#two are the same dvd with just different covers tho

[pepsi-phil]

an influencer doing a haul video but instead of fast fashion it's just cm punk dvds

[castle-dominion]

castle 6x16 room 147

the cult hypnosis episode liveblog

(side note I can't believe they didn't have dever & huertas-- heck I would have loved the OTHER dever to do an audio commentary. The castle's dad one had the audio instead which, like, valid ig.) Anyway I'm on a new dvd now, which is why I am complaining about the lack of (my preferred) bonus features.

Not QUITE the same mess lol

KABOOM I loove alexis sm <3 <3

Oof I'm quitting my job to go to school I can't imagine having a job & a non-job & a tutoring gig & paying a lease & holy crap I am so privileged

Yay calling him Sito.

were not was

Jane: He didn’t have to. Good looking guy, no bags, checking in for one night?

that's a flip phone... Plenty of people have their own website. too bad the guy doesn't have imbd tho

random lady yelling.

Love esposito's outfit! so chill!

You never get a confession this early in an ep. u KNOW smth's going to go down. Is there going to be another one really fast like this where they solve it hella fast & after the third murder with an instant confession they get suspicious?

Ah she has an alibi! Is she confessing to cover for someone else?

Love the doodle. Maybe it was a code to whoever is going to read her confession I love the flashbacks. While I'm here, the door opened on the left, attached on the right. I don't think it was like that in the crime scene. wdym you don't think so?

someone is making her confess to their crime that's why this stuff is happening.

Yeah that's how addiction is alright.

I loooove how she doesn't remember! Anita Miller: No, from me!

RC: What about forensics? Did CSU come up with anything? JE: Yeah, a hotel room in New York City? (he shudders) They found all kinds of fun stuff. (not clipping)

Clipping the theory part. unless there was a tall/cext to the phone you don't have!

Doc holloway's back!!!!

Ryan & me: Two weeks? Wait a minute, that’s how long Anita says she’s been feeling blurry.

RC: As much as I love a good mystery, a small part is hoping he can give us some clarity on what the hell is going on.

idk why I find the "ask for help" poster with the guy crying in their hands so humerous. Maybe bc it reminds me of the cotton eyed joe meme I made. Me: *just commit autosurgery trying to cut off my own breast* My surgical tape: *won't stick* Me: *crying* my adhd: IF IT WEREN'T FOR COTTON EYED JOE I'D BE MARRIED A LONG TIME AGO

Love background artists.

I need details.

I love love love the way it goes with the filming. POV filming. (markiplier moments, girl hand, man hand, we also need a black guy. Like that aone scene where you have three hands at some point bc you're picking up the artifact, swapping the teddy bear, holding his nose so he doesn't sneeze, & every single movement is a different person's hand. for Diversity. We need a left-handed person now tho.

Because he did what to you? aiy dee kay. Love the music sm KB, explaining like bonvolio: Yeah, you and Anita Miller are working together on this. You’re either covering for each other or you’re covering for someone else out there.

love how there are two interrogation rooms. She's very adamant that she did this. Why not take the out? "So I didn't kill him? I'm hella confused after all..."

Get doc holloway back here. RC: What if their lives intersect, just not in such a literal sense? Me, just participating in the fictional canadian character poll: ramona flowers? powers? renata? Hold on... scott pilgrim dreams is what I'm saying.

RC: (dryly) Really? Alternate universe? That’s how little you think of me? RC in a future episode: *goes to an au where lanie is preggo & rysposito is canon. unless that was just a fanfic i read...)

I love her ring KB: (off is look) I’m sorry, it’s just, you got excited. It’s kind of cute. RC: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know how I like the weird stuff. Me: SEASON ONE

WHAT'S nothing? on your phone there?

I LOVE this kid, this absolute child. radar oreilly vibes off him, esp with castle's psychic link theoryu.

OUTSTANDING! LOVE THE WORDS! consistency bc of slaughter! "I need to confess!" 'take a number'

"She remembers bc she thought it looked suspicious" that's the only reason someone WOULD remember! & the only reason they'd take a pic.

a big bald man!

It's just a doodle. It is a celtic knot holy trinity sign, no? the van you've been disoriented. How long have you had that symbol in your head? KB: this is important! Dwight: *I killed a guy but fuck ok bestie*

Assertiveness training I love this tranny sm. He needs to get on testosterone.

Sometimes THEY scrub footage, sometimes it's the detectives...

her phone again. what is even going on with that?

I love it. love the way she picks up her jacket, the boys, she's coming back to work this late at night in an hour... I love these folks this family their dynamics their movements & body language I thouht it was jim not alexis. Peter's cafe/bistro

Her face. she is rolling her eyes & I love alexis & I love her bangs & I love alexis & the alexis-kate relationship kjsdflkjkldjfsd It IS pride! Ooh music!!

Love those two cops smiling in the elevator. IT implies that there was a conversation in there that we missed.

Me: native Esposito: also technically native EHI: *kills ppl in their "sweat lodge initiation"*

lmao SO culty he talks so slow. Need to speed this up. good gravy. Ooh I only just noticed her eyeliner. love it.

this place reminds me of japan. Why is he expecting? Oh maybe bc he killed the guy! ooOOooh! SHUT THE DOOR SHUT THE DOOR BY WHICH I MEAN NO DON'T SHUT THE DOOR YOU'RE GOING TO BE TRAPPED THIS IS MY PARANOIA KICKING IN.

Love the art of himself on the walls. Where is that? Sweden? years????

Bauer: I’m struck by the level of your hostility, Detective. It’s not healthy. RC: You know what I’m struck by is your total lack of curiosity as to why a homicide detective is asking about your employee. "little group" THOUSANDS of members across the globe! RC: Wow. That’s – amazing, how you would just know what off the top of your head. Bauer: I make a point of meeting every member of my EHI family. The people you mentioned are not among them. Me: thousands of members & you have met every one sure but u remember every one?

Bauer: *looks to the side offscreen* RC: *looks to the side too* *realizes* *rolls his eyes up* Me: I do the same thing when my brothers are standing behind me irl & annoying me so I whip around to face them...in minecraft

btw what is that glass thing on there?

grande poobah??? his what???

RC: So all three of our confessors have had problems in their lives. Alcoholism, anger management, assertiveness issues, all things that they could have gone to EHI to treat.

that's true! RC: Wipe memories. Think about it. The fogginess, the confusion over the last two weeks? KR: So you’re saying that a glorified self-help group can erase memories? How? Doc H: With drugs.

Me: *seen the s7 premier* Memories actually change all the time. Outstanding! Love the words! KR: Castle, do you have any idea how insane that sounds? I would clip that but meh RC: Just not in person. Me: Not your psychic theory again!

"Ok he did NOT flirt with me" (why does the woman's vers need to be flirty tho? /gen q for EHS or w/e their name was)

Just letting them continue to argue lol

KB: Yes, a genius at annoying me. (not clipping) RC: Yes, a genius at annoying me. KB: (aside) I’m starting to feel the urge.

the door opens the wrong way THE DOOR OPENS THE WRONG WAY THEY MENTIONED IT RIGHT AFTER MEEEE (tho I have seen it too) wait all these rooms have the same painting? srs?

the way ryan says "su'm" instead of something, I looove it. kinda hate it tho.

CSU: Detective, I traced the signal from Bauer’s video conference with Beckett. JE: So where in Stockholm is he? CSU: That’s the thing. The signal was routed through Stockholm, but it looks like it originated from a local IP address. JE: Local, as in Manhattan? CSU: As in inside this building.

Love esposito's giant coats & layers & stuff.

that hand is slim, but pretty masculine. He smiles but idk if it is flirtatious. None of the suspects said that the bathroom door was open. Why do they know his name tho? Two versions, one for women & another for men? You don't have one for left-handed ppl or someone who maybe can't use or doesn't have their right hand, for Black ppl, for any poc, for ppl who are women but don't want to smile flirtatiously with justin, for fat ppl...

Someone from the crew, yeah you do need a bunch more ppl than just justin, the suspects, & the head of ehi.

At least she pronounced her T. Oof the music. it's so good.

Aw dwight never got to confess slkdjfslkdfjl these three have become friends & I love it sm. Friendship forged in a situation like this.

KB: It’s okay, Castle. You know I like the weird ones. Me: YES YES SJDLFSJKDFLSJDKLFJDS THIS IS THE SERIES

KB: (slyly) How do you know what I do to you when you’re sleeping?

Alexis!!!

[lankyledlights]

get 2 know me tagged by @raremikey :D

fav color: green but like in the middle of green and yellow i luv it

currently reading:the troy little adaptation of hunter s thompson's fear and loathing in las vegas..... i am also knitting a hunter s thompson hello kitty sweater ☺☺☺☺

last song: ummm IDK i was listening to leisure by blur for the first time bc i wanted to listen to something new bc i only listen to the same blur albums and then i dropped my phone and then it restarted so idk.... one of em.. i rllly rlly like he thought of cars even tho thats on a different album i luv it

last series: kids in the hall :333 theyre sooo sillay awesomesauce

last movie: MAY 2002!!!!!! DIRECTED BY LUCKY MCKEE ILUVV IT ive only seen sick girl and may by lucky mckee but he is sooo awesome at making weird girl characters not just played by angela bettis like all the girls in his TWO features that ive seen r so weird and suuuper specifically characterized i just love them so much

sweet spicy or savory:umm i think savory that word makes me think of goldfish rainbow snacks which r delisherous

craving: goldfish rainbow snacks... delisherous THE SNACK YHAT SMILES BACK GODFISH💥💥💥💥💥🧠🧠🧠

tea or coffee: i dont drink either lolll i drink a soda

currently working on: the knitted hello kitty hunter s thompson sweater.. and a garfield sweater (i stopped though bc the store i buy that specific yarn from is going out of business and out of that yarn so i have to buy it online) and im burning dvds and cds and making covers for them and and annnnd im making custom dvd menus with aninations and crap for every movie and its gonna b awesome

ty for da tag mandy raremikey :] i tag any of my mutuals who see this and feel like doin it 💥💥💥💥💥💥✔✔✔✔✔✔💯💯

[ramp-it-up]

Fresh Squeeze, Pt. 6

Pairing: Daveed Diggs x OFC Linden Marshall

Set in 2023, post-pandemic

Warnings: Cursing, Wild Thoughts™️, Angst, Yearning, 18+, Walmart shopping, Anime discussion, Anthony Ramos. Lots of Plot

Word Count: 2.8 K

Plot: Linden Marshall just finished law school at Columbia University in NYC. Daveed Diggs is still creating magic with his platonic life partner Rafael Casal in the form of their Blindspotting musical, Bay Boys. Linden’s boyfriend WAS Mark Monaco, star of the superhero movie series Invincible.  They were together for years, and her trauma and his addictions were toxic. She knows now that wasn’t love. 

