#vt's personal problems

[equinoxts2]

OK... I need support and advice.

I'm really loving writing up my loreposts, and they always get me fired up about the (still WIP) rebuild of Kulo Sena... until I get to the actual, y'know, rebuild part.

As anyone familiar with my personal posts knows, I loathe building and associate it with soul-crushing despair. I am not exaggerating in the slightest. But I'm at a point where everything needs setting up again, and no other downloaded or pre-built lots actually suit my needs or my sims', so... building.

I have forty-five lots in four subhoods (and that's just the residential lots!) to do, and I've been back to square one for this or that reason so many times over the last three weeks. I can't stand it.

I know I can build, but I despise doing it. I also know that if my lots aren't "good enough" - if I slop through building to get to playing faster - I'll get dissatisfied and scrap it within the first three households. It's a vicious cycle, and it's depressing.

What can I do to make it less of an uphill struggle?

[badolmen]

Where the FUCK did my credit card get cloned?

In other news I was brave today and finally got myself a secondary cane to keep in my car and I used it TAing my lab today and literally no one said anything and that’s a relief.

[overanalyzingtaleblr]

I feel like Gertrude is one of the most interesting VT characters, and I mean that truly.

She has so much family history. The Gertion and Gertrude names have been a part of their families for centuries. Who knows which number Gertrude is. It's family tradition to wield a crowbar at all times. Her direct ancestors were a part of a mafia. She inherited a hotel from them.

She's also an alien! She comes from another planet. Despite this she has seemingly human parents and has a lot of family members who we have no reason to believe are from Gingeria, so I think it's possible she's adopted.

She changed her name from Margeret Johnson to Gertrude. She has a sister named Thatchery. She has a dead ex-husband. She's a widow!

While she acted pretty excitable when she was younger, as she got older she got a lot more serious but a lot more kind! And her first kid, Billy, held a special mother-son relationship between the two.

She can and will adopt you if you're not paying attention. She is the ultimate mother. She's legally adopted characters on camera before. And if you think it won't happen again you're wrong.

She abandoned a lot of her life when she married Acachalla. A lot of the times it seems like they're struggling financially despite Gertrude being seen living in large mansions in previous videos. She did this for Papa, because she loves him. And despite not having the best relationship, she still makes it work. (Not that there's not problems with that relationship but I think that could be delved into more tbh. I think Papa has shown a capability to be sweet to where he would learn to improve)

Gertrude is also one of, if not the first, Gmod Roleplay characters. She was truly here witnessing it all, developing as a character, and being such a loving person.

We love Gertrude here

[ut-versotale]

A Trip Down Nostalgia Lane

This AU's been in existence for so long, and the most current iteration is so wildly different from the rest. As such, I felt it'd be kinda cool to show you guys how the AU's progressed over the years. I don't think it's too big of a problem to reveal what the initial plans were for each iteration, what I liked and didn't like, and my thought process behind forgoing the old ones

If you don't particularly care for all that, here's the iterations' major characters lined up. (Iteration 4 I only have revealed Asriel and Undyne, so the rest I've designed so far are silhouetted)

Iteration 0.5

Oh boy, where to begin with this one...?

I number it "0.5" and not "1" because there were only two parts that never even officially released on this Tumblr blog. I did upload Part 1 for an April Fool's joke a while ago. But really, it was only ever present on the TS!Underswap Discord server over half a decade ago.

To put it bluntly, Versotale at this point was just a reskinned Undertale roleswap AU. The personalities, while I tried to keep them intact, were not the main driving force. As such:

Asriel is a silent protagonist (And not in a cool clever way like Kris; I mean just straight-up silent)

The only difference with Undyne as a narrator was noting that Frisk was a human at the first save point

Flowey had a more formal speech pattern but was otherwise barely affected despite carrying Chara's consciousness. They weren't even named Asthana yet.

Frisk... well, I can give my past self this, he certainly made an effort to differentiate Frisk from Toriel. I can't say he did a GOOD job at that, but they certainly were different. Awkward dialogue, though, and not much sense behind why they were the mayor of the Ruins at 13 years old

Overall, you can 100% tell I made this as a young teen. Awkward dialogue, barely any effort put into the concept, unoriginal...

It's pretty easy to see why I forewent this version of the AU. Only two parts were ever made. I must thank @beethovenus who gave me a lot of very helpful critiques, such as giving Asriel a voice and making original sprites rather than using sprite edits, as well as encouraging me to make this Tumblr blog for it. Thus, brings us to what I'd like to consider the first PROPER attempt at this AU...

Iteration 1

Ah, this one... this ALSO lasted only two parts. Can't remember why. But I made a lot more headway on this one. Quality aside, I am happy that I had the guts to try and make original sprites of my own back then, even if they aren't particularly good compared to now.

This was where I really attempted to make the characters act noticeably different. Though there were still quite a lot of problems, some that would even persist all the way up until Iteration 4.

I wanted to give Asriel a combination of his regular and Flowey personalities. A cool idea on paper, but the lore doesn't support him acting like that well enough. Thus, I refer to this version of him as Sassriel. This was one of those problems that persisted up until Iteration 3.

Undyne having this snarky back-and-forth with Sassriel. Again, cool idea on paper, but it is not supported by her personality in Undertale, nor the altered circumstances in VT Iteration 1. Also, with Undyne being a disembodied consciousness, it means she's merely an observer of the story and not an active participant, meaning her dialogue got very boring very fast. Undyne in canon was always an active character, so putting her in a role that basically FORCED her to be a passive character was maybe one of the worst decisions I could've made that lasted way too long, all the way until Iteration 4.

You'll notice a whole bunch of characters that never actually saw the light of day in the comic. In the bottom row, starting from left to right, there would have been Pepper (Who DID have a design but I've lost it), Donavan, Dr. Aakil, Lily, and Queen Alice. There's not much to say about them story-wise since I mainly just got the designs down, and you can probably guess what the plot was gonna be like given this was the early days of the AU where it was still very much following the Undertale formula. I think the only UNIQUE things I should mention are that Aakil's version of the amalgamates would've been cyborgs.

