#we can have a little /sz/

[fightzaynfight]

i go fairly long periods of time not actually looking @ the z°wens tag on here and every time i take a peek in i'm just like

[antari]

one thing i love about sz/sz is the clear distinction of themes and the way both of them view each other and just mixing it all. I can enjoy my fair share of possessive zoro when it comes to zs but it's more about thinking about how his devotion towards the rest of the crew (pre relationship) fuels his feelings towards sanji and the need to make sure he knows how important he is for him, how he would follow him anywhere sanji wants. Zoro would do anything as long as it made sanji happy imo (it can totally turn a little bit weird, we are talking about ZOSAN of all people. Zoro would definitely say some insane shit like cutting his chest open and giving sanji his own heart in case he is hungry or something like that)

And don't get me started with sanji's need to make sure zoro feels loved all the time, not just with food, but through quality time (no matter how little it is, his free time would definitely be reserved for zoro) he would think his actions are his way of saying "i understand how lonely you must have felt" after kuina and his years as a pirate hunter which later on turns into a "i want to give you a piece of what zeff and the rest of the baratie staff gave me". Sanji would be SO sweet with zoro once in a established relationship, and zoro would feel a kind of love he never knew existed, and that realization alone is enough for him to bow to never let anything bad happen to sanji, not because he thinks sanji is weak but simply because its what he deserves. Seeing sanji happy makes zoro happier

[latteart98]

I keep rewatching scenes from Hidden Love because I simply can’t get over the drama and if I had to pick a favorite scene, it would be the airport scene in episode 7 when her heart gets completely shattered. Listen the drama is packed is so many cute scenes that I’m totally in love with, but the scene that really, really gets to me is that one.

Can you imagine being in SZ’s shoes? Anxious and antsy all night, she showed up in his city despite knowing the huge trouble it will get her in back at home.. all because she needs to ask him in person if he is really dating someone or was it just a lie? But poor girl didn’t even get to voice her questions because his coworker, whom she mistook as the girlfriend, came along with him.

The moment DJX appears at the airport with the lady tagging along with him, SZ’s eyes are on the lady not him. Not her crush whom she hasn’t seen in so many months but the lady. He’s all worried about her safety and mad out of concern for her but all she can think about is “who is she? Is she your girlfriend? You promised me that you would tell me immediately if you got a girlfriend. Why didn’t you keep your promise?”

Notice how she’s not mad at him for dating because she knows deep in her heart that she’s too young for him and he has never seen her as anything more than a friend’s little sister. No, she’s not having any false hopes. Rather, she’s hurt that he didn’t remember the promise he made to her. And as a result, it became apparent that she was no one special to him nor were the times they spent together was of any significance to him. That he was only nice to her because she was in front of him and had it been anyone else, he would’ve behaved the same way. All the while she held on to every memory, every gift like a treasure.

And just because she knew that she never really had a chance with him because of the age difference, doesn’t mean it hurt any less to see him with someone else. She kept hoping against all hopes that she would, eventually, grow up and he would then notice her a woman but she figured he’s already found his “someone better” - someone that’s not her, that will never be her.

And when she gives him one last sad smile and starts walking away, leaving behind the teddy and pieces of her heart with him, it’s a cinematic masterpiece. She’s walking away and with every step, her mind flashes back to a montage of DJX being kind to her and smiling at her and being full of warmth- all the things that made her fall for him to begin with. And she realizes that those memories, those little smiles of his, those gestures are just gonna forever remain as little treasures in her heart. Even before she leaves the airport, when she wishes him happiness and leaves the teddy with him, we know she’s bidding farewell. She’s mentally getting ready to never see him again. Oh, it’s breaking her heart and so is the audience’s hearts. The montage, the walking away first, the one last turn back, the background music, the fact that it’s at an airport… everything was so perfectly put together.

And finally when her brother comes to pick her up, she starts sobbing in his arms. He’s holding her and trying to comfort her through promises of buying her her favorite food or comic books or even beating the guy up.. all silly stuff thinking it was just an online fling. As if her whole teenage years’ worth of hopes didn’t just crash at her feet. As if her innocent little heart didn’t just break into a million pieces.

Listen I know teenagers are dramatic (gosh I would know, I used to be one) and most of the times, the love/crush they have as a teen is cringe and melodramatic… but sometimes, only sometimes they are capable of honest sincere feelings so when it hurts, it fucking hurts. We might say they’re being dramatic because it’s only their first puppy love but God, that’s exactly why it hurts so much. Because it is their first love. Because they didn’t know any better, they put so much of their mental space and time and hopes and fears into this one person and when it doesn’t work out, it fucking sucks. Yes they will move on, yes they will get over it eventually, yes with time they might even look back at their teen self and cringe. But this moment, the moment your heart breaks for the first time whether you are 17 or 30 or 49, it’s not a moment you will ever forget. This moment becomes a landmark in your heart.

[dumber-alek]

In Polish (in most Slavic languages probably) we have diminutives which we use pretty regularly and liberally, as opposed to English for example, which uses it mostly with names, terms of endearment or to refer to pets (like 'granny' or 'puppy').

But in Polish you can say every little noun in this endearing why. Which is again, is probably not unique to Polish or even Slavic languages but is SO FUNNY cause you can utter a whole sentence using diminutives and it sounds completely normal (depending on the situation and your interlocutor, of course).

It's just hilarious if you try to imagine it in English. For example:

A może pójdziemy na ławeczkę napijemy się kawusi że śmietanką i zjemy te drożdżówki od Pani Halinki?

Sounds like your average conversation between polish boomers on a break in the office. But if I tried to translate it into English:

Maybe we can go sit on a benchie and drink some coffie with creamie and eat pastr...pastriesies from Mrs Halina (affectionate)

I'm not the best translator but then again it's not really translatable since the concept of casual diminutives doesn't exist in English outside of uwu language. But Polish can be the uwu language and is the uwu language in many situations!

I especially love it because Polish is seen as very harsh sounding language because of many fricatives and affricates we use (s, z, sz, ż, ch, dz, dż etc) but if you really get into it, it has some features that are really cute, diminutives being one of them.

I found an article about how the use of diminutives denotes familiarity and a positive attitude towards the other person, and I think this is very interesting. This is a fascinating linguistic function of diminutives, as I feel like notions levels of formality in our language get sanded down as we adapt to a more western (American?) style of communication.

I've also met with many people lamenting how the use of diminutives leads to the downfall of this language, but I don't subscribe to linguistic prescriptivism so I just wanted to appreciate diminutives and how silly they are 💕

[beechicory]

Seb, a few days before his final race, did a fascinating interview discussing many, many things, including:

his decision to retire being for him

the World Cup in Qatar (and when, or if, sports should go there)

sportswashing and flowery words, and

the need for F1 to put its money where its flowery words are in terms of improving human rights

that human rights, and projects to improve human rights, require funding $$$ and actions, not words and photo-ops

that F1 must be be a) transparent, and b) accountable about the money it gets and where that money goes

It's a really good discussion, and he's really thoughtful - I think that even if one were to disagree with his conclusions, you'd leave recognising his logic and sincerity (and moral conviction).

The interview, with Philipp Schneider of Süddeutsche Zeitung, was difficult to get access to (here's a link to it on archive.ph) so I'm posting the google-translated text behind the Read More. (As always when something is google-translated, we're probably missing some nuance, etc)

I really recommend reading it!

Tw for discussion of homophobia, etc.

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

Conversation with Sebastian Vettel

"I want to experience happiness without having to drive for it"

Nov 18, 2022 at 6:51 p.m

Before his last race, Sebastian Vettel talks about the reasons for the end of his career, the driver's dependence on the car and material - and makes demands on Fifa and Formula 1.

SZ: Mr. Vettel, a face-to-face meeting was originally planned. Now we can at least connect by phone. That saves CO2 emissions and should be in your interest, right?

Sebastian Vettel: Absolutely. That's how it works wonderfully.

Your Formula 1 career ends on Sunday with a final race in Abu Dhabi . And a lot of people get excited because they want to know what you're going to do in the future. Does that surprise you?

Luckily, my decision doesn't affect the people, it affects me. And it's not like I got up in the morning and thought: like that! Now is the time to stop. I've been thinking about this for a long time. And even if I can't say exactly what comes after that - I'm looking forward to what comes after that!

Good to hear.

At some point, every athlete reaches the point where their career can no longer continue, for whatever reason, whether self-chosen or not. I'm not super special in that regard. The big task for me will be to find something that gives me the same level of satisfaction as I did in the years in Formula 1. One thing is certain: the big adrenaline rush and the feeling of sitting in the car will no longer exist. But that was clear to me.

