#witnessing art evolve is a treat

[tatertotcosmonaut]

A really common take is that JJK is a story about the good guys never winning, about good people (or people trying to be good) failing no matter what— and Imma be real, I kinda disagree with this take!

Obviously you can interpret this story however you want and I see how people would come to that conclusion. But I don’t think Gege is passively nihilistic, or making a story like that. I think that Gege is just someone who is pretty critical of modern society and has just personified those critiques in the form of curses and a grimey setting.

Heavy stories or dark stories like JJK kinda fall prone to this “ah it’s just a nihilistic all hope is lost” story viewpoint, and while that can be true sometimes these stories usually are about holding onto hope, brutal but steady change, inner or societal reflection, fostering new generations, or persevering through it. Horrible things happen in these manga, at times it really does seem like a pointless endeavor— but there are always characters that move forward and hold onto hope. Always a flourishing forest after the large fire.

And I think JJK is definitely one of these stories, a story where after that storm there will be new life afterwards. Not everyone will be alive, but it will be bittersweet.

Gege is an author that has never really been afraid to critique Japanese society. Maki and Mai and the result of the Ze’nin are critiques of sexism and heavy traditionalism. Toji, Maki, and Mechmaru could definitely be seen as a critique on ableism and how disabled people are treated in society. Nanami is a critique on the brutal work system in Japan. Higuruma is a critique on the justice system in Japan. Hell, a lot of our main characters are the social outcasts of society (due to physical traits or just philosophical outlooks). And the recent critiques of racism, especially anti-blackness, in Japanese society with Miguel.

The higher ups of the Jujutsu Society are definitely a way of dissecting the disconnect older politicians or generations often have with younger generations, passing laws that will not better future generations and being stuck in conservative ways (hell Gojo blatantly calls them idiot conservatives).

Suguru Geto is an example of how lost youth without any support systems can get lost in the cracks. He gets so consumed by his depression, the tragedy he witnessed around him, and his anger that no one is doing anything about the fact that youth are dying that he turns to cults and extremist ideology.

While these events seem fantastical due to the existence of curses and people causing city wide destruction via cool martial arts combat, these situations of societal collapse and failing do indeed happen, and are happening and becoming worse at an alarming rate.

Even the nature of curses themselves can be seen as a personification of the anxiety and fears literally consuming and killing humanity, most notably the younger generation. Snuffing out hopes, or any motivation that the world will become better. Curses are literal manifestations of people’s fears and negative emotions, whose strength depends on the amount of fear humanity has of the concept. This literal and emotional consumption of the youth is even seen in the entities from the Heian Era.

Tengen, Kenjaku, and Sukuna all continue to live depending on the body of someone else, erasing who this person was and would have been. Tengen needs plasma star vessels so she does not evolve beyond the form she has now, Kenjaku puts their brain in the body of another, Sukuna needs a vessel to consume his fingers and when they do he immediately subjugates their soul.

All of this to say, I don’t think that JJK is a story about good people failing. It’s about society failing good people, it’s about broken customs and rules sucking the youth out of younger generations, it’s about cycles that need to be broken that CAN be broken. It’s about society that continues to slap bandaids on a knife wound and doesn’t address the fact that it’s still slowly bleeding out—

Yuki was on the right track, finding a way to nip the problem at the root. But look at how she was treated by others, about the rumors that spread of her. She was seen as useless, a dead weight, chasing after naive endeavors. But why is it naive? Shouldn’t resources also be spent on finding a way to stop the problem at the root? Or is the power, the control, the prestige (in the eyes of the higher ups and big three clans) of being a Jujutsu Sorcerer too much to lose if they were able to find a way to stop curses at the root?

This is not a hopeless world. Gojo tried to not make it such a hopeless world, Nanami bet on the future and admitted that was odd for him, love still exists even if it can hurt. People are able to overcome their demons, Maki did, Takaba did. While Maki’s development wasn’t one without hardship, without loss, she quite literally struck down most of the Zenin in her anger and a grief, a final wish from Mai to "destroy everything sister". Everything that abused them, everyone so stuck in their ways, everything that made the Zenin a bloated snake of corruption eating its own tail. And when Naoya came back she struck him down once again, with some struggle, but she overcame a past demon with help from two random ass guys that just happened to be there and happened to be nice enough to want to help.

Maki didn't lose her drive or her will, she didn't "become another Toji" that lost faith in the world and started drifting around with no meaning or consumed with apathy. She still loves her friends, she still cares for them, she still fights for them and goes through hardship for them.

There is still community in this world. There is still love, even if it hurts and it's love that makes us flawed. There's still a chance and a choice to hope and bet on the future. A better future in this world is worth fighting for, SHOULD be fought for. It is just unfortunate now that the youth themselves have to do it alone now.

There’s an interesting meta aspect to this, to the way readers have let the hopelessness convince them that there can be no happy ending. No one will come back to life, the ending will be bittersweet, there will be more death- but that does not mean it is the end. Maybe we, like Yuuji, have become jaded. Maybe we have also let this pain convince us that all the characters are destined to be is cogs in a machine. If that was the case, even if Sukuna were to die— if the characters were to fulfill their role as cogs and kill the evil of all evil— it would all be for naught. The cycle would still continue churning and churning.

Systems can be changed, one just has to have the stubbornness to change it. Yuuji just has to realize that once again.

————

Articles to read down below about the issues I mentioned in my yapfest:

Youth Issues in Japan:

- https://online.ucpress.edu/currenthistory/article/120/827/240/118342/Japan-s-Younger-Generations-Look-for-a-New-Way-of

- https://www.nippon.com/en/in-depth/d00800/

- https://www.npr.org/2021/10/29/1050620562/low-turnout-among-young-voters-in-japan-may-mean-the-ruling-party-stays-in-power

Work Culture in Japan:

- https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/karoshi-deep-look-japans-unforgiving-working-culture

Radicalization into Extremist Ideals:

- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sdr.1749#:~:text=The%20root%20of%20violent%20radicalization,72). (Root Causes of Radicalization: the Terror Contagion Hypothesis)

- https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-south-korea-s-young-men-are-turning-conservative.amp

- https://nuts2406.medium.com/why-we-should-worry-about-the-growing-radicalization-of-young-men-8cd6babb8bb8

Cults:

-https://encompass.eku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1905&context=honors_theses#:~:text=In%20contrast%2C%20cult%20leaders%20develop,disorder%20(Goldberg%2C%20n.d). (The Making of Cults: The Factors that Contribute to Membership and the Leaders’ Influence).

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8234595/#:~:text=These%20variables%20include%20(a)%20generalized,abuse%20or%20neglect%2C%20(f)

Japanese Court System:

- https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/05/25/japans-hostage-justice-system/denial-bail-coerced-confessions-and-lack-access

[cellarspider]

10/30 The team puts their foot in it

(Previous) | (Index) | (Next)

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We return to Prometheus, the movie that makes me want to use the “Leave it” command I’ve taught the family dog.

Apologies if the screenshots are hard to visually parse on this one, this part of the movie is not meant for viewing on a bright, sunny day. May I recommend the alt-text? I've got image descriptions in there, as well as rambles that almost double the word count of these posts.

Also, your daily reminder: Go into your blog settings, scroll down to "visibility", and turn off 3rd party data harvesting! Do it! Happiness is stored in the not-getting-comodified!

My antipathy toward the archaeologists was reaching unprecedented proportions. The only character I didn’t fault for putting his hands on everything like a two-year-old: the literal two-year-old android, David.

Is there a long and dumb history of infantilizing dudes’ behavior? Yes. Was it very funny to see the archaeologists suddenly freak out because someone else was getting too handsy with the alien archaeological finds? Also yes! 

David opens the door, having to climb up a collapsible ladder to comfortably reach the controls, which is a nice touch. The next room contains the head of the decapitated Engineer, and also

I don’t know whether the set designers put this together prior to the decision that this would be where they put the decapitated body, but in hindsight, it seems a little on the nose. What the set wants to communicate is a religious feel–an idol of some kind, delicate reliefs on the walls that some consider to be plot holes because they look xenomorph-y, and a bunch of black urns.

The visual intent, delivered beautifully but with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, is that this is the room where shit will begin to go down. It’s a refined miniature of the egg room in Alien. Something is going to get inappropriately intimate with a man’s face here.

I suppose we are meant to find it a plot twist when that happens later, and not now, but I was still experiencing Archaeological Rage at this point.

Despite telling David not to open the door, they wander in like utter lemons, breathe all over everything, and are surprised when this has consequences. The art starts melting off the walls.

Admittedly, when the moist breath and germs of gormless tourists has caused irreparable damage to ancient egyptian tombs and 17,000 year old cave paintings, it took much longer than this. One of the characters exclaims that they must have disturbed the atmosphere in the room by opening it, which is possible. However, we literally see accumulated dirt in this room. Alien worms writhing in it. This is a plot point for a few scenes from now, because the black urns have started sweating a Mysterious Goop that the audience may remember as “that DNA melty stuff from the opening scene”.

