’m curious what all of your opinions are on his motives now that we have a little more light shed on Anti.

Ahhh. I love theories. If you made it this far. I appreciate ya. I really love this kind of interaction with you guys and Jack. This is one of the only things that has really brought me out of my shell when it comes to interacting with this community more. Anyway. I bid you guys a goodnight and feel free to point out anything that may seemed too much of a stretch or flawed. I’d love to hear what you guys think. :D

[veri-us-kpop-weekly]

Recommendations 11/16/19

Recommendations are back (finally)!

-----------------

Well. Uh. Actually, the only excuse I have for this is that competition season has started for a few things I’m doing. I’ll simply cover a few of October’s highlights this time. (Here’s hoping it won’t be another month-and-a-half between this and the next post. I mean to post this last week, but my draft got deleted too many times.)

Read on for October’s recommendations! (This post is much longer than usual!)

SuperM - I Can’t Stand The Rain

If I were to have published this post a few weeks ago like I was supposed to, I more than likely would have recommended “2 Fast” for its light atmosphere and groovy house beat (in the vein of Shinee title tracks). Then, here I am, over a month after the album’s release and several days after their concert, and I’ve listened to it (almost) the least out of all the songs in the album. In short, this is my way of beating around the bush to say that “I Can’t Stand The Rain” has had better longevity than the other album tracks in SuperM’s debut EP for me. The most obvious idiosyncrasy of this song is, get this, actual percussion. It’s not the kind you would associate with idol bands and the like but pounding bass drums or tribal drums. In a similar way as AB6IX’s “BLIND FOR LOVE” in the last post, there is a very large contrast (especially in the bridge) between the high falsettos or Taemin’s airy voice when compared to the deep, full instrumental. While the drums are the easiest instrumental touch to hear, the verses also benefit from the ornamentation of strings, particularly, it seems, violins, which give the effect of the song being a part of an action-packed symphony.

Jung Daehyun - Aight (아잇)

Recently, I was having a listening spree of a lot of title tracks from October, and upon exhausting myself with the same few genres over again, was fairly hopeless about anything else I’d listen to. I (unsurprisingly) made some snippy comments about a few obvious ballads and corny titles I came across before this. When I came across “Aight”, though, I genuinely had no idea what to expect based on the thumbnail and title, so I clicked on it. Even with no expectations, this wasn’t what I would have expected in the slightest. That’s not a bad thing here: this is fun, funky, and most of all, kind of weird, the latter being my initial impression. I suppose my first thoughts about “Aight” stemmed from the fact I kind of decided, “Hey, let’s find the chorus first.” Well, the chorus has some strange vocal layering and effects, which texture the song more than most solo songs, and all the differently configured parts trade off a bit suddenly in a broken melody. The post-chorus is a whispered chant, which adds yet another vocal texture. The only other place that retains any of the strange trade-offs in the pre-chorus. The verses are, more-or-less, standard aside from the fact that the second verse doesn’t drop into any sort of half-time thing and just lets the funk and disco instrumental be.

Youngjae - Forever Love

When I think of solo songs, I typically think of ballads, R&B, and hip-hop galore. Perhaps the rationale behind this is that these genres are fairly easy to tackle without a multitude of vocalists splitting up parts. Groups tackle these genres as well, but they often offer-up more propulsive genres that suit larger numbers of vocalists and rappers. It would be impossible for a single vocalist to handle melodies that constantly exchange on a live stage without accompaniment, but that doesn’t occasionally stop a solo artist from releasing something fit for a(n idol) choir. “Forever Love” is simply a k-pop song typical of the early 2010s that got released almost a decade past the pinnacle of this melodic EDM style, but the delayed timing makes it feel unique compared to other recent releases. Its optimal listening setting is somewhere you can absolutely crank the volume (or have it cranked up for you at a concert) as it’s a party-starter. I listened to Youngjae’s previous songs earlier this year, and the thing I recall most is that one of them used guitar, and that element is retained here to accompany a strong beat to make up the verses and to join synths to create an atmospheric pre-chorus.