We have a theory as to where the keen interest in your post-career life comes from.

How does it look?

We don't know of any professional athlete who has ever pushed his career with so much momentum during his active time. Lately one had the feeling that you are more often in the beehive than in the car and more of a political ambassador than a racing driver!

yes, good Maybe that's because there's not much to celebrate for me on the track at the moment. The sporting success in recent years has not been so outstanding that one could have said or written much about it.

You are not only leaving Formula 1 as a four-time world champion, but also as an important eyewitness. What do you think has changed the most in the past 15 years?

I think the sport, the genetics or what defines the sport is probably unchanged since Formula 1 came along. Yes, cars are changing, and so are people. But the core of Formula 1 has remained the same. I still love this sport, since I was little I've done nothing else, dreamed of nothing else, nothing else has ever really driven me. So what's different? The dimensions of the sport have grown enormously in recent years. So internationally, in Germany Formula 1 has shrunk.

Is that how you perceive it?

Formula 1 was far bigger in Germany when I started. And of course it was greatest when the boom years around Michael (Schumacher, editor's note) were around, in the mid-nineties, early 2000. Then there was another strong wave at my most successful time. But after that, interest in Germany decreased significantly.

Why is that?

On the one hand, because not all races are broadcast on free TV. But there is another important point: I am afraid that Germany is only a pioneer in terms of its view of Formula 1. There are simply more and more important issues that are coming to the fore. And that's why the question of the relevance of Formula 1 arises for many people.

But are you still a fan?

Naturally! I'm totally euphoric about our sport! That's exactly why I see how important it is to look at him critically. The way we deal with resources is not a role model, we should be much more economical. If that is not the case soon, the question will quickly arise around the world as to whether Formula 1 is still viable. And then interest should decrease everywhere, as has already happened in Germany.

Exciting theory. The general perception is rather: Formula 1 is going through the roof everywhere, just not in Germany and Brazil, because people there don't want to spend money on pay TV.

The problem is deeper. We as a society do not want to underestimate the emergency we are in. In the decades to come, we will increasingly have to ask ourselves the question: What is still possible, what can we still afford? And every sport then has to justify itself for the way in which it is played.

So not just Formula 1?

Not at all. Us first, of course, because in our sport we drive around, burn resources and still need fossil fuels. But a football World Cup, the Olympic Games, the Bundesliga too: every major event has to reinvent itself and see how it can leave a smaller footprint.

From ecological to sporting criticism: The season began with a technology amendment that was announced with great pomp and aimed at pushing the field closer together. Why has the season turned out to be the most one-sided in years?

After big rule changes there is often a gap between a top team and the rest. The goal was to make overtaking and the show better and to make it easier for us to overtake. It's gotten a little better, but the big revolution that was announced with the new rules didn't materialize. It would have been better for the sport this season to have left the rules as they were. However, a process has been started that has the potential to bring the field closer together in the coming years. Also thanks to the budget cap, not only the teams with a lot or a lot of money will win in the long term, but also the smaller teams. However, this will only happen in a horizon of five years.

It was far more exciting in 2010: you only snagged your first title in the last race. Has Abu Dhabi been a happy place for you since then?

(laughs) Well, the racetrack and what happened on the racetrack, yes! I have many fond memories of winning the 2010 World Cup. It doesn't feel like yesterday. And a lot has happened since then.

Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz then said that the way to the world championship title in the next few years would only be through you. And adds: Provided he's in the right car. The sentence was prophetic: it included all the titles that followed, but also your sometimes dreary years in worse cars. A driver drives the competition to the ground in the Red Bull and fails to win a title after switching to Ferrari and Aston Martin . Do you understand critics who say: what kind of sport is that?

The dependency of a driver on the team and material is actually enormous. But even in the Bundesliga you don't really have a chance of winning the championship if you're not FC Bayern.

The difference, however, is that while a player can shine on a bad football team, it's much harder on a Haas or Aston Martin.

Formula 1 has always been like this. In the fifties, in the seventies, and it's still like that today. From this point of view, however, the past few years have been very instructive for me. In the beginning, my aspirations in Formula 1 were very much focused on success. And then success came, very quickly and very powerfully. I rode the wave for as long as the wave was available.

A wave called Red Bull , on which you won four world titles...

Well, and then in the last few years the water has been under my board (laughs) ... or the wind has been taken out of my sails. But that doesn't mean my efforts are any smaller. I learned that there is a midfield and a backfield that I didn't bother with that much before because it was too far away. In any case, something interesting also happens there: the efforts are just as great, but the reward is completely absent.

Completely?

I would say yes. And that is of course a very, very hard bread for the motivation of the teams and also the drivers. They bob around in the back for years, go unnoticed and hope that they will take the small chance to shine when they present themselves. They are not only dependent on their motivation, their skills and talent - but also on the surrounding environment. It takes a bit of luck to be in the right place at the right time. The past few years have shaped me in this respect and taught me a lot, including about myself. In that respect, I don't want to do without them, even if I could have given them all away from a sporting point of view.

When we spoke in 2018, you said: your dream isn't finished yet, you still wanted to be world champion in a red car like your role model Michael Schumacher. Do you now console yourself with the belief that you had no chance of winning the Ferrari title?

We did not make it. So I could say: We didn't stand a chance. Or I could torture myself and ask: what was missing from the car? What slowed us down in development? What was perhaps structurally not ideal? You could have recognized some things and saved yourself some mistakes. But it wasn't like that. We tried everything as a team and gave everything. Even in hindsight, it doesn't feel like I left anything behind or that I was completely off track. Yes, I think unfortunately we didn't have a real chance to fight to the end.

Because Mercedes was too powerful?

You have to be fair enough to accept that the Mercedes- Lewis Hamilton package was the best. They had a better pace of development and therefore drove better than us. Which of course is a shame. I think I can live with that now as well as with the question of whether this is the right time for me to say goodbye. Or whether it might have needed another sense of achievement.

The question then arises as to what a sense of achievement in the Aston Martin could even look like.

What is the right time? Do you need a title to finish? A won race? A fastest lap? Any climax? Those are all questions I asked myself. It's not my fault if people expect something just because it would have been a nicer story. Or when they nag because they think my career is not smooth because I drive around the back and quit anyway. I'm the only one who has to live or deal with my situation. And after all these years I know exactly what I can do. I know what it takes to win races. And I know I don't have any of that right now. I'm still so confident in myself that I say: If I'm in the right package and have the right attitude, then I can get back up there at the front. Still.

When Nico Rosberg retired after his only title, not everyone was pleased either: critics said he fled because he felt he would never defeat Lewis Hamilton again.

Even. The length of time after your career is so infinitely long. Definitely wanting to win another title is not a recipe for success for the 40 or 50 years that follow. And I was lucky enough to be able to celebrate so many titles that I don't even know which one was the best. Just because you stopped with a title doesn't mean your career after your career will be 100 percent great.

After all, Nico Rosberg made it into the TV show The Lion's Den. But because you so often talk about your career after your career and recently said in Der Spiegel that you wanted to do it like Stefan Raab: just finish and then go underground. Anyone who has followed your activities beyond the race track will understand: you want to do things differently than Stefan Raab. They create a new stage for themselves so as not to disappear afterwards.

(laughs) Time will tell. I just said that I admire it when someone manages to transform their life in such a way that they say: I don't need any of this anymore! Maybe you can now simply bring your experience, your strengths and also your knowledge, which you have brought to bear in front of the camera over the years, behind the camera. So maybe you still work in the same profession, but you don't need the limelight as much anymore.

Fortunately, more people work behind the camera than in front of the camera in Formula 1 anyway.

Honestly, I wish I could find something I'm happy with. I want to experience good luck without having to drive (laughs) .

But to your legacy as a critic of Formula 1: Formula 1 is expanding into more and more countries where human rights are not respected. Football fans are protesting in the stadiums against the World Cup, which begins in Qatar on Sunday . Are motorsport fans less political?

Good question. In controversial countries like Qatar, football was kicked off ten years ago. There may not have been a World Cup yet, but that's where clubs held their winter camps.

FC Bayern has been going to Qatar regularly for years.

For example. We as Formula 1 have been organizing races in these countries for a long time. I think our world should keep evolving. That's why certain things can no longer be considered okay.

Qatar's World Cup ambassador described being gay as "mental damage" in front of the camera in a ZDF documentary.

That is not how it works! This is outrageous!

The mantra of the Qatari whitewashers that society is becoming more liberal, you just have to keep going there, organize big events and wait a few years - isn't that obviously a misconception?