Back when I was talking about setting mood, expectation, and feeling pretty good. I miss that.

There’s apparently a cut scene where Millburn the biologists finds those alien worms somewhere, and has a near-religious experience. It’s the first macroscopic alien life ever witnessed by modern humans. Something that evolved entirely separately from us. He’s in awe. 

The scene no longer has any logical home in the flow of the movie–the worms are only seen by the audience, in the urn room. Millburn left with Fifield the geologist, following Fifield’s panic attack. Still, it would’ve gone a long way to humanizing his character if it was still included, showing that the cast isn’t all treating this like kindergarteners at a toy store, and partially explaining a dumbass thing he does later.

It would also stand in stark contrast to further desecrating an ancient body, which is next on the agenda for our cast.

With the room literally melting and the Prometheus calling in the approach of a sandstorm, they heave the head in a duffel bag and sprint away.

I hate this. There’s the feeble justification that they already fucked up the room anyway, but they have been viewing the body as a thing they want to have, an emblem of their own efforts, and not an ethically distinct class of object that has to be treated with extreme care.

Nope! Into the duffel bag it goes. David, for his part, duffels an urn. I hate this less, for the aforementioned reason of “two-year-old who everyone’s been robot-racist at”. Also because frankly, he’s an android in an Alien movie, one that is very self-conscious about the tropes. He is either going to be an absolute saint like Bishop, or he’s going to be an extension of a callous corporate power like Ash. David is a unique spin on it, but he’s absolutely the Ash.

He manages to be all that and the only one who knows what he’s doing. David saves Shaw and the poor goddamn head from getting swept away in the sandstorm, with calm efficiency and an air of either “I have done a good thing, please praise”, or “yes, I am better at this than you”. Honestly can’t tell which. He’s certainly begun to develop antipathy toward his creators, which is one of the few character arcs that manages to occur in this movie.

So, great. Our cast has blundered into, breathed all over, and botched their exploration of humanity’s first alien structure, on the urging of an allegedly-archaeologist who literally treated it as a christmas present. They return with stolen artifacts and somebody’s head. They do not return with their biologist and geologist, who have apparently gotten lost in the alien structure, despite the geologist also being the one who was making the team a map of the place.

Things do not get better.

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(Previous) | (Index) | (Next)

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Alt-text rambling citations:

1. https://www.cap-that.com/prometheus/index.php?page=1 2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointing#Cultural_variations  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_gesture#Negative_denotations

[buttercuparry]

I know sometimes most of us are just playing around in the fandom without any insidious reason. Hell sometimes things are just a vision and we all want those visions to see the light of the day, and there truly isn't anything wrong with that! But if a fan of colour is commenting on your post about something that might be a concern of theirs and you know this concern is related to matter of fandom racism, I don't think they are doing so to personally attack you about something. And if it indeed does feel like a criticism and you know you didn't mean your art/post/whatever else to express any sort of discrimination, I think just talking about it simply can help clear things. You don't even need to go into an explanation. It's really that simple.

I know fandom can get heated and hell despite our best attempts, back and forth tangent of discourse happens. But the way the fandom treats fans of colour not just in the asoiaf side of tumblr but everywhere-it's a bit disheartening. You have people mocking a fan of colour in tags of a post and going "all this discourse for lily white starks". Well you all don't really listen or even acknowledge unless fans of colour are loud, do you? And when they do get loud, you all start having problems.

"Lily white starks" was the point of discourse. That's what many of us who are PoCs in the asoiaf fandom have been saying. They are all the most ashiest whites to have ever whited and race bending is cool as fuck but they aren't 90s animal cartoons where you have two cats having kittens and half of the litter has orange fur while the other half has brown fur. But somehow the character whom fanon deems to be "plain" ( never mind the text says the opposite), whose gender identity gets questioned every now and then ( even though in text they specifically state what they identify as), is drawn racially ambiguous while her siblings look like they don't even have a drop of melanin-you bet fans of colour are going to feel a type of way about this. And till now I haven't seen any major discussion regarding this, not even a peep of acknowledgement that it's a bit weird that the fanon trajectory where people shout "let (redacted) character be ugly" and then this (redacted) character and all who look like her is drawn with brown skin. But wait there's more! The "Helen" of asoiaf universe, even though is said to look like this (redacted) character is often argued to have looked nothing alike at all. So you see how all this shit evolved into the discourse under that art post right? Like it's not like this discontent was bred in a vacuum.

Even now when a new fan comes into asoiaf fandom, after a few months around they know what the dead ladies club is. Because it is that discussed and it should be because Grrm is shit like that. But dead ladies club evolved from being a genuine criticism to a championing a kind of womanhood that posits itself as the best of them all. And this mentality continues to this day and the race bending of certain houses comes from that. You have a fandom that dislikes one of the most important characters so much, that every thing they do is considered a devastation. This dislike is based on the fact that she doesn't really fit in with the kind of womanhood that's considered traditional. It has been literally witnessed how this character has changed the fantasy genre's notion of the "chosen one" but you have dudebros crying foul. And thus anything related to her is bashed more than it deserves to be and you have one of her deceased family members being presented as the devil incarnate. The woman this dead man has supposedly wronged is suddenly a woc, and the whole of the kingdom she belonged to is also a representation of poc culture in fanon?? Like do you see how exploitative this is? And then to further drive in the notion of evil, there came the dominant headcanon where one of the most priviledged and bloody houses in the fictional asoiaf universe is made analogous to real world indigenous pocs who are still fighting for their rights in their own country. It cannot get more batshit insane than that.

I genuinely believe that certain characters were initially drawn in darker shades out of a personal artistic vision. But then this got twisted by the fandom at large to suit their supposed intellectual narrative and bnf artists just simply followed the trend never questioning anything and years and years of this practice got cemented as natural and canon. Never was it questioned why a character ( and all who look like her) who is falsely fanonized as violent and ugly is drawn shades darker and why another character of whom we know nothing of but how violently she met her end is also a woc.

The most recent discourse that happened under the post carries a weight of this particular fandom history. I know there's artistic vision to consider which is why I personally try not to criticize an artist on their own post. This is also a fanart, something given to the fandom freely and I am of the opinion that if it cannot be celebrated then it should just be left alone. But what got to me was that how it felt like through the response there was this tone of trying to turn the tables on the fan of colour who commented. Like the sarcastic commentary on how there is an insistence on Valyrians being whitest white...like dude...hello?? Pretty sure this is on grrm and do you really think this person who is actively frustrated at the racist caricature would mind genuine attempt at being inclusive?! Like I have seen you around, I have enjoyed your posts, I think I even saw you under posts which criticized these particular trends while drawing certain Stark siblings, are you really going to pretend you don't know where the comments came from???

There is also the pointing towards how fandom casts all of dorne as poc and I think we have already established that this fandom is shit. Like I won't lie I enjoy my guilty pleasure of looking at Bollywood gifs representing Dorne, and I think there is this headcanony idea that Dorne is based on North Indian hindu hindi speaking culture. But in same post representing a particular house through this Hindu Hindi speaking culture you have the gifmaker using gifs of the Islamic hajj!!! Like ajaldleryjdlsldldlfg the headcanon then is the idea of amalgating brown bodies and meshing them in homogeneity because that's what we are all over the world right? 😂😂😂

Like I understand the frustration and you really got nothing to explain but it's trying to turn the tables for me (including calling a poc racist when they themselves were trying to address a racist issue)

EDIT IMPORTANT:

I am making this post non reblogable because the assumption on the basis of which I made this post was wrong. The person I have been referencing is a artist of colour themselves- so the core idea of the post isn't applicable. However I still don't know or can't wrap my head around how someone got dog piled on for a comment, and got called a racist ( a poc themself), when they have been one of the primary voices who pointed out many of the racist issues in the fandom.

[hangelbel]

http://hangelbel.com/spookysearch/images/pic2.jpg

New Orleans, Louisiana – City of Voodoo: What to Expect for Halloween 2024

New Orleans is famous for its unique blend of history, mystery, and culture. Known as the “City of Voodoo,” this vibrant city comes alive during Halloween, offering some of the most thrilling and memorable events in the country. For Halloween 2024, New Orleans promises an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

The Mystique of Voodoo in New Orleans

The city’s association with Voodoo dates back to the early 18th century, when enslaved Africans brought their spiritual practices to Louisiana. New Orleans’ version of Voodoo has since evolved, becoming a blend of African traditions, Catholicism, and local folklore. Voodoo isn't just an esoteric practice here—it’s a cultural pillar deeply intertwined with the city’s music, cuisine, and festivities.

Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen, still captivates the imagination of locals and tourists. Visitors can explore her legacy by visiting her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or participating in the Voodoo rituals and ceremonies that are part of New Orleans’ vibrant history.

Halloween 2024: What to Expect

New Orleans is one of the best cities in the U.S. to celebrate Halloween, thanks to its spooky atmosphere and unique celebrations. Halloween 2024 promises to be more thrilling than ever, with events that blend the city’s historic past with modern-day fun.

1. Krewe of Boo Parade

This annual Halloween parade is a massive street party filled with elaborate floats, live music, and costume contests. The Krewe of Boo Parade will take place in the French Quarter, and it’s a family-friendly event that showcases New Orleans' creative flair. Expect floats themed around local legends, spooky creatures, and, of course, Voodoo.

2. The Mortuary Haunted Mansion

If you're looking for a spine-chilling experience, visit The Mortuary Haunted Mansion. Set in a real mansion that once served as a funeral home, this attraction has a reputation for being one of the scariest haunted houses in the country. For Halloween 2024, the Mortuary Mansion will feature new terrifying scenes and actors, all designed to send shivers down your spine.

3. Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

While Halloween may be associated with scares, New Orleans celebrates with music as well. The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, happening over Halloween weekend, brings together top artists from various genres for an epic festival. Fans of both music and art will enjoy the diverse lineup and immersive installations at City Park. Expect a mix of rock, indie, and electronic music, alongside large-scale art displays that add a mystical vibe to the festival.

4. Ghost and Vampire Tours

New Orleans is a city steeped in ghost stories and legends of vampires. Ghost tours around the French Quarter and Garden District will take you to haunted houses, old cemeteries, and eerie alleyways where spirits are said to linger. Vampire enthusiasts can take specialized tours that dive deep into the folklore of these blood-sucking creatures, believed to have been part of the city's dark past.

5. Voodoo Ceremonies and Rituals

For those looking to immerse themselves in the spiritual aspect of New Orleans, Voodoo ceremonies are held in various parts of the city during Halloween. Visit the Voodoo Museum or join local practitioners in St. Louis Cemetery, where you can witness authentic rituals honoring ancestors and invoking spirits.

Costumes and Culture

Halloween in New Orleans is more than just a night for kids to trick-or-treat. The entire city dresses up, and the streets are filled with people in costumes ranging from the terrifying to the artistic. Whether you're channeling Marie Laveau, dressing as a ghostly pirate, or going all out as a mythical creature, you'll fit right in.

Tips for Enjoying Halloween 2024 in New Orleans:

Book early: Hotels fill up fast, so be sure to book accommodations well in advance.

Bring your costume: Costume shops in New Orleans can help with last-minute ideas, but for the full experience, come prepared.

Stay safe: With the massive crowds, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re partying in the French Quarter late into the night.

Explore the city: Beyond Halloween events, New Orleans offers delicious food, iconic jazz clubs, and scenic river cruises.

For Halloween 2024, New Orleans will be the ultimate destination for those looking to combine history, mysticism, and pure fun. From the haunted streets of the French Quarter to the lively Krewe of Boo Parade, and from ghost tours to music festivals, the “City of Voodoo” promises a hauntingly good time.

Get ready to step into a world where the supernatural feels real and where Halloween is not just a night, but an entire season of enchantment.

[autumnsup]

Motifs

‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars’ (Oscar Wilde, from Lady Windermere's Fan)

While we're on the cusp of entering Soundtrack Week of the VG25 challenge, I wanted to explore a visual/sound motif that I've observed over multiple viewings. Namely, that there is a parallel between the above Wilde quote and certain scenes in the film.

When we first see Jack Fairy as a young boy, he's shoved to the ground (into the gutter?) by bullies and discovers the mysterious green artifact lying there as if waiting for him, still encrusted in specks of dirt. His eyes are downcast as he gazes into his hand at the pin, his demeanor soft and wondering amidst the muted colors of the outdoors as he picks himself up and walks home, yet he is soon completely transformed as he smiles into a mirror in a blue-darkened room, his eyes meeting his reflection and us viewers head-on.

From there, we rarely see Jack Fairy make eye contact with us or with other characters, unless it's through the reflection of a mirror or rolling down a window to invite Curt in. Curt too is stingy with eye contact, unless it's with Brian or the various reporters interviewing him, or in the guise of his musical personae (like that saucy wink before he jumps down the chimney in the "Ballad of Maxwell Demon" video, or a brief moment of acknowledgment as he leads us into the circus ring of the press).

Brian, on the other hand, constantly breaks the fourth wall, inviting his viewers into each song like a dare. It's a dizzying rainbow of colors, costumes, and personae he shows us over the course of the film, and one of my favorites is early on, when the camera slowly pans from the microphone up Brian's arm to his face, and the first smoky rendition of "Hot One" emerges.

Leading up to this moment, we have a beautiful overhead panning shot of various young people, either staring up or in a trance with eyes closed, as the piano intro plays in slow repetition. It is here that I believe the "looking up at the stars" part of Wilde's quote begins to come to life, both literally and metaphorically.

It's a motif that returns again and again over the course of the film, evolving with the age and experience of the characters, especially Arthur. His rooftop encounter with Curt is of particular interest to me, as he passes from distant spectator to object of desire to witness of something completely out of the ordinary. He is, in essence, lifted out of the gutter towards the stars, coming out of his shell as a queer person and as a fan turned briefly into the center of a star's attention.

We catch a beautiful shot of him gazing upward at the otherworldly aircraft, and then Curt's face coming into frame to nuzzle Arthur's neck as he closes his eyes in bliss, soon followed by what might be his first experience of gay sex while the night fades into glitter.

"Looking up" becomes "looking in," and we are eventually treated to a reverse version of the overhead panning shot, with "2HB" playing instead of "Hot One." This time around we are confronted with the sight of ourselves, represented by dressed-up fans, looking upward/inward, and a misty view of the rooftop shot while Curt and Arthur continue their tryst into morning. I don't have a clearcut sense of what we are supposed to gather from the final scenes of the film, but for me, the repetition of the looking up/down dichotomy becomes self-referential, a constant loop of what was and what is happening now as the music weaves its magic around us all.

As a cheeky little coda, "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" playing over the credits seems to invite the listeners to take it or leave it, an opportunity to enter into the music, which is all that is left of that singular time in history. It's up to us, the fans and the new generations of music-makers, to recreate the magic again and again, even if it's simply through witnessing and interacting with the art that was made. We may indeed be "in the gutter" of life's challenges and the day-to-day grind of existence, but the stars are always there for the looking, and for the reminders they bring.

@25yearsofvelvetgoldmine

[mtdthoughts]

The Twins' Relationship Pt. 1 (Migi & Dali Analysis)

One of the most important elements of the story is the twins' relationship and how it evolves. After all, the story is literally called "Migi & Dali", and their relationship is a significant aspect driving both plot and character development.

This series of posts (which I expect to be quite long) will discuss how this relationship is shown developed in throughout the entire story, so of course spoilers will be discussed.

It'll be a test to see how much I truly understand the story...

Note: Part 15 summarizes this entire thread. If you don't want to read this entire thread, you can go ahead and skip to Part 15.

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15 (final)

In the beginning, Migi and Dali were basically one and the same, truly identical.

Sure, there may have been subtle differences between them, but at this point the twins were a lot more similar to each other than they were at 13 years old. Furthermore, they treated each other more as equals while their mother was still alive.

However, Metry's death not only traumatized them by depriving them of a mother, but it also accelerated their divergence as someone needed to fill in the vacuum left by her death. Because Dali was both the older and smarter brother, it naturally fell upon him to take care of himself and Migi (i.e. become the "parentified twin"), and this idea was hinted at with the ED art.

It was most likely because of this that their distinct personalities began to form.

Dali became more serious and mature, relying on logic and wits to survive in a physically and emotionally harsh world with his brother. As a result, he suppressed his own desires and emotions and placed heavy expectations on himself, as he needed to be the strong and reliable older brother (despite being insecure on the inside) to protect himself and more importantly Migi. He became cynical and closed himself off so that he wouldn't be hurt, though this was not healthy in the long run.

Migi also became cynical due to his mother's death, though not as much as Dali as the story shows. Unlike Dali, Migi could always count on his brother to come up with the right answer or the right thing to say, and he could more freely express his emotions and desires, which explains how he was able to retain more of his innocence compared to his brother. Still, he admired Dali and his strength, and tried to be like him. On some level, Migi also feared his brother as he didn't want to disappoint him, placing heavy expectations on himself too.

One way this dynamic is highlighted is how they talk to each other:

Dali often tells Migi what to do, while Migi has to beg Dali using "頼む" (i.e. "please" or "I beg of you") if he wants Dali to do something.

Dali frequently addresses Migi using "お前" (a casual way of saying "you"), while Migi almost always addresses Dali as "Dali", likely as a sign of respect.

