#yes because it confirmed my biases of course

[randomfoggytiger]

So, ehat was your take of the podcast of these two old friends? I thought it was lovely and different than his other podcasts. She gets him to relax.

Now, what about the recreation of the picture they said they would do?:) I think they might have talked about the picture but not when the photoshoot would happen. Xmas is around the corner. Come on guys, give the Fandom a merry David-Gillian gift of all time! It's been a dry spell without your loving craziness. Hike up those stockings on your little legs, G, and hop onto those DD shoulders.

It'd be funny if they did, wouldn't it? It'd also be funny if they recreated it in a way that wouldn't hurt either of their backs, shoulders, or knees, too. XDDD

I had an excellent time with the podcast! It confirmed every single one of my suspicions, theories, and guestimations of their friendship: their personalities, their focuses, their dynamic then, their dynamic now, etc. It was refreshing. It was, for lack of a better word, simple: the facts were the facts were the facts, and there wasn't anything big or grand to be made of their interactions, past or present.

I liked hearing them talk over each other. I liked that both admitted to already butting heads in Season 1. I liked that both admitted they'd never thought to trade childhood stories, or cross their personal lives over.

Most of all, I loved their candor: David admitting he felt dumped in the Revival, and that Gillian didn't know and felt sorry in retrospect. That Gillian didn't feel dumped during the first run. That Gillian thought the Revival's story line reduced her character, especially the ending. That David felt trapped and villainized over the pay gap issue; and only later learned his pay wasn't due to his merit so much as internal favoritism. That Gillian now understands and feels for his pain. That David still feels the sting of Vancouver hating him and being forced out of rehab anonymity, and all the pain he gathered from both incidences. That Gillian admitted she doesn't process shame, just stays too busy to have to face it. That David felt comfortable to say that was unhealthy, and that she felt comfortable enough to hum in agreement. That both know their children have to fail, because they would fail their own children if they stopped those failures. That David tried to drill into his son that he's a miserable person and nothing is as it seems; but that that perspective hadn't worked. That Gillian feels motherhood is the most fulfilling thing for her, yet chooses her work over and over (again, staying too busy to feel shame.) That DD knew as early as Season 1 that Chris intended for Mulder and Scully to be an end goal-- asking CC if he wanted to send GA and himself to couples' counseling as their characters. That GA forgot and laughed over the memory. That Gillian arrived late after he offered her a ride on his private aircraft; then wrote him a beautiful letter, on the plane, instead of saying those words in person. That he marveled she hadn't gone insane from the pressure. That she no longer feels the need to run from Scully's legacy. That both admitted that communication, though important, was non-existent during that time in their lives.

There are so many good bits. But I have two takeaways:

They have the same frenetic drive, the same "crazy" as David calls it; but I can see why it drove a wedge between them (and could, now): they wouldn't be able to tolerate that same freneticism in each other in large doses. (Hence, why they didn't speak for weeks while on set, and were already exchanging "blows" in Season 1.)

Most importantly, they were two old friends who purposefully dug in and rediscovered new things about each other. The camaraderie was different: settled, more "in-character" to how I think they talk when David doesn't feel like he has to perform (though there was a bit of that) and Gillian doesn't feel uneasy, or anxious, or "watched."

In short: they felt wholly the same, but in a new way. :DDDDD

[dizzyjaden]

Oh, to be loved by an artist... ✧˚ · .

Albedo x gn! Reader

♤ Summary: Your bf Albedo makes you pose for his painting then u cuddle <3

♤ Warnings: JUST PURE FLUFF !

♤ A/N: In celebration of this man finally getting a rerun in version 4.5

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:

In the warm firelit glow of the room, dimly emphasized with orange hues by the setting sun peering in through the windows, Albedo's eyes graze over every inch of your body fervently, he sits stationed behind an easel and canvas where he is painting you. Sketching for him is a hobby that came about from his line of work. It is more often than not that sketching things he frequently studies or needs to understand better benefits his experiments. Painting, however...

Painting is more of a love language.

Albedo sketches whatever interests him, it does not take a long time to do, and it requires little material and effort. With painting, one must really stress the details to bring everything together. He paints things out of appreciation for them. To really see every feature and memorize it all.

Ever since the two of you started dating, the only thing occupying his thoughts is you. Anytime he attempts to pass the time with sketching, you're the first subject matter to advance in his mind. It only makes sense to dedicate hours to an entire full-length portrait of you. You are important to him after all.

The pose he asked you to take is candid and simple, nothing dramatic. However, you had begun to appear restless with frequent unintentional twitches across your figure. He smiles sympathetically.

"Try to focus on your breathing. It will make it easier to hold still."

A slow exhale passes through your lips. Truthfully, remaining motionless for hours is more difficult than you assumed, but you couldn't grow tired of this position you are in. Your lover is not a very affectionate person, at least not physically. He of course never turns you away when you are the one to initiate, but he rarely does so himself. You've realized over time that it isn't because he loves you any less than you love him, but the way Albedo prefers to show his affection is simply exactly what he is doing now. Penetrating through your skin with his gaze, his lips slightly parted and his eyebrows furrowed while he ingests each little characteristic on your body that has built up and brought him you.

"I'm impressed by you, my muse." He teases. "Most people struggle to maintain such a striking demeanor throughout the entirety of the session. I hope you do not mind me taking my time."

"Striking? What do you mean by that?" You hum curiously. He sighs as he struggles to find words for it.

"Some people just look... Posed." He attempts. "But you are naturally scenic... Though perhaps I'm biased. You could do anything and I'd find it devastatingly attractive."

You smile playfully and roll your eyes, realizing he has not actually touched the canvas in a moment.

"Not to rush you, but yes to rush you, I'd like to breathe soon."

Albedo nods.

"I am finished."

Your eyes widen.

"Oh, really?" You prompt, subtly asking for confirmation that you are allowed to move.

He smiles.

"I have been finished for some time. I just wanted an excuse to stare at you a while longer."

You give him an annoyed scoff as a response and immediately stretch your limbs out. The painting had to have taken at least six hours. You saunter over to where he is seated and allow yourself to practically fall into his lap. He gives your forehead a quick kiss as you nestle your head against his shoulder to observe his work on the easel.

"I think it turned out rather well." He states in satisfaction. "Though, I'm not sure the most talented artist alive could do you justice."

You are blown away by how casual he is about what he just put on that blank board you're staring at with your jaw on the ground. It's you, absolutely you. Terrifyingly realistic yet still captured in the most flattering way imaginable.

"It's... Incredible..." You mutter.

"It's a painting." Albedo sighs. "To be honest, I did like the idea of having something for me to look at when you are not around, but at the end of the day, it's still just a painting."

Once again, you're blown away by his indifference as he wraps his arms around you.

"A really good painting." You affirm. "It's very... Good-"

"You are so warm..." He murmurs quietly, seeming to have already moved on. You sigh.

Sometimes it seems Albedo does not give himself the appreciation he deserves, if you squint you'll notice that he doesn't think of himself highly in any regard. Despite his alchemical advancements, he still believes himself to be average at best when it comes to intelligence. Despite his borderline inhuman artistic skills, he does not think his work is anything of note. It makes you sad.

You don't want to bring this up now and potentially spoil the moment, though. You'll get on his case about not knowing how amazing he is later. Albedo is always busy, he is always running back and forth to get something done, but now he is quiet and still as he brushes a hand through your hair.

"Are you tired?" You ask him. He nods slightly.

"It will be dark soon..." Albedo yawned. "I'd prefer not to waste what little day is left by going to sleep early."