A/N: Keep in mind that this the same AU as Arrivals, with Holly Woods, but is BEFORE Rafa and Holly get together. 

Read the previous chapter.

==================

Isabela, Puerto Rico, May 2023

“We are about 30 minutes from our destination. Please stay seated with your seatbelts fastened. The pilot will let you know when it is safe to do otherwise. Enjoy the rest of the flight.”

The flight attendant’s announcement woke up Daveed. He felt warm and happy. And he had you in his arms.

Daveed moved his head down into your curls, and kissed the top of your head., checking to see if anyone was watching. Everyone was knocked the fuck out. 

You had fallen asleep on his shoulder about 45 minutes into the flight after passing around champagne bottles. You were so cute, but he could tell that your neck was gonna be wrecked when you awoke.

Daveed had carefully maneuvered you so that he could pull up the armrest without waking you. You were dead to the world, so you waking up wasn’t a problem. 

Then, he pulled you to his chest, situating the blanket around you two and leaning back.  If he wanted anything from you right now, at the top of the list would be to be able to hold you like this and to show love.

He questioned that word in his mind. Love, really? He did love you, even if it was only as a good friend. But could it be more? Were you ready for that? Was he?

Daveed looked around to see Craig watching him and giving a thumbs up.  No one else noticed, Rafa was on his laptop and he could have sworn that Anthony and Jasmine were doing something nasty under their blanket behind you.  

He settled back into this feeling of being with you and fell asleep too, happy and content.

You woke up to a strange rhythm under your ear. It was a blue covered heartbeat, you recognized as you opened one eye, and it was insistent and hard, yet warm and safe. You shifted, held Daveed’s torso tighter and tried to drift back off. His arms tightened around you in response.

 Then your eyes popped open.

“Oh shit!”  You realized what was going on. You sat up slowly and squinted at Daveed’s smile and his damn low sexy voice. 

“Hey sleepyhead.”

“Hey.”  

You blushed and wiped your mouth. 

“Shit, I’m sorry…” you wiped at his onesie. “I think I drooled all over  your…” 

You didn’t finish the sentence when you glanced at Daveed and caught his eye. 

What you said that night came back to both of you. D’s eyes darkened and he licked his lips. For a minute, you were trapped by the static energy of your attraction. Daveed could do a lot with those lips right now if you’d let him. 

But of course you fought it.

You took a deep breath and sat up, separating from Daveed more fully. You had to get it together. You reached for your phone and checked your face, making sure you weren’t too crusty.

“Practically perfect in every way.” Daveed was watching you.

“That’s your first mistake.” You clicked your camera off. “ Anything that’s perfect isn’t real. Or alive.”  You had learned a lot in therapy.

“Truth.” Daveed looked at you appraisingly. “Such wisdom from a young one.” He leaned close to you.  “That’s why I said, ‘practically.’”  He was staring at your lips, not wanting to give up on meeting them again.

“I’m not a ‘young one.’ I’m thirty in two days.” 

You lifted your chin as a child would do, Daveed noted.  It was appropriate, because you were being stubborn as fuck right now.

He chuckled and stayed close, not letting you off the hook.  

“And I’m 40. I could be your…”  

The timbre of his voice was causing your pussy to vibrate. Holy fuck.

“...Daddy,” you said, huskily.  

You opened your mouth to breathe, as Daveed grunted quietly in his throat. God, you wanted to fuck him. You remembered that you knew how big he was. Your eyes widened and you watched his mouth.

Daveed would teach you about Daddy. He wanted to rail you until your pussy curved to his dick.  Got damn.

Daveed wanted you and you wanted him. It was crystal clear. He began to reach for you under the blanket when the flight attendant’s voice intruded on your vibe.

“We are beginning our descent into Rafael Hernández Airport, please stay seated with your seatbelts fastened and bring your tray tables and seats to an upright and locked position. The temperature is 75 degrees and the current time is 12:47 am.  We should be at our gate shortly. Thank you.”

That’s it. The moment was gone. You reached for your water bottle and took a drink to cool down. You were grateful.

Daveed was frustrated, as he sat back, brought his seat up, but held the blanket on his lap for a little while longer. It wasn’t fair, he almost had you. He closed his eyes. Now he felt like a child.

---------

The crew finally arrived in town around 2 am, after the two hour flight and renting a couple of cars to get to Isabela, a village on the seaside.

Loud music was playing to avoid falling asleep, Rafael driving one car and Ant the other.

Arriving in town, the two cars headed straight to the Walmart to get some food and things. It was almost 2 am, but everyone was re-energized and playing around, glad to be free for the time being on the island.

Daveed had to concentrate to read the titles in the video section.  His mind kept going back to the moment on the airplane.  But he vowed not to chase you up and down this island. He didn’t want to crowd you.  It had to be your decision.

You had to come to him. And  the thought of you made him want to cum. He’d have you to think about in the shower tonight, or today, whatever.

He needed to stop thinking about it.

Daveed was looking for Black Dynamite to watch in the condo in case it rained. He knew better than to think that Walmart had it, but he tried anyway.

He did see Afro Samurai tho… He picked it up as Rafa approached him with a toy xylophone and a big grin.

==================

Puerto Rico did something to all of you. It was like some weird no inhibitions pollen or something. When you stepped off the plane you decided to not overthink shit. You were just going to respond naturally, fuck the consequences.

This was your weekend, after all.

You walked into the entertainment section and heard some vaguely familiar music. As you got closer, you realized what it was.

Daveed was in the book section rapping “Rubber Duckie” as Rafa played a toy xylophone.

I got my rubber duckie

I'm in the tub with bubblies

He isn't very fuzzy

I know my duckie loves me

Call up my homie Ernie,

You know the orange one, ya heard me

D was going in, being silly and laughing with his bestie. He was fucking adorable.  You grinned at them and turned down the dvd aisle.

“I can’t believe they don’t have Cowboy Bebop.”  

You shook your head as Daveed and Rafa walked up and flanked you at the display, a shopping cart by Daveed’s side.

“It’s a classic.  Children will be referencing the War on Titan and it's after effects a hundred years from now."

Rafa just nodded and stroked his chin, having enough sense to be quiet.

“Wait, Attack on Titan is right here Lindy…” Daveed reached for a dvd and held it up in front of you.

Rafa shook his head and covered it with his hand.

"Spike Spiegel wasn't in Attack on Titan.  That's an entirely different anime series, my dude." 

The sardonic wit in your voice. Daveed just nodded, face on the floor, and put the blu ray down.

You squinted at what D had in his hand. 

"Afro Samurai is 20 years old as well.  You know that and not Cowboy Bebop? You put shame on your house. Old Man.”

You gave him a sexy grin and sauntered away shaking your head.

Rafa had been watching the scene, head on a swivel. All he had to say after you left was, “Boom. Roasted.” 

Daveed just chuckled, surprised and exhilarated at the same time. It seemed that you were up to letting loose a little bit.

He looked at Rafa who just watched Daveed falling. He couldn’t catch him this time.

"Man. Tonight looks like the beginning of an EPIC weekend,” Rafa said as he pushed some more dvds into Daveed’s cart.

Then he pulled a pack of Magnum XLs off the shelf that he had been hiding under his arm from you.

Daveed looked at him. Rafa stared back.

“What?  All these beautiful women on this island. I’m not gonna be unprepared or take any chances.”

Daveed shook his head, grimaced and looked around to see where you went, but you were nowhere to be found.

----

You were busy eating some Hot Cheetos that you’d grabbed on the chip aisle and were turning down the candy aisle when you saw Grumpy Care Bear standing there with a basket full of food, dvds and shit, looking at some sour patch kids.

"Oh hell,"  you said as you turned right back around.

"Ay, yo.  Lindy. You can get your candy. I'm not going to assault you with my inferior anime knowledge."

He laughed that sexy laugh and held up his hands. He sort of regretted calling you back because you walking away...Damn. Even in the Pikachu onesie.

Daveed continued to hold up his hands to show he didn't intend any harm, a smile on the lips that were your weakness earlier.  Fuck me, you thought.

You smiled back at him and went for the Jelly Bellys. You crunched loudly on your Cheetos as you clocked him out on the low. You felt bad. A little. 

"Look, I'm sorry about that in the dvds.  I'm just passionate about what I like."

Daveed wondered if you liked him. Like liked him liked him. He allowed himself to go there. 

You sucked the Cheeto dust off your fingers and it was making D feel some kinda way as he watched your fingers go in and out of your mouth. His eyes began to slide down your body.

He needed to stop. Daveed cleared his throat and looked at your face.

"No problem. I get it. It's all good." 

Diggs unconsciously licked his lips and grinned, causing you to stare for a second at his casual hotness. This couldn't continue. You frowned.

Daveed sensed the change in mood, grabbed his Sour Patch kids and backed away.

“I’ll leave you to it.”

That was a close call you thought as you felt some weird pang of disappointment at him leaving. But it was what it was.

Soon enough, you all left the store.  Rafa stole some of your Jelly Belly’s. You just handed over the pack to him and pulled out some more. You were prepared.

==================

When the crew finally got to the house, you dropped your bags and ran to the beach, celebrating four days of freedom from work, acting, fame, fortune, and expectations.

After a few minutes of staring at the waves, y’all made your way back up to the house.

When you walked in before Jazzy turned the lights on, you recognized a large dark expanse which seemed to be the back wall. As your eyes got adjusted, you noticed the white rolls of the waves on the shore. 

The back wall was floor to ceiling glass.  When the lights came up, it turned into a mirror and 6 characters in onesies stared back at you.