Migi is often heard/seen saying "なあダリ" ("Hey Dali") when asking Dali a question, and Dali almost always has an answer.

Regardless of their differences, the twins were still the same at heart as they loved each other, and relied on each other for validation since they only had each other for most of their lives. However, their relationship was very much a codependent one, which was worsened by their abandonment issues following their mother's death, and the fact that Migi and Dali didn't quite understand each other's feelings as there was ironically a lack of communication. Because of this, Dali tried his best to be the "perfect" older brother and became overly protective and controlling towards Migi, fearing that any mistake he makes could cause him to lose his brother. Similarly, Migi tried his best to be the "perfect" younger brother and became blindly obedient toward Dali, wanting to be as helpful as he could to earn his brother's praise and affection.

In the next parts of this thread, I'll go through the entire story, pointing out how these ideas are shown and how their relationship evolves.

[rockybloo]

I've been here since september of last year and I gotta say the amount of improvement u made in ur art is AMAZING. Like ur style was already cute and aesthetically pleasing but seeing the character designs slowly evolve over time is such a treat to witness. Sweetheart looks absolutely gorgeous in ur latest drawing and comparing her current design to her 1st one rly makes me see how fast u've come as an artist. I can't wait to see how it gets better from here

THANK YOU SO MUCH

I've learned that the one thing that never fails to help improve art is getting obsessed with one specific thing and drawing it over and over again.

[breedaboyd]

Day 2 ~ Helloooo, Nurse~

(Gif by me.)

Prompt: Roleplay.

Pairing: Eli Klaber × Stephan Wolff (FTM!OC).

Word Count: 3.1k+

CW: Creampie, medical play, not even like body worship just like body appreciation(?), oral sex, roleplay, vaginal sex.

A/N: Translations for the German at the bottom of the post.

Whenever Cyrus or Hauke return from missions all beat up and bleeding, it's a familiar sight to see Klaber at Wolff's side, assisting in the makeshift sick bay they've set up in their hotel room.

Klaber's role as Wolff's nurse has evolved over time, born out of necessity and strengthened by trust. He's become adept at fetching and carrying, knowing instinctively where each tool is kept. Whether it's towels to staunch bleeding or syringes filled with sedatives and painkillers, Klaber moves with a surety that belies his initial nervousness.

Under Wolff's careful guidance, Klaber has amassed a significant amount of medical knowledge. He's learned to apply pressure to staunch bleeding, the importance of sterilisation and the delicate art of administering injections. The lines between their roles blur as Klaber becomes an extension of Wolff's capable hands, his intuition finely attuned to his mentor's needs.

Through the years, Klaber has developed a profound respect for Wolff's skill and composure under pressure. He's witnessed Wolff's steady hands save lives and mend wounds, and he's come to understand the weight of the responsibilities that come with being a medic. It's a vocation that demands precision, quick thinking, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.

During those moments when Klaber steps into the role of nurse, he's often awash with a mix of nerves and determination. He knows the gravity of the work they do and he's acutely aware of the trust that Wolff places in him. It's a responsibility that he doesn't take lightly and he's learned to draw strength from the confidence that Wolff has in him. Of course, it helps that Wolff usually rewards Klaber after he has to play nurse.

In their hotel room, the scent of antiseptic hangs in the air as Wolff and Klaber work in tandem to patch up Cyrus's latest injuries. They move with a practiced efficiency, their hands moving with a rhythm that comes from years of experience.

As the task draws to a close, Wolff steps back to survey their handiwork. He's impressed, as always, by Klaber's growing proficiency in the field.

"You've got a real knack for this, Klaber." He remarks, a note of pride in his voice. Klaber, though bashful, can't help but feel a swell of pride at Wolff's praise. He's come a long way from the young, nervous recruit he once was.

"Thanks, Herr Doktor." He replies, his voice tinged with gratitude.

With Cyrus tended to, Hauke steps in to assist, gently lifting the sedated hitman into his arms and carrying him back to their own room for some much-needed rest.

Left alone with Klaber, Wolff takes a moment to appreciate the bond that's formed between them over the years. They've become more than just comrades or even lovers; they're a team, a unit that relies on each other's strengths. Wolff turns to Klaber, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

"Klaber, would you mind giving me a once over?" He asks, a hint of vulnerability in his request. It's a role reversal of sorts, with Klaber now taking on the role of medic. Wolff trusts Klaber implicitly, knowing that he's absorbed a wealth of knowledge and skill from their shared time treating their teammates. The request catches Klaber off-guard but he's eager to rise to the challenge.

"Course, Herr Doktor." He answers, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in his chest. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself before approaching Wolff with the same careful precision that Wolff has shown him countless times. He's determined to impress Wolff, to show him just how far he's come since those early days.

"Do you know what you'll need?" Wolff asks and Klaber pauses then nods as he reaches for Wolff's doctors bag. Stethoscope, tongue depressor, stopwatch, thermometer, pen-light and his own hands. He gathers his supplies and sets to work. But, before Klaber can start, Wolff pulls close, running his fingers along the blonde's jaw, making his heart skip. "Oh, and have fun with it, Liebchen."

Klaber, with his tools laid out on the table, watches as Wolff stands before him, looking down at him with that ever-doting look of his.

"Need you to sit down, Herr D— Stephan." He says, the name sounding almost foreign as it rolls off his tongue.

"Of course." Wolff takes a seat on the sofa and Klaber delicately grabs the thermometer. He steps before the older man and holds it up.

"I'll — uhh... — take your temperature first." He says softly, guiding the glass instrument to Wolff's lips and slowly sliding it into his mouth. Klaber can't help but let his gaze linger on the medic's lips; soft and pink and plump, his tongue slick and wet. He remembers himself, reaching for the stopwatch, as he grasps Wolff's wrist, fingers searching for the pulse point. He starts the stopwatch and starts counting but...the feeling of the medic's pulse throbbing under his fingers makes his own heart skip. Somehow, Klaber manages to get a reading despite the distraction.

Eighty-six seems a little high but, when he takes into consideration the blush that dusts the medic's cheeks, he supposes that could be accurate. "Pulse is fine." Wolff lets Klaber gently pull the thermometer from his mouth and the blonde can't help but admire the way his lover's saliva coats the instrument. He swallows audibly. "Thirty-seven. Good." Klaber bites his lip, fighting back a blush as he places the thermometer on the table. Next, the blonde goes for the stethoscope and Wolff glances up at him.

"Are you going to need me to take off my shirt?" He asks and Klaber nods.

"Yeah, pl-please, Stephan." The medic reaches for the buttons on his waistcoat, undoing them one-by-one before shrugging it from his shoulders. Wolff sets the waistcoat aside, his fingers then reaching for the buttons of his dress shirt. Klaber can't help the fumble of nerves in his chest. Sure, he's seen the medic like this countless times but, now, it's different. He's the one conducting the examination and the weight of that responsibility hangs heavy on his shoulders. He watches as Wolff slips the shirt from his shoulders and Klaber finds himself biting his lip again, swallowing down the lump of nervous arousal that keeps building in his throat. Wolff is gorgeous, as always, but today he looks particularly vulnerable, his body pale and lanky and thin.

Klaber slides in the earpieces and presses the bell of the stethoscope to the medic's chest, a few inches under his collarbone, and the medic lets out a soft sigh at the cool touch of metal on his warm skin. Wolff's heartbeat is strong and Klaber can feel the medic's eyes on him. "Breathe in." He says and the older man takes a long inhale, breathing life into his chest. "And out." Wolff exhales and Klaber can hear the even rise and fall of his lover's breaths, lungs and airways clear. Next, Klaber moves the bell to the other side, repeating the process. Still clear. He moves the bell onto Wolff's back, repeating the process two more times just to make sure. And also to revel in the soothing sound of Wolff's breathing, deep and slow. "That's all fine."

"You're doing wonderfully, Liebchen." Wolff says softly as Klaber places down the stethoscope.

"What kinda nurse would I be if I didn't know how to take care o' my own medic?" He replies with a shy smile and a warmth that surprises the both of them.

Next, Klaber reaches for the pen-light and the tongue depressor. He leans down and gently grasps Wolff's jaw, holding his head still, as the blonde flashes the light in one eye and then the other, watching the way the older man's pupils narrow and dilate. Wolff blinks a few times once Klaber pulls away and the blonde hums thoughtfully.

"Eyes seem fine." He says, pocketing the pen-light, and Wolff smiles, amused by his lover's studious approach. Klaber gently cradles the medic's head, fingers moving in circular motions to check for any lumps or abnormalities. Down the sides of his face, behind the ears, down his neck... Nothing. Good.

Klaber pauses then, eying the tongue depressor warily. He's been dreading this. He meets the medic's gaze, finding the older man patiently waiting, a gentle look in his eyes. "Stephan, you mind if I...?" He trails off, unsure if he should ask as he holds up the depressor, and Wolff chuckles softly.