Might be. But Formula 1 is booming internationally and is opening up to a younger audience thanks to the Netflix series "Drive to Survive". And when these young people come to the races, they may hear from other spectators that unbearable tone that many women, for example, suffer from. Then the young people can raise their voices and say: Hey, that's not possible! And this is how debates may arise that will help society as a whole. What is definitely no longer possible: that someone in a country where there are human rights violations talks their way out; For example with the argument: "That's just the way it is with us. Get over it!"

Isn't it naïve to believe that such a change is taking place?

That's why I specifically demand that sport should give itself a compass, set up a moral code and then stick to it. There it is then precisely determined what the basic political requirements must be in order for sport to be allowed to take place in a country. Certain things and certain countries are simply no longer there. Too much is too much. And then we say no as Formula 1 or FIFA . And don't just nod politely and take the money or help us with any other perks the country might offer.

For example, it could say: Don't drive in countries where critical journalists are cut up with bone saws. Formula 1 has signed a ten-year contract with Saudi Arabia.

Again: homophobic comments like that of the World Cup ambassador are absolutely unacceptable. And it puts the athletes in an extremely difficult situation: us drivers in Formula One, but also the players who will take part in the World Cup. You all have to ask yourself a very difficult question: Can I or am I even allowed to practice my sport in this place?

Your Answer?

You can't expect the players to get together and decide: We're skipping this moment, this unique feature in our lives, playing a World Cup, for political reasons. On the other hand, that would be an extremely good sign. It's difficult for the players, but easier for the spectators. You just couldn't look. I myself really enjoy watching football and I love European and World Cups. But sometimes I think: If I don't watch now, don't I also punish all the players who do their best for themselves and their team and are passionate about their sport? But when I think about it that way...

Then?

If statements like those of the World Cup ambassador are made, then we simply shouldn't go to Qatar! The saying was more than backward-looking. The sport, the whole association should say: This is not the right place to do sport there.

Especially since the ambassador still gets money to show as friendly a face as possible to the outside world. He proves that nothing gets better just because sport is organized.

There's a chance. Even our Western societies have not eaten wisdom with spoons and can now say: Dear country XY, do everything as we do and everything will be fine! We also have things that should be significantly better. But if you want to accelerate change in Qatar or Saudi Arabia, then as a sport we need transparency: we have to publish the unembellished numbers of how much money we collect from the countries. And we have to clearly communicate how much of it flows back into projects that then really drive change there on the ground.

A very large and a very small number.

Allegedly. But as long as these issues remain in the background and are veiled, as long as no one knows how much money is being spent and what is being done with it, we will remain stationary. It also doesn't help if you meet somewhere and take a picture of banging a spade in the ground or planting a tree.

You went karting with young women in Saudi Arabia and published photos of it.

That was only a small gesture, but social change does not come for free. Many important projects cost money. And if a country has plenty of money to attract big sport, then some of it, even a large part, should be used to improve people's lives.

Some problems in Qatar cannot be solved by projects. Homosexuality is forbidden, the ambassador only said what is the law. So shouldn't the code you're asking for it say: don't drive in countries where same-sex lovers are jailed?

Just as. Fifa, Formula 1 and other sports associations should also consistently demand the implementation of the demands that they formulate in flowery words. And then say: You can bid as much money as you want, but we won't come. At the moment it is unfortunately still the case that as an organizer you can get away with it if you take a few nice photos. The fundamental problem is another.

That would?

There is still no authority that can demand consequences if an association does not meet the requirements it sets for itself. Formula 1 has set itself the goal of being climate neutral by 2030. Nice and good. But why can't it be checked by an independent and critical body along the way? To then live with the consequences and possible penalties, whatever they may look like? What happens if Formula 1 takes a wrong turn on the way to climate neutrality and doesn't meet its own demands? Or FIFA on the way to more equality and diversity? Unfortunately, at the moment it's like this: Formula 1 controls Formula 1, and Fifa controls Fifa.

But who should control the big associations?

There are independent instances that deal with all kinds of tests that could be won. But it would help if you didn't just set an abstract goal, but divided the way there into transparent intermediate stages. And then there's the general public, the fans in the stands, journalists reporting on it. And wouldn't that be a very, very broad, international and good control body? So I don't see why a lot of problems can't be solved with transparency.

It's a pity that you drive your last race. Actually, because of your sense of mission, you should be forced to continue to circle until retirement age.

Oh, I do not know ...

With all his love for Fernando Alonso, it is unlikely that he would be interested in anyone other than Fernando Alonso in his old racing days. And there is no one to be seen growing up as a political driver.

Every driver has his or her own issues... Maybe some drivers are still too young. But the climate issue will also come to the fore with them. Even if they don't want to.

After leaving Haas a year ago, Mick Schumacher is without a cockpit in Formula 1. Various driver's seats have become vacant in the past few weeks, but no team boss has thought of Schumacher. How do you explain that his services are not in greater demand?

It would be a shame for the sport if it lost Mick. We talked about the fact that in some cars you can't shine as a driver. And sometimes a driver and his car don't go together at all. Mick has had a difficult year, but has set his highlights and accents. As high as you sometimes fly in Formula 1, you can quickly fall again. Basically, you are never as good as people say you are. But you're never as bad as people say you are. Of course, I wish that Mick stays in Formula 1, because that would be very, very important for Germany's motorsport scene .

Nevertheless: You won your first race in the defeated Toro Rosso. Michael Schumacher amazed the world in a Jordan. How do you recognize a talent? And how do you recognize when a talent isn't that great after all?

It's a difficult subject for me: I know Mick better than most drivers and have known for a very long time. He has a lot of potential. Although he may not be the type to get in the car and run into everyone like some people are. Mick is someone who can always improve. This is his gift. But will it then come to the point where he regularly wins and competes for the title? I don't know that. Mick is still too young for such an assessment. I can only hope he gets the time to find out.

[andyfire122]

Fictober24 day 16 "No, I'm not ok."

(SZ belongs to @lythecreatorart )

Ves wakes up from one of her usual nap spots. Not many people on the massive question why she is napping in random places. It makes for interesting moments when they wake in random locations where they are sure they never fell asleep.

I know how you can sleep through nightmares if you're that interested.

"I think we are good with this method. I'll take your bad coping mechanisms later." Normally she only talks out loud to Zes in her room but she just woke from a nap. Her capacity to care who hears is very little at the moment.

It’s not that bad...is it?

Ves just sighed and did not even answer her partner. This time she just fell asleep in the prison. Well, at least she thinks this is the jail. She's pretty sure Ziib threatened jail a few times before. Though that usually involves throwing them in some pile of pillows with some shitty scary movie.

Holy shit. Even the jail is fancy. How do you know what counts as fancy jails? I like to call that an America fuck yeah moment. Your mexican… Mexican-American.

"Are you ok in there kid?" She didn't expect SZ to peek in on them. That man was very complicated to both of them. On one part Zes was very glad to be accepted when he guessed who she might be. However, that still could have been her life all along if she hadn't run away from the multiverse when she did.

Then with Gaz...it was hard to think of the man as dad. She did have a dad. Her version of Professor membrane wasn't a perfect dad but he was her dad. Gaz can admit now that she loved her dad. Her dad and her brother. Then she came back from space to find out her dad was dead as well.

"No I'm not ok but what else is new? Anyway, I'll break out of jail in a second.” The door wasn’t even locked. She just walks away with SZ as they hunt for something to eat.

[nug-chuohku]

Reflection of Your Image - EB VS SZ Drama Track 

Part 2

~ Picking at Old Wounds ~

【 Chuohku City Gates 】

As the ECO BooN team members approached the gates to Chuohku City, the two oldest team members seemed to grow more and more tense. By the time they had reached the gate, their leader Asato glanced at the two, observing how intensely they looked around the gate's entrance.

Asato: You two… Ready?

In a snap, the two looked down at Asato, quickly making their excuses.

Yano: Y-Yeah! Totally dude!

Kensaku: Yup! But…You don't sound so sure, Yano-kun.

Yano: Shut up! Like you weren't looking around like some paranoid guy!

Kensaku: I'm just taking a look around. I mean, see all the cameras and officers? I've heard about the security here, but this is insane!

Pointing around, the farmer noticed that the man was right. The way things were set up, you'd imagine the group was walking into a high security prison… Only this was a city. The capital even.

Asato: …Why so many defenses?

Yano: Its to keep guys out. We are the only men who get to come in thanks to these passes.

Kensaku: So no secret back doors huh?

At that moment, a few officers looked to the group. Yano seemed to flinch at the movement, but Kensaku was quick to laugh and dismiss it away.

Yano: Don't joke around! You're gonna get us in t-trouble!

Kensaku: "Its fine! Relax… So long as we behave ourselves, we can make it through this, right boys?"