You were at the back of an open concept space with a huge u-shaped sectional sofa and a beautiful, big kitchen with a bar.

Daaaammmmmmnnn! This place is gorgeous!  Craig’s mouth was hanging open. You reached over and closed it.

“Welcome to our home away from home!” Anthony was bleary eyed and smiling wide. 

He pointed to the right of the house.

“Me and Jazzy’s room is over there,” he then pointed to the right of the house. 

“The birthday girl’s room is opposite over there, a mirror of the master,” then he pointed to the back of the house behind you and to the right,  “and the other four bedrooms are here.” 

Ant started pulling their luggage toward their room, talking over his shoulder. 

“Everybody gets their own room, even me, when I fuck up.” 

All of you cracked up laughing whole Jasmine nodded her head.

It was almost 4 am, so you all were tired.  You gladly pulled your suitcase to your room, feeling grateful and warm for being the guest of honor of your friends.  Your room was the bomb.

You walked into a spacious room with bamboo wood floors,and exposed wooden beam ceilings and several floor to ceiling windows.  There was a huge fluffy white rug under a comfortable king sized bed in the middle of the room. 

Two uniquely designed bamboo lounge chairs and white pillow ottomans faced a window where you could look through and see the pool and beach.

It was a luxury get away and right now, all you wanted was a shower and the bed.

You put your suitcase on the floor and got down and opened it.  You shook your head at what you saw.

“HOLY FUCK GOT DAMN SHIT!!!!”

Daveed, Craig and Jasmine came running at your screams.  Rafa and Ant were behind.

“What happened.”

You were embarrassed. But so irritated.

“Craig. You got the wrong suitcase.  This is Mark’s shit that he never came to get.  None of my clothes are here.  I have nothing to wear.”  You felt like crying.

“I’m sorry Lindy, you said that your summer clothes and bathing suits were in the rolling soft Louis bag…”

I mean the large one. This is the medium one. It’s okay, Craig.

“You have nothing to wear hunh?”

Daveed was smirking at you and you ignored it, crossing your arms and tapping your foot.

“But it’s perfect!”  You looked at Jasmine and her chipper British accent.

“We can go shopping for your birthday tomorrow. Treat yourself!”

You couldn’t help but smile at Jazzy’s happiness. She was right. Rafa and Ant went away and left y’all to that talk. Daveed was glued to his spot.

“OOooooh. Good Idea.” Craig was in. 

“Ok.I’m tired as fuck. I just wanna shower and sleep now. I’ll not need anything tonight.

Daveed couldn’t get the image of you in the shower and naked in bed out of his head now. He cleared his throat.

“I can give you something to wear shopping tomorrow, Lindy.”

His voice was soft.  You smiled at him and he was a goner.

“Man, you are like three times bigger than she is?”  Jasmine didn’t understand.

“Hold up. Are you willing to sacrifice, D?  Can we cut up one of your t-shirts and jeans?”

Daveed felt pain. The only t-shirts he had were Oaklandish.  

“Let’s compromise. You can cut my jeans all you want, but not the shirt.”

Craig smiled wide.  “Deal, if you throw in a belt.”

“Damn, Diggs…” was all that Jasmine said, smiling and shaking her head.

“Thank you Daveed. I appreciate it.” You were blown away.

Daveed played it off. “No problem…” And then he just turned around and walked out of your room.

“Girlllllllll!!!!”  Craig and Jasmine squealed at you and it took you a minute to get them out of your room.

You walked into the en suite bathroom and marveled at its beauty. It was large, with a huge tub and a walk in glass encased shower with an overhead waterfall  shower head. 

You turned on the shower to get it hot, stripped off your onesie and your underwear, wrapped yourself in a towel and went back into the bedroom.

You stopped short, because there was Daveed standing in your room, clothes in hand.

He had immediately gone to find his least favorite jeans and the Oakland shirt that would suit you the best.  He decided that you would look beautiful in blue.

You just in a towel was a sight to behold. He was sure that underneath that towel was paradise.

You stared at each other for a minute, Your eyes were glued to his.  

“Th-thank you again Daveed.”  He couldn’t discern if your hesitant, sexy voice was for him or from embarrassment.

“Sorry, I…. didn’t think you’d be… sorry.” He put his hands up and backed out of the room.

“Daveed.” You called, softly. “Stop.”

You approached him with a smile on your face. Daveed’s eyes were wide, not knowing what was going to happen.

“Thank you. I mean it.”

You stood on your tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek, your lips lingering. Daveed closed his eyes and fought the urge to grab you and hold you close to him.

“You’re welcome.” His smile wrinkled his eyes as he smiled down at you. 

“Goodnight, Linden. Have sweet dreams for me.”

You just stared at him as he turned and left the room.

Daveed was just outside your door when he heard your reply.

“Yes, Sir.”

==================

Read the Next Chapter.

Thank you for liking, replying, and reblogging! 

Tagging: @einfachniemand @sillyteecup @commandersmiley @ohsoverykeri @theselilwonders @theatrenerd86 @sebastianabucknettastan @imatyoursurrvicesurr @riiyy @ivycomet @lonelydance @curtainremote @biafbunny @id-do-it-for-free-babe

[struwwelzeter]

Because i miss your design themed rants (it is good word here) i would like you to rank Rammstein album covers from designers point of view.

Ah, I love you. This got VERY ranty.

This is kinda hard because I tend to judge the entire packagaing/notes, and when I count that into it the ranking would be ever so slightly different. I’ll mention it for each I have Opinions (TM) on, but yeah, this is solely going on cover. I’ll only do the studio albums, not made in germany or the DVDs, or this will get too big.

7th: Rosenrot.

I know lots of you are gonna hate me for this. It’s not that I don’t like it, I do, it’s beautiful. Unfortunately it’s ... slightly lazy. It’s I think their most obvious cover and obvious feels like it’s good design but never truly is. It’s got that first idea feel, if that makes any sense. There is always that project where you go “uh can’t think of anything, but this works.” It’s not a bad thing, they clearly still knew what they were doing. It’s just ... that typical photoshop post apocalyptic composit that lost of metal/alternative bands did at some point. They all did it because it’s cool. No argument there. It’s just that I expect a bit ... more.

6th: Herzeleid

I know it’s iconic, but. The execution?! Terrible. The colours of their skin and that flower?! Too different to feel monochromatic, to same same to contrast nicely. Too much texture. What is that?! The positive bit is the placement of the typography because, neat! Most people fail at that. I like the blue-grey there aswell, how about you’d added that to their skin a little? No? Ok.

Also, this (Richard speaking):

“The bloody sleeve! What a crazy situation that was. We approved the photos in a car park without thinking what we were letting ourselves in for. When we saw what the designer had done, we freaked! We looked so… gay! All of us stripped to the waist. It was like an ad for a gay porno film. So we had to say, sort it out. Make us look straight again. Change the sleeve.”

Who in the fuck works like this?! Nevermind, I know it was a considerably younger Dirk Rudolph, but fucking hell, have some self respect, all of you. I know they didn’t know what they were doing, they probably had the management/record company comission it, and that was still the time graphic designers were seen as just pixel pushers from that time it took 3 days to layout a poster. Still. What was that brief?! Could you have sat down for 20 minutes and talk, perhaps?! Also, I hope this is how Richie learned to be the nightmare client I know he is. Don’t approve layouts in a car park, what the fuck is wrong with you.

It’s a pity because the concept? Nice. Sculpted men infront of flowers, what else do you want from life. Why crysanthemes, tho? Too textured in that macro shot. What is that photo angle?! Might try and redo that if I ever feel like it.

5th: Reise, Reise

This breaks my heart a little, because it’s my lonely island album. And it isn’t bad by any stretch. Actually, their album cover game is ridiculous, can I have that established as a general benchmark? It would make for a lot less mental break downs. The thing is ... I like the idea. Make it look like the black box, cool. The problem is the type. It makes it look like “Flugrekorder Nicht Öffnen” is the album title. To be fair, Typesetting is my main thing, and album artists get it wrong (imo) 99 out of 100 times. I wish they would have comitted more and just left the titel off and solved it with a slide in, or a sticker or something like that. It’s just a bit ... weird. What works brilliantly is that it’s very memorable, stands out on the shelf, is unusual, all of that. It’s iconic. I do like it very much but I had to place something here.

4th: Liebe ist für alle da

Now the thing with that album is that it has two covers. If I’d gone by the original one, I’d have to place it behind Reise, Reise. Everything RR has in impact, this is missing. It’s too dark, has too many pieces, it won’t stand out on a shelf. Especially not in the CD age when it was on 12x12 cm. Even on a Vinyl, it’s ... just not that impactful. Sure, the photograph is beautiful but meh. Luckily there is a second option. And that - is almost like a logo. It works as a symbol, and that makes it so strong. Less is more. Brilliant. You can draw it from memory. It’s so iconic, the kind of stuff that starts showing up in subways, drawn on the back of a seat and sprayed on walls. Tell me you never wanted to paint that on a flag and take it to a pride parade. I am sure some of us have.

I do want to mention the booklet in this, because it does bump it up a little too, because where the panorama image fails as a cover, the inside is done so beautifully with the fold out, the type setting, everything. It’s special, and done with love and it shows.

3rd: Mutter

There is just something about this that is so, so, so memorable. Everyone recognises this. If you ask anyone over the age of 20 to describe Rammstein with an album cover only to someone less familiar, is anyone gonna say anything but “they’re the band with the embryo in close up”?! Maybe this is subjective because that’s how I first got exposed to them, but I don’t think so. It’s such a powerful image. It’s both beautiful and uncomfortable, the way Rammstein as a whole and that album in particular is beautiful and uncomfortable. It’s stunning. That’s it. Unfortunately, this one falls apart inside. The went too far with the whole Matrix inspired cyber elements. It’s trendy and trendy never stands the test of time, in that it has the same problem Rosenrot has, but much worse because it’s not even done that well. They could have just used the photos and kept it raw. The type setting on the cover is as good as it gets with albums tho, so I am happy.