"Do whatever you need to, Liebchen." Klaber can't help the sheepish smile that spreads across his lips. He's taken on the role of Wolff's nurse so many times but now, having the medic in the reverse position, leaves the blonde feeling a bit giddy. Wolff trusts Klaber and, though the blonde feels a bit self-conscious, he's determined to live up to the medic's expectations.

"O-Okay..." He says softly and Wolff hums. Klaber grasps for the tongue depressor, hands shaking slightly. He leans down, gently grasping the medic's jaw again, as he guides the depressor to Wolff's lips... God, those soft, pink, kissable lips... "Could you...open your mouth for me, Stephan?" He asks hesitantly and the older man instinctively parts his lips for him.

Klaber tries to think logically, scientifically (which is already difficult for a man like Klaber) but it doesn't help; he's staring deep into the maw that's taken his cock on many an occasion. The soft, silken tongue, the elegantly pointed teeth, the hot, wet throat... It makes him shudder with want, his cock throbbing in his pants despite his best efforts. "A — umm... — li'l' wider for me?" Klaber swallows thickly as Wolff obliges, sticking out his tongue obediently. Klaber has half a mind to toss the depressor aside and climb into the medic's lap, the urge to grind against him almost irresistible.

But, he doesn't. Instead, Klaber carefully examines his lover, looking for anything abnormal or concerning. Salivary glands look good, tonsils look normal, no sores or redness. Klaber curiously dips the depressor down further, grazing the medic's uvula, and Wolff lets out a soft moan as he gags, the wet noise sending a shiver down Klaber's spine, as the medic snaps his mouth shut with a shudder. "S-Sorry." Klaber murmurs, withdrawing the depressor.

"No, it's okay, Liebchen... Just a sensitive spot." The older man says as Klaber tucks the depressor away and Wolff gives him an appreciative look. Klaber can't help the way he's leaking into his pants. Christ, he's probably soaked through his briefs...

Dispensing with the tools, Klaber begins to pack everything away into Wolff's bag, giving the medic a clean bill of health (at least, in his novice opinion). He tries to stave off the heat that builds within him. This was nothing but a simple once-over just to make sure the medic is in tip-top shape and ready to tend to the team at a moment's notice. Sure, sex might happen later tonight but it's weird for Klaber to be so hard after listening to Wolff's deep, slow breathing, feeling the eager thump of his pulse and poking around in his mouth, making him gag—

"Nurse Klaber..." The voice is a melody in the air and Klaber turns, his eyes widening in realisation. Wolff is sliding off his pants and his underwear, parting his thighs and spreading himself open for the blonde, his cunt pink and swollen, dripping with need. Klaber swallows audibly, his cock aching in his pants, as Wolff beckons him with a seductive purr. "I think you missed a spot..." Klaber can't help but gawk, mouth suddenly dry, as the medic slips two fingers inside himself, the sound obscenely wet.

"Christ, Stephan..." He says softly and Wolff answers his name with a melodic hum.

"Please, tell me you have something to fix this. I'm burning up and I'm all wet and sticky." He sighs, a teasing lilt to his voice, and Klaber breaks out of his spell and nods eagerly, immediately forgetting about the doctor's bag and rushing to Wolff's side.

"Won't you take a look, Nurse?" Wolff purrs as Klaber settles between his legs, taking in the sweet, musky scent of his slick and drinking in the sight of his hot, wet, swollen cunt. Klaber decides to play along.

"Does it hurt?" He asks and Wolff shakes his head; no. Klaber braces his hands on the medic's inner thighs, heat radiating from the flesh as he pushes them further apart. Wolff lets out a soft moan as Klaber admires the medic's hole, glistening wet and begging to be touched.

"It's uncomfortable...and so hot." Wolff answers with a pout and Klaber nods.

"Maybe it needs a li'l' stimulation." He quips before he leans in, his tongue lapping at the medic's slick. God, he always tastes delicious but today it's so much more intense, thick and cloying. Wolff lets out a needy whine, his hips bucking ever-so slightly, as Klaber laps along his folds, his tongue grazing the medic's engorged clit. Klaber can't help the soft moan that wells up in his throat; the taste, the smell, the heat, it's all overwhelming.

"Ahhh... That's it... That's helping..." Wolff breathes as he passes a hand through Klaber's thick hair and the blonde shudders, his cock throbbing in his pants. He desperately wants to tug himself out and rock into his hand but, instead, he focuses on the task at hand. He seals his lips around the medic's clit, suckling gently between long, slow licks and, yeah, he's had way too much practice at this. He reaches up to slide two fingers inside and the older man lets out this desperate whimper that has Klaber moaning in sympathy. "Ohhh, Klaber..." Wolff rocks his hips against Klaber's face, the blonde eagerly lapping at him as his fingers curl and stroke.

"This helpin', Stephan?" Klaber asks, lifting his head for a moment, and Wolff nods desperately. "Can't have you under the weather."

"God, yes, Klaber, es ist perfekt. Du bist perfekt. Hör nicht auf... ¹" He replies and Klaber can't help but preen. To know that he can reduce the medic to a puddle of incoherence, his legs spread wide and his hole dripping with slick, has Klaber drunk with power.

"Y'know what'll help, Stephan? 'Ve got a very special injection for you." He purrs, pulling away for a moment and standing, shoving his pants and briefs down his thighs so his neglected cock is finally bared to the air. Christ, he's so turned on, pre-cum dripping from the slit in a steady flow. "Might be a li'l' big but we'll make it fit." He presses his hips forward, sliding his cock easily into Stephan's cunt. Klaber shudders, pleasure singing down his spine, as Wolff lets out this perfect, needy whine. "That feel better?" He asks and Stephan nods, his nails clawing at Klaber's forearms.

"Ja! Es fühlt sich gut an...!²" He cries, wrapping his legs around the blonde's waist and pulling him close. Klaber reaches for the medic's wrists, pinning his arms above his head, as the blonde sets a relentless pace, fucking into his lover's wet cunt with a desperation that ties them together.

"Fuck, you're so wet..." Klaber groans, Wolff arching underneath him, as the medic sobs with pleasure.

"Klaber, du von mich riecht... Scheiße, ich kann es riechen...³" He babbles and Klaber lets out a soft chuckle; yeah, he can smell Stephan's slick on his face, the musk coating his lips and clinging to his tongue. Klaber leans down, burying his face in the crook of the medic's neck, as his thrusts become messy and erratic.

"Stephan, you're... God, I can't... You're just... H-Hahh..." The blonde pants out as he snaps his hips against Stephan's over and over again, the both of them so close to cumming. "F-Fuck... Got your medicine, Stephan... I'll pump it nice and deep... You ready?" Klaber huffs out between gritted teeth as the medic's body begins to tighten and shudder around his cock.

"Ja , bitte...! Gib mir meine Medizin, Klaber...⁴" Wolff pleads and that's enough to push Klaber over the edge, filling the medic's wet cunt with his spend, Stephan whining underneath him as he cums. The world stops for a moment, the both of them awash with pleasure, before Klaber collapses on top of the medic, panting heavily...

The next morning, the corridor of the hotel is as quiet as one can expect, considering the previous night's...activities. As Wolff steps out of his and Klaber's room, he can't help but feel a mixture of contentment and a pleasant soreness that serves as a lingering reminder of the night before.

Cyrus is nearby, just closing the door to his and Hauke's room. When their eyes meet, there's an unspoken understanding that passes between the two friends. After all, they've both shared more than a few moments, like these, travelling together. Before Wolff can say anything, Cyrus shakes his head, a playful admonishment in his eyes.

"Do you have any idea how much secondhand embarrassment I went through last night, Stephan?" He asks. Wolff can't help but smirk, amusement breaking through his usual composure.

"Whatever do you mean, Herr Langstrom?" He sighs and the hitman scoffs.

"'Nurse Klaber', really?" Cyrus teases, his brow arching in mock disapproval. Wolff's cheeks flush crimson, and it only fuels Cyrus's amusement further. "Don't worry, we had to listen to the whole fucking thing. So thanks for that, Doctor." Wolff's response is quick and a touch defensive.

"It's not like you and Hauke are any quieter, Cyrus." He replies and, as if on cue, the door to Hauke and Cyrus's room opens again and Hauke steps out. He raises an eyebrow at the ongoing exchange. Cyrus grins and nods towards Wolff.

"Stephan's physical went well, Hauke. Klaber can be quite convincing, can't he?" Cyrus announces as he turns a presses a hand to the larger man's chest. Wolff's flush deepens as he clears his throat, feeling a bit on the spot.

Just then, the door to Klaber and Wolff's room swings open and the man himself steps out. He's combing his hair back, blue eyes wide and sparkling with rejuvenation after last night's romp. Hauke joins in, wearing an amused smirk.