As confident as their little team tried to be, all that could be mustered was from the one man who wasn't antsy about going into the city, Asato. Said man nodded vigorously before he slowly stopped and looked up at the two of them.

Asato: Hey… You two can admit you're scared.

Again, the men went into the defensive. 

Kensaku: Scared? Only one scared is Yano obviously.

Yano: Shut up old man!

Back to bickering, the two began to spout insults and jokes back and forth. Tired of his team's shenanigans, Asato stepped forward to show his papers to the officers at the door, causing the other two men to shout and run after the farmer to catch up.

【 Outside Chuohku City Hotel 】

Hisoka: A-Asato-kun?!

As the Toyama team approached the hotel the group was assigned to, the team leader's attention was torn away from his own group to look at a large man in a tracksuit approaching the group.

Asato: …?

Hisoka: U-Uh remember me? I used to have a shaved head… Your grandma let me stay with you two for a few months.

Whilst Asato stared up at the man blankly, the other Toyama team members crowded around their leader to see what had caught Asato in a rare human interaction. Then, realization spread across the farmer's face, his eyes growing wide.

Asato: Tetsumasu-san… You're competing too?

Hisoka: (He remembered me…!) Yeah! I was surprised too. Never thought Chuohku would spot me as Obihiro's best candidate but… Here we are.

As the redhead uttered those words, he suddenly looked back and moved aside to present his own team.

Hisoka: This is my team actually. Daiki Kamiyama and his butler, Jack.

Asato: Nice meeting you all. My name is Asato Rikiya… Tetsumasu-san, your team looks pretty tough.

Hisoka: Thanks! I'd say, having Yano already puts you up in one of the stronger teams.

Yano: Aw thanks old man that I’ve never met!

Hisoka: It's Hisoka! Come on, you forgot me too?!

The atmosphere of the two teams was amicable. Each team member seemed to mesh well, but that suddenly changed when the teenager of the Obihiro team suddenly shouted out at Asato.

Daiki: You! I see you're the hero who saved my master from certain doom! For that, I thank you for giving him a second chance!

Yano: What the…

Jack: Excuse my young master for his behavior. He's rather nervous being here today. This will be his first time performing a song on TV.

Daiki: Jack! Come on, what did I say about shutting down my persona?!

Jack: I'm doing no such thing. In fact, aren't you the one who has dropped the act at this very moment?

Daiki: Only because you're distracting me! Stop bullying me!

Yano: Dang, a chuunibyou huh?

Kensaku: Yano-kun, don't be mean to the kid-

Daiki: Who are you calling a chunnibyo?! I should let you know, I am no child you two can openly mock. I am the hero who crusades the North! Protector of the people, champion of the virtuous, the one, the only-

Swiftly, the butler clasped a gloved hand over the young boy's mouth. The final words of the teen's speech were muffled behind it. At first, the action had seemingly frustrated the boy before he looked shocked, then calm. Slowly, Jack uncovered his mouth to allow him to speak.

Daiki: Forget what I said.

Yano: (How the hell are we supposed to forget that?!)

Kensaku laughed at the group before he looked to his side and noticed another group approaching. With a relaxed smile, the scientist tried to wave at them, only for the leader of the trio to seemingly dismiss him.

Nobuo: Ignore the fool boys. No fan interactions until we get settled in. Now, move out of our way.

Asato's team did as they were told. Looking at this team of tall men, this mysterious group seemed to stride confidently past them, standing on their own level above the two teams. All except for one man, the largest man dressed in a train conductor uniform. His closed eyes seemed to widen at the sight of Hisoka next to Asato, causing for the other two men to freeze up.

Bunko: Iwao? What's wrong?

Iwao: He… That's him.

The posh team all turned their gaze to Hisoka, who seemed to now be pale at the face. Trembling in place, the long-haired man clenched at his chest.

Jack: Mr. Tetsumasu?

Hisoka: I-Its him…

Asato: Tetsumasu-san? Are you-

Whilst the other teams seemed to tense at the arrival of this unidentified new team, said team's leader Nobuo Sone seemed to finally take notice of Asato, and a switch flipped in the man's brain. Completely ignoring the obvious traumatic tension that his 3rd team member and the rival team leader seemed to be experiencing, the actor strides forward, grinning at Asato widely.

Nobuo: Asato?

Confused, Asato points to himself with a gloved finger.

Nobuo: Yes, you. Are you Asato Rikiya?

Asato: …Yes?

Nobuo: Wow! You've grown a lot, haven't you? It's been so long since I've seen you and your little daddy.

Asato: Dad…?

Immediately, Asato's teammates tense up, sidling by the youngest.

Yano: Hey, back off.

Nobuo: What~? Can't a guy say hello to an old friend's kid? Don't be such a stinge, Ietsuna boy.

Yano bristled further.

Yano: Back. Off.

There was a pause, before Nobuo conceded. Hands in the air, the blonde man laughed Yano off nonchalantly.

Nobuo: Fine, fine. I won't bother you three. At least, until your little team makes it up to our level. If you can even manage that. Good luck, Rikiya boy.

With that, the man stepped back and switched his attention to the other team. In the moment, Yano took the time to check with Asato.

Yano: Senpai, are you alright?

Asato: Yeah? But why did he know about my dad? And me too, I guess.

Yano: I-I’m not sure. Guess he knew your family when you were a kid.

While it seemed like Nobuo had altered his sights on Hisoka, Kensaku was the first of the ECO BooN team to notice their own rival had arrived on the scene. Said leader, Ryuko was making quick, aggressive strides toward the still-distracted Asato so Kensaku stepped in between to prevent Ryuko from getting to Asato.

Kensaku: Hey there bud! What are you doing, charging toward my leader here?

Ryuko: What the fuck are you doing getting in my way? Back up, bastard.

Shuu: Ryu-chan!

The little detective sprinted towards the group, quickly jumping on the back of the animator who yelped in surprise.

Ryuko: What the fuck?!

Shuu: Didn't sensei just tell you? No picking fights!

Still piggybacking on Ryuko, Shuu then spotted the youngest person in the gathering crowd. In a shout that again spooked Ryuko, Shuu pointed out.

Shuu: Dai-chan! What are you doing here?!

Daiki: M-Master Shuu?!

Jack: How many mentors do you have, young master…?

Daiki: Don't lecture me! There are lots and lots of people in the world I can learn from. Besides, Master Shuu fights for good! He sniffs out the evil and vanquishes it through his mastery in stealth!

Jack: Dear lord… What sort of things has he put into your head?

Ryuko, struggling to get Shuu off his back, looked to the butler before settling his sight on Hisoka who was getting cornered by Nobuo and… Iwao? Shock spread across Ryuko's face when he recognized the giant man.

Ryuko: Iwao? How are you still alive?

The train conductor broke the staring contest although Hisoka didn't seem to ease up, sweating bullets as Nobuo began mocking the horse breeder. Closing his eyes and trying his best to smile at Ryuko, Iwao greeted him.

Iwao: Friend! I finally get to see you again! Not with Seto-kai, yeah? I can be friends with you again?

Ryuko: H-He said you died. How are you... Did he make you vanish? Why did he-

Iwao: Yes yes! Iwao got in trouble so he had to go. I did almost die but… Mr. Oyabun never had the balls to pull the plug.

Yano: Guys, we should sneak out while we can…

Ryuko: Hey, hey, hey! Just because I'm reconnecting with my brother, doesn't mean your team can fucking sneak out. I have business with you, farmer brat.

Maki: Brother?

Finally, Maki seemed to have caught up, standing next to the two Sazanka Zombeez team members who were tangled together. Soon as they noticed Maki, they detached from each other, Shuu standing at attention to Maki and Ryuko crossing his arms and huffing.

Ryuko: It's nothing. Also good news, I haven't picked a fight.

Shuu: Only because Gramps and I stopped him!

Kensaku: Gramps?

Insulted, Kensaku frowns slightly. 

Kensaku: It's rude to say that to a someone you have just met.

Shuu: Oh, did I assume? Sorry, sorry ehehehe~!

Dismissing him, Shuu then looked up to his leader, who was burning holes into Asato. Said targeted man seemed to break from his thoughts to look back, which causes Asato to visibly tense.

Ryuko: Finally got your attention, huh? You piece of shit.

For a moment those words seem to process in Asato's head. Then, the farmer turns and starts walking toward Ryuko. Increasing in speed, it's easy to see that the younger man was going for an offensive greeting and Ryuko now grinning smugly seemed to be stretching out his arms in preparation.