Thankfully you speak Albedo, so you know when he says something like that he fully intends to stay up very late, working. You yank away from him to glare in irritation, he laughs.

"I will not stay up all night, love. Promise." He smiles. You hate how adorable his smile is, you're trying to be mad at him.

"If you don't sleep, it will negatively impact my own sleep schedule." You say in an assertive tone of voice. "I cannot sleep if you aren't next to me."

Albedo doesn't seem to fully believe this since you've fallen asleep on your own nearly every day of your life until the two of you moved in together. Nevertheless, he contemplates.

"I will come lay next to you until you fall asleep-"

"No." You cut him off. "Let's go to bed."

He sighs in defeat and picks you up as he stands from the chair.

"Fine, fine." He mumbles, rolling his eyes at your victorious expression. He carries you to bed and collapses beside you instantly. His sluggish behavior warrants a giggle from you.

"I suppose today was longer than I anticipated." He admits, pulling the blankets over the both of you. "Although, I am glad we got to spend some time together towards the end of it."

You shuffle closer to him which brings him to immediately wrap his arms around you, pulling you into his chest with a sigh.

"Are you comfortable enough?" He asks. Something about Albedo is that he never stops fussing over you, he'll probably ask you the same question another twelve times before falling asleep.

"Yes." You respond simply, reaching your hands up to play with his hair. This is the best technique when it comes to shutting Albedo up. His eyes quickly flutter shut at the sensation and you smile.

"Love you Bedo." You profess. His grip around you tightens slightly at your words.

"Love you too..."

[comfycuddles]

You know what I think...

It's time we start talking about Peter Capaldi.

When we talk about Doctor Who and our favourite modern doctors, we always go round and round in the same circles:

"David Tennant is the greatest Doctor!"

"No way! Matt Smith brought this goofy nature to the character, while maintaining the Doctor's eternal darkness!"

"Please! Nine was funny and sassy and just overall great. He deserved more credit. Eccelston was the best Doctor!"

And sometimes even a:

"I think that although she had to endure poor writing, a female Doctor was refreshing!"

I agree with this of course, and every Doctor brings something with them, you know who we don't post enough about? Or even generally talk about enough?

Peter fucking Capaldi. I seriously think he might be one of the most underrated Doctors of the modern era and It's a WASTE.

From the very beginning he was just amazing. "Do you know how to fly this thing?" ICONIC. His first episode was pure crack in the very best way. (The way he flirted with the dinosaur, anybody?)

Capaldi had this amazing connection with Jenna as Clara (Although I am a Clara stan idc so I might be a little biased about that) and their dynamic was so much fun to watch.

Not unlike David Tennant Peter is such a fan of the show. (As was confirmed by Jenna) But is also nice about it too. He doesn't go around just correcting everyone, but he wants everyone to know what an amazing show it is and wants people to love it just as much as he does.

Also 12 was so iconic??? Fighting fucking Robin Hood with a spoon? Awesome! Rolling into the middle ages on a fucking tank, calling people "Dude", making puns and dumb jokes and above else SLAYING that guitar?! Yes! A thousands times Yes! Just the best space grandpa ever!

Capaldi is so unhinged and has this chaotic energy while still appearing as the sanest person in the room. Just look up some stories about him fucking around on the set.

It was also very refreshing to see an older Doctor. I mean, I think Capaldi wad the oldest guy to play the Doctor since HARTNELL. He still had this youthful energy, but he just seemed so DONE with everyones bullshit. 12 handled things with a certain maturity that I kinda loved.

Like he has life experience, he KNOWS what his actions will cause and that's GOOD to see of the Doctor. And at the same time he's also forgiving himself for all the things he's done, which is even BETTER.

And don't even talk to me about his relationship with his companions and Missy. First of all the latter gives me life. And his relationship with Bill was so good y'all. I mean, he punched a racist in the face for her. (ICON!!!!) And were just adorable.

And my final point, the biggest point: Peter Capaldi is just an AMAZING actor. We all love "Heaven sent" and It's just the greatest episode EVER and this is party because Moffat wrote it so beautifully, but also because of Capaldi's Jaw dropping performance!!! If he wasn't SUCH an amazing actor the episode would have never worked. And I am certain of this fact. He did that y'all! HE. DID. THAT.

Capaldi gave some of the best speeches and performances in Doctor Who history. And everyone sleeps on it, and I say "No more!" Also his line. "Do you think I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?" DONE, SOBBING ON THE DAMN FLOOR. I need to say with this that I'm NOT an emotional person at all. But somehow that line hit me right in the feels and never stopped.

So yeah

Eccelston was hilarious and fun and amazing

David was awesome and I think It's definitely deserved that he goes down in history as one of the greatest Doctors.

Matt had some heartwrenging moments that I'll never get over, was as cool as bowties and just lovely

And Jody was unique and ADORABLE!

But y'all are SLEEPING on Peter Capaldi and 12 and that is SO undeserved.

Mister Capaldi Sir, if you ever see this, (You probably won't, but that's okay. I hope it does though) just know, that I love and adore you so much and think you are one of the greatest actors and human beings in the history of everything. And you DESERVE to know that. I will forever be proud to say that 12 that is my favourite Doctor of all time. And I say this without half a doubt in my mind. I'm a proud Peter Capaldi stan until the end of time. And just know that I and so many more people along with me have so much LOVE for you. (Most of us not in a creepy way though) and you are CRIMINALLY underrated.

Thank you so much for reading my rant.

This has been a Peter Capaldi/12th Doctor appreciation post. And I invite you to reblog this and show your love for the best Doctor. Only positivity though, stay nice.

[jesncin]

In reference to your post about colorblind writing in MAWS, I think a way better example of having characters from a minority group understand marginalization of aliens was in the Teen Titans show, when Kory's talking about her experience with prejudice and Vic says he understands because "of course I do. I'm a Cyborg". And even though he says Cyborg you can hear in his voice the double meaning. Of course he understands, he's understood since long before he became Cyborg.

Oh yes! I re-watched the episode to jog my memory. I know there's a bigger discourse (that I have no authority to speak on since I haven't read the og Teen Titans comics) around how the Teen Titans show adapts certain characters- but as an episode from a show introducing the concept of racist prejudice to kids, it's a good episode with a considerable amount of depth. Kory's fear of speaking up and causing a fuss to confirm Val-Yor's biases, the attempted "model minority" she plays into, and her confiding in Cyborg specifically, are all really inspired choices. The episode ending with Val-Yor still being a jerk is important too, like his praise and finally calling Starfire by name was all conditional.

I love Starfire and Cyborg's moment in the episode "Deception" too- where Cyborg disguises as a human guy to infiltrate Hive Academy and he opens up that he finally felt normal for a while, only for Starfire to say "I did not know you before, so to me, you are normal." it's sweet, and shows even though they have different backgrounds, they relate and find a special kind of solace in each other.

[neongreenllama]

Feelings

@wolfstarmicrofic

Sirius sighed.

“Why do you sigh so much?”

He glanced down at the five-year-old perched on the toilet seat, combing his messy hair to get ready for the day. Or rather, combing one strand of his hair over a dozen times and neglecting the rest. Sirius couldn’t blame him; it was a struggle to untangle every morning and he always ended up having to help him.

He looked back at himself in the mirror, where he’d finished shaving and all the while had been judging the size and shape of his nose, and his eyebags that seemed to get darker every day, and those lines that had appeared on his forehead …

He sighed again.

“Because sometimes I don’t feel pretty,” he confessed.

“Moony always says you are.”