Iteration 2

This is the one that's lasted the longest (so far), managing to push its way into the Cold West. I tried to break out of the Undertale formula a tiny bit with this one, to varying degrees of success. There's not much history I can recall or find with this iteration, but I suppose I can give a character rundown of the ones you never saw, ironically enough all positioned on the bottom row again.

Donavan... not very unique compared to Undyne. The main gimmick that separated him from her, I think, was that he had gloves designed by Aakil that were soul-powered.

Valencia... a new character who was meant to be an expanded version of Napstablook's role. Fun fact: Valencia's hooded trenchcoat design there was originally Pepper's Iteration 1 design.

Everyone else was... about what you'd expect.

Looking back on this version, I am... honestly very embarrassed by how badly I butchered the Cold West. I wanted to do so many cool things, like a bounty on Asriel's head and all. But my God... Spade and Pepper sucked so much. Especially Pepper. For characters who at this point were meant to be this AU's replacement of Sans and Papyrus... what poor substitutes.

And honestly, I think that's why I scrapped this one; because I hated the Cold West and how I did it. It felt rushed, awkwardly-written, bad characterization, horrifically-bad puzzles, etc. Thus, Iteration 3 was made.

Iteration 3: Hybrid

I nicknamed this short-lived one "Hybrid" for multiple reasons.

It's where Deltarune became an extremely prevalent influence in Versotale's universe. So no longer is Versotale just an Undertale AU, it can also be considered a Deltarune AU as well.

Many characters could be considered hybrids at this point. Asriel and Undyne shared determination and a body. And, more interestingly, the Mettaton role also shared a body with Mettaton. More about that in a bit

When I was making Part 10-B of Iteration 2, Iteration 3 was meant to flow naturally into it, effectively replacing all of what had came beforehand. That never worked out.

Ultimately, I abandoned this version because it just simply wasn't doing it for me. By this point, the project was beginning to feel stale and boring. Despite my attempts to make a new unique storyline, it just kinda... felt like it was still following in Undertale's footsteps far too much. I mean, you've got the protagonist kid, an old fallen member of their species, the double-crossing flower, a mentor who's lived in a secluded area all their life, a chef who wants to join the guard, a tough grizzled guard captain, a morally-dubious scientist, a celebrity, a monarch... you see how I became dislliusioned with the quality of what was supposed to be my "Unique Undertale storyline." The most unique thing at this point WAS probably Spade. But still, many elements of this version of the story were very fleshed-out. I tried to turn Pepper into a character who wasn't just a bargain-bin Papyrus clone, I had come up with a more unique Hotland area, and it probably could've turned out really nice.

I think the thing I genuinely really liked from this old version was that Shella (This iteration's celebrity character) actually was also possessed by Mettaton. There was this huge backstory thing where the scientist character had monster dust and was injecting humans with it, and since Mettaton was a ghost, his consciousness became attached to Shella's and served as her sort of "assistant." He gave her all the tips and confidence to become famous and gave Mettaton the opportunity to indirectly entertain humans like he always wanted. While a cool idea on paper, having... well, essentially Mettaton technically in the same place as canon Undertale again just felt cheap and lazy. Not to mention it only continued my disillusionment with my "unique story" being far too similar to Undertale for comfort.

But the Surface shenanigans this iteration... man, for as weird as Gaster being king was, I had such a cool thing planned for all the Ebottobia characters. It's something I wanna carry over into Iteration 4 to a certain extent.

Iteration 4: "King Asriel"

This one's really freaking cool. Going back to the drawing board completely, the story resembles almost nothing like Undertale's, with the sole exception of the main premise: People underground, free them from imprisonment through peace or violence.

I'm so proud of these ideas so far, you have no idea. The new Ruins area I'm excited for, the new Cold West feels like an actual proper flowing storyline now, the other areas have way more uniqueness, the characters feel like their own characters with their own stories now (Even the ones that appear in canon), the plot feels completely different... I think you all are really going to like it

That's all. Just felt like taking a trip down memory lane and share some ideas and designs the public never got to see.

[secret-diary-of-an-fa]

Doctor Who: Empire of Death Review (Sutekh is, and I Don't Say this Lightly, a BAD DOG)

Here we are: the conclusion to an eight episode run that’s given us such memorable villains as The Slugs That Didn’t Move While On Camera and Cos-Playing Murder-Owls. Look, I said ‘memorable’ not ‘compelling’. In fairness, it also gave us Jinkx Monsoon hamming it up as the deranged deity of music, Maestro, but the more I think about The Devil’s Chord, the more annoyed I become that it got permission to use the Beatles and then only gave 50% of them speakin’ lines, so I don’t want to dwell on it. This time, the Doctor is facing Sutekh, the god of death, who looks a lot more like a jackal in this episode than he did in The Legend of Ruby Sunday (where he looked suspiciously mouse-like from some angles). And, spoiler alert, he’s the best thing in it. Within a few minutes of the episode opening, he’s turned the entire population of Earth to dust, hijacked the TARDIS to serve as his temple and revealed that he’s been following in the Doctor’s wake for countless millennia in order to plant his sleeper agents on every planet the Time Lord has ever visited. As a result, the entire universe falls to his ‘Death Wave’ and reality dies a tragic (and surprisingly sandy) death. Great! That’s a Doctor Who villain worthy of the finale. But how’s the rest of it?