"Good night, Klaber?" He asks, knowing full well how embarrassingly thin the walls of the hotel rooms can be. Klaber grins, seemingly unaware of the situation.

"For sure." He nods, pulling beside the doctor with a sly grin. Cyrus feigns a dramatic swoon, falling back against Hauke's chest.

"Oh, but to be young and in love." He says, with a theatrical flourish. Wolff finally regains his composure.

"And to have colleagues who should've been resting, last night."

Translations:

¹ "God, yes, Klaber, it's perfect. You're perfect. Don't stop..."

² "Yes! Feels good...!"

³ "You smell like me... Fuck, I can smell it..."

⁴ "Yes, please...! Give me my medicine, Klaber..."

[chiakinanami82]

A Series of Unfortunate Events: Gothic Hits

A Series of Unfortunate Events is a chapter book series written by Daniel Handler that follows the Baudelaire orphans and the treacherous ordeals that they experience. The first book, The Bad Beginning, was published in 1999, and was an instant hit. The series continued until 2006 with The End. The books waver between 162 and 368 pages. These books are considered to be gothic-esque, dark comedy, fictional children’s novels. I have also read the prequel series, All the Wrong Questions, which explores narrator Lemony Snicket’s first assignment in a failing town called Stain’d by the Sea. AtWQ is more like a film noir. Lemony Snicket, within ASOUE, is an older gentleman who’s lost a lot, and it shows in his monologues at times. He’s also intelligent and crafty, but can be cowardly at times. The title intrigues the reader, as life can be described as a series of unfortunate events, and it fits well with the text of the book. After all, the title warns the reader of misfortune, and Lemony consistently tries to prevent the consumer to cease reading of the unfortunate lives of these poor children. The illustrator is Brett L. Helquist, and his art is distinct, gothic, and absolutely gorgeous.

Our protagonists are the Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. They’re pretty stereotypical kid protagonists, being clever, kind, morally good, and polite. Each one has their own special talent. Violet is a fourteen-year-old inventor whose inventions save the trio time and time again. Klaus, twelve, is a massive bookworm with an impressive memory. Gladly, his research does come in handy a ton. Sunny’s the baby, and originally starts the series with a love of biting things, which evolves into a culinary interest. The overarching villain of the entire series is Count Olaf, an awful actor who plans to gain the Baudelaire fortune. He’s actually my favorite character. He’s terrible, violent, slimy, and unclean, yet he brings up good points about the world and society, especially in the twelfth book. The kids encounter several other characters, but I’ll keep them a secret just in case.

This satirical series has a lot of heart, and it treats its younger audience quite well, as Handler understands his audience’s intelligence. Not to mention, the series is dark enough for older audiences as well, and the literary references hit harder when you’ve read them. Hell, a ton of the lingering overarching mysteries have clues in the side works, and it’s up to the fans to figure it out. While some may complain about the writing style, I appreciate the humor it generates. The writing style is somewhat simplistic and repetition is a common sight, but the humor and the strangely specific definitions give it that spice. Is it somewhat annoying for there to be two full pages and the word “ever”? A bit, but it’s hilarious. There’s even a point where Snicket can’t describe a deadly fall into a dark place, so the page is just completely black. The books are written from Snicket’s point of view as he investigates their journey, making little quips foreshadowing or even spoiling certain events, such as a guardian’s death.

The series is built on subverting tropes and applying certain sayings quite literally for comedic and dramatic effect. In The Penultimate Peril, the hotel is called the Hotel Denouement. A denouement is the part of the story where the mysteries are solved and hanging threads are revealed, but Handler doesn’t answer any of our questions in the almost final chapter of the Baudelaire’s story. It’s brilliant. An example of a character taking a saying literally is a character named Babs who appears (or is rather heard) in The Hostile Hospital. She believes that if children are to be seen and not heard, then adults should be heard and not seen, so she hides in a booth and no one is able to see her face.

This series has more than wit, the subversion of tropes, and unfortunate events. It also has powerful themes of hope in times of great despair, the importance of family, and adults failing children even if they have the power to help due to their own issues. If you haven’t read this series since your childhood, I implore you to. If anything here has piqued your interest, well, check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[20xbetterthanu]

hey guys.

2022 is ending. it’s uh—it’s been a hell of a year, you know? so much has happened, i’m almost a new person entirely. my life has changed so much, and y’all were here to see some of it. some of it i kept to myself. sometimes change needs to be private, sometimes growth has to be alone. in the changing and growing and evolving i became less active. for a number of reasons. my parents were divorcing, my mom had put me out of the house, i was graduating, i was starting college, i was getting my heart absolutely shattered, and then i was picking up my pieces and managed to find someone better. he treats me so well. during all of this i started therapy. it helps. when this year has been so insane, i needed it. but you guys knew me before. i’ve needed it for a while.

in the changing, in the growing, i stopped writing. in the beginning it was because i was just too sad to do it. then it was the fact that i was too busy. and now i’m realizing it’s hard to pick back up. i’m trying to, i promise. and i believe i will. but i’m also accepting that maybe the reason it’s not as easy to write, to disappear into a world that i’ve created, is because i don’t need the escape anymore. i’m no longer hiding behind my words, hiding in my stories. i finally get to live you guys. i’m living. when for so long i was surviving. i was in survival mode for so long i forgot what it was to actually feel. and now i can.

i just wrote all of this to say thank you, really. y’all have been here and witnessed me at some of my worst moments. y’all helped me when i needed it. if i had questions you answered them, if i needed moral support y’all gave me that. when i needed distraction, i could look at your art or read your stories. we laugh together. and i’ve been here for a few years now. the love never wavered. i love y’all so much, even in my inactivity.

usually i’m sad about new years. but this doesn’t feel like a year wasted. no, this year was not wasted at all. here’s to 2023. love y’all. hope y’all have a good one.

[the-gasp-at-the-gateway]

It's because we've commodified art and expression, even basic human spontaneity. I hardly know anyone these days who's capable of commenting on a piece of art or media without rating it, assessing its value, describing it outside of the dichotomy of "good" or "bad." Go on, try it. Look at some art right now and make an interesting, yet neutral observation about it. Notice the motifs or the lines and shapes or the composition. Reconnect with your ability to witness your own reality around you without treating it like a conveyor belt sushi joint whose sole purpose is to satisfy your consumption.

You think it's cringe? You're stuck in your own cringe brain with your hand asleep on the button that makes things feel cringe for so long that you forgot it was even there. Shit, why do you think artists painted so many goddamn sunsets before they collectively figured out how to draw blorbos? Because that shit's beautiful, and the sun didn't ask for your permission to exist for billions of years to provide you the conditions necessary to evolve like slime out of a petri dish with an inexplicable sense of opinion. Sunset don't give a fuck. Flowers don't give a fuck. Your true nature the first time you picked up a crayon didn't give a fuck, but it all went downhill for you once you forgot how to enjoy things because you wanted to enjoy the better thing. So what was the neutral observation you made?

Genuinely actually hate just how much cringe culture has absolutely demolished the online art scene. Look at literally anything from 2018 and you’ll see teenagers having an absolute blast and making whatever came to their minds even if it was dark or edgy or sad or silly or childish. They didn’t care if their art was mid they were just putting out whatever their little brains came up with. Now everyone around me and myself included worries about doing literally anything with our art, or making bad art, in fear of coming off as “too pretentious” or “too dark” or “too silly” or “too sad” and it breaks my heart. “Cringe culture is dead” and all but the effects are very much still felt. Idk about y’all but I cannot name a single artist I know nowadays that isn’t afraid of coming off as “cringey”

[shubhampawrainfinium]

The Power of Visualization: Innovations in Medical Imaging

The global medical imaging market is on a path of substantial growth, driven by technological advancements and the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging solutions. According to recent reports, the market was valued at over USD 35 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach approximately USD 50 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 6% over the forecast period from 2022 to 2028.

What is Medical Imaging?

Medical imaging encompasses a range of techniques and processes used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes. These images assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating various medical conditions. Common modalities include X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.

Get Sample pages of Report: https://www.infiniumglobalresearch.com/reports/sample-request/41120

Market Dynamics and Growth Drivers

Several factors are contributing to the growth of the medical imaging market:

Rising Incidence of Chronic Diseases: The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, drives demand for advanced diagnostic imaging technologies. Early detection through imaging plays a crucial role in effective treatment planning.

Technological Advancements: Continuous innovation in imaging technologies, including the development of high-resolution imaging systems, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and improved imaging software, enhances the capabilities of medical imaging. These advancements facilitate faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.

Growing Aging Population: The global aging population is leading to a higher demand for diagnostic imaging services. Elderly individuals are more prone to chronic health conditions, necessitating regular imaging for monitoring and diagnosis.

Increased Healthcare Expenditure: Rising healthcare expenditures, particularly in emerging economies, are enabling investments in advanced medical imaging equipment and technologies. Governments and healthcare institutions are prioritizing the adoption of state-of-the-art imaging systems.

Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: The rise of telemedicine and remote diagnostics, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased the reliance on medical imaging for virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. This trend is likely to continue as healthcare systems adapt to new models of care.

Regional Analysis

North America: North America dominates the medical imaging market due to the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare spending, and a robust base of imaging equipment manufacturers. The U.S. remains a key contributor to market growth, driven by technological advancements and high patient awareness.

Europe: The European market is characterized by a strong focus on research and development, with numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing imaging technologies. Countries like Germany and France are significant players, supported by regulatory frameworks that promote innovation.

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness rapid growth in the medical imaging market, fueled by increasing healthcare investments, rising populations, and growing awareness of advanced diagnostic techniques. Emerging economies like China and India are key markets, with expanding healthcare infrastructure and rising demand for imaging services.

Latin America: The Latin American market is growing, driven by increasing healthcare access and investments in healthcare infrastructure. However, challenges such as socioeconomic disparities may impact growth.

Middle East and Africa: The medical imaging market in the Middle East and Africa is evolving, with increasing investments in healthcare and growing demand for diagnostic imaging services. However, the region faces challenges related to healthcare access and funding.

Competitive Landscape

The global medical imaging market is highly competitive, with several key players leading the industry:

Siemens Healthineers: A major player known for its advanced imaging technologies, including MRI and CT systems, along with AI-driven solutions for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

GE Healthcare: GE Healthcare is a significant contributor to the medical imaging market, offering a wide range of imaging modalities and innovative solutions for diagnostics and treatment planning.

Philips Healthcare: Philips is recognized for its comprehensive portfolio of imaging systems, including ultrasound, MRI, and CT, along with digital health solutions that enhance patient care.

Canon Medical Systems: Canon is an emerging player in the medical imaging market, providing advanced imaging technologies and software solutions for various medical applications.

Hologic, Inc.: Hologic specializes in women's health imaging solutions, particularly in mammography, and is focused on improving patient outcomes through innovative technologies.

Report Overview : https://www.infiniumglobalresearch.com/reports/global-medical-imaging-market

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising growth trajectory, the medical imaging market faces challenges, including high costs associated with advanced imaging equipment, regulatory hurdles, and the need for continuous training of healthcare professionals.

However, there are significant opportunities for growth in this market. The integration of AI and machine learning in imaging systems presents opportunities for enhanced diagnostics and workflow efficiency. Additionally, the increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare and early disease detection aligns well with the capabilities of medical imaging technologies.

Conclusion

The global medical imaging market is poised for significant growth, projected to expand from over USD 35 billion in 2022 to about USD 50 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of nearly 6%. Key drivers include the rising incidence of chronic diseases, technological advancements, and the growing aging population. As the market continues to evolve, medical imaging technologies will play a crucial role in improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing patient outcomes worldwide.

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[timesofinnovation]

Sir Paul McCartney, the legendary member of The Beatles, is set to captivate fans once again with his much-anticipated 'Got Back' tour. This tour marks a unique and historic moment in music history as it will feature the premiere of "Now and Then," a new Beatles song brought to life utilizing artificial intelligence technology. This song, which includes the unmistakable voice of the late John Lennon, encapsulates the innovative spirit of today’s music industry. The genesis of "Now and Then" stems from a cassette tape featuring Lennon's original vocals, recorded in 1977 but left incomplete. With the aid of modern AI techniques, McCartney and fellow Beatle Ringo Starr worked tirelessly to resurrect this lost piece of musical heritage. McCartney, along with the engineers and sound experts involved in the project, used advanced software to enhance Lennon’s vocals and combine them seamlessly with new musical components. Guitar parts were also integrated, as they featured contributions from the late George Harrison, creating a blend of past and present that is sure to resonate with fans. The significance of this song extends beyond its nostalgic value. It represents a bridge between generations, showcasing how technology can resurrect and celebrate the artistry of the past while paving the way for new experiences. "Now and Then" is more than just a song; it’s an emblem of how AI can redefine creative boundaries in music. This fusion between artistry and technology has opened discussions about the implications and possibilities of AI in the creative industry. The 'Got Back' tour will kick off in Montevideo, Uruguay, before traversing through key locations in South America and Europe, highlighted by performances at Manchester's Co-op Live and concluding with two back-to-back shows at London’s O2 Arena in December. McCartney has expressed great enthusiasm for these performances, particularly his return to his home country for the tour finale, where he aims to share a "special feeling" with fans. Despite the excitement surrounding the tour, some criticism has arisen, particularly from fans in Liverpool who lament the absence of a local stop. Yet, McCartney, reflecting on his experiences and the power of music to unite people, continues to prioritize the broader celebration of The Beatles’ legacy through this tour. This return to the stage also underscores McCartney’s commitment to innovation, showcasing a willingness to explore the evolving landscape of music production. The integration of AI to finish "Now and Then" demonstrates how far technology has come and its potential to reshape music creation, distribution, and even the live performance experience. As fans flock to McCartney’s shows, they will not only be treated to classic hits but also witness the debut of a song that is a powerful testament to the capabilities of contemporary technology when married with timeless musical talent. The anticipated performance of "Now and Then" against the backdrop of a full tour promises to be a captivating experience that will be etched in the memories of those who attend. Furthermore, the exploration of AI's potential within the music industry raises bigger questions about the future of art and creativity. As more artists embrace these technologies, we may see an increase in collaborative works, reimagined classics, and new genres that originate from the integration of traditional talent and modern tools. In conclusion, Paul McCartney's return to the stage, paired with the debut of "Now and Then," signifies not only a nostalgic revival of The Beatles' legacy but also a bold step forward into the future of music. As audiences experience this innovative synthesis of past and present, it becomes clear that the world of music is poised for exciting transformations, fueled by technological advancements. AI in music is just beginning to show its potential, and with pioneers like McCartney leading the charge, the possibilities are as limitless as they are thrilling.

[bizzna-pop]

The Enchanting Popcorn Culture at Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are a wonderland for thrill-seekers, where laughter and excitement fill the air. Among the exhilarating rides and captivating attractions, one snack reigns supreme: popcorn. This beloved treat not only delights taste buds but also weaves an essential thread into the fabric of the amusement park experience. In this blog, we’ll dive into the rich history and cultural significance of popcorn in amusement parks, exploring why this simple snack has become a cherished part of the adventure.

A Storied Connection: Popcorn and Amusement Parks

The bond between popcorn and amusement parks has deep historical roots, dating back to the late 19th century. Initially popular at fairs and carnivals, popcorn quickly made its way into the hearts and hands of park-goers as amusement parks gained popularity. Vendors began to set up stalls, and the irresistible aroma of freshly popped corn became a signature scent of these thrilling venues, synonymous with joy and nostalgia.

One of the key reasons for popcorn's enduring appeal is its delightful taste and unmatched portability. Served in convenient tubs, popcorn invites visitors to snack as they navigate the park, enjoy live performances, or wait in line for their favorite rides. The sight of vibrant popcorn machines, alongside the comforting aroma wafting through the air, evokes cherished memories, transporting visitors back to moments spent with family and friends.

Popcorn’s versatility further enhances its popularity. From classic buttery goodness to innovative gourmet flavors like truffle and spicy caramel, there’s a popcorn variety to satisfy every palate. While other snacks, such as French fries, offer tasty options, they lack the nostalgia and emotional connection that popcorn embodies. Many visitors recall the simple pleasure of sharing popcorn during park outings, reinforcing its status as a beloved treat.

The Modern Evolution of Popcorn Culture in Amusement Parks

Today, amusement parks are redefining the popcorn experience, elevating it to new heights of creativity and indulgence. As they embrace the art of commercialization, parks are introducing gourmet popcorn and unique flavor combinations that tantalize adventurous taste buds. Guests can savor everything from zesty cheese and tangy barbecue to decadent caramel and chocolate-covered varieties, turning snacking into a gourmet experience.

Moreover, amusement parks have capitalized on popcorn’s potential as a merchandise phenomenon. Themed popcorn boxes, fashionable apparel, and even whimsical popcorn-scented candles have become sought-after souvenirs. Items like popcorn-themed keychains and tote bags not only serve as delightful reminders of the park experience but also allow fans to express their passion for this iconic snack.

The lasting tradition of popcorn at amusement parks is a testament to its ability to adapt and thrive. As generational trends shift and dining habits evolve, the bond between popcorn and amusement parks continues to flourish. The irresistible aroma, convenience, and deep-rooted nostalgia make popcorn an integral part of the amusement park journey, ensuring it holds a special place in the hearts of visitors of all ages.