He sighed once more and poked his cheek to make it look … different. To no avail, of course.

“Yes, but he’s biased so that doesn’t count.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Biased?” He looked at Harry for confirmation who nodded. “It means someone can’t be objective about something.”

“What’s objecive,” the boy tested the unfamiliar word and ending up slurring it.

“Objective,” Sirius enunciated more clearly. “It’s when …” He searched for a way to explain the word. “You don’t let your feelings get in the way of judging something. Making an opinion about something,” he added to be more precise. “It’s only looking at the facts. So, Moony is biased because, thanks to all of his feelings of love getting in the way, he can’t be objective about me. He’ll still think I’m pretty when I’ve lost all my hair and I’m old and wrinkly.”

Harry made a face at the thought of an old and wrinkly Paddy with no hair. Sirius beckoned him over to look with him in the mirror together.

“But you won’t let your feelings get in the way, will you?” Now, with Harry standing on the toilet seat and leaning against the sink, he took a breath to steady himself and said, “So tell me honestly, do you think I’m pretty? I can take it.”

Harry looked at him for a moment and then shrugged. “Ms. Bruhn thinks you’re sooo haaandsome,” he finally said, mimicking the slow and high-pitched voice of his pre-school teacher from when he’d overheard her talking to a colleague once, and swooningly put his hand to his chest.

“You think you’re so funny,” Sirius replied drily to the giggling five-year-old next to him before taking the brush and holding it like a weapon. “Here, you jokester, let’s untangle that mat.”

What followed was underlined by a lot of squealing, but finally they managed to make the boy look somewhat decent enough so other people won’t think he was being neglected.

“Am I pretty?” he asked Remus later who was standing at the kitchen counter making tea while Sirius was sat on the sofa.

They finally had some peace after the little one had been handed to Ms. Bruhn for safekeeping for the day.

“Very.”

“You’re not even looking.”

Remus briefly glanced up at him before going back to put teabags in the cups.

“I know what you look like, Sirius,” he replied calmly.

“Yes, but today. And be objective. Don’t let your feelings get in the way.”

Remus finally looked up at him and held his gaze with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re beautiful, Sirius. You know that.”

Sirius rolled his eyes and shook his head, unsatisfied with that answer.

“I said don’t let your feelings get in the way.”

“What are you talking about.” He shook his head. “Where’s all this coming from? Sirius Black not satisfied with his good looks?”

Sirius let out another long sigh in a series of many that day, letting his head fall back on the sofa. He didn’t really know what the problem was. Usually he was quite confident in his beauty but lately he just felt bored of his body and the way it looked.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m getting old,” he finally relented.

There was a moment of silence before big hands cupped his cheeks from behind, leaning his head even further back so he could look at Remus’s face.

“I doubt twenty-five counts as old.” He stroked his thumb along Sirius’s cheek and lips and down to his chin. More gently, he said, “I don’t think I can be objective about you. But if it helps, I’ll still think you’re beautiful when you’re old and wrinkly.”

And he knew that, but somehow, hearing it, he couldn’t keep the smile from creeping up on his face and the warmth from spreading in his chest.

Maybe it didn’t matter that his feelings got in the way.

[dufferpuffer]

No, you are justifying Snape’s actions, you literally said “Severus was absolutely justified to snoop on Remus.”

I understand everything you’re saying, and I don’t think I underestimated the societal biased the text poses. I’m just saying that for even the most ingrained, deep set prejudices, there will be average people who challenge it. Snape had his many reasons to want to dig up dirt on his bullies, and dirt he found. I just don’t think it’s cute to see people justifying instead of condemning the bigoted side of it.

But alas, sometimes every single one of Snape’s action gets distorted into a veiled demonstration of utmost kindness and tolerance.

I’m not at all suggesting if Lupin was ousted as student, he’d be fine because love wins. But just because outrage and revulsion would be the average crowd reaction, doesn’t make it ok.

This can way too easily get mixed with their complicated dynamics in PoA, where yes, a lot (but not all!) of Snape’s unpleasant actions were actually attempts to protect Harry. I’m talking about Snape stalking and planning to oust Remus as a teen.

I don’t find it heroic or justifiable that he’d “snoop on Remus”. If he had sincere concerns about the safety of his peers, he could go to a teacher or the headmaster (he would be disappointed, but it would have been the most direct and earnest way to handle it). Instead, he wanted to use Lupin’s condition to make the point that “they’re not as great as everyone thinks they are”.

Maybe this got out of hand, I do feel like I am stating the obvious: Snape is prejudiced and that is bad. Not everyone is prejudiced even if most people are. We should hold everyone to high standards, not lower it to the average.

As demonstrated by characters much less controversial than Snape, you can be prejudiced and still try to be a good, loving person, like Molly. But she should not be off the hook, and neither should Snape.

“Snape was picking up Lupin’s slack and just dutifully teaching from the curriculum” is also a bit weak, come on. Are we gonna let the man be a petty bitch or what.

From an objective, black-and-white moral viewpoint: Of course Severus is wrong trying to expose Remus. Severus was contextually justified in snooping only in that he believed Remus was a threat… but the belief that Remus was a threat, that he was 'not good' simply because he is a werewolf, is bigoted.

I can condemn the bigotry in that. I LOVE condemning the bigotry in that. My favourite thing is the parallels between Remus' depiction and living with real disability. So much of what he goes through socially and mentally parallel real disabled experience in a way that is shockingly deep for… any media, let alone a children's book series. Being snooped on for your invisible disability, whether that be to find a reason to fire you or make fun of someone walking out a wheelchair... Having laws that don't outright exclude you, but may as well... Feeling like you let people down, especially those who love you, simply for your symptoms... Medicine being degrading and depressing to take - after jumping through hoops to get it… I'm getting off topic.

It's just that the tolerance Severus displays is more notable. I don't blame Ron for treating Remus like an animal. It's bigotry, but what else could he believe in that context? He learns to tolerate and trust. So does Severus. He he tolerates and trusts Remus despite his bigotry and experiences. He has bias against werewolves, hates Lupin - and yet still treats him like a man. Ties him up like a criminal - not kill him like a wolf, even though (based on what he believes is happening) he has every right to. He knows how to. He TAUGHT how to. But he doesn't.

He wanted confirmation Remus was a werewolf when they were kids. He GOT that confirmation, and could have gone public. The marauders were STILL bullying him, doing nothing at all to earn his silence - he could have lashed out, spread rumors and watch society turn on Remus. Yet he didn't. He trusted he wasn't the threat everyone believes werewolves to be.

Not going to the teachers about it was, as I said, petty and irresponsible of him. Teen boy tries to be a big hero, win back his friend, put his bullies in the bin and unmask a monster all by himself… a rather arrogant Scooby-doo plot. Gaining from 'justified' misery, exposing the crooked bully Griffindor Prefect as EVIL when everyone thinks he is great... It's irresponsible for such a serious thing - but there is so much more going on with him than 'he is prejudiced and that is bad.' Like when he took over Lupins class.

I'm not saying he was just innocently and dutifully teaching what the curriculum should have been - you just insinuated he was teaching them how to kill werewolves, as if that isn't plainly written in the textbook. Sirius Black betrayed those who trusted him and killed Lily Evans. Now he is infiltrating the school using secret methods - and his last living friend is wrapping everyone around his hairy little finger like a wolf in sheep's clothing to trust him.

He picked the werewolf section specifically. He taught it intensely, under the guise of them being 'so behind': TWO rolls of parchment, due so soon only Hermione managed it. Not because he was being petty - PoA is probably where he was at his least petty. To him this is an emergency situation, a ticking time bomb nobody else is taking seriously.