Well, it’s nice that the Doctor actually gets to do things in this episode: seeking out metal in a dead universe order to create an interface that will let him look backwards in time; hunting down Ruby’s mother because Sutekh can’t see her and she might, therefore, be the key to unravelling his dominion, and finally trapping the god of death in a death-trap of his own, “bringing death to death” and therefore reversing all his little shenanigans. For quite a lot of this season (the murder-owls episode and bits of Boom being the exception) his role has been providing exposition and then crying in a corner. For the entirety of the giant slugs one he was reduced to a floating VT in a holographic box, except at the end when he showed up in person to have a good scream and a weep over how stupid and self-defeating racism is. Not so much Doctor Who as Doctor Boohoo, amiright? Oh, fuck off. I’ll write better puns when you start paying me and not a minute sooner. I also liked the Doctor’s solution to the Sutekh problem itself: dragging him through the Time Vortex on a specialised bungee like a bad dog being dragged home from the park, using his death-energy to bring life until he straight-up fucking disintegrates. It’s just the right combination of silly and bad-ass and suits the general tone of Who very well.

I’m not a fan, however, of the stupid bloody speech he gives while doing it, in which he bangs on about how he represents life and killing Sutekh is a violation of his moral code that he has been driven to only by extremis. Piss off. The Doctor kills people with frankly sociopathic frequency. The first thing this incarnation did after parting ways with Fourteen was impale a giant goblin on the spike of a church (which is murder and desecration-of-a-religious-building at once). Peter Capaldi’s Twelve once shot a fellow Time Lord in the head and acted like regeneration was just man-flu, when we know very well it’s a kind of dying and rebirth. He also might have pushed a cyborg out of a balloon to fall to his death. Eleven used post-hypnotic suggestion to convince the entire human race to slaughter the Silence on sight, planted a missile homing beacon on some dude’s ship, blew up a planet-full of Cybermen and fed a completely different god of death potential memories until he imploded. Ten once tricked Mark Gatiss into falling off a tall building (though, in fairness, he wasn’t Mark Gatiss at the time: he was a big lizard-thing). Nine engineered the deaths of the Slitheen, the Jagrofess and the Last Human without a second thought. And that’s just the ones from the modern series that I can think of off the top of my head. Give me an hour on Google and I could come up with more (though it is weird, in retrospect, to realise just how trigger-happy Eleven was). I think it speaks to a bigger problem with Who at the moment: Americanisation. See, American morality is more Kantian; more dependent on rigid, inflexible rules (which is fucking weird for a nation that still practices the barbarism of the death penalty, by the way). Whereas British morality is typically more utilitarian; more predicated on what will do the most practical good in any given situation and therefore laced with innumerable grey areas. The Doctor suddenly being uncomfortable with killing feels like Disney’s influence at work: an attempt to sand down his more alien and hostile edges to make him palatable to an American audience (who originally got into the show because it was a slice of British culture that they couldn’t get from their own country’s entertainment industry. Look, let me put it this way: As a Brit, I don’t watch anime to see British values and ideals recapitulated, I watch it because I find it refreshing to encounter the heroic ideals of a different culture that doesn’t think the way my own culture does. Same thing).

I’m also not best pleased with the plot holes. Ruby meets her mum at the end and it’s revealed that she’s just… some rando. The explanation we get for why Sutekh couldn’t see her is that her identity and absence were of such critical importance to Ruby that they somehow twisted the universe and made her important. Which would be fine, except that only makes sense if Ruby is some sort of cosmic being with reality-bending powers. But if her mum is just some rando (and her dad’s a feckless adolescent, as it turns out), how can she be a cosmic being with reality-bending powers? Was it her time in the TARDIS? No, because the Doctor’s genuinely surprised by her (apparently unrelated ability) to make it fucking snow. If that was the sign of a deeper malaise, you’d think he’d have spent enough time travelling in the TARDIS to spot the signs.

Anyhoo, I’d like to take a moment to address Ncuti Gatwa’s acting. I’ve been saying all season that he’s a good actor and that the show needs to give him more to do with his talents than get all teary-eyed and spout expository dialogue (my phrasing has not, however, been that concise). Now I get to see him being the Doctor, really for the only time aside from Rogue (Boom doesn’t count: it was amazing, but our hero was stranded on a landmine from beginning to end, which limited the scope of things he could do quite a lot). The point is that, while I’m still convinced there’s a good actor in there somewhere, there’s also something missing that each episode director has failed to request and Gatwa has failed to provide spontaneously. I’m talking about something that’s going to sound stupid until you think about it: superfluous movement. Nine, Ten and Eleven (also Fourteen) were constantly in motion; constantly reacting to their environment and interacting with the set in interesting way, whether it was Christopher Eccleston picking up and toying with the random detritus of human culture or David Tenant constantly fiddling with technology, striding off purposefully at the drop of a hat (sometimes in the wrong direction) and just general projecting physicality, or even Matt Smith bouncing around the whole set and occasionally breaking bits off it, the Doctor’s always felt like a being with a lot of energy. Twelve was stiffer and more rigid in his movements, but that was a specific part of his characterisation: he was older, grumpier, more worn-down. Gatwa’s fifteen, however, is characterised as breezy and bombastic… but he never moves more than the script calls for. It’s hard to spot at first: you just have a vague sense that something isn’t right here, but once you’ve realised what it is that’s up, you can’t unsee it. He reacts and interacts only as literally demanded by the script. There’s no superfluous tics, no kinetic flourishes, no playfulness in how he responds to each environment… and it makes both him and the worlds he visits feel flatter and less alive. I don’t want to blame him too much for it: it might be that the show costs so much to make now that he’s been told to be careful and not risk breaking anything, but it is a problem and it reaches its apotheosis in The Empire of Death. Simply put, David Tenant could make a ball-game on a roof feel like a battle for the fate of the world, but even when Gatwa is dragging Sutekh through the Time Vortex and reality is being ripped open around them, his movements are so economical and rehearsed it’s impossible to forget you’re watching a telly show. You feel nothing. Or I didn’t anyway. Maybe you’re less sensitised to this sort of thing than I am. I do watch a lot of media and know a lot about how it gets made, which means I pick up on issues other people miss. So, er, mileage may vary.