(Link since I ran out of videos I could embed)

Limesoda - Wave

See, October was fairly devoid of girl group releases, and I didn’t expect to like much from the small pool of songs that came out. I find that a lot of what determines whether I’ll like a girl group release is its delivery. I may or may not have mentioned this before, but I’m not fond of the light, higher-pitched delivery or the hard, intense hip-hop delivery at either extreme. It is, for this reason, I enjoy songs like “Wave” where well-written melodies take precedent with a rougher delivery (and the song completely lacks a rap, too!). This is one of those songs where the chorus stands out far more than the verses that surround it. It feels full and vibrant with lots of attitude while still being inherently very catchy. It may have fairly standard and slightly trendy instrumentals during this part (even the slow and dramatic verses are more textured), but the mix of smoothly high and deeper voices with a knock-out melody in both the chorus and post-chorus is all the song really needs to go from average to excellent.

Jeong Sewoon - 온도차 (Ondocha/Love in fall)

(It’s still the wrong MV, folks.)

Out of everyone from Produce 101 Season 2, Sewoon had my second favorite voice, which, of course, meant he was probably going to sing ballads after the show since he was (arguably) in the upper echelon of vocalists. He has released ballads, but he’s also (thankfully) released bright pop songs driven by acoustic guitar. Sewoon’s “When it rains” fell into the former category, as did most of his recent album, but “Love in fall” treads along the lines of the acoustic-pop he’s previously worked with in the verses while adding the emotional heft of a ballad in the pre-chorus and the trendiness of EDM in the chorus. The chorus isn’t as melodically strong as some of the above songs, but it’s held together by an incredibly strong riff in the instrumental.

TXT - Poppin’ Star

For all the hype TXT has gotten, their music quality has been able to hold up decently well. Their second album wasn’t as strong as their first, but it still had quite a few pleasant b-side tracks, like “Poppin’ Star” and “New Rules”, and was headed by the surprisingly strong “Run Away”. The album suffered from a lot of overproduction on the vocals, and that didn’t always settle quite right on the ballads(-ish), which typically benefit from a more raw sound to convey emotion. However, “Poppin’ Star” manages to benefit from this flaw because it doesn’t carry the emotional heft of many of the other album tracks. The instrumental is as bouncy and playful as the childish atmosphere conveyed by the lyrics (which are as candy-filled as possible). The vocals mimic the patterns of the instrumental in the same way, and the quirky, electronic feel of the song is quite enough to make it stand out as a precursor to the more downbeat portions of the album.

Recommendations are over once more! Have a fantastic week! ~Yume

(Thank goodness I’ll have a break soon...)

[deltastorm101]

Hints “masterpost”

Prepare, this is going to be a long post. (I won’t list things like reblogging Anti stuff on Tumblr and smaller hints or references during videos, unless it’s really striking.) 1) I think it all started with this video: Rick And Morty VR #1, uploaded April 20. It is called “Wubba Lubba Dub Dub”, which is also written on his whiteboard in the background. According to the show, it means “I am in great pain, please help me”. (At that point, maybe Jack didn’t even want to build up a hype yet, but some theorists already associated it with Anti, so he rolled with it? Maybe?)

2) The thumbnail of Peace Death #3, uploaded April 22. He has the gauges in.

3) Please Don’t Touch Anything VR, uploaded May 18. The whiteboard in the background says “Don’t read this”.

4) The thumbnail of Kindergarten #5, uploaded May 19. He has the gauges in.

5) The thumbnail of Ben And Ed Blood Party #3, uploaded June 5. It’s creepy as all hell. At least I think so.

6) Facecam glitch in Epidemic, uploaded June 12. No need to talk about this… :P

7) Counter Fight, uploaded June 16. The clip after his outro: “Listen closely and listen once. HI!”  That gave me HUGE vibes.

8) Pix2Pix #2, uploaded June 19. The clip after his outro: “Spontaneous laugh disease”. That HAD to be a reference to the Epidemic video.

9) THE FIRST ZALGO. He added the tag “c̡͡rá̵͞cķ͘͠ś͢” to Bio Inc. Redemption #4 – 5 days after it uploaded originally (June 24)

10) THE SECOND ZALGO. He added the tag “c̡̧͜o͝rru̕͟͠pt̶e҉̷d͞” to Wilson’s Heart #1 – 4 days after it uploaded originally (June 26)

11) Reposting Anti-, Schneeplestein- and Chase-related things on Tumblr and tagging them with #damaged, #glitched and a link to this video: “You’re all puppets. There are no strings on me”.