+ Petty would have been tampering with Lupin's potion. + Allowing Remus to fuck his own job up by forgetting it... + Refusing to work with him or on his behalf on his bad health days. + It would have been making snide comments about him, likening him to a wolf or asking where he was on the Full Moon. + He could have been making Remus sweat all year. It would have been in character. Instead he has faith in Albus' judgement (while tugging on his sleeve) and lets Remus walk all over him in their verbal fencing. How very odd for Severus to never once snap back...

Yet he doesn't. He tolerates it all, despite Remus never doing a single thing to earn it - and doing everything to earn his scorn.

...

You're saying Snape is wrong for snooping on Remus to out his Lycanthropy to a bigoted society, especially as there are selfish desires behind the action. That despite how difficult it would be to question the bigotry, there are still average people who do - and Snape isn't one of them. He is prejudiced and remains so even in adulthood.

And you are ABSOLUTELY correct. I agree.

I'm saying Snape was contextually justified in most of the actions he took against a perceived (and known) threat. They were not always good actions but they are far more reasonable than most others. He has MORE reasons to be bigoted and yet shows LESS bigotry in his actions than most others.

Snape is a prejudiced person who doesn't try to be good and loving… he just tries to be good. Good enough. He dedicates his entire life to be good. To do the right things, even when he personally disagrees with them, even when its like sandpaper against his skin to put up with. He just doesn't do it lovingly.

That, I think, is the biggest issue people who dislike Snape have. Why they see people saying he did good as trying to distort him, claiming he is kind when he is obviously an asshole: He doesn't always do things well. He almost always has some sort of petty, arrogant prejudice behind his actions. He is a sour, prickly, nasty bitch... but he is still STRIVING to do whats right. Doing the right thing when it is hard, directly in the face of his own biases... that's pretty cool. Remus thinks so too.

"...Severus made the Wolfsbane Potion for me every month, made it perfectly, so that I did not have to suffer as I usually do at the full moon. ...We both know he wanted my job, but he could have wreaked much worse damage on me by tampering with the potion. He kept me healthy. I must be grateful.” “Maybe he didn’t dare mess with the potion with Dumbledore watching him!” said Harry. “You are determined to hate him, Harry,” said Lupin with a faint smile.

[arctic-hands]

*looking at you History Channel and TLC, and the stupid "the Titanic sunk because of a coal fire!" documentary I wasted an hour on before looking it up further and immediately saw how that theory has been debunked for years

**Once again looking at you History Channel, and almost all conspiracy documentaries

Anyway, if you answered yes to Option 1, please drop your fave documentary/ies in the comments, tags, or reblogs. I MUST devour a good documentary soon or I will explode into a ball of confetti 🎊

[variouslengthsofwire]

extremely funny that you have a post about the human desperation to confirm internal biases calling for empathy for people who refuse to change and then immediately a post about how its okay to be a zionist. downright comical

I knew this was coming. My post was more calling for self-reflection for when it's you who won't change in the face of evidence contrary to it. I deleted an entire two paragraphs about how I've had conversations and arguments with people who believe that I'm that person, while I believe they're that person, regarding the Israel/Palestine conflict.

I have changed my opinion on some things here and there in light of new evidence over the decades, but no one has yet convinced me that the morally correct thing is for 7 million people, including my family still in Israel, to die violent deaths because they had the audacity to be born in the wrong location. Or because the only place they could go as a refugees was Israel. This is something no one can convince me of, regardless of the evidence.

My moral framework does not allow for 7 million Jews, 140k Druze, 2 million Palestinian Israelis, 5 million Palestinians, or any other ethnic, cultural and/or religious group just needing to die for being in the wrong place. I am simply not okay with genocide, nor will I ever be. This may confuse you because many people think zionism is pro-genocide, but it's actually anti-genocide of Israeli Jews. Zionism in and of itself says literally nothing about Palestinians the way evolution says literally nothing about the creation of the universe. Allowing Jews to have self-determination in their home-land does not run contrary to allowing Palestinians self-determination in their homeland. Unless you believe that Palestinian self-determination necessitates genocide of other groups, but that seems terribly racist to me and makes no sense. Of course, I've seen many people pretending to be pro-Palestinian essentially making this argument, when what they really are is anti-Israel.

As far as I can tell, anti-zionists fall into three main categories:

People who have no idea what the word zionism means and have decided to believe antisemites about the definition of a Jewish word. Most of these people think it means Kahanism, Jewish supremacy, pro-genocide, or something along those lines. It does not. Yes, I have met several Jewish people in this category, most of them under 25.

People who are pro-genocide as long it is happening to an acceptable group. These people like to tell others, and often themselves that they are against genocide, but then they literally call for the deaths of 7 million Jewish Israelis, nearly 10 million Israelis (including Muslims, Christians, Druze, etc.), or 15 million Jews. They say things like "from the river to the sea Palestine will be free" and "globalize the intifada." Not a single one has ever suggested any sort of solution that doesn't involve mass death that would far outweigh the current war. There is a 2.5 who only want mass ethnic cleansing of Jews and/or Israelis from the levant. But this would also necessitate mass death, so they're just asking for genocide with extra steps.

People who are just like the commenter in that screenshot. They are not working from the reality that Israel exists, but from some fantasy world where they go back in time and change history or simply ignore the existence of 7-10 million people who are there right now. Or sometimes, they just conveniently ignore the words and actions of the various terrorist groups surrounding Israel, so they can make the country go *poof* without causing the genocide that multiple groups are actively attempting. It's deliberately choosing the false information over the real world. These people tend to call it "Isnotreal" and think they're so clever.

There is a lot of overlap, of course. Most anti-zionists I have come across engage in all three, though some will just engage in one or two.

That post I reblogged was specifically about wanting peace and prosperity for Palestinians. What is wrong with that?

Also, if you wanted me to change my mind, why did you not try to convince me of anything? Make an argument, back it up with evidence? When you point and laugh at someone, it just makes them dig in their heels, that's human nature. I'm pretty sure you want more zionists in the world, not fewer. This way, you can feel superior about wishing death on people. You can have your genocidal fantasies and feel A-okay.

Zionism is wanting Jews to be allowed to live where the highest concentration of us already exist. If that is morally wrong to you, then you are a genocidal antisemite, and you are not "okay."

[meetinginsamarra]

Writer's Meme, 2024 Edition

Thank you @raina-at for tagging me in the Fic Writer Meme!

How many works do you have on ao3?

60 in total. But 17 are covers to the chapters of “Mutual Attraction“ (couldn’t properly embed pix then) so I have written 43 fics/ficlets.

What's your total word count?

404.688 (currently posting so number will rise)

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Learn My Scars, Mutual Attraction, The embers still glow when I’m sober, The toe that didn’t belong, Wretched and Divine

Do you respond to comments? Why/why not?

Yes, always and nearly always within 24 hours max. I love comments, they give me so much joy. Wether it’s an emoji or an elaborate analysis, I adore them all.

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

No angsty endings with me. Only one with an ambiguous happy-ish ending is “Until the final breath escapes” and I wrote this for Halloween.

What's the fic you've written with the happiest ending?

They all end happily and in Johnlock.

Do you write crossovers?

So far, none. Maybe one day when inspiration hits. (Actually, it has already hit twice but both concepts are very vague. Like very.)

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

No real hate. Some inappropiate or weird or rude comments but they have been few.

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

When I feel like it, yes. It varies. I’ve written explicit porn as well as “vanilla” smut.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I’ve had kind offers on three fics for translations but I don’t feel comfortable about this so I politely declined.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No. I cannot tell if it would work but I am not against trying in general.