Overall, I did quite enjoy Empire of Death. It’s solid enough cosmic fiction, but is also has that ‘first draft’ quality that turned me against The Star Beast. Everything in it is good enough, but no better. I wonder, maybe, if the root of the problem is RTD himself just taking on too large a portion of the writing duties. Running a show and writing scripts for a show are two very difficult, very demanding jobs, which is why the Showrunner usually farms out a lot of the script-writing to people who have the time and energy to do it well. This also leaves the Showrunner free to focus their own writing efforts on the episodes that really matter. For example, would Empire of Death have been better, if RTD hadn’t stretched himself thin personally scribing Dot and Bubble and The Devil’s Chord? Almost certainly.

Here’s hoping he learns how to delegate in time for Gatwa’s second season. And that they start using sets the actors are allowed to actually interact with.

PS. The new sonic screwdriver is rubbish. It looks like a TV remote fucked the Starship Enterprise. I hadn't mentioned that yet, so there ya go.

[mushr00m-lol]

hey!! so, maybe a few days ago or something, i posted about having a story lined up for Circus AU. Well, after about a month of production, it's done :) I'm super happy about it and want to share it here! It's second person with a few choices to make, so if there's any problems with the doc, please tell!! I hope it's at the very least an entertaining story to fill some time!

LINK TO THE DOC: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QNmQ-Vt-mTW_c4Gdg1rpfD7mtk1tJWeCAuuJP-2Ds8w/edit#heading=h.qdkrmmnmrwev

[lunadreamscaper]

Shattered Reality Theory?

- taleblrlorekeeper

Hi yes hello. I’m about to go autism hyper fixation mode let’s go

I call it that as if it’s a well known theory BUT ITS nOt bc I haven’t shared it yet

So basically this theory explains a lot of continuity errors and contradictions and the faulty way the VT world works Imo. (Which irl is only like that bc the irl creators didn’t keep track of everything but that’s fine) But basically what I believe/vibe I get is that the main dimension where all the main event happens is a larger fragment of a reality that’s now shattered. And other dimensions like the 13th Dimension like the Anti-challas for example (and the hundreds of other numbered dimensions 😭) are other shards of that reality. So basically the whole thing is barely functioning.

And also, it might not have a proper after life or “ghost dimension” … or “veil” and that’s why ghosts are so common and capable of ridiculous things??

Also an alternative minor theory attached to this one is that sometimes the reason that characters come back from the dead is because there’s no space for like more souls in the afterlife(?) or where ever ghosts are supposed to go. But also I’m kinda iffy on that one.

Basically the VT world(s) is like a broken world- similar vibe to when a planet is thrown out of orbit.

Funny enough though is that in the VT 5 year anniversary stream Johnny Ghost from the future/Alt time line tries warning Present Day P.I.E. (Ghost was retired at the time) that they need to get their Ghost to rejoin P.I.E. Because in future Ghost’s future Housekeeper “shatters reality.” But that implies it hasn’t happened but will- so idk but genuinely is a fascinating coincidence (there’s SO MUCH lore in that stream btw bahsjd)

I do believe that the Divine One (a canon deity made of 13 beings that also created Housekeeper) may have tried fixing or adopted their shattered reality?? And maybe housekeeper got mad and/or jealous and started causing problems idk tbh 😭

Also another part of how i picture this broken world is that sometimes it tries to fix itself (either that or it’s the divine one) so it’ll like repeat events and it’ll change what happened (which would explain certain contradictions. Example: Ghost originally being afraid of birds. Then way later Ghost is completely unphased by birds but Toast is terrified of them?? That happened in an anniversary stream too but it was either year 3 or 4)

Basically a bunch of cosmic horror / reality stuff 😭

(I picture it a lot like a dirty/scratched/broken CD that’s bouncing around, replaying or stuttering or skipping around in the cd player kinda lol but also it’s floating through space deeper and deeper into the void while grabbing the attention of interdimensional higher beings that see it as a cool toy)

Also Acalacams (if you know what those are) kinda tie into this as well as the Divine One but I’ll get to that later

This is also my personal headcanon but I’m curious to see what others think :3

God I hope this made sense 😭😭

[imaginespazzi]

Hiya dear bestie,

Ok given recent events, no need to apologize for a delay at all. Totally undertif that required taking some space for a min. In fact, I felt pretty guilty about my timing when just minutes after I submitted the ask I became aware of what happened.

I’m in agreement with you, hard to envision just good pals having a comprable fall out.

Def feel quite awful for Liz too in this case. Going through problems with some kind of a meaningful relationship (and presumably betrayal) then ending your season with a serious injury is an incredytough run of things. Not to mention Liz seems like a decent person. Like you I hope that better days are ahead.

Couldnt help myself with the ending ha, just had to bring in a bit of levity you know.

Lastly, a shoutout to the other VT anon who added to the tea. Appreciate the extra insight and am def here for more should you decide to come back in any fashion. Honestly my mind is trying to process a totally alternate universe where Liz ends the year healthy and they came out following the season :/

My best as always - ☕️

Hi my love <3,

Damn I didn't even think about the injury but poor girl's really been put through it (allegedly of course) this year. Speaking of injury, I thought Georgia's reaction to it was kinda mehh and I've been wondering since then, if something happened between those two but yeah all of this would make sense I guess. Such a shame.

Come back whenever bestie!

[danglovely]

Regrading Taskmaster: S01 E03 The poet and the egg.

*Score changes in parenthesis.

Prize Task: Most Meaningful Item

Four contestants interpret this to mean the most personally meaningful item and Roisin brings in the dictionary. Obviously, there's nothing special about that dictionary and it could easily be replaced. I somewhat doubt that Frank's child actually will miss the hobby horse.

Josh and Tim bring in actual irreplaceable symbols of significant personal meaning (the nod should go to Josh because winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award isn't quite as significant in a room with Frank Skinner in it). Romesh's wedding ring conveys obvious meaning and a reasonable person would believe that it probably isn't okay to give it away on a gameshow.