Ryuko: BRING IT ON MOTHER-

To be continued…

[barbaramillicentgordonroberts]

https://open.spotify.com/search/show/Disney%20Strange%20World

https://open.spotify.com/search/playlist/Disney%20Strange%20World

https://d23.com/search/Searcher+Clade?sfilter%5B0%5D=all&sorder=relevance&sperpage=50

https://d23.com/search/Searcher+Clade?sfilter%5B0%5D=all&sorder=relevance&sperpage=50

https://d23.com/tag/strange-world/

:

:

(Also elsewhere on all of the other websites besides the ones that are for the stores if you can get them all of clothes, books, toys, games, all of the other merchandise for the entire collection of the movie through online without having to be going to the store such as Walmart (https://www.walmart.com/search?q=Disney+Strange+World), Hot Topic (https://www.hottopic.com/pop-culture/shop-by-license/strange-world/), Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Disney+Strange+World&crid=2RNQW0AR49MH2&sprefix=disney+strange+world%2Caps%2C256&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 (Not so sure about how to be able to be Disney bounding for all of the characters from the movie, but here is the all of outfit pieces of the cosplay them as seen from all of the other websites to be able to find them all from to do on all of the social media platforms on the internet such as TikTok, etc. besides from putting them together for Halloween costumes, and maybe some other things else to take them with you like for conventions, and being able to fix them if they are not accurate to how it looks detailed in the movie, etc. like Searcher Clade's apron for instance as a perfect example) ), Ebay, Box Lunch (https://www.boxlunch.com/pop-culture/shop-by-license/strange-world/?start=60&sz=60 : Hey, Disney fans. Psst. Yep, we’re talkin’ to you. Are you ready? For what, you ask? A journey, of course. One that’s beyond what you ever thought possible. Yep, brace yourself–it’s time to travel past space and time to a land of infinite mystery. It’s a place unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Nope, we’re not talkin’ about the actual Strange World from Disney’s new movie, but we are talking about the next best thing–BoxLunch’s Strange World collection! Welcome, Disney fanatics, to a one-of-kind collection that has been uniquely curated just for you! The BoxLunch Disney Strange World shop is all about bringing the strangeness to you–just in time for Disney’s newest flick. Are you fully on board to stock up on all the Strange World stuff you need? If not, consider this your strange starting point. Looking for some Disney Strange World tees? You’ve found the right spot! Shop all your faves (and find some for your Strange World-obsessed friends, too). Need a little home decor to take your space to a stranger place? This is the must-stop shop full of Strange World decorations! Hoping for some one-of-a-kind collectibles that you can’t find anywhere else? Good news–all of your exclusive Strange World stuff can be found right here (they’re called BoxLunch exclusive items!). Soak in all the strangeness with merch, decor, collectibles, gifts, tees, tanks, and more from the one and only BoxLunch. Remember, you don’t need to go all the way to a Strange World to get a journey packed with infinite mystery–you just need to start your shopping spree As Soon As Possible right here in the BoxLunch Strange World collection. Got a bigger thing for Disney in general? We understand all that Disney love more than you know. That’s why we created an enormous selection of all things Disney on our online shop. Consider it the Disney lover’s paradise!), etc.) :

https://tenor.com/view/shocked-ethan-clade-meridian-clade-strange-world-stunned-gif-27211660

https://tenor.com/view/that-aint-good-jaeger-clade-strange-world-thats-bad-that-doesnt-feel-right-gif-27211708

https://tenor.com/view/looking-around-searcher-clade-strange-world-observing-the-surroundings-probing-the-vicinity-gif-26866506

https://tenor.com/view/thumbs-up-splat-strange-world-approve-good-job-gif-27211653

Disney Strange World As Told By Gifs Part 2 (Refer back to the previous part of this post, (https://at.tumblr.com/barbaramillicentgordonroberts/708477350429507584/svxwx219y7ne), I am so sorry for my misplacing them a little for a mix up to be able to be in precise order, so can anyone please rearrange with what I have so far in order of the movie using with all of the gifs from Tenor, Google keyboard (Or any brand of keyboard that has the accessible features that Google keyboard has that you do too, etc. because that is where I originally found it from before I went to the original source of where these gifs popped up on my Google keyboard which is Tenor), and from Giphy please, now good luck with using them all on the internet including with here on Tumblr, and all of the other social media platforms, etc. while you still can Including with the stickers for the website as well as for all of the other stuff from The Wizard Of Oz, etc. to use them all to what they have in store for Gifs, Stickers, etc. even with all of what I just said to you all above here, etc. for what this movie really deserves, etc. ) :

[steamishot]

tired AF

today is our 3rd day at the new apartment and i woke up in a low, exhausted mood. i was loving the new space and familiarizing myself with the new environment, going at 110% trying to make it feel like home as soon as possible and i just crashed today. i made a list of all the packing and unpacking we have had to do in the last ~7 weeks, number indicates nights spent. we had to adjust to 13 different places and 12 different beds lol.

8/26 zurich - 1 lucerne - 1 vevey - 2 zermatt - 1 st moritz - 2 zurich - 1 nyc - 7 9/11 south pasadena - 17 9/28 mexico city - 4 oaxaca - 3 matt’s parents - 1 my parents - 2 10/9 new pasadena home - 2+

the movers came at about 9am on wednesday and i was juggling WFH by hotspotting, and matt was setting up the internet. they moved 53 boxes worth of stuff! i was tense because the movers' arrival window was for 9-11am and i had a meeting at 1pm. so i'm glad everything worked out fine and i got to attend the meeting.

matt has been very busy and nervous onboarding for his new job, and he officially starts on monday. this means that most of the unpacking/organizing (after the unpacking service) falls on me. i couldn't stand the messes, so i basically finished organizing the bathrooms, bedroom, and most of the office. i just need to work on the kitchen and balcony. i'm so dead tired from the physical work. i decided to leave the messes as they are and take my time sorting things out in the coming weeks. there's no rush.

we transitioned from using the app latch for opening all the doors of our last apartment, to having 3 physical keys and a garage remote. everything feels more slow paced here and people have the capacity/time to give you attention. on our first day, our neighbor held the door open for matt and introduced himself. in our 4 years living in brooklyn, no neighbor has said hi to us and vice versa.

i'm pretty happy with this location. it has some of the walkability like we had in nyc (walkable to grocery stores, boba, coffee, restaurants, and a yoga studio). so it makes it easier to share one car if needed. though i am considering just borrowing one of my parents car for about a year.

slowly, we will get into our new routines and get acquainted with the things around us. so far, i think chapresso may be my new debutea. TJ will be my grocery store of choice as it is only an 8 min walk away. the yoga studio here is pretty nice too, but definitely more mild than the LA studios.

tomorrow, i will babysit for my brother and SIL because my parents are in asia for 3 weeks. on sunday, we will have lunch with matt's family and move out one of our couches. life feels like it has become a complete 180. although this is all good change, it's still exhausting experiencing the transition/changes all happening at once. i hope matt's new job is good - so far it seems solid and the culture focuses more on patient care than making $, which makes sense with NYC being the capitalist center.

we're also learning how to live in a bigger space with each other. out of habit, i think we're so used to always being around each other all the time, so it's a weird but good feeling that we now have personal space lol. i'm here chilling in the bedroom, while he's doing his training modules in the office room. we also have 1.5 bathrooms now so we can poop at the same time! and it is so great that i don't have to hear every little thing he is doing (i.e tik toking, typing, talking on the phone)!!! feels like a big luxury and upgrade, though it is into an older apartment.

to do list:

visit a nursery/start a garden on the balcony

move out the couch, figure out what other furniture and seating we need for more guests

start inviting friends over (starting with SZ, perhaps we can WFH together)

take a swim at the pool?

use the fitness center

explore the area and caltech

find a good place to run outdoors

[keefwho]

May 21 - 2024 Tuesday

10:24pm

5.5/10

Today I deliberately tried not to think about things too much since I overthink, as discussed with my therapist. Journaling at the end of the day is my designated period to do my thinking and noticing. Also in the shower.

This morning I put away my clean laundry and tore up the boxes I had laying around so I could use them to start fires in the fire pit. I also dumped the last 2 cheerwine's I got my mom for her birthday about 2 years ago. I don't think they go "bad" but they are way past their shelf life. All because mom couldn't remember I had them safely stored over here for her. Over time I've noticed her becoming more forgetful so thats a thing that could be serious, but inevitable. I took a hot and steamy shower and made oatmeal, eggs, and spam for breakfast. I had to speedrun it since I took too long in the shower but that meant I didn't overcook my eggs like usual. They came out perfectly.

For warmups today I sketched cats because I want to make art of an alien cat in anguish due to this song we've heard on stream multiple times. It sounds like a wailing cat in space so we made up a whole scene for it. Then I worked on that comic commission for just about 2 hours on the dot and finished it, putting me ahead a couple of days. Now I can focus on SZ's commission and do it justice. Same with the monthly Venus idea from my special patron.