What's your all-time favourite ship?

BBC Johnlock

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

I have been struggling with “Every fairy-tale needs a good old-fashioned hero” for years now. It should have been my fourth fic but I got knocked out of the vibe back then and now I cannot find my way back although I have tried already two times. I still want to write it. I hate unfinished projects. About 12k written (maybe a third??) and the rest is partly plotted.

What are your writing strengths?

This answer is highly biased, of course. I can write suspenseful action scenes (comments confirm this). I can make readers laugh via funny scenes (comment-confirmed as well). Can write porn and fluff.  I generally think of myself as a versatile writer. And then I get imposter syndrome, like what am I even doing, self-taught writing in not my native language.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Writing long complicated nested sentences (I’m German. It’s the master language for long sentences) that are really too complicated in English.

Also, see above, I’m not a native speaker (although I count myself as fluent in English) but I write directly in English (no translations!). So, I have to look things/words up to check if they really mean what I think they mean.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

Would only be comfortable with German, obviously. Or very easy/short sentences in French or Italian. Only if the fic really needs it.

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

BBC Sherlock. I started very late in my life with writing fic. (With writing anything at all, actually.)

What's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to?

Klance. Keith Kogane x Lance McLain of Voltron – Legendary Defenders (anime). My second beloved ship. I do not actually want to write for this because there is such a distinct lingo to the characters and techno-babble if one writes in canon and I could not mimic this.

What's your favourite fic you've written?

I am not going to choose! I am proud of every single fic.

I don't know who has already been tagged but maybe @blogstandbygo @cumbercurlygirl @holmesianlove @7-percent want to give it a try

[krakenguard]

Blue Knight's Halberd Halberd of Targray, Knight of the Blue. A fitting weapon for a shepherd of lost souls Those who put faith in an absolute good also believe in the existence of true evil. But to others, the distinction between the two can be quite unclear.

Order Healing One of the incantations of the Golden Order fundamentalists. Used by hunters of Those Who Live in Death. The noble Goldmask lamented what had become of the hunters. How easy it is for learning and learnedness to be reduced to the ravings of fanatics; all the good and the great wanted, in their foolishness, was an absolute evil to contend with. Does such a notion exist in the fundamentals of Order?

Man, but the thing that I find super curious is that, like...

The descriptions for the Blue Knight's Halberd(Dark Souls II) and Order Healing(Elden Ring) are super close to one another, in referencing the whole "faith in an absolute good and the existence of a true evil."

And then you take a moment to look at the plot twists introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree, and how certain people in the fandom respond to those plot twists...

There's still a good chunk of people that view Mohg as this horrible monster that's like the ultimate evil - without getting into whether this is based off of preference or perception - where's Miquella is still seen as a force of absolute good - again, without getting into whether this is based off of preference or perception.

And, I've said it before, but I'll say it again: there is a certain irony in how the DLC introduced these two characters(Ansbach and Leda), both serving as a sort of representative to the ones whom they've pledged loyalty to(Ansbach for Mohg; Leda for Miquella).

And... At least from my observation, Ansbach's the one that's gotten the most scrutiny for having formerly been in service to Mohg, and then reaffirming his loyalty to Mohg after learning about what Miquella had in store for Mohg, and what he intends to do to Mohg's body.

Over the course of two years, a good chunk of people put faith in Miquella under the notion that, of the demigods, he was an absolute good among them; and Mohg, of course, was branded as the ultimate evil, for being the figurehead of a Blood Cult, an adherent to the Formless Mother, and for being the one to have abducted Miquella from the Haligtree.

Now, with Shadow of the Erdtree released, even after we've received confirmation that yes, Mohg WAS bewitched by Miquella, people still hold onto that faith that Miquella is this force of ultimate good. And those same people still hold onto the notion that Mohg, likewise, was the ultimate evil. He got what he deserved, and Ansbach is biased for trying to avenge his former master.

And look, I had a server where people could air out the things that frustrated them with the DLC. Whether it be for Mohg sympathizers or Miquella believers. Take it from someone who witnessed firsthand that a lot of hostility came from the Miquella believers. When I had made a note of wanting things to be kept civil within the server, they still drove people away.

Which, again, is kind of funny because it still mirrors some of the items associated with Needle Knight Leda(just substitute killing her fellow comrades as more driving certain people away from a server).

Leda's Armor Chest armor of Needle Knight Leda. Slightly strengthens attacks following a dodge roll or backstep, as well as dash attacks. Embroidered with a golden crossed-tree motif, the chalk white cloak and surcoat symbolize the honor of the Needle Knights. "Kindly Miquella fashioned us as his needles to quell all, to ward away all."

Lacerating Crossed-Tree Handicraft depicting a golden crossed-tree. One of the items conferred to the Needle Knights. Enhances dash attacks. Long ago, the Needle Knights were in service of Miquella, but now they are no more. Save for one.

"I can’t fathom your convictions. After knowing Kindly Miquella, what remains to pledge to your Lord of Blood?"

It's the exact same feud as what goes between Ansbach and Leda... And it's the exact same thing that was mentioned in the descriptions for Order Healing, and the Blue Knight's Halberd.

Those who put faith in an absolute good also believe in the existence of true evil. But to others, the distinction between the two can be quite unclear.

[agentravensong]

after getting those two meta posts out of my system yesterday, i come to you today with something much simpler: my Aromantic Muriel proposal for season 3! because i love muriel (platonically), and also... well, we'll get to it at the end.

to be clear, i know that making characters who are as inexperienced naive and childlike as muriel aromantic can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. but, if executed properly, i think this idea could not only avoid, but subvert those stereotypes. also, this is coming from an aromantic person, so.

the proposal goes as such: let's say that muriel's arc in season 3 will be them, like aziraphale and crowley before them, learning more about earth and coming to prioritize it over heaven's plans. we get to see muriel come to enjoy food, entertainment, and other human things. they begin to participate in these things enthusiastically, get a hobby or two.

during their arc, they learn more about romance. they read some of the romance stories in the bookshop. they start putting together just what crowley and aziraphale mean to each other. they see the humans around them in romantic relationships.

and at some point, muriel determines, and eventually confirms to at least one other character (even if only offhandedly) that they don't feel those feelings, for anyone, and probably never will.

and despite that, they still go on to fight for earth as devotedly as the lovey-dovey angel-demon duo (and everyone else who will inevitably get roped into it over the course of the season).

there's other stuff i've considered as potentially part of this, such as having a human character who's also aromantic be the one to introduce the concept to muriel, even if it's only in a brief way while muriel is investigating more general human stuff (because having human representation of queer identities like this one has a different weight to it than inhuman queer rep).

perhaps, if there's gonna be another demon taking shax (previously crowley)'s position (and flat) now that shax has been promoted, maybe they start bonding with muriel, and a Certain Someone(s) starts projecting reading romantic feelings into their interactions, only to be told, truthfully, that their relationship is purely platonic (or queerplatonic). not romantic, but still meaningful.

good omens is a story that puts a high value on the idea of love. not just romantic love - i've spoken before and probably will again about the importance of crowley and aziraphale's love for earth and humanity, for instance - but romantic love is a big part of it. like, when you think about it, the most plot-involved human adults in both seasons of the show so far have had romance as a notable part of their arcs (anathema & newt, shadwell & tracy, maggie & nina). and then in season 2, we have the curveball of ineffable bureaucracy being made canon, plus explicit confirmation that the love crowley and aziraphale feel for each other is romantic in nature.