2nd: Sehnsucht

Ah, Sehnsucht. The most perfect band shoot they ever had. Helnwein just ... did it. I don’t know, it both defined and summed up who they are aesthetically for the longest time. It’s the visual statement that says “this is Rammstein”. It ... just looks like a band that sings about heartbreak and necrophilia is supposed to look like. Don’t you agree? How else would it look like? Even that omniously coloured beach. It’s as if the predicted the mood of True Detective, only less Hollywood. That darkness we don’t want to see, that can happen anywhere. And where they fell short with Mutter, where they added too much on to these powerful images, they just added the type. Granted, it was the 90s so it’s slightly experimental type. But unlike most type in the 90s it stood the test of time. Add the whole variable cover versions and chefs kiss! Beautiful work. Makes me happy and emotional and ugh.

1st: The White Album

I’m just calling it that now. The Matchstick. You know, good design is made up from three components only: Concept. Commitment. Execution. The concept of this is so streamlined and clean. It’s the entire Rammstein story narrowed down to a single little thing. It’s small and ordinary looking but it can become dangerous and big. It’s underestimated. A little piece of wood with a head of phosphor and calium chlorit and yet you can commit the most legendary arson. It’s the personification of the thing that has become synonymous with them: Fire. It says so much with so little. And then they comitted to that. No useless typography, a simple but oh so well done photoshoot, the simple text on white. They didn’t ad too much additional ideas on to it, they trusted that one to carry and it does. They could have done without the black and white match stick arrangements inside, although I’m not even sure if that’s not just a limited edition thing, it’s a bit too much almost. They got scared a little there. The execution is also well done, I have very little to critique, only that I feel it lacks a tiny bit of love. The thing is, the more minimalist you go, the more love you have to put into each element. I feel like the spacing of the type should have been fixed in a few places but honestly that is being very very picky. Or not. Because if it wasn’t for that, and the teeeeny tiny commitment issue, this should have been a candidate for the packaging grammy. I mean it should be even the way it is, but we all know how those fuckers ignore our boys.

I’m done. Can I use this as application? Do you think if I send them a run down of basically tearing them apart they will hire me?

[teashadephoenix]

@pomegranate-belle tagged me in Top 7 Comfort Movies and I am stalling starting my laundry so here we go!! (in sort of chronological order)

1. Beetlejuice (1988): This movie is a fucking classic. Michael Keaton is a comedic genius and apparently (according to my mom) 3yo me had a huge crush on him. Also Geena Davis??? Winona Ryder??? Yum??? The worldbuilding and character design is so imaginative and interesting.

2. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989): Grew up jumping off the swings singing the Indy theme song. Momma was a huge Harrison Ford fan so we watched all of his movies but the one I know practically line for line is Last Crusade. I love John Rhys Davies as Sallah ("Please, what is it always this 'junior?!'") I love Sean Connery as Senior ("I suddenly remembered my Charlemagne! 'Might my armies be the rocks and the trees, and the birds in the sky!'") I love the whole daddy issues thing, I love punching Nazis, I love a scientist who has room for magic.

3. The Princess Bride (1987): It's funny, it's beautiful, I know all the words. Like when I say beautiful I mean the story but also the set design and the cinematography. (How is Robin Wright's hair so perfectly fantasy maidenesque?! How!?!) There's revenge and true love and magic and Mandy Patinkin as his absolute sexiest and Cary Elwes at his loveliest and Andre the Giant! and Robin goddamn Wright! This was my sicky movie when I was little.

4. Beauty and the Beast (1991): PERFECT MOVIE. Almost. The fact she never says his name bugs the hell out of me and has for thirty years. But my GOD. It's so beautiful. Cut my veins open, this color palette comes pouring out. (Blue and gold are still my favorite colors to this day, especially together.) It's the ultimate story of realising you are a shithead and changing bc someone makes you want to be a better person. The animation, the performances, the music (RIP Howard Ashman you absolute legend)

5. True Grit (1969): of course there's a fucking Western on here. I love the Duke. We probably wouldn't have got on well irl but as Rooster Cogburn, in this movie, I love him. He's flawed but strives for heroism, he's snarky but caring. Mattie Ross is boss. And Robert Duvall! That last gunfight scene where Rooster takes on four guys with the reins in his mouth and guns in each hand still gets me amped up and I've seen it dozens of times.

6. The Avengers (2012): In 2002 when Sam Raimi's Spiderman came out, I remember turning to my brother and waxing poetic about how cool it would be to see a team-up movie, like how they did in the 90s cartoons. "They never will tho. It'll cost too much." Literally only ten years later I was sitting in a cinema watching one of the best superhero movies ever put to film. I love The Avengers. When it came out on DVD it never left the player for about six months. For over a year it was all I talked about. It's Joss Whedon at his best, juggling an ensemble cast, and the actors all know their shit, or in the case of Mark Ruffalo, just embody their characters so perfectly as to be indistinguishable from them. Its been almost 10 years since this movie came out and I still get emotional about it. I waited my whole life for it and it was exactly what I dreamed.

7. IT (2017): Sometimes you don't know you need something. Sometimes a movie comes out of the blue and you watch it bc its your kind of thing but you dont realise how much you will love it. That was IT for me. I love horror stories. Always have. My childhood was spent staring at the various covers of my momma's Stephen King collection. (Like, I don't actually remember seeing Jaws or Aliens bc I was too young.) I knew I was gonna see IT based on that alone. But IT isn't a horror movie for me. (Even though of the two, it is certainly the scarier.) It's a coming of age movie with possibly my favorite cast of anything since David Tennant and Catherine Tate were on Doctor Who in 2008. I love the Losers. I love the imagery (v different from the book but still feels like theyre in the same universe) I love the music. I love the goddamn space clown from hell. But mostly I love those kids.

(Honorable mentions: Mad Max Fury Road, Lonesome Dove, and Back to the Future. Like... If I was on a desert island and only could have seven, it would be a goddamn struggle, fam.)

I'm gonna tag people but pls don't feel obligated to do it if you dont want to @whitegodiva @fox-in-the-library @lioness--hart @conjugate-wumbo @begitalarcos @oni-queen @hermywolf

[milasartblog]

New feeling

It was one of the weekend's evening, Anoli and Chris were walking back home after another date. The outside was cold, but fortunately our couple was wearing warm clothes to such occasion.

Anoli: That was a nice walk.

Chris: Indeed. I honestly thought that there will be a lot of people in the park, but seems like most of them prepare to make lazy weekends.

Anoli: Hehe, maybe we should try to make such weekends one day.

Chris: If it means to spend time together at home, i would not mind. Sadly it can't be during the week.

They giggled as kept walking and were almost close to Chris's home.

Anoli: So, what are your plans for tomorrow?

Chris: Well, maybe will do some cleaning and then do shopping for ingredients. And you?

Anoli: I'm honestly not sure yet, except helping Nazeel with studies.

Chris: You, Nazeel and me can do shopping together. It's more fun like this.

Anoli: You don't mind?

Chris: Not at all.

Anoli: Awesome! Then i will make sure to finish studies with him early.

Chris: Don't overwork you two~

He booped her nose as they both giggled. For couple of minutes they walked silently as both of them were blushing and in deep thought. What were they thinking about? As they got close to Chris's home, he looked at Anoli.

Chris: It's getting darker outside, maybe it's better if you stay at my home for today? It's dangerous to walk back home like this.

Anoli surprised for a moment. Her first thought was if Chris had the same thought as she, that made her blush for a moment.

Anoli: ? But you know that i'm an angel, love. I can always use my powers to get away.

Chris: I know, but....I will worry about you.

He looked down, blushing again. Anoli looked at Chris again with blush as looked around. It was definitely getting dark, and even if she could use powers, who knows what could happen. She smiled to Chris.

Anoli: It's so sweet of you, love. Okay, we can do such thing. I will only warn Liya and Nazeel to not wait for me for dinner.

Chris: Okay.

And Anoli made a call, telling Liya and Nazeel that she will be back tomorrow and explaining Liya what to cook for dinner. Just in case she sent message to Michael to keep an eye on them before they fall asleep. Meanwhile they got to Chris's home and they entered the appartement.

Chris: Welcome to my home.

Anoli: Thank you.

He helped Anoli with jacket and then they both entered.

Chris: Tea or coffee?

Anoli: Tea, please.

He smiled as went to the kitchen to make tea while Anoli walked to living room, looking around. The furniture wasn't that different from other people's houses, and yet the color pallete of them was surely different. In the living room there was a TV with DVD-player, next to it were several CDs with movies and video games. While she was looking, Chris made two cups of teas and came to living room.

Chris: Tea is ready~

Anoli: Oh, thank you, love~

She took a cup of tea as they both sat down to the couch.

Chris: Want to watch a movie?

Anoli: Would not mind.

They picked one from CDs that were next to TV and for an hour they watched a movie. While they were watching, Chris looked at Anoli, blushing as he held her hand. Anoli did the same as both were thinking to themselves.

Chris: "C'mon, Chris, be a man. Just ask her if she is okay with it and then we will see what we will do next. It's okay if she is not ready yet. I will understand everything. Just.....just, please, i hope she will not think about me differently"

Anoli: "I can't be like this anymore. Maybe for angels it's not right to do such thing, but....as long as couples trust each other, there's nothing bad, right? But what if....what if Chris say no? What will he think about me? What if he is against it?...I have to try. At least give it a chance"

Chris: Anoli, listen, I-

Anoli: Chris, I-

They froze for a moment. Nobody dared to say anything, no one dared to move. Just looked into each other's eyes. But Chris decided to break this silence.

Chris: Anoli, I.....I was wondering something.

Anoli: Yes, love?

Chris: I....What would you say if we.....we....

Anoli looked at blushing Chris as guessed what he wanted to ask. She knew that it would happen one day. But like this, she didn't expect.

Anoli: Chris, I.....I was wondering the same.

Chris: Really?

Anoli: Yeah. I was hesitating that you might find it weird or uncomfortable. Or even....that I'll be not like my angel nature.

Chris: What are you talking about? It's a normal thing for couple. I was hesitating too as I was afraid that you were not ready for it or that it's too early to do it.

Anoli: I thought the same.

They both were silent for a moment. No one of them expected such turn of event. Seemed like a couple of hours passed, even tho it was only just five minutes. And yet, they both knew that one day it was supposed to happen.