12) He changed his Twitter bio to “Internal screaming”: July 6

13) THE THIRD ZALGO. He reblogged this post and tagged it with #P̸͈̟̝͓͎ͩ̋̕a̭͎͎̻͇̙͖ͭ̋ͧͨͮ͛ṱ̦̰̏͛ͫ͗̓ͤ͠i͚̭͎ͪ͂̎̊ͤͬ̔͜e̩̭͍͖͕͍̞ͣ͡n̸̴̲͙̏ͫ̔c͓͇̬̙̪͈̲̬ͩ͌ͩ̐̈̒̽̚ę̗̺̔ͭͥ́. 

14) He redyed his hair dark green on July 11. As if that wasn’t enough for us to freak out, he posted this picture on Twitter and Instagram. The letters in the background say either “return” or “reborn”.  

15) He changed his Twitter bio to “Return or reborn”: July 12

16) Yurei Station, uploaded July 15. Basically, this entire video was one, big hint with vibes too strong to describe…

17) The thumbnail of Overcursed, uploaded July 18. He has the gauges in.

Last, but not least: THE TITLES. He has been leaving huge hints in the titles. Some of them:

- Spread The Plague | Rat Simulator (May 16)

- Spreading The Sickness | Epidemic (June 12)

- The Storm Grows | Rime #2 (June 12)

- Dying On The Inside | Bio Inc. #1 (June 15)

- Keep Your Eyes Peeled | Hidden Folks (June 20)

- I Need Healing | Wilson’s Heart #1 (June 26)

- Everybody’s Dead | Wilson’s Heart #2 (June 30)

- Please Help Me | Banished #2 (July 1)

- Is Jacksepticeye Dead? | Googling Myself (July 2)

- I’m Going Insane | Crash Bandicoot #3 (July 5)

- Please Stay Alive! Please Stay Alive! | Banished #3 (July 6)

- Who’s The Real Killer? | Sally Face Chapter 2 Part 2 (July 12)

- Feed The Cycle | We Become What We Behold (July 18)

- Live. Die. Repeat. | Life Goes On (July 19)

This is BY FAR not every hint he dropped. Jack has been reblogging Anti-related things on Tumblr without captions SO much that it just can’t be a coincidence anymore (for example this.)  A few of his Twitter replies also heavily point towards the Anti-hype, not to mention some creepy laughs, Anti references and him checking his pulse in his videos…

This post also doesn’t include “ego-crossovers” – There were many hints about Dr. Schneeplestein’s and Chase’s fate as well, but this post is Anti-exclusive. :P

Anyway, I hope this might help people understand and keep up with the hype, and if not, then maybe it’s at least fun to read. :P

Listing and linking all the videos was a pain in my ass

[July 21 2017. Shit is gonna go down, I’m telling you.]

[patricksilvrrozartistry]

Current Music Obsessions: March 16 - 31, 2017

I’m FINALLY sharing my obsessions for the last two weeks of March! ALSO, there’s A LOT of honorable mentions because I PURGED my watch later playlist, and here they are!

Svart Crown - Orgasmic Spiritual Ecstacy Vitja - Heavy Rain Semi Precious Weapons - Magnetic Baby GOTH - Only One Aeternitas - Falling Star Last Leaf Down - Ghost Trails Downcast Collision - Overthrown Erdling - Absolutus Rex Vitas - Opera No2 The Silent Wedding - Silence Memoira - Medusa Adna - Thoughts Lost in Grey - Road to Styx Ray Noir - All Alone feat. Mariann Rosa Parasite Inc. - The Pulse of the Dead Last Leaf Down - Purple Skies String Theory - At the Edge of Universe Midnight Sorrow - Lost for Eternity Symfobia - From the Ashes Arthemis - Undead Aeverium - Vale of Shadows Doxa - The Spring in You Sinheresy - My Only Faith Carach Angren - Song for the Dead Lorelei - Gallows Hymn Mycelia - Drop the Baby Valhalore - Voyage into Eternity Synaptik - The Incredible Machine Alcest - Les Vogages De L'Ame Thallium - I'm Death Avelion - Fading Out Distant Landscape - The Change N.O.M. - A Guys Kobra and the Lotus - You Don't Know

Now for the obsessions!