Romesh: 5 (0) Josh: 4 (+2) Tim: 3 (0) Frank: 2 (-2) Roisin: 1 (0)

VT 01: Throw a teabag into a mug from the farthest distance.

Assuming Romesh would argue that there was no box available for him to this day. Greg disqualifies Josh for "putting the milk in first." It's a deserved DQ because despite Josh's contention, a wheelbarrow doesn't become a mug when someone drinks tea out of it. All else being objective, no changes to the scores.

Tim: 5 Frank: 4 Romesh: 3 Roisin: 2 Josh: DQ

VT 02: Using this device to track your route, create the best image for the Taskmaster.

Josh's flower is really good and Romesh's self-portrait is recognizable. Frank should probably come next because he at least knew what he was drawing. Tim had weather problems but he probably should still slot in under Roisin as he gave up part way through the task by his own admission.

Josh: 5 (0) Romesh: 4 (0) Frank: 3 (+1) Roisin: 2 (+1) Tim: 1 (-2)

Studio Task: Buy the best present for the Taskmaster. Here is £20.

Here we have Josh putting the wheels in motion for successive contestants committing hard to the show. Getting a tattoo of Greg's name is insane and obviously worth five points. Frank's glasses are cool, but are slightly less imaginative than commissioning a portrait. Roisin bringing in a live animal (even if it's just a mouse) feels like enough to win in most situations. Tim essentially got a gift-card.

Josh: 5 (0) Roisin: 4 (0) Romesh: 3 (+1) Frank: 2 (-1) Tim: 1 (0)

VT 03: Using only the items currently on this table, get this egg as high as possible. The egg must not break.

As Greg said, this task essentially was "who can not break an egg in twenty minutes." Objectively scored, so no change.

Josh: 5 Romesh: 4 Frank: DQ Roisin: DQ Tim: DQ

Live Task: Stand up after 100 seconds.

Romesh and Tim "tie" somehow, but Romesh pretty clearly stands up before Tim and should have come in second.

Josh: 5 (0) Romesh: 4 (+1) Tim: 3 (-1) Frank: 2 (0) Roisin: 1 (0)

Final

Josh: 24 (+2) Romesh: 23 (+1) Tim: 13 (-3) Frank: 13 (-2) Roisin: 10 (+1)

Josh originally won a very unfair tiebreaker, but it seems like he deserved to win the episode, and Romesh's wedding ring, anyway.

[thelonesomequeen]

One more problem I might see coming up in the future, she loves to travel while he loves his life in MA. Especially in recent years he's been mentioning how much he loves the quiet life and how he 'doesn't have to travel the world' while she seems to want to do just that. I think he will keep it up for a little but he will get tired of it sooner rater than later. I think road trips in the US or just staying at his place in VT is where he sees himself in the future. I don't see him going back to PT several times a year tbh. I think they both enjoy a life away from the industry but a quiet life can mean different things for people. I think she might even believe she is okay with life in MA in the long run and might tell him as much but she has lots of life left to live. I see him fall back in his old rhythm of his rather static life and that might end up rather boring for a much younger person. He never had a long lasting healthy relationship so I don't believe he knows how to make room for a person in his life. Not saying he can't learn but I just don't see it.

.

[equinoxts2]

I can't take it any more. Kulo Sena (including the subhoods) has grown way too big, and I don't have the heart to cut anyone from the cast - not even any of the "nobodies" I introduced as townies or as settlers in the newer subhoods. And that means so much building.

I also feel like Kulo Sena and I are outgrowing each other... but I don't have a concept for a new hood, other than: - I don't want to play to any challenge ruleset - I want to start smaller, much smaller, but not legacy-style - I have a few vague ideas for a brighter, quirkier aesthetic and it's just hard to start from nothing. I'd have to make a new download cut, recolour hairs, build a different style of houses, make sims, name sims... you have no idea how much I actually struggle with TS2 setup.

Any advice or suggestions, simblr friends?

[uniiiquehecrt]

I don't like talking irl or politics here but wow, people are really complaining about the g*vt "not doing enough to evacuate" as if Floridians are going to listen in the first place. For the record, at least from a library worker's perspective, everyone is doing the best they can do.

Everyone's been on standby since Helene and have been keeping eagle-eyes on the storm. Hurricane Hunters have been sent out. Even here on east side, there are constant calls and emails for prep and potential shelter duty. Workers have been notified to sandbag and prepare and help others prepare. Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it isn't happening. There are plenty more things I could say, but probably are things people complaining from other states don't want to bother to hear.

I can't speak for every county, but I can assure you that it is most definitely not the local government's fault if not everybody evacuates the path of the storm. 🙄 The fact of the matter is that mandatory evacuations have already been issued in effected counties. Tampa's county included.

Your real issue is that Floridians are buck-wild. We don't often get storms that cause us problems unless you life in the Gulf or in Miami and even then 9/10 times we simply do not care. I've seen people go canoeing down the street in a hurricane just because it's fun. If someone decides not to evacuate, that is entirely on them and their own free will. Not only is your local government doing the best it can, but it's also not your government's job to force you out if you don't want to leave. If you decide to stay due to your own stupidity and hubris that's entirely on you, I'm sorry to say it.

Anyways listen to your evacuation orders and take the storm seriously, Tampa folks, it's gonna be rough out there. And for the love of god if you are not from Florida or just want to blame everything on higher powers instead of a person's real and free will, maybe do some research into your evacuation orders, zoning, and your county's available evacuation shelters first before you start saying that your local government doesn't care and isn't trying to do its best. Something tells me you've never bothered to go to your local library to ask.

[dentalchittenden]

Expert Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) Treatment in Burlington, VT

Welcome to Chittenden Dental, your premier destination for expert Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) treatment in Burlington, VT. Our dental practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for individuals suffering from TMJ disorders, ensuring that you receive the highest quality treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore your quality of life.