Chris: So, Anoli, do you think we.....we can give it a try? I-If you're okay with it, of course.

Anoli: I....I think we can. B-But only if you're feeling like this too.

Chris: I do. Do you feel the same, love? Do you feel like you're ready for it?

Anoli looked at Chris's eyes deeply and with blush.

Anoli: I do, love. Do you?

Chris: Yes. But before it, i need to ask you one more time, sorry.

Anoli: It's okay, i know how nervous it is.

Chris: Yeah, you're right

They both giggled with blush.

Chris: So.....Do you trust me? Do you trust me in doing it?

Anoli: I....I do trust you. Do you trust me?

Chris: I do....I do, love.

Anoli: Then.....shall we try?

Chris: Of course. Are you ready?

Anoli: I'm. And you?

Chris: I'm.

And with such words they kissed each other with passion and deeply. The kiss was so strong that they dived into the passion, moving from living room to Chris's bedroom. They didn't even pay attention to movie that was about to end as they were deep into love and passion that covered them both like a wave. Seemed like the whole night belonged to them......

......and they were ready to spend it with a new feeling that they both discovered.

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

And here is another story for our universe^^ This one was uneasy to write due to "romantic" atmosphere in it >/////< Still hope you will like it ^////^

Chris belongs to @captainthane

Anoli belongs to @wildstarfan and @milasartblog (both me)

Okaria et Feria belongs to @wildstarfan @jenny626 and @captainthane

[bohemian-war]

How I met Jack Lowden…

Hi guys!

Just come from seeing Jack in MFM and even when I have met lots of celebrities in my life, this is probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had when it comes to meeting an actor. 

I am gonna try to make this short since it’s quite late and I’ve got a massive headache. Enjoy!

So everything started when it was announced that Jack was gonna be in a new play in London. I am from Spain, however, I live in the UK now so I am lucky enough to be able to see lots of musicals and plays every day. 

When the tickets came out early this year, I bought them straight away. I did not even think about it for a second. In fact, I can’t believe that I bought them months ago and the whole thing is now gone. Time really flies!

I’ve been doing and covering both premieres and events for almost six years now as I work in the entertainment industry and I get to cover these and meet celebrities–in a professional way–for free so I’ve had my moments of starstruck, believe me. Especially when I met Tom Hanks or when I bumped into Aneurin Barnard a couple of weeks ago in the street (these are stories that can be told in a different time).

Unfortunately, since I moved to London two years ago, my work schedule–I am working in a theatre now–is a weird one, so I don’t have time to cover events as much as I used to do so in the past. This–alongside my self-esteem, anxiety, and depression issues–have made me become quite shy and to lose my “touch” when it comes to meeting actors. Now I am scared of approaching them! To the point that I have been rehearsing what I wanted to say to Jack for a whole week!

Since last Monday, the only thing I’ve done is overthinking things. “What if I don’t cause a good impression?” “What if he thinks I am crazy?” “What if I cannot talk due to my anxiety?” “What if my anxiety plays tricks on me again as it did with Aneurin?” Anyways, I started to look at all these fan pictures from last Friday and I was jealous of the fact that they could talk to him and I perfectly knew that I was not gonna be able to do the same thing. 

Today, my friend sent me a text saying that she had got last minute tickets and that she was coming with me. I immediately felt relieved because even when there was a minimum percentage that I couldn’t get anything from Jack unless she was gonna be there to support me so that was a plus.  We got to the Donmar two hours and a half before the performance began. We wanted to try to see if we could spot Jack. Obviously, we were not gonna stay there more than what it was necessary, so if he wasn’t around we would leave. Luckily, he left the building with two other actors from the play, we saw this and approached him nicely. He was on his break chatting and having a cigarette so this is when I was starting to get into a panicky kind of mood because he was definitely seeing us approaching him from afar and I didn’t want to have any “problems” with him. 

When he was about to leave, we called him and he turned around. He is BEAUTIFUL! So blonde and with those gorgeous blue eyes. So tall and skinny. Did I say he is literally the most BEAUTIFUL human being in the entire planet and that he must be protected at all costs? My friend and I basically had the shortest conversation ever. We told him that we were big fans of his, that we were there to see the show and that we needed to kill two hours and a half. He was so pleased when we let him know that we were there for him and to see the show. You cannot even imagine. He felt so relieved! We asked him for a picture and voilá:

(That’s even a coats match *_*). I quickly asked him if he could sign my Dunkirk Blu-ray and he told me that he would be delighted to do it after the show and he also told me that he’d be leaving via the fire exit (thanks to everybody here who helped me with that because some people in the theatre tried to fool us but Jack himself let us all know that he’d definitely be coming out through the back door). He finally asked me if I knew where the fire exit was otherwise he could show me. I said yes. Now that I think about it tho, I wouldn’t have minded a small tour haha.  After this, my friend and I went for a coffee and wait till seven to collect our tickets. The main “problem” is that my friend and I had different seats, however, people at the Donmar Box Office know me–as I work for the same company and I am very good friends with all of them–so we ended up getting a last minute upgrade. We were meant to be in the fourth and second rows and we finished sitting in the middle section of the first row!!! Jack was literally in front of us all the time!!! (Every time that he looked at me, I was literally dying inside. And he did it more than once! He is just so beautiful. I just wanna die T_T). 

Anyways, I cannot stress enough how incredible the play was and everybody was amazing but both Jack and Hayley were astonishing. I don’t even have words. In fact, I am not gonna give anything away as a) they’re still on previews and things are gonna keep changing when it comes to the play in the next couple of days (in fact, the play was shortened 15 minutes today); b) there’s not enough time to say everything. I thought I had seen it all with the ravishing performance of Andrew Scott in Hamlet or the astounding performance of Mark Rylance in Othello but this was in a whole different level, I can tell you. Go to see Measure for Measure if you have the chance. You are not gonna regret it! I might actually go again because it was amazing! (If you’ve seen the play and would like to discuss it with me, my inbox is now open :)).  After the show, we went to the back to wait for Jack. There were people already there and I was panicking AGAIN! I wanted to see him but I didn’t wanna be there at the same time. In fact, I was feeling that I was bothering him with my stupid presence. I already had my picture and I had seen the play. What else could I ask for? It took him about fifteen minutes to come out but he definitely did it and he was so happy to see us. BLESS HIM! Most of the fans were from Asia (especially South Korea) but us (a.k.a.the Spaniards haha). Guys, I am not even kidding, Jack spent at least 45 minutes with all of us after the show!!! After a three-hour-and-ten-minutes play, I had never seen a so well-mannered and dedicated person to his fans ever!!! He was probably exhausted and he still had time for his fans and to make jokes non-stop. He signed everything from programs and DVDs/Blu Rays to drawings. A beautiful fan drew him in Fonzo and he was blown away by the result! I literally have lots of pics, videos, and memories from the encounter. In addition, I’d like to keep most of them to myself because I’d like this to be a very special moment between Jack and me. Because it was so beautiful that I don’t want it to be spoiled. I wanna retain it in my mind forever. But I am just gonna say that we both talked about Dunkirk LOADS and when I mentioned that I first saw him in The Passing Bells he was very surprised. He answered with an amazing “Nooooo Shut Up! Are you kidding?” I told him that I am a massive History geek and he answered that he loves History too. Then that led to Mary, Queen of Scots and other projects (Fonzo etc). He was so flattered when we mentioned them all to him. When he was signing my program he was surprised by my name (he said that it is beautiful. BEAUTIFUL! *_*) and he even added an “España” (Spain) to the signature. He told me that he once went to Cadiz (South of Spain) and that he’d love to go to Madrid, which is where I am from :). I told him that I might do a trip to Scotland soon and this cheered him up even more. He also talked about his parents living in Asia and how he got to go to Asia when he was a child and that he’d love to go back one day. After this, we both hugged endlessly (he revealed to us that he’s living on his own at the moment so he needs lots of hugs awww :’)), we took lots of pics and videos and we chatted for hours. We all even joked about having a coffee together to discuss the play. Unfortunately, it was quite late but I bet that, on a different occasion, Jack would have said yes.  You can see lots of videos of us here. I am the redhead asking questions all the time haha. Now I feel bad for not letting the others speak. Sorry :(. Thank you @uoize for the amazing videos and pics as well! Here you are a few of the ones I took (I include the one with Hayley as well):

He’s signing my Dunkirk Blu Ray here. I have more than five editions of the film and I took the German one with me as it’s the one with Collins on the cover. He was taken by surprise when we told him that he is in every 4K Blu Ray edition of the film all around the world and he said that he’d like to buy one copy. When we told him it was already sold out he blamed us for buying all the copies. 

(Another pic with Jack. This time a selfie taken by him. P.S. The background of the pic has been edited as some people in the pic requested me not to be seen). The last thing I did was thank him for everything he’s done so far. I told him that he was so nice (he told me that I was very nice as well and that I could calm down around him. No need to be nervous) and that it was so great of him that he dedicates so much time to his fans when he shouldn’t be. Again, he was taken by surprise and with a puppy face, he replied “Of course, don’t be silly! I love it. Also, you came to see the show guys so it’s the least I can do!” Jacks is everything I wanted him to be and so much more!!! I don’t think I will ever meet someone like him again in my life. I truly wish him the best and I am sure he’s gonna smash it because he simply deserves the world. I’ve been to the theatre so many times and I`ve seen so many great musicals and plays. I’ve met lots of fans but nothing so close and welcoming as today. Thanks, everybody for making this possible!

Lots of love!

xx

[cupidkihyun]

Bliss pt. 2 [Taeyong]

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Characters: Lee Taeyong, Hybrid!Reader (You)

Word Count: 1308

Notes: This is part 2, it’s a bit short (part 3 is gonna be longer tho)! This series starts off a bit slow, so please bare with me!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Taeyong arrived at the hybrid facility for his scheduled class. He went to the assigned room and sat down among the other people looking to adopt hybrids.

The same woman who had taken him on the tour came in and stood at the podium.

“Hello everyone! Glad you could all make it, I’ll be teaching you the basics about hybrids today”

She talked about proper nutrition for different kinds of hybrids, mainly dog and cat hybrids and the origins of why hybrids existed today. 