1) Skies Collide - Run Wild

I came across these guys a few years ago and have been really into them ever since. This is their latest release and I'm really digging it. It's absolutely gorgeous and a bit softer (riff wise) from what they've released in the past, so it's nice to see something a bit different from them. Can't wait to see what else they bring.

2) Black Mirrors - Funky Queen

If you're a fan of psychedelic rock and/or rock n roll, DEFINITELY give this song a listen. This was one of those unexpected gems you find from a sponsored post from a page you like on Facebook. So glad I decided to give them a listen. It's so fun, catchy and such a great song to jam to.

3) The Charm the Fury - Echoes

I've known of these guys for a minute, but I haven't listened to that much from them yet. But out of everything I've heard from them, this is by far my favorite track. It has a great sound, a lovely sounding chorus and is just a badass hard rock track. Got a new band to add onto my Dutch favs list.

4) Sunburst - Symbol of Life

This is a song I rekindled my love for all thanks to it being a recommended video. Sunburst are an EPIC progressive power metal that I discovered sometime last year. Fragments of Creation (the album this song is taken from) is such an amazing album and was a contender for my top 20 list. The lead singer has this powerful and unique voice and you can tell he puts his whole being into their songs. HIGHLY recommend this track!

5) Moondust - Our Fantasies

I discovered this song MANY years ago through a channel named "theabt" and have loved it ever since. Randomly one day in the middle of the month, it popped into my head and I rekindled my love for it. It's such a beautiful gothic metal track that is so underrated. It's such a huge bummer these guys didn't last long. They really could've evolved into something really epic.

6) In Flames - When the World Explodes feat. Emilia Feldt (live)

This was a video that popped up on my recommended videos one day and I immediately got interested because I never knew that In Flames had a song that featured a female singer. I'm so glad I decided to check this song out because it is so beautiful. I also wasn't expecting her to be an opera singer, so when them soprano notes started to come out, I was shook. So good. So good.

7) Bare Infinity - In Desertis

This song is such a ball buster! I never thought I'd ever say that when talking about Bare Infinity, but it's true! This song is aggressive, very proggy and symphonic, but it's still very them and atmospheric. I'm so hyped for this album. I can't wait to listen to it in its entirity because I know it will blow me away and send me to another world.

8) SubRosa - Troubled Cells

If you are into very chill and easy going post rock/metal, DEFINITELY give this song a listen! It's so lovely and relaxing. Post rock/metal like this is my ASMR (the real thing give me terrible anxiety and literally makes me ill). You just feel the music and the ambiance float around you and you feel as if you're part of the atmosphere. It's so wonderful.

9) Caleb Hyles and Jonathan Young - The Plagues (Prince of Egypt) cover

THIS COVER. GURL. It's so epic, powerful and just so good! It has this creepy and dramatic beauty to it, and the video adds to that feeling. It's absolutely amazing. And the cover they did of Savages from Pocahantus is also worth mentioning because it's epic and is how I came across this cover. Go check them out!

10) Emerald Mind - Astronaut in Her Space

I'm pretty sure I came across this song/video from a sponsored ad on Facebook and I'm so glad I checked it out! Symphonic, progressive power metal + sci-fi lyrical themes = HAPPINESS. I am a huge sucker for metal bands whose lyrics are sci-fi themed, and this song is that. This song is absolutely gorgeous and the video is so pretty. So much yes.

11) That Which Remains - Touch My Face

I came across this project while listening to Trees of Eternity one day on YT and learned this was one of Aleah's projects outside of Trees of Eternity. It has an alternative rock/shoegaze kind of feel to it and I love it. It's so interesting hearing Aleah's voice in front of something that isn't doom metal or some sort of ambient music. It's such a lovely track and I definitely plan on listening to more from this project.