In this detailed guide, we will explore the causes and symptoms of TMJ disorders, discuss the range of treatment options available at Chittenden Dental, and explain why our clinic is the best choice for TMJ treatment in Burlington, VT. Whether you are new to TMJ treatment or seeking a specialized care provider, this article will provide valuable insights into how we can help you achieve relief and improved oral health.

Understanding Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

TMJ treatment Burlington VT (TMD) refers to a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. This joint is crucial for everyday functions such as chewing, speaking, and swallowing. TMD can cause significant discomfort and disrupt these essential activities.

Causes of TMD: The exact cause of TMD can vary from person to person, but common factors include:

Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw or face can damage the TMJ, leading to dysfunction.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching: Chronic grinding or clenching can put excessive pressure on the TMJ, causing inflammation and pain.

Arthritis: Certain types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the TMJ and lead to TMD.

Misalignment of the Jaw: An uneven bite or misaligned jaw can contribute to TMJ problems.

Symptoms of TMD: TMD can present with a range of symptoms, including:

Jaw Pain: Persistent pain in the jaw joint or surrounding areas.

Headaches: Frequent headaches, often originating from the jaw or temple area.

Clicking or Popping Sounds: Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth.

Limited Jaw Movement: Difficulty opening the mouth fully or experiencing a locked jaw.

Facial Pain: Discomfort in the face, neck, or shoulders.

Impact on Daily Life: The symptoms of TMD can significantly affect your quality of life, making it challenging to perform routine activities such as eating, speaking, and sleeping. Addressing TMD with the right treatment is essential for restoring normal function and alleviating discomfort.

TMJ Treatment Options at Chittenden Dental

At Chittenden Dental, we offer a range of effective treatments for TMJ disorders in Burlington, VT. Our goal is to provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. Here’s an overview of the treatment options available at our clinic:

Comprehensive Diagnosis: The first step in treating TMD is a thorough evaluation. Our experienced dental professionals will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination of your jaw, and diagnostic imaging if necessary. This helps us understand the underlying causes of your TMD and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Treatments: Many cases of TMD can be managed effectively with non-surgical approaches. These may include:

Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation associated with TMD.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help alleviate pain and reduce muscle tension.

Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting stress-reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises and avoiding hard or chewy foods, can help manage symptoms.

Oral Appliances: Custom-made splints or night guards can help alleviate teeth grinding or clenching, reducing pressure on the TMJ.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for TMD. Our team may recommend specific exercises and techniques to improve jaw mobility, strengthen the muscles around the TMJ, and reduce pain.

Dental Treatments: In some cases, dental treatments may be necessary to address underlying issues contributing to TMD. This may include:

Bite Adjustments: Adjusting the alignment of your bite can help alleviate pressure on the TMJ.

Restorative Dentistry: Dental crowns, fillings, or other restorative procedures may be used to correct bite issues and improve jaw function.

Surgical Interventions: While less common, surgical options may be considered for severe cases of TMD that do not respond to conservative treatments. Our team will discuss the potential benefits and risks of surgical interventions if they are deemed necessary for your condition.

Why Choose Chittenden Dental for TMJ Treatment?

Chittenden Dental is committed to delivering exceptional care for TMJ disorders, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment for your condition. Here’s why our clinic is the top choice for TMJ treatment in Burlington, VT:

Expertise and Experience: Our team of dental professionals has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. We stay current with the latest advancements in TMJ treatment to provide you with the most effective care.

Personalized Care: We understand that each patient’s needs are unique. Our approach to TMJ treatment is tailored to your specific symptoms and circumstances, ensuring that you receive a personalized and effective treatment plan.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Chittenden Dental is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technology, allowing us to provide accurate assessments and effective interventions for TMJ disorders.

Comprehensive Services: From initial diagnosis to ongoing management, we offer a full range of services to address all aspects of TMD. Our integrated approach ensures that you receive comprehensive care throughout your treatment journey.

Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide support throughout your treatment. Our goal is to ensure that you feel informed and confident in your care.

Convenient Location: Located in Burlington, VT, Chittenden Dental is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. Our convenient location makes it easy for you to receive the care you need without unnecessary travel.

The Chittenden Dental Experience: What to Expect

When you choose Chittenden Dental for your TMJ treatment, you can expect a supportive and professional experience from start to finish:

Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with an initial consultation where our team will evaluate your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and conduct a thorough examination. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Treatment Implementation: Once your treatment plan is established, we will begin implementing the recommended interventions. Our team will guide you through each step, providing clear instructions and support to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Ongoing Monitoring: We will closely monitor your progress throughout your treatment, making adjustments as needed to ensure that you are experiencing relief and improvement. Regular follow-up appointments will allow us to track your progress and make any necessary modifications to your treatment plan.

Patient Education: We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge about their condition and treatment options. Our team will provide you with valuable information and resources to help you understand your TMD and how to manage it effectively.

Support and Care: At Chittenden Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional support and care. If you have any questions or concerns during your treatment, our team is always available to assist you and provide the guidance you need.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Chittenden Dental Can Help

Consider these scenarios where Chittenden Dental’s TMJ treatment can make a significant difference:

Chronic Jaw Pain: If you have been experiencing persistent jaw pain that interferes with your daily activities, our team can help identify the underlying cause and provide effective treatment to alleviate discomfort.

Frequent Headaches: For individuals suffering from frequent headaches associated with TMD, our treatments can help address the root cause of the pain and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Difficulty Eating and Speaking: If TMD is affecting your ability to eat or speak comfortably, our personalized treatment plan can help restore normal jaw function and improve your overall quality of life.

Sleep Disruptions: If teeth grinding or jaw clenching is disrupting your sleep, our oral appliances can help protect your teeth and reduce muscle tension, leading to improved sleep quality.

Post-Injury Care: If you have sustained a jaw injury that has resulted in TMJ symptoms, our comprehensive care can help manage the condition and support your recovery.