meanwhile, there are the other demons, who only seem to love power and cruelty, and the other angels, who only seem to "love"... bureaucracy. the other demons and angels, our antagonists, whom crowley and aziraphale, our protagonists, are differentiated from in their love for humanity... and for each other. a romantic love that's reflected in the other prominent adult humans, making it, other than wanting to save the day/world (obviously), the uniting factor between our disparate heroes.

i don't want to belabor the point. just... it would be nice to have a protagonist who can love earth without also feeling that other kind of love. and, yes, i'm biased, but i think muriel presents a fairly natural opportunity to do that. it doesn't have to be them though. either way, that'll be my headcanon for them :)

[just-finished-watching]

Dangal

Finished Watching: 4/1/2024

Genre: Action, Biography, Drama, Sports

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 (4/5, a little biased tbf)

Expectations: I didn't have any expectations going in. Why? Because I've already watched the film before. It's been a while, but I watched it back when it came out in theaters in 2016. However, it's been a while since I watched it, so my memory of the movie was a bit fuzzy, and this rewatch fixed that. I noticed many more details that I previously didn't and I think I got out of my watching slump, which is always a plus.

Not a Favorite

Summary: Mavir Singh Phogat is an ex-national wrestling champion who had to long give up on his dream of winning a gold medal for his country as his family could not afford it. He dreams that his son will win one instead, but he has four daughters back to back. As they grow up, he slowly distances himself from wrestling, but when his two oldest daughters, Geeta & Babita, start showing promise, he trains them, much to their dismay.

Thoughts (*SPOILERS*):

Like I said, I've watched this film before, but OH MY GOD!!! I love Bollywood so much and this film reminds me why. Obviously, this isn't stereotypical Bollywood with lots of romance and drama. However, the tension in many of the scenes had me sitting on the edge of my seat. And of course, I was vibing to the music. Did I think it was too often? Probably for somebody who is not used to films with music. But these are the types of movies I grew up with so I was enjoying it to the max.

Did I love the characters? (Should I even call them characters?) Yes! Were they also a tad bit dramatic? Even more so. The villain in the second half of the film, the training coach, was almost comically villainous. I actually almost laughed when he locked the father in the closet because Geeta was listening to him. Like??? He still sucked at coaching, the fact he still has a job is crazyyy even in the film's world.

Now I am not a huge wrestling fan. The closest you will see me watch wrestling is from all the fighting webcomics I read. So I can't really confirm how accurately the movie portrays wrestling. However, I can attest to how it stays exciting. It makes me want to watch more wrestling matches (I won't, but it made me want to!).

Would I recommend this to anybody? Abso-fucking-lutely. Anybody who wants to try a Bollywood film out, but doesn't really get excited by the idea of a classic rom-com and wants something a little more wholesome? Try this one, I beg. Aamir Khan really did eat this film up, and I actually don't expect anything less from the man. In fact, try more Aamir Khan films if you want to watch Bollywood. They always get me.

[mostlikelytofangirl]

Look at this mess. The reason it's difficult to translate NMJ accurately to a modern au is because his actions would be just abusive. Honestly if I were NHS I'd never forgive NMJ for destroying my things. NHS is scared. Look at him, poor thing. As much as I love NMJ he needs a reality check

Let me just.

Aahhhh ok. Here's the thing.

Is this objectively abusive? Yes.

Is this happing in a vaccum? No.

Idk man. I'm thinking that maybe you haven't come across a good modern AU featuring NMJ bc I have enjoyed me plently a great and in-character and delightful modern!NMJ.

This happening right there is not a staple of his entire character. If anything it IS a way to show how much he had degraded and spiralled into qi deviation. He did need a reality check, you are right, but that's bc he is getting progressively disconnected from reality and wrapped in his own biased perception.

You know what this reads like to me? Triton and Ariel.

Dude was fed up with his daughter not only disobeying and neglecting responsibilities, but doing stuff he knew for a fact were dangerous. He was trying to protect her. What he did in the cave, destroying all her stuff, was awful and unexcusable, but can we really call it abusive? Or claim that he didn't love her and was a matter of time before he got violent?

In NMJ's case, dude knows he's dying, he's going to leave NHS alone and in charge of the sect in a world where JGS is pretty much unmatched and he had been trying for so long to get his brother and only heir to actually give a damn about that. Throughout the years, he had yelled and nagged, but how different is that from a strict parent? Dude had to be a parent after losing his and becoming a sect leader at what? 16? I think we can cut him some slack in terms of not being the most wholesome guardian. AND YET not once was he ever mentioned to get physical with his brother, neither would NHS be his happy-go-lucky, lazy self for all their life together if he knew there were actual weight to his brother's threats. Or was JC also abusive towards JL in this regard?

Mxtx herself confirmed in an interview that despite being only half-siblings, the Nie's relationship was good. This here is an outlier situation, an ooc moment for NMJ bc my guy was reaching the point of no return. And the fact that NHS not only forgave him, but enacted a ten years long revenge for him goes to show that he either came to understand the circunstances in which this happened, or the love and good moments he spent with his brother greatly outweighted this sad episode.

I'm sorry, but this is extremely realistic to me in terms of family and interpersonal relationships in general. No one can have a fully wholesome and unproblematic dynamic with another person, much less a close one. You are going to do shit to hurt each other, you are going to be pissed off or even scared when the other person blows up when they are in a very bad place. That doesn't mean that all your time together is now invalid or that that person is "toxic", especially when it's pretty obvious that this is not normal behavior for them.

You are fully valid in not liking this, of course, I just don't think it fully fair to pass judgment on how other characters should feel about him when NMJ is quite literally going through his worst moment right before he freaking dies a painful and untimely end.

[thedeductionpage]

Denial

I’m a person who loves psychological deduction. I prefer working on a person’s psyche / personality rather than getting more physical, sherlockian deductions. If you happen to get your deductions confirmed, you’ll come across a few forks in the road, make a few mistakes, and that’s fine. Sometimes, though, you are completely correct and the problem lies in whoever you’re deducing, because they’re living in denial.

How will you be able to tell if you’re actually onto something or if you’ve made an error?

1.) self-awareness. Was that deduction really reasonable, or did you just want to feel better about yourself? Did you just want the drama, or were there pieces of evidence to support it? Check yourself.

2.) establish a baseline. Is it in the person’s behavior to be in denial about this? if yes, then…there you go!

3.) look for inconsistencies. Prod them a little, see how they react, emotionally.

4.) ask the right questions.

I’ve got two examples from two people i’ve deduced, one in denial, one I was incorrect about.

I deduced a girl in her teens who claimed I got everything correct, but one: that she cared about how people saw her and her looks. According to her, she didn’t. Of course, that was a lie.

Why? Here’s what I got (keep in mind that these were all confirmed)

- 13-16, female, stable economic status, not as comfortable as she liked.

- active online

- wants to be seen as funny, charming, someone intelligent, interesting, and with substance.

- strong personality, opinionated, rich inner world, yet introverted and shy.

- has older siblings that are perceived as either more attractive, intelligent, or both.

- complicated but alright relationship, closer to mother.

- lonely

- has trouble asserting herself.

- feels a lot of pressure to live up to her own and others’ expectations of her, academically, physically, behaviorally.

She claimed she didn’t care how she looked and what people thought of her and that I was wrong. I ended up being right, but we’ll get to that, later. Why did I stick to my guns?

- had on undetectable makeup, face covered with hair that was braided.

- fashion had a clear niche or message.