Celebrating the Popcorn Experience with BizznaPop

At BizznaPop, South India’s largest popcorn kernel supplier, we take immense pride in being a vital part of this vibrant popcorn culture. Our popcorn machines are found in theme parks, movie theaters, and local vendors across Bangalore, spreading joy to countless popcorn enthusiasts. There’s something truly heartwarming about witnessing the smiles on people’s faces as they indulge in this timeless snack.

To further enhance your popcorn experience, we offer a wide array of popcorn seasonings, allowing you to recreate the delightful flavors of amusement park popcorn right at home. From savory to sweet, our seasonings bring the magic of the amusement park experience to your kitchen. Join us in celebrating this iconic snack that continues to create lasting memories, evoke smiles, and inspire a sense of adventure for all who visit amusement parks!

[krovscastlerpg]

Vitaly Alehkin | Staff | 125 | Hellhound (Alpha/Wrath) | Top

"You might win one battle, but know this, I’ll win the fucking war."

Vitaly Alehkin was not born into the world of the mundane; he was crafted from myth and shadow. The son of a demon mother and a werewolf father, he arrived in the icy expanse of Russia, where survival was a fierce test of will. Abandoned at birth, he learned the harshness of the wilderness, where the chill in the air matched the coldness of his early life. From the howling winds and rustling leaves, he gleaned lessons of endurance and tenacity. As he grew, his hellhound instincts sharpened, revealing both his feral strength and the turmoil of his lineage. It was a life steeped in solitude, where each heartbeat echoed with a longing for belonging.

As the clouds of World War II gathered, Vitaly found himself plucked from the shadows of his existence and thrust into the maelstrom of conflict. Military commanders, sensing the potential within him, trained him as a living weapon. The battlefield became his home, and rage became his ally. In the chaos of war, Vitaly learned to harness his hellhound nature, channeling the fury that simmered beneath the surface. Yet, as he witnessed the devastation around him, he began to glimpse another path—one that led toward healing rather than destruction. This revelation sparked an internal battle, pitting his ferocity against a growing desire to save lives rather than take them.

Amidst the horrors of war, Vitaly took to the art of medicine with a fierce determination. He scavenged books, learned from fellow soldiers, and turned makeshift supplies into tools of healing. The once raging inferno within him began to temper, even if only slightly. Yet, the scars of his upbringing and the brutality of war were not easily forgotten. The moments of clarity were fleeting, often overshadowed by bouts of anger that would erupt like a storm. Each time he lost control, he felt a piece of his humanity slip away, leaving him to wonder if he could ever truly reconcile the two halves of his being.

After the war ended, Vitaly wandered through a world he barely understood. He traversed the vast landscapes of Europe and Asia, each step a quest for knowledge and self-discovery. His travels introduced him to various healing practices and philosophies, allowing him to expand his understanding of life and pain. Each encounter chipped away at his temper, teaching him when to wield his anger and when to step back. But even as he learned to manage his rage, it still lurked within him, waiting for the right moment to explode. Vitaly became adept at sensing when those moments were justified, knowing that sometimes fury was necessary to protect the vulnerable.

Eventually, Vitaly's journey led him to Krov's castle, a mysterious haven inhabited by creatures both dark and enigmatic. Here, he found a sanctuary where his past could finally be reconciled with his present. As the resident doctor, he treated an array of beings, from cursed souls seeking redemption to restless spirits in need of guidance. In this eclectic environment, Vitaly’s skills flourished, and he became a beacon of hope for those who sought his aid. His hellhound nature, once a source of conflict, became an asset as he learned to toe the line between his darker instincts and the compassionate healer he aspired to be.

Though he had made strides in mastering his temper, Vitaly still recognized the importance of that fury when directed toward those who threatened the innocent. There were times when his hellhound rage surged forth, unleashed with the righteous fury of a guardian. These moments were rare and deliberate; he had learned to distinguish when his anger served a purpose. Vitaly transformed his rage into a protective force, channeling it to defend those who could not defend themselves, ensuring that his dual nature was not a curse, but a powerful tool.

As years passed in Krov’s castle, Vitaly continued to evolve. He forged deep bonds with those he cared for, transforming from a solitary weapon of war into a trusted confidant and healer. The castle became a microcosm of his journey, a place where he could explore the depths of his own soul while helping others navigate theirs. Vitaly Alehkin, the hellhound who once roamed the earth in search of meaning, had finally found his purpose: to heal, to protect, and to honor the complex tapestry of his existence. The inferno within him, once a harbinger of destruction, had become a guiding flame, illuminating the path toward understanding and redemption.

Positive Traits: Protective, Intuitive, Intelligent, Dilligent

Negative Traits: Explosive, Vindictive, Harsh, Blunt

3 turn-ons: Wrestling, Dominance Battling, Breeding

3 turn-offs: Zoophilia, Vanilla Sex, Pettiness

[bosphorus-dinner-cruise-istanbul]

Çamlıca: The Serene Jewel of Istanbul

Nestled on the Asian side of Istanbul, Çamlıca Hill, known as "Çamlıca Tepesi" in Turkish, is a breathtaking destination that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. This picturesque hill is not only a popular spot for locals and tourists alike but also a significant part of Istanbul's cultural and historical landscape.

Historical Background

Çamlıca Hill has a rich history that dates back centuries. It was once part of the Byzantine Empire and later became a favorite retreat for the Ottoman sultans. The hill provided a perfect escape from the bustling city life, allowing the rulers to enjoy the beauty of nature while overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

During the Ottoman period, gardens and pavilions were built on the hill, making it a popular leisure destination for the elite. Many famous poets and artists drew inspiration from its tranquil surroundings. As Istanbul modernized, Çamlıca remained a cherished spot, evolving into a public park that attracts visitors from all walks of life.

The Scenic Views

One of the main attractions of Çamlıca Hill is its breathtaking views. From the summit, visitors are treated to a stunning panorama that encompasses both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. On a clear day, you can see iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge stretching majestically across the water.

The view is particularly magical at sunrise and sunset, when the colors of the sky reflect off the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Many photographers flock to this spot to capture the beauty of Istanbul bathed in golden light. It’s a perfect place for a romantic outing, family picnic, or simply a moment of quiet reflection.

Çamlıca Mosque

A highlight of Çamlıca Hill is the Çamlıca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey. Opened in 2019, this grand structure can accommodate over 60,000 worshippers and boasts a stunning blend of traditional Ottoman architecture and modern design elements.

The mosque features six minarets, the tallest of which stands at 107 meters, symbolizing the number of years between the conquest of Istanbul and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Inside, the mosque is adorned with beautiful calligraphy, intricate mosaics, and spacious prayer halls that provide a serene atmosphere for worship.

Visitors to the mosque can also explore the surrounding gardens and fountains, which add to the tranquility of the area. The mosque’s visitor center offers educational resources about Islamic culture and history, making it an enriching experience for all.

Recreational Activities

Çamlıca Hill is not just about stunning views; it also offers a range of recreational activities. The surrounding park features walking and jogging paths, making it a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts. Families can enjoy picnics on the lush green lawns, while children can play in designated playgrounds.

For those seeking a leisurely day, the hill has several cafes and restaurants where visitors can relax and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine. Sipping on a cup of Turkish tea while taking in the breathtaking views is a quintessential experience at Çamlıca.

Cultural Significance

Çamlıca holds a special place in the hearts of Istanbul’s residents. It has become a symbol of unity and pride for the city, representing the blend of history and modernity. The hill serves as a reminder of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage while providing a space for relaxation and connection with nature.

The area has also become a gathering place for local events, festivals, and cultural activities. During the spring, cherry blossoms bloom, attracting crowds who come to witness the beautiful scenery. Art exhibitions and performances are often held in the park, fostering a sense of community among visitors.

Accessibility

Getting to Çamlıca Hill is convenient, with various transportation options available. Public buses and taxis frequently operate from different parts of the city, making it easy for visitors to reach the hill. For those looking for a more adventurous route, hiking trails lead up to the summit, offering a more immersive experience of the natural beauty surrounding the hill.

Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: For the best views and fewer crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Sunrise and sunset are particularly stunning times to experience the hill.

Photography: Don’t forget your camera! The panoramic views provide incredible photo opportunities.

Bring a Picnic: Pack some snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park. There are plenty of spots to relax and take in the scenery.

Dress Comfortably: If you plan to walk or hike, wear comfortable shoes and clothing to make the most of your visit.

Explore the Mosque: Take some time to visit the Çamlıca Mosque and learn about its architectural significance and the culture it represents.

Conclusion

Çamlıca Hill is a serene oasis amidst the vibrant chaos of Istanbul. Its historical significance, stunning views, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a place to connect with nature, or a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich culture, Çamlıca offers a unique experience that captures the essence of this remarkable city.

As you stand atop the hill, gazing out over the sprawling metropolis, you’ll understand why Çamlıca has been a cherished retreat for centuries. With its blend of history, beauty, and tranquility, it invites you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonders of Istanbul.