Customer Testimonials: What Our Patients Are Saying

Here’s what some of our patients have to say about their experience with Chittenden Dental:

“Chittenden Dental provided exceptional care for my TMJ disorder. The treatment plan was personalized to my needs, and the team was always available to answer my questions. I am now experiencing significant relief and can enjoy daily activities without pain.” — Laura G.

“I had been struggling with chronic jaw pain and headaches for months before finding Chittenden Dental. Their expertise and comprehensive approach made a huge difference in my condition. I highly recommend their TMJ treatment services.” — James L.

“The team at Chittenden Dental helped me with my TMJ issues, and the results have been fantastic. The staff was knowledgeable and supportive throughout the process. I am grateful for their excellent care.” — Emily T.

Conclusion

At Chittenden Dental, we are dedicated to providing top-notch Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) treatment in Burlington, VT. Our comprehensive approach, combined with our expertise and commitment to personalized care, ensures that you receive the best possible treatment for your TMJ disorder.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TMD or seeking a specialized provider for TMJ treatment, look no further than Chittenden Dental. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relieving your discomfort and improving your oral health. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a positive and effective treatment experience.

[overanalyzingtaleblr]

Talevember Day 1: Jimmy Casket

Ah, Jimmy Casket. The Killer.

I feel like Jimmy Casket is, or at least was, one of the most popular VT characters. I think his popularity has dipped recently in favor of other characters, and to be quite honest, I'm happy others are getting attention over him. However, Jimmy Casket is still a beloved character, so let's talk about him.

Jimmy Casket very famously resides inside Johnny Ghost. It is a hotly contested of how exactly he is stored inside Ghost. I am very much someone who dislikes headcanoning him as an alter, both from a canon perspective and because I've had multiple systems tell me that kind of thing makes them really uncomfortable (which is understanding cause. Well it's an 'alter' whose personality is "I kill people." not exactly the best representation there)

The other two popular options are Ghost and Demon. (there are others which I think are neat, but these are the most popular). So which one do I subscribe to? Well I subscribe to the idea that he's a ghost, not a demon. I just personally think it's a lot more interesting.

Let's start off with why I think he's a paranormal entity. There are many episodes of VT where Casket inhabits people other than Ghost. Murder, which is the series in which Casket makes his debut and where he makes his most appearances, hardly features Ghost at all (though there are a couple times). Casket is shown being taken down multiple times, and through multiple different names.

Now let's get to the next point: Demons and Ghosts are both paranormal entities. We know this because of the Level 25 cat demon being in the realm of paranormal. My point here being a rebuttal to a common argument that Casket can't be a ghost because then he would set of the ghost hunting equipment, if he was a demon he would probably also set off the equipment.

I also just think it's a lot more interesting to consider that Casket was once someone before becoming a ghost. I am a (soft) believe of Gregory Casket being Jimmy Casket before he died, not Johnny Ghost (though obviously that is very malleable. It's not very clear in canon). I like to think of Jimmy as some sort of family member to Ghost. Perhaps a brother of some kind, or maybe an uncle. Not entirely sure.

Another small point is that Jose also possesses someone and is very likely not a demon, though I'm sure Casket is likely a higher level than Jose overall (hard to say since we don't really see Jose often)

I personally think it took Casket a long while to find Ghost as a host. Once he did find Ghost, it was incredibly easy to get a foothold in manipulating him since Ghost already has a lot of trauma and personal problems. Then it was as simple as a switch for when he was emotionally vulnerable.

I guess my explanation for the ghost equipment might be that it would only activate once his possession takes over. I would imagine after that it would fly off the charts.

Anyway that's all my opening thoughts about it. I hope everyone has a fun Talevemeber! See you tomorrow

[bimonmedia]

‘Cheese In The Trap’ and The Fast Fashion’s Dilemma

Sapo: Fashion brands would never tell you the truth that the only way to be sustainable is to buy fewer clothes.

1. Digital Citizenship

In response to the pervasive influence of social media in daily life, new citizen norms and identities have emerged, prioritizing personalization and sharing over traditional political affiliations. This phenomenon has spurred the development of digital citizenship (Vromen 2017).

The slow fashion movement's long-term success relies heavily on digital citizenship. As people evolve more aware of their online presence and social responsibilities, they use digital channels to promote ethical fashion practices. Social media networks are important tools for spreading information and mobilizing support for sustainable fashion businesses. Individuals use digital activism and community building to put pressure on the fashion industry to prioritize ethical production processes and worker rights. Digital citizens are influencing the discourse surrounding slow fashion by leveraging their online power, encouraging a more sustainable future in the industry (Alison Gwilt et al. 2012).

2. Green-washing problem 

The line between authentic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and greenwashing is often blurred, leading consumers to believe they are making ethical choices when purchasing from fast fashion companies. The perpetuation of mass consumerism by the fashion industry exacerbates environmental degradation and labor exploitation. Social media platforms serve as potent tools for the fashion industry to promote consumerism through influencer marketing and targeted advertising. Brands like H&M, ZARA, and Uniqlo have faced criticism for lacking transparency in their CSR campaigns, highlighting a contentious issue in the apparel industry. This dilemma underscores the challenges faced by brands in addressing environmental and social concerns raised by activists and stakeholders.

3. The role of social media influencers in the slow fashion movement

Social media has become a main source of information (Alalwan et al., 2017; Park & Cho, 2012), allowing customers to make more informed decisions (Diffley et al., 2011). Social media is one of the top information sources respondents rely on about environmental and social aspects of the garment supply chain. Influencers have been found to have a considerable impact on consumer decisions, notably purchasing, indicating an opportunity for them to encourage sustainable behavior (Bognar et al., 2019). While influencers may favorably affect circular selling behaviors, they may have a detrimental impact on circular purchasing behaviors, which are critical to the slow fashion movement. However, when firms prioritize growing sales, the impact of social media influencers on customer buy intentions in the fashion industry is reduced. Nonetheless, the slow fashion movement has been effective in boosting consumer awareness and encouraging a change towards more sustainable purchase habits. If consumers believe that their choices contribute to environmental protection, they are more likely to support slow fashion products (Chi et al. 2021), indicating a crucial stage in this long-term transformation.