- psych profile: insecure, pressured, self-perception, trouble with assertion

—> Her psych profile, that she confirmed, all points to a certain pattern. What I knew about her was she was insecure, feeling pressured, wanted to seen as interesting, all that— but what’s the root cause of all this?

She draws a lot of her self-image from those around her.

Whether she wants to be pretty and smart enough or wants to prove she doesn’t care are not as important the fact that she feels she has something to prove to these people. There’s a difference between not caring and wanting to look like you don’t care. There’s a difference between thinking/being something, and wanting people to see you as that. Look for inconsistencies.

What about when I was wrong?

I deduced a girl and got:

- introverted

- young adult to teen female, around 17.

- artistic or creative, sketches or writes.

- very active online, expressive.

- very particular about self expression.

- outspoken

- insecure, specifically when it comes to the physical self.

- wants a sense of belonging, to be seen by the right people in the right ways.

- feels misunderstood.

- skeptic

- anxious

- closed off, emotionally distant and can be seen as cold or abrasive

- “I wouldn’t say you have a terrible reputation or relationship with people in your social circle, you may just not be involved enough.”

- your parents / family, I think may be an okay relationship? They’re not terrible, at the very least.

I got things wrong because of biases, honestly. The things she called out were reasonable.

introverted—> actually extroverted. I was led on by her activity online and the stereotypes that came with the “edgy-activist”, outspoken type.

relationship with parents—> i wanted to play safe and didn’t want to risk it, ironically, didn’t want to engage in stereotypes even if the answer was right there.

I also got her economic status slightly wrong, mainly because I got lazy/careless and didn’t want to offend her. I’ll admit, I didn’t have the balls and was biased.

Hindsight’s 20/20, learn from your mistakes.

As you can see, there’s a clear difference between someone who’s in denial and someone you’re wrong about. Remember, when you talk to those in denial, that you’re altering their perception of reality slightly. There will be feelings. So, how do you approach the problem?

Ask the right questions. I didn’t ask the first girl why she was lying, I asked questions that I knew she would answer a certain way, if my suspicions were true.

- you use fashion to express yourself? yes.

- you did your own hair? yes.

- “i normally do my hair”

Ask questions with answers you know they’ll answer a certain way if your deduction was correct. Look for reluctance or a highly emotional response. These all, + my previous deductions, pointed to me being correct. Stick to your guns. Make it make sense. Learn how to detect shit. I’m gonna be honest, I’m getting sick of writing this post so i’ll stop here. I hope you learned something from this. Bye.

[lmk-aus-galore]

Cinema Sins/Wins Rip off of Lego Monkie Kid

‘A hero is born’ part 1

I wrote this in my old account after I no-clipped it into the back rooms so it’s now just ‘lilacartsmadison-deactivated’

So I’m going to redo this.

Inspired by @satansaidmyturnintheh3llscape

Rules:

-I won’t be counting Animation Mistakes, because Idk how to do that, and I myself am a beginner animator (more like incredibly amateur, to the point I’m asking my sister for help) Unless of course the Animation is obviously and clearly having a mistake for me to watch. The other reason is because I don’t want to keep repeating a scene just to check for an animation mistake.

-I also won’t be counting flashbacks as ‘mistakes’ because most of them are based on bias.

-I’ll be formatting it like this

-Neutral

-Sin

-Win

-Most of this is Commentary, so there won’t be a last sentence nor win or sin counter.

-This is mostly for fun, no need to get offended.

With all that said, let’s get into the episode

———————————————————————————

-Intro

-._.

-Narration, great way to introduce the audience to those who are a big fans on Journey to the West

-Stunning Animation! Props to Flying Bark Studios!

-There were villagers around here that ran in the direction of the axe, so nah they dead.

-I love how the animation makes it look, especially since this perspective makes it look so incredibly biased.

-Again this whole flashback just speaks on how the narrative is being told by someone in the sidelines, as Monkey King seems to be depicted as a mighty hero throughout the whole fight scene not making witty banter compared to reality

-Not a fan to when they close up to his face though-

-Is it just me or does the ending scene just make him look buffer?

-The transition in Tang’s narrative voice makes me giggle, you can just tell his personality just by his voice

-MK for the win

-Tang saying MK’s name introducing us to our main character further

-‘Pearls of Wisdom dripping from my lips’ Tang sounds like his nose was stuffed here

-PIGSY DON’T SMACK A SPOON AT YOUR STAFF

-Tang and Pigsy’s names being revealed, introducing us to the side characters

-‘Well wisdom don’t pay the rent you freeloader!’ So…does this imply that the shop is rented? I mean it’s confirmed in ‘Noodles or Death’ that Pigsy bought the place, and since Mk is the only one that lives there (Since Pigsy has to open the shop as seen in ‘The Skeleton Key’) shouldn’t Mk be the one paying rent? Or is this implying that Tang and Pigsy live together? FreeNoodles shippers, if you will

-This scene kinda gave me an explanation as to why he was friends with Sandy

-Idk where the game sound is from

-Tang does the oven ding

-PIGSY DON’T BEAT UP YOUR CUSTOMERS

-‘No Pigsy!’ Tang I’m sorry, but you sound like that one bottom boy in a yaoi anime

-MK’s phone is cracked, relate

-Nice tunes

-Stunning Backdrops

-Ok but the Impossible Delivery Episode makes sense considering this was Wukong’s impression of MK since he did tune out everything and end up under a construction site.

-Love the little detail that Wukong can’t hide his tail no matter what form he is XD

-MK’s so cute-

-You know, after watching Season 4 the scene where he climbs kinda…makes sense???

-This was pointed out in the wiki, so I thought to add it, I didn’t see the Horn change direction, but his hands did briefly turn purple here

-‘It’s going to take a few robots to lift the Monkey King’s staff, only those deemed worthy can wield it’ What is this Mjolnir?

-I mean technically yes, but you also have to be really, really strong. Since Y’know…IT’S A DAMN PILLAR

-Season 1 artsyle is so goofy ngl

-The scene where Red Son tries to lift it reminds me of that one scene in avengers where they try to lift Mjolnir and Hulk just struggles.

-‘Mother are you sure this is the right mountain?’ ‘No! Maybe it was that other mountain with a magical staff sealing away my husband!’ The sass here! I would never talk to my mother that way! XD

-Why did they react before the place started shaking?

-Frankenstein reference

-Reminds me of Kai from Kung Fu Panda ngl

-I almost forgot what DBK looked like before they gave him armor, it looks so weird, did the mountain cut off all his fur? He was so furry in the flashback

-‘Flesh, Bone, I have returned to the Realm of the Living!’ This implies that DBK died while being sealed in that mountain, but was brought back since he was supposed to be sealed. I actually look at the scene and how he was sealed, he could’ve actually died ngl, I mean look! The way the mountain was sealed on top of him, made it look like he was crushed or suffocated, since he only has immortal youth. That or DBK was exaggerating and actually thought he died because there was nothing he could see.

-Wukong man don’t be a jerk I know you wanna know, but you could’ve Y’know shown him a little earlier?

-I still can’t believe Red Son is Wizard Cookie, sounds more like Licorice with Father Issues.

-And this is where all the simps started saying ‘Demon Daddy’

-I heard the sound of stone breaking, either MK broke a stone as he fell on top of Red Son or one of them broke a bone

-Demon Bull King’s dramatization makes sense when you look at Red Son

-‘Waste not your energy on this…peasant’ Red Son sounds like Peridot XD

-‘Monkey King’s staff’ Who the frock is whispering that? Destiny?