“Now I’m sure you all have heard that scent is a very powerful tool for hybrids. Once you adopt them they will likely ask to scent you, meaning they want your scent on them, it calms them and it also lets other hybrids know that they have an owner” 

“Touch is also another very powerful tool, especially for dog hybrids. They will find comfort in your touch and will need your attention. This means you cannot leave them on their own for days, if you are going on a trip please take them with you. Their ears and tails are also very receptive to touch and they can bring pleasure and pain, so please be careful when you touch them”

She finished the class with taking questions from the crowd then dismissed the class.

He made his way out of the classroom waving to the receptionist before going through the doors that led him to Y/N’s room. 

Y/N’s POV

You stood in front of the mirror in your room, trying to decide the outfit you wanted to wear for when Taeyong came. You had been notified yesterday that he was coming for a visit, and you wanted to impress him.

You didn’t have many clothes in your possession, but what you had was flattering on your figure. They were simple clothes, but you had grown to love them. You decided on high waisted black jeans and a striped t-shirt. It was simple, but that was your style. You put on black socks and put your headphones in, your heartbeat going along with the bass in the song.

20 minutes later you could smell Taeyong coming down the hallway, his footsteps light. Even though you hadn’t been around him long last week you could still pick up on his scent.

He knocked on your door lightly, knowing you could hear it. 

“Hi”, you said softly, opening the door and letting Taeyong inside. 

“Hey, how did your test go?”

You look up at him astonished that he remembered.

”Um, it went okay, I think. I haven’t gotten my grade back”

“I’m sure you did great, you looked like you knew what you were doing when you were studying. How do you even take the tests? You can’t take them online can you?”

“The University sends the tests here and I take them under supervision and send them back. Until I get a new home I can’t physically attend the University. So… what are we doing today?”, you asked. 

“I thought we could watch a movie. You mentioned you liked watching the latest movies, so I bought one that recently came out”, he said as he pulled out a movie from his shoulder bag.

“Oh that’s awesome! Thank you Taeyong”, you said. 

“No problem, you have a DVD player right?”

“Yeah I have one on my computer, I can plug it into the TV so we can watch it better”

You set up the movie and put it on the TV. You turned around to see Taeyong looking around your room. All that was in your room was a dresser, wardrobe, desk, and a twin bed. There was no obvious place for the two of you to sit other than the bed. 

“We can both sit on my bed if you want….”, you said blushing at your words. You knew they didn’t mean anything, but sitting with Taeyong on your bed was intimate for you.

“Are you sure?”, Taeyong asked you. “I can sit on the floor”, he offered.

“No no, it’s okay. The floor would be really uncomfortable”

You got up on your bed and patted the spot beside you. Taeyong came up beside you and sat a couple feet away, making sure you were comfortable.You started the movie and settled into your spot, laying your back against the wall.

The movie ended about 2 hours later, you pressed stop on the remote pausing the movie.

“Taeyong, that was really good. I haven’t seen a movie that good in a while. Thank you for bringing it”

Taeyong stared at you eyes wide and jaw open slightly.

“It was my pleasure Y/N, I’m glad you liked it”. You sat in comfortable silence, lost in thought. 

Taeyong drew in a breath, “Y/N…..”

“Hm?”

“May I touch your ears?”

You stared at him. Your ears were the most sensitive part of your body, you didn’t let just anyone touch them.

 “Uh you know what never mind, I’m sorry I-”

“You can touch them”, you said.

Taeyong had been honest with you so far, and you trusted him not to hurt you, his character showed you that much. 

“Are you sure? I’m just curious is all”, he said sheepishly.

“I’m guessing you haven’t been around hybrids much”, you laughed. 

“Nope, this would be my first”, he laughed with you. 

You got up on your knees and moved on the bed until you were sat in front of him, lowering your head a little. 

Taeyong tentatively reached his hand out, you held your breath as you waited for him to touch your ears.

He softly touched your left ear, moving his hand down to where your ear met your hair. He rubbed right behind your ear and you let out the breath you were holding in. To say that it felt good was an understatement, you hadn’t been pet in a long time. 

“Is this okay”, you heard Taeyong say.

“Yes, please… keep going”, you said with your eyes closed. You couldn’t find it in yourself to be embarrassed, you had been denied this simple pleasure for too long. 

Taeyong chuckled rubbing behind your ears, and gliding his hands along them. You pressed your head further into his touch, you sighed at the feeling. You could hear your tail thumping softly behind you, a sign that you were happy and content. After a couple of minutes Taeyong removed his hands. You let out a high pitched whine when he did so. 

You immediately covered your mouth, opening your eyes to see Taeyong chuckling.

“I’m sorry, I just haven’t been pet in a while”, you said covering your face with your hands. 

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m glad that you trust me enough, I know it’s a sensitive part for hybrids”

Taeyong’s phone alarm went off and you scooted back from him.

“Ah visiting hours are almost over”, he said with a small pout on his face.

“Oh yeah, they end at 7”, you said getting off of the bed. Taeyong followed suit and put on his shoes and got his bag from the floor.

“Oh wait, your movie!”, you said as you made your way over to your computer.

“Keep it”

“What? No I couldn’t-”

“Please Y/N keep it”

“Thank you Taeyong”

“I’ll see you next week, okay? Bye Y/N!”

You barely lifted your hand to wave before his chestnut hair was ducking out the door. 

As Taeyong made his way down the hallway you tried to get your emotions in order. No one had ever given you something before. You also couldn’t get rid of the butterflies in your stomach. Taeyong made you feel appreciated and equal to him, something you had never felt. 

You would have to keep yourself in check, he was just looking for a friend and you would honor that.

[abandoned-as-mustard]

the visual analysis no one asked for

as a grown-ass woman (19) who still likes barbie and has been watching it for some 15 years ....

does anyone just really miss when the covers used to be like this

(2002) such a beautifully soft, dreamlike cover - slightly muted, uses rule of thirds and contrasting colours, gently fades purple and pink together, pink and purple at top and bottom frame it nicely and tie in with the palette

(2004) that intense background colour, reflected in the skirt! that luscious hair! the symmetry! Yin and Yang! I’m pretty sure there are other versions without such a bright background (maybe i have one - i haven’t watched it in yonks) 

(2003) That pure fairy dust! sparkles! that dress! harmonious colours! soft, gentle palette that looks like pure magic! flowing hair!

whooooa, that colour. like damn, that blue colour scheme, and that luscious pink just popping out against it, and that cute little mermaid costume?

(2005) oh, that limited colour palette, this is probably one of my favourite covers because it’s simpler yet so elegant?? that soft hinting at pinks and blues despite being mainly purple. And her hair to contrast! I always thought the covers that were more on the simple side were better.

as times went by, we moved on...

(2006) things started to look more like an actual screenshot of the movie, and things are starting to look a little more realistic.... that texture of the skirt, and the rule of thirds, on point btw.

(2007) A mostly plain background, with a softer pink that’s easier on the eyes, but ultimately this lets the amazing detail in her dress show stick out, because like, damn. I could touch that fabric. Also, i remember loving the first time they tried out that embossing thing with the title to make it look all 3d. Plus, greenery framing the cover = good, consistent framing.

Moving on .... here’s where some more notable changes start coming through.

(2008) updating the graphics a little, keeping those intense colours going, but losing some of the texture....

(2008) loosing a little more realism, but we still have that shapely 3D look. the textures on the dresses, and their colours still tie in with other colours found in the castle and the title. 

(2009) toning down the chaotic details by fading the colours, and employing foreshortening for 3D look! Still rule of thirds, still got texture, ironically looks more like a screenshot than above from the year before.

then we transition, yet again, to this...

(2009) Oh, boy. and in the same year, too! They seem to be going for a lighter and more faded colour palette. Is it weird that i think the graphics for her friends are better than barbie herself? If they were gonna make her so big, then they could afford to put a little more detail on her...

(2010) I see what they were going with here, and i think it just manages to work because they just went with it instead of having one foot out the door? And the water graphics are intense, with rule of thirds too. Background bodily proportions of the mermaids kinda bother me tho. Also i miss her shiny hair. 

(2011) Someone needs to fire barbie’s makeup artist because her pink eyeshadow is somehow all over her face....  brought back the realistic(ish) hair, skirt is good but that bodice? It’s like it’s flat texture! Really crowded, rule of thirds not really being used.

(2012) why can’t they pay this much attention to clothing detail on the other covers?????!! I couldn’t give two hoots about the quantity of ~stuff~ in the pic, i care about the ~detail~.  See, they’ve got the yin and yang thing going again. Good. Can’t go wrong with yin and yang.

(2013) sparkles everywhere! ahh i’m going to drown in sparkles! Needs more negative space... someone seems to be trying to make up for texture with sparkles.... The hair is what saves this.

(2014) that mermaid tail detail? stunning! but oh my word, her proportions are a cartoonish nightmare. Botticelli’s Aphrodite called, she wants her neck back. But they’ve sacrificed the realistic hair, the one softening aspect! fuuu-

(2015) please fire this person - like guys, if you’re going to design something, at least make the whole thing cartoonish (that hair is the most detailed thing in here), or the whole thing (semi) realistic. Consistency!

(2015) they had the only opportunity they’ve EVER HAD to make soft, textured barbie hair... but they paid more attention to the side character??? At least the darkness frames the pic sort of. Not really digging the cutout look....

(2016) I just.... sigh. #bring back hair graphic artist 2kwheneverthenextoneis. Like it kinda looks real, but sort of like they got called out to run an errand and never got round to finishing it. I feel like this could’ve worked if the background wasn’t a lemon. Like all that blue on the bottom? at least choose a complimentary, like an orangey-yellow, or fade another colour into the tops and bottom to frame it?

so there we have it. in 14 years (not counting nutcracker from 2001 because crappy quality internet pics)  we’ve gone from 

to

And I think it’s kind of sad, though it’s interesting how times have changed. Maybe it’s just that i’m older and my tastes are different, or maybe they really have lost the plot (in the dvd covers, i mean - it’s kind of ironic, that as technology/graphics have advanced in realism, the dvd cover graphics got more cartoonish?) But regardless of age, losing the generation that grew up with it is a bad move. newer generations deserve quality too!