References list

Bertilsson, E & van Alphen, L 2020, ‘From Fast to Slow: Can influencers make us shop more sustainably?’, Thesis, DIVA, School of Business, Society and Engineering, Mälardalen University, viewed 1 March 2024, <https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1436642&dswid=2014>. 

Chi, T, Gerard, J, Yu, Y & Wang, Y 2021, ‘A study of U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants’, International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 101–112.

Domingos, M, Vale, VT & Faria, S 2022, ‘Slow Fashion Consumer Behavior: a Literature Review’, Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 5, p. 2860.

Kaner, G 2021, ‘Greenwashing: How Difficult It Is to Be Transparent to the Consumer—H&M Case Study’, Green Marketing in Emerging Markets, pp. 203–226.

Scully, G 2021, ‘Changing Fashion: An Analysis of Social Media Activism Targeting the Fashion Industry’, Thesis, vol. 828, University of Connecticut, viewed 1 March 2024, <https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1828&context=srhonors_theses>. 

[danglovely]

Regrading Taskmaster: S04E03 Hollowing out a baguette.

*Score changes noted in parenthesis.

Prize Task: Best Membership/Subscription

There is sort of an inherent goal in this brief (touched upon by Hugh) that the subscription has to be better than just going to the store and buying that thing. So let's start with Hugh . . .

The Cloud Appreciation Society is unequivocally the best prize task he does and I love knowing that it exists. That said, it's clearly a completely shit subscription for all the reasons mentioned in studio. Even then, I'd still rather be a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society than get quarterly updates on the Crossrail.

The remaining three are regular deliveries of cheese, bacon, and a grilled cheese meal box. I'm legitimately struggling with this because there's ups and downs to all three. There is not enough variety to bacon to merit getting a subscription (and you run into the problem of letting the box dictate how much bacon you eat). Cheese has a nice variety and it could be fun to broaden horizons . . . but also about half of all gourmet cheese just tastes like feet and it's not something I love to gamble with.

I have my grilled cheese recipe fairly well nailed down (and it's in part inspired by TMNZ Season One). I almost want this one out of curiosity to see if there's any variance to the recipe for each random combination of bread and cheese you get. I don't follow Greg's logic that he picked it because he's lazy (who do you think is cooking that toastie, Greg?), but I still think it takes the task for being more interesting than the others.

Hugh: 2 (+1) Joe: 3 (0) Lolly: 4 (0) Mel: 1 (-1) Noel: 5 (0)

VT 01: Camouflage yourself.

Camouflage. Camouflage. Camouflage.

Let's get it out of the way early: I'm disqualifying Noel. He got the five from surprise and audience reaction, but he did nothing to himself. Sometimes you just have to punt it for the laughs.

I'm really close to disqualifying Hugh as well for basically hiding, but I think he saves it by strapping the door to his back. Joe's effort strikes me more as a disguise, but if everyone in the area is dressed the same, then it starts to come back around to camouflage again.

Lolly and Mel are the only two that Greg guessed easily. Lolly's effort was admirable even if the outcome wasn't amazing. Mel again defeated by not realizing she could leave the room.

Hugh: 4 (0) Joe: 5 (+1) Lolly: 3 (+1) Mel: 2 (+1) Noel: DQ (-5)

Team Task: Make a trailer for Taskmaster: The Movie.

I don't particularly enjoy this task, but the team of three's voiceover and costume changes make me cringe in a way that Tugtemester didn't. This is one where I freely admit my taste could be absolute trash, but I'm the one doing the regrade.

Hugh and Mel: 4 (+1) Joe, Lolly, & Noel: 1 (-1)

VT 03: Persuade three dogs to stand on the red mat. Exactly twelve legs must be stood on the mat at the same time.

So Lolly got chickens and Greg arbitrarily decides they are 40% harder than dogs. I'm with Alex: Chickens and dogs are animal equivalents, so no bonus points. Taskmaster isn't really about being fair anyway.

The other issue I take with this task is Alex isn't blowing the whistle if more than twelve legs are on the mat. He also only counts human legs for Hugh. It is impossible that leg #12 and leg #13 came down at the same time and the task does not state you can't have more than three dogs on the mat, so it should be over the moment any number over twelve is counted.

That said, there's no way for me to retime it based on this criteria (I suspect Mel would have done much better), so we defer to the times Alex recorded.

Hugh: 3 (0) Joe: 5 (0) Lolly: 2 (-2) Mel: 1 (0) Noel: 4 (0)

VT 04: Without moving the fishbowls, transfer the water from fishbowl A to fishbowl B. You may only use the items on this table. Also, you must commentate on your attempt throughout the task, always referring to yourself in the third person.

Hugh takes issue with Joe not commentating on his attempt in the third-person. Joe does commentate once, when his mouth isn't filled with water. It just so happens that his mouth was filled with water for most of the task. He could reasonably take a DQ here, but I don't really know what qualifies as insufficient commentary worthy of a DQ. It would also raise the question as to whether the chocolate penalty still applies in cases of disqualification. So, we'll leave it.

Lolly repeatedly reminds us why she gets disqualified. Joe and Mel fall victim to the minus five chocolate.

Hugh: 4 Joe: 0 Lolly: DQ Mel: -4 Noel: 3

Live Task: Take it in turns to say a 5-letter word whenever the music stops. You may not say a word that has been previously said. If you fail to say a word before the music starts again, you're eliminated and the game continues with different length words.

All-or-nothing task for five points. Joe cruises.

Hugh: 0 Joe: 5 Lolly: 0 Mel: 0 Noel: 0

Final:

Really only one big change here based on the camouflage task. Joe won the first time and he wins again (sans tiebreaker this time).

Hugh: 17 (+2) Joe: 19 (0) Lolly: 10 (-2) Mel: 4 (+1) Noel: 13 (-6)