12) We Butter the Bread with Butter - Klicks. Likes. Fame. Geil!

WBTBWB is a band I discovered back in the days leading up to my dreaded scene phase, but I only knew one song of theirs and didn't go much further than that one track. But a couple years ago, they came on Music Choise and I really liked what I heard, so I've sorta kept up with them ever since. They're still very much a metalcore band, but they have a strong electronic element to them that I LOVE and they also don't take themselves too seriously, which is EXACTLY what this song is and it is AMAZING! So catchy, fun and fun to blast through headphones.

13) Crimson Sun - Towards the Light

This was a song that I randomly came across in the recommended videos on YT. I wasn't that impressed at first, but I kept it on my watch later so I could listen to it a few more times till I developed a better opinion of it and I'm so glad I did. This is one of those songs that grows on you and sticks with you. Catchy tune with a great singer. Do recommend.

14) Persefone - Living Waves feat Paul Masvidal

I discovered Persefone through Facebook a few months ago when I saw an ad for a preview video (I think) for their upcoming album, AATHMA, that is to be released later this year. Let me tell you this: I have a strong feeling this is going to be one of, if not THE best progressive metal album of the year for me. This track is just so epic and experimental and powerful. This is some proggy epicness that you all need to listen to immediately!

15) Garbage - Magnetized

I saw this video pop up and decided to give them a listen as I've always heard about how good they were, especially when it came to talking about iconic 90's grunge bands. I need to listen to more from them because this song is EVERYTHING. So catchy and fun to jam out to. I so recommend this.

16) Voyager - Ascension

Guys. This song is epic. This is the first single Voyager have dropped off their upcoming album, Ghost Mile, and I am so excited for it! I LOVE the atmospheric nature to this track. Such an epic progressive metal track. Their lead singer's voice is so lovely and his hair is amazing. It's also the first track that I've heard from them that features growls. The bridge is my favorite part. It's so simple, but it packs such a wallop.

17) Ionnalee - Samaritan

This is a new project from the iconic artist iamamiwhoami. Being completely honest, I only know one song from that project, so I can't compare the two projects together, but I can say that they are both ambient/experimental projects. I am in LOVE with this song! It's so fun and catchy. And the video is so interesting and artsy af.

18) D-A-D - I Want What She's Got

Four words. Heavy. Metal. Drag. Queens. I had gotten a song stuck in my head one day and was snooping around through different record labels' channels and I randomly came across this video and thought "is that a drag queen in the thumbnail?" I watched the video and GAGGED. I LIVE for this video! They all look so polished in this video! I wish they were always in drag instead of only in this video. But hey, at least it's really great and catchy tune.

19) Gonin-Ish - Jinbaika

I randomly came across this song one day on YT. I was drawn in by the cover art. I mean look at it, it looks like a cross between Studio Ghibli and Tim Burton and I love it. I decided to give it a listen and I'm so glad I did because it's absolutely gorgeous. Japanese progressive metal. I've never heard a progressive metal band from Japan and now I'm seriously wanting to search for others! Their front woman has a pretty voice and has some pretty intense screams. HIGHLY recommend it just for the extremely beautiful intro alone!

That’s all for March! My lists are probably gonna be shorter for a while, since I PURGED my watch later list so much that now I only have less than 30 songs on it, so that will be nice.

[sparda3g]

Gintama Chapter 622 Review

Nostalgia mixed with new elements can create a much stronger moment to remember.

It’s a good time to be around for the series’ end. The feel of anticipation could not be easily described as I have nothing but hype all over me. The feeling of the good old days incorporated with new moments that completes this chapter as a great hyped up one.

The chapter recaps the last couple of pages from the last chapter, only now it has a stronger impact as well as pumping you up for the greatness. Seeing Pirako and Jirocho on a good term right from the start is so delightful to see; I forgot that it has been so long that we have last seen them. It’s no coincidence that while I am catching up on a lot of anime, I ended up watching the movie length version of Four Devas Arc. It couldn’t be any more fitting to see the comparison on how these characters changed yet remain strong contribution to the series.