After stream I did my dishes and planned to workout since I just got my kneebrace in. So I did my situps and got my treadmill out. I was confident at first but after my first attempt at jogging, the pain was already kicking in strong. I had to stop. One side of the handlebar on my treadmill popped out at the base too, this thing is REALLY bad and it has inflated reviews on Amazon due to a special discount you can get if you rate it highly. I wish I had returned it awhile back. I looked up what my knee problem is like and it might be runner's knee which may or may not suck. It might just need more rest, it does feel like an injury but one that needs a long time to heal properly. Doesn't help that I already pushed through the pain so much. I took another hot steamy shower. I turned the lights off and let myself enjoyed physical sensations for awhile. At some point I was hunched over with my hands on the wall with extra hot water running down my arms and down my sides. I enjoyed that.

I made tuna spaghetti for lunch. I tried a slightly different method where I cook the spaghetti normally and then add the tuna and stuff afterwards. I might be onto something but I overcooked the spaghetti this time. I watched a trackmania stream while I cooked and ate which I was really into. I also splurged with a little chocolate pudding cup and snacked on cheetos while I worked.

I had to look up bound pregnant women for reference today. I historically am not a fan of pregnancy visually but today I felt a bit different. I found it appealing that I could knock up the love of my life and tie her up in bondage, consensually of course. It got me a little flustered. Anyways the art request came out okay and then I worked on a pic of DS's horse sona for an hour. I was on and off with how diligently I was working, I started to feel sluggish and unengaged. But I got it done. I only worked about 30 minutes on my pony avatar today, trying to experiment with a different kind of eyes. I sent it to DS for her opinion and she thought it looked too silly which it did. I'm gonna have to keep reaching out because I'm definitely losing my ability to judge it properly given how much Im working on it.

When work was over, I was at a loss for what to do. I spent some time watching more of that trackmania stream and then Elden Ring to wind my brain down. I curled up in my hoodie and just watched for awhile. I got stressed this evening because I wasn't engaged with anything and I also didn't want to default to mental problem solving. Part of me was also waiting for some social engagement despite not communicating my expectations or desires so I knew I couldn't be upset about it but I still sorta wasted my energy just waiting. I did a little bit of private journaling and eventually sort chilled out. DS called me in bed and we did our puzzles. I asked the usual questions I like to know like how her day was and how she's feeling but I didn't have much else to contribute at first. I hate being mentally stuck or burnt out because of how hard it makes it to just talk. The important thing I kept in mind was not to talk about anything too serious or heavy since I'm deliberately trying not to do that. While she passed out I played Minecraft for an hour and made furniture for my first snowman house. I also started the much needed mine.

The first part of today went pretty well but the evening deteriorated as my mental capacity diminished. I did a good job during lunch to actually relax though. I think it's going to take some practice reducing the amount I think about things but I think it'll pay off. I kept in mind what my therapist suggested, making sure I notice when I start to overthink so I can be aware of it. I also took a couple minutes at my worst to practice one of the self exercises. Today's topic was Self and my Costar app said "Be gentle" and and didn't really know what to do about that.

[shirleyumust]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Qupid White Strappy Rubber Slip on Sandals W Bold Goldtone Riveting Sz 8.

[shanie]

The Yep Husband Chronicles THE ZAYN-OWENS HOUSEHOLD ADVENTURES!!!

4/4/2024

A little slice of life, well before before sunrise

Sami Zayn: *YAWN* Oh wow. Sleeping on this thing is horrible. You think we can get a bigger couch in here, Kev?

Kevin Owens: One, no, not till we get a bigger place and, two, why do we have company at five am?

SZ: Wait, what? Hang o- Becky??? What are you doing here?

Sami Owens: No that's what I'm trying to figure out, Becky why ARE you here? We gave you a key, but now?

Becky Lynch: I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sounds of your husband doing... whatever he's doing right now. I think he may be dreaming of construction equipment.

PK: *Unholy sounds of a human chainsaw that is in no way muffled by the pillow his face is buried in*

SO: No but really, why are you here, shouldn't you be sleeping too? Potentially... with less buzzsawing.

Becky: Sleep is overrated. Breakfast with my friends isn't. Today? I eat with you guys.

SZ: Uh... I guess good morning? Are you sure? Becky: Yeah. You guys do your prayers and I'll start fixing breakfast... on the hot plate. Are you guys ever going to get a stove?

KO: One, no again, not till we get a bigger place, two... we got time. How about we start with coffee.

Becky: Kevin you hate coffee.

KO: They don't. And once it gets brewing the smell might just wake up PK.... Maybe. Why is he doing that anyway.

SO: I moved. He didn't wake up. Now he's noisy.

Everyone else: Ohhh...

PK: *Abominable and absurdly loud snoring noises continue*

[lavendertowerarchives]

Me and my partner celebrated their birthday recently. It was nice, we went to get pizza, watched a movie, bought boba, and I got to see them open their gifts. It was adorable, watching them gently tear open the wrapping (construction) paper, gushing about the Luma plush and Sukuna Tamagotchi I got them, as well as being clearly very excited about what I wrote in their birthday card. The issue was that for every step except the last, their roommate came along.

The issue was not that their roommate (who I will refer to as SZ) was unenjoyable. Far from it. I would have appreciated her as a friend even if there was nothing connecting us. She treats my partner well, and the relationship between the two is very much akin to my relationship with my partner when we first started dating (except the kissing and cuddling). This isn't an issue either, I would fully welcome somebody who could make them as happy as I do. SZ wasn't a third wheel, or a nuisance, or anything like that. She's funny and sweet.

There lies the problem. Not only do I appreciate her, but I enjoy her company, as well. Before you read the rest of this, I will offer my disclaimer before the damning prose rather than after. Normally I like making that stupid little juke, where I say my true feelings, then I say my true meta feelings about the prior feelings, et cetera. That's gotten old. I need you, the (probably) posthumous reader, to know that I hate this following shit. I hate my complete lack of control over my own thoughts, and I hate the fact that I know in the moment that I hate it. I still lose reason, meaning that no matter how much I acknowledge my hatred for my mindset/thoughts, I don't want to switch tracks. This is what I mean by a "lack of control."

"Not only do I appreciate her, but I enjoy her company, as well." That's a problem. SZ isn't just kind of attractive, she's quite attractive. Her body type seems to be that of my partner's, except she's a little more well endowed in the chest area and slightly less so in the rear. It upsets me heavily, constantly, to know that I've analyzed her to this coarse degree. I don't want this knowledge. As we watched the movie in my partner's bed, I maneuvered my leg to make contact with her knee, where it stayed for a while, until she shifted. This repeated several times throughout the movie. While there was almost no room on the bed, while I was in the middle, while my partner was pushing my legs towards SZ unknowingly, constantly, while SZ's legs were extended towards me... I can make all these explanations (some of which I gave in the moment as an apology to her), but it doesn't matter. I could spin the scenario to create whatever excuse I wanted for my physical contact with SZ, but it wouldn't matter. What matters is I chose to not lift my leg away. I made the conscious effort to not remove my pant leg from her knee. You know why? Because I enjoyed it. It felt nice, to have physical contact with anyone, even more so since it was her. It fueled my brain for even less honorable stories I wove in my brain. I hate it.

As much as I accidentally enjoy fantasizing about improbable sexual encounters, it pains me greatly to relive this. I was in pain when it happened, I was in pain afterwards. These unrestrainable notions which yell at me in my head to "try to fuck her," "be selfish," "go ahead, you're dying anyways," will never quiet down. I can't ignore them.

[irickfashions]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: T-Strap Baby Moccasins Italian Leather Soft Sole Baby Shoes Caramel Sz 1.5.

[thesundaycoffeeclub]

An Ode To The Printed Newspaper

It’s like slow food but better.

I don’t know when my grandmother first subscribed to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. But I know that the “SZ” is an integral part of her daily life for a very long time now. She gets the printed issue delivered Monday through Saturday and every morning — either seated at her dining table or in her armchair in her living room — you‘ll find her hidden behind the large pages. She reads the paper meticulously. Articles will be read completely or not at all. No skimming.

Her news consumption is limited to reading the “SZ” and maybe watching the “Tagesschau”. No smartphone, no apps, no notifications, no alerts, no breaking news, no newsletters (aside from this one, of course). Because the printed paper provides her with what algorithmic news outlets and apps cannot provide her with: a daily limited overview over what matters, one that is complete, without live crisis coverage and stressing updates by the minute. A medium that has an end, without doomscrolling, auto-play or rabbit holes.