-Epic Main Character Moment

-‘That staff doesn’t belong to you little boy, hand it over’ Moments like this makes me believe MK has the face of a teenager, when he’s an adult.

-Fun fact, Red Son has the Samadhi Fire symbol on his back, not sure how long ago Season 3 was planned out, but If it was still in the works during Season 1, then consider this the inspiration for the plotline

-‘Dang it!’ Proceeds to wipe off Noodles XD

-Sooo…does the staff have a mind of its own?

-‘would you get down here so I can kill you!’ Not many cartoons say this out loud, tbh, they normally just say another iteration of it.

-The whole chase scene is fabulously animated

-I just realized when MK stole a Hoverboard, the guy who was taking a photo, was able to take Red Son’s face.

-Ok I’m just assuming that it’s really easy for MK not to pay attention to his surroundings. Which is why Wukong wanted him to focus.

-Blueprints are Lego blueprints, which reminds me that this in fact is a Lego show

-Mei’s theme song for the win

-._.

-Poor MK getting dragged as Mei lands her bike

-Mei for the win

-Mei has the same braincell with MK

-‘Uhh, I actually I almost died back there’ ‘But you didn’t!’ Manifesting

-How did Pigsy afford a private arcade machine beside his shop? Or did Mei buy that?

-Seeing MK try to beat Mei’s high score man…

-‘Well in that case- where does he live?’ this part feels like it was cut off mid way, like those edits in a compilation that just randomly cut off a character’s line to make it sound funny.

-Why does she have a kill button? How does she have a kill button? Why does she need to know where he lives in order for it to work? Is it a death ray?

-But damn she really do be me when my sister speaks about that one boy in her class that I don’t like.

-‘Woah, zero stars? Congrats! Better than nothing right!’ There goes her braincell

-That door cannot muffle him out, I guarantee you.

-How long has it been for Red Son to return home, get scolded by DBK and build an entire armor for him?AND IT WORKS?!

-Family issues right now

-So…quick question…how does Iron Fan’s hair work? Like judging by the color of the horns, that’s her hair…right?

-‘The more rare the item, the more powerful father will become!’ No wonder he lost, the moment he lost the staff to MK he weakened, which is why his power was somewhat equally matched to Wukong

-I wanna know what era this takes place or if China actually has this advanced technology.

-Again! How long has time passed? And why does he tell Tang now?

-Who placed the book under the bowls?!

-This again was pointed out in the wiki, but they forgot to animate the layer.

-Poor Tang.

-I really do have a feeling Tang does indeed have combat experience.

-Like how logical this is, since if I told them that an ancient stone monkey and a Bull demon were real and used a staff just to prove it I would call falsehood too

-Welp, Pigsy, there goes the bills

-Also Staff has a mind of his own.

-When Tang fanboys about that staff, I kinda think his voice was…Idk changed a little? I guess they’re still solidifying the characters

-‘He’s at the shoe store…’ ‘This better not be one of your puppy videos Mei’ this confirms that Mei has used a different topic just to show off a puppy video before

-The fact that there’s a hashtag and people telling that Demon Bull King is real, (obvi not believing it) means that the legend was really passed down from generations and is so popular to the city’s origins, I kinda like how this is portrayed and seen, but it could also be because SWK is so popular throughout China that some people actually know the legend word by word

-If that Shoe store worker doesn’t have dedication I don’t know who does. Bro really needs that pay.

-I wanna name him, suggestion: ‘Qing Chen’ probably not the best name so I’m open to suggestions.

-DBK and Red Son got that drip

And that’s the end of part 1! See ya in Part 2! Bye!

[todayisafridaynight]

The topic of the dub is a complex one for me. Because while I do love the cast as well, it's also like, I genuinely think it's a problem with the industry that they can all be traced to like 1 or 2 other Smash Hit properties with few exceptions.

Like of course the Japanese actors are also household names, but I would be comparatively really hard-pressed to find that big of an overlap in casting. I totally understand it's exciting for people who enjoyed those properties to be able to say "Hey, that's X!" and I'm exactly the same way, but I just find it hard to believe that the same couple of US voice actors who've dubbed nearly everything for ages are always the best choice.

But way way more than that, it's the knowledge that the actors were essentially told to "direct" their own performances that has left me with kind of a bad taste in my mouth. I don't see the point of having an experienced cast of "actors everyone likes" and not harnessing their talents. It's pure insanity to me in comparison to how much care Yokoyama and the other directors put into each and every line.

Of course it's a huge credit to the actors that they understood The Assignment well enough that it turned out as good as it did, and I would still say it's the best dub in RGGS history (not that this is saying much), but at times it was painfully obvious that they didn't have enough to work off of.

So, you know, it was still pretty good, but I feel like that was in spite of how it was handled, and that I only used to say it was "great" to fit in with all my friends who were saying the same thing. I don't fault anyone who does think so at all, of course, but in my case I don't wanna do that anymore. (Though I'm sorry to be so overly critical in your inbox haha, it's no problem at all if you don't wanna talk about that)

Anyway! The Mole Song! My Blood and Bones in a Title I'll Never Remember! Great movies IMO and both fortunately very very easy to find. I hope you enjoy them, and thanks so much as always for taking the time to indulge my recommendations!

SPEAKING OF...... I SAW YOU READ SOLILOQUY AND CONFESSION............. I love how the exact same things stood out to us like yes, I've been wanting to draw That Exact Scene for ages too, How Did You Know. LITERALLY IMMACULATE RIGHT... Love the character interactions and themes discussed soooo so much.

But it's also really funny you mention it on that particular post because I had a dream we were discussing an AraSawa fic (that you may or may not have written in the dream?) the same day I recommended them. You know, now that you mention it, I've had a metric ton of Mine dreams, a few Jo and/or Arakawa dreams, even a few with Mine and one of The Joes, but as far as I can tell I've only ever talked about one dream with Daigo in it.

Apparently, in the dream, MineDai were confirmed a couple in the 10th anniversary book. Because they were participants in an experiment that was trying to gauge whether there was some kind of psychic link between partners, and while that whole thing turned out bogus, MineDai were the only gay couple and the only ones to stay together after the experiment was over. Like what in the SUBSTORY--

I don’t mind the criticism: everything warrants it and nothing can appeal to everyone, so it’s totally welcomed! Again, I’m purely biased, so it’s as you said my adoration can be influenced from someplace personal (which is a habit I try not to fall into: I’d like to appreciate the work for what’s presented, not from what I know or ‘nostalgia’ I suppose, you know). I know other people still have their grievances about the English dub, so I wouldn’t say you’re alone in that and I think you should make your honest feelings known! We criticise the media we enjoy because we know it can be better (or we’d like to see better), so again I totally have no issue with you sharing your thoughts (especially since voice acting is a special interest of mine, so I’m always happy to hear people’s word on it)! :]

BUT YEAH ONTO THE FICS THE TONE AND EVERYTHING WAS SO GREAT for sure to have special spots in my fic list (though tbh it’s a small list- but I guess it’s still an honor in that right, right lmao). And the rain scene is SO good I don’t blame you for wanting to draw it too- the fic in general was everything I was hoping, and that scene was just especially so good and something I’ve always wanted to see between Jo and Masato :’] With Arakawa’s perspective, I loved the drama theme- like it makes sense and is obvious, and I loved how the author executed the concept and ‘outline’ of Arakawa’s life.

I still stand that I have no idea how dreams work (the thought of writing a AraSawa fic, while surely temptig, I doubt I have the ability for), but that MineDai one does sound right goofy. Genuinely some kind of silly substory moment, dubious experiments and fake surveys and all ☠️☠️