Jirocho’s speech about men is so encouraging, it makes me want to work out and get twice as strong. It’s a clever way to intertwine with men and women, yet also encourage that women aren’t weak or helpless as many enemies came to treat them as such. Now it is men’s turn to show off or else they are placed as cowards. The way how it segues from one theme to the next is a smart move by Sorachi because not only it’s shockingly influential, but it’s true to Jirocho’s character. The look on the Shinra Clan is priceless. Talking crap like they know; man, they have no idea what’s coming.

While the chapter isn’t an action oriented, it does have some sweet spots here and there. Once Jirocho strikes, everyone goes all out. The aerial exchange is damn cool. However, what steals the show is when Gintoki got into his position, taking down some foes along the way. After all, they were on Jirocho’s backside, so he literally got his back. The nostalgia feeling is certainly strong, but in its own right, it is badass. I love their interactions as well. Just by seeing them side-by-side, I got goose bumps; feeling like I know exactly what’s next. But then Pirako lands right on Gintoki and my hype cools down.

That’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, we are treated with surprisingly charming yet hilarious scenes. I recall that the last time we have seen them; we didn’t get any father-daughter bonding, outside of the ending. So it was charming to watch them bonding like a family. The question is how Jirocho acts as a father. Well, the best I can describe is a doting father. As adorable it is to see them interact, it feels like we are watching older people acting like a much younger age family. Pirako is like a little girl and Jirocho easily takes the fault and treats her with candy. I don’t know why but the visual got me rolling.

I am happy to see them together though. What makes it work swell is the fact they are true to their characters with their interactions. Pirako is always like a little girl and Jirocho is like a very caring man. Mixing them up together is what we see here. It works and I was highly amused. Though jumping into much later scene, I laughed out loud with Jirocho threatening the enemy to never touch his daughter or they will die, yet he’s looking at Gintoki out of all people. At least, he’s protecting.

The moments from them in a serious manner, however, are great. Pirako is finally making up for her dues and understandably so. She vows to serve justice by her own hands. Seriously, is there any bad character in this series? She looks so strong saying those words. I’m glad Sorachi remembers his characters.

Before commenting on Jirocho’s segment, I have to praise the visual here. It’s the way on how it was formatted to set you up the hype works tremendously. Once the speech was done, that’s where you feel the intensity. There are a lot of good shots that I had a hard time to use for the thumbnail. There are feel good moments with the comparison of the past and present. It serves this chapter greatly. The action set piece is a roaring moment. I seriously want the action to set off already and I am a patience guy.

Jirocho’s segment is so touching. That panel with him telling Gintoki, “You did well staying alive,” got me. It’s not just the fact he sees him like his old best friend, but the fact he acknowledged him as one. That expression writes so many words. In the past, it had Jirocho understanding Tatsugoru’s will. Here, it’s him responding back on the current era and how things changed yet remain the same. Now it’s time for him to go forward and protect the one they cherished. What’s great is that Gintoki is another one that fits into the description; in other words, there will always be someone that cherishes the same love. I love how it was presented. The ending of feeling the same joy of the past is hype yet delightful. Man tears…

It’s a strong driving chapter that has a lot to showcase. When the full course of action begins, it will be glorious. It’s a hype chapter that gives you more than just hype; it’s an emotional return of old characters who are always welcome to return.

[capsulecloset]

Favorite movies of 2016

Every year, I like to note movies I loved throughout the year and reflect back on them.  It’s like a journal.  2016 seemed to have a LOT of movies, and I really tried to see everything.  I still am anxious to see Fences, Silence, and Hacksaw Ridge, and maybe I’ll update this post when I do, but I wanted to share my favorites list where it’s at now.

1.  Moonlight - I don’t want to over-hype this one because there’s already so much buzz out there, but I was blown away by this shimmering, intimate portrait.  Beautiful, wrenching performances and cinematography.

2.  Manchester by the Sea - I went into this movie and little skeptical of all the hype I’d heard, to be honest.  But it’s wonderfully restrained storytelling about grief that feels so real.  I thought the casting all around, even with smaller parts, was great.

3.  Arrival - This is not the movie they’re marketing in the trailers.  It’s such an achievement in all of the elements of filmmaking--performance, visuals, music--coming together in perfect cinematic harmony.  So effective.  It gave me so many feelings.