And, honestly, do we really need all these live updates and notifications? What’s the worst that can happen? The really important stuff will find it’s way. You will hear/read about it anyway. But do we all need to be the first ones to know? Is coming in second or third such a bad thing? Would it maybe be a good idea to take a step back first, wait for things to develop before jumping to conclusions based on headlines and one-liners? Wouldn’t it be a better and healthier way of news consumption if we’d train ourselves to have a bit more patience when stories are evolving?

With newspapers you need patience. You need to take time and be focused while reading. But newspapers make it easier to stay focused too. A live-coverage-free report of what happened and of what is happening. No hyperlinks, no ads. And often, while sauntering through the pages like you would stroll through a park, you will find yourself reading articles that no algorithm would ever present to you on your smart device that knows so much about your interests and reading habits.

A newspaper does not have a personalized feed. It’s all there and it’s all the same for everyone and because of that it will always be more, broader and deeper than our narrow personalized feeds and timelines. A paper may confront you with opinions you (thought you) didn’t share, with coverage you thought you’d find irrelevant, with research you didn’t know about and with people and stories you wouldn’t know you could identify with. And if you‘ll read about something in print, you can still dig deeper online and start your own little research.

The constant exposure to news flashes, breaking stories and ads that are catered to our online behavior can’t be healthy. It’s like soft drinks and processed food. That stuff is tasty, but never sustainable.

I opt for slow food and printed newspapers. Like my grandmother. One of the most open, curious and well-read people I know.

[evilbihan]

Reblogging this again because you made some very valid points.

"Besides that, NRS has stereotypically made him a sympathetic, good man. Sure, there's that thirst for vengeance, but where Hanzo's mind gets genuinely clouded by it from his trauma, MK1 Kuai seems much more... sinister(?) in comparison. Because he's not Hanzo. His revenge will be a planned out thing, not some moment of passion."

I agree with this, Hanzo was a victim of manipulation, he was traumatized by the loss of his family and he showed deep regret for his actions later on. Hanzo was, despite his flaws, a good man. The same thing cannot be said of Kuai Liang in MK1 who comes across as a fanatic defender of tradition and a bloodthirsty zealot who wouldn't shy away from committing fratricide in the name of vengeance and his own twisted idea of honor.

"So. Are these intros the way they are because we're meant to simply look at them and think "wow, Scorpion is so cool!"? Because that's the only way I can make sense of it all. Like, whoever wrote these wasn't looking at who exactly would be saying them, or what it would convey as a whole, or how it even comes across by itself."

I think your guess here might be correct. MK1 Scorpion has very little going for him. He flinches from fire, he gets beaten up by two farmers and Johnny Cage (alongside Sub-Zero), he seems overall boring and uninteresting as a whole. Maybe they tried to fix that with the intros (not that it did much to make the character cooler anyway).

This meant a kinder, more honorable Lin Kuei. Ironically, this resulted in The character shaped by his traumas and pain into a genuine force for good turning into a two-faced arrogant man with his own obscure agenda. Sub-Zero Kuai Liang believed in redemption because he had to claw his way out of the dark. MK1 Scorpion turns his nose up at everyone because he was always on the side of "good", and he's quick to write off any doubters. Even his own brother. SZ!Kuai practiced forgiveness and worked to end the cycle of violence he was in, because he understood the value of peace after not having it his whole life. MK1 Scorp was born and raised in a time of peace, and he's only too quick to start his own cycle of violence. SZ!Kuai never gave up on Bi-Han, and redeeming him was always his end goal. His brother was all he had. MK1 Scorp grew up with his whole family around, and the rest is history.

This right here is so true. MK1 Kuai Liang grew up priviledged and with the conviction that he's on the right side, always, simply for being Earthrealm's defender and therefore one of the "good guys". He didn't experience the things Sub-Zero Kuai Liang experienced in previous timelines, being used by the forces of evil as a Cyber Lin Kuei or a revenant, so he has no sympathy for those corrupted by evil because unlike his previous counterparts, he doesn't know what that feels like.

"I resent what's been done to my favorite character and I don't think the story expansion nor the next game will fix that. Sadly, I almost think the best thing they can do with him at this point is Noob-Saibot him and put Hanzo back in his place, but that's even sadder because it'll be the third hand-me-down title he'll have. And Noob-Saibot as a character is even less him."

I don't wanna bring out spoilers if you haven't seen any yet, but no, the story dlc won't fix it. As you already correctly said, Kuai Liang always carried someone else's mantle and they won't make him Noob. In my opinion, the best they could have done was scrap his character entirely. With both Bi-Han and Hanzo being alive in the new era, we already had a Sub-Zero and Scorpion and Kuai Liang shouldn't have been in the game at all.

"It's not like they've never written all the traits fanon MK1 Kuai has before. Humility, integrity, a tangible code of honor... these are all things that were present as recent as MK11's Kuai Liang. Of course, that iteration has its own issues, but they are on the large easy to ignore or explain and his arcade ending pretty much makes up for them."

This is the only part I disagree with because Kuai Liang was never humble, even in MK11. I remember an intro with Jade where she called him overly confident or something similar to that. He always seemed very boastful to me. I do agree with the last part though. Kuai Liang saving Bi-Han in his tower ending did slightly redeem him.

Kuai Liang is not "nice"

This is technically the second part of my character analysis for Kuai Liang, so be sure to check out the first part focusing on Kuai Liang's personality, goals and his relationship with his brothers and Harumi.

This part will focus on how Kuai Liang treats other characters and upon closer inspection, the image of the "sweet wholesome guy everyone adores" that the fandom crafted for him starts to crumble very quickly.

Kitana and Mileena:

Mileena: My bond with Kitana can't be broken. Scorpion: I'd once thought the same of mine with Bi-Han.

Why exactly is Kuai Liang trying to make Mileena doubt Kitana's loyalty to her? We have all seen Kitana's tower ending. She has gone out of her way to secure her sister's reign, she defends Mileena fiercely and is genuinely worried about her. It upsets her to see other members of the court conspiring against her sister. Kitana is nothing but loyal to Mileena, in a way Kuai Liang was never loyal to Bi-Han.

"I'm disappointed in my brother's decisions and therefore everyone else's siblings suck too." That's not a healthy or mature mindset. He's projecting his own family issues onto Mileena and Kitana, who actually share a wholesome bond, and tries to create distrust and dispute where there is none. And why? Out of jealousy? It's hard to tell, but this was uncalled for.

It's particularly awful because Kitana is actually trying to help fix Kuai Liang's relationship with his own brother while it seems Kuai Liang is trying to ruin hers with Mileena.

Kitana: You've broken Kuai Liang's heart. Sub-Zero: It won't be the only part of him I damage.

Kitana: I understand congratulations are in order. Scorpion: How did news of my marriage reach Outworld?

Kitana: Weapons. Soldiers. Whatever you -- Scorpion: I have all that I need to defeat Bi-Han.

She's also offering him her and Outworld's support and is really just being nice to him, yet he never once shows gratitude and even tries to plant doubts about her in her sister's mind behind her back.

Nitara:

Scorpion: If you would only feed on lower species -- Nitara: Humans are a lower species.

"Lower species"? What species exactly is Kuai Liang talking about here? What's his definition of a lower species? Tarkatans? Netherrealmers? One could assume he means animals, but then why doesn't he say so? Instead, he's using a term that's often used in f*cist language. Who or what he's referring to isn't specified either, but it's definitely a questionable choice of words regardless.

Let's be honest, the mindset that there's "lower species" that are not deserving of life, as Kuai Liang basically implies by claiming Nitara should feed on them instead, says quite a lot about the kind of person he is. No matter what he's speaking of here, I still think this is pretty fucked up from any standpoint, especially because Kuai Liang doesn't explicitly say that he's talking about animals.

This is just my opinion, but even if he were to "only" be talking about animals here, I think it's downright wrong to say any animals are a "lower species", given the fact that we very much depend on certain animals for our own survival. Even if we give Kuai Liang the benefit of the doubt, he still sounds incredibly uneducated and ignorant. To not value the life of other creatures is not a good look on him, but then again we've seen how much he values his own brother's life so the bar is quite literally in hell.

Raiden:

Scorpion: Liu Kang's revelation has shaken my faith in him. Raiden: Understandable, given what he chose to hide.

Reptile: Am I right to put faith in Liu Kang? Scorpion: He's always proven worthy of mine.

Oh, has he now?

Kuai Liang is beginning to sound two-faced. He's certainly not conflicted because he still continues to follow Liu Kang and advices others to do the same. He also doesn't openly criticize or doubt Liu Kang like Tomáš and Bi-Han do. But he himself has lost some of his faith in Liu Kang, yet he judges Bi-Han for having done the same thing? Where does any of that make sense?