[robrob1127]

KIX Rocks The Whisky A Go-Go

By Rob Nagy

Winding down a busy year of touring, 80s metal band KIX headlined the Whisky A Go-GO earlier this month. Featuring a line up that includes Brian "Damage" Forsythe (guitar), Ronnie "10/10" Younkins (guitar), Steve Whiteman (vocals),  Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant (drums) and Mark Schenker (bass), a packed house was treated to a high octane 90-minute show from one of rock and rolls hardest working bands. Featuring selections off their 1988 platinum-selling album “Blow My Fuse”, fans were transported back to a time when the fertile metal music scene thrived, and KIX was on a trajectory to stardom. Having not experienced the band in decades, I was immediately impressed by there ability to take command of the stage and engage the audience as they flawlessly navigated through a powerful setlist. If you haven’t seen KIX in concert do yourself a favor and go witness a band that that plays their heart out! You won't be disappointed!

Formed in Hagarstown, Maryland in 1978, KIX graduated from the ranks of a popular cover band, performing the classic songs of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and April Wine, to a promising original metal band. Led by frontman, and lead vocalist Steve Whiteman, bassist Donnie Purnell, drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant and guitarists Ronnie "10/10" Younkins and Brian "Damage" Forsythe, KIX signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records in 1981. They released five albums for the label giant, KIX (1981), Cool Kids (1983), Midnight Dynamite (1985), and Blow My Fuse (1988), which featured the band's biggest hit, “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” The song reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album achieved platinum sales and peaked at #46 on the Billboard Top 200, making it the band's most successful release.

“In the early days we started as a cover band, even though the main goal was to write originals and get a record deal at some point,” recalls Forsythe. “It was years of riding around in a van with an equipment truck. We didn’t get a full tour, with a tour bus until 1988, so it was a long slow build-up. When I look back at all the gigs and everything we went through to get there it was crazy.”

“Donny just kept getting better as a songwriter so the records got progressively better,” adds Forsythe. “When we did  “Blow My Fuse” we had finally gotten our management in place, had a really good record and everything came together at that point. It was just like a whirlwind. Going into that record there was a feeling in the air that the universe was getting behind us. It took a long time to get to a platinum album. It was a long process. I was surprised it didn’t hit platinum sooner. But then looking back at it I figured out why. The record company would have had to give us a bonus. They waited 10 years until the contact relapsed to the old contract and then it went platinum, so no bonus.”

Their fifth and final album with Atlantic,  “Hot Wire” peaked at number 64 on Billboards Top 200 album charts but failed to reach the success of Blow My Fuse. Their disappointing follow-up album $how Bu$ine$$ (1995), released through CMC International, lead to the break of the band, and the permanent departure of founding member and principal songwriter Donnie Purnell.

“Hotwire”, which I think was an even better record, says Forsythe, “Was going to be our breakthrough and we were going to be like an arena band finally.  We wanted to be the next ACDC. Hotwire came out the same week Nirvana came out and that was the end of it.”

“We started sinking fast, so I jumped ship’,” adds Forsythe. “It was disillusioning because we worked so hard to get to that peak and it just wasn’t quite there. After all those years I couldn’t see going back through what we had just gone through, I needed a break at that point."

KIX  reunited in 2008 selling out gigs on their home turf in Hagerstown, Maryland. Performing in front of 20,000 rock and roll fans alongside Sammy Hagar and Alice Cooper at Rocklahoma, they solidified their return as a musical force more than capable of delivering a memorable concert.

Following the release of their 2012 reunion Live in Baltimore CD & DVD, KIX returned to the studio in 2014 to record the album Rock Your Face Off (Loud & Proud Records). The album debuted at #1 on Amazon’s “Hard Rock and Metal “chart, in the Top 50 on Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart, #5 on the “Independent Albums “chart, #11 on the “Top Internet “chart, #17 on the “Top Rock Albums” chart, #27 on the “Indy/Small Chain Core Stores” chart and #33 on the “Physical” chart.  

KIX last released “CAN’T STOP THE SHOW: THE RETURN OF KIX” in the fall of 2016, a two-disc DVD/CD set that entered the Billboard Top Music Video Sales chart at #3, and rose to the #1 position, the band’s highest-charting debut and first #1 ever in their 35-year history.  The 71-minute film offered an in-depth look into KIX’s decision to record their first new album, 2014’s Rock Your Face Off, in almost 20 years.

KIX spent 2018 touring in support of the 30th anniversary of the release of their  “Blow My Fuse” album. To commemorate this historic event they released a two-disc special edition package featuring a remixed version of “Blow My Fuse” and never before released demo recordings of all 10 tracks.

“We started talking about doing something for “Blow My Fuse” because it was the biggest record,” says Schenker. The thing I always got from the guys was, even though it was the most popular album that they did, everyone had a tiny disappointment with it production-wise. I remember back when they were doing the album I was given a demo tape, which  I used tho listen to it in my car all the time before the record came out. So I knew those songs well. I remember thinking,  ‘Man, this is great. I get to hear the record before it comes out. Then the record came out and I said ‘Wait a minute, the record doesn’t sound that much different than the demo tape. The demo tapes were so good that these guys made that label essentially redid the demos, this is the story that they told, so I’m just retelling the story. I remember feeling disappointed. I thought it was going to be this giant huge sounding record. So we’re lucky to be able to get to redo that and sort of set the record straight as it were. I’m really happy with it, and I wasn’t even involved with the original one.”

"In many ways, this is for the KIX diehards as much as it is for us," adds Forsythe. ”When we started doing this again, tons of fans came out of the woodwork. They'd show up with their kids, and it was just incredible to see. We had to deliver to them.”

The days of being at the mercy of a major record label and the pressure of having to sell millions of records behind them, KIX continues to move toward a promising future on their terms. Coveting a loyal following and a new generation of fans that are discovering the band,  their best could very well be in front of them.  

“I'm grateful to be still doing this after all the years and not having to have a day job,” says Forsythe. “That was my ultimate goal, just play music. I’m one of those people looking at the next mountain and I want to see what’s over the top of that mountain, and just keep going. This was my life’s goal to do this so I’m not going to give up, there’s just no way!”

“We all like each other,” adds Schenker. “We all make decisions together. It’s easy-going because nobody disagrees. We’re all sensible people. If somebody has a good point everybody can see the light. This is how we perform and everybody does the best they can. It just so happens that the mix of the five of us on stage is better than a lot of other bands, and people see that and they’re just blown away.”

To stay up to date with KIX visit www.kixband.com

Photos by Rob Nagy 2019 rnagy62@yahoo.com

[bansheefunk]

Just watched: A bunch of pirated DVDs I found around the house.

8 nov '18, night I haven't watch a DVD in years but somehow this bulk found a way to my home, mostly from my sister, I think she saw these movies on her laptop but I didn't had a way to even play them. My sister ditched her old laptop, I took it, installed Windows 8.1 and I released that I can use it as a media player with ease, immediately these old DVDs came to my mind so I decided to actually watch them for the first time. Having physical media on my hands after so long feels super nostalgic. actually interacting with the movie as an object is an unique feeling we've lost, I've yearned for it and this has made me so happy.

The Baron of Arizona (1950) I have to admit I saw this movie last week but didn't feel like writing anything about it. My first thought was "This is the count of montecristo but backwards" because it's about a man who organizes a complex plot to better his life but as the movie goes on this persists showing that his well being is ruining the lives of other people. Is not a movie that challenges the viewer but it's a ruse so outlandish it makes for it.

The Steel Helmet (1951) I should point out these criterion movies I have are from a collection of the early films of Samuel Fuller, Who is Samuel Fuller? I don't know really. This movie was produced while the korea war was still gong on and you can tell they could not film on location. I'm very undecided if this movie is propaganda or not, it may even be sincere on it's language of support but if it's not then it fails terribly, it's too soft on its criticism and makes no attempt to show the worst parts of war or trying to humanize the enemy. This movie bothers me, I don't want to think it's sincere propaganda but offers really little out of it. After watching this movie I decided to write these impressions, it's trip worth going across.

15 nov 18, night I Shot Jesse James (1949) I didn't work!. my computer wasn't even able to read it! Cue Family Guy skit about the goodness of physical then it doesn't work.

Heat (1995) My first reaction was seeing this movie's play time and going all '3 fucking hours!' in disbelief. When I finally sat to watch it I was very surprised, all these big name actors, how come I never heard of this movie before? Possibly because it was never on TV because of '3 fucking hours!' Soon enough I was very charmed. this movie is well made and there is no other way to put it, everything from the photography to the performances everything deliverers the right point, like eating food at the exact temperature that you like adding more to the experience. When I first started watching I didn't release this movie was from 1995 and there is nothing in the movie that sets it on such year giving an authentic atemporal feeling. Still there is something grand about this movie, like if this was the top of what hollywood schlock could aspire to be, this is still a crime movie after all but a damn good one and I feel bad I never saw it before.

20 nov '18, night Skyfall (2012) I'm not the biggest James Bond fan, I've seen some of the movies when they're on TV, saw casino Royale on theaters and I'm familiar with the lore. I'm not a casual but I can't spout mindless trivia. The movie was quiet long, two and a half hours but it was so well photographed, why does this type of schlock always look so good? This entry tried to be a game changer for the franchise, we get new characters in the old roles, new offices for the M16 and they try to give Bond some character, it's all acknowledged and it's so strange because on the Bond films I've seen they don't pretend the new actors took over the previews one. Giving Bond some depth really disgusted me, Bond has mostly been like Tintin or Link, a blank slate for the viewer but now that Bond is a scotsman from a wealthy family and an orphan I don't like him so much but beside that I can't hate this movie, it's just schlock for those who like schlock and doesn't try to e anything but schlock and I respect that. I also want to complain that once I was done with this movie the plastic bag where it came from was nowhere to be found, I'm frustrated about having to look up a freaking plastic bag just for this.