4.  Other People - Don’t be fooled by the awful thumbnail image they’re using on Netflix.  This little-known gem of a dark comedy has some seriously incredible performances.  It’s really funny, really moving, and has one of the best musical callbacks I’ve ever seen.  Streaming now on Netflix.

5.  20th Century Women - I found this movie to be imperfect, but so beautiful.  The structure is winding, sometimes sloppy, but it works, echoing the visuals of driving the central California coast that the movie employs so well.  Annette Bening is wonderful, and the rest of the cast is strong as well.

6.  O.J.:  Made in America - This is technically more of a mini-series, but it’s being called a movie in various places lately (maybe because of award campaigning), so I’m including it here.  Wow.  Just a great doc.  Some of the most WTF talking head interviews ever, and some powerfully enlightening context to the O.J. trial.  Streaming now on Hulu.

7.  The Witch - A truly unsettling horror movie that basically serves as an origins story.  It’s quietly creepy (not a lot of jump scares), and gorgeously designed.  I was enthralled the whole time.  Streaming now on Amazon Prime.

8.  American Honey - I love Andrea Arnold as a director, and her taste for naturalism.  She’s able to make poverty look romantic, even when it’s piercingly hard to watch.  This movie is a slow burn, and the best thing I’ve ever seen Shia Labeouf in (except maybe that Sia video).  Lead Sasha Lane is also amazing.  Now rentable on Amazon Prime.

9.  The Handmaiden - Holy bananas, this movie is nuts.  It’s actually a few twists short of the wild ride of a novel it’s based on, but it’s still just what you would expect from Oldboy director Park Chan-Wook.  It’s a funny, intense thriller with a dash of love story.

10.  The Lobster - This movie is also crazy, but in a  much subtler way.  I don’t know if I’ve ever been more disturbed throughout a film, but I also laughed the entire way through.  A truly dark, dark comedy, and everyone in it gets the joke.  Streaming now on Amazon Prime.

11.  A Bigger Splash - A solid French-y love triangle thriller with a great cast.  I just love watching Tilda Swinton as a rock star vacationing in Italy.  Eye candy and intrigue.  Now rentable on Amazon Prime.

12.  Weiner - This is a super well-done portrait that really challenged what I thought about Anthony Weiner and political discourse in general--and then switched it up on me time and time again.  Now on Showtime.

13.  Green Room - If you’re into horror movies at all, you have to see this solid home invasion film about a punk band who gets stuck playing a skinhead concert and becomes entangled in a very dangerous situation.  It breaks my heart to watch Anton Yelchin and know he’s no longer with us, because what a talent.  Streaming now on Amazon Prime.

14.  Elle - I don’t truly know what to make of this film and what it’s saying about rape, but I was enthralled nonetheless, enjoying a 90s-thriller kind of vibe that it has.  Isabelle Huppert is incredible and deserving of all the awards.

15.  Midnight Special - I had a couple issues with the logic of this movie, but enjoyed it pretty well nonetheless.  It has one of the best opening chase sequences I’ve ever seen.  Now streaming on HBO Go.

Honorable mentions:  Jackie, Loving, 13th, Deadpool, Pet Fooled, The Invitation, the Burberry ad that played before the Handmaiden

Unpopular opinions:  I didn’t like La La Land.  And it’s not because I’m not a “musical person” --I actually love musicals.  I just didn’t think it was a very good one.  I also was lukewarm on Rogue One, which I fully expected to love.  It didn’t have the same characterization that got me so on board with A Force Awakens last year, and I was disappointed in a lot of opportunities missed.  I think it might have worked better broken up into multiple films, with more time spend developing conflict and character.

Looking at this list as whole, it’s pretty bleak.  A lot of sad, grim, and just plain heavy movies.  Maybe that’s reflective of where we are as a country, maybe it’s reflective of me and my tastes right now.  But it’s interesting to see, regardless.  It’s also a fairly feminist bunch of movies, so that something!

Update:  Hidden Figures makes the list!  If only for a beautiful scene about bathrooms.  Phenomenal cast and great story.  Here’s one that’s actually uplifting.