Bi-Han:

Scorpion: You would shed your brother's blood? Sub-Zero: Because you choose to stand in my way.

The first blood shed was Bi-Han's, not Kuai Liang's, but because Bi-Han doesn't bear a visible scar, no one acknowledges that.

Kuai Liang is once again showing manipulative behavior here. Blaming everything on his brother and pretending he did nothing wrong. Guilt tripping Bi-Han for something he himself has done.

Kuai Liang's actions are not even the biggest problem here. You can somehow justify what he did with him being hurt/angry when he found out about the true circumstances of his father's death. It's the fact that he refuses to take any responsibility for what he did and acts completely innocent although he's anything but, that shows he's not who the fandom makes him out to be.

Even Bi-Han stands by what he does. Kuai Liang can't even own up to his actions.

Liu Kang:

Liu Kang: You allow vengeance to consume you. Scorpion: I should not punish Bi-Han for his crimes?

So, Liu Kang seems concerned with Kuai Liang's thirst for vengeance. What's even more noteworthy is that we have Kuai Liang, a mortal, speak to Liu Kang, a literal god, about punishing someone else as if he's entitled to do so? Should it not be up to Liu Kang to decide whether Bi-Han deserves forgiveness or punishment? Do we need to add a god complex to the list of Kuai Liang's flaws?

There's nothing honorable about vengeance. It's honorable to be the bigger person and to forgive.

As Chinese philosopher Confucius said:

“Love thy neighbour as thyself: Do not do to others what thou wouldst not wish be done to thyself: Forgive injuries. Forgive thy enemy, be reconciled to him, give him assistance, invoke God in his behalf.”

Kuai Liang has none of that honor he claims to value.

Tanya:

Tanya: Liu Kang says we can trust you. Kuai Liang: As long as Outworld's goals don't conflict with Earthrealm's.

Let me translate it: "No, you can't. I'll stop being a reliable ally and might betray you as soon as our interests no longer align." Which is fair enough, he doesn't owe Outworld his loyalty. It's, however, funny that that's exactly what Bi-Han did with Liu Kang/Earthrealm too, but for some reason Kuai Liang is still delusional enough to think he's a more honorable man than his brother?

Kung Lao:

Kung Lao: I bet I could be Shirai Ryu. Scorpion: First, you must learn humility.

Also Scorpion:

Ashrah: I'd do well to follow your example. Scorpion: Then start by studying my kombat.

Quan Chi: Your brother told me of all your weaknesses. Scorpion: A short conversation, sorcerer?

Kuai Liang is a hypocrite who doesn't practice what he preaches. These are just two of many dialogues in which he comes off as overly confident and boastful. He will try to force his own values and ideals onto others but will not uphold them himself. These dialogues are not even the only example of his hypocrisy, but more of that to come later.

Smoke and the Shaolin monks:

Scorpion: Was it worth it, training with the Shaolin? Smoke: Let me show you what I learned.

Yet another example for Kuai Liang's arrogance. "Was it worth it?" What's that even supposed to mean? Admittedly, this might not sound as bad compared to everything else he's said but I invite you to go and listen to this specific intro and pay attention to the tone of his voice. To me, it very much sounds like, as a former Lin Kuei, he thinks there's nothing the monks can teach him and Tomáš anymore and therefore he sees training with them as a waste of time. Overall, Kuai Liang seems to hold little respect for his allies. He might not outright say it, but there's definitely a superiority complex there.

Johnny:

Scorpion: Your mansion was unduly extravagant. Johnny Cage: It came with the megastardom. Package deal.

What gives Kuai Liang the right to judge Johnny for what he does with his money that he's earned from his movies? Judging people and acting like he has the moral high ground over them in any situation is something Kuai Liang does a lot. That alone might not automatically make him a bad person, but it's tasteless and impolite nonetheless.

Johnny Cage: With your skills you'd be a hit, Kuai Liang. Scorpion: Do I look like an entertainer?

Again, if you listen to the actual intro, the distaste in his voice is obvious. He seems to not have much respect for Johnny's profession or for most of his allies' professions, really. Remember his reaction to Tomáš training with the Shaolin monks?

Rain:

Scorpion: Like a dog, you bit the hand that fed you. Rain: You've no right to judge me, Earthrealmer.

He doesn't -- because did Kuai Liang not do the same to Bi-Han? It doesn't matter that Bi-Han chose the wrong side, Kuai Liang's oath was to his grandmaster, not to Earthrealm. Bi-Han broke his oath to Earthrealm and by breaking his own oath to his brother, Kuai Liang is no better. And as I already explained in the first part of my analysis, Kuai Liang always meant to overthrow Bi-Han, even before Bi-Han abandoned his duties to defend Earthrealm. Bi-Han gave in to corruption and became a traitor, Kuai Liang was always a traitor in disguise. Kuai Liang is yet again being a hypocrite in this situation and displays double standards.

Kenshi:

Scorpion: Do not let Sento become a crutch. Kenshi: I could win this fight with or without it.

Does anyone else think this comment sounds a lot like ableism? Who is he to tell a disabled man how to handle his disability? Kenshi is a badass, he's proven that countless of times and he doesn't need Kuai Liang's advice, but Kuai Liang has a habit of acting like he knows better than others.

Bi-Han (again):

Shang Tsung: It was all too simple, pulling your brother's strings. Kuai Liang: It sickens me that he was so easily exploited.

Bi-Han fell victim to Shang Tsung's manipulation, yet here Kuai Liang is, blaming the victim. Meanwhile, Tomáš:

Smoke: I rue the day I ever met you. Quan Chi: No sense dwelling on the past, Tomáš.

Tomáš regrets ever meeting the sorcerers because he rightfully blames the people responsible for this whole mess, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, not Bi-Han. Kuai Liang is miles away from the same level of emotional maturity Tomáš has.

Scorpion: "Bi-Han's trail has led me to Sun Do." Li Mei: "I'll abide no vigilante justice, Kuai Liang."

Scorpion: If you know where he is, tell me. General Shao: As if I would spill your brother's secrets.

Scorpion: I need help to find Bi-Han. Johnny Cage: Y'know I was only a TV detective, right?

Kuai Liang is making his own family feud everyone else's problem.

SPOILERS: At the same time, when Bi-Han will crash Kuai Liang's wedding in the dlc according to leaks, Kuai Liang will "apologize" to those who attended that they got dragged into his war with Bi-Han, once again painting his brother as the villain. Could he be any more duplicitous? I think the main reason why Smoke is not mentioned in any leaks is because the writers might deliberately not want him to be there because the way Kuai Liang acts (wanting to kill Frost, leaving Bi-Han to suffer and die) would go against everything Tomáš believes in and they can't have someone make Scorpion look bad, so they decided to just have Tomáš not be there at all. If that doesn't say it all, I don't know what will.

Kuai Liang:

Scorpion: I won't be consumed by vengeance. Scorpion: How can your father's death not burn you.

You know it's bad when your own alternate self starts judging you and criticizing your ways.

Geras:

Scorpion: I want to see the moment my father died. Geras: You are not ready to receive that knowledge.

I wonder why Geras denied Kuai Liang's request. Is he concerned that actually witnessing the event will make Kuai Liang lose his mind completely and he will make even more of an effort to kill Bi-Han? He surely seems to think Kuai Liang is too unstable to receive that information. But then again, Kuai Liang already wants to kill Bi-Han, he already tried to do it and he already knows what happened. When will he be ready in Geras' opinion? Once he already forgave Bi-Han (which seems like it won't happen at all)? Would that not just reignite his old hatred? Could it be that there's more to the death of Kuai Liang's father than we know? Is there something Geras is trying to hide from Kuai Liang on purpose?

Ashrah:

Ashrah: Bi-Han can be redeemed. Scorpion: I don't see how that's possible.

It sounds a lot like Kuai Liang doesn't want it to be possible. He wants to deny his brother a chance at redemption. He's also once again acting like he knows better than everyone else. It's getting to the point where he seems self-righteous and out of touch with reality.

So, tell me again, after all that, why are we calling Kuai Liang a nice guy?

To conclude this, Kuai Liang only appears "nice" in direct comparison to Bi-Han, not necessarily because he's a better person, he's just the more agreeable one of the two. Take Bi-Han out of the picture and it's plain to see Kuai Liang is really not that nice. I also don't see how Kuai Liang is the poor, traumatized victim that never did anything wrong in his life, as fans like to describe him as. Yes, he suffered as well, but victims can also become aggressors. There are plenty of situations in which that's the case for Kuai Liang. Again, this is not hate or an attempt to completely demonize him, just to show that the fandom has a wrong idea of who Kuai Liang is and what he's like.