26 nov '18, night Max Payne (2008) When I started to watch this movie I thought it was good, the right balance of style, action, drama and grit. When I sat to watch the second half the sound started to go off but I fixed it switching the language but this cycled continued and the audio laster shorter and shorter times until I hat to sit on front of the laptop and changing the language each minute, it was awful and by the end when I got a montage of what we saw 20 minutes ago but with different cuts  felt offended, I felt like if the movie wanted to waste my time and overall any joy or good opinions I had were extinguished, maybe some other time I could had enjoyed this better but not I only feel a Family Guy gag mocking me for trusting a DVD that had lived in a plastic bag for years.

30 nov '18, night Serpico (1973) My first reaction to this movie was "What a fucking boomer and his boomer booms" but our main character grew on me and I started to empathize with him, he's a pure soul, too pure for this world but strong who fought for what he believed and for a better world, it's really a touching drama and hard to hate. A thing that fascinated me was the mise en scene, everything looks old, like if it was already old when the movie was shot but I know all that stuff was new I'm just used to see every prop after years and years of use. And I loved the way everything in the city looked, it felt like it had a sad story to tell. This is a good move that won me over after having a bad first impression.

5 nov '18, night Blue (1993) I started seeing this the night I finished Serpico, I thought I could watch the first 10 minutes but the dvd died before that, I thought I was set for another bad disc but few days later I tried again, skipped around and managed to get the movie running tho there are like 6 minutes missing at the beginning, I didn't mind them but as the movie went on I released that I missed something important stuff, I didn't got what it was supposed to be but the negative space stays with me. This movie is a damn good movie and there is no other way to put it, everything is too well done and the only thing I feel is left behind is the soundtrack but that is just me being tires of all soundtracks sounding the same but it's used so well it charms for different reasons. This is a very slow and thick character drama and examination, is the kind of movie I wish I could make, the kind of story I wish I could tell.

10 dic '18, night Red (1994) Is hard to talk about this movie, so many things go on yet it doesn't feel rushed or cramped, it a human story realistic but yet has that edge that reminds you it's pure fiction. Its a roller coaster of emotions but feels so serene. All honest I feel Blue is above Red but I can't wait to see white.

14 dic '18, past midnight White (1994) I don't have much to say about this one, it took me by surprise that most of it was in polish, I didn't expect one of these movie to be set in poland like this but still has ties to france. all the movies in this trilogy tell a human story that also has something that bents it and requires some suspension of disbelief, they're not fantasy but they're like a urban legend or a very distorted real account. Right now I think in order of quality they're Blue > White > Red which is also the order that came out, maybe watching them out of order really affected how do I think about them.

21 dic '18, night Cry baby (1990) When I saw the cover I expected a drama, a greaser crying just summoned he image of a post war hollywood drama like Blackboard Jungle, Picnic, The Lost Weekend or the obvious choice rebel Without A Cause. I pop the movie in and I'm greeted a a dumb comedy wrapped in some many layers of irony the core is completely lost, I can tell is a comedy but only one joke made me laugh, none of the songs stuck with me and overall the only thing the movie leaves on me is a slight ironic 50's nostalgia. When I was done with the film I told my sister about it (She own the DVD after all) and she said this movie was too tame for a John Waters film, the guy who made Pink Flamingos also made this and that was so shocking. This movie is just strange on the inside and the outside.

29 dic '18, night The Breed (2006) This movie is so bad it only survived by sharing a case with a good movie, I found this crap in the same case for two Clint Eastwood movie, I never heard about it before and after finally watching I can see why. Supposedly this is a horror movie but everything it sets out to be fails on its task, the first thing I found jarring was the photography, is very warm and mellow, in no point does this look like a horror movie and always looks like a romance or an R&B video. The second big issue are the dogs, the dogs are the monster of the movie and they just don't rub me in a bad way, the movie fails to show dogs in a scary or aggressive manner and some scenes that are supposed to be scary are actually kind of cute, these dogs are adorable no matter how much they bark, as the movie went on I released the dogs didn't stand a chance, tons of dogs get hurt or killed while we only get two humans dead and a third from an accident were a dog also died. This movie is bad, a legitimate 4/10, goddammit.

7 ene '18, night Unforgiven (1992) I can't say much about this movie beside that it's damn good, I'm unsure why but I think it has the right balance between, character development, action and drama but I may be wrong. Also the photography is very crispy I can't believe this movie is from 1992, I thought it was from 2002 the first time I popped the DVD in.

10 ene '19, night The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) Another really good movie. I'm very charmed by the sense of adventure, things happen out of nothing and some of them go away just like that, there is a sense of restlessness across the movie and that drives it, we feel the character's pathos and march with them without feeling the same danger and it's that chaotic feeling what makes this movie feel so human, things happen up and down like in life and not like in movies where things happen to move the story, the characters were the ones moving and things happened to them. Also both of the Clint Eastwood movies had several things in common, both start with Eastwood's characters as simple men who have to take arms for money and war respectively, both feature a younger sidekick who gets tired with the violence and an overall feeling that the violence we're seeing is not the way things should be, I'm sure these movies were packed together because of that and I really like that message. These are all the DVDs that are around the house, I should catch up with some cartoons now, I want to take a picture of the DVDs but as the moment I'm writing this I don't have a camera, it'll be a while before I can publish this.

[mcrmadness]

Random talking about photographing and (my) photos...

I started wondering last night, what if I started doing some random Tumblr posts of all kinds of photos I’ve been taking over the years. I love photographing and I have SO MANY PHOTOS (now thinking about the landscape and nature photos) I have never ever posted anywhere because I just don’t know where? I mean, for videos there’s youtube but for photos? Nothing, really. And I don’t like Facebook, I don’t like to link anything to myself. I don’t like Instagram, that messes up with the photos and makes me angry because I can’t post them as I want because IG decides over the size etc. which then ruins the aesthetics of the photo. Basically I could just create a blog (like on Blogger or something) just for posting these, as I’m not the biggest fan of how Tumblr handles with photos either, but basically I could also create an own Tumblr blog only for the photos. But as I don’t know for how many posts I’d even have motivation, it might be safer to just have them in my main blog as I already have some photos here, and maybe some other day I could start posting them in an own blog if it looks like I have enough motivation and too many posts. I also have Flickr account (does that even exist anymore?) and Deviantart, but... I don’t know.

I also always have this when I have taken photos: they look interesting in the camera but then I transfer them to my computer and go through them and they all look so dull and as if they were missing something and they don’t look like I imagined they would. Either they are not sharp enough or something is off with the colors or there’s some stupid random dots - this especially happens with my SLR camera as there’s some random _dust inside of the camera itself and I can’t get it out no matter how much I’d clean it! It’s from a towel, I think, because I don’t have a camera bag and used a black towel to make it softer and that was a bad idea. So most of the time I just abandon those photos because they are not good enough after coming out of the camera and then I browse them again years later, after not remembering too much of them, and find out that some of them are actually pretty nice. But still I do nothing about them because there’s too many photos now. And another thing: I always take millions of photos of ONE thing and it’s just so exhausting and annoying to take them all and start comparing which is better and which is The Best and sometimes it’s so difficult to choose. And I might choose it and then change it anyway, and then change back. Or post both and there’s not really a big difference to anyone else but me. I hate it. So that’s also why I often just leave the photos sit in their folders for years. But maybe I could now start going through some of them and make some “collection posts” on here, maybe with themes or something, I don’t know...

Talking of the amoung of photos - I literally have been taking photos for as long as I can remember. I think my first photo is from when I was 7 years old and I recently found it on one of my mom’s cds as back then there was this new awesome feature: get your (film) photos also on cds so you can look at them ALSO from your computer omg! And then somewhere in 2004 or so, I was 13, my mom got her first digital camera (Canon PowerShot S50) and I also learnt to use that and I have hundreds of cat videos burn on dvds. Those are only like 240px or 360px in size and max 3 minutes but I filmed so many. And I still like to film our cats and I have probably thousands of videos of the cats and we always talk how I should start creating cat videos and upload them to youtube :D There’s just so much material it’s really exhausting to even think about that process...

My own first digital camera (Olympus µ1010) I bought probably when I was about... hmmm, 17? I’d say that because that’s when I started to earn my first own money through “work training” that I can’t really explain to you but something that is possible in Finland through employer’s agency, it’s not an actual paid job but it’s the same money unemployed people get. So I was still living with my parents and got this money and could afford my first digital camera. Then some years later I bought a new one (Canon PowerShot A2300) as the old one started to be, hmm, not the best one anymore. You know, these things nowadays don’t really last that long. But I still have this camera and a few years ago I bought my first SLR (Sony α200) - it’s quite old, probably like over 10 years now, and I bought it as used one because I can’t really afford a new one. And this one came with two lenses, a flash and a memory card which was a really good offer for that money and I thought this would be a perfect camera just to teach me how to use SLR cameras so I can then someday in the future maybe buy a new one. So far this has been really nice tho and it was exactly what I needed when I bought it: I felt like I had more skills than what my digital camera could do, so I don’t regret buying this at all.

So, in my “archives” I have lots and lots of photos - of course majority of them are not even something I could post anywhere because almost always only 1 out of 10(0) is actually good and rest are just attempts of getting a good photo. I don’t think I ever even get good photos on purpose, my best ones are accidents, especially with this SLR camera as I love taking photos of sunsets but I don’t have any UV cover so I can’t look through the viewfinder when taking photos of those (they are not reflected on the screen, only ready photos can be viewed) so I just... press the trigger(?) and see how the photo looks like and do that again as many times as I need in order to get it even slightly close to what I want it to be like. And sometimes I get accidentally great photos when I do this, and sometimes there’s 50 photos of the same sunset with 57259 different settings and none of them might be good enough, if I’m lucky, maybe 1 is alright. I often just feel like my photos are lacking something. Sometimes I get that feel already when I’m looking through that viewfinder and it annoys me because I have no clue what it is that I feel like is missing. Maybe something about the angle of view or how much fits in the photo, even tho my other lense is slightly widescreen but then again, I feel like photos I get with that lense are never that good that I get with the other lense. And I also don’t know what it is causing that cos I can still “zoom” quite a lot with both of them but there’s just something about the quality of the photo that seems bit off for me.

But anyway, my point was that I have so many photos I’ve never posted anywhere or have posted just a few here and there, and now I’m wondering whether I should start doing posts where I show some of my best ones, just for fun.